Bakersfield Life Magazine September 2015 by The Bakersfield Californian Specialty Publications

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September 2015

A MEMBER O F T H E

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T BC M ED I A FAM I LY

T H E

Women& Art I S S U E Women at Work

Robin Mangarin Scott Finding purpose serving others

Dining Divas Authentic Mexican flavors at El Portal

Inspiring youth and improving our community

Fall Fashion and Beauty Spas, boutiques and salons Candid and uplifting stories of

Single Moms

Latination 7 $3.95

Annual show merges art, Latino culture

Lunchtime Picks Nuestro Mexico and RJâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bar & Grill

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NEW LOCATION. STILL LOCAL. STILL STANDING FOR JUSTICE.

CHAIN COHN STILES

Chain | Cohn | Stiles has called downtown Bakersfield home for the last 80 years. Bakersfield’s oldest personal injury law firm remains rooted in downtown Bakersfield, and we’ve recently moved to a new building to better serve the community and our clients. Find us in our new home today.

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FREE CONSULTATION | (661) 616-9826 W W W. C H A I N L AW. CO M

F E A T U R E S September 2015

Working Women Get inspired by local powerful women who are making Bakersfield a better place. Page 72

Viva Latination Celebrate seven years of Latination as we take you through this year’s locally submitted art that explores the Latino life. Page 86

Single Moms Local single moms wear the badge of honor proudly and handle all of life’s bumps and bruises like champions. Page 88

Fall Fashion Trends Stay up-to-date with fall tips and trends from Bakersfield’s home, fashion boutiques and salons.

Supervising Deputy Coroner Annette Olague

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

Page 94

For The Record:

• In the August issue of Bakersfield Life, the locations of the following businesses were misplaced during the layout process. The following are the correct addresses: Hong Kong Restaurant, 912 7th St., 661-758-3338; Wasco Historical Society, 918 6th St., 661-758-2181; Delirium Haunted House, 1800 Shamrock Court; and Kern National Wildlife Refuge Complex, 10811 Corcoran Road, 661-725-2767. 6

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• Also, according to Census 2010 figures, Taft's population is 9,327 and Maricopa's population is 1,154 with one elementary, middle and high school that share the same address. • Rio Tinto Minerals, formerly U.S. Borax, was the focus of an article in the August issue of Bakersfield Life. Rio Tinto Minerals is California’s largest open-pit mine.

D E P A R T M E N T S September 2015

64 Up Front

42 50 52 54 56 60

Word on the Street The Big Picture Money Matters 12 Random Things Named After Short Takes In Season Finding Fame My Pet By the Numbers What Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m Reading Happenings

On the Road Fit and Fresh In My Closet Health and Wellness Pastimes Home and Garden

66 116 118 120 122 126

Hometown Hero Why I Live Here All-Star Athlete Talk of the Town Our Town

38 PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

Go & Do

Eat & Drink 32 Dining Divas 36 Lunchtime Picks 38 Food & Wine

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64 Entertainment 66 Trip Planner

People & Community 106 110 111 112 114

Business Profiles Bakersfield Matters Family Verdict Personality For a Cause

128 128 130 132 134 136 138 146

Inside Story Power Couple History Real People Prime Finds SNAP! Last Word

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

13 14 16 17 18 19 24 25 26 27 28 30

Lifestyles

S TA F F S H A R E S Bakersfield’s Premier City Magazine September 2015 / Vol. 9 / Issue 12

WHO IS YOUR FEMALE ROLE MODEL? My female role model is my sister Lorena. She is one of the most generous human beings I am lucky to have her in my life. There are not enough hours in a day for me to thank her for everything she has done for me. — Laura Liera, specialty publications coordinator My mom was (still is — although she’s gone) my role model. Funny, entertaining and full of “country” humor and wisdom, she always saw the good in people and life and I try to emulate that. — Linda Petree, advertising account executive Definitely my mom. She played the role of mother and father raising my sister and me. I am who I am today because of her. — Mark Nessia, assistant managing editor I feel like I say Taylor Swift for everything but … Taylor Swift. She’s a girl’s girl and understands her audience on a personal level. I love her creativity and the way she has always worked hard for the success that she has today. — Shelby Parker, contributing writer My mom was a living example of how to be kind, loving and forgiving — all while remaining strong and independent. She will always be my role model! — Cheryl Scott, contributing writer My mom is a wickedly smart problemsolver. She stands up for what she believes in. She speaks in statements instead of apologetic questions. She’s a pistol, and I love her. — Anna Smith, contributing writer “I really admire Amy Poehler. She’s strong and successful, but not afraid to show vulnerability. Having a career and a family can be extremely difficult, but she’s right there in the trenches with you and not afraid to talk about her own struggles. “ — Miranda Whitworth, contributing writer Taylor Swift

Bakersfield Life Magazine

September 2015

Bakersfield Life™ Magazine is published by TBC Media The magazine is inserted into The Bakersfield Californian on the last Saturday of every month and available with The Californian through its digital subscription. To subscribe, please call 392-5777. To advertise, contact Lisa Whitten at lwhitten@bakersfield.com or 395-7563. Publisher Ginger Moorhouse Associate Publisher Virginia Cowenhoven President/CEO Richard Beene Senior Vice President Chief Operating Officer Logan Molen Senior Vice President Revenue and Marketing John Wells Advertising Sales Manager Lisa Whitten Advertising Traffic Manager Shauna Rockwell Market Research Lisa Beason, Jose Granados Editor Olivia Garcia Assistant Managing Editor Mark Nessia Specialty Publications Coordinator Laura Liera Art Director Glenn Hammett Graphic Designer Holly Bikakis Editorial Interns Tyler Goucher, Oscar Miranda, Jennifer Olague Photography Sally Baker, Henry A. Barrios, Casey Christie, Alex Horvath, Tanya X. Leonzo, Mark Nessia, Greg Nichols, Carla Rivas Contributing writers Tiffani Alvidrez, Sally Baker, Jorge Barrientos, Angel Carreras, Ellen Ewing, Diana Greenlee, Jason Gutierrez, Lisa Kimble, Katie Kirschenmann, Stephen Lynch, Matt Munoz, Julie Plata, Gabriel Ramirez, Katy Raytis, Cheryl Scott, Chris Thornburgh

On the cover A Latination submission entitled “Mariposa” (Butterfly) by Alberto Herrera. Photo by Mark Nessia

C O N T R I B U TO R S E D I TO R ’ S N OT E

WOMEN AND ART

Cheryl Scott, a Kern County native, is vice president at Kern Economic Development Corporation, where she gets to promote and help strengthen the community she loves to call home. During the past year, she has explored her passion for writing and has become an active blogger and a frequent contributor to Bakersfield Life Magazine. When she’s not working or writing, Cheryl enjoys golfing with her husband, Darren; running half marathons with their sons Jake and Zack; or enjoying a morning cup of coffee with her dad.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

September 2015

PAINTING AND PHOTO BY BETTY LEONOR

Sept. 4, at Metro Galleries. See the article written by Kimble for more details. Or I’ll see you at First Friday. Speaking of art and women, there is definitely another piece worth mentioning and that is our special section on fashion. If you are looking for the latest fashion style or trends, then you must check out this section. Fall is here and it is the perfect time to look in your closet and see what you have ready to go for the season and what is missing to complete your wardrobe. I love fall. It’s a perfect time for colorful outfits, boots and eye-catching accessories. I would like to close by recognizing another woman whom I look up to and that is my mother, Eva. She is a combination of strength, unconditional love and drive, qualities that I hope I can measure up to; she truly inspires me to be a better mother, wife and daughter while succeeding as a working professional, and I can’t thank her enough for that. PHOTO BY TANYA X. LEONZO

Julie Plata was born and raised in the Los Angeles area but considers Bakersfield her second home. She received her bachelor’s degree in communications and master’s degree in history from Cal State Bakersfield while balancing the demands of college and motherhood. Julie has five children, Alyssia (CSUB ’13), Christian, Karinna, Maya and Jordan. When she isn’t busy researching or traveling to museums for her next story, she and her husband, Armando, are taking the kids to various sports.

his issue pays tribute to the strength of women and the beauty of art. Needless to say, it is one of our most beautiful issues. Bakersfield Life specialty publications coordinator Laura Liera spent some time interviewing a number of local women who work in some pretty darn challenging, demanding fields. Their occupational roles include a supervising deputy coroner, an emergency medical physician, a Kern County Superior Court judge and coowners of a cabinetry business. I asked Laura to share her impression on the experience, and this is what she had to say: “When it comes to making Bakersfield a better place, these inspiring women are leading the way. There are thousands of women in our town who get up every day and not only manage their family time but they also pour their souls into their jobs to make our town what it is today. They are the definition of that Wonder Woman inside us all.” Aside from that, contributing writer Diana Greenlee spent some interviewing other Wonder Women in a piece about single parenthood. These women, who lead successful careers, shared their wisdom on how they managed to be just as successful in the lives of their children. Speaking of Wonder Woman, you must read about the article on Robin Mangarin Scott, who many may know from her TV broadcast anchor days, but these days is moving forward with a promising career with Dignity Health. Lisa Kimble profiles this local inspirational, trailblazing beauty. When it comes to art, in our continuing partnership with Metro Galleries, Bakersfield Life Magazine is a proud sponsor of the annual Latination, a juried art exhibit showcasing the talented work of many artists. Latination features artwork that focuses on the Latin theme. Don Martin, owner of Metro Galleries, shared his idea with me several years ago and it’s been a pleasure watching it evolve and grow each year. Latination will kick off First Friday,

Olivia Garcia Editor 395-7487 • ogarcia@bakersfield.com

Up Front

WORD ON THE STREET

Compiled by Jennifer Olague

Photos by Mark Nessia

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE ARTIST AND WHY? Bill Moseley: Jackson Pollock because his art was designed to represent movement. You can really see the movement when you look at the paintings.

Anthea Koutroulis: I think Nick Goodman is a very creative and a good writer.

Jennifer Mendez: I really like Brad Paisley. His music has a way of getting to your soul.

Carl Schmidt: Ansel Adams. I use to be into photography and thought his pictures were great.

Aubree Sherley: MercyMe because all of their lyrics are true and go along with the Gospel of the Bible very well. I like their style.

Yvonne Martinez: Brandon Boyd. He is super talented. He is a musician, writer and painter. He also does things for the community.

Suzanne Hutchison: Vincent Van Gogh because I like the bright colors and the impressionist art.

Mason Ladd: Paul McCartney because he is one of the original Beatles and he has a great sound.

Kimberly Ward Graham: Monet because I like the impressionist period.

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Come see the benefits of Bakersfield’s only nonprofit continuing care retirement community. Call 1-866-588-6266 today. ExperienceRW.com Rosewood in Bakersfield, California, is owned and managed by ABHOW, a California nonprofit public benefit corporation. ABHOW is a nonsectarian corporation, serving seniors through quality retirement housing since 1949. State of California License #150400536, DHS License #120000165, Certificate of Authority #203.

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Up Front

THE BIG PICTURE

QUIET REFLECTION Photo by Casey Christie

Blue sky and green vegetation reflect in a still pool on the Kern River near the Richbar Campground.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

September 2015

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Up Front

M O N E Y M AT T E R S

SMART START FOR HOME-BASED BUSINESS Audit-proof your business

By Chris Thornburgh

The IRS tends to audit sole proprietorships more frequently, so keep excellent records and receipts from the beginning. More importantly, know where you stand financially at all times. Set up a bookkeeping system to track business income and expenses. Use a separate business checking account and credit card, keeping personal activity separate.

ho wouldn’t want to be their own boss and work from the comfort of home? Home-based businesses are one of the fastest-growing business segments thanks to today’s technology. For all of you selfdisciplined new entrepreneurs, consider these tips for your home-based business.

Follow up on insurance coverage Choose the right entity for your business

Many homeowners policies do not include home-based business coverage. Depending on the nature of your business, there are various types of insurance. Contact an insurance agent. You may discover the amount of insurance needed is completely affordable.

Many home-based businesses are sole proprietorships, which require no formal legal documentation. While you may start doing business as a sole practitioner today, there can be tax advantages to forming an LLC or an S-corporation. Consult with a professional before you determine your business’s legal structure.

Depending on your business, you may have various tax filing requirements. Check out the IRS’ Tax Center at irs.gov/Businesses /Small-Businesses-&-Self-Employed. New business owners often overlook tax implications. Self-employed individuals are subject to estimated tax payments, which commonly catch folks by surprise. Planning with a tax professional can prevent tax bombshells, leave more money in your pocket and plan for the future.

A sole proprietor can use their social security number with vendors or customers for their records, but who wants their Social Security number floating everywhere? Apply for an employer identification number (EIN) with the IRS online.

Avoid IRS hobby loss rules

Many businesses start out with a loss their first few years. However, the IRS expects that legitimate businesses eventually make a profit. Unfortunately, some people pass off hobbies as “businesses” to claim the tax deduction. The IRS keeps a watchful eye on tax returns that appear to be a hobby. If your business is considered a hobby, special “hobby loss rules” apply. This means you can only deduct expenses up to the point of your income – losses are disallowed. Here are a few questions the IRS will ask: • Do you put in the time and effort to make a profit? • Have you changed methods of operation to improve profitability? • Do you have the knowledge to operate a successful business? • Have you made a profit in the past?

Familiarize yourself with taxes

Get a tax ID

for children’s games and homework – it may compromise your home office tax deduction. IRS Publication 587, “Business Use of Your Home,” is a helpful guide at irs.gov.

Bottom line

Whether you decide to follow some of these tips or all of them, talk with your accountant. Their advice is a wise investment for the long term.

Determine permits or licenses Designate home office and take the tax deduction

As a new business owner, it can be confusing which permits and licenses you need and how and where to get them. The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development has a handy resource available to assist with applicable permits for your business at calgold.ca.gov. Be aware of zoning regulations that may apply as well.

Dedicate a specific area of your home as your office and use it solely for business purposes. This enables you to take a business deduction for a portion of your home’s mortgage interest (or rent), utilities, repairs and depreciation. Steer clear of using your office

Chris Thornburgh

– Chris Thornburgh is a CPA and partner at Brown Armstrong Accountancy Corp. Contact her at cthornburgh@bacpas.com or 324-4971.

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Latination, the annual art exhibit of Metro Galleries, will feature an award in her honor. The Betty Leonor Award, which includes a cash prize, will be given out annually to an artist who represents the drive and tenacity that Betty had.

1 2 R A N D O M T H I N G S YO U D I D N ’ T K N OW A B O U T . . .

BETTY LEONOR

In August 2010, Betty walked in the door at Metro Galleries on the last day for submissions for Latination. She dropped off three pieces and a week later won Best of Show.

Most of the women in Betty’s paintings were her. She would change the eyes or the nose or the mouth but most all were her.

“Traje De Mariposas” by Betty Leonor

Almost every painting Betty created came from a memory of an event in her life. But she did not always share the story of the painting ... she wanted people to come up with their own.

Betty Leonor was born on March 13, 1971 in New York City to a Dominican father, Geovanny Leonor, and a LebaneseDominican mother, Arelis Concepcion.

Her inclination to paint in oils began at age 19. Her oil and acrylic paintings include self-portraits, places and commissioned work.

Betty began painting after her first heartbreak. While some people kept journals, she kept paintings.

Betty was self-taught … and for two decades, she shared her time between her studio and career. She focused full time as an artist in 2008.

In July 2014, Betty was diagnosed with stage 4 liver cancer. After she found out, she dedicated herself fully to living the life she wanted, including taking two trips to the Dominican Republic and continuing to maintain her art business.

She was the biggest inspiration to her son Jonathan.

CALIFORNIAN FILE PHOTO

etty Leonor lived a couple of years in Bakersfield, and during her stay, she left a lasting impact in the art community. Betty passed away July 27 after a bout with cancer and was known for her breathtaking colorful work. She was 44. A good friend of Leonor’s, Don Martin, owner of Metro Galleries in downtown Bakersfield, shared some details that defined Betty and her art life. Other information was also drawn from her Facebook page and personal website. This month’s 12 Random Things is in honor of Betty.

When her son learned about her cancer a year ago, he sought to make her proud. With his school’s approval, he took twice as many college courses as allowed and was able to graduate in June, a year and a half early. Betty got to witness the important event.

Most of her work has sold straight from her living room walls. They are collected internationally. bakersfieldlife.com

Up Front

NAMED AFTER

CHRISTINE’S

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

The standard for ladies’ fashion, style in Bakersfield

Christine’s is an elegant upscale women’s clothing store on Stockdale Highway.

By Lisa Kimble

hristine’s, the elegant upscale women’s clothing store on Stockdale Highway, has been setting the standard for ladies’ fashion and style in Bakersfield for decades and outlasted many other locally owned boutiques started at a time when being impeccably dressed was de rigueur. The boutique was named after its owner Christine Patterson who, along with her husband, Keith, started the store’s predecessor, Vogue, downtown on 17th Street in 1948. Four years later, they opened Christine’s on Chester Avenue. In 1967, the two stores were combined at the Chester Avenue location. Patterson was born and raised in Bakersfield. Her daughter and present owner Lori Malkin described her mother’s fashion sense as elegant and glamorous. “She was a businesswoman ahead of her time,” Malkin said. Malkin was 5 years old when she began hanging around the family business, along with her two sisters, Sharon Balfanz and Jan Sill. “My first job was when I was about 5,” she said. “My dad gave me 10 cents, and I went to Vest Drugs and got a hot dog and root beer.” Keith died in 1975. Christine remarried in 1979. 18

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Malkin, who studied fashion merchandising at Brooks College, bought the business from her mother in 1982 and retained the name Christine’s. Over the years, the business evolved with the changing times. “Downtown was the place to shop for jewelry, shoes, ladies’, children’s and men’s stores,” Malkin said. “They were all locally owned.” But eventually, retail growth expanded beyond downtown. Christine’s moved to a location on F Street. Five years later, it relocated to the Colonial Square Shopping Center and, in 1996, found its current home in the Stockdale Fashion Plaza. The success of the store inspired a sister store next door. LoLo’s was named after Malkin’s childhood nickname and geared toward the daughters and granddaughters of the Christine’s clientele. Malkin closed LoLo’s earlier this year to spend more time with her grandchildren and the charity she established in her son’s memory, JJ’s Legacy, which promotes organ and tissue donation. Her mother, Christine, died in 2005. She was 82. But her legacy lives on in her store’s owner, Malkin, who, as a little girl, dreamt of owning a dress shop. “Now it is a wonderful business that I still have a great passion for,” she said. “Christine’s has evolved with the fashion industry and has changed over the years. Social media has changed the way we can connect to our customers.”

S H O R T TA K E S

TEHACHAPI CYCLING RACE

TEJON INDIAN TRIBE HONORS ANCESTORS, WAR VETERANS WITH POWWOW

he Tejon Indian Tribe of California will host its first Pow-Wow Celebration, honoring their ancestors and war veterans at a two-day event at Cal State Bakersfield Sept. 26-27. A powwow is a gathering of some of North America’s Native people. A modern powwow is a spe-

cific type of event for American Indians to meet, dance, sing, socialize and honor their cultures. Powwow sessions begin with the Grand Entry, where costumed dancers and drummers from different tribes parade through the festival grounds. The festival also welcomes Young Spirit, a well-

known powwow drum group that will be performing at the event. Admission is free. The festival will be from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. For more information, call Tommy Gonzales at 619-5327 or Sandra Hernandez at 549-0824. – Bakersfield Life

TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE FOR SPECIAL ONE-EVENING PERFORMANCE

ickets are now available for a special one-evening event brought to you by Bay Pointe Ballet. The haunting tale of Dracula will be coming to the Fox Theater Oct. 23. Presented and choreographed by Bruce Steivel, “Dracula the Ballet” will have your eyes glued to the stage as you witness the infamous story of a vampire’s search for love in a world of blood and lust. What makes this show different is the entire story is told with no dialogue – only dance. Tickets for “Dracula the Ballet” can be purchased at foxtheateronline.com or in person at the Fox Theater box office. – Bakersfield Life

he second Tehachapi GranFondo Festival is set to take off at the Centennial Plaza in downtown Tehachapi. The two-day festival begins Sept. 18 from 3 to 8 p.m. in which the registered cyclists gather to pick up their cycling packets, meet the sponsors and enjoy a complimentary dinner. The race takes place Sept. 19 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Courses range from the 18-mile FunFondo, 38-mile PiccoloFondo, 50-mile PiccoloFondo Plus, 70-mile MedioFondo and the 100-mile GranFondo. The event is free and open to the public with a live disc jockey and other entertainment. Food vendors will have meals available for purchase and Honey Wagon Brewing will be serving local beer. For ticket prices and more information, call 822-2200, ext. 121, or visit tehachapigranfondo.com. – Bakersfield Life

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S H O R T TA K E S

GIRLS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN happening this month at

otor City Lexus of Bakersfield will be hosting a Girls Night Out on Oct. 22 from 5:30 to

8:30 p.m. It’s a much-needed, intimate and relaxing event for the women of Bakersfield with an expected crowd of about 400 people. There will be wine tasting, top restaurant food samples, shopping with local boutiques, and a chance to socialize and network with others. Attendees can also enter the Lexus ALS Challenge for a chance to win a

2015 Lexus NX 300h. Advance tickets are $60 each and a portion of the proceeds will go to the ALS Association Golden West Chapter, a donation that will be matched by Motor City Lexus. For more information, contact Shauna Rockwell at 392-5716 or srockwell@bakersfield.com. Tickets can be purchased at bakersfieldgirlsnight out.com, The Bakersfield Californian and Motor City Lexus | Buick | GMC. – Bakersfield Life

PARIS-THEMED EVENT SHOWCASES FASHION, BENEFITS WOMEN’S PROGRAM

LABOR DAY WEEKEND Sat., Sept. 5 - Mon., Sept. 7 Enjoy extra discounts all weekend long and receive special perks if you are in the military, a teacher, student or a member of AAA or AARP. FIRST RESPONDERS DAY Fri., Sept. 11 Thank you to our military personnel and first responders for all your service. Enjoy special discounts and offers when you show your military, police, fire or EMT ID at participating stores. ROCKIN’ AT THE RANCH CONCERT SERIES Enjoy FREE musical performances from local bands every Saturday, 7 – 9 p.m. in September.

he Meet Me in Paris Fashion Show benefiting the Mission at Kern County Residential Women’s Christian Discipleship Recovery Program, sponsored by The Ladies Guild, will be held at 816 E. 21st St. Sept. 12 at 8 p.m. Women, currently enrolled and other alumnae, will be featured as the models exhibiting the fashion apparel to raise funds for the program. A Paris-themed brunch will be served for guests and an auction offering themed baskets will complement the night. Ticket prices vary. For more information, call Cat Spout at 616-7503. – Bakersfield Life

E a s y a c c e s s o ff I - 5 , just south of Bakersfield.

For more details, visit TejonOutlets.com.

