bakersfield life magazine july 2013

July 2013 bakersfieldlife.com

®

Things you didn’t know about

Scott Cox

50 ways to

enjoysummer

in town

20U N D E R

40People making

Bakersfieldproud

Dining Divas are lovin’

Valentien

Summersips with atwist

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6 Bakersfield Life Magazine July 2013

July 2013

F E A T U R E S

66

20 UNDER 40 PEOPLETO WATCH

Bakersfield Life received morethan 150 nominations in this inau-gural feature. Meet 20 locals under40 years old who are champions inour community, achieving greatthings, and making Bakersfieldproud in various ways.

62

78

LOCAL ART PROJECTEver notice those utility

boxes around town paintedspectacularly? They’re part of aproject that brings togetherBakersfield Police Department,local artists and nonprofits tohelp fight graffiti. Learn howand see where they are.

SUMMER OF 50 THINGSWho says there’s nothing to do in Bakersfield?

Check out our list of 50 ways you can rev up yoursummer in town.


July 2013

D E P A R T M E N T S

13 Up Front

32 It Manners a Lot

34 Kelly Damian

36 Dining Divas

40 Food and Wine

44 Entertainment

46 Foodie

50 Hometown Hero

52 On the Road

54 All-Star Athlete

56 Talk of the Town

58 For a Cause

88 Business Briefs

92 Pastimes

94 Home and Garden

96 Why I Live Here

98 History

102 Our Town

104 Community

106 Neighborhood Spotlight

110 Guys Who…

114 Personality

116 Real People

120 Fit and Fresh

124 Trip Planner

128 Health and Wellness

130 Prime Finds

132 SNAP!

142 Inside Story

For the record: MediaMusic Jam features localmedia personalities like JimScott, Mike Hart and AaronPerlman. An article on page42 in the June 2013 issue ofBakersfield Life included anincorrect name.

36

40

54

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120

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July 2013 / Vol. 7 / Issue 10

STAFF SHARES

“This summer, my husband and Iare taking our two teenagers to PearlHarbor to remember the greatest gen-eration and events that changed histo-ry. God Bless America.”— ChrisThornburgh, contributing writer

“I’ll be spending time with babyAryaan and learning how to be amom.” — Mira Patel,marketing man-ager

“Read allavailable books in the “A Song of Iceand Fire” series. Winterfell! — MarkNessia, contributing photographer

“Disconnect my alarm clock, notget within a mile of an ironing board orschool uniform, avoid sack lunches atall costs, and read! My stack of summerreading awaits.”— Lisa Kimble, con-tributing writer

“Go camping at Umpqua Light-house State Park.”— Ken Hooper,contributing writer

“Transform my overgrown jungleof a backyard into an outdoor livingarea and then use it.” — Gregory D.Cook, contributing photographer andwriter

“Spend some time at the beachwith Julio and my boys. I love watchingthem play together in the water andsand. — Olivia Garcia, editor

“Spend as much time at the beach,on the golf course and chauffeuringmy 17-year-old around for college vis-its.” — John Wells, senior vice presi-dent marketing & revenue

“Lounge around my pool, practicetennis, visit friends in Orange Countyand hit the beach. I’m also planning aVegas trip ... it should be a fun sum-mer!” — Hillary Haenes, specialtypublications coordinator

“Keep cool by the pool, chill at thebeach and escape the Bakersfield heatany chance I can.” — Jorge Barrien-tos, assistant managing editor

“Teach my dog to swim, develop ataste for eggplant margaritas, and bowllike nobody’s watching.” — KevinMcCloskey, contributing writer

“Visit all my close friends who liveout of town, visit sandy beaches and gorock climbing outdoors ... finally! —Emily Claffy, contributing writer

Bakersfield Life™ magazine is published by The Bakersfield Californian.

The magazine is inserted into The Bakersfield Californ-ian on the last Saturday of every month. To subscribe,

please call 392-5777. To advertise, contact Lisa Whitten at [email protected] or 395-7563.

PublisherGinger Moorhouse

President/CEORichard Beene

Senior Vice President Revenue and MarketingJohn Wells

Vice President, Administration and OperationsNancy Chaffin

Director of Display AdvertisingRoger Fessler

Interactive Sales ManagerGunter Copeland

Advertising Sales ManagerLisa Whitten

Advertising Traffic ManagerShauna Rockwell

Marketing ManagerMira Patel

Distribution and Marketing RepresentativePatrick Wells

EditorOlivia Garcia

Assistant Managing EditorJorge Barrientos

Specialty Publications CoordinatorHillary Haenes

Editorial AssistantEstella Aguilar

Art DirectorGlenn Hammett

Photography

Felix Adamo, Sally Baker, Henry A. Barrios, Casey Christie, Gregory D. Cook,

Alex Horvath, Michael Lopez, April Massirio, Greg Nichols, Mark Nessia, Carla Rivas, Aaron Ruth,

Jan St Pierre, Rod Thornburg

Contributing writers

Megan Anderson, Sally Baker, Jennifer Burger, GregoryD. Cook, Kelly Damian, Breanna Fields, Ken Hooper,

Lisa Kimble, Katie Kirschenmann, Marissa Lay, Jasmine D. Lowe, Stephen Lynch, Kevin McCloskey,Gabriel Ramirez, Chris Thornburgh, Brian N. Willhite

Interns

Kaelyn De Leon, Andrea Vega

On the cover

Photo by Michael Lopez. Mr. Melon, served at Narducci’s Cafe, features melon-flavored Midoriblended with vodka, soda, pineapple juice and a

splash of 151 rum. For more summer sips with a twist,go to Page 40.

F E E D B A C K

THIS SUMMER, I PLAN TO…


standardpacifichomes.comK"=GD!. #9*%!. *%F OD"&! *"D DBBDGO=LD $% O?D F*OD $B #M(9=G*O=$% *%F !M(;DGO O$ G?*%AD 7=O?$MO %$O=GD, KD"!$%! =% #?$O$! F$ %$O "D4DGO "*G=*9 #"DBD"D%GD *%F housing is open to all without regard to race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin. Square footage/acreage shown is only an estimate andactual square footage/acreage will differ. Buyer should rely on his or her own evaluation of useable area. Depictions of homes or other features are artist concep-tions. Hardscape, landscape, and other items shown may be decorator suggestions that are not included in the purchase price and availability may vary. To beeligible for a commission, (1) agent/broker must be an active real estate licensee in the state where the home is located; (2) agent/broker must accompany and"DA=!OD" (M5D" $% (M5D"/! 6"!O L=!=O O$ * IO*%F*"F K*G=6G G$&&M%=O5 $" "DA=!OD" (M5D" 7=O? $%9=%D !*9D! G$M%!D9$" #"=$" O$ (M5D"/! 6"!O L=!=O' 1E0 *AD%O+("$:D" *%F G9=D%O &M!O !=A% *%F "DOM"% IO*%F*"F K*G=6G/! B$"& G$-("$:D" *A"DD&D%O (DB$"D $" *O O=&D (M5D" !=A%! * KM"G?*!D N$%O"*GO B$" O?D ?$&D *%F G$&#95 7=O? *99 $B O?DOD"&! $B !MG? *A"DD&D%O' *%F 1C0 (M5D" &M!O G9$!D $% O?D ?$&D #D" OD"&! $B O?D=" KM"G?*!D N$%O"*GO, I=%GD !D99D" "D!D"LD! O?D "=A?O O$ &$F=B5 $" F=!G$%O=%MD O?=!#"$A"*& *O *%5 O=&D 7=O?$MO %$O=GD. #9D*!D G*99 O?D *##9=G*(9D !*9D! GD%OD" =% *FL*%GD O$ G$%6"& O?*O O?D #"$A"*& =! !O=99 =% #9*GD, N$&&=!!=$% $BBD" %$O L*9=F B$"KM"G?*!D N$%O"*GO! !=A%DF (5 (M5D" #"=$" O$ #M(9=G*O=$% $B O?=! *FLD"O=!D&D%O, N$&&=!!=$% L*"=D! #D" G$&&M%=O5 *%F ?$&D !=OD *%F G*%%$O (D M!DF 7=O? *%5 $O?D"!#DG=*9 $BBD"!, IO*%F*"F K*G=6G N$"#, N*9=B$"%=* JD*9 8!O*OD 3=GD%!D 2$, )HHE<EC@, >+HE

NOW OPENTWO NEW NEIGHBORHOODS in BAKERSFIELD

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West Village and Windwood by Standard Pacific Homes are a pair of single-family homeneighborhoods in southwest Bakersfield close to parks, shopping and schools. These spaciousbrand new homes showcase one- and two-story floor plans, innovative new home designs,plenty of storage and generous garages.

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Open Monday 1:00 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday - Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

BROKERSWELCOME

In this issue of Bakersfield Life Magazine, weare proud to introduce you to our inaugural“20 under 40” edition.Several months ago, we asked our readersto submit nominations of local individuals,

between the ages of 18 and 40, who were com-mitted to professional excellence, were champi-ons in our community, successful up-and-com-ing leaders and/or were making a difference intheir career or schooling.

You responded resound-ingly. In fact, more than 150local people were nominat-ed. For our first contest, wewere beyond inspired andmotivated by our readershipand by the quality of nomi-nees.

I have to admit, this wasthe toughest contest ourmagazine has had to face. Werelied on our “20 under 40”committee to review the can-didates and recommend thebest based on a judging cri-teria we developed for thecontest. The committee nar-rowed down to about 40before finalizing the list to20. This contest would nothave been possible with theirhelp.

My thanks and apprecia-tion to the Bakersfield Life 20under 40 Judging committee:The Bakersfield Californianand Bakersfield Life Publish-er Ginger Moorhouse;CEO/President Richard Beene; Senior Vice Presi-dent of Revenue and Marketing John Wells;Assistant Managing Editor Jorge Barrientos; ArtDirector Glenn Hammett; Marketing ManagerMira Patel; at-large community member JayTamsi (Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Com-merce); and myself.

And now the winners (to see them, go topage 62): They were selected for their strongleadership qualities, their personal narrative, giv-ing beyond their work level through community,school or other volunteer involvement, and con-tinuing to find ways to strive to be successful,not only for themselves, but for Bakersfield as awhole. They follow the idea that “it takes a villageto raise a child” in that they are using their skills,knowledge, dedication and passion to make Bak-ersfield the great community that it is and can

continue to be.I encourage you to turn to our special cover-

age inside where we highlight the story of eachone of our winners. We are recognizing them witha small ceremony and certificate of recognition.

For those who were nominated but notselected, I still want to acknowledge you andthank you for all that you do. Like I said, it was avery difficult selection process. However, we will

make this an annual contest, soplease continue to do the greatthings you do in the communi-ty, and readers, please send inthose nominations when thetime comes next spring.

For now, I introduce you tothe inaugural class of the Bak-ersfield Life’s 20 under 40 Peo-ple to Watch. Well deserved,honorees.

AWARD-WINNING BAKERSFIELD LIFE MAGAZINE

Bakersfield Life in June tookhome the “General ExcellenceMagazine” award during theKern Press Club’s “award ofexcellence” ceremony. Forjudging, we submitted theAugust “Kern Life” issue, theOctober “Food issue,” and theMay “Best Of Bakersfield” issue.Judges commented: “Excellentconcepts carried out in anexcellent fashion. Easy reads.Beautifully produced.”

Two Bakersfield Life regulars were also victo-rious. Regular contributor Lisa Kimble won the“print news feature” award for her feature storyin B Well Magazine, Bakersfield Life’s sister pub-lication. And April Massirio, designer and pho-tographer for Bakersfield Life and B Well maga-zines, won for “single feature photo.” Theyjoined several winners from The Bakersfield Cali-fornian, Bakersfield Life’s parent company.

Olivia GarciaEditor

395-7487 • [email protected]

INTRODUCING THE “20 UNDER 40 PEOPLE TO WATCH” WINNERS


E D I T O R ’ S N O T E

Art director Glenn Hammettthought up a few ideas for ourJuly summer issue cover,including this post-cardinspired cover celebratingsummer in Bakersfield. Ulti-mately, we went with thebeautifully taken “summersips” shot. We hope it catches your eye.

Cover outtakes

Eric Ordonez“Stay covered up and in theshade as much as I can.”

David George“Get out of town as much aspossible, and then there’salways the swimming pool.”

Denise Childress“Get up early to exercise andstay indoors.”

Terri Devlin“I’m moving out of state.”

Charles Gilkey“I don’t think there is a wayto beat the heat; you justhave to deal with it. But getup early, and go inside whenit’s too hot.”

Stephanie Warnoca“Staying out of the kitchenand playing in the watermore, and I am wearingdresses more often when Iam outside.”

Aaron Harrington“Going to the movie theater,shopping at the mall, andusing other people’s airconditioning.”

Tyler Avery“Just be in the pool a lot!”

Leonard Rodriguez“Stay out of it, stay in theshade and drink plenty ofwater.”


WORD ON THE STREETCompiled by Gregory D. Cook

HOW DO YOU BEAT THE BAKERSFIELD HEAT?

Only 5% of the lawyers in the state are named

. Daniel Rodriguez has been

selected by Southern California’s Super

Lawyers Magazine as one of the Top

Attorneys for the last three years in a row!ÿ

When you need a REALLY good lawyer!!

2020 Eye Street (661) 323-1400

U P F R O N T


THE BIG PICTURE

This egret hops from rock torock in search of a good spotin Central Park At Mill Creek.

TOUCHDOWN!

Photo by Casey Christie

U P F R O N T


THE BIG PICTURE

Jake Lyons, left, Jesse Lyons, foreground, and Kevin Hinkle,right, hit the water on their personal water crafts onIsabella Lake near the French Gulch area.

MAKING WAVES

Photo by Casey Christie

U P F R O N T


NAMED AFTER

BUENA VISTA AQUATICRECREATIONAL AREA

Buena Vista Aquatic Recreation Area, or “BV” as it isoften referred, is a mecca for fishing, boating andbird-watching enthusiasts, and it exists on groundboth hallowed and with lore more storied than per-haps any other destination in Kern County.

Home at one time to Native Americans, Spanish explorersand cattle barons, the original Buena Vista lakebed 25 milessouthwest of Bakersfield was also at the heart of a landmarklegal battle.

The manmade recreation area that draws thousands to itsshores today is 20 feet above the original lake bed on its north-ern side and fed by the California Aqueduct. Twelve milesnortheast of Taft, two lakes — Webb and Evans — make up thearea.

The name Buena Vista, Spanish for “good view,” was aptlynoted in the writings of Don Pedro Fages, the commander ofthe Presidio at Monterrey and the first European to leave awritten description of the area. In 1772, while searching fordeserters from the Spanish Missions, Fages entered the valleyfrom the Cajon Pass and spotted Buena Vista Lake from thehills south of Maricopa.

For thousands of years, the mighty Kern River had beenwearing away at the skirt of the Sierra Nevadas, eventuallyforming a natural dam with sediment deposits. This becamethe northern boundary of the Buena Vista Basin. During wetyears, the runoff filled the lake and nearby Kern Lake, coveringup to 150 square miles in surface area. The high-water markaround 300 feet above sea level was considered the naturalshore line, and Native Americans built there villages along here.

The Yokuts tribe, believed to be the original dwellers, occu-pied a large village on what is today part of the Coles LeveeEcosystem Preserve, about a mile from the Buena Vista Golf

Course. Over the years, excavations have unearthed burialgrounds and evidence that the lake shore was inhabited as farback as 6,250 B.C.

The shoreline was ever-changing as water flowed into theBuena Vista Slough and continued for another 40 miles north,spilling into Tulare Lake. By the mid-1800s, early pioneers,trappers and ranchers had laid claim to the area. But in 1858,when land barons Henry Miller and Charles Lux went intopartnership, they cut out the middle man by raising their owncattle, eventually acquiring all the tule-covered swamp landbetween Tulare and Buena Vista Lakes, considered some of themost prized farmland in the state.

Miller and Lux constructed a canal connecting Buena Vistaand Tulare Lakes, carrying all the excess river runoff up intoTulare. Its completion, however, fell during one of the worstdrought years of the century. What little water trickled out ofthe Sierras was detoured into the Kern Land Company’s sys-tem of canals before it ever reached the shores of Buena Visa.A landmark legal battle over water rights ensued, lasting eightyears. Kern Land Company and Miller agreed to share equallythe costs of constructing the entire Buena Vista Lake reservoirsystem.

At the time, the 26-square-mile reservoir and its canal sys-tem created out of the former lake was considered the largestartificial reservoir-irrigation complex in the country. The firstnationally sanctioned boat regatta was held in there in 1939.

But after completion of Lake Isabella and the CaliforniaAqueduct, Buena Vista had outlived its usefulness until 1973,when Kern County built the artificial lake and park to meet theneeds of the residents of the westside of Kern. Fish are regular-ly stocked by Kern County Parks and Recreation.

— Lisa Kimble

PH

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BY

CA

SEY

CH

RIS

TIE

Fishermen compete in a fishing derby at Buena Vista Aquatic Recreation Area’s Lake Evans, one of Buena Vista’s two lakes.

U P F R O N T

MONEY MATTERS

KNOW WHAT YOU CAN, CAN’T DEDUCTON YOUR TRIP THIS SUMMER

When mixing work and play onbusiness trips, what’s okay towrite-off? If you’re taking thefamily on your next businesstrip this summer, understand-

ing the do’s and don’ts may mean the differ-ence between a tax deduction and a dread-ed audit.

TIMING IS EVERYTHINGAs you might expect, the main purpose

of your trip must be business-related todeduct travel expenses. An important factoris the amount of time you spend on busi-ness activities versus fun and games whileon your trip.

To deduct yourtravel expenses, thenumber of businessdays must begreater than per-sonal days. Week-ends, holidays, andnecessary standbydays count as busi-

ness days provided they fall between busi-ness days, and it would be impractical toreturn home. Travel outside the of the Unit-ed States has more stringent rules.

Spend a few minutes planning yourbusiness travel so you benefit from the rules.

WHAT CAN YOU DEDUCT?The IRS has no problem with you

deducting legitimate expenses. Expensesthat relate to your business trip are fairgame — airfare, baggage fees, tips, taxis,rental cars, gasoline, lodging, meals at 50percet, phone calls, Internet and supplies.You can even deduct your laundry service.However, if you like to live the high life whentraveling, the IRS does not permit deduc-tions it considers lavish or extravagant. TheIRS says expenses must be “ordinary andnecessary.” Translated to our language:expenses must be typical of your industryand necessary for your business.

If you’re traveling for a convention orseminar, costs are deductible as long as the

conference specifically relates to your busi-ness or profession or improves your careerskills.

Pleasure trips are never deductible. If thetrip is primarily personal, travel expenses toand from the destination are disallowedeven though you engage in business activi-ties while at the destination.

FITTING IN THE FAMILYCombining business with pleasure may

create complications and IRS scrutiny. If yougo down this road and bring along the fami-ly, you can deduct only your own expenses.However, find overlap with what you have topay for yourself anyway. For example, if youdrive everyone in one car, your deductibletransportation got the entire family to thedestination. If everyone shares a single hotelroom, it’s deductible, too. Any fees for addedoccupants or an upgrade to a larger room toaccommodate the family, however, aren’tcovered.

You can deduct expenses for anyonewho is involved in the business of the trip;so unless they’re employees, expenses willbe considered personal and not deductible.

TRACK EVERYTHINGSince travel deductions are rife with

abuse, keep meticulous records that helpprove your business purpose, such as itiner-aries, agendas, programs, itemized receipts,and the like. Document the five Ws: who,what, when, where and why. IRS Publication463 (travel, entertainment, gift and carexpenses) is a good resource for businesstravelers.

The rules can be complicated and differ-entiate between U.S. travel, foreign travel, aswell as cruises.

This article is just a snapshot of whatyou can and can’t deduct. For informationspecific to you, consult a knowledgeable taxprofessional.

— Chris Thornburgh is a CPA and part-ner at Brown Armstrong Accountancy Corp.in Bakersfield. Contact her at [email protected] or 324-4971.


Thornburgh

SHORT TAKE

JOBS IN BAKERSFIELD: GET ‘EM WHILE THEY’RE HOT

Looking for a job? You’re in the right place. Bakersfield made it on a Forbes Magazine list for top

“best cities for jobs.”The Bakersfield-Delano metropolitan area was listed

fifth among midsize cities and was the only metro area inCentral California to be ranked on the list. San Franciscoand San Jose were the only other California cities on the list.

Those on the list are adding higher-wage jobs in theenergy, technology sectors, which includes oil and gasindustries, which are staples in our area.

Forbes looked at about 400 metro areas in the UnitedStates to measure growth and vitality.

U P F R O N T

BAKERSFIELD BOY COMPETESIN NATIONAL SPELLING BEE

Osvaldo Sanchez, an 11-year-old sixth-graderfrom Emerson MiddleSchool, was one of 281top spellers in the

nation who took part in the 2013Scripps National Spelling Beerecently in Maryland.

And English isn’t evenSanchez’s first language! Yet, heworked hard and earned a spoton the national stage, and hisgood luck ritual may have helped— he eats enchiladas beforeevery competition.

David Sandles, Osvaldo’scoach and language arts teacher,accompanied him on the trip.Osvaldo was eliminated from theBee just before the semifinals.

However, the two remainproud and hopeful for Osvaldo’sfuture.

— Kaelyn De Leon


Osvaldo Sanchez

CITY TO SHINE ONTHE SMALL SCREEN

Bakersfield will be in the national spotlight in July — for a good rea-son.

Our city will be featured on the small screen for C-SPAN’s 2013 CitiesTour during segments that will be shown July 6 and 7 on C-SPAN 2 and 3.The show highlights literary life and history of U.S. mid-size cities.

“It’s a great way for us to feature this unique city,” said coordinatingproducer Debbie Lamb while on the “First Look with Scott Cox” show inearly June when interviews were filmed locally.

For Bakersfield, producers will highlight the Bakersfield Sound, KernCounty Museum, Col. Thomas Baker and Chief Justic Earl Warren,among other things synonymous with our town.

C-SPAN worked with Bright House Networks and the city of Bakers-field to identify people and places to include in the segments. Moreinformation: c-span.org/LocalContent.

— Bakersfield Life Magazine

VOLLEYBALL PLAYERTO ‘PLAY FOR MUTTS’

Brooke Horack says she believes “every tail shouldwag.” For that reason, the volleyball player will be playingfor a local animal shelter when she competes in theNational Junior Olympics in July.

Brooke, who plays on Centennial High’s varsity teamand is part of the No. 1 Bakersfield Volleyball Club, willcompete in the 2013 USA Volleyball Girls’ Junior NationalChampionships in Dallas from June 28 to July 5.

While there, she will “play for mutts” — Marley’sMutts Dog Rescue. Brooke is asking for a minimumdonation of $1 for the shelter for every ace, kill and pan-cake she does in the four-day tournament. Coach JillRexroth Reynolds will be keeping track.

More information or to donate, please call: 201-6489or email: [email protected].

Brooke Horack and Zach Skow ofMarley’s Mutts Dog Rescue.

Latina Leaders of Kern County, founded in 1998, invites thepublic attend its annual “Latinas Leading the Way” awards andrecognition dinner from 6:30 p.m. to midnight on July 12 atBakersfield Marriott at the Convention Center.The event will mark the group’s 15-year anniversary, and

organizers plan to pay tribute to its original founders as well as high-light the success of current local Latinas, adults and youth, in thecommunity, explained event co-chair Genie Navarro-Ambriz.

The nonprofit group is dedicated to providing guidance and opportuni-ties to cultivate the future of local Latina women and youth. Its two largest programs — the Youth Leadership Program and the LatinaLeadership Program — focus on leadership development to ensure a suc-cessful and healthy community, as well as endorsing good life choices andsupporting these young women to embrace their cultural and local roots.

These programs give local women and youth access to differentleadership opportunities and activities to empower them and givethem the confidence to know that they can make a difference in thecommunity, added Latina Leaders President Norma Rojas-Mora.

“On a personal note I can tell youthat my involvement with Latina Leadershas been extraordinary,” she said. “Thereare so many amazing women in thiscommunity, and I continue to learn somuch from both our youth and mypeers.”

Cost to attend the event is $55 forindividuals or $500 for a table of 10.Funds raised for the event will help sup-port its leadership programs and otheractivities offered through the nonprofit,Rojas-Mora said.

For more information about the event and sponsorship opportu-nities, please contact Genie Navarro-Ambriz at 979-3005 or Rojas-Mora at 302-6284.

— Andrea Vega

EVENT TO HIGHLIGHT LOCAL LATINAS,15-YEAR ANNIVERSARY


Norma Rojas-Mora


U P F R O N T

SHORT TAKE

MY PET

LINDA COHEN AND LORELAI

PH

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Linda Cohen and Lorelai, the shorthair cat, came togetherwhen Cohen’s daughter rescued her from the Bakersfield SPCAabout nine years ago. Since then, life has been easy with Lorelai,said Cohen, a legal secretary with Bakesfield’s City Attorney’sOffice.

Cohen’s daughter named her Lorelai after a character onGilmore Girls.

“She is a wonderful pet!” Cohen said.How my pet became a part of the family: When my

last cat passed away, I thought I was done with pets, but mydaughter thought otherwise. She and a friend found this cat andeventually I fell for her, too. They told me she was around 4 to 5years old, and I’ve had her for nine years. She was very quiet atfirst but eventually warmed up to me (and treats).

Whoever trained her when she was young did an excellentjob. I’m very grateful that she never jumps up on counters, begsfor food or wants to go outside.

What makes my pet special: A few years ago, she wasdiagnosed with diabetes, and we began a regimen of insulinshots twice a day. Through the help of my veterinarian and aspecial diet, she has been in remission for almost a year. Now ifI could only get her to exercise.

Lorelai is happiest when… she has a lap to sit on. Shejust loves snuggling.

I know when my pet is moody when…Honestly, I don’tthink she’s ever moody — always the perfect sweet girl.

Five words to describe my pet’s personality: Mellow,lovable, relaxed, affectionate, adorable.

Favorite game: Really? She could sit for hours beingbrushed.

Favorite food: Crispies salmon treats — just a few at bed-time.

Talents: She can convince people, even those who don’tlike cats, to like her. And she has a great purr.

Antics: “Helping” me trim her claws.Favorite moment: Anytime I look at her and realize how

much I love her.

Linda Cohen showing Lorelai some love.

Cal State Bakersfield is finally getting new studentdorms. Since before 2005, CSUB has sought to build a newresidence hall on campus. Last year, the universitywas approved for funding, and recently it broke

ground on the 500-plus bed complex.

The dorms will be built on 28 acres on the northeast cornerof campus and are replacing ones that are nearly 40 years old.

The new environmentally-friendly dorms will have lounges,classrooms, and study, game and multi-purpose rooms. Theoutdoor area will be a central courtyard for recreational use.

They are expected to be finished in February 2015.

NEW DORM LIFE FINALLYCOMING TO CSUB

Award-winningheart care, and so much more.

You know us as BakersLeld’s #1 Heart Hospital, as veriLed by CareChex, an independent quality rating service of Ne Delta Group. Most importantly, BakersLeld’s patients rate us #1 for how they are treated.

In addition to caring for your heart, we care for the rest of you too. From our full service emergency room to our orthopedic and spine program, we oMer award-winning, complete medical care you can trust.

Medical Excellence Cardiac Care Top 10% in the Nation Cardiac Care #1 in the State Cardiac Care #1 in the Market Overall Hospital Care #1 in the Market Major Cardiac Surgery #1 in the Market Heart Attack Treatment #1 in the Market

Patient Safety Cardiac Care Top 10% in the Nation Cardiac Care #1 in the Market Overall Hospital Care #1 in the Market

Patient Satisfaction Overall Hospital Care #1 in the Market Overall Medical Care #1 in the Market Overall Surgical Care #1 in the Market

Category Rankings

www.BakersfieldHeartHospital.com

THE HOSPITAL IS PARTIALLY OWNED BY PHYSICIANS

Rated #1 for Hospital Safety in California by Consumer Reports

Rated one of California’s Best Hospitals for Patient Experience in Heart Care by WomenCertiKed®

As a self-described die-hard sports fan, AJ Whitfieldplayed soccer, basketball, baseball and tennis as akid in Bakersfield. But at age 12, when he realizedthat he likely wasn’t going to play any of thesports professionally, he focused his attention to

on-air broadcasting.