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Up Front

S H O R T TA K E S

he 50th anniversary of the iconic 1965 Delano grape strike will be remembered locally through a three-day event that will feature documentary films, an authors’ panel and a play. The CSUB Walter Stiern Library and Public History Institute are partnering with Bakersfield College to remember the farm worker strike, an important milestone in American labor history. Bakersfield College will

host events on Sept. 24 that are free to the public. CSUB is inviting everyone to the following free events held in the Dezember Reading Room of the Walter Stiern Library on Sept. 25: • 1 p.m. – Documentary film, “Delano Manongs: Forgotten Heroes of the United Farmworkers,” with director Marissa Aroy • 1:30 to 3 p.m. – Panel discussion of the history and legacy of the strike • 3:30 to 5 p.m. – Scholarly explorations of the strike

PHOTO COURTESY OF CSUB

EVENTS SHINE LIGHT ON 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF DELANO GRAPE STRIKE

and its legacy On Sept. 26, Chicano writer Gary Soto’s play “In and Out of Shadows” will be performed at the Dore Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Free to all

PARTY OF THE YEAR BENEFITS CHILDREN’S CHARITIES

hat is expected to be the party of the year, Bakersfield Village Fest is an annual event that helps raise money for Children’s Advocates Resource Endowment, an organization that raises money for local children’s charities. This year’s event will be on Saturday, Sept. 12, at the Kern County Museum, which boasts more than 16 acres of land that will be separated into seven distinctly themed areas. Local restaurants will be serving unlimited food samples, more than 17 bands will be performing on five different stages and nearly 100 breweries and wineries will be serving a multitude of beers and wines from around the country and Canada. Ticket and event information can be found at bakersfieldvillage fest.com. – Bakersfield Life

Bakersfield Life Magazine

September 2015

students with an ID; $5 per person. Cal Endowment is helping to sponsor the play. – Bakersfield Life

BAKERSFIELD MASTER CHORALE AUDITIONS

ocal singers, clear your throats and listen up. The Bakersfield Master Chorale will be holding open rehearsals and auditions for the 2015-2016 season Sept. 8 and 15 at the First Assembly of God Church – Blue Chapel. The Chorale is a choral society of adult voices directed by Robert Provencio and affiliated with the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra. During its concert season, the Chorale seeks to enrich community musical awareness by presenting performances of major cultural literature, secular and sacred, from all musical eras. Open rehearsals will begin at 7 p.m. at 4901 California Ave. followed by auditions. The Chorale is looking for additions to its tenor and bass sections. For more information, call 328-0224 or email info@bakersfieldmasterchorale.org. – Bakersfield Life

FASHION SHOW TO HELP WOMEN ATTEND BAKERSFIELD COLLEGE

he American Business Women’s Association will be hosting a fashion show and luncheon Sept. 12 at Seven Oaks Country Club from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The fashion show will feature stores like Dressbarn, Apricot Lane, White House Black Market, Chico’s and many more. There will also be multiple basket raffles. Some of those baskets will include DoubleTree hotel suites and Sweet Surrender goodies. The money raised will be used for scholarships to benefit women attending Bakersfield College. Tickets are $40. To purchase a ticket or for more information, contact Larry Bergamo at 428-5560. – Bakersfield Life

BUTTONWILLOW FALL FARM FESTIVAL

he annual Buttonwillow Fall Farm Festival kicks off on Saturday, Sept. 19, hosted by the Buttonwillow Chamber of Commerce. It’s a fun-filled event for families to come together and enjoy carnival rides. This year, the event’s theme is “Small Town Big Dreams.” The festival will start with a pancake breakfast at 7 a.m. followed up by a 5K run in which some of the stars from the Disney film “McFarland USA” will be participating. The event will also feature its fifth annual car show with an exhibit of more than 85 cars, including the antique tractor show that has more than 65 entries. For more information, call 764-5406 or go to buttonwillowchamber.com. – Bakersfield Life

CONTEMPO collection

The best place to shop for a gift is at Bakersfield’s Favorite Boutique.

BAKERSFIELD’S ORIGINAL BRIGHTON STORE www.shopchristines.com

4915 Stockdale Highway | 661-834-3068 Monday - Friday 10:00am to 6:00pm | Saturday 10:00am -5:00pm

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Up Front

IN SEASON

PREPARING FOR SENIOR YEAR IN HIGH SCHOOL Tips for students, parents, guardians

By Tiffani Alvidrez

enior year can be full of highs and lows for parents and students alike. While it can be potentially exciting for students who are raring to spread their wings and fly off to college or the military, it’s definitely not a year that should be taken easy or lightly. Between taking tests like the SAT and ACT, doing college research, worrying about your GPA and waiting to find out if you got into your dream school, it’s understandable to feel tempted to put everything to the side and have fun with your friends. But keep your eyes on the educational prize. To help you stay focused, here are a few tips to help students and parents get through senior year smoothly. 1. Math and English classes matter

One of the biggest mistakes that I’ve seen students make is not staying on top of their math and English skills in high school. By the time they get to us at the college level, they don’t test into transferable math and English classes. This means time and money in the long run. 2. Have a good selection of colleges

Visit campuses if at all possible. If you are worried about application fees, many schools will waive the fees depending on family income. If you don’t qualify for a waiver, be sure to prepare ahead of time for

Bakersfield Life Magazine

the fees. The UC applications are open as of Aug. 1 so students can start to prepare them (via universityofcalifornia.edu) and then submit beginning Nov. 1-30. If applying to a CSU, you can apply via csumentor.edu and the application period is Oct. 1 through Nov. 30. For private universities, you will need to complete an application via a website like commonapp.org. 3. Registration of SATs or ACTs

Register for SATs and/or ACTs as soon as possible. Many universities require scores from either of these tests and they must be taken in the fall if they haven’t been taken yet. 4. Applying for scholarships

Don’t be afraid to apply for every scholarship you can. There are websites like Fastweb.com but there are also local scholarships that your counselor or guidance tech will know about. 5. Keeping track of your deadlines

Prepare spreadsheets for universities (deadlines, application fees, etc.) and for scholarships. Fill out the FAFSA as close to the Jan. 1 opening as possible. The sooner you’re able to submit it, the better. – Tiffani Alvidrez is a Bakersfield High School counselor and adjunct STEM counselor at Bakersfield College.

September 2015

F I N D I N G FA M E

A SPOTLIGHT FOR TWO Siblings forgo rivalry in pursuit of stardom By Matt Munoz

PHOTO COURTESY OF JULIE INGRAM

cting has become more than just a casual family affair in the Ingram household. Currently featured in a popular commercial for Mazda’s “A Driver’s Life – Driving Matters” series, 6-year-old Abigail Ingram is enjoying a little bit of the national spotlight. “We have received lots of calls and messages from friends and family all over saying that they saw the commercial, and it was cute,” said mom Julie Ingram. “People have said they have seen it in other countries and on airplanes.” Along with brother Gavin, 9, the siblings have been actively pursuing separate endeavors under the close guidance of their mother, herself a former actress who today teaches theater and English. “I decided to try and find my kids an agent,” said Julie. “We found one in September – the Colleen Cler Agency in LA – and began going on auditions. The kids go about once or twice a month.” With a few previous local projects to their credit – Abigail has starred in a commercial for Condors hockey, Gavin in a few stage productions for South High School – the Mazda commercial audition came with a few unexpected surprises. “I took him (Gavin) down but brought Abby along,” recalled Julie. “Since she wasn’t auditioning, I didn’t do her hair, and she even dressed herself that day. When we arrived at the audition and were signing in, the casting director asked if this was Gavin’s sister; I said yes. Then she said they were looking for real brothers and sisters so they would like Abby to audition, too. I said that was fine.” A few days following the audition, both siblings were called back to film the commercial at a private residence in Pasadena and directed by Jake Scott, son of Oscar-nominated director Ridley Scott. “It was an amazing experience. The kids

Abigail and Gavin Ingram

had their own trailer with their name on it. They filmed in the garage of a house and then in a Mazda driving around the streets of Pasadena. We took some pictures on set. It took about four hours to film their part (five days for the whole commercial) and then the kids got to enjoy craft services and had to attend school with the on-set teacher.” After filming wrapped, the kids were informed of some disappointing news a month later when all of Gavin’s parts were edited out of the commercial making Abigail the star of the short. “We were both excited and saddened at the same time. There was Abby as plain as day, but all the shots with Gavin had been cut out,” she recalled. “He was upset at first but was happy that at least he still got paid for two days’ work.” Abigail didn’t take the news lightly of her brother’s exclusion. “Yes, she sticks up for her brother and

said, ‘I am mad! Why did they do that to Gavin?,’” Julie said. Today, the two are still living the life of happy-go-lucky kids with lots of love and support for each other and from family, sans the sibling rivalry. “At this point she (Abigail) just wants to do another commercial and be on TV again, but when she gets older, she would like to do a movie,” Julie said. “He (Gavin) wants to be a hockey player, but he wouldn’t mind continuing to act on the side.” As the commercial continues to be viewed regularly everywhere, Julie added Abigail is enjoying her personal moment in the spotlight with a great big smile. “We have even seen it while eating dinner at restaurants and at the movie theater,” she said. “Abby has also started to receive residuals for each time the commercial airs. She already has a nice little college fund set up, which is exciting.” bakersfieldlife.com

Up Front

MY PET

HILLARY HAENES AND NOIE

Hillary Haenes and Noie

f you want to spot Noelle at a dog park, just look for the fluffy Yorkshire terrier that is probably chasing either a tennis ball or basketball across the park. But she chases in style – in her little black dress – which, of course, every girl needs in her closet. Noie, as her human Hillary Haenes calls her for short, will be turning 1 on Oct. 24, exactly one month after Haenes’ birthday. “I have been planning her first birthday for several months now,” said Haenes, the project manager for the Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce. The main attraction at the birthday party: a kiddie-pool-sized ball pit. But that fun-filled kiddie pool will be just one of the few surprises for Noie. Haenes said she plans to take Noie to Starbucks to enjoy a “pup cup,” a cup of whipped cream, followed by a walk around the park, and chicken and rice for dinner. Born in Indiana last year, Noie was the happiness Haenes needed in her life after

Bakersfield Life Magazine

her parents and their dogs moved away to Indiana to be closer to family. “I was lonely and missing the family pugs so I knew I needed a little companion,” Haenes said. Haenes’ mom found Noie for sale in a newspaper advertisement and on Christmas Eve, Haenes held Noie in her arms. “When I met Noie for the first time, I started crying tears of joy,” she said. “Since it was so cold outside, I put her inside my winter jacket to keep her warm and she fell asleep on my chest cuddling close on the ride home.” And that bond is apparent when the two take strolls around the neighborhood park. Noie doesn’t leave Haenes’ side as she enjoys her daily walks every day. But maybe that’s because she knows Haenes has her favorite treats inside her pink doggy bag. There is something in her personalized bag for every occasion. A water dish for when Noie is thirsty.

September 2015

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

PHOTO COURTESY OF HILLARY HAENES

By Laura Liera

Scented poop bags and pink pee pads. And her favorite treats, Greenies, which also clean her teeth. Those are just a few items that Haenes packs when traveling, another favorite for Noie. “I love taking her to the dog park at the Central Coast,” Haenes said. “The weather is cooler and Noie loves running wild and free, playing with other dogs.” When she’s not traveling or running through the sprinklers at home, Noie is usually being pampered by Haenes. There isn’t an outfit she doesn’t flaunt proudly, including holiday dresses for St. Patrick’s Day, Easter and Fourth of July. “She’s quite the fashionista,” Haenes said. Besides having as many outfits as her mom, Noie showers Haenes with kisses and affection, something that is priceless. “Noie has brought so much happiness into my life right from the very beginning,” she said. “She is my little shadow and follows me around everywhere.”

BY THE NUMBERS

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KERN COUNTY FAIR ATTENDANCE

Source: Scarborough Research (Released March 2015)

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Up Front

W H AT I ’ M R E A D I N G

CURT ASHER By Oscar Miranda

What I’m currently reading: “Eliot Ness: The Rise and Fall of an American Hero” by Douglas Perry.

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

rior to his current job as University Library Dean of California State University, Bakersfield, Curt Asher was a former employee of NASA. Asher’s interest in working for an educational institution led him to accept a job offer as a archivist for CSUB, a job title he was familiar with at NASA. Asher was responsible for archiving important and legal documents and found it imperative to develop the organizational skills he currently utilizes as a university library dean. As an archivist, his job duties required working with historical documents and performing oral history interviews for retired NASA employees. Asher attended the University of Texas at Austin’s Graduate School of Library and Information Science. “As the library dean, I have to keep educating my mind and I do that by reading,” he said. “Books are really the only opportunity to see the world from another perspective. That’s good for you.” Asher traditionally prefers fiction books and reads an average of one book a week. Working in a university library, is there anything you see in particular with today’s students? I see less people picking up books now than before. People can be more effective and empathetic when they read. Favorite author: Fiction: Miguel de Cervantes. Nonfiction: Norman Maclean.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

How important do you think reading is for someone’s life? I find it very important. That meditated reading is important for the mind and to sharpen the ability to read. What kinds of books typically catch your eye? Books of people that overcome adversity; that is a real eye-catcher.

What is your favorite book?

Any other thoughts on reading?

“A River Runs Through It” by Norman Maclean and “The Assistant” by Bernard Malamud.

I want people to read. The right book at the right time can change your life. I am a true believer in the power of reading.

September 2015

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Up Front

HAPPENINGS

CAN’T-MISS EVENTS SEPTEMBER

Find more community events at bakersfieldlife.com, or submit yours via email to bakersfieldlife@bakersfield.com or via our Facebook page: Bakersfield Life Magazine

waltzing, music by County George. 7 p.m., Sept. 12, Kern City Town Hall, 1003 Pebble Beach Drive. $10. 831-9241.

“Noche Azul” (Blue Night) by Alberto Herrera 7th annual Latination Art Exhibit, opening Sept. 4, Metro Galleries, 1604 19th St. themetrogalleries.com. Meet Me in Paris Fashion Show, to benefit the Mission at Kern County, 10 a.m., Sept. 12, The Mission at Kern County, 816 E. 21st St. $25 at the door and eventbrite.com. 325-0863. Community Recycling Day, Sept. 12, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Kern Schools Federal Credit Union, 11500 Bolthouse Drive. ksfcu.org/recycling. Weird Science for Adults, 6:30 p.m., Sept. 12, Buena Vista Museum of Natural History and Science, 2018 Chester Ave. $15 adult, $25 couples. 324-6350. 7th Annual Farewell to Sickle Cell 5K/10K Run, to benefit the Hina Patel Foundation for Sickle Cell Disease, 6:30 a.m. check-in, 8 a.m. race, Sept. 12. The Park at River Walk, 11200 Stockdale Highway. Food, henna, face painting, music and raffles following race. $25 before Sept. 10, $35 day of. hinapatelfoundation.org. Stomp Out Suicide Walk, put on by Save A Life Today (S.A.L.T.), 7 a.m. registration, 9 a.m. walk, Sept. 12, Beach Park, 3400 21st St. Free. 412-2721. Western Fair Dance, line dancing, swing, two-step and 30

Bakersfield Life Magazine

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus XTREME, Sept. 10-13, Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $20-$70. ticketmaster.com. Wasco Festival of Roses, Sept. 10-12. Activities include rose parade, children’s rose show, rose queen pageant, rose field tours, wine and roses reception, pancake breakfast and barbecue. ci.wasco.ca.us. Village Fest 2015, includes tasting glass, live entertainment, unlimited food samples and 15 beer samples. 6 p.m., Sept. 12, Kern County Museum, 3801 Chester Ave. $73 prior to festival, $78 at the gate. 21 and over only. bakersfieldvillagefest.com. Fairytale Bridal Event, noon, Sept. 13, Bakersfield Marriott at the Convention Center, 801 Truxtun Ave. $15 VIP, $10 in advance through Sept. 11; $15 at the door. 633-9200.

Bakersfield Triathlon Boys & Girls Club Day for Kids Carnival, food, games, 11 a.m., Sept. 19, Boys & Girls Club, 801 Niles St. Free. 325-3730. Magic Mullet Run, to benefit anencephaly research. 7 a.m., Sept. 19, Rio Bravo Ranch, 15701 Highway 178. $25 for 5K, $35 for 10K. ultrasignup.com.

Walk Like MADD, raise awareness and funds to eliminate drunk driving, 8 a.m., Sept. 19, The Park at River Walk, 11200 Stockdale Highway. walklikemadd.org. September 2015

Wild Kratts Live, 7 p.m., Sept. 25, Rabobank Theater, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $27.75-$43.75. ticketmaster.com.

Bakersfield Triathlon, 8 a.m., Sept. 20, Lake Ming, 6299 Lake Ming Road. bakersfieldtri.com. LA Kings vs. Arizona Coyotes, 7 p.m., Sept. 21, Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $29-$115. ticketmaster.com.

Firefall, 8 p.m., Sept. 18, Bright House Networks Amphitheatre, 11200 Stockdale Highway. $23.20 with fees. ticketmaster.com. Tehachapi GranFondo, festival with live entertainment, food, drinks and vendors Sept. 18 with race Sept. 19. Centennial Plaza, downtown Tehachapi. Festival is free. Race information, visit tehachapigranfondo.com.

tion Center, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $100 table of eight or $105 individual. bakersfieldwomen.org.

Kern County Fair, Sept. 23 to Oct. 4, 1142 P St., Bakersfield. kerncountyfair.com. Benise, 7:30 p.m., Sept. 22, Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $35-$61 or $101 VIP at the box office. 26th Annual Bakersfield Women’s Business Conference, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sept. 24, Rabobank Theater and Conven-

WHISKEYFEST, hosted by the Padre Hotel, featuring 50 to 60 varieties of bourbon, moonshine and scotch, plus food, cigar lounge, live entertainment, goody bag. 7 p.m., Sept. 26, the Padre Hotel, 1702 18th St. $75 or $125 VIP. thepadrehotel. com/event/whiskeyfest. Walk to End Alzheimer’s, 2-mile walk to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association, 8 a.m. registration, Sept. 26, The Park at River Walk, 11200 Stockdale Highway. Free but donations welcomed. Register at 794-6948.

ON THE WEB

Kids’ Artwork I have had this up on the wall for two years now! My daughter Emma was in kindergarten when she made this. Her little brother Drew was only 3 years old, and they usually got along, so when she brought this home it cracked me up! – Crystal Ehret This is a picture that I love because it’s a picture telling me that my son Jose Antonio Villarreal III loves jujitsu. He tells me that when he gets older he wants to teach jujitsu to other kids. – Maira Villarreal This is a drawing my 6-year-old granddaughter Haleigh gave to me. She said it’s a picture of me and my husband dancing, with a disco ball. – Becky Asuncion

My son Dominic, 2, is obsessed with anything transportation related. He drew this for me and said it was an “airplane up high and a shark at the beach.” – Jenny Reiland

This picture was painted when my daughter Katherine was in kindergarten. I love it because she put that she was thankful for mom. She is going to be 15 years old in September and although she says it’s “ugly,” to me it’s the best treasure I’ll forever cherish. – Celinda Bolanos

Food Selfies Enjoying your food so much you want to take a picture of it? Send it to us, along with what it is and where you devoured it. Send photos to bakersfieldlife@bakersfield.com.

bakersfieldlife.com

Eat & Drink

D I N I N G D I VA S

Spinach enchilada

EL PORTAL WEST MEXICAN GRILL & CANTINA Bold, authentic Mexican flavors in every dish

Compiled by Bakersfield Life

hen you’re greeted at the door with “Hola, senorita,” you know it’s going to be a good authentic meal. El Portal West Mexican Grill & Cantina is a restaurant whose ambiance is fun and social. Located in northwest Bakersfield, the authentic Mexican food is so good, you might not want to share!

APPETIZERS Nina Ha on the shrimp and mushroom quesadillas: The savory flour tor-

tilla looked buttery and soft. It wrapped itself like a blanket around several large, juicy shrimp and thinly sliced tantalizing 32

Bakersfield Life Magazine

September 2015

Photos by Greg Nichols

mushrooms. After seeing the cheese, gently melted inside and cut into four tasty triangles, my mostly raw food vegan body never stood a chance. I caved. I ate. I enjoyed. They’re beautifully served alongside fresh guacamole, lettuce, tomatoes and sour cream. Norma Diaz on the chile con queso: I love being a rebel, which is why

you have to ask for this one! I had them make the El Portal version of what I know as queso fundido. Naturally, they granted my wish (love places like this). The chile con queso was served in a flat sizzling skillet filled with HOT melted jack cheese, nicely roasted bell peppers and one giant jalapeno as eye candy

Chile verde nachos, shrimp and mushroom quesadilla, and chile con queso appetizers

Valerie Mendiburu on the chile verde nachos: The nachos were

ENTREES Dianne Hoover on the molcajete mixto: “Oh my goodness” was the main

reaction when this dish came to our table – enough to feed everyone there for sure! Served in a large hot bowl, it included steak, chicken, hot links and green peppers overflowing the sides. Inside, the bowl was steaming with a spicy broth of shrimp, mushrooms, onions and red pepper – very hot temperature and perfectly spiced. The steak and

Nina on the spinach enchiladas:

If it’s good enough for Popeye, it’s good enough for me. As an aficionado of dark leafy greens, I couldn’t wait to try El Portal’s spinach enchiladas. You get two corn tortillas loaded with a generous helping of sauteed spinach, hardy squash, delightful bell peppers and layered mushrooms drizzled with their special green sauce and topped with cheese. The mild cheese complements their bold green sauce. The dish was so captivating that I ate an entire enchilada before looking up and noticing that I hadn't even touched the beans and rice.

Continued on page 34

BRIMHALL RD VERDUGO LN

topped with cheese, sour cream, guacamole and chile verde. The chile verde was mildly spicy, a perfect blend between the pork and traditional Mexican green sauce – a great kick without being overly spicy!

1,000 FT

only. This eliminates the need to call the “bomberos,” as my dad would say. Add a few chips to dip and I would definitely have this as a starter!

Dining Divas Norma Diaz, Valerie Mendiburu, Nina Ha, Dianne Hoover and LaMeka Ross ham it up at El Portal West Mexican Grill & Cantina.

El Portal Mexican Grill

CAL LO WA Y

Camarones flores

chicken were cooked just right and had some mild pepper flavor on the outside. As if this bowl of food was not enough, the companion plate included whole beans, lettuce, tomatoes and sour cream with tortillas to create your own fajitas with the meat and sauce from the bowl. LaMeka Ross on El Trio: I have been to El Portal several times for work functions and with friends and I always have the same thing – enchiladas suizas. So this visit, I wanted to venture out and have something different so I chose El Trio for a few reasons. El Trio provided a variety of chimichangas, deep-fried to perfection. One was beef, another was chicken and the other was chile verde. They were all different and very good.

1100 Calloway Drive WESTSIDE PARKWAY

El Portal West Mexican Grill & Cantina 1100 Calloway Drive, #300 661-829-2737 Search El Portal West on Facebook Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday

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spicy, yet had enough kick to keep you on your toes. As if that wasn't enough, I was raised on rice and beans, so I'm a good judge of great flavor in that realm and they did well! The pico de gallo and fresh guacamole were just an added treat to complete this beautiful looking dish. Tasted as good as it looked. Valerie on the camarones flores: Lemon-dipped shrimp wrapped in bacon and served with rice and beans, garnished with sour cream and guacamole deserves a WOW! The lemon-dipped shrimp was the perfect amount of savory from the bacon without being too tart, a perfect hint of lemon without overbearing the dish. The refried beans with melted cheese were delicious and the authentic Mexican rice was the perfect side for this light, summery dish.