He made a wise choice. The 37-year-old Bakersfield native has been a part of

three Emmy Award-winning sports shows as a producer,and in August will be part of a new network in Los Angeles,Fox Sports 1, as its feature producer.

Whitfield attended Bakersfield High School and latergraduated from Cal State Northridge in 1997 with a degreein broadcast journalism.

He was inspired by listening to Vin Scully, the voice forthe Los Angeles Dodgers, and Chick Hearn, the late broad-caster for the Los Angeles Lakers.

“I listened to them like crazy as a kid,” said Whitfield. “Iwas a die-hard Dodgers and Lakers fan, and I saw whatthey had done with their careers, and I just thought it wasamazing. To be able to watch sports everyday, to talk aboutit everyday, to me, it didn’t seem like there was anythingbetter than that.”

He spent his junior and senior years in college workingon his school’s television show and sent out admission tapeto prospective employers. When he received notificationfrom various stations telling him he didn’t have enoughexperience — despite the three internships at KGET-TV 17in Bakersfield and KCAL-TV in Los Angeles while he was incollege — he pursued a career in producing instead.

Whitfield was an intern at KGET’s sports department,and after graduating from Northridge, he worked in the LosAngeles area for five years at Fox Sports with Jim Rome on“The Jim Rome Show.” He also worked for the NFL Networkin film production, and on the television show “Extra.”

During the last five years, he has worked as a producerin New Jersey for the MajorLeague Baseball Network.There, he was part of athree-time EmmyAward-winning team on“MLB Tonight,” whichrecently won “outstand-ing studio show, daily.”

But those awards did-n’t come easy. Whitfieldstruggled and worked hardlike many other individuals in thetelevision industry before successcame.

“A lot of people want the instantsatisfaction when they get out of college,but you’re no going to get that in the TVindustry,” he said. “You need to have amindset that money will come, and thatyou just need to grind it out, learn yourcraft and get better.”

He said he lives by the motto, “be bet-ter than yesterday.”

Whitfield advises young televisionhopefuls to try to constantly be creative. Heobserves and visualizes new and innovativeideas, has his eyes peeled for the next big thing,and attempts to bring interesting content to hisaudience, he said.

Whitfield has been living in New Jersey with hiswife Dominique, and they have two sons, Roemannand Camilo. The family will move to LosAngeles before Whitfield beginshis new job with Fox Sports 1,which launches Aug. 17.


FINDING FAME

AJ WHITFIELDBy Jasmine D. Lowe

AJ Whitfield was inspired by the great Los Angelessportscasters, Vin Scully and Chick Hearn.

U P F R O N T

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Thank you, Kern County for your continued support!

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Favorite Deli!BY THE NUMBERS

BAKERSFIELD’S JULY HEATIt’s no secret: Bakersfield is hot during

the summer, especially July. The NationalWeather Service helped us see just how hotit gets here.

118 Highest temperature ever in Bakersfield— on July 28, 1908

11 Days Bakersfield has reached tempera-tures of 115 degrees or higher since 1893.

10 Number of those 115 degree-plus daysthat occurred in the month of July

96.9 Overall average high for July in Bakers-field since records have been kept

69.2 Overall average low for July in Bakers-field since records have been kept

45 Coldest it has ever gotten inJuly in Bakersfield — July 1955

38 The average number of100 degree or higher days inBakersfield per year

12 The fewest number of 100degree or higher days everrecorded in Bakersfield — 1965and 1999

67 The greatest number of 100 degreeor higher days ever recorded in Bakersfield

25 Most consecutive days of 100 degrees orhigher — 1971 and 1978

4 Most consecutive days of 110 degrees orhigher — 1938

13 Times Bakersfield has had a thunder-storm in July, from 1937 to 2007

36 Strongest July wind gust (in mph) — July20, 1979.

Source: National Weather Service, Bakersfield


UPDATE

U P F R O N T

Alex Silicz and Katie Taylor are participants of the“Get Fit Weight-Loss Challenge” and have been on a mis-sion since January to lose weight and change theirlifestyles with the help of trainer Tim Gojich, owner of FitFor Life Gym. These two were introduced in the Februaryissue of B Well Magazine, Bakersfield Life’s sister maga-

zine. Here’s an update on their journey but look for their big reveal inB Well’s Family Issue, out Aug. 11.

Alex Silicz: I’ve come to realize that staying fit and eating healthyis a constant battle that will continue the rest of my life, and that I willconstantly go through highs and lows. It seems impossible for me tonot crave ice cream, chips, cheeseburgers and good beer. But I’ve also

found that a cheat day once in a while won’t hurtthe weight-loss journey in the long run. As longas I have my little cheat and jump right back ontrack, I will still see results. The weight isn’t com-ing off as quickly now since it is nearing the endof this challenge, so starting now is when my dis-cipline must be perfect. From here on out, it’s thesmall things that will make all the difference inthe end like taking my protein regularly before

and after workouts and weaning myself off of any carbs in theevenings. I know the weigh-in date is fast-approaching, and I muststick to the plan. I will strive to eat as clean as possible and get at least

five workouts in a week to keep my body metabolized. I have feltmyself getting stronger over these last several months and am able tofinish my workout strong. My trainer Tim Gojich has kept a close eyeon me and can see when I’m getting fatigued, and that’s when hechanges my workouts to help me feel better. To date, I am in the bestshape of my life.

Katie Taylor: Slip ups have become fewer and far between. Whenfaced with the choice of eating right and making a bad food choice, itis now easier to make the better choice than in the beginning of thechallenge. When dining out or attending summer barbecues, I choose

salads with chicken and balsamic vinegar orsteak or fish with a double helping of vegetables.Tim has put me back on his “extreme fat-lossdiet,” which has produced the best results for me.Dinners on this diet are fantastic and includemeat, a carb, salad, steamed vegetables and soup.This is the easiest to follow when eating out ofthe house as there are so many combinationsthat satisfy me. I do allow myself a few dark

chocolate squares a month when I have a craving, but I usually com-bine it with an apple to help make me feel more satisfied. My greatestobstacle remains the scale, which refuses to budge. However, I feelleaner. I have shape in areas that I never dreamed would round out.But I do believe that this is just the beginning of a long process. Mybody has been out of shape for many years, and I am definitely on theright path. To prepare for my reveal, I will be doing the “fat-loss class”in the morning and sticking to my diet. Maybe it will jump-start mymetabolism ... read the August issue to find out.

B WELL MAGAZINE’S GET FITWEIGHT-LOSS CHALLENGE

SHORT TAKE

The 25th Officer of the Year awards, honoring officerswhose work excels above and beyond their typical jobs,will be held at 6 p.m. July 12 at Stockdale Country Club.The July 12 date for the awards ceremony by the KernCounty Law Enforcement Foundation was rescheduled

from a previous date to allow organizers more time to plan event.The event will include an inspirational awards and dinner pro-gram that highlights officers selected by their agencies.

The foundation raises money to help the 29 law enforcementagencies in Kern County and for scholarship funds to assist col-lege students seeking careers in law enforcement.

Tickets, information, sponsorships: Sofie Zimmermann at342-1532 or email [email protected].

KERN ‘OFFICER OF THE YEAR’AWARDS SET FOR JULY 12

Sheriff’s Cmdr. Randy Turman salutes a KernCounty Law Enforcement Memorial ceremony.

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One thing’s for certain, Sherry Gomez can recommend agood book or two — she’s surrounded by thousands ofthem daily. At 63, Gomez serves as the director of Kern County

Libraries, where she’s worked at various branch locationsand has held different jobs like children’s librarian, branch supervisorand branch coordinator.

Gomez said Kern County Library’s staff “provides access to infor-mation, promotes reading and literacy, and acts as an anchor in thecommunity.”

What I’m currently reading: I am eclectic in my reading inter-ests and go through phases when I read nonfiction books to expandmy knowledge and understanding or fiction for pure enjoyment. Thelibrary gives access to books in print, audio, eBook and eAudio for-mats on such a wide variety of topics at no cost.

I’m currently in a knowledge and understanding phase and read-ing “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot. It is afascinating true story that chronicles how cells were harvested fromHenrietta Lacks more than 60 years ago and became the first humancells successfully grown in culture, and used in some of the most

important medical discoveries and inno-vations of the past half century. It alsoexplores the impact this had not only onsociety as a whole, but on her family.

Imagine learning that part of yourdeceased loved one has lived on withoutyour initial permission and knowledge.It raises questions of bioethics, protocoland responsibility in a world wheretechnology blurs the lines between indi-vidual rights and society’s demands.

This book has been selected by theOne Book, One Bakersfield, One Kerncommittee as the community read forfall 2013. The committee has planned aseries of programs that will explore issues raised by this book. Lookfor details of those events coming soon!To read a full interview with Sherry Gomez, including her favorite

writers and a few books that she recommends for summer reading, visitbakersfieldlife.com and click on the ‘Lifestyle” tab.

WHAT I’M READING

SHERRY GOMEZ

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Find more community events at bakersfieldlife.com or submit yours via email: [email protected]

HAPPENINGS: Can’t-miss events in July

Wed. 3Annual 4th of July FireworksShow, barbecue 6 p.m., fire-works 9 p.m. Shafter High Schoolfootball field, 526 Mannel Ave.,Shafter. Free, food available forpurchase. 746-2600.

Thur. 4Concerts by the Fountain,oldies, funk, latin, and country withThee Majestics, 7 to 9 p.m.The Marketplace, 9000Ming Ave.

I Love America— Freedom Cel-ebration, patriot-ic music, skydivers, thesinging flag, aerial fireworks,7:30 to 9:30 p.m. BakersfieldCollege, Memorial Stadium, 1801Panorama Drive. $5-$15. LibertyFestival, food, health fair, bounceinflatables, 2 to 7 p.m. BakersfieldCollege, at the HUB north of thestadium. Free. Visit iloveameri-cabakersfield.com.

Fri. 5First Friday Downtown featur-ing live music, art openings, spe-cialty shops, galleries and bou-tiques, artists will set up their art-work, 5 to 9 p.m. Downtown ArtsDistrict. Email [email protected] or [email protected].

Sat. 6NASCAR & KUZZ FireworksNight, Pro Late Models 100,CITGO Lubricants Late Models 50,Mini Stocks, Legends, Bandoleros,6 p.m. Kern County Raceway Park,13500 Raceway Boulevard. $8-$45. Email [email protected] or 835-1264.

Sat. 6 to Sun. 7Tejon Ranch Junior Rodeo, forages 3 to 18, pole bending, barrelracing, ribbon roping, team roping,goat tying, tie down roping andmore; check-in 7:30 a.m.; rodeo8:30 a.m. Tejon Ranch EquestrianCenter, 1401 Crane Canyon Road.$35 entry fee; free for spectators.avyrarodeo.org.

Thur. 11Concerts by the Fountain,classic oldies and The Beatles cov-ers with Triple Threat, 7 to 9 p.m.The Marketplace, 9000 Ming Ave.

Fri. 12Spank! A Fifty Shades Parody, 8 p.m. Bakersfield FoxTheater, 2001 H St.$35. vallitix.com or322-5200.

First Summer Bar-becue Fundraiserbenefitting The Mis-sion of Kern County,6-9 p.m., top-sirloinsteak dinner, $15-25.Fellowship Park, 816E. 21st St. mission-atkerncounty.org.

Sat. 13Ramon Ayala, 8 p.m.

Rabobank Theater & ConventionCenter, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $40 to$80 plus fee. ticketmaster.com or800-745-3000.

Summer Bazaar, vendors, car-nival, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Kern CountyFairgrounds, fine arts building,1142 S. P St. Free. Proceeds bene-fit Relay for Life. 381-1581.

Thur. 18Concerts by theFountain, a Steely Dantribute band with The

Blue Deacons, 7 to 9p.m. The Market-

place, 9000Ming Ave.

Third Thursdays Faire in thePark, entertainment, barbecue,arts and crafts, games, contests,farmer’s market, 5:30 p.m. CentralPark at Mill Creek, 21st and Rstreets. 325-5892.

Sat. 20Sara Evans, 8:30 p.m. EagleMountain Casino, 681 South TuleReservation Road, Porterville. $25general admission; $35 reserve.Tickets online ateaglemtncasino.com or 888-695-0888.

Wed. 24Amy Grant, 7 p.m. Fox Theater,2001 H St. $40-$60. vallitix.comor 322-5200.

Thur. 25Concerts by theFountain, the blueswith Fat Daddy BluesBand, 7 to 9 p.m., TheMarketplace, 9000Ming Ave.

Fri. 26Jerry Seinfeld, 7p.m. Rabobank The-ater & ConventionCenter, 1001 TruxtunAve. $45-$75. ticket-

master.com or 800-745-3000.

Jo Koy, 8 p.m. Friday, Fox Theater,2001 H St. $29. vallitix.com or322-5200.

Sat. 27CALM Kids Free Day, last Sat-urday of every month, California

Living Museum, 10500Alfred Harrell Highway.872-2256.

Wed. 31Billy Currington,7:30 p.m. Fox Theater,2001 H St. $35-$60.vallitix.com or 322-5200.

Amy Grant

Spank! A Fifty Shades Parody

U P F R O N T

NASCAR racing at KernCounty Raceway Park

Jerry Seinfeld

Billy Currington


‘Amen’ to phone etiquetteJust read your article on the public use of smart phones (“New

‘smart’ phones should come with instructions — for public use,”May 2013), and all I can say is, “Amen, sister!”

It is simply amazing all of the things we can do with the newtechnology out there. Remember on the cartoon “The Jetsons”how they could see each other when they talked on the phone, andwe thought that was so cool? As you mentioned, however, with thistechnology comes responsibility to use it unoffensively, and withconsideration of your surroundings.

Thank you for your article. While I doubt that the offenders willmend their ways anytime soon, at least your article is an attemptto educate people, and I, for one, was relieved to know that I’m notthe only one who takes huge offense to the inconsiderate andinappropriate use of cell phones in public.

— Julie Russell

Column ‘everyone should read’I just finished reading “To the Class of 2013 ...” (June 2013).

This is a page that everyone should read. It is very good. I especial-ly enjoy reading the things (Lisa Kimble) writes about that we seeeveryday and wish someone would teach people how to act whiledriving, eating in restaurants, or whatever when dealing with otherpeople. Keep up the good writing, and I hope that those who needthe lessons will learn.

— Barbara Mullin

Celebrating college educationThe American Petroleum Institute’s San Joaquin Valley Chapter

raises money throughout the year to provide college scholarshipsto deserving students in Bakersfield and Kern County. This year, wehonored 53 well deserving students with $78,000 worth of collegescholarships at our June meeting. The students have all attendedeither local high schools or colleges with most of them going on tostudy majors related to the petroleum industry. These majorsinclude various engineering disciplines such as chemical, mechan-ical and petroleum as well as geology, chemistry and many others.Along with those attending CSUB and Taft College, these studentswill also be attending such universities as UC Davis, UCLA, CalPoly San Luis Obispo, Stanford Universtity and many other loca-tions. The API would not be able to award these scholarships with-out the hard work and dedication of its membership.

The API, which provides network opportunities for the petrole-um industry, also is highly active in the community by donatingtime and money to organizations and events such as Adopt aHighway, Kern County Science Fair, Gleaners, and many otherorganizations in Bakersfield and Kern County. For more informa-tion, visit our website at APIBakersfield.com.

— Matt Kedzierski, Chairman of API San Joaquin Valley Chapter

— Got comments to share? send your “letter to the editor” [email protected]

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

25 RANDOM THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT

U P F R O N T

1 I do not care for yams.

2 I think Merle Haggard isperhaps the best songwriterof all time.

3 I believe that thegreatest car ever

built is the 1986Porsche 959, but the car Iwant to drive before I croakis the Ferrari 458 Italia.

4 I think people who litterare worse than Al-Qaeda.

5 I am an excellent snow skier, but dangerous-ly bad at water skiing. Go figure.

6 I once won $4 from Elliott Gould playingbasketball at Disneyland.

7 I own in excess of 30 cowbells.

8 I was a spelling bee champion in sixth grade.

9Many years ago, a snake fell through a knot-hole in the roof of our house and landed nearmy feet. My dad killed it with my guitar.

10 I once belched the alphabet, nonstop. Ihave witnesses.

11 I have seen “Tombstone” 63,000 times.This figure is, however, undocumented.

12 I’ve had seven concussions that I canremember. I expect that this explains a lot tosome people.

13 I think Nashville record execu-tives have systematically

destroyed country musicover the last 20 years.No, make that 25,because Columbia

Records dropped JohnnyCash in ’86.

14 I’ve been bitten by a horse, akestrel, a cat, an alligator, a shark, severaldogs, a goose, a pig and a couple of blackwidow spiders. Only the cat put me in the hos-pital.

15 One of the U.S. flags that flew over ourNaval Air Base in Bahrain on 9/11 is in a framein my house, where it will stay.

16 I once literally bumped into Eric Clapton ata Stevie Ray Vaughn concert. Years later, I hada son who went on to become an excellentguitar player. Coincidence? Well, yes,actually.

17 I wasn’t kidding about theyams. They’re nasty.

18 If you’ve ever owned a Taylor Swift CD, butnot an Aretha Franklin CD, you really are just aterrible person.

19 The same goes for Emmylou Harris and Ali-son Krauss. Buy their music.

20 I have tasted more than 150 differenttequilas.

21 I’ve been to 14 of Texas Monthly Maga-zine’s top 25 barbecue joints.

22 I once lost a tennis match to John McEn-roe. I guess it would be way more impressive ifI’d won, but he’s John freaking McEnroe.

23 I can move my pinky toes independently ofthe rest of my toes. This skill really comes inhandy.

24 I have never completed a Sunday NewYork Times crossword puzzle. And I’ve tried ...a lot.

25 One day back when Mesa Marin was stillgoing strong, I parachuted into the track, thenraced two different cars and a motorcycle inone night. I wondered if that’s what it felt liketo be Steve McQueen.

— Is there someone in Bakersfield you’dlike to learn more about? Let us know. Emailus at [email protected] with thesubject line: 25 random things.

Scott Cox, host of “First Look withScott Cox,” is quite a character, espe-cially on air.He got his first radio gig in

December 1999 because he wantedto “try and talk some sense into people whowere freaking out about Y2K.” That didn’twork out so well, he said, but here he is near-ly 14 years later still trying to talk sense into

people.

What Cox does well is tell stories, which iswhy the 49-year-old describes himself as a“raconteur.” He loves his job — the hours arereasonable and he doesn’t have to do anyheavy lifting. Listen to him weekday morn-ings on NewsTalk 1180 AM KERN radio, orwatch him on Bakersfield.com.

So what is this outspoken man like in hispersonal life? In his spare time, he thinks ofclever things to say on his show, but notbefore he tries them out on his dogs. Coxreally enjoys live music, spending time rais-ing money for charities, and playing HotWheels with his grandson, Oliver.

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SCOTT COXCompiled by Hillary Haenes

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If all seasons have a certain dance and rhythm, then sum-mer, which may have started out as a peppy salsa when thelast school bell rang, may now feel something akin to aslow waltz. It may even near a crawl, depending on the foottraffic through your house these days, if you have children

or teenagers, and the amount of time you’ve been spendingoutdoors.

Summer vacation may deliver a reprieve from the dailygrind from September to May, but it also assures that if you opt

for a “staycation” at home with your kids, yourfront door could become a revolving one likeSears, if it hasn’t already. Or worse, dependingon your proximity to major tourist attractions,you may be on the receiving end of an endlessDisney parade of out-of-town guests.

Let’s face it: For kids old enough to spendthe night at a friend’s house everyday until mid-August is a Saturday — an endless weekend lit-tered with sleeping bags, campouts in the back-yard under the stars, and a tango of sleep depri-vation for bleary-eyed parents. Fun for them,

but a big responsibility for those ensuring their safety. Growing up in the La Cresta neighborhood of northeast

Bakersfield, I could walk to my best friend’s house in under aminute. Ours was each other’s home away from home. Spend-ing the night was more fun than any iPad or Twitter sessioncould ever deliver. Some of my best childhood memories arewrapped in those safe, blissful sleepovers. When we weren’t ateach other’s homes, we vacationed with one another’s families.At some point, I’m sure, our signals for each other’s companywere as simple as bird calls. Yet, our mothers still checked inwith each other, the old fashioned way, using a big plastic thingcalled a telephone attached to a wall with a rotary dial, makingsure our plans were in sync with theirs.

In today’s mobile and digital orbit, reliance on new devices,or perhaps sheer laziness, seem to have become the newguardians of supervision. But texting with children shouldnever substitute for connecting with those in charge for thenight — the adults.

The sleepover is a milestone on a child’s road to independ-ence. Our youngsters may be adept at rolling their eyeballs, butto the best of my knowledge, they aren’t yet mind readers. Sobefore they pack their overnight bag, sit them down and givethem a quick tutorial on how to be a good guest, and moreimportantly, one who is invited back. It’s simple really: the“house” rules. Remind them that being on their best behaviormeans obeying the parents in charge, respecting their property,and not keeping the adults up all night.

Friend and choir instructor Crystal Watts found what maybe one of the most inventive ways to finally get a rambunctiousgroup of fifth-grade girls to sleep in the predawn darkness.

“It was after two in the morning, so I went into the livingroom and notified the group that we were going to practice theflutophone, and I asked who wanted to be first!”

She didn’t hear another peep.You can’t remind children enough to eat what is served, or

at least to help clear the table and thank the hosts profusely forthe food and invite. When dropping off your children, don’tslow down to 5 mph so they can parachute out of the car. Escortthem to the door, make real-time, face-to-face contact with thesupervising adult. And don’t be embarrassed or shy about ask-ing important questions, like whether there are weapons in thehome. Children, after all, are your most precious cargo.

And come morning, don’t be a phantom parent. If you areexpected to pick up your child at an appointed time, don’tswing by hours later. It is inconsiderate of the host and embar-rassing for your child.

If guests will be spending the night at your house, don’tdwell on the youngster who has an “accident.” They happenfrom time to time. If a child gets homesick, don’t try to con-vince them to stay either. Call their parents.

It’s okay to discipline your children, but not somebodyelse’s. If someone is simply unmanageable, call a parent.

— Agree, disagree? Send your questions, comments or topics you’d like to read about to me at [email protected] or visit itmannersalot.blogspot.com.


SUMMER VACATION: AN ENDLESS WEEKENDFOR CHILDREN, PARENTS

By Lisa Kimble

Lisa Kimble

I T M A N N E R S A L O T

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When calamity strikes, there are those who willfind themselves helpless and doe-eyed in theabsence of modern infrastructure. Then thereare the people who will leap into action. On arecent Saturday, I spent some time with citizens

of the latter group at the Prepare to Endure Expo at the KernCounty Fairgrounds. Seeing as how it was 108 degrees, and Iwas in a large building with no air-conditioning, I felt like Iwas proving without a doubt my ability to endure. But howprepared for disaster was I?

Not very, it turns out.Let’s begin, shall we, with your basic first aid

kit. If you paw through my cabinets long enoughyou will eventually find a handful of odd-sizedbandages, antibiotic ointment and some Bactine,a laughable kit when compared to the goodsoffered by Minute Man Rx. They sell a range offirst aid backpacks, one of which includes a skinstapler, Israeli trauma bandage and disposablescalpel. Who are the typical customers in need ofsuch intimidating medical supplies? A MinuteMan Rx representative said customers rangefrom outdoorsmen to emergency medical techni-

cian. And what if I have a disposable scalpel but lack the gutsto use it in an emergency? A representative said that often-times the average citizen doesn’t know how to use the moreadvanced components, but in an emergency will find some-one with the knowledge to use the tools.

The small people who live in my household can barelysurvive a three-hour stretch without a snack, so you mightthink that I am well stocked with food. A survey of potentialemergency rations in my pantry resulted in a few cans of lentilsoup and some vegetarian chili, gone uneaten for obvious rea-sons. Other than that, we have some uncooked beans and arather strange assortment of nuts. This pantry could use somereal help from Wise Company gourmet meals, purveyor of

freeze-dried food. Unlike my cans, freeze-dried food has ashelf life of 25 years and can be opened and eaten prettyeffortlessly. A couple purchasing a bucket full of meals fromWise Company assured me that the food, once enlivened withwater, was quite tasty.

“Better than a TV dinner, but not gourmet,” was theinformed opinion of the woman.

After a long day of digging through rubble or establishingmartial law, you’re likely to be sore and stressed out. That’swhere the IQ Massager comes in. The friendly salesman at thebooth affixed some sticky pads to my upper back, and with aniPod-like device administered small electrical pulses into mybody with the intent of increasing blood flow and looseningtight muscles. The effects of this high-tech relaxation weresomewhat counteracted by the crackling of Tasers at a nearbybooth. The snap of a Taser gun tends to put a person on edgewhen you have electrodes stuck to your back.

Let’s say I’m ready to take preparedness to the next level.About the size of a shipping container, an Ultimate Bunkercomes with four fold-down beds, a kitchenette, an escapehatch and a six-inch blast door. Missing was an instructionmanual for how to keep the love alive within your family whilehunkering down in such tight quarters.

If I wanted to find advice for such a scenario, I have ahunch that I might do well to look through Backwoods HomeMagazine. A brief survey of cover stories revealed an eclecticrange of topics from “Fact and Fiction of Apocalyptic Scenar-ios,” to “What a Treehouse!”

While watching a demonstration from Tim Ralston of Sur-vival Technology Innovations, I struck up a conversation withthe man sitting next to me. He saw the event as an opportuni-ty to gather information about becoming more self-sufficient.It was also a chance to spend time with other preparationenthusiasts.

“Being prepared is not about being a lone wolf,” he toldme. “It’s about developing community.”

When it comes to being ready for the unexpected, I pale incomparison to those at the expo. However, I do always haveon hand the makings for a pitcher of white sangria. Am I “Ulti-mate Bunker” material? Not yet. But on the long road of pre-paredness, it’s all about baby steps.— To read more, visit kellydamian.com, or follow Kelly on

Twitter @kellydamian2.

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VALENTIENRESTAURANT& WINE BAR

Photos by Greg Nichols

Roasted beet salad

D I N I N G D I V A S

Upscale neighborhoodbistro worth visiting

Valentien Restaurant & WineBar — an affordable, upscalebistro tucked away on thebusy corner of TruxtunAvenue and Oak Street —

has been a gourmet gem since it wasstarted in late 2002 by New York trans-plant Chef Robert Dixon. Five yearslater, Jeramy Brown and partner Jen-nifer Sanderson took ownership.Together, this couple continues tostrive to create a warm and invitingatmosphere.

This neighborhood bistro providesa unique dining experience and offersseasonal menu items, including freshfish, exotic game meats and vegandishes. From year-round events, suchas winemaker dinners, tasting menusand the spring and fall Movies on thePatio, there is usually always some-thing happening at Valentien.

We were overwhelmed by theentire dining experience from the foodto the hospitality and top-notch serv-ice that Valentien provided. However,the owners and their staff welcomedus and opened our eyes and palates toan incredible culinary experience.Valentien truly offers something foreveryone!

SMALL PLATESMarlene and Mai on the rosemary cheese tartlet:

The most exquisite combination of sweet, tart and tang. Thecrust was flaky and the perfect thickness. The filling wassavory, fragrant and smooth with a bit of melted cheese vis-cosity. The house-made goat cheese ice cream was creamy,while the orange marmalade added the perfect sweetness. Thetrick is to spoon all three together and let your taste budsexperience the amazing flavors and textures.