DESSERTS Molcajete mixto

Continued from page 33 Norma on the camarones a la diabla: Don't let the name fool you with this dish. Nothing scary about it! The shrimp were sauteed in a great-tasting special sauce with slices of bell peppers, mushrooms and onions. It was not too

LaMeka on the fried ice cream: I have had deep-fried ice cream before, but the one at El Portal was different and very delicious. The outer layer was made of cinnamon sugar mixed with corn flakes, and the inside was a wonderful chocolate chip ice cream. It came served in a goblet drizzled with chocolate syrup and topped with whipped cream. The combination was absolutely AMAZING! Norma on the flan: The flan was not too sweet but was complemented by some chocolate drizzle, a shot of whipped cream with a bright red cherry on top! By the looks of this

The Villas At Scenic River A SENIOR COMMUNITY DESIGNED FOR YOU

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September 2015

www.VillasAtScenicRiver.com• 661-588-2400 4015 Scenic River Lane, Bakersfield, CA 93308 Directions: From Highway 99 take the Olive exit going West. Turn left onto Coffee Road, and left on Meany Avenue. Turn left onto Scenic River Lane. *OAC, Limited Availability.

Desserts at El Portal: the Cinnamon Flirt, above, fried ice cream, top right, and flan.

dessert, I was ready to lick the plate. El Portal West Mexican Grill & Cantina in the northwest side of town is doing it up right! From its appetizers to its desserts, it’s amazingly satisfying. The authentic and bold Mexican flavors you get with every bite you take is like none other. ¡Buen provecho!

When you remodel your kitchen make sure you hire someone who will take care of everything for you. That’s why hiring the gals

from Blue River Cabinetry makes sense. They won’t make you find an electrician, a plumber, and a.... well, you get the point. Blue River Cabinetry handles it all. And when it comes to choosing someone to design your kitchen, keep in mind that “Women know what Women want.” The unique perspective from the gals at Blue River Cabinetry will keep you smiling every time you step into your kitchen, and your guests “ooing and ahhing” whenever they visit!

Call Annette and Michele for a free consultation.

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Eat & Drink

LUNCHTIME PICKS

RJ’S BAR AND GRILL Bold flavors at northwest local eatery

RJ’s Bar and Grill 9440 Hageman Road, Suite C 661-587-4723 www.facebook.com/pages/RJs-Barand-Grill

the onion strings was light and crunchy and perfectly paired with its meat cousin. To hit this menu item out of the park, it comes with a creamy macaroni and cheese that goes well with the main entree. This particular burger is offered on BBQ Thursdays, but overall, there are a variety of burgers to choose from any day of the week.

Barbecue burger

By Holly Bikakis

RJ’s New York steak ($28): Feeling hungry? Try the New York steak, a premium cut of quality Midwestern beef. The texture was so smooth, one could cut it with a butter knife, yet its texture was hearty and flavorful. It had a nice char on the outside with the right amount of seasoning. Fresh mashed potatoes that are light and fluffy come with it and a good amount of vegetables cooked al dente.

Photos by Mark Nessia

elcome to the neighborhood! Even if you don’t live in the northwest, RJ’s Bar and Grill will make you feel at home when walking through the door. From the warm woods, the big-screen TVs and the great smells coming out of the kitchen, you’re in for a treat. The menu is not pretentious, just good food at good prices that keeps the locals coming back for more. Owner, Russ Carter worked all types of jobs in the restaurant business for years when he met Jason Cox, a bartender, at the restaurant both were working at. They decided it was time to go out on their own, establishing RJ’s Bar and Grill in 2002. Since then, the restaurant has been catering to the taste of Bakersfield, or as Carter says, “the meat-and-potatoes town.” The menu items don’t change often because RJ’s regulars know exactly what they want as soon as they step inside. Whether it’s a perfect seared steak or 36

Bakersfield Life Magazine

September 2015

New York steak some fall-off-the-bone ribs, it’s pretty obvious why people come back to RJ’s more than once a week. Barbecue burger ($12): If you’re on a burger pilgrimage to find the best one in town, put this one on your list to try. The burger was cooked just right with onion strings stacked high over slices of bacon, drizzled with RJ’s homemade sweet-andtangy barbecue sauce. The breading on

Even if you feel you don’t have room for dessert at RJ’s, you don’t want to pass up on the homemade brownie topped with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. Carter says the secret to this moist brownie is the marshmallows. The best thing about RJ’s, is you can have a reason to visit every day with their daily specials. Daily specials include burger, fries and a beer on Mondays; pasta Tuesdays; wings on Wednesdays; BBQ Thursdays; and fish and chips Fridays. Also, different soups are offered every day. In addition to great lunches, RJ’s offers a lively evening bar scene, breakfast every weekend and even themed nights, like ’80s night. Come see what RJ’s is serving today.

NUESTRO MEXICO RESTAURANT Genuine Mexican cuisine experience

By Olivia Garcia

Photos by Mark Nessia

any of us food lovers can recall the former home of La Costa Mariscos at 716 21st St. Although La Costa has since moved to its Chester Avenue location, a new restaurant called Nuestro Mexico offering authentic Mexican cuisine is now nestled in the 21st Street location, and boy, is it worth a visit! Josue Sanchez and cousin Christian Sanchez are the new owners of Nuestro Mexico. It is a restaurant born out of the love of cooking, tradition and years of experience working in the food business. Walking into Nuestro Mexico, you will fall in love with its colorful, original decor and its beautiful music paying tribute to greats like Vicente Fernandez. But what will capture your heart and taste buds is its cuisine. Now for lunch you can take advantage of lunch specials whose pricing average between $7.50 to $8.50. However, the purpose of this review is to focus on two out-of-this-world dishes off the regular menu that you must experience if you appreciate authentic Mexican cuisine that is exquisite, creative and worth the visit. Chile encuerado ($13): The chile relleno that locals are familiar with has nothing on the chile encuerado. This meal features a chile poblano filled with cheese on a bed of white creamy sauce served with white rice, a pot of beans and tortillas. You can also add shrimp for $4 extra. Whether you want the shrimp or not, this meal is just perfect and mouthwatering. Its sauce is delectable and original. Josue created the sauce inspired by a recipe of his mother, Maricruz Castaneda. Mariscos with a cream chile poblano sauce ($17): If you love seafood a la Mexican

Chile encuerado

Nuestro Mexico Restaurant 716 21st St. 661-637-1343 www.facebook.com/Nuestro.Mexico. Restaurant http://twitter.com/NuestroMexicoCA

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Mariscos with a cream chile poblano sauce style, then this meal is for you. Your taste buds will be wanting more as you enjoy a dish featuring fish, scallops and shrimp poured over a chile poblano sauce. On the side was a bed of white rice complemented with a garnish of corn and a pot of beans. This dish is a

Whether you consider these items or others, you should definitely visit Nuestro Mexico. Josue plans to continue to experiment and introduce new dishes each week. Part of his passion stems from his familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cooking history. His grandmother Rebecca was considered a top chef at the Meson del Caballo Bajo in Mexico City. Indeed, his grandma continues to be a source of inspiration of Mexican cuisine excellence.

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Eat & Drink

FOOD AND WINE

BREAKFAST ON THE GO Quick, easy without sacrificing quality

Bagels and Blenderz’s Rosemary Heaven is made with egg, cheddar cheese, turkey bacon, avocado, tomato and onion in a rosemary Asiago bagel.

By Ellen Ewing

Photos by Mark Nessia

reakfast. The most important meal of the day. It helps wake you up and fuels your entire morning. But you don’t have time for it. We often rush through it – or skip it all together. We have kids to get ready, we have morning traffic to beat, phone calls, meetings – the list goes on. Well, there are options for the harried early risers in Bakersfield. You can have your breakfast and eat it, too, because breakfast on the go is offered at several establishments in town. At Bagels and Blenderz, you have a veritable banquet of choices. “We make fresh bagels,” said owner Lang Chhan. “We bake all the bagels early in the morning, fresh daily.” Bagels and Blenderz prides itself on efficiency and high-quality food. “We offer very quick and very fresh,” Chhan continues. “We train the cooks to cook fast to go.” Whether your preference is vegetarian, healthy or traditional, you’ll find something there. “The Morning Star is a healthy choice,” Chhan said. “People want to cut down on cholesterol, so it’s made with egg white, fresh spinach, avocado, turkey; it’s not greasy. The breakfast bagel has different meats to put on it. You can

Bakersfield Life Magazine

September 2015

Pappy’s spinach omelet

Bagels and Blenderz’s Morning Star breakfast sandwich

choose bacon, sausage, ham. We cook as customers order, modify it to what they want.” 24th Street Cafe is not what you think of when you need a fast breakfast. However, it does have a to-go menu. Owner Mark Huggs admits that food isn’t typically ready in minutes, but there is a way around that. “When you order on the phone, it goes in the same lineup. So it still takes, from the time you order until it’s ready, about 25 minutes,” Huggs said. That means you can get a really good breakfast burrito if you order from your house, drop off your kids and swing by. Hop out, grab your food and you’re set. Huggs said: “We do madeto-order, and we shoot for quality. Our most popular items are chile, cheese and egg burrito or jalapeno chorizo burritos. We

also do a shrimp, egg, jack cheese, mushrooms and garlic burrito. That’s really good.” Keep in mind that 24th Street Cafe does not take phone orders on Saturdays and Sundays. And you might also notice there are no burritos listed on the regular menu. But anything can be made into a burrito. Like Bagels and Blenderz, the cafe will modify to your preferences. And there are tons of options here. You have the traditional breakfast foods, but there are healthy choices, too. “Along with the breakfast sandwiches, we have oatmeal in a cup,” said Donna Caudle, head server. “It’s really good oatmeal if customers are looking for something healthy.” Healthier choices have become so common at breakfast,

Continued on page 40

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Chile verde, egg and cheese burrito with hash browns at 24th Street Cafe

Pappy’s breakfast burrito filled with bacon, ham, sausage, cheese, eggs and hash browns.

Continued from page 39 you can find them almost anywhere. Pappy’s Coffee Shop offers veggie omelets and spinach omelets, both on the to-go menu. “You also get a side order of fresh fruit, cottage cheese or sliced tomatoes,” said Sarah Cisneros, the manager at Pappy’s.

“We have egg white omelets and chicken-fried steak, so there’s something for everyone here,” Cisneros said. “The cowboy benedict is an open-face biscuit with sausage, over-medium eggs and gravy poured on top. It’s our version of eggs benedict and a really good to-go item. It’s in one box and a quick item to make.” And then there are Pappy’s break-

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September 2015

fast burritos. “They are a hit. The portions are huge,” Cisneros said. “They have bacon, ham, sausage, cheese, eggs and hash browns. We serve it with salsa, and that’s a little easier for on the go. Our biscuits and gravy is a really popular to-go item. It’s a homemade recipe we’ve been using since we were established 16 years ago.” Cisneros says that to-go orders are nonstop, particularly on the weekends. “Everything is constantly being made,” she said. “We make two batches of gravy each morning. And everything is fresh.” Fresh and fast. You have no excuse to skip breakfast anymore.

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Lifestyles

ON THE ROAD

Subaru’s core operating values — adventure, safety, versatility and longevity — are on full display in the 2016 Forester.

2016 SUBARU FORESTER LIMITED Versatile SUV/crossover equally at home on mountain roads or city streets

Bakersfield Life Magazine

September 2015

By Glenn Hammett

n the interest of full disclosure, I have to confess that I am a member of the Subaru family or a “Subarist,” as some call us. Ten years ago, we bought a 1998 Outback for our son to take to college in Colorado and a new 2005 Outback for my wife. While the 1998’s life came to an unfortunate end in the middle of Utah after 212,000 spectacularly adventurous and abusive miles, the 2005 is still in the family and going strong. We recently purchased a new 2015 Outback, and our daughter is

Photos by Mark Nessia

the proud owner of a 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek. Because they are all-wheel drive, fuel-efficient and relatively inexpensive, Subaru has been the car of choice in mountain communities for two or three decades. But when we purchased our first two in 2005, it was somewhat rare to see another one on the streets of Bakersfield. Now, it seems like they are everywhere, and the numbers reflect that. According to goodcarbadcar.net, from 2007 to 2014, Subaru’s sales in America grew an astounding 275 percent (from

The Forester’s 2.5-liter Boxer engine is both powerful and efficient.

The split-screen setting displays navigation and entertainment information simultaneously.

It’s all in the details Fuel economy: 24 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, 27 mpg combined Price: Base Limited Forester $29,645 plus tax and license. As tested, $32,343 plus tax and license.

New this year, the X-Mode improves traction and performance on slippery and irregular terrain.

187,208 to 513,935 vehicles sold) and is on track for another record sales year in 2015. That growth is even more remarkable considering total U.S. auto sales fell about 2 percent over that same period. The Forester is the company’s biggest seller and the model that most truly expresses the company’s core operating values: adventure, safety, versatility and longevity. While the Outback is a bit roomier and available with more amenities, the Forester is more nimble, rugged and ready to load with gear and head to the mountains. Its outdoorsy persona is further enhanced by the new X-Mode setting, which improves traction and

performance on steep, slippery and uneven surfaces. That’s not to say that the Forester is not a great choice for everyday driving in town. The Limited model I test-drove was outfitted with heated eight-way adjustable leather seats, a power moon roof, a premium Harman Kardon sound system, voice-activated navigation and EyeSight adaptive cruise control with lane departure warning. The cabin is remarkably spacious for a small SUV/crossover, providing more than ample legroom and headroom in both the

Continued on page 44

Five best features: Subaru’s new Starlink safety and security system, newly upgraded entertainment system with touch-screen technology, a large panoramic power moonroof, a power rear liftgate with memory height setting, and Subaru’s X-Mode, which is a lowspeed stability control. Target customer: The 2016 Subaru Forester Limited is designed for any person or family with an active lifestyle that is looking for value and modern convenience. The new 2016 Subaru Forester Limited is perfect for … the daily commute and family requirements, while still offering the versatility and capability for “off the beaten path” adventure. Three words that define the Subaru Forester Limited: Affordable, versatile and stylish. What I like most about the 2016 Limited Forester: The new upgraded entertainment system with touch-screen technology is stylish and very user friendly, and the panoramic moonroof is huge! The visibility and handling are great for the daily commute, and the standard safety features offer peace of mind.

Source: Max Pierce, sales consultant, Sangera Subaru

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Continued from page 43

The Forester’s rear seats fold flat to create nearly 75 cubic feet of cargo space.

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front and rear seating areas. The rear seats fold down flat, opening up nearly 75 cubic feet for cargo, be it groceries or camping gear. On city streets, the Forester is lively and agile and its relatively small exterior dimensions make parking a snap. At freeway speeds, it’s smooth and quiet, belying its penchant for off-road adventure. True to the Subaru creed, the exterior design of the 2016 Forester is more about function than style. The surfaces and lines are dictated by the car’s impressive cabin space and visibility, more than ample ground clearance and easy access, rather than vice-versa. The 2016 Forester is practical, versatile and economical, equally at home on a snowy mountain fire road or trip over the Grapevine. With a base price of $22,395, it’s also an incredible value and the perfect way to join the family.

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Lifestyles

ON THE ROAD

The four-corner air-sprung suspension gives the 2015 Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn a silky-smooth ride.

2015 RAM 1500 LARAMIE LONGHORN EDITION CREW CAB 4X4 Rugged, hard-working truck full of luxury features

Bakersfield Life Magazine

September 2015

By Glenn Hammett

Photos by Mark Nessia

ore than any of its rivals in the very competitive fullsize truck market, Dodge Ram has created a strong and consistent brand message. Its television commercials, featuring the deep, gravely drawl of Sam Elliott uttering “guts, glory, Ram,” often show men in cowboy hats throwing around bails of hay. The message is that Ram trucks are built for the tough but rewarding life of the American cowboy. With its interior materials of multi-hues of brown, the saddlebags on the back of the front seats (complete with ornate silver belt buckles) and the cowboy boot stitch pattern on the glove box door, that home-on-the-range theme is on full display in the 2015 Ram Laramie Longhorn edition. While the details allude to the rough and tumble life of the Old West, this truck is really about luxury and comfort. Ten-way adjustable heated and cooled leather seats, rich wood inlays, dual zone climate control, premium Alpine sound system and Dodge’s voice-activated Uconnect infotainment system are just some of

The Ram 1500 is both a hard-working truck and luxury cruiser.

The interior is spacious with an abundance of storage areas, including the large compartment between the front seats.

The Ram 1500’s cooled and heated leather seats are perfect for long days in the saddle.

the features that make the Ram 1500 Laramie perfect for long days in the saddle. The interior is well designed and executed and I was struck by how much storage space there is. Besides the aforementioned saddlebags, there is a huge compartment in the center console, additional spaces in the doors and under the seats, as well as numerous cup holders. The exterior reflects the next step in an evolution that began in 1994. That year, Dodge made the decision to go big, introducing a revolutionary design with bold lines and a big-rig-like front end and grille. The risk paid off as sales of Ram trucks went from 78,000 in 1993 to

nearly 480,000 in 1996, catapulting the brand from an afterthought to a major competitor in the full-size truck market. The Ram Laramie is powered by Dodge’s 5.7-liter HEMI V-8, which generates a healthy 395 horsepower and 407 foot pounds of torque, so there is plenty of power for getting around an 18-wheeler, climbing a mountain pass or towing a trailer or boat. Its EPA mileage ratings of 15 city, 21 highway and 17 overall and the Eco Diesel option pushes those numbers up to 21, 29 and 24. In spite of the truck’s size, I also found the ride to be silky smooth

Continued on page 48

It’s all in the details Fuel economy: Eco Diesel – 21 city, 29 highway Gas (tested) – 15 city, 21 highway Price tag: Base - $50,690. As tested - $53,835 Five best features: 1. Uconnect Access System. Your truck can do double-duty as a mobile office or entertainment center. 2. Active-Level Four-Corner Air Suspension. Automatic load leveling improves capability and maintains the exceptional ride quality Ram trucks are known for. 3. 5-Year/100,000-Mile Powertrain Limited Warranty. 4. RamBox Cargo Management System. Lockable, lighted, drainable storage with remote keyless entry for extra convenience. 5. Hill Start Assist. Detects when your truck is on an incline, so when you take your foot off the brake; you don’t roll backward. Target customer: The cowboy Today’s Ram fits everyone. From theme can be your daily comseen throughout. muter, with available 29 mpg and seating for six, to your blue collar working man, with towing up to 10,650 pounds and on the job features like the RamBox Cargo Management System . Three words that define the 2015 Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn Crew Cab 4x4: Versatile. Rugged. Spacious. What do you like most about the 2015 Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn Crew Cab 4x4: Versatility! I can show up to a black-tie event, stay cool in the hot Bakersfield summer using the ventilated front seats and tow my trailer to a vacation destination. Source: Cesar Caceres, sales manager, Haddad Dodge

bakersfieldlife.com

Continued from page 47 and the cabin to be remarkably quiet. Dodge has equipped the Ram 1500 Laramie with coil springs on both the front and rear axles, rather than traditional leaf springs in the rear, resulting in a significant improvement in ride quality. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Its air-sprung suspension produces the most controlled and comfortable ride. In fact, it rides so well that it calls into question why the others are sticking with rear-leaf springs for the relatively light duties that half-ton pickups encounter,â&#x20AC;? said John Pearley Huffman of carnaddriver.com. On the outside, the Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn Edition 4x4 is a solid, hardworking truck that is not afraid to get its hands dirty. Inside, it is a smooth-riding luxury sedan with all the comforts you could want, plus a little country-western swagger.

The dashboard is a mix of classic and modern.

The 2016 Ram 1500â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exterior design is highlighted by its signature big rig-like front end and massive grille.

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September 2015

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Lifestyles

FIT AND FRESH

SWIMMING AND CYCLING AND RUNNING, OH MY! Bakersfield Triathlon has something for everyone

By Sally Baker and Katie Kirschenmann

eptember is when greatness happens. Establishing a reputation as one of the hardest triathlons in the country, the Bakersfield Triathlon will challenge even the most seasoned veterans. The 35-year-old event offers a variety of courses for adults, kids and teams while showcasing the landscape and scenery Bakersfield has to offer.

Need to get those legs in shape for the triathlon? The exercise of the month will not only work your quads, glutes and hamstrings, it will improve your balance as well. Get a jump-start on fall with a quinoa tabbouleh salad that brings autumn flavors ahead of schedule. Bakersfield Triathlon – Sept. 20 One of the longest-running sporting events locally, this event offers something for everyone – individuals, teams,

Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad September weather is still quite warm for us in Kern County, but that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate the flavors of the coming fall. Quinoa has a hearty, nutty flavor that lends itself to the earthy flavors of autumnal foods. Tabbouleh is a Middle Eastern salad, typically made with couscous, olive oil, lemon juice, finely chopped parsley, mint and tomatoes. We ramp up the flavor and amp the protein punch in our tabbouleh by swapping couscous for quinoa. Our recipe is “clean,” PHOTO BY SALLY BAKER

Bakersfield Life Magazine

September 2015

kids, Olympic and sprint courses. The triathlon takes place on the banks of Lake Ming, offering a “triangular” lake swim, challenging hills for the bike segment and thigh-burning hills for the run, before ending on a pleasant and fast downhill to finish. Visit bakersfieldtri.com for information about your many options for this fun event, which beautifully showcases Lake Ming and the hills east of Hart Park. The event is hosted by Action Sports.

gluten-free and vegan if the feta cheese is omitted. • 3 cups cooked quinoa • 1 cup parsley, finely chopped • ½ cup fresh mint, finely

chopped • 4 tablespoons finely chopped

shallots • Juice and zest of one large

• • • •

lemon (I use the juice of two lemons, but not everyone likes it so lemony) 2 tablespoons olive oil 3 Persian cucumbers, diced 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and roughly chopped (clean eat-

ing purists would frown upon this ingredient) • ½ cup organic feta cheese (optional) • Salt and pepper to taste (in order to keep this recipe “clean” use harvested sea salt) Begin by cooking the quinoa as per the instructions on the package. Always rinse your quinoa first. Set aside in a large bowl to cool. Once cooled add olive oil and lemon juice, fluffing up the quinoa with a fork. Fold in remaining ingredients and taste for seasoning. Serve alongside roast lemon chicken for the perfect early fall dinner.

Exercise of the month: Side squat to balance knee lift on Bosu ball This exercise, performed on the unstable surface of a Bosu ball, challenges your balance by using your quads, glutes and hamstrings. Take your time if you are a beginner, maybe starting with just a simple toe tap down on the ball before stepping back out to the squat.

Build up to 15 reps on each side, focusing on good posture and balance. Hold before moving on to next squat.

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• Start by standing with both feet on the ball. • Keeping chest lifted and shoulders back, step out to one side into a squat position. • Pushing up from the squat, bring the knee up to a balance lift, arms out to side. • Repeat 10 times on one side and then repeat on the other.

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Lifestyles

I N M Y C LO S E T

HEATHER ABBOTT Local fashionista has own style By Tyler Goucher

Photos by Mark Nessia

ella at the Marketplace has long been one of Bakersfield’s go-to spots for a unique blend of contemporary clothing, shoes and accessories. Since 1999, the store has been bringing passion and flair to the industry with help from its owners, Heather Abbott and Heidi Nicoll. But what does someone who owns a fashion boutique have in her personal closet? “I’m not too much into dressing business professional,” said Abbott. “I’m more into the dressy to fun, stylish sort of way. I do casual more now that I have a son but I feel best when dressed up.” With a closet full of various shirts, pants, dresses, shoes and accessories, it’s clear that there are certain types of clothes that Abbott prefers to wear over others, especially during the infamous Bakersfield heat. “I tend to gravitate more toward dresses for the summer. They’re easy, very lightweight, and come in one piece. Not to mention, you can do flats or heels with them,” said Abbott. Why did you get into fashion? I’ve always loved fashion since I was a little girl. I used to play store and read my mom’s fashion catalogs. My first job was at Gap in the Valley Plaza Mall. After that, I moved on and met Heidi, who I eventually became business partners with after I graduated from college. Fashion has always been my favorite thing. Where is your favorite place to shop in Bakersfield? Bella at the Marketplace, of course. Heather Abbott of Bella at the Marketplace 52

Bakersfield Life Magazine

September 2015

A leather Rebecca Minkoff burgundy purse

Abbott’s Chanel stud earrings A leather Central Park West jacket Abbott has had for eight years.

Is there anything you wouldn’t wear? I personally wouldn’t wear a crop top that shows my belly just because I don’t think it’s flattering on me. Do you pick your clothes out the night before you wear them or the day of? I tend to figure it out when I wake up in the morning. A lot of times I’m always thinking about outfits so I have some pending choices in my head, but it depends on the mood I’m in that day. It’s funny because I have a son and I’ll end up dressing us in the same color some days and I don’t even think about it – I just get in the mood and it happens. What is your biggest advice when it comes to picking out the right outfit? I think it’s always good to push yourself outside of your box and try something fun that’s trending then. But bottom line, you have to feel good in it and be comfortable. I think it’s good to always push yourself a little bit though.

What is the biggest mistake someone could make when trying to pick out clothes? I think trying to fit into something that is not your size. Just buy your size or get something tailored to fit your body. It will look better if you dress for your body type. It’s something people need to pay attention to more. Are there any two types of clothes that just don’t go together? Probably tweed and a hip-hop style outfit, but I don’t go by the rules so that is a hard one for me.

Manolo Blahnik shoes Heather Abbott wore at her wedding bakersfieldlife.com

H E A LT H A N D W E L L N E S S

PHOTO BY SALLY BAKER

Lifestyles

Veggie and ham scramble

CLEAN EATING FOR DUMMIES A beginner’s guide to clean, healthy eating Editor's Note: The following is the first part of a two-part series on eating clean. In the November issue, writers Sally Baker and Katie Kirschenmann interview Bryn Randolph, a local mom, yoga instructor and ChiRunning specialist, on her experiences and advice. By Sally Baker and Katie Kirschenmann

erhaps you’ve heard the buzz surrounding the “clean eating” craze and, like us, want to know what all the fuss is about. As it turns out, there is nothing new about this diet. “Eating clean” is about as old school as you can get. The clean eating dietary movement is devoted to the consumption of 100

Bakersfield Life Magazine

September 2015

percent whole foods. What does that mean? Well, essentially if it comes out of a box, jar, or has been processed in any fashion, it’s off the menu. Rule of thumb: A product with a long list of ingredients that is essentially “human-made” is not considered clean. “Clean foods” contain solely one or two ingredients. Our quick clean eating checklist: No processed foods whatsoever. Enjoy whole food meals crafted in your kitchen. There are many quickand-easy recipes to be found. No refined sugar. Omission of sugar is a very important component of living the “clean eating” lifestyle. Say goodbye to

your sweet tooth. Avoid all refined grain and flour products. If the thought of baking your own bread doesn’t appeal to you, purchase only whole grain products. The same holds true for pasta. If you are not making it at home, it’s not technically “clean.” Be label savvy. If the label is longer than your last text message, put it back. That being said, there are a few clean eating prepared frozen convenience foods on the market nowadays. However, purists believe that anything assembled and frozen is still processed and therefore not “clean,” so proceed with your lifestyle in mind. Keep it simple! The best recipes are the easiest and the freshest. Keep this in mind. Always begin with whole foods (unprocessed) when composing a menu.

1. Drizzle olive oil in skillet; throw in onion, potato, broccoli and ham. Saute. 2. Whisk egg and egg white, set aside. 3. Add tomato. Lightly saute. 4. Throw egg in and gently stir. 5. Drop spinach on top. Gently stir. 6. Serve, adding a table spoon on Fage for extra protein. Enjoy!

1. Wash the zucchinis and squash. Slice off the ends. 2. Using a vegetable peeler or spiralizer, create the zucchini and squash into “pasta” ribbons. Transfer to a large bowl. 3. In a large pan over medium-low heat, quickly saute the ribbons and garlic in 1 tablespoon of

Dinner – The best bunless burger Serves 4 • 2 pounds organic ground chuck (use grass-fed beef whenever possible) • 2-3 tablespoons finely minced garlic • ½ cup quinoa (optional) • ½ teaspoon black pepper • Salt to taste (go easy on the salt) • 2 avocados (sliced) • 2 tomatoes (sliced) • 1 thinly sliced red onion • 1 head iceberg, green leaf or butter lettuce (any lettuce that will hold up to a burger will do) • Grass-fed butter (for cooking burgers in a skillet if not cooking on a grill) 1. Gently combine ground chuck, garlic, quinoa, salt and pepper. Form into four patties. 2. Heat grass-fed butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry or grill patties done to your liking. 3. Top with tomato slices, avocado slices and red onion slices. 4. Wrap each assembled patty in lettuce leaves and enjoy!

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Lunch – Zucchini and veggie pasta Serves 2 • 2 zucchinis • 1 yellow squash • 2 large garlic cloves, roughly chopped • 1 cup organic cherry tomatoes, halved • 1 asparagus bunch, sliced on the bias • 2 green onions, sliced on the bias • ½ cup fresh basil, roughly chopped • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil • 2 tablespoons lemon juice • Salt and pepper to taste

olive oil. You may find doing this in a few batches helpful, as to not overcrowd the pan. Trans fer the ribbons back into large bowl once wilted but still al dente. 4. Using the same skillet, over medium heat and using the second table spoon of olive oil, saute the tomatoes and asparagus until crisp tender. 5. Top the “pasta” ribbons with the vegetable mixture. While still hot, toss with sliced green onions, basil, lemon juice, salt and pepper. 6. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Breakfast – Super simple veggie and ham scramble • 2 fresh eggs, one yolk, 2 egg whites • Broccoli • Tomato • Ham • Red potato (small or half) • Spinach • Onion • Fage • Chopped parsley or basil for garnish

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Lifestyles

PA S T I M E S

SUPERHERO LIVING Local enthusiasts find sentimental value in collections

Jason Gutierrez is surrounded by his collection of vinyl figures, action figures, resin statues and pieces of original comic book art.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

September 2015

Mark Gnacinski with his collection of carefully selected Batman memorabilia.

RJ Allen in his office filled with Captain America memorabilia.

Superheroes have long been the craze of many fans from the time they were youngsters getting lost in comic books or running around in Superman and Wonder Woman costumes. By Angel Carreras

Photos by Mark Nessia

oday, superheroes are in vogue among grown-ups with practically everyone an expert on who can lift Thor’s hammer or if Batman really could beat up Superman. However, there are a few people who don’t take this as some fad. These people take capes and tights very seriously. These people are collectors. Jason Gutierrez’s beginnings in becoming a collector starts off sounding like an origin story belonging to the very superheroes he collects – a bit of tragedy, perhaps a bit of destiny. At a young age, Gutierrez was diagnosed with Valley fever and missed most of his fifth grade year because of it. He routinely had lots of bloodwork done. For a little boy terrified of needles, that can be a fairly taxing time. “As a reward, my mom took me to Toys R Us where I found my first two XMen action figures, Storm and Cyclops, and a copy of ‘X-Men’ No. 1,” he said. “Instantly, I was a fan.” Gutierrez has two items that he holds closely to him for different reasons. “The first is my signed Stan Lee trading card signed by Stan Lee him-

self,” said Gutierrez, the owner of Think Enigma. “The second is a one-of-a-kind, original piece of art that Jon (Jason’s husband) gave me when he proposed. It’s a recreation of ‘Astonishing X-Men’ No. 51 but with us and our friends and family as the characters. It includes historical, local buildings like the Fox Theater and the Padre Hotel. It’s like my life, in that moment of absolute change, was as inspiring as a comic book.” In addition to collecting comics and action figures, Gutierrez collects commissioned comic book art, Funko Pop vinyl collectibles and statues of his favorite heroes. Gutierrez says he will collect superhero-related memorabilia as long as he lives. “It’s who I am,” he said. “It’s my escape from reality when I need one, but mostly my love for heroes and villains is the fuel for my imagination.” For RJ Allen, things started out a little differently. It started with paintball. All of his friends had nicknames when they played, and Allen was dubbed “Cap’n America” for his penchant for red, white and blue, and for being a powerhouse. Fast-forward a few years, and America still means a lot to him. Proudly adorned on his office wall at

American Dream Services Heating and Cooling is a shield Captain America holds, the American flag’s colors confidently displayed. Patriotism oozes out of his office. “Actually, our company logo was primarily designed off (the old Captain America shield),” said Allen. “We try to focus on the American dream and what Cap stands for,” Allen said. Allen collects anything Captain America. Piggy banks, Pez dispensers, toys – you name it, Allen has it. He, however, usually has doubles of everything, just in case his four girls find their way to his collection. Allen admits though that his collection is unique in that most are gifts from his family and friends. His most prized possession is his mini bust of Captain America holding a flag. It was the first gift his wife got him. Allen expects to grow his collection, potentially passing it off to future generations. “The values that he believes in, that for me has gone further and deeper for me than anything,” he said. “You always want to live up to that credibility.” For Mark Gnacinski, the desire

Continued on page 58

bakersfieldlife.com

The Batmobile from the ’60s is Mark Gnacinski's favorite version of the vehicle.

Mark Gnacinski’s Batman collection shows the changes the character has undergone from the 1940s to today.

Continued from page 57 grew from an interest in a Batman collection. “It started with me just saving specific items from when I was younger and as the Batman became more popular,” said Gnacinski, a computer-aided drafting designer who works for HPS Mechanical, Inc. “I just kept cherry picking items to keep.” Gnacinski continues to collect mostly Batman figures, the 1966 Batmobile (including a Japanese model kit of the version) and items from the thenpopular ’60s Batman TV show. “It is the only Batmobile in my opinion,” he said. “To this day, it is the sleekest one there is.” Like Gutierrez and Allen, Gnacinski has a few items in his collection that are valuable because of the people who gave it to him. For Gnacinski, they are a Batmobile die cast his grandmother bought him at Ben Franklin five and dime after she took him to the movie house to see the 1966 Batman movie and 75-year anniversary Batman stamps his wife bought him. Gnacinski says he is selective in his collection, avoiding a surplus. But will he ever stop collecting? “Only if they stop manufacturing Batmobiles and figures without the yellow oval,” he said. “Even though I have some figures with the oval around the bat on his chest, my preference is no yellow oval.”

Bakersfield Life Magazine

September 2015

Jason Gutierrez holds an autographed trading card of Marvel creator Stan Lee he got at his first Comic-Con when he was 9 years old.

A 10-year anniversary Gentle Giant limited edition Captain America mini bust.

Jason Gutierrez’s collection features more than 300 action figures and 40 resin statues.

Allen's company logo is based on the original Captain America shield.

One of Allen's favorite pieces is the “liberty, justice for all” special edition Captain America action figure.

HOME AND GARDEN

PHOTOS BY CASEY CHRISTIE

Lifestyles

Everything is coming up roses along Highway 46 near Wasco.

STAND ASIDE, DROUGHT Roses will be ready and blooming for Wasco’s annual festival Wasco Festival of Roses parade.

By Gabriel Ramirez

n a time when brown is the new green you can still see some bright colors blooming. Where? The 47th annual Wasco Festival of Roses. The festival is scheduled for Sept. 12 and will include a rose parade, barbecue, arts and crafts fair, a rose queen pageant and rose field tours. “The community looks forward to the event,” said Vickie Hight, board member with the Wasco Festival of Roses. “Class reunions are planned around this event. It is a time for celebration.” According to Hight, the soil in the Wasco area, called Wasco Sandy Loam,

Bakersfield Life Magazine

September 2015

is great for roses. “The soil drains very well, which is important to the rose nurseries during harvest periods,” Hight said. “Roses cannot tolerate high levels of salts in the water. The water in this area, either from wells or from federal or state water canals, is excellent in quality, however, due to the drought, we are experiencing the salt levels are much higher than usual and it stresses the rose bushes.” Roses in this area are harvested during the late fall and winter. That period starts in late October and is completed in mid-January. All the growers in this area will be busy harvesting at the same time. Wasco roses travel around the world and rose farmers say they are increasing

production as the demand for roses has increased. But how do the roses stay those bright colors during our current drought? Weeks Roses in Wasco said that roses are a sustainable plant in drought conditions but they are closely monitoring their well water levels and they are also experimenting with alternative irrigation methods to conserve water. Weeks Roses also offered up some tips for those growing roses in their own yards. Weeks Roses recommends that you follow your city’s mandate for water reduction but they say the secret is to water deeply and at least once a week. They also remind gardeners that watering in excess will kill their roses.

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Go & Do

E N T E R TA I N M E N T

EAT AND PLAY Your guide to the 2015 Kern County Fair

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By Matt Munoz

Bakersfield Life Magazine

September 2015

PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE

very year, the Kern County Fair entertains thousands with plenty of activities to do and foods to eat and this year is no exception. But with so many things to choose from, how does one keep track of it all? Bakersfield Life has you covered with a preview of some of the fun and excitement in store when the Kern County Fair returns Sept. 23.

Watch The Budweiser Pavilion is always rocking during the Kern County Fair and this year you can count on an all-star lineup that’s fit for every musical taste. Kicking it off in style on Sept. 23 is Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees The Beach Boys. Get your “Good Vibrations” while their solid surf rock transports you back to the 1960s. On Friday, Sept. 25, R&B diva Ashanti brings her dance rhythms to town. Best known for her 2002 hit “Foolish,” making it out for Ashanti would be one of the grooviest decisions you can make. If you are into funky Latin beats with a modern twist, don’t forget to catch Los Angeles’ own Ozomatli. For over two decades, this eclectic group has been wowing crowds with its own brand of SoCal dance jams that will keep you on your feet all night long. Play For a guaranteed good time, fairgoers go to the Mid Way and invest in wristbands that let you buckle into the rides all night long. But if you are interested in the sights and attractions on the other side of the grounds, there are some must-sees that will

only cost you the price of admission. BMX Pro Tricks features professional BMX bicycle riders and skateboarders defying the laws of gravity for the delight of fans. You can catch the performers three to four times a day at their ramp on KC Lane. If you are looking for a sillier option for family fun, check out magician and entertainer Capt’n Jack Spareribs and his talking monkey. The Capt’n sets up shop at KC’s farm and brings with him an arsenal of illusions, dangerous juggling and a chance for kids to get in on the action. Wrap up the fair with the Fiesta Del Charro Rodeo on Sunday, Oct. 4. This classic Mexican- style rodeo features wild horse races, American and Mexican bull riding, trick roping and more. General admission is $10 and children under 5 get in free. Admission does not include fair entry. Eat There’s a lot to do at the fair but everyone can agree one of the biggest draws is the food. You can count on the classics like turkey legs, feta fries, corn or baked potatoes to please the pickier taste buds but there’s always something new for the more adventurous eaters. This year, the Kern County Fair is proud to announce a big new addition with giant soft pretzels. The tasty twists will come in a rainbow of flavors, from sweet sticky frostings to chewy cheesy crunches. Don’t let these Bavarian favorites pass you by. For those who have always wanted a taste of the fair’s award-winning pies, now you can get the next best thing. A pie-only vendor will be offering its baked on-site treats. Your favorite flavors will be available and, much like pizza, you can buy them whole or by the slice. Fair season is known for adventures in deep-frying and if you are bored with fried KoolAid and Oreos, maybe you’d like to try 2015’s newest foray: deep-fried watermelon. How is it done and will it satisfy your brave taste buds? That’s for you to decide.

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Go & Do

TRIP PLANNER

The Lincoln Memorial is one of many monuments at the National Mall.

TIPS FOR TOURING WASHINGTON, D.C. How to maximize your trip to the nation’s capital

Bakersfield Life Magazine

September 2015

By Gabriel Ramirez

f you are like me, then you’re obsessed with TV shows like “Scandal,” and it makes you want to go to Washington, D.C., where the show takes place. Or maybe you just feel like it’s your duty as an American to visit the central hub of our federal government. Either way, a trip to D.C. is one vacation escapade to put on your bucket list. Here are a few worthy tips to help you make the experience memorable.

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Choosing the right airport and hotel Airports surround D.C.; some located in Maryland and some in Virginia, but the closest airport is Ronald Reagan National Airport. It is the closest to everything D.C. and right off of the Potomac River. There are a variety of hotels around the D.C. area and many close to the National Mall. My recommendation is the Dupont Circle Hotel. With rooms ranging from the high $100s a night and a metro stop within a few feet, this hotel has a very upscale look in a very eclectic neighborhood with many

The castle at the Smithsonian.

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Frank Pellegrino

restaurants and shops.

Use the Metro Personally, I think the Metro is the best way to get around a city like Paris, London, San Francisco and D.C. While fares vary depending on journey, for $14, you can get a 24hour pass on the underground metro. Added bonus: Pick a hotel near the Metro so you can use it to get anywhere in the D.C. area, from Georgetown to the Smithsonian. The Metro

Continued on page 68

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The Metro in D.C. is the best way to get around the city.

Continued from page 67 connects you directly from Ronald Reagan National to the many neighborhoods in D.C. with stops that include the National Mall, the Pentagon, Dupont Circle and Capitol Hill.

spectators a panoramic view of the icons of liberty and justice. Walking through the monuments doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t only serve the purpose of awing the tourist, but reminds them of what our country stands for and what has been lost to maintain our way of life and continue to fight for progress and equality for all.

The Potomac River and Key Bridge with Georgetown University in the background.

The Monuments Of course you cannot experience D.C. without visiting the monuments. Step into history and the not-too-distant past with the Washington, Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr. and the World War II memorials, to name a few. The monuments are visible from many places in the city but their proximity to each other at the National Mall gives

Bakersfield Life Magazine

September 2015

If you thought Los Angeles had a plethora of museums, get ready to be overwhelmed in D.C. The Smithsonian maintains museums, which vary from such topics as pop culture and aerospace to natural history to specific cultures, such as Indian history. Before you set out, plan which ones to visit over a spread of days. No way you can complete all in one short day.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial.

PHOTO BY GABRIEL RAMIREZ

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Experience the Museums

Bus Tour, Anyone?

Eat local

While the metro can get you around the city, a bus tour can do that while giving you some of the history. The one I took cost me $56 for 48 hours, with hopon and hop-off privileges. Bus tours will take you everywhere from Arlington Cemetery and the Pentagon to Georgetown and the National Mall. The bus tours allow you to hear the history behind different parts of the city in at least eight different languages. You can ride on the top of the busâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s open seating or be comfortable on the first level.

Food in D.C. can take you from Asia and Europe to Mexico and South America. On my recent trip, I tried spots like Raku Asian Diner, Firehook Bakery and El Centro D.F. The food was exquisite. Firehook Bakery offers a variety of breakfast options. Raku Asian Diner offers a variety of Asian plates, from Chinese and Japanese to Indian and Thai, while El Centro D.F. advertises a modern Mexican cuisine and serves tapas-style portions of items, such as mole fries and carnitas tacos.

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Women at

Work

Annette Mercado, left, and Michele Waugh, co-owners of Blue River Cabinetry, Kitchen & Bath. 72

Bakersfield Life Magazine

September 2015

ou may not know them personally, but these female powerhouses are molding Bakersfield into a distinct city, one day at a time. From health care professionals to cabinetry CEOs, the females featured in our Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Issue are the reason why role models exist. Every single one of them has the same goal: to serve as an inspiration to the youth and continue to make Bakersfield a better place.

Annette Mercado and Michele Waugh By Laura Liera

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

ne of the perks of working with your best friend is the loyalty and accountability that comes with the friendship. For Blue River Cabinetry, Kitchen & Bath co-owners Annette Mercado and Michele Waugh, the compatibility is what still drives their business today. “We both have our heart in this, and we both care about the final product,” Mercado, 44, said at a recent construction project in northeast Bakersfield. Nearly seven years ago, Mercado and Waugh were complete strangers. Waugh, 57, was working at a local “big-box” store when she met Mercado who was looking for materials for her next construction project. The two hit it off immediately and after several “you guys need to start your own business” comments, they decided to take the leap of faith. “When we started our business, I was in my early 50s and it got to the point where if I was ever going to make a decision, I had to do it then,” Waugh said. Since 2008, the duo – along with Mercado’s husband and son – renovates 125 kitchens a year. Some projects are larger than others, but they can have between 18 to 20 projects running at a time. And with the kitchen being where the heart of a home is, both Mercado and Waugh make sure to spend the time to get to know their clients. “We want to design kitchens where you can bring family into the space, and it’s not solely a space for the cook,” Mercado said. Although some may see a renovation as another item on a to-do list, for the owners of Blue River, it’s about restoring a flow in the home. Mercado said they receive letters from prior clients, thanking them for the work they have done. “We are changing their lives, really,” she added. “When it fits the house better, it fits their lifestyle better and that means more time with the family.” The attention to details is where Waugh says the team stands out from other local cabinetry and construction businesses. “I think as women, we are more patient and more detailed,” she said. “Not to disparage men, but as women in this business we see things differently and we can relate to customers’ needs.” And the best part of the job, as Mercado said, is spending time with people who love each other. “You don’t decide to do a kitchen remodel with someone you’re not in love with,” she said. “I don’t know of another job where you can see so many people in love.” bakersfieldlife.com

By Laura Liera

September 2015

Jymme Ahl

Bakersfield Life Magazine

either broken bones nor torn rotator cuffs force Jymme Ahl to call it quits at the Kern County Fire Department. The 52-year-old captain duty officer spent 28 years out on the field and is coming up on her one-year anniversary at the dispatch center on Panorama Avenue. Ahl spent most of her career at Station 65 on Roberts Lane and North Chester Avenue. It was there when she had to have a disk replaced from her back after a medical aid situation went wrong. The person they were trying to help wasn’t compliant, so she pulled Ahl down to the floor, forcing a lot of pressure on Ahl’s back as she fell down.

“My disk popped out 2.5 centimeters,” Ahl recalled. Looking back at the start of her career – Ahl was 22 when she started at the fire department academy – she knew she had the will and passion to always push forward, regardless of any pain. A daughter of a retired fire captain, Ahl was one of only three females who graduated from the academy at the time. “I was stronger than the average female and I stayed a firefighter for a longer period of time because I had a great start,” Ahl said. As much as she misses being out on the field, Ahl enjoys being at the dispatch center as a liaison between the dispatchers and firefighters out on the

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field. Although the fire department dispatch center doesn’t take first-hand 911 calls, they are on the phone an average of three to four minutes on a medical aid call. “I’ve walked into that room and heard one of our dispatchers giving someone CPR instructions for more than 30 minutes,” Ahl said. And let’s not forget the one dispatcher who has assisted in five births over the phone, she added. Now that she’s getting close to 30 years on the force, Ahl wants to leave with a record. “The two gals that I graduated with back when we started have retired and I’m pushing for 30 years so that nobody can catch up,” Ahl said laughing.