Andrea on the artichoke pancake: This stack of sea-sonal colors was so delicious! The crisp artichoke pancake wasgolden, savory and very light. It was topped with melted goatcheese and sweet purple onions. The tomato confit was piledhigh with lightly balsamic tossed spinach — a great fusion offlavors.

Stephanie on the saucisoon sec: I started with a delec-table sampling of salami from the Alsace region of France.Served with grilled baguette and house pickled raisins, thesemouth-watering bites laced with black pepper and garlic werethe ultimate appetizer to share with my fellow Divas!

Denise on the triple cheese flight: Valentien offers afantastic triple cheese flight that consists of Barely Buzzedfrom Utah with a rind covered in lavender and coffee (myfavorite!); Brie cheese with a light fig and chardonnay sauce;and Spanish manchego. If you’re a cheese lover like me, I rec-ommend ordering this, then asking Jeramy, a seasoned som-melier, to recommend a wine pairing.

Mai on the seafood risotto: This outstanding dish com-bined two of my favorite things — seafood and a perfectlycooked risotto. I would love if this dish were served in anentree-sized portion, although it is perfect to share as an appe-tizer to whet your appetite (and it sure will). It was rich, savory,full of depth and provided a flavorful seafood taste. The scal-lops and white fish were prominent and fresh while the lobsterstock gave it the umami you will want more of as soon as you

are done with your last bite.SALADS AND SOUPS

Marlene on the grilled apricot and spinach salad:The spinach was lightly tossed in a creamy, honey, orange andblack pepper dressing, which made it refreshing. The spinachwas then topped with pecans, parmesan cheese and apricots.Delightful!

Andrea on the soup de jour — chilled apricot soup:It was a warm evening, so this soup sounded like a great ideabecause it was served chilled. This apricot puree was cookedin vegetable stock, with a bit of simple syrup, shallots andcoriander. It was slightly sweet with a spicy finish for a littletwist.

Stephanie on the honey glazed endive salad:Mypalate continues to expand as my belly grows. Lately, I am lov-ing any salad, so I ordered the beautifully presented honeyglazed endive. Sections of endive were filled with goat cheeserolled in mint, strategically placed raspberries and sprinkled


Continued on page 38

Valentien owners Jennifer Sanderson, far left, and Jeramy Brown, farright, weclome the Dining Divas, from left: Denise Ornelas, StephaniePickering, Mai Giffard, Andrea Ames and Marlene Morales.

Valentien Restaurant& Wine BarAddress: 3310 Truxtun Ave.

Phone: 864-0397

Hours: Dinner reservations, 4:30to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Sat-urday; lunch reservations, 11:30a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday only

Facebook search: ValentienRestaurant and Wine Bar

Website:valentienrestaurant.com

Catering: Available for any event

Video/Photos/Wine PairingsHungry for more? Watch footageof the Dining Divas’ visit to Valen-tien and see more mouth-water-ing photos at BakersfieldLife.com.

Sake braised beef short ribs

with pistachios, then drizzled with honey and pistachiooil.

Mai on the goat cheese salad: I love salads, andsimple ones that honor their few well-prepared and well-paired components are the ones that I opt for almostexclusively. This salad was exceptional — the roastedstriped beets were sweet and tender, complemented withpeppery arugula, tangy cider dressing, almond dust andpanko-crusted goat cheese. The cheese was warm and thepanko gave a crisp, textural contrast to the soft cheese.The dish was simple, yet thoughtful and well done.

MAIN ENTREESMarlene on the early summer pasta: Nothing

says summer like the vibrant flavors of fresh herbs andvegetables tossed in pasta. This dish was outstanding. Itwas made with basil, corn, roasted tomatoes, zucchini,pine nuts and herbed ricotta. The pasta was tossed in alight pesto dressing, and every bite was delectable.

Denise on the sake braised beef short ribs: Theshort ribs were fantastic — no knife needed for this mas-

terpiece! It was served with creamy mashed potatoes thatwere seasoned perfectly and broccoli rabe. The portions ofthe entree were just right. When I thought I couldn’t eatanother bite ... the dessert came out.

Stephanie on the stuffed squash: One thing I loveabout Valentien is that they have menu options to suiteveryone. A funny thing about my pregnancy is that I amcraving more vegetarian options. Fortunately for me, Imay have been the last patron at Valentien to delight inthe stuffed squash entree before this seasonal dish takes asummer hiatus. The squash was stuffed with lentils, kale,risotto, Brussels sprouts, mushrooms and red wine reduc-tion. This vegan dish is a must as soon as Jeramy and Jen-nifer add it back to the menu in the fall!

Andrea on the halibut with strawberry habanerosalsa: I was amazed at the quality of the fish. On the bot-tom of the dish was a crisp risotto cake that was toppedwith grilled asparagus — a favorite of mine this time ofyear. The grilled halibut was placed on top and piled withthe strawberry salsa and a fresh cilantro sprig. If you enjoya little spiciness, then this will be your summer favorite!

DESSERTSMarlene on the chocolate souffle: This dessert is

worth the wait and the calories. It takes 35 minutes tomake and is served right out of the oven. The aroma ofchocolate is tantalizing. You can instantly taste the flavors


Continued from page 37

Rosemarycheesetartlet

Seasonal fish

Getting to know the real ‘Divas’

Having been in the limousine business formore than 10 years, serving thousands ofclients and logging more than a million miles, Iam fortunate that I get to meet many people.

If you are doing your job as a chauffeur tothe best of your ability, it will reflect in yourrelationships with your clients. You willbecome an extended family member to yourclients because you are a part of their lives,driving them to and from vacations, anniver-saries, children’s birthdays, graduations, etc.Being a great chauffeur can be so rewarding.

I have been given the opportunity to be theDining Divas’ transportation provider. What ablast it has been getting to know these Divas.From the time I pick them up until I drop themoff, it’s a whirlwind of fun. I really can’t evencall this work — getting to know each of themindividually and as a group has been wonder-ful. We laugh about 90 percent of the timethat we are together. Being with five Divas,you can only imagine that anything can andwill be discussed. I am thankful for thesefriendships that I now have with these amaz-ing Dining Divas.

— Tim Dobbs, owner and driver of Distinctive Limousine and Chauffeur Serviceand Executive Car Service of Bakersfield Maripat Ermigarat and Tim Dobbs


of cocoa, cinnamon, chocolate and vanillawhipped cream.

Marlene on the almond apricotcake: The presentation was so beautiful,and every bite tasted as great as it looked. Itwas moist and made with a light almondsponge cake, goat cheese mousse, apricotcrème and topped with amaretto sauteedapricots.

Andrea on the vanilla bean crèmebrule: This crème brule had a crispcaramelized top and was packed with vanillaflavor. I loved the raspberries stuffed withblueberries on the side.

Denise on the chocolate marquise:Honestly, I am not a big dessert fan, but thepresentation and aroma of this chocolate art,

definitely grasped my full attention! Thisdessert was a rich blend of chocolate thatmelts in your mouth.

Mai on the coffee: I grew up in a fami-ly where coffee was a daily ritual and aregion where great coffee was coveted andsought out. So naturally, I have a deep lovefor it — from bean to brew. I am obsessedwith a quality cup of joe!

The coffee we were served was a full-bodied roast and it was brewed in a coffeesiphon, which was fun to watch in actionand definitely a conversation piece. I urgeyou to dine at Valentien for this alone. I wasin coffee nirvana! This dining experience wasreminiscent of a night out in Los Angeles orthe Bay Area.

OVERALL EXPERIENCEValentien offers French cuisine with Cali-

fornia freshness and an extensive wine list.We discovered that Jeramy spent a few yearsin Europe, residing particularly in Italy, giv-ing him the wine bug. We were impressedwith the owners’ knowledge of the wine pair-ings with each entree.

This restaurant has the perfect combina-tion of a knowledgeable wait staff; outstand-ing culinary team, entree presentation, greatservice, decadent food and a coffee siphonthat produces the best coffee to complementthe desserts.

Our server Preston Andrews was nice,attentive and never missed a step with hisservice or with answering any of ourinquiries. It speaks volumes of Jennifer andJeramy’s commitment to educating their staff.

Chocolate marquise

Before dinner drinkCharles de Fere Blanc de Blancs BrutNon-Vintage Cremant is a sparklingwine from France not made in thechampagne region; made with 100 per-cent chardonnay grapes. A refreshing,light, perfect, summer cocktail to begina fine dining experience. It’s also veryinexpensive and affordable.

Pairs well with appetiz-ers and saladsA Picpoul de Pinet is the name of thegrape and one of the oldest Languedocgrapes. The Piquepoul has been growingnear the Thau Lagoon for centuries

west of France. The Picpoul de Pinet2011 Coteaux du Languedoc wine is notonly splendid with seafood and shellfishas well as with other traditionalMediterranean dishes, but also withcheese and chocolate.

The perfect wine to complement most summer entreesThe flavors of Domaine Eden 2009Santa Cruz Mountains Chardonnay areintegrated beautifully. There is a lovelybalance of rich, creamy fruit and SantaCruz minerality. Citrus, nectarine andlight floral honey are layered into thefocused, vibrant finish.

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Valentien offers food and wine pairings


Staying cool in the Bakersfield summercan be challenging to say the least,but thanks to your Facebook sugges-tions, we have discovered a few newlibations to help you beat the heat,

along with some old favorites.

BLOOD ORANGE JALAPENO MARGARITA, SANGRIAMuertos Kitchen & Lounge

Having just celebrated its first anniversary,this jewel of a restaurant in Wall Street alleybetween Chester Avenue and Eye Streetshould be on your radar. Shawna HaddadByers has created a welcoming atmosphere inthe historic building, and an impressive menufor her 10-foot-by-10-foot kitchen.

Signature drinks at Muertos are created bySarah Kirschner, who has a 12-year historywith Shawna from her days at Fishlips. Sarah’sfantastic blood orange jalapeño margaritabegan as a homemade salsa recipe before sheadded tequila and turned it into an excellentsummer beverage. Without a full liquorlicense, the Muertos version substitutes a sojuKorean vodka and agave nectar for the tequi-la, along with fresh blood orange juice (in sea-son), muddled jalapeños and rimmed withSarah’s own chili salt. Sweet, spicy, crisp, andrefreshing, this cocktail will satisfy all yoursenses.

Another great option at Muertos is thesangria. Available in both red and white,Sarah blends sweet wine with a variety offresh, in-season fruit including limes, apples,plums, raspberries, blackberries, grapes andsometimes pomegranate seeds, soaked in cit-rus juice. They are best served a couple of

By Kevin McCloskey

F O O D A N D W I N E

SUMMER SIPS…WITH A TWISTSix atypical summer cocktailsmade locally, and guaranteedto cool you down

Mr. Melon from Narducci’s Café

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days after the initial blending in order for the wine to take onall the flavors of the fruit.— 1514 Wall St.; 324-2557; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday

through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday; and 4 to 10 p.m.Saturday.

KALIMOTXO, APEROL SPRITZLuigi’s Restaurant

Most of you know Luigi’s Restaurant as a lunch favorite,where you may just get a complimentary neck rub if you sit inthe right section, but their summer drinks may surprise you.Luigi’s has been serving the first one for decades.

The Kalimotxo (pronounced Kal-ee-MOO-cho) has agreat and catchy name, but if you’re unfamiliar with it, pleaseskip the rest of this paragraph and try one before you contin-ue. The Kalimotxo is a simple, refreshing cocktail made fromthe house burgundy, a healthy squirt of Coke and a squeezeof lime. It is the kind of drink that tastes much better than itsounds, with a name far superior to just calling it a red wineand Coke cooler. Substitute Mr. Pibb for Coke for a popularvariation, but be prepared for a discussion on the properform of this Basque creation.

Manager and bartender Liz Davis has been part of Luigi’sfor more than six years, and her summer suggestions is anAperol Spritz. Aperol — an Italian aperitif infused with sweetorange peel, mandarin orange and an array of herbs, rootsand spices — is poured over ice and topped with prosecco, anItalian sparkling wine. The sweet liqueur, with hints of cherryand bitter orange, blends beautifully with the sweet sparklingwine, and is best enjoyed at Luigi’s new outdoor bar, which isstaffed on Fridays and Saturdays.— 725 E. 19th St.; 322-0926; Bar hours 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tuesday through Saturday; shopluigis.com.

MOSCOW MULE, MR. MELON Narducci’s Café

The Moscow Mule was developed in the 1940s to helppopularize vodka to an American audience, whose favoriteclear spirit at the time was gin. This traditional drink is servedin a copper mug, with zero insulating properties, and isamong the coldest drinks you’ll ever have. This cup of cock-

Muertos’ red and white sangria


Aperol Spritz, top, and the Kalimotxoare refreshing offerings at Luigi’s.

Muertos’ blood orangejalapeno margarita.

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Lengthwise offers an array of beers, including several newexperimental drinks now available on tap.

Looking for a summer sip with a twistbut don’t want to steer away from good old-fashioned beer? Make a trip to Lengthwise. Thestaple local brewery recently unveiled a slew ofnew experimental beers, some of which arenow available in its restaurants. A few, however,are being kept behind closed doors for now, butco-owner Jeff Williams gave Bakersfield Life asneak peek of a few of them highlighted here.

Centennial Ale Zeused (6.5 percent): Cen-tennial Ale dry hopped with Zeus hops, whichfeature a smooth pleasant taste, with a pun-gent dark and earthy, woody aromas.

Centennial Ale Nelson Sauvin (6.5 per-cent): Centennial Ale dry hopped with Nelsonhops from New Zealand that add a wine-likeelement to both the aroma and the taste(Sauvin is shorthand for the grape varietySauvignon Blanc). This Lengthwise brew pres-ents the taste of crushed gooseberry, blackpepper, mace and spice.

Centennial Ale Sorachi Ace (6.5 percent):

Centennial Ale dry hopped with Sorachi Avehops, Japanese hops with unique tones oflemon, dill, melon and pepper.

Zeus Imperial IPA (10 percent): Williamscalls this new brew a “game-changer.” Itdebuted at May’s first-ever Bakersfield CraftBeer Festival, and has already gotten animmense loyal following. It’s an India pale ale,with a Centennial Ale base, brewed primarilywith Zeus and Citra hops. And it’s deceiving —smoother than what you would expect from a10 percent beer. The passion fruit and citrusovertones overwhelm at first and finish verysmooth.

Double Centennial Ale Citra Combines thebrewery’s beloved Double Centennial Ale (8.5percent) with the famed citra hops, which hashints of guava, passion fruit, lychee, stone fruitand, of course, citrus.

Totally Nuts almond ale: If you attended thefirst-ever Kern County Nut Festival, you mayhave tried this one made especially for theevent. The lightly hopped blonde ale uses vanil-la and almond extract for a bold almond aromaand taste. Whether this one sticks around ornot depends on the demand.

— Lengthwise has three locations in Bakers-field. In July, look out for Lengthwise’s 15thanniversary, which will introduce a double IPA.More information, locations, hours:lengthwise.com or search “Lengthwise Brewing”on Facebook.

Lengthwise: Local brewery unveils experimental beers

Hops are used to brew new beers.

tail history is made of vodka, gingerbeer and a squeeze of lime. Be pre-pared to surrender your driver’slicense upon ordering — a tempo-rary fee aimed to prevent thesecopper mugs from leaving localestablishments illegally.

Moscow Mules were originallycreated with Cock ‘n Bull gingerbeer, and Narducci’s steadfastlymaintains that tradition. The por-tions of vodka to ginger beer canvary from place to place, but it’seasy to tell where this mule gets itskick. After a couple of these, youmay wish they’d asked for yourkeys along with your license. Bringa sober driver if you are planningon a night of mules. And ask for aWarsaw Mule for the Polish vodkavariation.

Co-owners Julie Crawford andJimmy Narducci can also mix up aMr. Melon, a cocktail that Jimmycame up with three decades agowhen Midori was the king of sweet,summer liqueurs. Melon-flavoredMidori is blended with vodka,soda, pineapple juice and a splashof 151 rum make this an excellentchoice to cool you off. — 622 E. 21st St.; 324-2961; nar-

ducciscafe.com; open 9 a.m. Mon-day through Sunday.

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Narducci’s Moscow Mule

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Jeff Williams, Lengthwise co-owner.

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It’s been four years since the last 4th of July summer fire-works display has set the sky alight at Bakersfield Col-lege’s Memorial Stadium. But this year, they’re back andbetter than ever with the “I Love America Liberty Festivaland Freedom Celebration.”

Previously organized by the Bakersfield Firefighters ReliefAssociation, this year the Canyon Hills Assembly of GodChurch and a nonprofit that promotes patriotism are workingtogether — along with several other sponsors — to make surethis Independence Day is celebrated with a bang.

The festivities begin with the “I Love America Liberty Fes-tival,” taking place just north of the Memorial Stadium. Thefestival will include storytelling, rides and activities for thekids, booths with games and American-style food. For thosewith a little friendly competitive spirit, there are plenty ofopportunities to show off and win some prizes.

Think you’ve got the cutest baby in Bakersfield? Enter apicture of your precious pride and joy into the “BeautifulBaby Bakersfield” competition. Other contests include a cos-

tume and talent show for kids ages 3 to 10, a patriotic photocompetition, best-dressed bicycle and a singing contest. Thewinner of the singing contest will even be invited to present aselection as part of the I Love America Freedom Celebrationat the stadium. Look online for registration information andguidelines as some contests may require an entry fee.

“It is our greatest desire to be a tool that promotes andraises the level of patriotism in Bakersfield and the entireKern County area,” said Rick Moore, producer and director ofthe event. “The freedom we have in America is founded bythe blood, sweat, and tears of our forefathers and ancestors.We want to demonstrate to the world how America celebratesher liberty by honoring her heroes and remembering theirsacrifice. And, oh yes, there will be fireworks!”

Along with the long-awaited return of the fireworks, the I

BACK WITH A BANG!Fireworks show returns to BakersfieldCollege with ‘Liberty Festival and Freedom Celebration’By Andrea Vega

Fireworks return to BakersfieldCollege’s Memorial Stadium.

E N T E R T A I N M E N T

Family activities are scheduled before thefireworks begin at Memorial Stadium.

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Love America Freedom Celebration will include a 150-voice choirensemble that will form a singing flag, military and veteran’s hon-ors, patriotic music performed by a live marching, a time ofremembrance for the victims of 9/11, sky divers and much more.

The evening will conclude with the much anticipated mainevent — the fireworks spectacular, “The Lights of Liberty.” Thisnew event promises to be patriotic, inspiring, fun and what localresidents hope will be a tradition for families to enjoy in thefuture.

I Love America Liberty Festival andFreedom CelebrationWhen: Thursday, July 4. Liberty Festival from 2 to 7 p.m.Freedom Celebration at 7:30 p.m.

Where: Memorial Stadium at Bakersfield College

Admission: Liberty Festival is free. Freedom Celebration(including fireworks show) is $12 to $15 for adults; $5 to $7for children, with discounts available for early ticket pur-chases. Tickets are available online or at several local loca-tions including: Emporium Western Store, Henley’s Photoand Snider’s Cyclery.

More information, sponsorship, volunteer information,contest details: iloveamericabakersfield.com or “I LoveAmerica Bakersfield” on Facebook


When hosting lavish or even low-key dinnerparties with family and friends, you can betDorothy Holland — owner anddesigner/florist of The Green Thumb — willhave the perfect centerpiece on her table.

She opened The Green Thumb, at 1913 F St., 15 yearsago. Aside from operating her business, Holland, 40, likesriding her motorcycle and is an avid runner. But she reallyloves nothing more than sifting through recipes to uncov-er a gem, spending the day in her pristine kitchen cook-ing, setting a beautiful table and enjoying great company.

“Cooking is important to me because it allows me tospend quality time with my daughters,” Holland said.“Reading and following recipes, measuring ingredients,experiencing and experimenting with new foods, andbeing creative while having fun together is pretty darngreat.”

COOKING ADVICEI developed an interest cooking when: I realized

how relaxing it was for me. It allows me to focus on thetask at hand, be creative and make people full and happy.It is super gratifying.

How often I cook for my family and friends: Atleast five nights at week. The girls would rather eat in thengo out, sometimes to my dismay! I have friends over on aweekly basis, and I love nothing more than a casual Sun-day dinner on the back patio. Really any excuse to cookand hangout with friends is a great time for me.

Everything goes better with: Good friends andgreat conversation. Wine and/or cocktails are a plus, too.

Compiled by Hillary Haenes Photos by Aaron Ruth

Dorothy Holland, owner and designer of The GreenThumb, loves cooking for family and company. Hereshe prepares an artichoke chicken dish with sides fordaughter Olivia, 10, and Stella, 6.

DOROTHY HOLLANDThe best meals are served in company of friends, says florist

F O O D I E

I rock at making: Chicken chile verde! (Not for thosewith a mild palate.)

What I buy in bulk: Boneless chicken breasts. I alwayshave some grilled ahead of time to have on hand for a quicksandwich, a snack or to throw on a salad.

One of my cooking secrets: I add crushed red pepperflakes into just about everything.

My inspiration to create a new dish usually comesfrom: Someone mentioning a great meal. I’ll go on a mis-sion to find a similar recipe and the ingredients. Then it’s anexcuse to have them over and a dinner party is born.

One ingredient I love to use in my recipes: I usepeppers whenever I can. I have jalapenos and serranos in thegarden, so I can grab them anytime.

A chef that I would love to work with: Matt Molinaof Pizzeria Mozza and Osteria Mozza. At only 32 years of age,he has worked his way up from line cook to executive chef.Amazing! I would love to know what he has up his sleevenext!

TOOLS OF THE TRADE Favorite piece of kitchen equipment: My dutch

oven. It retains heat for so long! It’s great for braising meatsand cooking soups, stews and casseroles.

Must-have kitchen tools: Good knives for sure, and Ilove my hand blender.

Go-to cookbook: “Neiman Marcus Cookbook.” It wasgiven to me when I first began cooking. It covers all the basic

recipes and has a fantastic gumbo recipe among several oth-ers. Everything I have made from it has been a huge success.

Spice cabinet necessities: Red pepper flakes, bayleaves and cumin. I cook with a lot of fresh herbs from thegarden. The flavor and colors can’t be beat.

Favorite cooking show: “Chopped!” It’s amazing to seewhat these chefs can come up with out of four completelyrandom ingredients in virtually no time to make an appetiz-er, main course and dessert! I’m always in awe!

I’m not a fan of: Blue cheese, feta, goat cheese ... wellcheese, really! Oh, and olives!

Dream kitchen appliance: I love my kitchen layoutand its gadgets, so the only thing I could think of improvingit would be the ocean and a sandy beach right out mykitchen window. Now thatwould be perfection.

GLOBE-TROTTINGI’m completely obsessed with: Thai food right now. Favorite local restaurant: Chef’s Choice Noodle Bar.

The tom yum soup with glass noodles and chicken is insane!I cannot get enough and crave it weekly. Thank goodnessthey are around the corner from my store!

Restaurant I’m dying to try: I just heard about TheThai House on Ming Avenue. I’ve never been there and amexcited to try it.

Best food experience: The Hotel Bel-Air. I enjoyed


Dorothy Holland serves an artichokechicken dish with arugula salad and orzo.


lunch on the gorgeous patio, world-class food, impeccableservice and Nancy Reagan seated at the table next to me.

Most expensive meal: The Mansion on Turtle Creekin Dallas. It was a seven-course chef’s seasonal tastingmenu paired with wine, and it was out of this world. Bestrisotto in my life, hands down. In the bar, the burgers andtruffle fries are amazing. At breakfast it was the pear, gingerand pineapple juice!

Most surprising food I’m not crazy about: I don’tlike cheese. I love pizza, and, of course, a cheeseburger, butonly with mild cheese like cheddar or mozzarella and itmust be melted! Otherwise, I can’t do it. Absolutely, posi-tively no way on blue, feta or goat cheese!

A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGSAlways in my fridge: Half and half for my coffee, but-

ter and raw tortillas.I’m addicted to: Putting anything into a wrap! My lat-

est obsession is the sloppy joe at Moo Creamery. I order itin a wrap with extra pickles and jalapenos. Owners Richardand Jessica Yoshimura always accommodate this wrapfetish. I think I’m addicted to Moo as well!

Farmers market finds: The farmers market acrossfrom The Marketplace has fantastic berries. Does the Kettle

Corn qualify? I always end up with a bag of that somehow.Summer sip: A Moscow Mule in a copper cup! Yum!

And a super ice cold beer like Firestone 805 or an AllagashWhite Ale.

Comfort food: Chicken and dumplings. I have ahandful of recipes on this one and all of them are delicious!The only problem is that I need a nap after this meal!

Frozen treat: Currently, it is chocolate-dipped frozenbananas from Trader Joe’s. They’re a fruit, right?

Barbecue side dish: My cole slaw rocks. I have yet tofind a better one. Yup, it’s that good.

Healthy snack: I have a banana with peanut butterevery morning when I wake up. It provides plenty of fuelfor my run or workout. It’s been a staple for 10-plus years!

Family recipe: It would come from my Polish/Ger-man heritage. My grandmother was an incredible baker,and my mom is an amazing cook. I can eat her homemadepotato dumplings straight out of the pot! I don’t even needthe rest of the meal!

Splurge at the grocery store: Vinegar and oils — agreat truffle oil is the icing on my risotto.

The single tastiest thing I’ve eaten this month:The Banana Peanut Butter French Toast at Moo Creamery.It’s so sinful, I don’t know how it can be considered break-fast. But I’m sticking with the fact that it is on the breakfastmenu, and I can always run it off the next day.


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Artichoke ChickenStart to finish: 1 to 1-1/2 hours

Servings: 6 to 8

Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons oil

8 chicken breasts

3 small jars marinated artichokehearts, strained

3 cloves minced garlic

1 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced

1 large can (28 ounces) plus 1 smallcan (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes,strained

2 teaspoons salt

2 tablespoons dried oregano

2 teaspoons pepper

1 cup cooking sherry

Directions: Preheat oven to 350degrees. Dredge chicken in seasonedflour. Heat oil and butter in pan. Searchicken to golden brown. Remove

from pan and place in casserole dish.Place mushrooms, artichokes andtomatoes (no juices) around chicken.Stir together juices from tomatoesand artichokes with spices and garlic.Pour over top of chicken and bake 1 to

1-1/2 hours. For the last 10 minutes,pour cooking sherry over top andplace back in oven. Delicious servedwith orzo, risotto or polenta.

Bon Appetit!


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Lt. Col. Michele Spencer, a 50-year-old native of Bakers-field, has served for decades in the U.S. Army, assignedin Iraq and throughout the United States before land-ing back in California after 20 years of being away. Sheis currently assigned in Sacramento, is an author and

the mother of two sons.

Current assignment: Lieutenant Colonel, active reserve

medical service officer, executive officer for the 7305th Med-ical Training Support Battalion in Sacramento.

Where I was stationed: Army Physical DisabilityAgency in Washington D.C. (Walter Reed National MilitaryMedical Center); Fort George G. Meade, Md.; Fort McPherson,Ga.; Baghdad, Iraq; Fort Carson, Colo.; Fort Lewis, Washing-ton state; and several U.S. Army Reserve centers in Florida.

The first thing I did when I got home after deploy-ment: Spoil my two sons (Miguel and Clay), both teenagersat the time.

I have served in the Army for: 27 years. In 1986, Ienlisted as a private first class. In 1990, I became a commis-sioned officer. The following year I went before the promotionboard for colonel. Woohoo!

Why I joined: Initially, a combination of needing a realfull-time job and wanting to test my ability to “be all I can be”with the added financial incentive of the Army paying my col-lege student loans of $5,000 in full. Now, I’m “Army Strong!”

Why I continue to serve: The quote by the late Con-gresswoman Shirley Chisholm sums it up: “Service is the rentwe pay for the privilege of living on this earth.” I embodyservice member!