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Bakersfield Life Magazine

September 2015

Annette Olague By Laura Liera

deputy corner. In October 2014, she was promoted to her current position. So what exactly does the coroner’s office do? The coroner’s job is to determine the manner and cause of death of an individual. There are only five manners of death that California recognizes: natural causes, accident, homicide, suicide or undetermined. “We use fingerprints or dental, where we literally take out someone’s teeth to help us identify them,” Olague said. The morgue is where all the learning takes place, she added. The body can tell you a lot by the injuries sustained during a shooting, stabbing or car crash. And as Olague puts it, every case is like a giant puzzle. Most cases can take between 90 to 120 days to determine the cause of

death. Although she is now in a supervising position, Olague still goes out in the field when a call comes in. Because Kern County is the third-largest county in the state, there are always deaths that require the coroner’s attention. “The hardest calls are child deaths,” Olague said. “We have a job to do and that’s to bring closure to families, but I’ve learned that it’s okay to be compassionate at such a difficult time.” As she thinks back to when she started her career — Olague was one of only three women in the department — she can’t help but realize this was her calling. “This job isn’t what the TV shows you,” Olague said. “It’s about factfinding, science and bringing closure to families, and I wouldn’t change it for anything.”

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orking at the Kern County Coroner’s office is not for the fainthearted. The list of pending cases on the board at the morgue is never ending. There is at least one body in a freezer every day of the year. For Supervising Deputy Coroner Annette Olague, the thrill of her job dates back to her time as a volunteer in the autopsy area. She was in her early 20s when she started at the coroner’s office. “I’ve always been intrigued in the human anatomy and the science,” the 40-year-old Bakersfield local said. When she wasn’t assisting in autopsies, Olague was out in the field, side by side with investigators, learning. Eventually, Olague got the experience she needed from working at the morgue to qualify to become a

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Camille Cowne By Laura Liera

orking in the medical field was a calling for Camille Cowne. After graduating from medical school at 27, she earned a scholarship to work with the United States Navy for five years. Cowne, 37, was stationed on a ship for two years and one of her humanitarian missions led her to Central and South America. “It was great because we were able to help people in those countries that didn’t have strong medical programs,” Cowne said. More than 200 medical staff set up clinics in Guatemala, El Salvador and Peru. People were treated at the clinics and any surgical patients were

Bakersfield Life Magazine

September 2015

flown to the Navy ship where they were treated. Today, Cowne works as an emergency medical physician at Mercy Southwest Hospital, Mercy Downtown Hospital and Bakersfield Memorial Hospital. “A good day in the ER is when we save someone’s life,” Cowne said, “which we do frequently, but sometimes it’s not as obvious as others.” Through her years in medicine, Cowne said she has never looked at herself as being underserved for being a woman or a minority. But there are patient perceptions she has had to change occasionally. Because she’s a young doctor, some older patients can’t grasp the

idea that she is qualified. “I’ve had some tell me they were waiting for an old man in a white coat to walk in,” Cowne said. “But when you let them know you know what you’re doing, they accept it.” As she manages her time between three different ERs, Cowne can’t imagine doing anything else. The variety of patients at each hospital is never the same. Although working in an ER is challenging and time seems to run faster than usual, Cowne said she tries to find those extra minutes to actually sit down with a patient and talk to them. “Showing them that you care and are offering hope, those are the moments that are so special,” she said.

Lorna H. Brumfield By Laura Liera

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

racticing law was not on Lorna H. Brumfield’s to-do list. The third-generation Bakersfield local was studying to be a preschool teacher at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in the 1980s. Although her father was a successful attorney in Bakersfield, Brumfield had her eyes on education. But that plan took a turn when Brumfield learned that preschools were closing left and right, and she would probably not have a job after graduation. At the time, Brumfield, 58, was taking a children and the law class and decided to take the Law School Admission Test. “I did really well on the exam so I said, ‘Let’s give it a try,’” Brumfield said. After working for a law firm in Sacramento, she moved back to Bakersfield in 1987 with her husband, also a local attorney. In March 2009, Brumfield was appointed to a Kern County superior judge by then-Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. “I was in my car on my way back home from a seminar in Los Angeles and I pulled off I-5 near Gorman and took the call saying the governor had appointed me,” Brumfield said. “It was very exciting.” There is a big difference between being an attorney and being a judge, something Brumfield didn’t realize until she was sitting on the other side of the bench. As a public servant, Brumfield has to be careful of what she says because no matter where she is, she is a representative of the system. In her office sits a judicial conduct book that details the rules she has to follow. “As a judge, you have to show everyone that you are impartial and not biased so that the system has credibility,” she said. On any given day, Brumfield can be dealing with a case whose value is set at either $10,000 or $20 million. “You have to be very patient and deal with a lot of different people and issues,” she noted. “But that’s why I really enjoy what I do.” As a woman, Brumfield said she has seen the number of females practicing law grow significantly. She remembers a time when some judges would call a female attorney by her first name but turn around and address a male attorney as “mister soand-so.” “There has been a lot of progress and there are more female attorneys now,” Brumfield said. In Kern County, the district attorney, the county counsel and the city attorney are all females.

bakersfieldlife.com

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

Michelle Burns-Lusich By Laura Liera

ichelle Burns-Lusich comes from a family of engineers. As much as she wanted to explore other careers in college, the engineer DNA just called her name. As an engineering technician with the Kern County Roads Department, Burns-Lusich, 40, works with construction engineers and contractors in the field and is present at all bid openings in Kern County. Born and raised in Bakersfield, Burns-Lusich started in the construction world in 2002, working with Ernie Martinez Concrete Inc. as a bidder. “The two biggest projects I worked on were the two Costcos in town,” Burns-Lusich said. Sadly, the concrete business took a dive and went out of business when the housing boom ended, prompting Burns-Lusich to apply to the roads department as an engineering aide. In 2011, she started working in the materials laboratory and worked her 80

Bakersfield Life Magazine

September 2015

way up to her current position. “Working out in the elements really made me appreciate the work that gets done,” she said. While out in the field at the Hageman Road overpass, Burns-Lusich tested concrete during concrete pours, did compaction tests and made sure the project was being done properly. “Seeing that part of the job, I really learned so much that it has made me better now,” Burns-Lusich said. But she does admit that every time she passes by the Hageman Road overpass, she says, “I spent time there!” Burns-Lusich is also a Board of Supervisors liaison. When Kern County residents call the Board of Supervisors with a road problem, like a pothole in the road, for example, Burns-Lusich takes the call and sends the maintenance group to patch up the hole. “Communication is a big deal,” she said. “Between supervisors and locals, we just want to keep everyone happy.”

Throughout the year, the roads department has multiple projects going on at a time in places like Rosamond, Lost Hills, Maricopa and, of course, Bakersfield. Some projects can take between 25 and 60 working days to complete. “We always have a county engineer on each project making sure everything is done correctly,” Burns-Lusich said. Walking down the corridors at the Kern County Roads Department on M Street, the male to female ratio is striking. “There aren’t many women engineers working in the county,” BurnsLusich said. There is one female engineer, one female assistant director, one female engineering technician and one female working as an engineering aide. “I think, as a woman, you have to be prepared and know what you are talking about,” Burns-Lusich said. “If you have the right answer, you are going to receive more respect.”

Amira Ayad By Laura Liera

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

ith a passion to focus on more than a medical prescription, Dr. Amira Ayad sought out a way to improve a patient’s health. “A lot of the times, handing out a prescription is not the answer to everything,” Ayad said. She acknowledges the benefits of pharmaceutical options but said they are not always the right answer. Ayad, 36, is a family practice physician and board certified in bariatrics medicine at the Adventist Health Physicians Network in downtown Bakersfield. Ayad focuses on obesity, anti-aging and regenerative medicine – the only woman in Kern County to practice this kind of medicine. “It’s a great achievement knowing that you didn’t help a patient by adding more chemicals in their body, but through a different route,” she said. Ayad focuses on vitamin deficiencies, hormonal imbalances and poor diet choices. Although she treats patients who have cardiovascular problems, she also sees patients who are beginning to show signs of memory loss. Memory loss can be caused by an imbalance in estrogen or testosterone levels. Or as most patients later find out, a nutritional deficiency. “Things that are artificially added in the diet can affect your memory so we modify their diet,” Ayad said. Although it can take several months before a person notices changes, Ayad said she has had several patients tell her they feel a difference within weeks. Another passion of Ayad is educating the community in obesity and the health impacts it can have in the long run. According to recent statistics from the Kern County Public Health Services Department, Kern County ranks highest of all counties in California in deaths from heart disease and second highest in deaths from diabetes. “Our predictions for 2020 are that one in every three kids will be obese,” Ayad said. But it can all be prevented if the support comes from the community. Keeping a family motivated on eating healthier options will play an important role in a child’s life, Ayad noted. “If you are treating the parents, we know we are delivering the healthy message to the kids,” she said. When asked what her favorite part of her job was, Ayad said it was the patients who return feeling happier and healthier. “I’ve had patients tell me that I’m changing lives with what I do and it really gives you a lot of satisfaction seeing that all of your hard work is paying off,” she said. bakersfieldlife.com

Liz Kern By Laura Liera

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

iz Kern knows cars. She isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty under a car hood and tweak a few wires here and there to get a car started. Growing up with her brothers in their garage, Kern learned a few tricks and it was no wonder she tested mechanically inclined when she took the service aptitude test at 21 years old. “I joined the Navy to see the world as a jet engine mechanic,” Kern said. At the time, Kern, 61, was the only female working as an engine mechanic on the ship. She worked on A-7 jets, side by side with nearly 50 men. “It was great working with the guys,” Kern said. After four years in the military, she worked part time at California Pretzel in Visalia as a janitor and part-time packer. Kern worked her way up to a machine operations job, again the only female to do so. While she worked in the food manufacturing job, a few of her close friends had started working for Southern California Edison. They insisted she apply and eventually she gave in and sent in an application. She was 27 when she started at the garage at Southern California Edison. “I started doing mobile fueling, so I filled the trucks every night,” Kern said. “I washed cars, swept the garage and whatever they needed me to do, I did it.” She spent 30 years at Edison before retiring as fleet regional manager. But she soon realized she was too young to retire, so five months later, she joined the Pacific Gas and Electric Company in Bakersfield as the service center supervisor. “It was a pretty easy transition,” Kern said. “I went from

white trucks to blue trucks, basically.” Although she doesn’t spend much time getting her hands dirty under the truck hoods at work anymore, Kern said she is glad she has guys in the shop to depend on. She supervises 18 male mechanics and one female mechanic. She is still the only woman in a regional manager position for PG&E.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

September 2015

“My biggest fear coming in was trying to get the guys that were going to work for me to trust me,” she said, “especially because I’m a female and I’m in a male-dominated work.” One of the biggest changes Kern did when she arrived was in-house repairs. “We used to send all repairs out to vendors,” Kern said. “But it didn’t make sense to me so we started doing our own tire

work and other easy jobs that we could do here.” When she isn’t splitting her time between different PG&E garages around the area, Kern is usually at the Wible Road and White Lane service center. “I know there are times when the work will be tough and hard, but I tell my guys that we need to work hard and get the job done so we can enjoy those better days,” Kern said.

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

Nicole Shihrer By Laura Liera

t took one piece of advice for Nicole Shihrer to realize that she wanted to take on a career in law enforcement. “If there is any part of you that wants to do it, do it.” That is what one female Bakersfield Police Department officer advised Shihrer at age 22. Shihrer was a 911 dispatcher at the time, following in her mother’s footsteps. “I grew up in this department,” said Shihrer, a BPD detective and also the only female in the BPD SWAT Crisis Negotiations Team. During her BPD academy, Shihrer, 32, was one of three females who made it through the nearly yearlong process of becoming a sworn police officer. Shihrer said that because there were

only three females, they all seemed to click immediately. “We definitely stuck together but we were fortunate to have a big group of strong, supportive men that encouraged us,” she said. In February, Shihrer was promoted to police detective and works in the burglary unit. She has been with the SWAT Crisis Negotiations Team since 2013. The negotiations team has monthly trainings with real-life scenarios to prepare for a crisis. In a recent training, Shihrer was the lead negotiator and worked with four other team members to figure out how to get the hostage to safety. The negotiations team is usually made up six BPD officers and callout

times vary. On any given week, they can be called out once or even three times. Shihrer remembers her first real-life scenario as intense. “It was nerve-wracking,” she said. “There is a lot of pressure to do your job well and you ultimately seek a safe conclusion.” When asked how long a negotiation can take, Shihrer said she personally has spent seven hours on a call, which ended with a good outcome. Although Shihrer is the only current woman on the negotiations team, she said she has grown used to working with just males. “I’m lucky because they are supportive and we all work together as a team,” she said. bakersfieldlife.com

Mercy Hospitals and the Friends of Mercy Foundation thank and congratulate the 159 members of the 2014/ 2015 Catherine McAuley Society.

If you would like to join the 2015/2016 Catherine McAuley Society and be a signature 10 year anniversary member please visit us at supportfriendsofmercy.org or call us at 663-6700 to receive a personal invitation.

Your cumulative gift of $153,000 funded a state of the art MRI Breast Coil System that will be used to more accurately diagnose breast cancer. Your philanthropic support is making a difference in the lives of others! 2014-2015 Members Cherie Aaron Doreen Abrams* Janie Alderete Maureen Andrew Antonette Anich* Marcelle Ansolabehere* Rosemary Anspach* Sandy Banducci* Patty Bass Kay Beavers Maureen Beccari* Frankie Berchtold Mary Margaret Berry Tricia Bland Traci Boylan Brenda Brown Alissa Buckey* Vicki Burger Bebe Burke† JoAnn Burris Sharon Bush* Laurie Bustamante Sister Cris Caballero+ Izetta Camp Kaye Camp Beverly Camp Pat Campbell*

Debbie Cappello* Naida Carlton Patti Carroll* Sylvia Cattani* Susan Cerri-Buck Roberta Cerri-Teglia Jennice Cerrina Julie Cesare Rose Cinquemani Becky Clark Janet Craft Kathy Crettol Sarah Crowley Joan Dezember* Fern DiNicola* Sister Sherry Dolan+ Joyce Downs Jennifer Drake Adel Durando* Patricia Eagleson*+† Dana Edwards, MD Mesha Elliott Cherilee Ezell Katherine Fahy Judith Fanucchi Gina Fanucchi Kim Fiorini

Bakersfield Life Magazine

Melissa Fortune Sandra Foster Marilyn Fowler Judy Franconi* Jan Froehlich Sheila Fry Penny Fulton Mary Gamboni Kathy Gargan Catherine Gay Marcia Giumarra Cynthia Giumarra Keri Gless Jan Glinn Sister Josie Gonzales*+ ;QNCPFC )TKHƂVJU

Susan Hamilton Brook Hardt Catherine Haupt Jane Haupt Mikie Hay* Elizabeth Hedden Lauren Helper Ann Hine Patti Houchin Debbie Hull* Christine Icardo

September 2015

Cynthia Icardo* Nancy Johnson Cindy Jones Germaine Kimm Lisa King Karen Krausse-Roesle Diane Lake* Valerie Lallo Dee Ann Lantz* Marianne Laxague Mary Lewis Mary Mazzei* Ronda Mazzei Cindy McCann Louise McCarthy Lisa McIntosh Theresa McNally Cindy Meek Sister Judy Morasci*+ Mary Ann Mulkay Beth Nahama Lily Nahama Marjorie Nixon Nancy Nusbaum Maria Paine Beth Pandol Carolyn Pandol

Mona Pankey* Laura Pascoe Barbara Patrick Lori Petrelli Margaret Philippe Becky Porter Patty Plank*† Joan Pracy Lila Ray Sandra Reider Mary Richardson Monique Roberts Linda Rojas Erika Romanini Cheyenne Romanini Chris Romanini Alexis Roy Sister Hope Sanchez+ Barbara A. Sandrini* Joellyn Schroeder Florence Schroeder* Sandra Serrano Sandi Shepherd Jeanette Smart* Juliet Smith Karen Stanley Sherry Stone

Laura Tague Mora Tang Mary Lou Thomson Jane Toller*+ Brooke Trybul Jane Uhalt* Marilynn Unruh Mary Wade Joan Wallace Lynn Ward Stephanie Weber* Evelyn Weddle* Kathy Wells Katie Werdel Lynn Westhoff Sue Williams Anne Wolfersberger Patty Young Jennifer Zahry Katy Zaninovich Tammie Zaninovich* Theo Zaninovich Dominique Zaninovich Florence Ziemann* + Honorary Members *Charter Members †Deceased

Your cumulative gift funded a state of the art Portable X-Ray Unit for Mercy Hospital Southwest.

2014-2015 Members Mercy Hospitals and the Friends of Mercy Foundation congratulate and thank the 2014/2015 William Howell Century Club members for their support and commitment to quality healthcare for our community.

You are making a difference!

Hal Aaron Bob Abramsâ&#x20AC; Steve Anderson Jeff Andrew* Kevin Andrew* George Ansolabehere Robert Anspach* Tim Banks, II Antonio Beccari* Michael Beckwith* E.G. Berchtold* Thomas Berry, DDS Leonard Bidart* Michael Burger Bill Bush* Javier Bustamante, MD* Don Camp, Sr.* Edwin Camp James Camp Mike Campbell* Andy Cantu* George Cappello* Jim Cesare P.R. Chandrasekaran, MD Anthony Ciarolla, MD* Alfred Coppola, Jr., MD* Mark Costa Steve Del Papa* Kirit Desai, MD Ray Dezember* William DiNicola, MD* David Dougherty, MD* Gordon Downs Russ Elrod Bill Farr, MD* Greg Gallion David Gay Barry Goldner* Brandon Grimm Mike Hair* Mayor Harvey L. Hall* Kent Halley Chris Hamilton, MD* Bruce Haupt* Steve Haupt* Dan Hay Tyler Hedden Stephen Helvie, MD Tom Hoffmann

Ed Hopple* Donald Houchin Adam Icardo Gary Icardo* Kamalnath Iyer, MD Tom Jamieson* Rick Jones Ray Karpe* Geoffrey King J.P. Lake Ron Lallo Bill Lazzerini Tony Lazzerini Angelo Mazzei Livio Mazzei Don Montano, DDS* Mark Mulkay Joe Nahama Logan Newton David Norris Ravi Patel, MD Jerry Pearson, Jr. Andy Pederson Bruce Peters Lloyd Plank* Dick Porter* Willy Reyneveld Randy Richardson* Joe Roberts* Chas Sanders Bob Severs* Robert Sheldon, MD* Dave Shepherd Joseph Smith, MD Sandys Tang, MD Tim Terrio George Wahba, MD Doug Weber* Jim Weddle Thomas Werdel Gordon Westhoff David Williams John Young, MD* Jon Zaninovich* Joe Ziemann* *Charter Members â&#x20AC; Deceased

For more information on how you can join this group of philanthropic men and become a member of the William Howell Century Club, please call us at 663-6700 or visit our website at SupportFriendsOfMercy.org.

bakersfieldlife.com

Annual exhibit fuses art with Latin culture By Lisa Kimble

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

LATINATION

“Ojos de Pajaro” (Eyes of a Bird) by Alberto Herrera

Bakersfield Life Magazine

September 2015

Sculpture by Greg Hauss

LATINATION 7 Metro Galleries 1604 19th St. Friday, Sept. 4 5 to 10 p.m Free admission

PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE

“Santos Difuntos,” a mixed media artwork by Jennifer Williams

PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE

xpressing the local Latin experience on canvas with acrylics for the acclaimed art exhibition Latination has brought a measure of good luck and inspiration for artist and former downtown Bakersfield gallery coowner Christina Sweet. Her first entry in 2011 of Frida Kahlo daydreaming captured the event’s “Best New Artist” award. The following year, her bold painting of a bull running the streets entitled “RUN!” won first place. “I enjoy participating in Latination for the camaraderie and I adore the bright colors the show theme inspires,” Sweet said. Sweet is among a number of artists who return to Latination year after year. The exhibition, which has become the highlight of the Downtown Arts District’s year of First Fridays, will mark its seventh annual display Sept. 4 at Metro Galleries on 19th Street where it all began in 2009. Valley Republic Bank is the main sponsor of the event; Bakersfield Life Magazine is a proud sponsor. A rich and eclectic exhibit of art submissions of interpretive works of the local Latin influence has become the city’s most well-attended art show. It is a joyful, feel-good collection with a range of submissions not limited to canvas – the past has also included sculptures, fiber arts and photography. “The reunion of local artists and musicians each year renews my artist spirit and being among the smiles, dancing and gorgeous atmosphere of

Metro Galleries makes my heart smile,” added Sweet, who plans to enter an acrylic in this year’s show. Don Martin, Metro Galleries owner and creator of Latination and First Friday hopes for an even more fiesta-style feel this year. “Latination now has become a Bakersfield tradition. People tell me throughout the year how much they enjoy the event,” Martin said of the much-anticipated community draw. “It really is a celebration of the heritage of this community and the very important role that Latinos have played in the growth and success in our history.” Martin, who coined the term “Latination” – a word-blend of pops of color, politics and culture – for the event said he wasn’t sure whether anyone would respond to the call for works that first year or whether there would be enough submissions for a show. To his surprise, some 60 entrants participated year one. Thirty of those were selected for judging. Since then, the entries have doubled, tripled and quadrupled. For Martin, Latination is more than just a party. It pays homage to his own heritage. Martin grew up in Lamont and attended Arvin High School. “My grandfather was half-Mexican. I remember a lot of very traditional Christmas Eves where menudo was plentiful and other great customs were handed down from generation to generation,” he recalled. “For me, it is a celebration of all those things.” Last year, a record 255 pieces were submitted.

Entries now come from outside the local area as well. Martin says he no longer does themes, preferring to give the artist free reign with their subject matter. This year, in an effort to add a fresh spin to the hit show, Martin has asked seven prominent Latino painters from

“

Latination now has become a Bakersfield tradition. People tell me throughout the year how much they enjoy the event. — Don Martin

”

across the state to submit a piece. And there will also be a new student category. “We hope to have a group project and the piece will be recreated as a mural in the Arts District,” Martin added. While the size and scope of Latination have changed since the first event, the intent has remained the same – individual expression of what the Latin experience means to the participant. The submissions are judged by members of the community, some of whom are neither Latino nor have any artistic background. “Each year, I think this will be the last. But each year it gets bigger and more successful,” he added. “It exposes the community to art and culture and that is an added plus for our city.”

bakersfieldlife.com

LaMeka Ross with her kids Jeremiah, left, and Jayla

Own ON THEIR

Bakersfield Life Magazine

September 2015

By Diana Greenlee

Photos by Mark Nessia

arenthood can be challenging. Going at it alone can be even more daunting. This month, we asked local single moms to share their stories and reveal how they manage to achieve a balance between raising children and working professionally – with sanity in check. Their responses were raw, candid and uplifting. Despite their differences, each mom conveyed a dedication and desire to nurture and support their offspring first and foremost, a network of support and an element of creativity, making them not only exemplary parents but terrific role models, too.

LaMeka Ross

Single moms discuss balance between work, family in successful child rearing

Organization is the name of the game for LaMeka Ross, human resource adviser for Aera Energy. She said balancing work and family takes coordination for a single parent when there are two households in the mix. “I live with my phone calendar,” she said. The adviser’s been single for five years. She says grandmothers on both sides pitch in to help with day care, but also she and her former spouse work together to provide a harmonious environment for the benefit of their two children, Jayla, 11, and Jeremiah, 9. “Their dad is active in their life,” she said. “We have a great co-parenting relationship.” Ross, 41, was a State Farm transplant coming from Bloomington, Illinois, in 1997 as a finance

Continued on page 90 bakersfieldlife.com

Allison Aguirre

Continued from page 89

Allison Aguirre

supervisor. After more than a decade, she moved to Chevron as its financial analyst and then into her present position more than two years ago. The mom says her company offers a flexible 9/80 schedule enabling employees to work 80 hours in nine days. They get every other Friday off, allowing her extra time with the kids. “For me, it’s important to be at as many things as possible for them,” Ross said.