My greatest military accomplishment: Penning and

self-publishing my inspirational war memoir, “B.A.G.H.D.A.D.Yoga: A shift in consciousness: fear to love, war to peace.” In“B.A.G.H.D.A.D. Yoga,” I share the healing spiritual principlesand mind-body-soul practices that guided me through thecombat stressors of war abroad and have given me thecourage that underpinned my decision to lead a life of serviceas an agent of change at home.

It is interspersed with spir-itual guidelines, mind-bodytechniques, anecdotes, andinspirational quotes as well aspractical tips and strategies tocope with stress and be “pow-erful beyond measure” —whatever and wherever yourwar. It is our collective hero’sjourney.

What I like most aboutmy job:My manifesto is to“show up, serve, shine,” andbeing a soul-dier. My jobeveryday is having another

opportunity to shine, seeing the light in another’s eyes, andhelping our great profession to do the same.

My greatest challenge:There is so much we can do onthis planet to make a world that works for everyone: socially,environmentally, economically, culturally. The challenge ispracticing discernment on what I can do today and not worryabout tomorrow, for tomorrow will take care of itself.

My favorite memory of the Army:The pride I havewearing my uniform for as long as I have... so many comradesin so many different places and doing so many differentthings — from eating my first MRE (meals ready to eat) andjumping out of a perfectly working airplane to earning myairborne wings and coming home from a year combatdeployment safely with my entire unit. I am proud to serveand wear the cloth of our nation.

What I do when I’m not serving: Is there such a thing?There is not a time when I am not serving.

Favorite activities to do in Bakersfield:Visiting any ofmy extended family and childhood friends. My mother andfather (Geri and John Spencer) are still in the house I wasraised in, so it’s always pretty special.

Valuable advice I have learned while in the mili-tary: It is our Army warrior ethos: I will always place the mis-sion first. I will never accept defeat. I will never quit. I willnever leave a fallen comrade. “Failure is not an option” isanother. I have since distilled the advice to my above mani-festo for success: Just show up, present and do your very best.Serve with integrity and respect, and shine with courage.God, duty, honor, country.

More information on my book: baghdadyoga.com andliv4lov.com. — Do you know a Kern County resident who has served

honorably in the military, or is currently serving? Email us [email protected] with the message subject line:Hometown Hero. Please include an email, phone numberand/or Facebook link to reach the nominee.

MICHELE SPENCERU.S. Army Lieutenant ColonelCompiled by Andrea Vega Photos courtesy of Michele Spencer

Lt. Col. Michele Spencer, of Bakersfield,awaits to deploy for the U.S. Army.

H O M E T O W N H E R O

Spencer has served inthe Army for 27 years.

Hello Bakersfield.Welcome to the new face of Lincoln!

2013 LINCOLN MKZ Hybrid FWD

JIM BURKE LINCOLNOpen everyday & weeknights ' t i l 8pm661-837-6400 • j imburkelincoln.com

5300 Gasoline Alley, Automall

$299 PLUS TAX PERMONTH, 24 MONTHS LINCOLN AFSRED CARPET LEASE

Lease for

5 IN STOCK TO CHOOSE FROM, 1 AT THIS EXACT PAYMENT: VIN# 3L-DR815791.

$4,600 due at lease signing from customer af ter $500 Ford Credit Red Carpet Lease Customer Cash and $1,000 Conquest Factory Rebate for customers that currently own or lease a competit ive Car, SUV or Light Duty Truck. Security deposit waived.

Not all lessees qualif y for LINCOLN AFS f inancing. Over 21,000 miles is .20¢per mile excess mileage charge. Option to purchase vehicle at lease

end for amount determined at lease inception. Of fer ends 7/8/13.



2013 LINCOLNMKZ HYBRID

In early June, Ford Motor Co. announced it had alreadysold more hybrid vehicles than its previous record set in2010. The amazing feat was thanks to the automaker’s new C-MAX Hybrid, C-MAX Energi, Fusion Hybrid and Fusion

Energi, and perhaps the most impressive — and the focushere — the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid.

Lincoln, under the umbrella of Ford, completelyredesigned its MKZ for 2013 and is a luxury hybrid sedan atits finest. It’s making waves in auto circles everywhere,including in the super-competitive California market, accord-ing to the Los Angeles Times.

Why?One, it’s a head-turner, or as a Washington Post review

stated about the MKZ: “This one is a neck-snapper supreme.”It is sleek and solid from front to back — from the unique grillthat spreads out like wings to the brilliant LED taillights anddual exhaust. In between, the spacious, high-tech interior isdesigned with the inspiration of the wings of a stingray.

Being a head-turner is one thing, but being a head-turner

and a hybrid at the same time is another feat. The MKZ israted 45 mpg across the board — city and highway — andfeatures regenerative braking, where each push of the brakerecharges the electric motor.

Here are a few other luxurious features found in the MKZ: • Active Noise Cancelling picks up outside and engine

noises and cancels them through speaker-emitted soundwaves, much like those super fancy headphones you see peo-ple wearing on airplanes.

• MyLincoln Touch with SYNC by Microsoft is super inter-active and easy to use, especially with the large 8-inch moni-tor. Most interesting of all, the entire center console is knoband shift free. Control the car using the touch screen and five-button transmission interface, with a push-button start.

The car includes multiple connections including USB, SD,RCA and 110-volt power outlet.

“You can technically plug in an Xbox and use it,” saidJohn Schmidt, Lincoln brand champion for Bakersfield’s JimBurke Lincoln. “Hopefully not while you’re driving.”

• Continuously Controlled Damping, standard on allMKZs, detects suspension bumps and adjusts damping 50times per second. No more bouncing around in the car. TheMKZ could possibly be the ultimate cruise machine, smooth-ly going from 0 to 60 mph with no jolts whatsoever.

If you’re looking for power, it’s important to note that theMKZ comes in various models and engines. The non-hybrid,

Supremely sleek luxury hybrid sedan is a head-turnerBy Jorge Barrientos Photos by Michael Lopez

O N T H E R O A D

Bakersfield Life Assistant Managing Editor Jorge Barrientos gets ready to con-tinue the "date night" in the 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid with wife Carla, andfriends Isaac Rocha and Stephanie Board. Lincoln's "date night" program letsBakersfield customers test drive this car for a weekend, along with $100.


It’s all in the detailsMileage: 45 mpg fuel economy (45 city, 45 highway)

Price tag: $36,800 starting

2013 Lincoln MKZ best features: One of my favorite featuresof the 2013 MKZ is the all-glass, retractable panoramic roof. Itgives you an incredible sense of space and is the largest of anysedan on the road. The MKZ also offers a push-button transmis-sion located next to the navigation screen, which opens up thecenter console, and has inflatable seat belts that act as airbagsfor the rear passengers.

2013 Lincoln MKZ is perfect for… Lincoln has designed theMKZ to appeal to people it calls “progressive luxury cus-tomers.” These are discerning individuals who value luxury witha personal touch, and are unafraid to seek fresh new alterna-tives that appeal to them because they are a truly uniquechoice.

What makes the 2013 Lincoln MKZ stand out from oth-ers? Lincoln is focusing on ways to make customers feel pam-pered through two new services. The first is Lincoln Host and24/7 Concierge Service, which provides a personal concierge toguide an interested client through the entire shopping process.The personal concierge stays with the client through owner-ship, creating a customized relationship. The second experienceis Lincoln Date Night, which provides interested buyers theopportunity to spend a weekend with a new vehicle and takethat special someone for a night on the town courtesy of JimBurke Lincoln.

Target customer: Lincoln is aiming for a narrower audience itcalls “cultural progressives” — younger, independent-thinkerswho are open to new ideas, new brands and new products. Lin-coln executives say this group makes up about 25 percent ofluxury car buyers. They were the early adopters of the Audibrand in the United State, for instance, or affluent Subaru orScion owners ready to trade up, but who don’t see themselvesin a Mercedes or Lexus.

What do you like the most about the 2013 Lincoln MKZ?The car is definitely a head-turner.

Three words that define the 2013 Lincoln MKZ: Elegant.Modern. Intuitive.

More information: jimburkelincoln.net

Source: John F. Schmidt, Lincoln brand champion for Jim Burke Lincoln

standard MKZ comes with a 2.0-liter, 240 horse power engine with270 pounds-feet of torque. A 3.7-liter, 300 horsepower V6 engine isalso available.

However, half of MKZ buyers are choosing hybrid, according tothe Detroit Free Press, which is the same price as choosing theequivalent trim level with a turbocharged gasoline engine.

It’s safe, too, with airbags in each seat, and even in seat belts,which inflate on impact. Several of my backseat passengers had afun (and roomie) time, playing with the backseat lights, which areingrained in the roof fabric and turn on with the wave of a hand.

So who’s buying the Lincoln MKZ? Lincoln is targeting a “pro-gressive” buyer, one who wants a luxury ride that’s different fromthe BMW or Mercedes, Schmidt said.

USA Today said the MKZ is “high-style, high-class, high-spirit-ed.” The new design is intended to be a more contemporary takeon Lincoln’s 91-year history as a luxury brand, according toreports. From my view, it definitely has that “wow” factor.

DATE NIGHTLike what you see? Give it a try yourself. Jim Burke Ford is offering Bakersfield customers its “date

night” program, where the company lets you drive the MKZHybrid for a weekend (this same car pictured here, in fact), andgives you $100 to spend on a date night. A local firefighter, Schmidtsaid, even took the car to Pismo Beach through this program.

Besides the features listed before, this test drive model hasupgraded leather and a panoramic roof that opens up so you canshare your drive with the sky. It has blind spot recognition, an out-standing THX audio system, and heating and cooling seats.

If you take it home for good, you’ll get a standard 4-year,50,000-mile maintenance package.

To take advantage of the “date night” program, go online atjimburkelincoln.net or call 837-6400 to see if you qualify. After yourdate night, Ford staff will ask you what you thought about the car,with no pressure to buy, Schmidt said.

The all-new 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid features LEDtaillights, backup sensors and a rear camera.

The roomie interior of the 2013 Lincoln MKZHybrid features a console and dash that isinspired by wings of a stingray.


CAITLINBERNARDIN

Bakersfield and Tuscaloosa, Ala. are 2,039 milesapart. But Caitlin Bernardin’s journey from herhometown to where she will go to college next hasbeen a much longer distance.After attending three different colleges in the two

years since she graduated from Garces Memorial High, thestandout volleyball player is on her way to the University ofAlabama this fall.

Bernardin, coming off an outstanding sophomore sea-son at Bakersfield College, signed a letter of intent on April17 to play for the Crimson Tide.

It was a joyous occasion for Bernardin, who spent herfreshman year in San Diego attending Point LomaNazarene University and Grossmont College before comingback home to play at BC.

“I’m really just blessed to get another chance to go offto a competitive atmosphere and get another chance toplay at another four-year (college) again,” Bernardin said.“And the fact that it’s with Alabama... it’s such a great col-lege town.

Bernardin earned her second chance by working hardand honing her skills while at BC this past year. The resultwas a season filled with success and accolades.

Bernardin was a First Team All-Western State Confer-ence selection and American Volleyball Coaches Associa-tion Second Team Junior College All-American.

The 5-foot, 7-inch outside hitter/libero ranked secondin the state with 4.89 kills per game.

Her stellar play helped the Renegades post a 22-6 record

and reach the third round of the California CommunityCollege Athletic Association playoffs.

Bernardin’s feats on the volleyball court at BC alsoattracted the attention of several four-year colleges interest-ed in her services. It wasn’t the first time for the multi-tal-ented athlete.

Bernardin, a volleyball and basketball star at Garces,was recruited by both Oregon State and Point Loma duringher prep career.

She chose to go to Point Loma in San Diego where herolder sister Jackie, a former volleyball player at CentennialHigh, lives.

But after a semester at Point Loma, Bernardin decidedto transfer to nearby Grossmont College.

“The school was great, and the volleyball program (was)awesome,” Bernardin said of Point Loma. “I loved thecoach and I loved my team, but overall, I just wasn’t happythere. Overall, the deciding factor was just my happiness,and I didn’t want to have anything holding me back fromwhat I needed to do there with school and volleyball.”

Bernardin spent half a year at Grossmont before decid-ing there, too, wasn’t right for her, and it was time to headhome.

The decision to leave San Diego and return to Bakers-field was a difficult one, she said.

“All the friendships and relationships I built in SanDiego was probably the most special thing I created there,and I really didn’t want to let anyone down or have themthink it was because of them,” Bernardin said. “I just need-ed to do what was best for me and my family, and just formy happiness.”

By Stephen Lynch

Caitlin Bernardin reaches to save a volley during BakersfieldCollege’s season-opening game against Ventura College.

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Garces, Bakersfield Collegevolleyball star’s journeycontinues to Alabama

Bernardin is certainly full of happiness now with theway things have turned out. She credits BC coach Carl Fer-reira and her teammates on the Renegades for making thispast season a special one.

“I think the main reason our success was so great wasbecause of him,” Bernardin said of Ferreira. And the girlson the team were awesome ... We just had a competitivespirit every day coming into the gym. And we just workedreally hard together.”

Bernardin now plans to carry that competitive spiritand passion with her to her new school.

“I really wanted to go somewhere where they werehappy to have me, and there was a competitive environ-ment for volleyball,” Bernardin said. “That’s what I’vealways wanted.”


CHRYSLER JEE P ®

BAKERSFIELD

3101 Cattle Drive • Bakersfield Auto Mall • (661) 832-3000 www.drivecj.com

Caitlin Bernardin Born March 24, 1993 in Bakersfield.

Parents are Jacque and Patty.

Older sister Jackie played volleyballat the University of Texas and theUniversity of San Diego.

Varsity starter for four years inboth basketball and volleyball atGarces, where she graduated in 2011.

Selected three times as First TeamBakersfield Californian All-Area inbasketball and two times First TeamAll-Area choice in volleyball duringher prep career.

Member of Rambassadors, Associ-ated Student Body, Campus Ministryand Christian Life Community whilein high school.

Won honors during time at Garcesincluding Outstanding Four-Year Ath-lete, Campus Ministry Award,Traynor Scholarship and Jim BurkeLeadership Award.

Finalist for Mayor’s Trophy for coun-ty’s best female athlete and the JimHyak Award.

Named an AVCA Second Team Jun-ior College All-American this pastyear at BC following a season inwhich she ranked No. 2 in the statewith 4.89 kills per set.

Chosen First Team All-Western StateConference, First Team All-SoCal andFirst Team All-State.

Hobbies include working out at thegym, hanging out with friends andfamily, hunting and fishing.

Bernardin was also a standout bas-ketball player at Garces Memorial. P

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In June, Willie Rivera was victoriousagainst five other candidates in the racefor the Ward 1 Bakersfield City Councilseat. He succeeded, he said, in part by

campaigning and knocking on doors fromday one of candidacy, and by being openwith Ward 1 residents, sharing his cell phonenumber with more than 10,000 of them.

The 22-year-old, up-and-coming localDemocrat, who was more than 30 yearsyounger than four of his competitors, willnow represent southeast Bakersfield. Learn alittle more about him here:

You beat everyone else by hundreds ofvotes. How?

We outworked everyone else. Iannounced my candidacy on Feb. 11, and webegan walking and knocking on doors thatday. Our volunteers put in countless hoursand wore out more than enough shoes talk-ing to the residents of Ward 1. Our goal wasand still is to increase the awareness andaccessibility of existing city government serv-ices and programs to help improve the livesof residents in Ward 1. People appreciated ustaking the time to knock on their door.

How are you preparing now to serveWard 1?

I have met with city management staff,department heads and my colleagues on thecity council. We have discussed my prioritiesfor Ward 1, as well as citywide goals andissues. Walking and talking to thousands ofresidents produced a long list of items that Iam now working to address with city staff —items like graffiti, potholes and broken street-lights.

What do you say to those who say 22 istoo young to serve?

No one is too young to serve if they arewilling to work hard. I intend to use my ageto my advantage in getting more young peo-

WILLIE RIVERA,WARD 1New councilman ready toserve Bakersfield

Compiled by Bakersfield Life Magazine


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ple involved in local government. Bakersfield has very talent-ed young people, and there is no reason why that talent can-not be put to good use, making our community a better placeto live.

What issues will you tackle first? Our campaign focused on three things. One, Ward 1 needs

more infrastructure investment. There are still too manystreets without basic curbs, gutters and sidewalks. Second,many Ward 1 residents don’t feel safe in their neighborhoods.My goal is to work with the police department to addressconcerns brought up by residents. No one should be afraid tocome out of their home. Lastly, the residents of Ward 1 want-ed a representative who was accessible and open. I passedout my cell phone number to more than 10,000 residentswith the hope that they would call me when they had anissue, a concern or a question.

What’s your idea of a great time in Bakersfield?My idea of a great time in Bakersfield is a night out at one

of Bakersfield’s great eateries, and a movie at Maya Cinemasafterward.

Interesting fact about yourself your constituents maynot know:

I was born in San German, Puerto Rico and moved to

Bakersfield in 2000 with my family.

How will you make Bakersfield proud to have you? I will always work my hardest to make sure residents of

Ward 1 get their fair share of resources, and I will always takemy job to serve the residents of Bakersfield seriously.

If something opens up in the state Assembly, you’restaying put, right?

Yes. I am excited for the opportunity to serve the residentsof Ward 1.

Willie Rivera works the phone at hiscampaign office on 20th Street.

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Like most of us, some animals just like the cooler sum-mer evenings instead of the hot Bakersfield summerheat. Why not enjoy the night together? In an annual tradition, the California Living Museumis opening its doors to visitors during extended hours

on Saturdays in July and August — as the sun sets and as thecool breeze drifts in.

It’s called Twilight at CALM, which includes wildlife pre-sentations and scavenger hunts. Families are encouraged topack a picnic dinner at eat among the wildlife.

And though this is the event’s ninth consecutive year, itremains a bit of a secret to Kern County that comes withmany perks for coming after hours, said Lana Fain, the zoo’smanager. Twilight at CALM was started to give familiessomething fun to do in the evenings, to see some of thezoo’s nocturnal critters, and as a way to beat the heat.

Just don’t show up too close to closing time or you won’thave enough time to see all of the animals housed at CALM,Fain said. The zoo is home to a botanical garden, museumand about 250 rescued animals — bears, felines, birds, rep-tiles and more — that are native to California but can no

longer be returned to the wild.Even the non-nocturnal zoo animals tend to perk up

because the heat of the day is gone, making the zoo com-fortable for critters and visitors alike, Fain said. Picnic areasare spread throughout the zoo where families can enjoy afun dinner together next to the animals, even the bears.

The extended hours will also give families a chance tosee new changes at CALM made in the last year.

“If you haven’t visited CALM in a while, you haven’t seenCALM at all,” Fain said.

Among those changes: • This spring, a local Boy Scouts troop planted 31 new

trees on CALM’s grounds to help beautify the zoo. • The new KaBOOM playground was built in November

entirely by volunteers, including those from PG&E and theKern County Superintendent of Schools Office.

• New animals that have called CALM home include twodesert bighorn sheep, and one desert bighorn ram, joining

TWILIGHT AT CALMAnnual event at California LivingMuseum lets families enjoy the zooafter hours

By Megan Anderson

Louie, left, and Cinnamon enjoy a lazyafternoon at California Living Museum. Seethem this summer during Twilight at CALM.

F O R A C A U S E

The newest desert bighorn sheep exhibit atCalifornia Living Museum features a ramand two ewes.

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as part of the nation breeding program. The desert bighorns andCALM recently welcomed a fourth desert bighorn — a new baby girl(for more on the addition, see the sidebar). Also, a new water fowlarea features local birds.

During Twilight at CALM, it’s still important to wear sunscreen,Fain said, as the sun sets. And bug spray is essential, too, to ward offthe mosquitos.

Twilight at CALM will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. every Saturday inJuly and August, except Aug. 24. Cost is $9 for adults, $7 for seniors, $3for children 3 to 12 years old, and free for children 3 and younger(CALM members are free). CALM is at 10500 Alfred Harrell Highwaybetween Lake Ming and Hart Park.

More information: 872-2256 or calmzoo.org.


California Living Museum’s newest addition, aDesert Big Horn lamb, stands on a rock next toher dad Gerome.

CALM welcomes new baby girlIn April 22, CALM welcomed a new addition to the zoo, a

desert bighorn lamb. The baby girl weighed in at just 12pounds, and today is quickly growing and gaining weight.

The lamb, which remains unnamed, made her debut to thepublic on May 18 during a CALM birthday bash. The birth wasa big step for CALM because it was the first birth on thegrounds as part of a breeding program, said Lana Fain, thezoo’s manager.

In October last year, the zoo received two ewes and oneram loaned as part of desert bighorn breeding program. Thedesert bighorn species is endangered, making each live birtheven more important. They were three of only 47 desertbighorn sheep on display throughout the country. In the wild,their numbers are even fewer.

To make things even more tense, the lambs must make itto 30 days old before they’re all clear because they are sofragile. The good news is that this little girl has made thatmark.

For Esther, the lamb’s mother, this was her seventh livebirth as part of the breeding program. The lamb has made abig impression on the zoo staff and the other bighorns, Fainsaid, and staff is hoping the lamb can stay at CALM.

The lamb can be viewed during zoo hours and also duringTwilight at CALM.

— Megan Anderson

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Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Your Pets

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Keeping Bakersfield beautiful with

Bakersfieldpolice, artists,

nonprofits teamup in utility box

project thathelps combat

graffiti

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Art plays a role in people’s daily lives withoutmany never really noticing it. The look, thefeel and the functionality of an entire citydepends on its art and its carefully craftedand innovative architecture. But another typeof art work on city walls can tear down a city’simage and invite more crime to the area —

graffiti. In 2011, about $1.3 million was budgeted by the City of

Bakersfield to clean graffiti — money that could have beenused instead of to improve neighborhood roads, parks andother public spaces. Graffiti can also lead to a decrease in thefeeling of neighborhood safety, drop property values, and hurtbusiness and tourism.

“I always say to our legislators, ‘Can you imagine what wecan do with those tax dollars (used to clean graffiti)’?” saidBakersfield Police officer Tony Martinez of the BPD Crime Pre-vention Unit.

Four years ago, Martinez and local officials decided to fightthat graffiti with graffiti and art. The utility box mural projecthas worked wonders.

The idea is simple: the Bakersfield Police Departmentteams up with local artists, local youth and local nonprofits topaint beautiful murals across town, on plain city utility boxesfound on street corners. The art pieces prevent graffiti andpromote art, Tony Martinez said.

“The kids like it because all we do is create a new canvasfor them to write on,” he said.

HISTORYThe project came to be when Martinez, also the chairman

of the Keep Bakersfield Beautiful anti-graffiti committee, cametogether with Jeanette Richardson-Parks, who was director ofthe Arts Council of Kern.

The project resulted in 15 utility boxes being painted. Inthe summer and fall of 2012, the project returned, and 10 utili-ty boxes were painted. That was funded by The BakersfieldCalifornian Foundation, which gave $5,000 to buy paint, sup-plies and to make sure youth joined in on the project.

“Most of the kids who do the graffiti on the boxes, they justwant to show their art,” said Sebastian Muralles, a local artistwho helps local youth get involved and show their talent in alegal way. “We need to motivate our kids to pursue art, espe-cially programs like this one. I know it’s hard in schoolsbecause they are eliminating the arts classes, but we should tryto motivate them and keep them involved in these programs.


By Jasmine D. Lowe Photos courtesy of Bakersfield Police Department


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17th St.

19th St.

22nd St.

18th St.

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Countygovernment

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Civic center

Central Park

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Utility box murals indowntown Bakersfield1. 21st and L streetsArtist: Al Mendez

2. 21st and Q streetsArtist: Al Mendez

3. 21st street and Mill Creek ParkArtist: Al Mendez

4. 18th and L streetsArtist: Sebastian Muralles

5. 19th and Q streetsArtist: Sebastian Muralles

6. 19th street and Mill Creek ParkArtist: Sebastian Muralles

7. 18th and Q streetsArtist: Jesus Fidel

8. 18th and Mill Creek ParkArtist: Jorge Guillen

9. 17th and L streetsArtist: Christine Sweet

10. 17th and Q streetsArtist: Susan Roussel


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It keeps them out of trouble.”Martinez asks a neighborhood’s permission before murals are

painted tp prevent tagging over them, just as he did with “Stop theViolence,” a mural project at the “Stop the Violence” headquartersat Martin Luther King, Jr. Park. Those murals have not been dam-aged in the four years there.

Why? The murals are respected by fellow artists, Martinez said. The project is expected to continue to expand. It was nominated

for the Beautiful Bakersfield award.

ARTISTS• Jorge Guillen, a local artist, has incorporated specific artistic

styles, such as urban culturalism, into the murals he painted on theutility boxes downtown. That style draws inspiration from Fauvism,Cubism, artistic graffiti and a spin on the Mayan hieroglyphs.Guillen also took artistic elements from Picasso, Cezanne and otherhistorical artists.

He plans to teach youth after graduating from Cal State Bakers-field and continue to help the community by participating in otherbeautification projects. Recently, he helped in San Diego Park inLamont.

“Hopefully the electrical boxes are just a starting point,” saidGuillen. “There should be more public art. Now it’s more common,especially in the arts district ... but we need (the community’s) sup-port.”

• Other local artists like Al Mendez, Jesus Fidel, Thomas Laceroand Christina Sweet participated in the community project. Theypainted her mural on a utility box on 17th and L streets.

• Muralles, Martinez, Guillen and artist Susan Roussel — alongwith about 20 students from Bakersfield High, Highland High, Nor-ris and Lamont schools — worked on the project as well. Theymaintain the boxes when need be.

— Interested in helping or donating? Call Tony M artinez at 326-3922 or em ail tm [email protected]; Keep Bakersfield Beauti-ful: 326-3539 or [email protected]; Report graffiti in yourneighborhood to 32-ERASE.


9 6

We all

know the M

ary K. She

lls, the

Kevin McC

arthys and

Merle Ha

g-

gards of B

akersfield.

They’re th

e

well-estab

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commun

ity who h

ave repre

sented

us brillian

tly for yea

rs.

But there

are also c

ountless o

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Bakersfiel

d who ma

y one day

be on the

same list a

s these pe

ople. Bake

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e,

starting t

his year, i

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younger p

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se betwee

n

18 and 40

years old,

who are a

chieving

great thin

gs in their

careers a

nd making

Bakersfiel

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place alo

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150 shini

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Bakersfiel

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, but inste

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are 20 you

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ho make u

s proud to

call Bakers

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Meet them

now.


20UND

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40PEOPLE TO

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The Beurmann familyincludes Ken, wife Gianna,and children Matthew andLizzy, twins, and Abby.

Ken Beurmann, chiefexecutive officer ofTERRIO Physical Thera-

py & Fitness, Inc., hasachieved a tremendousamount of success at ayoung age.

Beurmann, a standoutfrom Liberty High, graduatedwith a political sciencedegree in three years fromCal State Bakersfield, wherehe served as the CSUB stu-dent body president. At 21,he was the youngest ever tograduate from University ofSouthern California’sAnnenberg School with amaster’s degree in 2008.

As manager of TERRIO’sResearch and DevelopmentDepartment, Beurmannhelped the company open itsfirst location outside of KernCounty. He accepted a job atGoodwill Industries of SouthCentral California andhelped expand to four loca-tions outside of Kern, andanother retail store locally.

In Beurmann’s time withGoodwill, he oversaw 230employees and a budget of$10 million. He was instru-mental in helping the divi-sion become just the seventhnonprofit in the country tobe accredited an “affirmativebusiness enterprise model.”

A results-oriented, anti-wasteful spending mindsethas served him well. Earlierthis year, he returned to TER-RIO as CEO. His peers say hisdrive, business acumen andcommitment to his commu-nity are unmatched. Well-liked, the 27-year-old jugglesfamily life and work withlove for his hometown.

He is the chairman of theCSUB Council of 100, aLeadership Bakersfield grad-uate and loves spendingtime with his wife, Gianna,and three children, twinsMatthew and Lizzy anddaughter Abby.

— Lisa Kimble

KEN BEURMANN

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Jenifer Pitcher, communityand government liaison forKern Citizens for Sustainable

Government, is a woman on amission to beautify Bakersfield.

“This community has helpedshape the person I am today, so Itake a lot of pride in my commu-

nity, and I want others to see whatI see: a beautiful place that peoplecan be proud of,” she said.

With Kern Citizens, a newissue advocacy group, and as itsonly employee, Pitcher is adynamic, one woman band ofspunk, the “face” of the govern-ment watchdog organizationwho is no shrinking violet. Butshe moves with grace and ease asshe advocates for the communi-ty, especially when her opinionmay not be the most popular in

the room.Pitcher, 27, graduated from

Centennial High in 2004 beforegoing to California Lutheran Uni-versity, becoming the first in herfamily to attend college. Shecompleted her bachelor’s degreeat Cal State Bakersfield in 2008and her master’s degree in 2011.For her thesis, she analyzed gen-der stereotypes and their effecton political candidates, complet-ing an analysis of Kern Countypolitical candidates, 24 in all.

Over the course of the proj-ect, she brokered relationshipsthat emboldened her as she grewinto the political advocacysphere. She is now an adjunctlecturer of political science atTaft College.

As vice chair of the Keep Bak-ersfield Beautiful Committee, sheis involved in community clean-ups and spearheaded the ciga-rette receptacle project down-town.

— Lisa Kimble

JENIFERPITCHER


It’s Jeremy Adams’ goal to inspire hun-dreds of local students to be knowledge-able citizens of our country, become

involved, and reach higher in life. And as a15-year Bakersfield High School teacher,he’s among the most decorated educatorswe have in Kern County, if not the state.

Among awards, Adams, 37, was a KernCounty Teacher of the Year in 2012, won theBeautiful Bakersfield Award in education in2012, and was a California State Teacher ofthe Year Award semifinalist earlier this year.

He is credited for starting the AdvancedPlacement government program at BHS andcreated the annual Earl Warren Cup, a enter-taining civics trivia contest for top students.

He is a frequent speaker at education-focused events, and was featured in one ofthe nation’s largest teacher magazines, Cali-fornia Educator. He recently authored thebook “Full Classrooms, Empty Selves.”

“His charismatic leadership inspireshundreds of students to reach higher,” saidnominator and Cal State Bakersfield emeri-tus professor Victor Lasseter.

Adams, teaches civics at his alma mater,where his father also taught. He met his wifeJennifer, a local attorney, at the school, andthey have two daughters and a son.

He returned to Bakersfield after graduat-ing from Washington and Lee University inVirginia, and earned his master’s degreefrom Cal State Bakersfield, where he hastaught in the Political Science Departmentfor seven years and sits on the alumni asso-ciation board.

— Jorge Barrientos

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JEREMY ADAMS

In September 2011, Alexandra Bateypulled into the driveway of her grandpar-ent’s home in Bakersfield. She had

embarked on a journey that led her fromVirginia to a place she now calls home.

At the time, Batey was a recent graduateof College of William and Mary, where sheearned a degree in business administrationwith a concentration in marketing. Growingup, she bounced throughout the countrywith her mother, a Bakersfield native, andher father, a commander in the U.S. Navy. Astar student, she chose Bakersfield as aplace to start her career.

Here, she began her first job as the exec-utive assistant of J.P. Lake, vice president ofmarketing at Rain for Rent. Within monthsof arrival, she began volunteering.

In 2012, she joined the Bakersfield Sym-phony Orchestra board, making her amongyoungest member ever elected. This year,she was elected to the board of directors forthe Boys and Girls Club of Kern County.

She is also a member of Bakersfield Mas-terworks Chorale, occasionally helps at TheGuild House, and volunteers for Kern Citi-zens for Sustainable Government.

Friends and family say she is an exampleof what is needed more in Bakersfield — sheis creative and has a passion for helping oth-ers and bringing new ideas to Bakersfield.

In January, she married Justin Batey(maiden name is Hart). You can find herdoing yoga around town, or making winewith her family.

— Breanna Fields

ALEXANDRABATEY

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The path of contribution for the com-munity’s rising stars like 37-year-oldJuan Avila — community and client

services director for Garden Pathways —can be traced back to grassroots projectsin which people like Avila roll up theirsleeves, dig in and don’t mind getting dirtyto better the lives of others.

Well-known and respected in the localnonprofit orbit, Avila became the first inhis family to attend college, and to receivea master’s degree. In 2003, Avila workedwith Clinica Sierra Vista. Three years later,he became executive director of ParentInstitute for Quality Education, educatingparents on how to help their children suc-ceed in school. The program’s model isnow a staple in local education and hasbeen replicated across the state.

Many parents mentored by Avila arenow community leaders themselves.

Avila has also served as director ofnonprofit outreach for the Kern Commu-nity Foundation, worked as a field repre-sentative for former Kern County Supervi-sor Karen Goh, and as a board member forthe Youth 2 Leaders Education Founda-tion, where he was instrumental in secur-ing more than a $1 million in scholarshipsin the past five years.

Tireless in his efforts to help make adifference — whether it is with the Green-field and Lamont communities and parkclean-ups, or volunteering for East Bakers-field United for Peace — Avila is at theforefront of projects effecting change.

— Lisa Kimble

JUAN AVILA


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If you want to make an impact,Fiona Kelly Lytle says, you shouldfirst look in your own backyard. As

one of the newest members of theKern Economic Development Cor-poration, Fiona is doing just that.

At age 26, Lytle is helping recruitand retain businesses to supportKern County’s local economy. Hervision has been to inspire and moti-vate our community to live a pur-poseful life that is beneficial to socie-ty by spreading the importance ofsustainability and engaged citizenry.

Before returning toBakersfield, Lytle attended the Uni-versity of the Pacific in Stockton,where she earned her bachelor’s inbiological and physical sciences, andmaster’s in administration and lead-ership. There she mentored high-riskstudents in outdoor learning, andtaught them the importance of agri-culture and leadership. She was vitalin raising $100,000 for sustainabilityeducation on campus through build-ing a community garden. She repre-sented the university at a ClintonGlobal Initiative University meeting,where she worked with world leadersin international development.

Lytle worked in Washington D.C.for the nonprofit InternationalAction, where she researched andreported on humanitarian work forHaiti earthquake survivors.

When she returned to Bakersfieldin 2011, Lytle worked as a collegeinstructor and program coordinator.In her current position, she research-es and markets industry sectors inKern.

Outside the office, she mentorsstudents in Independence High’sEnergy and Utility Academy, andjoined the Kern Green Awards com-mittee and Kern’s Human RelationsCommission.

Colleagues tout her professional-ism, energy and enthusiasm, organi-zation, attention to detail, and senseof humor.

When she’s not working, you canfind Lytle playing tennis with herhusband Jeremy, or relaxing withfamily and friends.


FIONA KELLY LYTLE


Growing up in Tehachapi, Alex Balfourlearned about hard work early on. As aboy, he helped tend a small ranch

while also helping his father with the familyair conditioning company.

The work ethic and seemingly endlessenergy continued after he moved to Bakers-field as a teenager and through his adultyears — working with Cushman & Wake-field, Pacific Commercial Realty Advisors,Inc., and in charity work in our community.

Eight years in, he has broken salesrecords for Central California within hiscompany that has a network of more than6,000 employees. He has been a top five pro-ducer within Central California twice, rank-ing among peers with 25-plus years of expe-rience — and the first person under 30 yearsold in the company to ever do this.

Outside of work, Balfour, 30, is a boardmember for the Bakersfield Active 20-30Club. The group has raised millions for localchildren charities since its creation in 1928,and close to $400,000 since 2006, when hejoined. They’ve provided back to schoolclothes, Christmas gifts and supplies tomore than 1,500 local children.

At his alma mater, CSUB, he has servedas a board member for its Alumni Associa-tion since 2007. He’s a charter board mem-ber for the Friends of Mercy Foundation’sLegacy Circle.

Coworkers and friends say he has a kindheart and gets along with everyone hemeets. He lives in northwest Bakersfieldwith wife Kathyrine Balfour, and dogs Chuckand Daisy.


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ALEX BALFOUR

Melanie Cruz’s sister’s baby didn’thave much hair. Using a headband,Cruz attached pigtails that made the

baby look like she had just enough.

Soon, her cute idea turned into thepatented Bebe Doos Perfect Ponies, featuredon the Today Show, on TLC’s “19 Kids andCounting” and The Ellen DeGeneres Show.The product is available for purchase inhundreds of stores throughout the world.

Today, the business keeps growing, withBebe Doos getting licensed through Revlon.The 31-year-old entrepreneur also co-ownsa product development firm, Dream Inno-vators, with her family.

But Cruz says her biggest achievementshave been personal. She and her husbandraise two daughters — Arabella, 4 and Lon-dyn, 1, who was born with gastroschisis, abirth defect in which an infant’s intestinesstick out of the body. Her family lived in theLos Angeles Ronald McDonald House whileLondyn underwent surgeries. Full of enthu-siasm and positivity, Cruz kept coolthroughout the ordeal. Londyn is now ahealthy toddler, calling Bakersfield home.

The ordeal made Melanie want to helpothers, fundraising for several children withthe same ailment. Locally, she’s an advocatefor animal rights in Kern County, donatingto local causes, fostering strays, and bottlefeeding baby kittens found in a dumpster.

Bebe Doos talks are continuing with Tar-get and Toys R Us retailers showing interest.More information: bebedoos.com.


MELANIE CRUZ

Daniel H. Chang has his sight set on giv-ing Bakersfield better vision. The board-certified ophthalmologist

has helped give patients a better quality oflife with better sight through Empire Eyeand Laser Center, and the nonprofit,Advanced Center for Eyecare.

Daniel Chang graduated with honorsfrom the California Institute of Technology.He received his medical and ophthalmologytraining from Duke University and EmoryUniversity, where he earned the title of chiefresident in ophthalmology. After, he joined aprestigious cornea and refractive surgery fel-lowship at Minnesota Eye Consultants.

He’s authored numerous articles andpublications in his field, performs cutting-edge clinical research (including FDA-clini-cal investigations), and speaks at seminarsin the United States, including for the KernLeadership Alliance, and across the globe.

He accepted his brother Joe Chang’sinvitation to join him in Bakersfield in 2008at Empire, where the two are now respectedleaders in and out of the office.

The cofounders of Advanced Center forEyecare have helped provide medical andsurgical eyecare to local uninsured andunderinsured people of Kern County,including hundreds of schoolchildren.

“Bakersfield has been a great place toraise my own family, to grow professionally,and to give back to the community.”

He is a member at The Bridge BibleChurch where he volunteers. He lives inBakersfield with wife Lisa, and daughtersSarah, 6, and Abigail, 3. He turned 40 in May.


DANIEL H. CHANG

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Andrae Gonzales, 31, couldlikely have been placed ona local “people to watch”

list in middle school.

He was, after all, junior highclass president at Compton Jun-ior High and president of hisclass all four years at East High

School. He left Bakersfield tostudy political science at UCBerkeley, but when he finished,he came back home to give back.

Gonzales started Faith inAction, a faith-based nonprofitaimed to bring churches andcommunities together when hewas 26. Today, he remains com-mitted to serving our community.He’s the executive director ofStewards, Inc., which managesbudgets for the mentally disabledand elderly. He founded the Chil-

dren First Campaign, aimed athelping local children succeedand remain safe and healthy. He’salso a board member with theBakersfield City School District,where he’s touted by parents,teachers and community mem-bers for bringing about positivechanges to our local schools.

Recently, his name floatedaround as someone who shouldcompete for an open State Sen-ate seat; he refused to run to ful-fill his BCSD board term.

Colleagues have said Gonza-les speaks to the community andlistens. And with the praise andnotoriety, Gonzales hasremained humble to Bakersfield.

“I would not be where I amtoday if not for the teachers,counselors, friends, family, andmentors who took time to helpme along,” Gonzales said. “I sim-ply feel a duty to pay it forwardand help create opportunities formore young people to succeed.”


ANDRAEGONZALES

bakersfieldlife.com 73bakersfieldlife.com 73

Effective coaches and managers share sim-ilar leadership qualities — both motivatetheir teams to accomplish goals, and

come out on top. Vance Elmore, 22, excels inboth worlds as the head coach of the Road-runner Aquatics Club and a master’s studentat Cal State Bakersfield.

His love of swimming and leadershipbegan at Centennial High School, where hewas class president his last two years.

After graduating in 2008, Elmore attendedUniversity of Hawaii for one year; however, hereturned to Bakersfield and earned his bache-lor’s in business at CSUB. He joined the swimteam, becoming one of the team’s topfreestyle swimmers, and a team captain. Thehighlight, he said, was the team’s first DivisionI conference championship.

His leadership extended as vice presidentof the student-athlete advisory committee atCSUB, where he served as a liaison for all stu-dent-athletes. His peers honored him as 2012Roadrunner of the Year.

Today, Elmore is still involved with theCSUB swim team, serving as a graduate assis-tant coach. He also manages the 280-memberyouth swim club, Roadrunner Aquatics, ashead coach. Elmore has helped lead the youthclub to be recognized among the top 200 inthe country.

“He juggles a lot while being an excellentrole model for the children,” said ChrisHansen, CSUB director of swimming andRoadrunner Aquatics owner.

Elmore aims to complete his master’sdegree in June 2014. He hopes to work inmanagement marketing for a technology firm.

— Jennifer Burger

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VANCE ELMOREAgraduate of Arvin High and UCLA,

Mayra Garza returned home to KernCounty where she has continuously

made an impact in local educational pro-grams that focus on marginalized youth.

As a program supervisor with the KernCounty Superintendent of Schools office,the 35-year-old manages dozens of employ-ees across Southern California, specificallyin five communities, as part of AmeriCorps,a federal program that engages adults inintensive community service work. The pro-gram cares for hundreds of local at-riskmiddle and high school students.

The epitome of a servant leader, she alsomanaged several large education initiativesfor out-of-school youth and migrant fami-lies. Garza herself comes from a farm-work-ing family in Lamont.

When she’s not working, she volunteersin school reading programs and in ArvinHigh’s We the People constitutional compe-tition, scholarship reading, fundraising forlocal and national causes, and in churchprograms and senior work.

She’s received numerous state andnational recognitions, while also presentingat national conferences. She’s also a trainerfor California School-Age Consortium.

A lifelong learner, she received her mas-ter’s degree in public administration fromCal State Bakersfield and is seeking a secondmaster’s in counseling with a credential.

For fun, Mayra loves to travel around theworld and has competed in three half-marathons.

— Breanna Fields

MAYRA GARZAJames Joseph “Joe” Hay, 34-year-old fifth-generation Californian, is widely consid-ered to be an emerging community

leader by those twice his age and withdecades of local leadership.

The eldest grandchild of the late JimBurke, Hay takes his role as descendent of acommunity legacy seriously.

“When you have been in one place forso long, you really feel that you have a vest-ed interest in its success, which is part of thereason why our company focuses so heavilyon supporting education and health care.”

As vice president and Auto Mall generalmanager for Jim Burke Ford Lincoln Jaguar,Hay oversees a dealership with some 50employees and $25 million in annual sales.

Activism and leadership come naturallyfor the Bakersfield High and University ofNotre Dame graduate. In college, he led 15fellow students on a volunteer trip toAppalachia to mentor children.

A graduate of Leadership Bakersfield,Hay also founded N35, a networking groupfor young professionals. Five years ago, hejoined the Bakersfield Museum of Art’sboard of directors. As incoming chairman,he is the youngest to serve in that capacity.

This year marks the company’s 100thyear in business as a Ford dealer. Hay sayshe is proud to carry on his family’s work.

“This community has been very sup-portive of our business over those years,which is why it is important we return thefavor and reinvest our time and resources tomake this community a better place.”

— Lisa Kimble

JOE HAY

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For decades, Ward 7 Council-man Russell Johnson has been achampion of local public safety.

While in student government atBakersfield College, the StockdaleHigh graduate fought successfully tofix potholes in the school’s parkinglot. He moved away and received abachelor’s degree from UC SantaBarbara in 2001, but returned to hishometown.

His name became known moreas a Bakersfield planning commis-sioner and later as chief of staff forKern Supervisor Mike Maggard.

When he won a City Councilseat in the 2010 election, he toldvoters he would support local busi-

nesses, fight for job creation, protect funding for public safety servic-es, and help Bakersfield weather tough financial times. He has kepthis promises. Recently, he decided not to run for an open State Senateseat, despite wide support, to focus instead on the City Council.

Johnson, 33, also serves on the foundation board for Boys andGirls Clubs of Kern County and Center for Kern Political Education.He owns Common Sense Consulting, a local public affairs firm.

His colleagues throughout Bakersfield say Johnson never compro-mises his integrity to achieve goals. You can find him volunteeringthroughout the community with his wife Susanne.


RUSSELLJOHNSON As attested by her family, friends

and colleagues, Denise Castaneda-Ornelas never stops taking on proj-ects to help improve Bakersfield.

Ornelas, 39, was the marketingdirector at La Bonita Tortilla Co., a 55-year-old, family-owned local busi-ness led by her husband, Albert. Sheis an esthetician who owns AllureBeauty Salon, and a part of Dr. Gor-don Mitts team. The chairwoman ofthe Kern County Hispanic Chamber

of Commerce recently started a new venture with AAA. In her personal life, Ornelas is a super mom. Her family includes

husband Albert, daughter Jessica, 14, and son Gabriel, 15. She is“team mom” for the Bakersfield High School Drillers. She is deeplyinvolved activities surrounding her deaf teenage daughter, and is thepresident of the deaf and hard of hearing parent teacher organization.

For her community service and leadership, Ornelas has received a“Latinas Leading The Way” award by Latina Leaders of Kern Countyand also the Garden Pathways’ “Women with a Heart for Bakersfield”

In her early 30s, she returned to school, received her bachelor’sdegree is currently working on her master’s degree.

Nominators describe Denise as a driven businesswoman who is amentor to many and always willing to lend a helping hand.

— Bakersfield Life Magazine

DENISE CASTANEDA-ORNELAS


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As a famed musician from theformer Yugoslavia, Zoran Maric trav-els around the United States andEurope to perform. But it’s the travelfrom Bakersfield to Los Angeles thatconcerns him the most.

Maric, 38, and his wife Susannaare raising twin 4-year-old boys, oneof which was born with congenitalheart disease. The trips to Children’sHospital Los Angeles for surgeriesand care have turned Maric into anadvocate for children’s health. Heand his wife collected toys over theyears from local donors to take tosick children in Los Angeles, and

their efforts are paying off for children locally, too. Due to Maric’s advocacy, in July, specialists from the children’s

hospital will start staffing a full-time pedicenter in Bakersfield.At Frontier High School, he ensures safety in his role as campus

supervisor. It’s a career far different from what he left behind. Afterserving as a military police officer in the Bosnian War, Maric built alucrative pop rock music career in Serbia. In 2003, when he visited hisfather in Bakersfield, Maric attended a Mento Buru concert and methis future wife — Susanna was a professional mariachi player andEnglish teacher. Maric enrolled in Bakersfield Adult School andlearned English quickly.

Still, Maric has been able to build an international audience bytraveling to cities with concentrated Serbian populations in the Unit-ed States and Europe.

— Jennifer Burger

ZORAN MARIC

How do you instill pride andspirit into a group of people? For theanswer, you can ask Myka Peck.

The Garces Memorial Highcoach and activities director is cred-ited for doing just that at the school.

Peck, a soccer standout, gradu-ated from Bakersfield High Schooland then Loyola Marymount Uni-versity (her master’s degree is fromCal State Bakersfield). She returnedhome and began coaching the nextgeneration of soccer stars — first atGolden Valley High and then LibertyHigh, and as assistant coach for CalState Bakersfield’s women’s soccer

team. Now at Garces Memorial, she has been “the heartbeat of ourcampus,” said Lou Ann Durrett, Garces director of marketing. Asactivities director, she infused heart, soul and renewed enthusiasm atthe school’s campus with her spirited approach to student activities.

As a coach, she teaches players about dignity, respect and sports-manship above winning. But winning came. In 2010, her second yearat Garces, The Bakersfield Californian named Peck “Girls SoccerCoach of the Year” — she credited the players for working hard. TheRams this year won their second Division II Central Section champi-onship under Peck, despite starting with an 0-6 record. The teamstayed positive with Peck’s leadership.

Peck also suffers from multiple sclerosis. She never lets the diseasedefine her or uses it as an excuse, let alone talk about it. She is a rolemodel to others who suffer from debilitating illnesses.


MYKA PECK


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Michael McCarthy, a 25-year-oldCal State Bakersfield alum originallyfrom Brentwood, was drafted by theBoston Red Sox in 2011. He trans-fered here from the University ofRedlands and has treated Bakers-field like his hometown since.

Even now, as he pitches for aRed Sox minor league team in Vir-ginia, McCarthy returns in the off-season to live, work and serve.

He has taken part in MartinLuther King, Jr. Day of Service andUnited Way Day of Caring. At CSUB,he coordinated and fundraised forthe Boys and Girls Club of KernCounty, as well as helping familiesin need. He was co-coordinator of

CSUB Athletics’ Relay for Life, serves as volunteer coach for a juniorbaseball team, and guest speaks for local nonprofit events.

He served on CSUB athletic boards and committees, and remainsassistant to the vice president of student affairs. While he broke base-ball records, he made the dean’s list eight times, won the CSUB Presi-dent’s Award and CSUB Roadrunner of the Year Award.

When he was drafted, he made a commitment to return and fin-ish his biology degree at CSUB. He did. In the offseason, he mentorsthe Roadrunners, and shares nutrition and physiology knowledge.

While he pitches throughout the United States, McCarthy writes acolumn that runs in The Bakersfield Californian.


MICHAELMCCARTHY At 39, Kimberly Smith Van

Metre, owner of NeurofeedbackTrain Your Brain, has taken a chal-lenging route to success and life.

Against personal odds, sheintroduced a new business in townon the cutting edge of health care.

While attending Cal State North-ridge, she lost everything in the 1994earthquake. She later returned toBakersfield, married and a motherof three, and graduate at the top ofher class with a degree in environ-

mental science. But permanent nerve damage, the result of a surgeryfor degenerative discs, left her on an endless quest to alleviate herchronic pain. She entered a pain rehabilitation program at UCLA andsaid it was the best $26,000 investment she’d ever made.

She received neurofeedback clinician certification and three yearsago brought the practical application of brain science to town. Nowrecognized as cutting-edge and vital, the treatment modality is cov-ered by health insurances. Van Metre’s migraine clients no longer suf-fer debilitating headaches. She is also helps vets grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder. “I feel like the luckiest person on earth,” shesays. “If you looked at me on paper, you wouldn’t look at it that way.But I am grateful for it all.”

— Lisa Kimble

KIMBERLY SMITH VAN METRE


Brian Mendiburu believes thatthe magical spirit his mother exud-ed could be spread throughout KernCounty while helping local families.

That belief, for 13 years, hasbeen a reality with the MendiburuMagic Foundation, which Mendibu-ru founded as a way to help othersin Kern in his mother’s memory.

Nancy Ann Mendiburu died inJune 2000 from ovarian cancer whenBrian was 22. Since, foundation hasraised hundreds of thousands forongoing cancer care, to help fami-lies affected by catastrophic illness-es, and for scholarships.

Mendiburu, 33, serves as presi-dent, with help from his wife Valerie

and volunteers (and a few staffers), many of whom are communityleaders. They host the annual Nancy Ann Mendiburu CompassionAwards, which recognizes the caring ways local folks and businessespromote her philosophy and commitment. The annual Pyrenees Fies-ta also raises funds.

In his day job as Bakersfield High School assistant principal,Mendiburu is motivating and well-respected by staff and students.The Kern High School District, he said, has been great foundationsupporter from day one. Those who know Brian best say he is com-mitted to his faith, family, profession and community efforts.

Mendiburu and his wife raise three boys.— Jorge Barrientos

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Try digging for fossils atSharktooth Hill this summer.

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Who says there’s nothing to do in Bakersfield inthe summer? That couldn’t be farther fromthe truth. In fact, here are 50 ways you can revup your summer within the city limits.

Out and aboutHUNT FOR FOSSILS

The Ernst Quarries, nearSharktooth Hill, is home to thelargest deposit of Miocenemarine fossils in the world. Sogo get yourself a piece of his-torical treasure. Public andscientific access is available.Prices vary. More information:

319-7080, www.sharktoothhill-property.com.

FISHYou don’t have to leave

Bakersfield’s city limits to fishin the great outdoors. You eversee those people holdingsticks and circling aroundLake Truxtun, Lake Ming orThe Park At Riverwalk? They’refishing. Join them.

GOLFBakersfield is blessed to

host several in-town and near-town golf courses, whether itsprivate or public courses. Pickone, or several, and hit thelinks.

HART PARKFish in two lakes, have a

picnic and walk among

50 WAYS TO HAVE


By Bakersfield Life Magazine


wildlife at the 370-acre HartMemorial Park. It’s close tohome, but far enough awayfrom city life to allow you toreally enjoy summer. Plus, youcan take a nice little hike near-by.

DOG PARKEnjoy the day with your

doggy. Our town has several

pet-friendly parks includingKroll Park, University Park andCentennial Park. Always watchyour dog, and make sure he orshe is playing safe. Don’t havea dog? Watch other people’sdogs play!

PRECISION SHOOTINGTake your weapon out to

the range to shoot target, or ifyou want to have some funwith friends, try paintball. 5

Dogs Range is open throughoutthe summer. For paintball, tryPoso Creek Paintball or GorillaPaintball.

CAR, MOTO MEETSBakersfield is not short of

car and motorcycle enthusiastswho love to meet up and showoff their stuff. Even better, theylove company. Join them at anumber of usual meet-up spotslike Chuy’s Mesquite Broiler on

Rosedale Highway, or Bob’s BigBoy on Ming Avenue.

WATCH A RACEThe new Kern County

Raceway will be hosting eventsthroughout July, including afireworks night and severalNASCAR races on July 13, July20, July 27. Check out Bakers-field Speedway, too (bakers-fieldspeedway.com). Moreinformation: kernraceway.com.

Kroll Park is one of severaldog parks in Bakersfield.


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Stay activeYOGA

Relax and stretch thesummer away with yoga.Great way to deal with stresswhile getting fit. Try YogaSpace: bakersfieldyoga-space.com.

BE A TEAM PLAYERJoin a softball, roller

hockey, indoor soccer leagueor other recreational leagueoffered by the city or parksand recreation districts.

GET IN SHAPECrossFit, boot camp,

running clubs ... take yourpick. If you’re trying to shedsome pounds this summerwhile enjoying the outdoors,local groups are happy to

help. Try Fit For Life Boot-camp or Bakersfield Adven-ture Boot Camp for Women.

TAKE A SWIMThe City of Bakersfield’s

public pools are open sevendays a week throughout thesummer and offer a variety ofactivities for the family. Theyinclude Silver Creek Pool andMcMurtrey Aquatic Center,which also offers aqua activi-ties like “aqua conditioning”and “learn to swim” sessions.Fees may apply.

CYCLE ABOUTTake a bike cruise start-

ing at Kern River Parkway orenjoy some summer ridingwith Bike Bakersfield (bike-bakersfield.org) events. A“Sunday City Bike Ride” is onJuly 7, and a “Full Moon Bike

Ride” is on July 22.

RUN FOR A CAUSEEnjoy running? Check

out Bakersfield Track Club(bakersfieldtrackclub.com)for running events, like theYokuts Park Fun Run on July

13. And why not run whilesupporting a local cause?

TAKE A HIKETake a stroll along the

bike bath or a short drive tosome greater-Bakersfield


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trails in Hart Park and WindWolves Preserve.