Although motherhood is stressful, West High School Athletics and Activities secretary Allison Aguirre’s never at the end of her rope. Her relatives, including her mom, sisters and brothers-in-law, have always been eager to pick up the slack with her two boys, Ryan Cuellar, 25, and Jacob Stiles, 19. Aguirre, 43, said having kin to look after the boys has allowed her to pursue a career without the hassles of daycare. “I’ve worked since I was 16 years old,” she said. “If I didn’t have my family, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

Bakersfield Life Magazine

September 2015

TEJON INDIAN TRIBE

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Odella Johnson

Sept. 26

The mom said the boys’ dad, Travis Stiles, 42, has also played an important role in their lives. She said it’s not always easy to have a good rapport with a former beau, but it pays off for the children. “It took a long time for us to get to where we are today,” she said. “It was a rocky road at one point.” Allison said she’s always set high standards for her sons, and she’s tried to instill principles that she hopes will stay with them for the long haul. “On top of being good people, my No. 1 priority has been to make sure my boys are respectful to women,” she said.

Odella Johnson For first-generation college graduate Odella Johnson, education was not only the key to independence, but it guided a career that enabled her to raise her daughter, Aryana Mosley Torrence, 29, comfortably as a single mom. “I had my degree before I got married,” she said. “Financial stability was not as great of a concern.” Now Bakersfield College’s interim director of equity and inclusion, Johnson, 64, was the second eldest of seven children. Her father, a minister, raised the brood as a single parent after her mother died. The family moved to Bakersfield from Oakland when

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bakersfieldlife.com

Continued from page 91 Johnson was 5. She grew up with faith and family values but finances were tight. She said the experience cultivated her fortitude. “I had to traverse the barriers of being economically disadvantaged,” she said. “It gave me a leg-up on how to deal with it.” She said ending a marriage is painful and difficult, but she believes single parents should take time to re-evaluate their lives and set fresh goals. Peering through the lens of opportunity, the world’s a brighter place. “It (education) gives you options that don’t seem to be available,” she said. “Even the emotional support to stand up and make choices of your own.”

Cynthia Aguirre “I’m a mom and a dad,” said Kern County probation officer Cynthia Aguirre. “Me and my son discuss it all the time.” Single since 1998, Aguirre, 44, said she and her 20-year-old son, Quinton Freeman,

Bakersfield Life Magazine

September 2015

have developed a strong bond. Although she has a great support system, Aguirre said both of her parents also worked and so she prepared her son for hiccups in their schedule. But she says there’s an upside. “He’s more organized than me,” she said of Freeman. The officer says communication is crucial and that “nothing should be off-limits (when talking) with your kid.” She said it’s important to inform children about what to expect in given situations and listen when they want to share. “Let them explain,” she said. “Don’t jump to conclusions.” As sole disciplinarian in the household, Aguirre said it’s important to be consistent and set boundaries. She said Freeman has always been her top priority. “As a single mom, your child comes first,” she said. “I sacrifice my personal relationships, but I don’t want my son on Maury Povich.”

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& Psst. Guess what? It's time for you to flaunt your fearless fashion sense by throwing in a few pops of colors and accessories this fall. From bold prints to chic dresses, you can find your favorite look of the season with Bakersfield Life. And let's not forget about those essential hair products to keep your locks looking luscious and glamorous! Local boutiques and salons shared their favorite looks for the season with us. Whatever your style is, you'll be sure to find something in our fall fashion section to inspire you.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

September 2015

TOP FOUR PRODUCTS: INVATI, THICKENING TONIC, SMOOTH INFUSION, NOURISHING STYLING CRÉME

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Tousled, undone hair with soft fringe as well as structured styles with defined texture.

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bakersfieldlife.com

HOBO THE ORIGINAL

CAPRI BLUE CANDLES

JULIO DESIGNS

ROCK REVIVAL

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KUT FROM THE KLOTH

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Pretty in Plaid: Easily change your look with layers. A plaid shirt under a leather jacket spices up basic T-shirt and jeans.

PER-SUEDE ME Suede rules as our new season staple. Wear it with ease in this A-line mini skirt, detailed with a button front. Keep things simple and pair with a crop top.

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Hobo’s iconic collection of handbags and small leather goods crafted in a harmony of rich colors and eclectic prints.

Julio Designs

This fab fringe bootee is right in step with the festival-inspired Bohemian trend. Adorned with a cascading fringe detailing from the ankle. We love it with frayed denim cutoffs and ethereal floral-print dresses. Qupid Bootee “On the Fringe”

Bakersfield Life Magazine

September 2015

The handmade jewelry is a modern fusion of vintage components and contemporary materials, resulting in a unique, yet current look.

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Doña Fortuna by Julio Designs is an upscale extension of the Julio Designs brand. Doña Fortuna pieces are handmade with exquisite semi-precious gemstones sourced from around the world.

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Capri Blue has become the destination for unique fragrances and vibrant vessels. Pulling inspiration from fashion and home, we take striking visuals and twist them with complex fragrance to create a truly engaging combination for your senses.

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The must-have purse! “Salina” in Russet. Italian top-grain leather, extra tumbled for a unique “broken-in” look and beautiful shine.

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bakersfieldlife.com

ALFRED ANGELO’S DISNEY FAIRY TALE WEDDING COLLECTION

JUSTIN ALEXANDER

DAVID TUTERA AND WATTERS

WHAT’S HAUTE AT

ENCHANTED BRIDAL BOUTIQUE A fairy tale in the making ABOUT US

Enchanted Bridal Boutique is where dreams come true. The family-owned business started by sisters Angela Jourdan and Patricia Holcomb is the only place in Bakersfield that carries Alfred Angelo’s Disney Fairy Tale Wedding Collection, which captures the style and essence of Disney’s iconic princesses. Enchanted Bridal Boutique also carries dresses from Justin Alexander, David Tutera and Watters, as well as David Tutera jewelry and shoes. Dresses for bridesmaids, flower girls, special occasions and proms are available, in addition to tuxedo rentals. Enchanted Bridal Boutique is where happily ever afters begin.

BRIDALS BRIDESMAIDS FLOWER GIRLS MOTHER OF THE BRIDE SPECIAL OCCASION

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Address: 4817 Stockdale Highway, Bakersfield, CA 93309 Phone: 661-847-9000 Store hours: Tues–Fri 10-6. Sat 10-5 Website: www.enchantedbridalboutique.net

Bakersfield Life Magazine

September 2015

TOP PRODUCTS: PHYSICAL FUSION SPF 50

NECTAR THERMIQUE

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RADIANCE PRIMER

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ESSENTIELS SPA ET BEAUTÉ Local salon offers tips for the season BEAUTY TIP

Priming Products The perfect start to any great style or flawless complexion is a great priming product! BEAUTY TRENDS

Curls are in this season. Vibrant matte lip colors are back, too!

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Address: The Marketplace 9000 Ming Ave., K7 Bakersfield, CA 93311 Phone: 661-654-0321 Website: EDaySpas.com Store hours: Sun 10-7, Mon–Fri 8-9, Sat 8-7 bakersfieldlife.com

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Add distinction and style to every room We carry a large selection of vases, prints, boxes, urns, finials, mirrors, picture frames, topiaries and more. Whether you are sprucing up your bedroom, bath, kitchen or great room, nothing can help pull a room together like the right accessories. GIFTS

Looking for a gift for someone special? From French perfume to French milled soap, we also carry customizable fresco stones as well as Kiss and Bliss bath and body products. Or, maybe a delicate piece of La Vie Parisienne jewelry! Ooh la la! Gift certificates are also available in any denomination.

LIGHTING From table and floor lamps, to pendants, sconces and elegant chandeliers, we have a vast selection of lighting options for you to choose from. Special orders are available.

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Bakersfield Life Magazine

The French Quarter

September 2015

Address: 3015 Calloway Drive, Suite 1 Bakersfield Ca. 93312 Phone: 661-588-0669 Website: www.thefrenchquarterbakersfield.com Store hours: Mon–Fri 10-5:30, Sat 10-5

SIMPLY COMFORTABLE FASHIONS

WHAT’S HAUTE BY

LULAROE Simply comfortable fashions TIPS

Pattern Mixing It’s a fun way to turn those summer pieces into appropriate fall wear. A couple of good rules of thumb when mixing patterns: be sure the patterns share a common color, mix prints with different scales, and remember that stripes and polka dots are always neutral!

YOUR ESSENTIAL PIECES LuLaRoe is known for its comfortable clothing, made right here in California. Did you know that they produce 400 different prints per week, and that no print has ever been replicated? This makes for a very unique shopping experience!

Brittany Gann

Samples The perfect tee

Yoga band leggings

Brittany Gann Phone: 619-573-3052 Email: Lularoebrittanygann@gmail.com Facebook: LuLaRoe Brittany Gann Instagram: @lularoebrittanygann You can shop privately with me or book an in-home boutique for a private shopping experience with your friends.

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SKINCARE

SPECIALTY AND GIFT ITEMS

SUNGLASSES

JEWELRY

HANDBAGS & ACCESSORIES

SHOES

CLOTHING

WHAT’S HAUTE AT

PIZAZZ SALON & SPA Celebrating their 30th Anniversary

Sandra Jackson-Carter OWNER

Owner of Pizazz Salon. Native of Bakersfield and graduated with a business degree from CSUB. She has also been practicing electrolysis for 32 years. Electrolysis is the only proven method for permanent hair removal. Now celebrating 30 years in business, HAIR BY TAMMIE MOSLEY Sandra continues to be excited and motivated in offering Bakersfield one of the top successful full-service salons.

HAIR BY ANNIE FULMER AND BRITTANI MCHONE

Elaine Yocum, jewelry designer of semi-precious stones and pearls sold exclusively at Pizazz. Debbie Sutton manager since 1995.

HAIR SERVICES HAIR EXTENSIONS NAIL SERVICES GEL NAILS FACIALS MASSAGE

PERMANENT HAIR REMOVAL PARTICLE SKIN RESURFACING FASHION BOUTIQUE BEAUTY BOUTIQUE GIFT CARDS

Salon and Spa

Receive a $10 gift card with purchase of a $50 gift card.

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Address: 5301 Office Park Drive #100, Bakersfield, CA 93309 Phone: 661-322-3048 Salon hours: Mon–Sat 9-7 www.pizazzspa.com

PROFESSIONAL HAIR STYLIST

LOCKS BY LAUREN

PROFESSIONAL HAIR STYLIST

LOCKS BY LAUREN

WHAT’S HAUTE

LOCKS BY LAUREN Professional Hair Stylist

Lauren Breanna McPhetridge Lauren was born and raised in Bakersfield. Her passion for hairdressing started when she was about 12 years old. Additional interests in photography spurred her passion for hair even more. She also has enjoyed mentoring teens over the years. A lot of people would say that these three passions have nothing in common. An artistic eye of a photographer is crucial when doing hair. As a stylist, Lauren has learned early on that listening to what the client wants is the most important part of this field. Her creative eye and ability to listen together form an ideal person for creating your vision for your hair. Lauren’s vision is to listen to the clients’ desires and transform them into the look they would like to achieve. She wants to be that person you can trust and rely on always. Lauren is confident that when you leave from your visit you will be loving your hair and feel encouraged. So give Lauren the opportunity to enhance your locks by contacting Locks By Lauren today!

SPECIAL OFFER

• New client 20% off • Refer a friend $5 off your next service HAIR BY LAUREN MCPHETRIDGE

• Like on Facebook take an additional 5% off

Salon and Spa

HAIRCUTS BEARD SHAPING HAIRSTYLING BLOWOUTS BRIDAL AND PROM HAIR

FULL COLORS HIGHLIGHTING OMBRES BALAYAGE CONDITIONING TREATMENTS

Address: 5301 Office Park Drive #100, Bakersfield, CA 93309 Phone: 661-699-5680 Email: mylocksarebylauren@gmail.com Locks by Lauren locks_by_lauren_ Lauren’s hours: Contact Lauren for appointments www.locksbylauren.com bakersfieldlife.com

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STEVE MADDEN

HOBO INTERNATIONAL

JESSICA SIMPSON

LOVE STITCH

WHAT’S HAUTE AT

SIMPLY ME COUTURE BOUTIQUE Hello Fashion TIPS

Mixing The best part about mixing the dressy and casual elements is it gives you more options when accessorizing. TRENDS

Lace Lace is a trend that continues to reign the style charts. Lace clothes envisioned for a smooth transition between day and night. This is a really popular fashion trend for the upcoming season.

OUR FASHION PICK The trucker hat has become a mainstream fashion trend. With such fun sayings, we love the finishing effect of these chic hats. Simply Me Trucker hat

Never Ending Necklace $49

Initial Jewelry $40

Address: 4021 Calloway Drive, #600,

Bakersfield CA 93312 Phone: 661-588-2775 Website: www.simplymecouture.com Store hours: Mon–Fri 10-6, Sat 10-5, Sun 11-4 Stackable Bracelets $120

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Business Profile

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

TOTAL WOMAN What is Total Woman and how many years has it been in Bakersfield? Total Woman is a full-service workout facility that caters to women and their exercise and health needs and acts as a support group for each other. It has been locally owned and operated for 27 years by Leigh Pozas, owner, chair and opening keynote speaker of the 2015 Bakersfield Women's Business Conference, taking place Sept. 24 at the Rabobank Arena. What makes Total Woman unique? The most obvious thing that makes Total Woman unique is that it is designed for and caters to women. Total Woman also provides that hometown atmosphere where women can feel comfortable in their own skins, relax and exercise in the manner they prefer, without judgment or worry. It is a friendly, welcoming environment where women encourage and motivate each other. We are the only facility to offer Gravity training, which is a complete body workout using the core, creating strength, balance, cardio fitness and flexibility. How has the business grown in recent years? Total Woman is continually growing. In recent years we have built a beautiful new spin room and purchased new spin bikes. Our spin program is fantastic! We continued to grow our unique Gravity program with new machines and incorporating Gravity Pilates. The newest addition, though, are our incline trainers (a super treadmill with options to elevate to 30 percent incline and the option to actually train downhill). Our outdoor training program, like a Boot Camp on the Run, continually evolves. We are currently training for the Volkslauf Run in October.

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How does Total Woman help local women achieve their fitness goals? By providing a comfortable and nonjudgmental environment with the best options for exercise and top-notch instructors and trainers. Total Woman offers educational workshops and support groups to educate women so they can take charge of their health. There is a lot of information out there, and not all of itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s accurate, so we hope to provide women with the truth about what they need to do and how to do it to stay healthy and live as long and as well as possible. Why is fitness important? Without fitness and health, nothing else can be enjoyed. We only have one body to carry us through this life; the better we treat it, the better it will treat us! The body is made to move. But in this modern world, it is easy to find ourselves sitting for hours on end. In order to keep the muscles, joints and organs operating efficiently, we need to move.

Leigh Pozas, owner

Total Woman Fitness & Training Centers 5329 Truxtun Ave. 661-325-0208 www.twfitness.com Total Woman Fitness 9901 Hageman Road, #900 661-588-8931 www.twfitness.com

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Business Profile

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

LESAVOY PLASTIC SURGERY

Who is Dr. Malcolm A. Lesavoy? Dr. Malcolm A. Lesavoy is a board-certified plastic surgeon who was a full-time professor of plastic surgery at UCLA Medical Center for 25 years and subsequently opened his private practice in Encino, California. Any prospective patients who are considering plastic surgery (aesthetic) should make sure that their plastic surgeon is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. There are a number of doctors who call themselves plastic surgeons who are not trained or certified as plastic surgeons but advertise as such. What services does Lesavoy Plastic Surgery provide? Dr. Lesavoy performs all aspects of aesthetic plastic surgery as can be seen on his website at lesavoyplasticsurgery.com. I have sagging skin mostly around my neck and jowls. Would plastic surgery address my concerns? My upper eyelids are droopy and I look tired. What can be done for that? Over the past three to four years, Dr. Lesavoy has increased exposure and lectured on the Lesavoy Luxury Lift (LLL). This is a full neck and facelift done in Dr. Lesavoy’s office procedure room, performed using oral Valium for sedation and local anesthesia. No general anesthesia is

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needed and Dr. Lesavoy has felt that patients recover much quicker without the need of hospitalization or general anesthesia. The neck and facelift (and possibly upper and lower eyelid lift) are done on an outpatient basis, and the entire procedure takes approximately two to 2 ½ hours. Recovery is approximately 10 to 14 days at which time the patient is presentable in public and all sutures are removed. The LLL procedure is performed with constant vital sign monitoring of oxygen level, blood pressure and pulse and is a new horizon in facial aesthetic surgery. Additionally, Dr. Lesavoy performs labiaplasty or vaginal rejuvenation. This also can sometimes be done under local anesthesia in the office procedure room. Other plastic surgery procedures performed by Dr. Lesavoy include breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast lift, tummy tuck, liposuction, nose job, etc. All types of aesthetic surgery are not covered by insurance. Please call Dr. Lesavoy’s office at 888-LESAVOY (888-537-2869) for a complimentary consultation.

Lesavoy Plastic Surgery 16311 Ventura Blvd., Encino, CA 91436 888-LESAVOY (888-537-2869) info@lesavoyplasticsurgery.com www.lesavoyplasticsurgery.com

• Breast Augmentation • Breast Reduction • Breast Lift • Breast Reconstruction • Male Breast Reduction

• Liposuction Surgery • Tummy Tuck • Reconstructive Surgery • Vaginal Rejuvenation

Schedule your appointment today!

• Neck and Face Lift • Eyelid Lift • Brow Lift • Rhinoplasty • Chin Augmentation • Chin Reduction • Ears (Otoplasty) • Facial Scar Revision

• Botox and Fillers • Dermabrasion • Skin Care • Skin Resurfacing • Skin Revitalizing

Malcolm A. Lesavoy, M.D., F.A.C.S. Plastic Surgery Encino Board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Dr. Malcolm Lesavoy has undergone years of training and practice experience to become one of the top plastic surgeons in the country. He has performed dozens of research studies and was the former President of the Plastic Surgery Educational Foundation, and former Chairman of the Board of Directors of the American Society of Plastic Surgery.

www.lesavoyplasticsurgery.com

Outside of his tenure as a plastic surgeon in Los Angeles, Dr. Lesavoy has also contributed to the field as a noted author and full time Professor of Plastic Surgery at UCLA Medical Center. Dr. Lesavoy has published 3 books, over 25 book chapters, more than 100 scientific publications, and given 425 lectures at the most prestigious international, local, and national institutions.

16311 Ventura Boulevard, #555, Encino, CA 91436 | (888) LESAVOY (888-537-2869) | 421 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, CA 90210 bakersfieldlife.com

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People & Community

B A K E R S F I E L D M AT T E R S

By Lisa Kimble

SOMETHING TO ‘BANK’ ON Teacher inspires students, boosts their self-esteem

or some of the neediest families in the Greenfield Union School District, there is nothing to get excited about when back-to-school season rolls around. There is no shopping for new backpacks and tennis shoes. But they do have a fairy godmother of sorts in McKee Middle School sixth-grade teacher Susan Holloway, who is hoping to get those students inspired about going back into the classroom. Three years ago, Holloway started the McKee Clothing Bank — stacks and racks of new and gently worn clothing packed into an old classroom on the Greenfield Union School District campus. The items are free to any disadvantaged students and their families and siblings. She first recognized the need in 2001 at her first teaching assignment at a central Bakersfield school in an impoverished area. “Some of these children have lives in disarray and they returned to school day after day in the same clothing,” Holloway said. “That’s when the seed was planted in my head that I needed to do something to help.” She saw the same distress when she moved to the Greenfield District. “I felt so much compassion for the ones who didn’t have shoes, or the boy who wore his mother’s shoes,” she said. “When I gave him a pair, he cried.” Holloway could also empathize with them. By the time her family had come to Bakersfield when she was in the eighth grade, she’d moved more times than she could count because of her father’s job in the oil industry. “I was always the new kid and I had that stigma and I can relate,” she said. “They are being judged because of something they don’t have; I was judged for being new.” 110

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Her principal at McKee Middle School handed her the key to an unused classroom where Holloway set up shelves and stands donated by local businesses. It wasn’t long before they were filled with clothing that friends and fellow teachers had cleaned out of their closets. Holloway will meet with any student any time. They select what they need and she sends the child on his or her way with the feeling of having been chosen for something special. “The students come in privately. I want their dignity intact,” she said. “Kids should not have to worry. If they are sitting there shivering because they don’t have a coat, how can I expect them to focus on my lesson?” Last year, the clothing bank was expanded to serve all 12 schools within the district – potentially some 9,000 students. She works hand in hand with the Greenfield Family Resource Center. And the initiative, much like Assistance League’s Operation School Bell, has caught the attention of State Farm Insurance, which featured it in a video that found its way to Huffington Post’s Community Kindness section. In a few short years, the impact on upward of a thousand students has already been tremendous. “Mrs. Holloway has a passion to remove any barrier that can affect student learning,” said District Superintendent Chris Crawford. “It is invaluable. Many of our students are selfconscious of their appearance due to no fault of their own. This provides them the opportunity to improve their self-esteem and Lisa Kimble remove the feeling

that they may have of being judged by their peers.” The bank has been relocated into a classroom twice as big and now includes linens and toiletries. Teachers from outside Kern County and California have caught wind of Holloway’s efforts and reached out in hopes of replicating the program. “Years ago, I worked at the Dunlap’s in the old College Heights Shopping Center. I must have wanted a store,” she said. “I get more out of it than the kids do. I feel like this is what I am supposed to do and it brings me a lot of joy to be doing this and see their face light up and have a new pair of shoes.” For more information on helping add to the clothing bank, contact McKee Middle School at 837-6060 or email Holloway at holloways@gfusd. net.