Indoor heavenICE ICE BABY

Toss the shorts and sandals,dress warm instead, and head tothe San Joaquin CommunityHospital Ice Center on Q Streetfor some ice skating fun. Besidespublic skating, the center offerslessons and hockey leagues.Fees apply.

BOWLHit the lanes at AMF

Westchester Lanes, AMF South-west Lanes or Regency BowlingCenter. While you’re there, graba cold one or get some of thatfamous bowling alley grub.

SHOPValley Plaza, The Market-

place, Northwest Promenade,Stockdale Fashion Plaza, EastHills Mall — there’s no shortagein Bakersfield to get your shop-ping fix. For unique wear, trylocal and downtown shoppingboutiques.

LAUGH A LOTSeveral big-name comedi-

ans are coming to town to makeus laugh. They include JerrySeinfeld (July 26 at RabobankArena Theater and ConventionCenter) and Jo Koy (July 26 atFor Theatre).

For the thrills!RAFT

You don’t have to leave townto enjoy some Kern River rapids.River’s End Rafting & Adventureoffer trips that start from themouth of the canyon and end inLake Ming. Don’t be a statistic— remember to always wear alife vest. River’s End also offerskayaking and paragliding.


Get the freshest local produce at oneof Bakersfield’s farmers markets.

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SKYDIVEFeeling adventurous? Try

jumping out of a plane. SkydiveSan Joaquin Valley has an officein Bakersfield (at 12112 CopusRoad). Skydiving BakersfieldCalifornia also offers trips andclasses.

GO KARTRace your friends around

the track in go karts, whichmake kids feel like grown-ups,and grown-ups act like kids. TryCamelot Park, Jam Raceway orJohn’s Incredible Pizza Co.

FLY A CHOPPERFly a real or simulated heli-

copter at the pilot training acad-emy by SRT Helicopters, anaccredited flight school foradults and kids. Learn how tobecome pilot or celebrate asummer party — SRT rents outits simulator and airport hanger,at 1701 Skyway Drive. Moreinformation: 393-4567, 331-2900, [email protected].

Glass (or plate)half fullFARMERS MARKETS

Get the season’s best freshfruits and veggies at one of sev-eral Farmers Markets includingat Brimhall Market, GoldenState Certified Farmers Marketand at Kaiser Permanente onMing Avenue.

EAT ICE CREAMThere’s no shortage of ice

cream parlors in town to helpyou cool down this summer.Why not try local? Must stopsinclude Dewar’s, Rosemary’sFamily Creamery and MooCreamery.

DINNER, DANCINGEnjoy a hearty meal and

work it off with some line danc-ing at Buck Owen’s Crystal

Palace. Show information: buck-owens.com

BASQUE CRAWLEnjoy our area’s unique

Basque offerings by bouncingfrom restaurant to restaurant —a Basque crawl. Within walkingdistance of each other are WoolGrowers Restaurant, PyreneesCafe, Narducci’s Cafe and Nor-iega’s. Make one of your stops atthe famous Luigi’s Restaurant &Delicatessen, too.

LEARN TO COOKThe Guild House downtown

offers cooking classes in ademonstration format. Printedrecipes, with tastings of dishesprepared in class and beveragesserved. More information: bak-ersfieldguildhouse.com, 325-5478. And at Cafe Med Restau-rant & Deli, weeklong kids cook-ing camps are offered throughJuly, for ages 7 to 17. Reserva-tions, more information: 834-4433, cafemedrestaurant.com.

Cultured lifeTHIRD THURSDAY

Every third Thursday of themonth, make your way to Cen-tral Park along Mill Creek for theDowntown Business Associa-tion’s “Third Thursday,” whichfeatures barbecue, arts andcrafts, a children’s area and lotsof entertainment. The July 18Third Thursday, from 5:30 to8:30 p.m. is titled “All AmericanCelebration.”

FIRST FRIDAYTake in downtown Bakers-

field on the first Friday of themonth, when local artists showoff their best work in galleries,antique shops open their doorsand restaurants and bars areready to serve. It runs from 5 to9 p.m., also features local musicentertainment, and is hosted byMetro Galleries — 1604 19th St.


AMPHITHEATER SHOWSPopular acts including

Everclear, Live, Filter andSponge will hit the BrightHouse Amphitheatre stage at7 p.m. June 30 during the“JBL presents: SummerlandTour 2013.” More informa-tion: www.bakersfield-amphitheatre.us

BAKERSFIELD MUSEUMOF ART

The museum’s Visual ArtsFestival 2013 will run untilSept. 1 with the theme “LostBut Not Forgotten.” Pay avisit. For the kids, the muse-um offers a summer educa-tion program.

JOIN THE BANDHome to Korn, Buck

Owen and Merle Haggard,Bakersfield breeds someincredible musicians. Checkout some local bands playingnear you. Enjoy live music cir-

cled around the giant fountainat The Marketplace on MingAvenue. July shows includeThee Majestics, Triple Threatand Fat Daddy Blues Band.

ART CLASSThe Bakersfield Art Asso-

ciation hosts workshops tohelp develop your skills. Forthe kids, try the Children’s ArtInstitute at Cal State Bakers-field, which runs through July11.

KERN COUNTY MUSEUMThe museum is open

throughout the summer,including tours of PioneerVillage and the Black andGold exhibit, and the collec-tions.

For the kids,familySPRAY PARKS

No fewer than eight sprayparks are open for your little

ones from 12 to 7 p.m. sevendays a week until Sept. 2.More information: 326-FUNN.

BROADWAY IN BAKERSFIELD

Our local theaters aregems that offer live entertain-ment throughout the sum-mer. Check out “Rosedale” atGaslight Melodrama Theatre,starting July 26, which is saidto be like “‘Dallas,’ but fun-nier.” Stars Theatre will show“Monty Python’s Spamalot”from July 5 to 27. Check outother local theaters, like TheEmpty Space, for even more.

GO HOLLYWOODDisney Pixar’s “Brave”

will be shown July 26 atBright House NetworksAmphitheatre, at The Park atRiver Walk. It starts at dusk.Best of all, it’s free! Maya Cin-emas also features classicfilms during the “Kids Sum-mer Film Festival,” like“Goonies” and “Wizard of

OZ.” Admission is $1, and soare hot dogs and popcorn.

COLOR ME MINEMake your own master-

piece at this paint-it-yourselfceramics studio at The Mar-ketplace on Ming Avenue. Noexperience necessary. Andwhat you paint, you get tokeep.

HOMETOWN BASEBALLWatch the Bakersfield

Blaze minor league team livethroughout the summer. Julypromotions include fireworksshows (4 and 5), license plategiveaway (6) and “thirstyThursday” (18).

TWILIGHT AT CALMLearn about mammals,

birds of prey or reptiles onSaturdays night during thesummer at California LivingMuseum, at 10500 Alfred Har-rell Highway (between LakeMing and Hart Park). Twilight




Bakersfield has no fewer than eight sprayparks, including this one at Casa Loma Park. P

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at CALM includes an hour-longpresentation, kiddie train rides anda scenic walk. More information:www.calmzoo.org or 872-2256.

BUENA VISTA MUSEUMThe museum features artifacts

and animals of our area. Tours,paleontologist digs and sciencesummer camps for kids are avail-able. The First Saturday of eachmonth is “family day” — $20.00 fortwo adults and up to 6 children.

FIREWORKSEnjoy one of several fireworks

shows to celebrate our independ-ence, including at Bakersfield Col-lege for the first time in years. Orbuy your own fireworks at any ofthe dozens of firework standsaround town, and give back to ahosting charity while you’re at it. The 4th of July parade in Westchester has become a popular neighborhood event. P

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Most importantly, celebrate safely.

BUGSEUMThough the Insect Lore’s Bugseum in

technically in Shafter, Bakersfield’snorthwest side of town practically isattached to it. So why not visit this liveinsect museum for a family getaway? Theexhibit houses butterflies, ladybugs antsand other interesting and exotic insects.

PARADE!Celebrate the 4th with a parade. The

Westchester neighborhood in downtownBakersfield annually hosts a parade. Andthe City of Bakersfield, as of early June,had plans for one at The Park At River-walk.

For the grownupsGO CLUBBING

Get funky at one of the swankiestclubs in town, playing top 40 hits —Prospect Lounge in The Padre Hotel.

KARAOKESing along to your favorite hits with

friends at one of dozens of hot spots intown. Try The Prime Cut, Rockstarz orTrouts, or check Thursday’s Eye Street inThe Bakersfield Californian for listings.

DANCE, DANCELearn to ballroom dancing, tango,

swing or line dance in North of the RiverRecreation and Park District summerclasses. More information: norfun.org.

WINE TASTELocal wine shops, such as Imbibe

Wine and Spirits Merchant, offer a vastselection of wines from Californian andaround the world. Give it a try.

TAKE A “STAYCATION”Tired of your home but don’t want to

leave Bakersfield? Ditch the kids andconsider a romantic night getaway bystaying in one of our several hotels, suchas the Padre. Want to involve the kids?Head over to Lake Ming or Buena VistaLake for wakeboarding or a nice boatride. Or consider renting some horsesand explore some trails near the KernRiver.


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and/or refinancing primary residences, secondand/or vacation homes, investment (rental) proper-ties from one to four units.

Why you should choose us: We are the sev-enth largest local mortgage banker that you can sitdown with and discuss your current situation andoptions from a personal perspective.

Awards/Recognition: Bakersfield’s Best Mort-gage Company for The Bakersfield Californian’sReaders’ Choice Poll in 2012, Affiliate of the Year forBakersfield Association of Realtors, Greater Bakers-field Chamber of Commerce Leadership Graduate.

Professionally proud: We set out to changewhat people thought about professionals in ourindustry with a different approach to how we buildrelationships with our clients.

Greatest personal achievement: Marrying

the love of my life and blending seven children whohave grown to give us almost seven grandchildren(our seventh is due in November).

How family has influenced me:Our familyhas helped me stay focused on the fact we are in thepeople business — we just happen to do loans.

Hobbies: Spending time with my kids andgrandkids, barbecues, Harley Davidson andNASCAR.

What sets me apart: The fact that when wemeet or talk with people, their goals and objectivesare primary in the information we share and theoptions we discuss.

Charitable work: Cooks from the Valley (travelall over the world and cook steaks for the military),Wounded Heros Fund, Golden Empire Gleaners andMendiburu Magic Foundation.

Piece of advice I live by: Trust God and fami-ly is always first.

Agape Mortgage

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661-324-2427

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Sierra Pacific MortgageCompany, Inc. dbaAgape Mortgage.

License by the Depart-ment of Corporationsunder the CaliforniaResidential MortgageLending ActLicense #8171169Branch NMLS #354349

Mike George,Mortgage BankerNMLS #226626


My mission:Kathy Breeding: To not just sell a home, but to

assist my clients in finding the perfect home forthem in a friendly and professional manner, always!How I handle the current housing market:

Annette Anello: I take one day at a time withpatience and always a smile. I do a lot of listening, aswell as reassuring prospective buyers with all theirconcerns and questions.Why you should choose me:

Annette Anello: I am a very dedicated individ-ual who truly cares about my clients all the waythrough the transaction. I am always reachable, andI will be there from the beginning stages of con-struction to the very end when I hand over the keysto your new home. I am also available to my buyerseven after they close escrow. I believe in Castle &Cooke completely, and the product that we deliver.Castle & Cooke is an awesome builder.How family has influenced me:

Annette Anello:My family has influenced meby always being there to listen and to remind methat I am very good at what I do, and I can do any-

thing that I set my mind to. They believe in me,which helps me to believe in myself.

Maddy George:My grandparents came fromEurope and started a successful farming business inthe early 1900s. I received my good working ethicsfrom my grandparents and parents.

Kathy Breeding:My immediate and extendedfamily is full of love and laughter, and make eachday something to look forward to. Unconditionallove for each other.What sets me apart from others in my profession:

Annette Anello: I am a very dedicated, loyal andprofessional person. I feel each client is just asimportant as the next. I treat my clients with theutmost respect. I treat them the way I want to betreated. I want to build lifelong relationships, and letthem know that I am here for them.

Maddy George:Good old fashion customerservice: return phone calls, answer emails and pro-vide answers to their many questions.

Kathy Breeding: That there is no other me …we are all unique.

Castle & Cooke

Contact Information

664-6500

10000 Stockdale Highway

CastleCookeHomes.com

CA DRE# 01254164

From left: AnnetteAnello, KathyBreeding andMaddy George


Years in business:Cornerstone Mortgage is alocally-owned and operated company with morethan 25 years of experience in the lending industry.

Services offered:We offer a variety of loanproducts to fit our client’s specific needs. Each clientis different and their lifestyles require special plan-ning. We are dedicated to helping our clients choosethe right loan to achieve future financial success ontheir real estate investment.

We specialize in:Home loan financing offer-ing Conventional, Jumbo Loans, FHA, VA and USDAfor purchase money, and mortgage refinancing ofprimary residence or investment property, includingseveral first-time home buyer loans with little to nodown payment. We have a friendly and dedicatedteam of loan specialists who are well-versed andready to discuss all financing options to fit the indi-vidual needs of all of our clients.

Mission:We seek to provide our clients with astress-free experience and get loans processed andapproved in a timely manner. We also provide pre-qualification letters if you are in the early stages ofhome shopping. Whether you are purchasing yourfirst home, or seeking a better interest rate on a cur-rent loan.

Why you should choose us:CornerstoneMortgage is determined to set ourselves apart bybringing it back to the basics, “Do as we say, and saywhat we will do.” With our combined experience, weknow how important the lender and client relation-ship is. We have four simple principles: commit, fol-low up, follow through and close.

Come to the professionals at Cornerstone Mort-gage for a consultation, and explore all the creativeoptions that are available for your mortgage andlending needs.

Cornerstone MortgageContact Information

370-0600

200 New Stine Road,Suite 115

csmbakersfield.com

Sierra Pacific MortgageCompany, Inc. DBACornerstone MortgageDOCCRMLA license#8171199

Branch NMLS# 259310

90 Bakersfield Life Magazine July 201390 Bakersfield Life Magazine July 2013

bakersfieldlife.com 91bakersfieldlife.com 91bakersfieldlife.com 91

• 3 Dimensional Designing • Full Service Remodels • Cabinetry • Countertops / Backslash • Flooring – Tile / Hardwood

Alex and Beth Otten have lived in their home in the Rosedale area since 1995 and raised their four children there. Alex is the owner of Otten Ag Enterprises, Inc, specializing in providing feed products to the dairy industry. Beth is a stay-at-home mom, who also substitute teaches at Stockdale Christian School, and caters with Kathy Crettol Catering.

The kitchen in our home wasn’t going to last forever and was in need of some major upgrades. Beth was always so patient with the kitchen the way it was, but with 25 year old cabinets, four different brands of appliances in three colors it was time! They had considered a remodel a couple of years before but the timing wasn’t right. At the beginning of this year, they rekindled their plans for a kitchen remodel and met with Rick Sorci, owner of Stockdale Kitchen and Bath.

Right from the start we developed a very open, easy and comfortable relationship with Rick. He made it clear from the outset that the Stockdale Kitchen & Bath team would do everything in their power to present a finished product Stockdale would be proud of and we would be happy with. Rick stressed that this would only happen if we maintained

an open line of communication and always “returned phone calls.”

Although we had a basic idea of some of the changes we wanted to incorporate in the kitchen, Rick gave us numerous ideas of ways to make the kitchen more functional, efficient and beautiful. He designed a beautiful set of cabinets and the use of space is amazing! Rick was also very open to our ideas and was always willing to consider them. We were also appreciative of Stockdale Kitchen’s flexibility and willingness to change things as we ran into the unexpected. Also, as with most remodels, the project grew as we went along and the Stockdale team willingly changed the plans to incorporate the expanded project and their additional charges were always fair.

We have now been able to enjoy our beautiful new kitchen for several weeks and we are extremely pleased with how everything turned out. Our friends and family have also been very complimentary of our new kitchen. We thank Rick and his team at Stockdale Kitchen and Bath for delivering on their promise - they presented us with a kitchen that they can be proud of and we are very happy with!

Alex and Beth Otten

“My work is my passion.”

Otten Project Notes • Two-tone cabinets with a big island • Tile that looks like hardwood flooring • 48” Thermador Range • Custom Hood with tile picture frame backsplash • Granite countertops

- Rick Sorci

Summers in Bakersfield are known for heat — andbaseball. Little league games, city softball leaguesand the minor-league Bakersfield Blaze help keepAmerica’s pastime alive in town this time of year. Add one more to the list. The Bakersfield Sound —

the city’s first and only wood bat collegiate team — is mak-

ing a home run with locals.

The name of the team, of course, references Bakers-field’s country music roots. Team organizers hope the teambecomes a Bakersfield namesake just like music genre.

Dave Packer, team general manager, approached NickValos, now the assistant general manager, last Septemberabout building a local collegiate summer team. The ideawas to build one that also served as “a community organiza-tion with the intent of creating a staple in the Bakersfieldcommunity,” said Valos said.

Packer wanted to provide clean summer family fun and asuccessful internship program while also establishing a part-nership with local nonprofits and businesses for futuregrowth, Valos said.

In preparation for the team’s start, Packer hosted apoker tournament fundraiser in January. It was a success,but Valos knew a lot of work was still ahead: filling the teamroster, ordering uniforms and paying league fees with onlyfive months until the opening of the season.

THE ‘SOUND’ OF BASEBALL

By Gabriel Ramirez Photos by Casey Christie

Starting pitcher Chad Bennett throws againstthe Santa Paula Halos during a recent gameat Bakersfield Christian High School.

New summer collegiate team — Bakersfield Sound — hopes to playright tune for baseball fans


Bakersfield Sound shortstop Greg Younger makes a play againstthe Santa Paula Halos at Bakersfield Christian High School.

Maddox Garza, 4, listens to the playing of theNational Anthem before the game.

P A S T I M E S


With the help of an advisory team, Packer was able to gain com-munity support, and today, the team’s season is in full swing.

“This is an opportunity to keep playing against good competi-tion,” said Bakersfield Sound outfielder and Bakersfield native JordanTurner, who has played baseball for 15 years.

The team, which is part of the California Collegiate League, has 25players, 10 of whom are local collegiate players. Others are from col-leges throughout the country.

Matt Packer, for example, is a Bakersfield native and played withTaft College and Miami University.

“Being able to come home and still play baseball is what got meinterested in the team,” Packer said. “Quite simply, this sport is Amer-ica’s pastime and has always been a part of my life.”

The team is partially funded by Major League Baseball, whichValos said is a great way to get exposure for players who want to pur-sue a professional career in baseball. Valos and Packer eventuallywant to fill the team with Bakersfield players to get them more expo-sure, and give them a competitive league to play in during the sum-mer.

You can watch the team play home games at Bakersfield ChristianHigh School. For a team schedule and more information, go to bakersfieldsoundbaseball.org.

Sound player BubbyRossman, of La HabraHeights, watches a game.

FactsThe Bakersfield Soundbaseball team•The team runs an internshipprogram in partnership withCal State Bakersfield.

• The team also has a sum-mer youth baseball campthat is run by the players.

• The team partners withother local nonprofits in thecommunity and gives themfree exposure to help furthertheir causes.

• The team had close to 200people in attendance at itsinaugural game.

Interns Stephanie Nava, left, and Robert Picos give MaddoxGarza a hand during a tricycle race between innings.

Calitucky Farm is home to sheep, chickens, a rabbit, adog, a turtle, a large organic vegetable garden, and ashady little tree house. If the animals are botheredby the diesel trucks rumbling 50 feet away downRosedale Highway, they don’t show it.

All is bucolic peace at this small urban farm just outsideof the Bakersfield city limits.

Kentucky natives Steve and Missi Miniard moved to Bak-ersfield 12 years ago. For a while they were content with sub-urban life in their housing development, but as their children,Miles and Olivia, grew older, they found themselves wantingto keep the spirit of Kentucky alive in their California-born

children. “We wanted to go back to our roots, to do what our family

did in the past,” Missi said. She had fond memories of her childhood on her granny’s

property in rural Kentucky. “She had a big garden and chickens running around. I

wanted that for the kids,” she said. “I wanted them to knowwhere food comes from.”

So last year, the Miniards moved to an old ranch housewith a large, expansive lawn and horse corral. When their lastbox was unpacked in July of 2012, Calitucky Farm was born.

Once they broke ground on the garden, Missi set the goalof growing and harvesting 500 pounds of organically grownfood in a year. And the couple decided to record theirprogress on their website — calituckyfarm.com. It started outas a way to keep family and friends informed of theirprogress, but it has become quite popular, with readers repre-senting 15 different countries.

“When people go to our blog, I hope they don’t expect,‘Hey, this is how you do it, and everything is sunshine and lol-lipops’,” Steve explained. “We adopt the motto from (the tele-vision show) Mythbusters: ‘Failure is always an option’.”

The past year certainly has brought its fair share of failure,along with success. Last summer, Missi and her mother,Sharon, spent three days in the summer heat building raisedbeds for the garden. They added dirt to the boxes, and thefamily tended the crops diligently, only to find out that theplants sown directly in the ground were faring much betterthan those in the boxes. And so began the process of takingapart the raised beds and tilling the ground.

Then there were the chickens. The family was given six chickens from their friend and

chicken expert, the late Don Gutierrez. On the chickens’ firstmorning, the Miniards fed them, made sure they were snugin their coop and went to work. They returned that afternoonto find one chicken cowering in the trees. Their extremelydocile dog — a pet who barks a few times a year and lets therabbit jump on him while he dozes — had broken into thecoop and killed five of the chickens. One of them he ate, andthe rest he buried in the yard as snacks for later.

The chickens now live in a heavily fortified coop with aprotected run around the perimeter of the garden. Nick-named “the chunnel,” the chicken run helps prevent weeds

By Kelly Damian Photos by Aaron Ruth

Bluegrass State natives run organic family farm for world to see

A PIECE OF KENTUCKYIN BAKERSFIELD

H O M E A N D G A R D E N

Kentucky natives Steve and Missi Miniard wantedto share farm life with their California-born children, Miles and Olivia.


The world reads about their farming successesand failures on calituckyfarm.com.


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and pests from invading the garden.Life on Calitucky Farm is a combination of daily routine and

constant experimentation. The needs of the plants and animalswake the family early in the morning and keep them busy until theend of the day. Far from feeling worn out, the Miniards are eager formore. Missi has her eyes on the next patch of grass she can convertinto garden, and Steve is planning on bringing pigs into the fold.

“We get so much satisfaction out of it,” Missi said. “That keepsus motivated.”

Calitucky Farm is home to sheep, chickens, a rabbit, adog, a turtle, a large organic vegetable garden, and ashady little tree house.

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Ken Griffey, Sr. traveled the globe during his profes-sional baseball career that spans five decades. Today,he calls Bakersfield his home. Since 2011, Griffey, Sr. — a Major League BaseballAll-Star during his playing career that also included

World Series titles with the Cincinnati Reds — has served asthe manager for Bakersfield’s minor league baseball team, theBlaze.

His family includes numerous athletes, none morefamous than Major League Baseball All-Star Ken Griffey, Jr.The two have played together on the same professional team.

Griffey, Sr. shared a bit of what he’s learned about Bakers-field since he’s been here.

Hometown: Donora, Penn.Family: Three boys and three girls, 15 grandkids and 1

great-grandkidInteresting fact: Most folks don’t know my first name is

George — George Kenneth Griffey.My Bakersfield impressions:Without getting into any

specifics, let’s say that what I heard and what I’ve seen havebeen very different, and what I’ve seen has been far betterthan what I heard.

What surprises me most about Bakersfield com-pared to other places I have lived: I have never seen thismany oil pumps in one place.

My neighborhood: I live in northern Oildale, which ismostly new apartments — another part of Bakersfield that’spretty different than people think.

How I relax in Bakersfield:The baseball team gets oneday off every two weeks or so, and I’m pretty exhausted bythen. I like to relax at home with the air conditioner on,

watching some television. When my wife and grandson gethere on vacation, the little guy will drag me out of the home.

Where you will usually find me eating lunch or din-ner:Mostly at the ballpark, but when I can get out, I likeFamous Dave’s and Black Angus Steakhouse; Cataldo’s Pizzamakes some amazing wings.

What I enjoy most about living here: I love being apart of this baseball team. Going to the ballpark is the bestpart of every day, and Bakersfield is very fortunate to have aminor league team.

Bakersfield is famous for: Country music! Our hittingcoach tells me that one of the Bush families lived here, too.

Favorite community event:We visited a senior center in2011 that was a wonderful experience for me, getting to chatwith some amazing people. We also have Goodwill Wednes-days at the park where the team collects donation items.

The positive list I think Bakersfield would ranknear the top: I’d have to say the food selection. There aresome great restaurants here and a crazy number of choices.

My favorite Saturday activity: I haven’t had a Satur-day off work since 1969!

When I want to get out of town, I go to: Yosemite.It’s not that far, either. I went up there with our pitchingcoach and clubhouse attendant back in 2011 for a day-tripand had a fantastic time.

Perfect date night in Bakersfield: A nice steak dinnerand a movie. It doesn’t get much better than that.

— Do you know someone from outside of Bakersfield whonow calls Bakersfield home, has chosen to stay in Bakersfieldabove anywhere else, or returned here after living away, and isproud of it? Please let us know. Email us a name and contactinformation to [email protected] with the mes-sage subject line: Why I Live Here.

Compiled by Bakersfield Life Magazine

KEN GRIFFEY, SR.

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Ken Griffey, Sr., manager for the Bakersfield Blaze,has called Bakersfield his home since 2011.

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How many years have you worked at Premier Realty? 20 + years

Why do you enjoy working at Premier Realty? I enjoy working at Premier Realty because they believe “family” comes first. This is a belief shared by everyone at Premier and you can feel the warm welcome when you walk through the doors. In today’s challenging real estate market, I enjoy working in an office of Realtors where everyone comes together to share their experience to insure you’re at the top of your game and truly care about one another and their success. Adoree and Joe Roberson have built their family business using the same high professional and ethical standards I value and expect from myself. From the first day I walked through the doors at Premier Realty, I knew this is where I should be and have never doubted that decision.

What makes Premier Realty stand out from other brokers? That Premier Realty is locally owned by a family who has called Bakersfield their home for generations and has stayed strong leaders in the real estate market and active contributors to the community.


In the early 1900s, Bakersfield was growing up. In 1910, the Lakeview Gusher near Maricopa, the largestrecorded oil strike in U.S. history, brought internationalattention to Kern County. The climate and soil of the SanJoaquin Valley was pulling ranchers and farmers into the

county. Downtown Bakersfield was experiencing a burst inconstruction as new money flowed into the city.

Bakersfield was growing up, and the city needed a college. The 1907 Upward Extension Act gave local high schools in

California permission to provide the first two years of univer-sity instruction. Talk of creating a junior college in Bakersfield

By Ken Hooper

A ‘GOOD NUCLEUS’ TOSTART BAKERSFIELD’SFIRST COLLEGEBakersfield Junior College began with13 students in September 1913

The Bakersfield College campusunder construction, circa 1956.

H I S T O R Y

The Kern County courthouse, built in1896, was unsuccessfully targeted to bethe first Bakersfield College campus.

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first arose in 1911 when the old Kern County Court House, whichwas built in 1896 on Truxtun and Chester avenues, was to be replacedby a modern courthouse built across the street.

The Bakersfield Californian editorial on Aug. 18, 1911 advocatedfor the old courthouse to be sold to the City of Bakersfield for use as acity hall instead of new college campus. The need for a consolidated“civic center” near the newly constructed Hall of Records and the newcourthouse outweighed the need for a home for the yet unfoundedBakersfield Junior College.

The civic center plan moved forward and the old courthouse was

converted to Bakersfield’s City Hall until its demolition following theearthquake of 1952.

Without the old courthouse to serve as a site, it was decided tocharter the college on the campus of Kern County High School, nowBakersfield High School. G.C. Carlisle, Kern County’s assistant super-intendent for public instruction, stated in August 1911 that the pur-pose of forming a junior college “is primarily for those who do not


The Commercial Building was the first building onKern County High School’s campus in 1895, andwas torn down in 1936. P

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Kern Veterans Oral History ProjectSponsored by the Kern County Historical Society, the Kernveterans oral history project started in the fall of 2012 at theKGET-TV 17 studios. The interviews are conducted by trainedvolunteers at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on the second floor studioevery Wednesday starting in the fall. The goal is three-fold:

• Ask the veterans of Kern County to share the stories oftheir service to our country. Regardless of conflict, branch orservice, or length of service, any stories that former servicemen and women are willing to share, we are willing to listen.

• Make the interviews available on the internet. The inter-views come under the copyright protection of the Kern Coun-ty Historical Society, a registered nonprofit organization.

• The Library of Congress is gathering thousands ofinterviews to keep the history of America alive. We want tomake sure the Kern County veterans are represented.

To schedule an interview, email the Kern County HistoricalSociety at [email protected].

For more information on historical society membership andprograms, visit kchistoricalsociety.org


have the opportunity to take advantage of a college or univer-sity training.”

For potential college students living in Kern County, thenearest universities were the private Stanford University andthe public University of California, both of which were in theBay Area nearly 300 miles away.

In 1913, the newly appointed principal of Kern CountyHigh School, Dr. B.S. Gowen, also oversaw the newly estab-lished junior college and made plans for the installation ofcollege classes in history, science, mathematics, agriculture,surveying, teaching and many other courses usually taken byfirst- and second-year college students.

In the summer of 1913, William A. Vivian was hired toteach mathematics and Paul R. Denton was hired to teachEnglish and history. Both newly hired teachers saw duty inthe high school and college classrooms. As the fall term of1913 approached and students enrolled, Kern County Super-intendent of Schools R.L. Stockton stated, “We are assured agood nucleus with which to start the junior college when thefall term begins.”

Thirteen students entered Bakersfield Junior College inSeptember of 1913. Enrollment by 1916 would grow to 30 stu-dents, and 57 students would enroll by 1920.

It wasn’t until the spring break of 1956 that BakersfieldCollege left the campus of Bakersfield High School for its newhome on the hill in east Bakersfield. The junior college build-ing was renamed Warren Hall, in honor of former Californiagovernor and chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, andalumnus of Kern County High School, Earl Warren.

Currently, 117 junior colleges are in California in 72 com-munity college districts. As Bakersfield College celebrates its100th anniversary this year, it has the distinction of being thesecond junior college established in California, with morethan 17,000 students in attendance.

— Ken Hooper is a history and archiving teacher at Bak-ersfield High School. He is the past-president of the KernCounty Historical Society and the current historian for theKern Veteran’s Memorial Foundation.

The campus center on the newly-openedBakersfield College campus in 1956.


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This fall, many local high school graduates will head offto college. They will embark upon the next greatadventure in education. Three hard-working local students will be taking theiradventures to another level after earning nominations

to the nation’s most prestigious military academies.

The three are among eight nominated by CongressmanKevin McCarthy from California’s 23rd Congressional District.They were welcomed recently by McCarthy at a meet and greetat his Bakersfield office. The other five nominees are from out-side of Bakersfield but in McCarthy’s district.

Each year, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, U.S. AirForce Academy, U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis and the U.S.Merchant Marine Academy fill their freshmen classes with stu-dents nominated by members of Congressand the ExecutiveOffice of the President. Competition for the limited number ofnominations is stiff, and in addition to receiving the nod, stu-dents must still meet the academic and physical requirementfor admission to the academies, which are some of the strictestof any universities in the nation.

“There are going to be challenges along the way, but youare going to get the highest quality of education,” saidMcCarthy. “You are going to get morals and character different

than anybody in your age group.”While the goal of the federal service academies is to train

the future leaders of the nation’s military, students willemerge, after four years, with a bachelor’s degree just like tra-ditional universities.

Additionally, students don’t pay tuition in academies. Butstudents must commit to a length of service in the military, orthe U.S. Merchant Fleet for Merchant Marine Academy stu-dents.

“It’s our way of investing in our best and brightest,”McCarthy said.

Heading off to college can be stressful for both parents andstudents, many who will be away from home for the first timein their lives.

“Don’t think it’s not going to be a struggle,” McCarthyadvised. “If it wasn’t a struggle, it wouldn’t be worth doing it ...But just remember you have a big support group, and we willbe here for you every step of the way.”

This year, Bakersfield nominees are:

Bryan BumgarnerU.S. Merchant Marine Academy

As a freshman at Highland High, Bryan Bumgarner didn’tput attending college high on his list of priorities. It was, how-ever, high on his mother, Sonya’s, list.

“He kept telling me, ‘I want to be a Marine. I just want tobe a grunt marine’,” she said. “I told him, ‘You can be aMarine, but you have to go to school first’.”

His parents took him to McCarthy’s 2009 academy nighthoping to spark his interest. That’s where Bryan took notice ofthe U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

Over the next few years, Bryan focused on high school andHighland’s swim team. Then early in his senior year, Bryan

SELECTED TO SERVEThree local students tapped by Congressman Kevin McCarthy to attendtop military academies

Story and photo by Gregory D. Cook

From left: Local students Andrew Daughtery, Bryan Bumgarner and NatrelleDemison attend a meet-and-greet with Congressman Kevin McCarthyrecently. The three were nominated to attend U.S military academies.

O U R T O W N

received a letter from one of the academy’s swim coaches.The Merchant Marine Academy differs slightly from other

academies in that one school year will be spent as a midship-man, aboard ships in the U.S. Merchant Fleet.

Bryan will be one of just 250 freshmen starting at the U.S.Merchant Marine Academy this year, and he plans to major inengineering. After graduating, he will have the option of serv-ing his commitment in any of the branches of the military orwith the U.S. Merchant Fleet.

Andrew DaughteryU.S. Air Force Academy

Centennial High wide receiver Andrew Daughtery wasscouted by several big-name universities, but it took only avisit to the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Colorado Springs cam-pus to make up his mind.

“They contacted me first, purely from a football stand-point,” Andrew said. “And then we took a trip out there tovisit the campus and just fell in love with it.”

By virtue of father Glenn Daughtery’s 27 years of servicein the U.S. Navy, Andrew was able to apply for one of only 100nominations to academies available through the ExecutiveOffice of the President.

Andrew may soon be playing Division I football for AirForce, but he will be aiming a little higher than the gridiron

when it comes down to a career. “I’m looking to be a pilot of some sort,” he said.

Natrelle “Chewie” DemisonU.S. Air Force Academy

Natrelle Demison’s road to the U.S. Air Force Academyhas had more than its fair share of hurdles. During his junioryear, the Bakersfield High student’s family went through apainful and messy divorce. The emotional strain caused hisgrades to suffer, threatening the champion wrestler’s chancesto attend any university.

“It was horrible. We gave up our house, moved and wewere the court system for what seemed like forever,” saidDanielle Demison, Natrelle’s mother. “And Chewie has foughtback from everything. I’m the proudest a parent could everbe of him.”

Natrelle’s older brother serves in the U.S. Navy, and whenthe U.S. Air Force Academy contacted him with interest abouthaving him on their wrestling team, he jumped at the chance.

“I feel honored. It’s such a great opportunity,” he said. “Iknow I have a really great future ahead of me, and it’s going tobe hard, but I can do it.”

Natrelle plans to major in meteorology or civil engineer-ing and wants to become a combat weather after the acade-my, or a pilot.


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Ethel’s Old Corral Café is a unique fixture to Bakers-field, known for its food and live country music. Butit’s also known for what you’ll see as you pass by thecafe on Alfred Harrell Highway — a 25-foot statue of aNative American.

So why exactly is there a giant fiberglass Indian ready togreet you as you drive by?

“The Indian is a city landmark,” said Ken Barnes, the orig-inal statue owner.

Today, the Indian is a staple to Ethel’s with an interestinghistory in our community.

‘MUFFLER MAN’ MARKETINGIn the mid-1960s, Barnes, owner of Barnes Big O Tires,

was looking for an eye-catching marketing piece to help pro-mote Mohawk brand tires. It was at that time that Bakers-field’s “muffler man,” as Barnes was named, came to town.Purchased for $1,400, the “big Indian,” as it was often referredto then, was placed on Garces Circle, where it was inevitablynoticed by all of Bakersfield.

“Sometimes, I would even come to work in the morningand find arrows shot in the statue,” says Barnes.

Throughout the 1960s and mid-1970s, the statue attractedmany visitors who would stop to gaze at the giant, and it

By Kaelyn De Leon

From the Garces Circle to Alfred Harrell Highway, big statue is now a staple in Bakersfield

‘THE INDIAN ON THE CIRCLE’

The “big Indian” stands tall and proudwith Old Glory at Ethel’s Old Corral Cafe.

C O M M U N I T Y

The owners of Ethel’s refurbished the “big Indian” when it was moved to the cafe in 2001.

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became part of Bakersfield life. But in the 1970s, Barnes sold the tirebusiness, and with the business went the big Indian.

After about 20 years in storage, the statue resurfaced as the Stan-dard Middle School Warriors mascot. When it retired as a mascot,Barnes was shocked to find where it went next.

“My son, a deputy Sheriff, called me and said, ‘Dad, you will notbelieve what I am looking at in the backyard of a home in Oildale’.”

Once again, the “muffler man” was back.

‘INDIAN ON THE CIRCLE’In 2001, the statue was moved to its current home, Ethel’s Old

Corral Café, by then-owners Tommy and Donna Chisum. TheChisums completely refurbished the Indian with a new paint job andfiberglass exterior. It was then placed atop a cement platform andrenamed “The Indian on the Circle” to honor the statue’s origins.

Donna Chisum is the daughter of original café owner Ethel Bee-son, who ran the café from 1962 to the time of her death in 1996. Ethelwas known to be the sassy lady who ran a great restaurant, leavingmany to begin calling the Old Corral Café as “Ethel’s.” It wasn’t untilcurrent owner Natalie Mears began running the café that the restau-rant’s name was legally changed to honor Ethel.

Mears felt it necessary to preserve not only Ethel’s history, but alsothe history of the “Indian on the Circle.” Today, the statue stands onbricks that visitors have engraved with the names of loved ones, orother memories.

“We love having him here,” Mears said. “Rather than throw awayhistory, we would rather preserve it.”

She continued: “I love the Indian and would never part with him.It’s history of Bakersfield, and now Ethel’s.”

It’s safe say that the statue isn’t going anywhere soon. Instead, itwill stand tall on the side of Alfred Harrell Highway where it waves tothe community it calls home.


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In the years following World War II, America flocked to thesuburbs, where they could live in quiet neighborhoods,removed from hustle and bustle of the city. But for a growing number of today’s young professionals,including the residents of the nine loft apartments mak-

ing up the “1612 City Lofts” project, downtown living is mak-ing a comeback.

The lofts are on the second floor of the historic Hay Build-ing on 19th Street, which is one of the centerpieces of down-town’s continuing revitalization. The building was construct-ed in 1896.

“The Dinkelspiel brothers from San Francisco built it andwas a house upstairs,” said Eydie Gibson of the 19th and “I”Investment Group, who owns the building and is managing itsrenovations. “So really, we are just returning it back to itsroots.”

MODERN WITH THE OLDThe building is being renovated as a multiple-use build-

ing. Several businesses, including two art galleries, occupy thestreet level, and the residences are upstairs.

Preserving a building over a century old is expensive andhard work, but for Gibson and her partner Eric Jencks, demo-lition was never really an option.

“People worry about spending money retrofitting an old

THE DOWNTOWNLIFESTYLEResidents of new 1612 City Lofts experi-ence downtown living at its finest

By Gregory D. Cook

N E I G H B O R H O O D S P O T L I G H T

Where possible, the building's original 18-inchthick brick walls have been preserved andintegrated into the decor of 1612 City Lofts.

With open floor plans and modern fixtures, 1612City Lofts blends the modern with the historic.

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building, but look what it would cost to replace it,” Gibson said. “So we try to blend themodern with the old, and our craftsmen have done a real artful job of it.”

Where possible, the building’s original 1890s brick work has been preserved andused as the basis of the decor in many of the lofts.

“I can’t tell you how hard Eric and I fought with the architects and builders to keepthem,” said Gibson. “They all said they would be more trouble than they were worth to

maintain, but we’ve had them all sealed and theywill last.”

It’s a touch that isn’t lost on people who livethere.

“I’m so happy they saved the brick,” said Cor-rine Coats, resident and local high school teacher.“The imperfections are what give it so muchcharacter and make it beautiful.”

DOWNTOWN LIFESTYLEOne of the things that drew Coats and her

neighbors to the lofts was what they call “thedowntown lifestyle.”

“I love that I can walk out my front door andgo the best restaurants in town, go to the best artgalleries in town and see the best theater intown,” she said. “Truly the best that Bakersfieldhas to offer is right outside my door.”

With so much so close, residents find them-selves walking more and using their cars less.

“It’s been about two weeks since I’ve driven my car,” said Alex Garza, a resident andsupport manager for a computer communications company. “I pretty much walk every-where.”


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1612 City Lofts, on the second floor of the HayBuilding at 19th and Eye streets, gives its residentsthe true downtown lifestyle.


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Such proximity also seems to breed a closer sense of com-munity between the residents of downtown and the business-es they frequent.

“It’s just such a neat thing to walk across the street to theflower shop and have them know me,” Coats said. “It’s such alocal experience it makes; it’s just a different kind of lifestyle.”

Local realtor Adam Belter, who also lives in the lofts, is a

downtown lifestyle veteran and loves it. He lived in downtownSanta Barbara.

“When I moved back here and saw downtown going in apositive direction, I knew I wanted to be a part of it,” he said.

The downtown lifestyle seems to appeal to Bakersfield’syoung professionals who find themselves leaving the suburbsand creating a new downtown community.

“We’re all from different socioeconomic backgrounds,and we all get along because we like downtown,” said Belter.

BREATHING NEW LIFEAbout the only thing residents are missing in the down-

town area is a grocery store, something residents hope willcome soon.

Gibson envisions one day to have weekly farmers marketswithin walking distance of the lofts, as well as more commu-nity events for the area.

The goal of projects like 1612 City Lofts is to continue tobreathe new life into Bakersfield’s downtown, by breeding abusiness district and a neighborhood as well. If people callthe area home, Gisbon said, they will care more about thearea, and it will flourish and grow.

In the future, Gibson and Jencks hope to undertake moreprojects similar to the 1612 City Lofts and allow even morepeople to experience the downtown lifestyle.


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... ARE ARTISTS

Art can boost self-esteems,spark creativity within youth,and even be a cure for anxiety.

That’s according to these four localguys, who for years have been staples inthe local art scene. Learn more abouttheir work here.

ALBERTO HERRERAAlberto, 60, is an art teacher at Fruit-

vale Junior High and works with migrantchildren who don’t have the opportunityto receive art education in the summer.

How did you get started in art? Istared getting anxiety attacks at the ageof five. I remember my mother holdingme and massaging my hands and com-forting me until my attacks would sub-side. One day, while having one of myattacks, she handed me a crayon andsome newspaper as she guided mytrembling hand. I frantically starteddrawing, trying to escape my fear. Fromthat day on, whenever I would feel anattack approaching, I would draw. As Ireflect, my anxiety attacks have been ablessing. To this day, I am grateful to myloving mother for stepping in and guid-ing me in this direction.

What’s special about the local artscene? The art district here in townoffers many venues for any artist to par-ticipate. I am a three-time “best ofshow” winner in the Latination show,put on at the Metro Galleries every year.Every artist I meet, I encourage to visitand explore the art district. Any artistcan set up an easel on First Friday and

showcase their work. The local art sceneis alive and in full swing.

Where do you find your inspira-tion? My inspiration is an everydayoccurrence. Painting is a way of life forme. My mother’s praise, whenever I didsomething creative, has stayed with meto this day.

Where can we find your artwork?You can find my artwork at Kuka’s in thearts district. Late last year, Kaiser Perma-nente purchased four of my paintingsthat now hang in their downtownoffices. Also, (my work is) in the homes

of many private collectors.What do you want others to take

away from your work? I want others tofeel a sense of curiosity and whimsy as Ifeel, either with the subject or with thecolors I choose.

JESUS FIDELJesus, 30, has been the director of The

Empty Space Gallery for three years nowand has curated more than 35 art shows.

How did you get started in art?When I was in the first grade, my mom

Compiled by Andrea Vega Photos by Mark Nessia

Alberto Herrera

These four share theirlove of art with students,community

G U Y S W H O …


sat me down and taught me how to draw a really cool island withpalm trees and waves and a giant sunset in the background. I creat-ed that drawing any chance I got. When I was around age seven, shestarted showing me how to draw flowers. She mainly only knewhow to draw her own version of a hibiscus, but she showed me howto use oil pastels to make the petals pop with color. Because ofthose small lessons, I became obsessed with painting flowers andoceans; now my versions of these have grown into my own wildstyle.

Where do you find your inspiration?Originally my love forVan Gogh helped me find my way in my techniques, which quicklystarted to develop into my own funky style. Nowadays, I find myinspiration in color. I try to choose paintings that I know I can fillwith deep colors of contrast. Using my wide-ranging pallette is anoutlet to express myself, whether I’m feeling happy, sad or angry.

What is your favorite subject to paint?Oceans because ofthe back story. When I paint my oceans, I can completely let go. Idon’t need to do rough sketches, test my colors or worry about mycomposition. It’s like a dance between me and my brush. Whilepainting my oceans is when I’m in complete artistic bliss.

What do you enjoy the most about creating art? Art is main-ly what settles me and keeps me a good person. Before I paint, Iturn on my favorite music, light my candles, turn on my lamps,pour a glass of wine and enjoy a perfect date with my canvas.

Where can we find your artwork? In The Foundry, an artgallery on 19th and Eye streets, and at The Empty Space Gallery.Once in a blue moon I get really lucky and get invited to show ingroup exhibitions at Metro Galleries.

What do you want others to take away from yourwork?When people see my work, I want them to feel joy and hap-

Continued on page 112 Hank Washington

Jesus Fidel

piness, and I want them to see that giving on your dreams isnever an option.

HANK WASHINGTONHank, 63, is an art teacher at South High. His passion is

teaching, and he says he has the best job in the world. How long have you been making art? I can remember

my very first painting in my kindergarten class — a snowyscene. I painted the snow red and yellow, blue, green andorange. I also remember all the class laughing because theysaid snow was supposed to be white. I was painting thereflected Christmas lights as they reflected off the snow.

How did you get started in art? Three people wereinfluential in aspiring me to create art: my mother, a cousinwho was a commercial artist in New York City, and my hippyhigh school art teacher, also an artist in Manhattan.

What is your best art–related memory?During mysenior year in high school, the young lady I was dating tookme to the Museum of Modern Art in Manhattan. This was myfirst visit to the museum, and it was a birthday gift. What aday! Picasso, Dali, Matisse, Barnett Newman, Warhol, JacksonPollock all in one building!

Where do you find your inspiration? I love people! Notwo people are the same. We come in all flavors, and we allhave a story to tell — in our eyes, expression, body and man-nerisms. People inspire me! I love all the color I see when I

look at an interesting face, I love the way an aged hand looks,and wonder about all the stories and secrets it has to tell.

Where can we find your work? I have two pieces in thetraveling Art in Touch exhibition sponsored by the Arts Coun-cil of Kern. The exhibition wishes to provide a high-quality artexperience to the visually impaired and everyone else. Thisshow travels for one year throughout Kern.

What do you hope your students get out of creatingart? An appreciation for the creative process. I believe if astudent develops this understanding and appreciation forbeing creative, this carries over into their everyday life. Theprocess provides students with necessary tools like patience,goal-setting, pride in one’s self, work ethic, and the fulfill-ment that one receives with a completed task. All these toolscan now be applied to whatever path they have chosen in life.

What’s your favorite part of what you do? I believe Ihave the best job in the world. I get to be creative each andevery day.

ART SHERWYNArt, who will soon turn 63, is a retired high school teacher

and tennis instructor who has won numerous awards for hisart work. He has also authored two art books and continues toteach classes at the Bakersfield Museum of Art. Art, he says,only gets better with age.

How did you get started? In the early 1970s, I was hiredto teach at a high school even though I had very minor artteaching skills. It did not take me long to realize the magicbehind teaching art. Most of the students liked being there,the lessons learned were universal and holistic, and it was agreat place to build students’ self-esteem. I decided the artroom was where I wanted to make my career.

Where can we find your artwork? The only place tofind my artwork is at my home studio. Every couple of years, Iwill have an art show showcasing my latest works. The pres-sures of keeping pace with the art market seems to be againstthe discipline of my nature.

What do you want others to take away from yourwork? Artists are storytellers. It is my ultimate hope thatviewers of my works will initially become captivated and con-nected to the theme, message or story of the work, much likea good book draws the reader in. It is also my hope that theviewer develops a respect for the technical prowess and phys-ical process used in constructing the piece.

What do you hope your students get out of creatingart?My overall theme as a teacher has always tended toemphasize the psychic rewards art can provide. Making art isone of the all-stars when it comes to enriching one’s life. Ihope my students experienced how making art can be a valu-able way to connect time on earth with thinking creatively. Itis my hope that my teachings planted seeds for a lifetime ofchallenges and slow heartbeats.

Where do you find your inspiration? Inspiration iseverywhere you look from the land and space that surroundsus, to the beings that inhabit that space. The key for me is tokeep my eyes and options wide open and unearth inspira-tions that connect with my interests and mindset. With myart, I tend to be inspired by positive, uplifting and celebratoryviewpoints — it’s a lot easier on the soul.



Art Sherwyn


To hear Bakersfield businessman Joe Cornejo tell it, his37 years as the unofficial Budweiser ambassador forthe local Hispanic market has been an amazing jour-ney that has allowed him to meet new people, mak-ing lasting friendships and sponsor or support many

nonprofit and community events through the company hehas faithfully served.

“It has been a really good ride,” said the Kern County His-

panic Chamber of Commerce’s “businessman of the year”who kicked off his retirement this month. “But now it is timefor another chapter. I have spent so many weekends workingevents, but I don’t have to do that anymore. Now, everyday isSaturday.”

The 62-year-old Bakersfield native and Vietnam War vet-eran began his relationship with Advanced Beverage Compa-ny on a whim. He’d been selling appliances at Sears when, in1976, he applied for a job with the company.

“I applied on a Friday, and Bill Lazzerini Sr. told me toreport for work on the following Monday,” Cornejo recalls.“He said he could use someone like me because I was theonly Hispanic there at the time, so he put me on a deliverytruck.”

But he wasn’t behind thewheel for long when ownerand mentor Lazzerinitapped into Cornejo’sengaging people skills andthe enormous potential theHispanic market promised.

“Bill had a vision for theHispanic market back thenwhen he put me in the mar-keting position,” he remem-bers. “My title was ‘specialmarkets manager,’ butnobody knew what thatmeant.”

For Cornejo, it was sim-ple — connecting Hispanics

with Advanced Beverage Company.He says he was given all of the Kern County accounts with

one basic directive from Lazzerini.“Bill wanted me to go out and make friends and just get

involved,” he said. Cornejo hit the ground running and never slowed down.

In the days before cell phones and computers, it proved to bea winning formula.

“In the beginning, we had beepers, and that was it,” hesaid laughing. “Business was done the old-fashioned way. Idid everything on a handshake with sponsors. I introducedmyself as ‘Joe Cornejo with Budweiser’ and built relation-ships on that introduction and a handshake. And with thatcame loyalty.”

At one time, 87 percent of the local market sharebelonged to Budweiser.

He said he’d been with the company about 10 years whenhe knew he was in it for the long haul. Although he receivedan associate’s degree in business from Bakersfield College, hesays his best education came from marketing Bud.

“Anheuser sent me to the best marketing schools in thecountry. I don’t think college could have taught me what Ilearned going there.”

Perhaps the best piece of advice Lazzerini gave him, hesaid, was to know the people who make the decisions.

Over the years, Cornejo’s work in the community earnedhim appointments on the Comision Honorifica Mexicanaand the Kern County Fair Board and praise from his peers. In1982, he was part of Anheuser-Busch’s national Hispanic

P E R S O N A L I T Y

Joe Cornejo

JOE CORNEJORetirement refreshing for longtime businessman

By Lisa Kimble Photos by Gregory D. Cook

“Anheusersent me to thebest marketingschools in thecountry. I don’tthink collegecould havetaught me whatI learned goingthere.”

marketing team, and there were side ventures of hisown, including the purchase of a local radio station.

Five years ago, when InBEV bought Anheuser-Busch, the corporate change was felt all the waydown to the distributors. Lost in it all, Cornejo said,was the family feeling.

“I handled change for many years, and it’s timeto go,” he said. “I accomplished everything I wantedto by getting involved in community events andorganizations like soccer groups, Menudo Cook-offsand the CSUB Hispanic Excellence ScholarshipFund committee.

“The best part of all of it, and what I will miss themost, is all the wonderful nonprofit organizationsand the people I met, and the good they did for ourcommunity.”

Eventually, Cornejo and his wife Hope plan torelocate to Los Osos to be closer to their three grownsons and two grandchildren. These days, the manonce voted one of Kern County’s best dressed men,in a Bakersfield Californian poll, dresses in golf shirtsand enjoys spending time on the links — and drivinghis retirement gift, a 2013 Buick LaCrosse.

And of his retirement? “It isn’t bittersweet. It’s just real sweet!”


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Long-time friend Anthony Gonzales recounts some humorous momentsfrom Joe Cornejo’s 37 years of employment with Advance BeverageCompany at a roast to commemorate Cornejo’s retirement.


They’re the first voices we hear when we call 911,calmly communicating vital information to officers tohelp us as quickly as possible during emergencies. They’re dispatchers, and recently the Kern CountySheriff’s Office and Bakersfield Police Department

announced their dispatchers of the year. They are KyannaGarrett (KCSO) and Brandy Watts.

KYANNA GARRETT, 37, EIGHT-YEAR DISPATCHERFrom KCSO: “Kyanna goes above and beyond the call of

duty to make Kern County as safe as possible for our resi-dents and visitors ... Kyanna’s focus is always on officer andpublic safety. She is the calm voice you want on the phone orthe radio during an emergency situation.”What kind of calls do you typically get?

The majority is, unfortunately, domestic violence, proper-ty crimes and fights between families. Weekends bring a lot ofnoise complaints.

What’s the most challenging part? Missing out on family functions and holidays is difficult.

But people need help 24 hours a day, seven days a week.Another challenge is feeling helpless in many situations; youcan only hear what’s going on and try to help verbally overthe phone. You also often don’t know the outcome of the callsyou take.What is the best part?

Being able to calm down a scared juvenile or elderly per-son, offer help and resources to a victim of spousal abusewho is ready to get out. Being able to help deputies find thebad guy by supplying enough information. It’s always a goodday when our deputies go home safely.Any misconceptions about your job?

Many people have the idea that all we do is sit and answerphones. This is a high-stress position, where using the word“multitasking” is an understatement. We are the lifeline tounits in the field. What’s the most interesting call you’ve gotten?

I’ve gotten the 911 call asking how long to cook a turkeyor calling because the fast food restaurant messed up on anorder. We used to have this guy that would call and sing to us.How do you train for your job?

It is an intense training program that lasts four to ninemonths, on average. You learn more about Kern County thanyou ever knew existed: from geography to agencies, andeverything in between.

EMERGENCY DISPATCHERSBy Bakersfield Life Magazine

R E A L P E O P L E

Award-winning sheriff dispatcher Kyanna Garrett at theKern County Sheriff’s communication center.