FA M I LY V E R D I C T

By Katy Raytis

FORGET DIAMONDS; GIRLFRIENDS ARE A GIRL’S BEST FRIEND Solving life’s problems over lunch and champagne

herapists in Bakersfield could make a lot more money if I didn’t have such awesome girlfriends. Recently, I showed up for a girls’ lunch at Luigi’s. I was tired and crabby. It had been one of those really great “mom mornings” spent cleaning silly putty off of the couch, while my husband and kids alternated between ignoring me in favor of iPhones and yelling at me to find the TV remote. I didn’t feel terribly social. I felt a lot more like choking someone, but I mustered just enough energy to dig through the laundry for a semi-clean sundress and headed out. I arrived chock-full of family stress. Another friend came with the mean-girlattacking-my-kid problem, yet another with the my-husband-is-going-to-killme-when-he-gets-the-Visa-bill issue. Here’s the miracle: One friend showed up with a smile from ear to ear and homemade, champagne-fluteadorned headbands for all. Turns out that’s exactly what we needed. Over pasta and Prosecco, we put our pieces back together. We mapped out clever paybacks for the mean girl and crafty ways to explain growing Visa bills (while still ensuring enough disposable cash to keep the cleaning lady). I admitted that my husband is far more enchanted with “Orange is the New Black” than he is with me. I confessed that my kids haven’t read a book in three months. I came clean about how the tooth fairy accidentally forgot to show up last week. Through

candid talk, honest admission and sincere empathizing, an entire morning of angst and stress was washed away. That’s the thing about girlfriends. They fix things that feel unfixable. They revive you when you are running on nothing but Pine-Sol fumes. They commiserate and console, and if that fails, they connive and conspire. This is where you will get the practical advice, like making sure to throw a Nordstrom gift card into the cart every time you go to the grocery store because no one questions the grocery bill. (P.S. After two months, you will have enough gift cards to buy those Tory Burch sandals.) It is problem-solving at its finest – poignant wisdom coupled with a few token references to “Shades of Grey” and at least two plates of hard jack cheese. If I ever have to choose a new career, I am opening a therapy clinic where women just show up and have lunch together. I grew up surrounded by the power of girl friendship because I have three sisters, so I am well-versed in the miracle of the XX chromosome. As an adult, I have cultivated a host of “chosen” sisters. This is a comprehensive therapy network. If I have husband problems, I call my Bible study friends because they will talk

me out of pressing a pillow to my husband’s face while he is snoring. If I’m worried about my kids, I call my lunch group because they have navigated every kid crisis from texting to twerking. If I’m feeling guilty, I call my neighborhood friends because they have probably done something worse. (Plus, they’ll invite me over for a cocktail in the yard.) Of course, for the other stuff in life that is just too messy to admit on paper, I call my real sisters. It took four girls two hours at Luigi’s to solve all of our own problems and tackle most of what is wrong in the world, too. If we had stayed until 4 p.m., I’m pretty sure we could have fixed the economy, addressed the drought, mapped the course for world peace, then plan a lovely dinner party for eight. This column is a shoutout to the ladies, especially to my three beautiful sisters; to the chosen female army I have cultivated; and to God for creating girlfriends in the first place. After all, it’s a lot more fun to spend money on pasta and champagne Katy Raytis than on therapy. bakersfieldlife.com

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People & Community

PERSONALITY

A LEAP OF FAITH Former news anchor finds new purpose in serving others By Lisa Kimble

t has been four years since wellliked local television news anchor Robin Mangarin Scott signed off on a 30-plus-year career in front of the camera. Loyal viewers were surprised. Her co-anchor and spouse, Jim Scott, pondered nights on the set without his wife beside him, and for her part, Mangarin Scott had no idea what she was going to do next. In the corporate world, this sort of career change without a safety net in place would have been considered risky. But then again, Mangarin Scott didn’t enjoy an extraordinary, awardwinning broadcasting career by never taking risks. “I was at the top of my game. But something was wrong about my personal purpose in my life,” Mangarin Scott said. “People go into careers for a reason. I wanted to be on TV. But it turned into a job with a purpose as I could help others.” From hosting telethons to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association to reporting on doctors who provide international medical relief, she’d found a way to bring awareness to important causes by using her high profile. “It changed my — Robin Mangarin Scott personal purpose, which was to serve,” she said. So in 2011, when she felt her enthusiasm waning, she took a leap of faith and walked away from it all toward an uncertain future.

”

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Robin Mangarin Scott “It’s not an easy decision. You have to prepare for a lot of sacrifices,” the 53-year-old recalled. “I did a lot of praying at that time and my decision was led by faith.” Almost immediately, Mangarin

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

“

I never thought health care would be my venue, but in our own way we can all serve, and that’s what health care has become for me.

Scott’s breadth of experience and pulse on the community were sought after. Among those who reached out was Bakersfield Memorial Hospital President and Dignity Health Central California Senior Vice President Jon Van Boening.

“Jon sat me down for about an hour to talk about why I retired and then asked me to think of two service lines where I thought I could make a difference,” she said. “I answered pediatrics and oncology. He told me to take six months and see what I could do, and the rest is history!” Van Boening says it was a perfect fit. “Robin is so well-known, respected and loved in this community,” he said. “She has been an invaluable addition to our senior leadership team. I admire her talent, and she continually comes up with fantastic ideas and strategies for letting the community know what we are doing.” While Mangarin Scott had been KGET-TV’s health care reporter, this was a daunting task and there was a giant medical learning curve. “Our missions were very much aligned in contributing to the health and wellness of our community,” she said. “I never thought health care would be my venue, but in our own way, we can all serve, and that’s what health care has become for me.” She plunged head first, eventually becoming the senior director of

strategic marketing. On Sept. 1, she will be promoted to vice president of strategic marketing and communications for Dignity’s eight central California hospitals stretching from Bakersfield to Calaveras County, including Memorial, Mercy Downtown and Mercy Southwest. Mangarin Scott will oversee media management, work with design agencies, mainstream, social and digital media partners, and concentrate on marketing and increasing brand awareness. Earlier this year, she received the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s Community Service Award and was recognized nationally with the Innovation Award from Healthgrades for her work in connecting patients to Dignity Health services and physicians. And accomplishment was made on a personal level. When she began scripting this new chapter back in 2011, Mangarin Scott also fulfilled a promise she’d made to herself to complete her undergraduate degree. Last year, she graduated with honors from Cal State Bakersfield with a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications and a minor in marketing. She is currently at work

on her Master of Science in administration at CSUB. “This was a priority for me, primarily for my sons to see and understand the value of completing your education, no matter how long it takes,” she said. It hasn’t all been smooth sailing. There have been bumps and detours along the way. “I think challenges are a relevant part of everyone’s life,” Mangarin Scott said. “I don’t ever forget the trials that we have all faced as a family. Those tests are the reasons I am so appreciative of my faith. “Just when life throws you a curve ball that makes you feel like you’ve struck out, faith brings you back to the mound for another pitch, and possibly a home run.” As she settles into her new position, she and her husband are also adjusting to another major life change. This month, their youngest son headed off to college, officially making them empty nesters. The mother of two says she expects a roller coaster of emotions, but plans to relish her added duties as renewed personal purpose to serve, as well.

Schedule a mammogram. Click. Online scheduling at the Women’s Imaging Center at Mercy Hospital Southwest. Schedule a mammogram with just a couple of clicks. Quick and convenient. Visit ChooseMercyMemorial.org to schedule your mammogram.

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People & Community

FOR A CAUSE

By Jorge Barrientos

Leann Harris

ollowing a tragic year in 2013 on Kern County’s roadways — in which more than 30 deaths and nearly 600 injuries occurred due to drunken drivers — local residents stepped up big. More than 700 advocates showed for the first-ever Bakersfield Walk Like MADD & MADD Dash 5K to support victims of drunken driving crashes and have their voices heard. They chanted the Mothers Against Drunk Driving slogan, “Drunk driving ends here!” and raised more than $46,000 to help victims and the local chapter of MADD in that mission. Perhaps Kern County is getting the message. In 2014, we saw a decrease to 400 injuries and 14 deaths in Kern County related to DUIs, according to California Highway Patrol statistics. But even one injury or death at the hands of a drunken driver is one too many, said Carla Pearson, victim advocate for MADD Kern County. Bakersfield is still averaging nearly 12 DUI arrests per day, according to Bakersfield Police Department statistics. “The fight is not over,” Pearson said. “People are still making the choice to get behind the wheel after drinking, putting your life and their own life at risk. These are not accidents — they are 100 percent preventable crashes.” For the second year, Kern County will come together on Saturday, Sept. 19, at the

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Park at River Walk, to help put an end to drunken driving locally. It’s supported by local law enforcement and prosecutors, as well as sponsoring businesses, including Chevron, Kern Schools Federal Credit Union and Chain Cohn Stiles. Community advocates, victims and their families will be in attendance, including the following victims who shared their stories with Bakersfield Life in hopes that readers realize how real this problem is. ‘A whole new life’ In February, Kristofer Carter was sentenced to seven years in prison. But once he is released, Mary Harris said, her daughter still won’t be able to walk, and her family still won’t be able to forget what he did. In April 2014, Carter ran two red lights while driving his truck, jumped a curb, knocked down barriers at a gas station on Merle Haggard Drive and crushed then20-year-old Leann Harris as she pumped gas, and as her 17-year-old sister watched. Carter was driving while drunk. Nearly everything on Leann was broken — worst of all, her spine. Leann is now a paraplegic. Before the crash, Leann loved riding horses and driving trucks. Today, she needs help with everyday tasks. Many times, Leann says, she would rather have died in the crash. “I was a healthy and happy 20-year-old at the time with my whole life ahead of me,

September 2015

Alicia Smith

PHOTO COURTESY OF ALICIA SMITH

Local residents, agencies, advocates, victims join together in second ‘Walk Like MADD & MADD Dash’ 5K

PHOTO COURTESY OF LEANN HARRIS

DRUNKEN DRIVING ENDS HERE

filled with dreams and ambitions,” Leann said in a statement she reads to DUI offenders going through counseling courses. “Now, my days are spent with doctors, rehabs and people taking care of me.” Leann’s sister, having witnessed the crash, has frequent nightmares and panic attacks. More than a year after the crash, the Harris family spends a bulk of its time still in and out of doctor and hospital offices. “We’re still trying to adjust to this whole new life,” Mary said. While she tries to move on and focus on Leann, it’s difficult for Mary to not remain angry, she said. She remembers the smell of alcohol on Carter when she saw him the night of the crash. “I just couldn’t imagine someone stepping into a car when they’re that drunk,” she said. “If you’re drunk, please stay where you’re at.” She said she’s thankful for MADD Kern County for helping guide her through the foreign court process, supporting her family, and giving Leann a venue to vent and inspire — all services provided through Walk Like MADD & MADD Dash fundraising. Today, Leann speaks to DUI offenders, hoping that by sharing her experience with them, they will change. “I will not let this chair break me or imprison me,” she said. “I will use this as a way to educate and empower people, motivate and strengthen lives.”

Bakersfield Walk Like MADD & MADD Dash 5K

‘I may never be that mommy again’ Fourth of July will forever hold a new meaning for Alicia Smith. It’s the day Alicia thought she and her husband would die, leaving her three boys as orphans. That’s when Frankie Kahle got behind the wheel in his truck while intoxicated, drove on the wrong side of the road in northeast Bakersfield, and slammed into Alicia and her husband’s car as they headed to celebrate with their kids. “It’s the day this man decided to get behind the wheel of his vehicle and attempt to drive without any regard for human life, including his own,” she said. She was trapped in her car after the crash, and first responders used the Jaws of Life to save her. She suffered a broken knee and hip. Her husband broke a finger and glass embedded in throughout his body. In the past year, Alicia has endured a painful hip surgery with its share of complications and nerve damage, which left her wheelchair bound for three months. She battles insomnia, depression and frustration as she was left unable to properly care for her

What: Drinking and driving awareness walk and event, with timed 5K run When: 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 19 Where: The Park at River Walk, 11298 Stockdale Highway Features: Medals for run placement, raffles, booths, giveaways, fun for kids Registration: $20 youth walker; $25 adult walker; $25 timed runner. All money stays in Kern County to fight drunken driving. More Information/Register: www.walklikemadd.org/bakersfieldkids or Facebook “Bakersfield Walk Like MADD & MADD Dash 2015” – Jorge Barrientos is the marketing director at the injury and workers’ compensation law firm Chain Cohn Stiles and a planning committee member for the Walk Like MADD & MADD Dash 5K.

three boys – ages 3, 5 and 8 – leaving most tasks on her husband. It pained her to hear recently from her son Caleb: “You’re almost the mommy you used to be!” because Alicia is far from 100 percent. Her body hurts frequently, and she flinches when a car gets too close. There will be no skiing for Alicia in the annual family trip. “That kills me because I know I may never be that mommy again,” she said. “This man took that from them. He changed my life, and my family, forever.”

In January, Kahle was sentenced to five years of probation, a sentence that does not satisfy Alicia. She said she is lucky her wheelchair was not permanent and that she made it out of the crash alive. “There is not one great party or great day of drinking that is worth you potentially hurting yourself or others,” she said. “Don’t do it, don’t let people around you do it. Keep everyone safe.” Read more about Alicia Smith and her experience at her blog, A Coffeeqween’s Life, at bit.ly/aliciasmithmadd.

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H O M E TOW N H E R O

From left: Joe Drullard, Chad “Chadman” Garcia and Evan Morgan of the “Overwatch” podcast record an episode on what veterans can expect when they leave the military.

CHAD GARCIA Veterans helping veterans with ‘Overwatch’ podcast By Tyler Goucher

ot long after being medically separated from the Army, 33-yearold Chad Garcia started his very first podcast with the help from his fellow veterans Joe Drullard and Evan Morgan. The podcast, known as “Overwatch,” explores the different services and benefits that are available to veterans. Although it is only local at this point, the plan is to take the show to a national level. “We have over 1,000 likes on Facebook, an increasing amount of views on YouTube and we are also on iTunes,” said Garcia. “We are working on getting better and bigger as well as getting sponsors.” Serving in the Army for 13 years as a part of the 82nd Airborne and going into

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medical retirement due to a traumatic combat injury, Garcia has a lot of knowledge and understanding when it comes to veterans returning home. With information about getting through PTSD when returning home, finding employment and insurance benefits, and even finding support groups to have people to talk to, “Overwatch” aims to be the voice of veteran podcasts. “Adjusting to civilian life is the hardest part of returning,” said Garcia. “In one way, shape or form, it’s difficult to live life outside of the military.” The podcast is produced every Wednesday and released every Friday on overwatchpod.com. It is then uploaded to various social media outlets, such as Facebook and YouTube. Why did you decide to start the “Overwatch” podcast? We know what it’s like for vets to not have anywhere to go or not have the knowledge of how to apply for veteran benefits. We want to get good information out to fellow veterans and help them live happy lives.

September 2015

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

People & Community

The “Overwatch” podcast is released every Friday on its website www.overwatchpod.com, which redirects you to thewoundedheroesfund.org. • Podcasters include Chad Garcia, Julio Torres, Wesley Leon-Barrientos, Evan Morgan and Joe Drullard. • To get in contact with the Wounded Heroes Fund, call 661-328-8602.

What is one thing you will never forget about your time served? The bonds that I made with the men beside me. That will last a lifetime. When it comes to accomplishments, being the team leader in RC East in Afghanistan is my biggest. What is it like dealing with PTSD? What helps with the symptoms? Dealing with PTSD is like being on a roller coaster. There are a lot of ups and

Why was the podcast named “Overwatch”? An overwatch position in the military is the guy on a higher elevation that has the people on the ground’s back. In other words, the “Overwatch” podcast has your back. We took care of each other down range, no reason why we can’t take care of each other here.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHAD GARCIA

downs in life. One day you could be feeling really good, and the next thing you know, something will trigger you and your whole day is ruined. Sleeping doesn’t come easy either. Once you learn how to cope with it all, though, you can learn to navigate through it. It never goes away, but coping is the key. When you have others who are also suffering with PTSD around you and can call on them when you need some support, it makes a world of difference.

“Overwatch” podcast features veterans helping veterans. What are your future plans for the “Overwatch” podcast? We want to go national and help as many veterans as we can. We would like to give all of our brothers and sisters an outlet. Veterans who are

suffering from PTSD and other issues are killing themselves at a rate of 22 a day. All of us on the show have lost a brother to suicide. If we can stop just one person from doing that, our mission is accomplished.

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WHY I LIVE HERE

LISA ROBLES-KENT Acting as the link between girls and education By Jennifer Olague

fraid to fall for the stereotype that had been perpetuated by her ethnic background, Lisa Robles-Kent saw education as the outlet and guide to a better life. Robles-Kent was only 18 when she became pregnant with her first child, but that didn’t stop her from achieving her goals. Robles-Kent, who was born and raised in Bakersfield, attended Bakersfield College before graduating from Cal State Bakersfield with her degree in sociology. Today, she works at Bakersfield College as the executive secretary of the Bakersfield College Foundation. Robles-Kent is also a member of the Latina Leaders of Kern County and has been for the past five years. RoblesKent recalls growing up feeling like there was a missing link. “I want to be that link between the girls and education,” Robles-Kent said. She was recently honored as one of the 2015 Latinas Leading the Way. One of the things she is most proud of is her kids and husband, Jess. Through her hard work and desire to finish school, she’s tried to set an example for her children to follow. Robles-Kent takes pride in knowing her kids are pursuing an education of their own. And her husband, she says, has always been supportive in everything she does. What is your favorite spot in Bakersfield? Driving through the canyon and looking at all the beautiful rocks. What’s your favorite place to eat? I really like Mama Roomba. They have really good sangrias. Biggest changes seen in Bakersfield? There are a lot more businesses that cater to a diverse community. It wasn’t like that when I was growing up.

What are five ways to describe Bakersfield? Family oriented, centrally located, minutes away from the beautiful Kern River, inexpensive place to live and ever-growing.

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PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

Did you ever picture yourself leaving Bakersfield? I never did because my mom and dad, Emma and Danny Robles, live here. They’ve always supported me and I could never imagine leaving them.

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People & Community

A L L- S TA R AT H L E T E

REACHING ONE’S FULL POTENTIAL Local golfer looks to take game to next level in Hawaii By Stephen Lynch

Anthony Starbuck Born Dec. 20, 1996, in Bakersfield Family includes parents Steven and Jennifer Starbuck and older sister Megan. Gave up hockey in part because of his lack of size. He’s currently 5-foot-8, 140 pounds. Two-time All-Area selection in golf – first team in 2015, second team in 2013. Sophomore year birdied five of

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six holes on back nine of regional tournament after starting out the round 6-over through the first three holes. Finished with six birdies. Two-time BHS golf MVP. Spends much of his time playing golf and working out but enjoys watching movies and television. Loves the beach. Used to surf a lot but gave it up. Plans to resume riding the waves when he gets to Hawaii for college.

September 2015

BHS golfer Anthony Starbuck hits out of a sand trap on the second hole during an SWYL boys golf mini-tournament at RiverLakes.

PHOTO BY ALEX HORVATH

here is so much more that Anthony Starbuck would have liked to accomplish during his high school golf career. The recent Bakersfield High graduate played brilliantly at times during his four years as a member of the Drillers varsity team but was beset by injury problems that kept him from consistent success. After an outstanding sophomore season in which he posted a stellar 77-stroke average and qualified for the CIF Southern California Regional at Brookside Golf Club in Pasadena, Starbuck was hampered by a thumb injury early in his junior season and then was struck down by a torn Achilles in December of his senior year. He played through the injuries, posting solid results. However, Starbuck believes, if not for the injuries, he could have possibly won a valley title and qualified for the state tournament. “I’m a plus-2 handicap and my scoring average was 79 (the last two years),” Starbuck said. “It should have been right around par or under. It was disappointing.” Despite the hurt leg, Starbuck played well enough to earn a spot in the Central Section individual championship tournament, where he shot a 6-over 78 even after being assessed two penalty strokes on the back nine and missing a tap-in on hole No. 18. For his efforts, Starbuck was named first team All-Area and netted a scholarship to play golf at the University of

Hawaii at Hilo. Starbuck’s college roommate will be his close friend Jared Kinoshita, the top golfer at Stockdale High this past year. “I don’t look at it like I failed,” Starbuck said of his high school career. “It was just that I didn’t reach my full potential, which I’m OK with. I’m still going to college to play golf. That was the ultimate goal. I try to be hard on myself and always set new goals that are hard to reach. I reach some and I don’t reach some.” Starbuck’s path to playing college golf began at an early age. His family moved into a house on Hole No. 11 at Stockdale Country Club when he was just 5 years old. Soon afterward, Starbuck was hitting the ball around for fun. Then at age 8, he started playing competitively in tournaments. Starbuck also grew up playing ice hockey. He had a talent for the sport but decided to give it up his sophomore year of high school so he could fully concentrate on golf. “I loved hockey,” Starbuck said. “It was just, if I wanted to go somewhere, I needed to pick one sport. Two-sport athletes don’t really exist anymore. If I wanted to get better in one sport, I had to make a decision and I chose golf. Because even

Save the date! if I don’t play after college, there is just so many benefits at being good at golf. Plus I don’t really have the size for hockey. I was equally good at both sports probably but felt like I had more potential in golf.” Now Starbuck wants to reach even more of that potential. He feels like he still has a lot of room for improvement, especially driving the ball off the tee. But he’s working hard to improve that part of his game and makes up for it by being extremely good at other aspects of golf. “I definitely don’t drive well,” Starbuck said. “But my iron play is pretty good. I’d probably say that’s my best part – my approach shots to the greens.” Starbuck is excited to start his college career and hopes to continue playing golf competitively for a long time. “This is the one summer that I don’t care if it ends,” he said. “I love the game. I want to go pro. I’m healthy right now and hopefully I continue to be healthy and achieve things. Get my game to where I can go on to the next level after college.” Starbuck acknowledges that he wouldn’t have had the opportunity to live out his dream of playing golf in college and beyond if it weren’t for his family. “I can’t even thank my family enough for how much they’ve done for me,” Starbuck said. “They’ve always supported me financially and morally. They’ve just been there. If I needed to go to a tournament down south, they drove me. They never really said no to anything, if I needed it.”

November 7, 2015 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Kern County Museum Bakersfield

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TA L K O F T H E T O W N

WEST KERN PETROLEUM SUMMIT BRINGS BIG NAMES TO TAFT ‘Grandfather of oil,’ game show legend, congressman, author among lineup By Jason Gutierrez

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PHOTO COURTESY OF JASON GUTIERREZ

t is time to raise the bar again in Taft. Taft College and the Taft College Foundation have once again created a foundation for success, education and inspiration. Oct. 16 will be a day to remember as the second West Kern Petroleum Summit highlights some of the top thinkers in the oil and energy industry including the grandfather of oil, T. Boone Pickens, this year’s keynote speaker. For those unfamiliar with the impact Pickens has had on the industry, he is hailed as a legendary oil and gas entrepreneur who has become the nation’s most effective energy expert and has been cited for his leadership in developing The Pickens Plan for America’s energy future. Additional WKPS guests include: Rep. Kevin McCarthy, “The Moral Case for Fossil Fuels” author Alex Epstein and California Community Colleges Chancellor Dr. Brice W. Harris. Additionally, this year’s emcee will be the legendary Alex Trebek. This year’s summit will support Taft College’s internship program by supporting students with paid

Rep. Kevin McCarthy summer internships in 2016. Coinciding with the West Kern Petroleum Summit is the 105th anniversary and celebration of Taft’s Oildorado. Bob Hampton, president of the Taft College Foundation board of directors, says the shared success for the college and the city comes from Sheri Horn-Bunk’s passion as executive director and the college’s dedication to education. “This is an exciting time for us,” Hampton said. “The speakers, the emcee and the celebration around the summit is something to be proud of. I’m a proud alumni and board member of the Taft College Foundation and we couldn’t be more pleased.” With education being top of mind,

many of the college’s students and programs receive direct benefit from the summit’s discussion and it being held in Taft. Among those benefiting programs are engineering, energy technology, industrial health and safety, information technology, and management, welding technology, and independent living skills (transition to independent living program). “We support the summit because it is a vital way to get information out to our community. It’s also a great way for the industry to collaborate and share what’s important for our future,” said Robin Fleming, policy, government and public affairs representative for Chevron. Chevron is the top sponsor of this

Alex Epstein

Dr. Brice W. Harris

year’s event and a large supporter of science and engineering programs for children in the community. The continued success of the event, increased awareness of educational programs at Taft College and impressive speaker lineup have certainly put Taft and Taft College on the industry’s radar. “I’m delighted how we have elevated the quality of speakers for this year’s event. Our keynote speaker, T. Boone Pickens, is the most anticipated of them all,” said Dena P. Maloney, superintendent-president of the West Kern Community College District. “Dr. Brice Harris, the chancellor of the California Community Colleges, will be my personal favorite, as he will speak about the 2.1 million students who our 113-community college system serves. We are making a difference!”