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What happens after you finish a call?You move on to the next one. We don’t have the luxury

of walking out of the room to recuperate. Have you seen the movie “The Call” where HalleBerry plays a dispatcher?

Besides the made-for-movie ending, I thought it was anaccurate portrayal of what we do. That helpless frustrationyou feel watching, as Halle Berry can do nothing but listento the caller while staring at the computer screen, is fact.

BRANDY WATTS, 39, 13-YEAR DISPATCHERFrom BPD: “Watts is courteous and considerate with

the public, as well as fellow employees. She approacheseach call with enthusiasm and excitement, ensuring thecallers feel heard and understood ... BPD truly is a betterplace because of Watt’s hard work and enthusiasm.”Why did you decide to become a dispatcher?

Growing up, my parents instilled in me a deep abidingrespect for law enforcement. I recall being 4 or 5 years oldpretending to be a dispatcher, while the other kids playedtheir imaginary roles as officers and suspects. I would callout the crime, specifically, “a bank robbery in progress.”The idea of helping the public, being a part of the policedepartment, assisting officers, is very rewarding. What’s the most challenging part? Brandy Watts is a recent recipient of the Bakersfield

Police “dispatcher of the year” award.Continued on page 118 P

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When someone needs help, and I want to help them myself. It’sdifficult to not “feel” for another person who may be just like mewhen they call at such a vulnerable time. What is the best part of?

Being able to help the caller who has reached out, and I am theone who answered their call. Most satisfying of all, however, is whenthe entire process goes without flaw: lives are saved, officers are safeand not nice people are apprehended. Any misconceptions about your job?

On the lighter side, it’s frustrating trying to convince a caller that Iam not the officer who is responding. I cannot count the times thatsomeone has called for help, explained their needs in great detail, andthen scolded me for still being on the line and not enroute to wherethey are. What’s the most interesting call you’ve gotten?

A recent call from a bill collector who refused to believe thatthey’ve called a police department, and not someone who’s behind inhis X5 steam mop payment. Or the 911 call for more chairs at a meet-ing on the other side of town. Do you ever keep track of callers?

I am a bit of a news junkie. So through the course of keepingmyself informed, I do read about incidents. Learning the outcome ofa case often provides closure for me.— For a full Q&A with the two “dispatchers of the year,” go to Bak-

ersfieldLife.com.



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Summer can be a challenging month in Bakersfield tomaintain your fitness program. Getting in your run orride may mean rising before dawn to take advantageof the slightly cooler temperatures. However, a fewlocal events are worth getting out for a sweat:

SUMMER RUN SERIES This series of six evening runs at the California Living

Museum takes place every other Tuesday. July’s dates are July2, 16 and 30. This run is open to walkers, joggers and seriousrunners of all ages and is a 5K; it traces the edge of the KernRiver and loops back uphill to the CALM parking lot. Water-melon, served after, will never taste so sweet. More than 500runners attended the first event on June 4, and it was a fun,friendly, dusty and hot! This is a handicap event, so after thefirst run of the series, everyone will take off at their handi-capped time. Visit the Bakersfield Track Club for more details.It’s $3 for students— Sally Baker

SET FOR THE SUMMERSafe swimming tips, sizzling runs, beansalad recipe, and more

By Sally Baker and Katie Kirschenmann Photos by Sally Baker

Summer bean salad1 15-ounce can garbanzo beans, drained1 15-ounce can black beans, drained1 medium red bell pepper1 medium orange bell pepper1 bunch green onions, chopped (or red onion,if you prefer)1 8-ounce carton of shelled Edamame 1 cup fresh white corn Dressing:3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil1 tablespoons white wine vinegar3 cloves of minced garlicSalt and pepper to tasteDirections: Dress your bean salad with as

much or as little dressing as you like. Whenready to serve, cut a lemon in half, and fresh-ly squeeze it over the salad and fold it in. For a perfect summer dinner, add barbecuedchicken, cottage cheese, sliced tomatoesand a crusty baguette. — Sally Baker


F I T A N D F R E S H

Certified swim instructor Sarah Baker ishelping the Kirschenmann twins getaccustomed to being in the water.


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EDAMAME BEANSEdamame are fresh green soybeans gaining popularity

due to its health benefits, availability and versatility. Theyhave become more readily available in the grocery store, inshelled and “in the pod” forms. They are extremely versatile,easy to throw in salads and soups, or just a great snack onfrom the pod. Just a half-cup serving packs a powerful nutri-tional punch, including 8 grams of protein, 4 grams of fiber,and numerous vitamins and minerals with only 100 calories,zero cholesterol and very little sodium.

Edamame is the perfect meat alternative because they area “complete protein,” containing all of the amino acids nec-essary for a healthy diet. Try them out this summer, they real-ly are delicious.

— Sally Baker

SAFE SUMMER IN THE POOLIts summertime in Bakersfield and that means it’s time to

escape the heat. When the mercury hits triple digits, a refresh-ing dip in the pool is fun way to find relief from the summerswelter.

And swimming can be delightfully beneficial for children.Not only is swimming a fun refuge from the heat, it’s fantasticexercise as well. Hours of splashing in the pool are also hours

of quality family time. Whether you are enjoying one of Bakersfield’s many pub-

lic pools or your own backyard pool, it is extremely importantto be safe while having fun in the sun. Drowning is the sec-ond most common cause of death and injury among childrenunder the age of 14.

The best way to prevent an accident is to make sure yourchild can swim and is comfortable in and around the water.Introducing water safety early is smart. Swim lessons canbegin as early as 6 weeks of age. At 9 months old, my littlechickadees are just now beginning swim lessons with certi-fied swim instructor, Sarah Baker.

Baker’s “Mommy and Me” baby swim classes havebecome more accessible and popular in recent years. Thereare numerous classes available for participation and plenty ofprivate instructors for hire. These classes require active in-water participation from both parent and baby.

If your little one already knows how to swim, don’tassume he or she is safe in the water alone. Often, many par-ents overestimate their children’s swimming capabilities.Always vigilantly supervise your children in the pool. It isimportant to remember: if you are not looking, then you arenot watching. So, put the phone down and be alert. It onlytakes a few seconds for an accident to happen.



It’s always a good idea to enroll your experienced swim-mer in refresher classes to strengthen his or her abilities.

5 tips for pool safety:1. Always, always, always supervise! This holds true even

if you are enjoying a public pool with a lifeguard on duty, andeven if your kids are older, more proficient swimmers. Adultsupervision is a must. Put your phone down but keep it near-by in case there is an accident.

2. An oldie but a goodie: no running! Pool decks are slip-pery and usually concrete — not a good combination for lit-tle noggins.

3. If your child is just learning how to swim, make surethat flotation devices are U.S. Coast Guard approved.

4. No diving! Diving accidents can result in lifelonginjuries.

5. When the pool is not in use, make sure it is barricaded.A minimum 4-foot fence with a self-locking, self-latchinggate is recommended. Install a gate alarm inside of the houseso you can hear if the pool is being raided. An in-pool alarmisn’t a bad idea either. Pool alarms alert if someone jumps,falls or is pushed into the pool.

Local swim resources:• McMurtrey Aquatic CenterA wide range of classes available, for babies to adults.“Water Babies” class for ages 6 months to 3 years.852-7430• Bakersfield College Summer Swim and Sports CampsBC offers swimming lessons for all ages and other swim-


Children can begin swim lessonsas young as six weeks.

Dr. Jared Salvo, D.O. M.S. is pleased to announce the opening of his practice at: 5343 Truxtun Ave., Bakersfield

Specializing In: • Individual care by the physician • Heart Failure Management • Abnormal rhythms • Irregular heart beats

• Atrial fibrillation • Black Out Spells • Pacemakers/Defibrillators • Diagnosis of Palpitations

Fellow American College of Cardiology Cardiology training: UCLA

Electrophysiology training: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Clinical Research/Trails

Board Certified in Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology Board Certified in Cardiovascular Diseases

Board Certified in Nuclear Cardiology Board Certified in Internal Medicine

Dr. Jared Salvo D.O., M.S., F.A.C.C.

(661) 861-7938 Accepting Most Insurances

Please call for appointments


ming activities. The contact is Tina Cummings.395-4663• American Kids Sports CenterBaby and toddler swim classes, and free infant swim class

designed for infants 6 weeks to 6 months. Call for information. Thisclass fills up quickly.

589-2100• Bakersfield Swim AcademyFounded by a bronze medal-winning Olympian, the academy

provides instruction for the beginner to expert.“Parent and Me” class. Minimum age: 6 months.615-6530— Katie Kirschenmann

EXERCISE OF THE MONTH: BENCH DIPS, TRICEPSFind a sturdy bench or chair. With your back to the bench, bend

your legs and place your hands on the front edge of the bench. Placeyour feet in front of you, so most of your body weight is resting onyour arms. Bend your arms and slowly lower your body until yourupper arms are parallel with the floor, dropping your hips straightdown. Straighten your arms to return to the starting position. Beginwith two sets of 10, and build up to three sets of 15. Even better, incor-porate your dips within your morning walk or run, using benchesalong the bike trail or park.— Sally Baker

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the booster shots they need.

Children under the age of 2 also needup-to-date immunizations.

If you have not had your annual exam,schedule yours too!

To schedule physicals and/orimmunizations, call your child’s

Primary Care Provider (PCP) today!

Athree-hour drive southwest of Bakersfield is a townthat is a country away — or at least it appears. Solvang is officially in Santa Barbara County, but itoffers the unique taste and feel of Denmark. Fromits Danish style architecture, to its bakeries, restau-

rants and gift shops, Solvang is an escape from the normwhile also highlighting some of the best of California —wine, shopping, art, dining and family fun.

HISTORYSolvang, which is Danish for “sunny fields,” was founded

in 1911 by a group of Danish-American settlers. They bought9,000 acres of the former Rancho San Carlos de Jonata andsought to preserve their Danish culture as much as possible.

Today, Solvang is a thriving modern city — with the diver-sity of 150 restaurants, shops and art galleries, and activitiesfor all ages — while sticking with its tradition. The Scandina-vian culture can be seen throughout the Solvang’s streets.

You may have seen Solvang sights in the 2004 comedy-drama film “Sideways.” Solvang has also been named by Orb-itz Travel as one of the top five “Domestic Destinations withInternational Flair.”

SEEYour feet are all you need to explore this town’s main area

and see much of Solvang’s heritage, architecture and Danish-themed attractions. A copy of the famous Little Mermaidstatue from Copenhagen, the bust of famous Danish writerHans Christian Andersen and replica of Copenhagen’sRound Tower are all in the city center.

Besides the Danish-inspired sights, Mission Santa Ines,


A DANISH DELIGHTDenmark, modern culture meet in Solvang,just a short drive from Bakersfield

By Bakersfield Life Magazine Photos: SolvangUSA.com

Solvang’s architecture reflects its Danish roots.

T R I P P L A N N E R

Statue of HansChristianAndersen

one of the California missions, is near the center of thetown at the junction of State Route 246 and Alisal Road.

You can also see a live show at the outdoor SolvangFestival Theater (solvangfestivaltheater.org).

DOIt doesn’t take all day to stroll through all of downtown

Solvang, while stopping to enjoy the sights. Take pictures ofwindmills, Danish architecture or inside one of the guardsoutside of Solvang Inn & Cottages.

Stroll though Hans Christian Andersen Park or SunnyFields Park and bring a picnic if you please. Ride a horse-drawn wagon through town. Stop and eat a Danish pastryat one of several bakeries in town.

Shop for trinkets, Danish toys and gifts at the dozens ofquaint shops.

Learn while you’re in Solvang by visiting museums: theElverhoj Museum, former home to a Solvang family that isnow dedicated to Danish culture; the Hans ChristianAndersen Museum; or the interesting Solvang VintageMotorcycle Museum.

As for bigger events, the Danish Days annual festival,which celebrates Solvang’s heritage, is the third weekend ofevery September. The Taste of Solvang food and wine festi-val is in March.

TASTEFor breakfast, Paula’s Pancake House is essential, but

be ready for a wait. Or if you’re too hungry to wait, a hand-ful of other breakfast restaurants are ready to serve you tra-ditional American and Danish-style fare.

A stop at a bakery is a must, too: Solvang Bakery,


805-239-1668 | Appt.

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Solvang is nestled in the Santa Ynez Valley.

5025 Wible Rd (661) 833-9998

www.bakersfieldrvresort.com

BUSINESS MEETINGS?

Looking for a facility for a business meeting? The Clubhouse located inside the Bakersfield RV Resort is the ideal place for all of your business needs. With seating for 150, our full media equipped building is perfect for safety meetings, luncheons, & holiday events. Our top notched staff is well trained in handling any details you may have & the food from the Crest is always delicious. So when it comes to your business needs think of the Clubhouse inside the Bakersfield RV Resort.

Mortensen’s Danish Bakery or Birkholm’s Bakery are allfine choices.

For lunch, any of the cafes that serve breakfast also offergreat lunches. But Root 246 and Solvang Brewing Companyhave great non-Danish options, too.

For dinner, go all out at Mirabelle, a fine-dining experi-ence.

DRINKSolvang itself features a dozen or so wine-tasting rooms,

and a short drive will take you to several dozen more winer-ies in the Santa Ynez Valley (plenty of wine tours are avail-able and take off in Solvang). In the heart of town, try Lucas& Lewellen Vineyards’ award-winning wine, or at the Wan-dering Dog Wine Bar on the main strip.

If wine isn’t your thing, visit the Solvang Brewing Com-pany on Mission Drive, “where Danish tradition, craft beerand delicious food come together.”

SLEEPSolvang features more than a dozen hotels and inns in

the heart of town. For weekend stays, book early. For a more familiar night’s stay, a Holiday Inn Express is

in town. Other options include designer guest rooms andsuites at Wine Country Manor, or the family-friendlySolvang Gardens Lodge.

MORE INFORMATION, WEBSITESCity of Solvang: cityofsolvang.com

Solvang Conference and Visitors Bureau: solvangusa.com

Santa Ynez Valley Visitors Association: visitthesantaynezvalley.com



A trip to Solvang is not completewithout sampling Danish pasteries.


While the majority Bakersfield go home after afull work day to spend time with family andrelax, Bakersfield’s Tyler J. Garewal and JoelLivesey run — a lot.On top of working 50- to 60-hour weeks, they

run every day, no matter the weather, to train for 100-mileultramarathon races that take a lot of passion and a ton ofdrive.

Garewal will run a 100-mile marathon in September, andone in October. His best 50-mile time is 9 hours, 37 minutes.

He’s part of the local running group Bakersfield DistanceProject that includes Livesey and is coached by Andy Noise,another ultramarathoner. Participants dedicate the majorityof their free time to running long distances outdoors.

HOOKED ON RUNNINGGarewal became interested in the sport after reading

“Ultramarathon Man” by Dean Karnazes. The book madethe idea of trekking a 100-mile marathon sound fun anddoable.

He scheduled his first marathon last year and has beenhooked since, he said. Locals David A. Torres and Brad Nor-ris have been main supporters and kept him going.

“I kind of want to push myself as far as I can and seewhat I can accomplish,” said Garewal. “I think once you gobeyond a marathon, it becomes mental, and that’s myfavorite part of it — just getting to the mental aspect of it,not just the physical.”

Research has found that ultramarathoners — those whorun more than 26.2 miles — have a strong psyche — mentaltoughness — that’s balanced by euphoria, where euphoriatrumps pain, according to Slate.com. A long race is a thrill asopposed to what many may think as a miserable experience.The sport has surged in the past five years, with the number

ULTRAMARATHONERS:MIND AND MATTERMental, physical preparation iskey for long-distance racersBy Jasmine D. Lowe Photos by Aaron Ruth

H E A L T H A N D W E L L N E S S

Joel Livesey, left, andTyler Garewal preparecontinuously forultramarathon races.

of competitors doubling to an estimated70,000 in North America.

Along with mentally preparing for anultramarathon race, runners make sure theyconsistently eat healthy and are gettingenough sleep. GOALS UNFOLD

And as if finishing a 100-mile race andstaying nutritionally sound isn’t toughenough, Livesey must prepare and race withType 1 diabetes.

On top of making sure that he eats well,drinks plenty of water and gets a goodnight’s sleep before a race, Livesey has toeats the right breakfast and test his sugarlevels before the race and during the race —ignoring the body isn’t an option for anultramarathon runner with Type 1 diabetes.

Finishing a race means a little extra for

someone like Livesey, and he remains com-petitive.

“It’s so awesome to see all of your goalsunfold even with Type 1 diabetes,” he said.“I’m not even supposed to be out there. I’mmarveling at this the whole time, but then Ifound out there was another guy out thereand that blew me away.”

The intense activity takes long distancerunners through various highs and lowsthroughout a marathon course.

Garewal and Livesey have made count-less friends through running, some who arecurious about ultramarathon running.

“My friends now they think I’m kind ofcrazy a little bit,” said Garewal. “They askme why am I doing this, but after they haveseen me do this and seen how much pas-sion I have, they accept it and they encour-age me more than anybody.”


How to do anultra-marathon

Your ultimate goal during a race of anylength is to finish, not get hurt, and tohave fun. The key: you must be prepared.• Enter and pay for your race, and giveyourself enough time to get in shape andbuild your endurance for the race.

• Drink plenty of water and practice yournutrition throughout your training, andfind out what works best for you.

• Practice running for marathons by mov-ing efficiently, while wasting little motionas possible.

• Find multiple pairs of comfortablesocks, shoes and clothing for training

and racing.

• Right before the race, you should getplenty of sleep two nights before sinceyou will most likely be a little anxiousabout your marathon.

• Eat plenty of long-lasting energy boost-ing carbs.

• Arrive to the race early, keep calm,hydrate before the race, and make sureyou use the bathroom at least once ortwice.

• During the race, you should begin slow-ly since it is a long run, make sure youbreathe deep breaths, remember yourmantra and just have as much fun aspossible.

Source: Tyler Garewel, Joel Livesey,Active.com, Runnersworld.com

Joel Livesey, left, and Tyler Garewal prepare foran ultramarathon at The Park at River Walk.


1 SmurfetteGet the kids excited about creative summerfun, painting their favorite ceramic charac-ters while you make something for thekitchen or garden. Ask about “Smurfy” KidsNight Out and Summer Fun Passes, too.9000 Ming Ave., 664-7366, bakersfield.colormemine.com.

Color Me Mine at The Marketplace

2 Summer FashionCelebrate summer with a long sleeve beigedress with lace trim. Layer it with this cro-cheted coral top. The perfect combinationfor summer. 205 E. 18th St. 396-1609,ilitchiboutique.com

Ilitchi Boutique

3 Sseko SandalsInterchangeable fabric straps and can bestyled in hundreds of different ways forendless possibilities. Sseko provides fair-wage employment to women in Uganda.See our new location in the Town & Country shopping center. 8200 Stockdale Hwy Suite B-2

Greenshops

4 Chevron dressWe carry casual wear to evening wear insizes small to 3x, jeans size 0 to 19, jewelryand accessories. We also carry Nerium ADand Herbalife!5009 Stockdale Highway in the StockdaleFashion Plaza. 472-4818.

Eva’s Boutique

5 Sun Protection with StyleBeautifully hand-woven palm hats made bythe Native Purepecha Indians of Mexico!100% natural palm fiber with a UPF 50+sun protection rating. Several styles formen and women.

1609 19th St., 325.0000, kukasfolkart.com

Kuka’s Folk Art

6 Summer entertainingCome in and paint something festive forsummer entertaining. A caddy for utensils(as shown) or platters and bowls.9680 Hageman Rd, Suite D. 588-7107.

Creation Craze Studio

7 Fabulous floral artBrighten someone’s day with beautifulflowers from Uniquely Chic. We have ahuge selection daily! 9500 Brimhall Road,Suite 701; 588-7997;uniquelychicflorist.com

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661-282-2170Michelle Overstreet, CRB, CRS, GRIBroker/Owner DRE Lic # 01190343

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MARE’s Evening at the RacesMay 17

Held at the McBurney Estate

Photos by Jan St Pierre

View these photos and more

online at bakersfieldlife.com

Kate Ashley and Jenna PrattPhil Brown and Carolynn FordGreg and Elaine Hull

Melissa Syme, Kirsten Hoffman and Marilyn Stone

Ellen and Erica Renick Allison Aguirre and Jennifer and William Haines

Diane and Rick HopkinsJohnny and Tisa KelleyJanni and Richard McBurneyAustin and Haylie Gameros

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Bryan Burrow and Adam Alvidrez

Bakersfield Symphony’sMoonlight in ParisMay 18

Held at CSUB Amphitheater

Photos by Jan St Pierre



Ryan and Angela Diffee Paulette Shires and Liz Kinney Lorie Stites and Rick Kreiser

Holly Suesbery and Miguel BergerBonnie and John Farrer

Barbara and Al Sandrini Regina Pryor and Audrey Boyle

Rhonda Crist and Brice Horton Trish Seitz and FrankWooldridge


Links for Life Sharyn Woods Memorial GalaMay 18

Held at Seven Oaks Country Club

Photos by Susan Heflin Photography



19th & N Street, Downtown Bakersfield www.emporiumwesternstore.com (661) 325-8476

Misty and Brent Cruz Theresa and John HattenGlenn and Liz Dobbs Sharon and Dale McBride

Ryan, Denise and Kyle Wigley

Dan and marge CorrieaSkip and Lori Wallace and Ed and Laura Ganzinotti

Bryan and Theresa Fahsbender Ryan and Nikki RiceJennifer Henry, Naomi Anderberg and Summer Cunningham


Don Shankla, Jackie Shankla, Ken Meeks, Linda Chappell andCarl Lange

Corvette Club of Bakersfield showMay 18

Held at Bill Ray Classic Car Museum

Photos by Mark Nessia



Mark Pucilowski, Tina Pucilowski, Donald Porter, Kathy Gallego and Henry Gallego

Barbara Hannah and Jack Loucks

Gary Smith, Robert Salter, Soila Salter, Robert Villanueva,Tony Ennis and Heather Ennis

Jerome Dizon Jr. and Jerome Dizon Sr.

Ivan Coffman, Patti Coffman andAnnie Bailey

Beb Hayden, Rod Hayden, Martha Linn, Art Linnand Lawrence Melendez


Bakersfield High SchoolFootball Hall of FamebanquetMay, 10

Held at Bakersfield Marriottof Bakersfield




Susie and Jack O’Brien

DeVaughn and Cheyenne Bell Gary Williams, Bill Rankin, John Van Osdel, RogerKelly, Paul Golla and Chad Van Osdel

Steve Varner, Paul Golla andJanelle and Jeremy Staat

Julia Jones, Lisa Rolls and Betsy Kunau

Cecile Shanklin and Dennis Black

Steve and Kathleen McCullah

Janet Ramos, Phillip Thomas, Dimas Ramos and Dimas Ramos Sr.

Lance McCullah and Chris Hannible

Joseph and Joshua Nunez

Kevin Caid, Leanne Cave and Kurtis Caid


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Maribel Garcia, Leonardo Ruiz, Sylvia Mendez and H.A. Sala

Robert Rodriguez, John Guerra, Martin Ramirez, Charlie Rodriguez and Javier Lozano

MAOF Aztec AwardsMay 31

Held at Bakersfield Marriott




Magda Menendez, Olivia and JulioGarcia

Andrae Gonzales and Bethany Lopez

Mary Lopez and Sonia Jara

Jobie and Alan Tripp

Luis and Susana Laris

Cindy Pollard, Karen Langston, Ernie Phoenix, KristinBrada, Leticia Flores and Tonya Sterling


Fit for Business 5 & 10kJune 8

Held at The Park at Riverwalk

Photos by Rodney Thornburg



Andrea Lopez and Valery Patino

Libby and Jodie Loeffler andKristy Bailey

Layren, Ryan, Christopher and Alyssa Nelson

Jazmin Lopez, Cody Logan andMichelle Hopkins

Norma Diaz, Donna Tirp and Jacque Servadio

Andy and Claire Stanley

Dustin and Asley Clark

Loren Stock, Jennifer Perfect and Ericka Harper


Kirstin Kind, Kyle Northway,and Randall Barker

Louis Amestoy

Monty Byrom, Scott Cox and Louis Amestoy

First Look PartyMay 30

Held at The Bakersfield Californian offices.

Photos by Henry A. Barrios



Scott Cox and Tara Shackelford

Mike Allen and Tara Shackelford

Louis Amestoy, Louise Alvarez and Sandy Doucette

Patrick Beck, Roger Fessler and Richard Beene


Arlie and Zeke Smith

Craft Beer FestivalMay 25

Held at CSUB




Elizabeth Ruelas, Maricela, Omar and Albert Villa and Jesus Ruelas

Patrick Wells, Hillary Haenes, Heather and Derek Abbott

Brian Foltz, Nichole Shuck, T.J. Brewer, and Sarah Schumacher

Liz and Josh DodsonJason and Shelby Carter

Nancy and Josue Caracas, and Sal and Karina Moreno

Karen and Evan Kartinen and Nicole Duff Ted and Eden Balis

Jason Smith and Sam Torrez

f a c e b o o k . c o m / b a k e r s f i e l d r e a l t o r s ! b a k e r s f i e l d r e a l t o r . c o m

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Every day, students, faculty, and community memberscan absorb the many offerings at Cal State Bakersfield’sWalter Stiern Library under the motto, “Books andfriends in a place of enlightenment.” It encompasses 150,000 square feet, is five stories high

and has been the largest single-structure building on CSUB’scampus since 1994.

ORIGINThe libraries namesake belongs to Walter W. Stiern, a Kern

County veterinarian and 28-year Democratic California Sena-tor who strongly advocated for education, agriculture andhealth. He helped authorize the bill that created CSUB in 1965.

At a time when technology began to emerge and becamemore adequate in fulfilling students’ educational needs, theformer library on campus at the current Education Buildingwas no longer favorable.

The Walter Stiern Library opened in 1994 and was designedby Esherick Homsey Dodge and Davis, a San Francisco designfirm known for designing the UC San Francisco medical schoolcomplex, the California State Archives and the Graduate Theo-logical Union’s library at UC Berkeley.

Funding for the $24 million project, full of enhancementsand upgrades, came largely from assistance by the community.

“The university is extremely fortunate to be located in acommunity where, to many of its residents, philanthropy and

generosity are a way of life,” said Curt Asher, interim dean ofWalter Stiern Library. “These upgrades allowed the library to bea leader in forward-thinking design and technical infrastruc-ture, thanks largely to the work of library dean emeritus RodHersberger, who worked hands-on with architects to ensure thelibrary met our students needs.”

DESIGNThe elevators, bathrooms and stairways are situated on one

side of the building, allowing for a more uniformed spacing onthe floors.

The lower level houses five computer classrooms, a com-puter lab, three instructional television studios, a multimediaproduction lab and a 24-hour study room, which is accessibleeven when the library is closed.

Students check out materials, use reference computers,borrow reserve materials andseek research help fromlibrarians on the main floor.On average, librarians at thereference desk answer morethan 500 reference questionsper week. And nearly 85,000items were checked out lastyear.

The other three floors tothe library house studyrooms, an extensive collec-tion of periodicals, about725,000 pieces of microfilm,and about 500,000 volumesof books — the largest aca-demic book collection in thesouthern San Joaquin Valley.

The library also holdsDust Bowl archives, papers of numerous political figuresincluding U.S. Representatives William Ketchum and HarlanHagen, the prized Lucas Garban Collection, and George BerryDavis Civil War letters, which can also be viewed online atcsub.edu/~casher/civilwarletters/.

MORE INFORMATION, HOURSWalter Stiern Library website: csub.edu/library


WALTER STIERN LIBRARY

By Marissa Lay Photos by Henry A. Barrios

A portrait of WalterStiern and a replica ofhis Senate desk areinside of the library.

I N S I D E S T O R Y

Campus building houses largest academic book collection in southern San Joaquin Valley

The Walter Stiern Library is the largest structureon the CSUB campus.

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