Alex Trebek

The West Kern Petroleum Summit will benefit Taft College’s internship program.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JASON GUTIERREZ

T. Boone Pickens

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The Roustabouts

Ray Wylie Hubbard

99 Music Fest brings Americana music to Bakersfield By Mark Nessia

Truxton Mile

wo stages. Six performers. One day of Americana music. The 99 Music Fest, presented by Three Way Chevrolet Cadillac, is bringing contemporary music to the CSUB Amphitheater Oct. 10 from 2 to 6 p.m. Americana music is a blend of various American root music styles, including country, rock ’n’ roll, folk, and rhythm and blues. The musical acts brought to you by Good Medicine Presents are Ray Wylie Hubbard, James McMurtry, Monty Byrom, Sam Outlaw, The Roustabouts and Truxton Mile. With 16 albums over a career spanning nearly three decades, Hubbard is one of the most recognized names in Americana music. His decade-long career resurgence made its way into the national spotlight with his critically acclaimed 2012 album “The Grifter’s Hymnal,” earning

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PHOTO COURTESY OF TRUXTON MILE

MUSIC DONE RIGHT

Hubbard his first-ever appearance on the “Late Show with David Letterman.” His latest album, “The Ruffian’s Misfortune,” was released earlier this year. McMurtry’s trademark story songs are spun with a poet’s pen and a painter’s precision. “Complicated Game,” his first collection in six years, takes a personal turn, with lyrical themes mostly about relationships, but is also “about the big old world versus the poor little farmer or fisherman.” Growing up in Bakersfield, Byrom and was heavily influenced by local legends Buck Owens and Merle Haggard in the beginning. But his introduction to Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Santana and the like led him to rebel against his country roots and into the world of rock and blues. His latest project, Monty Byrom and The Road Pilots, is a five-piece group that is a mix of bluesy rock and soulful Americana.

PHOTO COURTESY OF RAY WYLIE HUBBARD

TA L K O F T H E T O W N

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ROUSTABOUTS

People & Community

already sold out Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace and opened for country singer Easton Corbin at the Fox Theater and staged its own festival in Taft as a thank you to its hometown fans in 2014. The trio of Taylor Unruh, Ryan Coulter and Alec Olivieri released their latest single, “California on My Mind,” in July. Playing on two stages – the Main Stage sponsored by KIA Insurance and the Second Stage sponsored by Chain Cohn Stiles – the 99 Music Fest celebrates the junction of shared and varied

PHOTO COURTESY OF JAMES MCMURTRY

James McMurtry

traditions that make up the musical spirit of the U.S. Great food and beverages sponsored by Barrel House, which includes an assortment of craft beer, will also be available. The musical acts will stay in the beautifully restored historic Padre Hotel downtown, the official hotel of the 99 Music Fest. Additional sponsors include Fastrip and Wiki’s Wine Dive & Grill. Tickets are $40 for a limited time and are available at 99musicfest.com. Attendees must be 21 and over.

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While still relatively new to the music scene, Outlaw has hit the ground running. His self-released EP in 2014 earned him a slot at The Stagecoach Festival followed up by an appearance in the world-renowned Music City Roots in Nashville. His full-length album “Angelo” was listed in Rolling Stone’s “30 Great Country Albums of 2015 You Probably Didn’t Hear.” The Roustabouts is a five-man bluegrass band, featuring Bakersfield locals Craig Wilson and Kelvin Gregory, along with Shawn Criswell, Brian Hacker and Paul Lee. The band plays in the traditional style and honors the pioneers of bluegrass music and the Bakersfield Sound by playing “grassed up” renditions of crowd favorites. What started with a few friends, a guitar and some wishful thinking just might be the next big thing to come out of Kern County. Truxton Mile has

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O U R TOW N

HOPE, INSPIRATION WRAPPED IN A BLANKET Local teen finds unique way to give back By Laura Liera

Photos by Mark Nessia

blanket provides comfort. And when that blanket has your favorite superhero printed pattern, it becomes your Captain America shield. Since last year, Madison Ridley, 17, has been trimming, measuring and personally making blankets for local patients going through chemotherapy. With the help of her mom, grandmother and friends, Ridley has made more than 200 blankets to date. Maddie’s Messages — as she calls her project — got started last summer at a Hobey Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Seminar when Ridley was asked to come up with a way to give back to the community. “My grandmother had gone through breast cancer in 2013 and she received a fleece blanket during one of her many chemotherapy treatments and that simple gesture made her so happy,” Ridley said. With that image in mind, Ridley and her grandmother started making blankets for patients at the AIS Cancer Center. What started off as a small project soon doubled in size. “We used to take three hours to make one blanket but now we have it down to maybe 30 minutes per blanket,” Ridley said. Not two blankets are ever the same. They are all unique and different for each patient. Ridley said she stays away from solid colors and includes more patterns or theme blankets instead. “I’ve been told that patients relate to their blankets and they get really excited because they have a personal 126

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Madison Ridley

connection to them,” she added. As an added bonus, Ridley learns about the patient the blanket will be going to and adds an inspirational message on a card that is attached to the blanket. She has personally delivered some blankets and the face-to-face encounter between the giver and receiver is like none other. “It’s a fun experience to get to meet them and getting to know them,” Ridley said. Her blankets are delivered to the pediatric area at the Grossman Burn Center, the Comprehensive Blood & Cancer Center, the AIS Cancer Center and the Bakersfield Hematology Oncology. As Ridley gets ready to start her senior year at Bakersfield High School in the fall, she plans to continue Maddie’s Messages with the help of family and student volunteers. “A lot of teens don’t know how

much of an impact community service can make,” she said. “I hope they see how someone their age can make a community a better place.” Funding for the project comes from a GoFundMe account dedicated for Maddie’s Messages. To donate, visit www.gofundme.com/by2mqg.

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People & Community

I N S I D E STO RY

Paint Nite makes for a nice date night for couples as Angela and Ryan Diffee discovered.

DRINKING CREATIVELY Creative juices flow when wine and art mix By Jennifer Olague Photos by Mark Nessia

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ainting and wine go hand in hand, a combination so messy yet so perfect. They say there is no better way to unwind than to have a glass of wine and let your creative spirits flow. Dan Hermann and Sean McGrail came to this realization after attending a friend’s birthday party where they painted and drank wine. Paint Nite was founded in March 2012 in Boston. Although it has been around for three years, it is still a fairly new event in Bakersfield, which launched in December 2014. Paint Nite stands as an event all on its own with the motto “drink creatively,” incorporating wine drinking while painting. Food and wine are sold separately at these events. No experience is necessary. Before every event, the crowd joins the art instructor in an oath that highlights keywords like, “I’m here to relax and have fun,” and stresses phrases

September 2015

they don’t want to hear like “Mine sucks,” “I messed mine up” and “Can you fix it?” Bakersfield hosts four to five events per week with different art instructors teaching, giving attendees a different art style every time. The crowds typically consist of women (friends out for some girls’ night fun), but couples on a date night, regulars and first-timers attend as well. “What I like about Paint Nite is that I don’t have to be an artist,” said Roxanne Daily-Webb, who’s attended four Paint Nite events. “At the end of the night, everyone’s painting is different but good.” Paint Nite is a worldwide phenomenon. More than 4,100 Paint Nite events take place every month across 1,200 cities. In Bakersfield, four art instructors take turns hosting Paint Nite at local restaurants. Tickets are $45. For more information or to find the next Paint Nite event, visit paintnite.com.

Instructor Shelby Ice demonstrates how to paint the sky of a beach scene, the painting of the evening.

Steve Collop takes a look at Shari George's painting. Collop did not participate in Paint Nite but acted as a â&#x20AC;&#x153;wine providerâ&#x20AC;? to George's party.

Paint Nite provides all the tools required to create original works of art. No experience is necessary.

Painters can follow the painting instructions step by step or improvise to create a completely different painting.

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POWER COUPLE

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

People & Community

September 2015

EYES ON THE PRIZE Love at first sight leads to happy marriage for high school sweethearts By Oscar Miranda

t was hard for Brooke Antonioni to keep her head in the game the moment she laid eyes on Brad. As he settled into the crowd, Brooke knew it was love at first sight. “I just knew as he walked into the gym,” she said. “I was interested in him when I should have been paying attention to the game.” It wasn’t long after that the couple arranged a movie and dinner date, with the help of mutual friends, where they exchanged common interests and educational goals. After high school, Brooke and Brad embarked on a long-distance relationship – Brooke in San Diego newly signed for volleyball and Brad in Cal Poly San Luis Obispo on a basketball scholarship. Paying no attention to the distance, the couple managed to thrive in their relationship and a year later Brooke sought to live closer to Brad and moved to San Luis Obispo. Eventually, the couple made a final move and found permanent settlement in Bakersfield. They have established a strong network over 17 years of marriage that has allowed them to produce great outcomes in life and even at work. “We challenge each other; we provide a good balance for one another,” Brad said. “She challenges me and makes me think about work and what’s in the future for our kids and for us and what life brings and how I can provide for her and my family.” They enjoy spending time together and going out of town with the family. Most of their time off is spent visiting

the coast and some of their favorite getaway places, include Santa Monica, Santa Barbara and Morro Bay. The couple also enjoys participating in other activities. “We like golf, riding bikes and even hot yoga; we favor all,” Brad said. As a couple, they agree that together they have come a long way. Their admiration for each other allows them to be optimistic — the secret to a happy marriage. “The recipe is never going to bed mad and a big one for us is communication, listening and learning, as well as spending a lot of time together but still leaving room for us to hang out with our friends and family individually,” Brad said.

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We challenge each other; we provide a good balance for one another.

”

— Brad Antonioni

After earning master’s degrees in public policy and administration from Cal State Bakersfield, Brooke took over as president of Trans-West Security, the family business, and Brad became the vice president. They continue to share the same ideals in life, along with their 8-year-old twin girls, Reagan and Reese. Together they give back and contribute to the community. In 2009, Trans-West Security planted more than 400 trees in the city and the county. They also work with the parks and recreation center to administer proper procedures and future ideas. bakersfieldlife.com

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BAKERSFIELD’S PIONEER DAUGHTER Remembering the life of a multi-talented artist By Julie Plata Photos courtesy of the Kern County Museum used by permission

ellie Baker, daughter of Bakersfield’s founder Col. Thomas Baker and his wife, Ellen, could very well be the first artist to live in Bakersfield. She did not achieve fame, nor leave behind a collection of works, but those who knew her during her short 25 years of life considered her an intelligent, kind and energetic woman who was a highly gifted artist, writer and musician. Nellie was born in Visalia on June 23, 1861, and moved to Kern Island with her family when she was 2 years old. Her father passed away when she was 11, and it is said that she inherited his intellect. As a young schoolgirl, Nellie was a bright student and a talented musician and writer. During a school presentation covered in the Jan. 29, 1880, issue of the Kern County Californian, the students were accompanied by Nellie on the organ as they sang the words to “Happy Land.” The grand finale consisted of the reading of students’ short stories from the school journal. Despite the quiet demeanor she was known for, Nellie had the ability to express herself in unexpected ways through her literary skills. In a short story titled “School Girls,” the young author speaks of longing for the end of her school days but knows that she will one day wish she was “a happy child once more, trudging to school to recite some lessons and to do plenty 132

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Ellen (Nellie) Baker-Cowgill in 1885

of mischief.” A shift in the story’s mood reveals a young author who not only possessed a witty sense of humor, but one who was not afraid to use her writing as a tool to challenge established gender stereotypes. She quickly moves from a verse of future longing to one completely unexpected. She challenged the schoolboys who often spoke of the schoolgirls’ silliness and wrote that the boys are not any less awkward than the girls, “nor is our laugh any more ridiculous than the great whining schoolboys.” She does not stop there but instead continued to write about the boys’ attitudes when dealing with “us poor individuals of the female gender, that they look down upon us from their majestic heights (which, as far as I can see, consists only of tallness and not

mental capacity).” Just as quickly as she digressed from writing of happy school days, she closed her story with, “I do not think we will ever regret our happy school days, which will never return.” She married Christopher C. Cowgill on June 18, 1885, and gave birth to her son Edgar in July 1886. Sadly, she succumbed to consumption on May 6, 1887. She was gone too soon but her family kept her memory alive. On Friday, March 11, 1927 – nearly 40 years after her passing – Nellie’s brother T.A. Baker, former Kern County sheriff, shared with The Bakersfield Californian a story about one of her drawings. Laced with elements of mystery and perhaps miracles, T.A. shared the circumstances surrounding a fire that occurred at his home in 1919.

The story began around the year 1881 when Nellie drew a crayon picture of the head of Christ. All who viewed the picture considered it a “masterpiece.” The picture was placed in storage with other family photographs and papers and The Baker’s first home when they moved to the area in 1863. Col. Thomas Baker almost forgotten until a fire ravaged purity and goodness of heart. Her scorched.” Residents of Bakersfield the storage shed. T.A. recalled that the legacy will forever remain as one box full of photos burned, as well as his were given the opportunity to witness who “possessed a high talent for this unexplainable phenomenon when diploma from Washington College, but painting, drawing and music.” Her the picture was placed on exhibit at beneath the ashes, he discovered strength of character and inherent Hughes Drug Store on the corner of something that he could only describe talents solidifies her place as the first Chester Avenue and 19th Street. as an “intervention of providence.” In her obituary in the May 14, 1887, artist to live in Bakersfield and as a Nellie’s crayon picture of Christ member of the great community of issue of the Kern County Californian, was the only object to survive the fire she is remembered for her intelligence, women in the arts. and T.A. proclaimed, “The cloth is not

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NO BOYS ALLOWED All-female boot camp changing lives one morning at a time

By Oscar Miranda Photo by Mark Nessia

oing on eight years, Lisa Cooper’s all-female-boot camp thrives with cold sweat and hard work. As a mother of four, Cooper is a walking example of remaining active and healthy after having kids. Being the only all-female group fitness boot camp instructor, Cooper, 40, has a tremendous desire to help women change their physical appearance and how they feel about themselves. Every morning, before dawn, Cooper and her team, ages 12 and up, meet at Mondavi Park and engage in a variety of programs, ranging from yoga to Pilates to moms with strollers. “It began with my sister-in-law’s sister when she said to me: ‘Lisa, every time I go to camp, I think about you. You should start a camp like this in Bakersfield,”’ Cooper said. “I personally really liked group fitness classes. That is where I found my motivation and what made it easy for me to stick to it.” It was after her youngest boy started school in 2008 when Cooper started her business. She earned her bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from California State University Bakersfield, and trained to be a certified boot

Lisa Cooper

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REAL PEOPLE

camp instructor. She learned about the business and how to instill and pass on her motivation to others. “Sometimes I overhear some of my campers’ conversations stating they have lost 20 or 30 pounds within a month and that feels so good,” she said. “It’s very rewarding.” Cooper starts a typical day by organizing her workouts, making every day different and compiling the workout routines based on the group scheduled for the next morning. The groups consist of a variety of women, from teachers in the summer to teenagers to working girls and stayat-home moms during the fall. Cooper’s enthusiasm is fostered by the desire of her clients. “The age group I have is so varied,” she said. “I’ll have teenagers who just amaze me. They’ll come in the morning before they go to school knowing they have a long day of classes and activities. It impresses me more than anybody because I remember at that age I would have never

other women reach their fitness goals thought about joining a fitness group, has pushed her to become a better let alone follow through with it.” version of herself, physically. She Her favorite part of day is when finds motivation in the desire of her she gets to the park and watches as campers and it even fits well with her her clients pull up one by one. She husband, Joe, and his career as a refers to her clients as “campers” and football coach at enjoys having a Highland High connection with them. Sometimes I overhear School. “I get a couple “Every time some of my campers’ of texts or emails someone doesn’t conversations stating each week from show up, I have campers who are someone else ask- they have lost 20 or 30 thanking me or ing where they pounds within a month telling me how are,” Cooper said. much they love “I start sending you and that feels so camp,” she said. a text because if good. “I get a lot of you miss, you will messages from get a text and a call — Lisa Cooper women who go until I get an on vacations and are able to hike or answer. I get to know them on a perski all day because of the energy and sonal level. I’m familiar with the stamina they never had before. But names of their kids and their huswhat I often hear is ‘Lisa you’ve bands. It’s pleasing that this is much changed my life’ or ‘Lisa you’ve saved more than a business — it has some my life.’ And that is the ultimate family value in it.” reward.” Cooper’s passion for helping

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PRIME FINDS

Learn to paint like this at Color Me Mine! Adult ceramic painting classes at Color Me Mine are easy and fun! Join ceramic artist Beverly Frick on Wednesday evenings for step-by-step instruction and paint this gorgeous design on the piece of your choice. Color Me Mine at the Marketplace, 9000 Ming Ave., 664-7366, www.bakersfield.colormemine.com

Ladies casual slides by Helen's Heart Daily wear fashion, fun and comfortable shoes. Price $79. Sugardaddy’s. 512 Stockdale Highway. 325-8300. facebook.com/sugardaddys.

Hobo Lauren wallet The legendary Lauren wallet is adored for its versatility and stylish silhouette with compartments, zippers and slots for all of your necessities. Available in a variety of solid colors and patterns. Christine’s, 4915 Stockdale Highway, 834-3068.

The Duchess BFF diaper gag by Ju-Ju-Be Ju-Ju-Be’s BFF bag has tons of organizational pockets ... so many you won’t know what to do with them. It is machine washable and so versatile, it will surely become your new BFF. Planet Bambini, 3903 Patton Way, Suite 100. 544-8484, planetbambini.com

Oil Paintings to Order Give yourself or a friend an original painting of your beloved vehicle. It could be your first ride from the ’50s or the truck under the tarp in your garage. Commissions accepted. Contact the artist, Charlotte White, at 330-2676.

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It’s time for the women of Bakersfield to have a little relaxation, fun, good food and drink! Thursday, October 22, 2015 at

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This evening of networking and pampering will offer: • Complimentary valet parking • Wine tasting from local winemakers • Gourmet food sampling by Steak & Grape, The Petroleum Club, La Foret, Beck’s Divine Cakes & more • Boutique Shopping with Christine’s, French Quarter, Eloah Creations, Blue Lavender, Wire+Pearl, Retail Therapy & Perfectly POSH

A portion of all ticket sales will benefit The ALS Association Golden West Chapter

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Young Farmers and Ranchers Farmers Market Date: July 11 Held at Farm Credit West Photos by Carla Rivas View these photos and more at bakersfieldlife.com.

Renee Goodwin and Keith Stonebraker

Hannah Fenner, Monica Mattison and Ian Fenner

Jim and Rosa Lomeli

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Sikh Riders of America Day of Seva Date: Aug. 1 Held at Bakersfield Homeless Center Photos by Casey Christie View these photos and more at bakersfieldlife.com Mahesh Kundal and Gurtejpal Singh

Alex and Dienna Young

Gurdip Dhindsa and Gurjit Manak

Rica Kagawa and Jennifer Rodriguez

Cindy Lyday and Mandeep S. Chahal

The Sikh Riders of America

Kuldip Singh and Surinder Singh

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Opulent Salon Di Bellezza grand opening Date: July 17 Held at Opulent Salon Di Bellezza Photos by Mark Nessia View these photos and more at bakersfieldlife.com

Mike and Tonya Dewar

Mike Hofstrand, Hassan Halevy and Liam Huculak

Marie Fisher, Tim Leach and Bill Marchesini

Janelle Capra, Ed and Mimi Dorsey

Sheeza Gordon, Benny Parlan, Mina Newman and Carol Sheehan

Back: Jaime Dickey, Amy Church, Renee Starr, Julia Smith, Paige Harkey, Erica Pounds, Morgan Douglass, Heather Baker. Front: Tonya Dewar, Jenny Kelsey, Vanessa Shaddy 140

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September 2015

Amy Church and Renee Starr

Will Carter and Brooke Torres

Julia Smith and Paige Harkey

Gil Villanueva, Jason Mundorf, Liam Huculak, Mike Hofstrand, Hassan Halevy, Rick Peace and Mike Dewar

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Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Activities League speed mentoring event Date: Aug. 7 Held at Cafe Med Photos by Casey Christie View these photos and more at bakersfieldlife.com

Jose Gomez and Carlos Mayorga Jr.

Kevin Ray and Buster Ramay

Brian Marshall and Donnie Youngblood Paul Sanchez, Cassie Fernandez and Joe Garcia

Armando Anguiano and Jesus Lopez

Isaiah Jara and Alexander Vass

Chris Witten and Giovanni Garcia

Tyler Townsend and Larry Parker bakersfieldlife.com

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877.314.7511 BakersfieldHyundai.com

Kidsfest Date: July 18 Held at Kern County Museum Photos by Carla Rivas View these photos and more at bakersfieldlife.com

Michael, Frances, Sarah and Zachary Kimberlin

Laila Arceo and Stacy Lai

Madison and Richard David

Linda, Eva, Jeff, Abby and Jacob Elwrath

Miguel Hernandez, Melissa Krull, Bryan Ledesma and Jalen Ausbie 142

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September 2015

Lauren, Corrina, Logan and Liam Villarreal

Adam Rodriguez, Jackee Santillano, Aleya Olvera, Amanda and Jayden Resendez

Eric, Khason, Khai and Kimberlynn Rosario

Megan and Reilly Gregor

Brooke Coates and Bill Peck

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877.314.7511 BakersfieldHyundai.com

First Friday Date: Aug. 7 Held at Downtown Arts District Photos by Carla Rivas View these photos and more at bakersfieldlife.com

Esmeralda Jimenez, Beatris Negrete, Katherine Jimenez, Ivory, Isabel and Irma Negrete

Jackson and Rachel Hollis

Iva Fendrick and Floyd Dillon

Eric Perez and Ivan Calimano

Summer Padilla and Claire Smith

Carol Crisel, Ruth Darrington and Teresa Castro 144

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September 2015

Susan Joyce, Laura Rusk and Cathy Butler

Tony Erwin and Paris Strongin

Rosemary and Bruce Swinyer

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Distinguished Young Women of CA Pasta Scholarship Dinner

Nathaniel, Sally and Kaisie Rivera

Carson, Sandra and Craig Bryant

Date: July 24 Held at BHS cafeteria Photos by Carla Rivas View these photos and more at bakersfieldlife.com

Kate, Robbin and Ben Hamilton

Clarissa, Keith and Cori Borges

Paige Basconcillo, Tiffany Goncalves, Hannah Cantois and Rosemarie Cota

Laci Rojas, Keona Borntreger, Jenni Penix and Catherine Speaker

Calvin, Corinne, and Casey Marr and Michele Mizuno bakersfieldlife.com

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LAST WORD

2015 U.S. Women’s National Team

FIGHT LIKE A GIRL Encouraging girls to ‘believe’ breaks down barriers, shatters mold for young women By Cheryl Scott

t’s a great time to be a girl. Locally and across the country, in schools, on athletic fields and in the workplace, girls and women are breaking out of stereotypical female roles and they are garnering a lot of attention for their success. Think Mo’ne Davis who last year became the first female baseball player to pitch a shutout in Little League World Series history. Think about teenaged girls who are now taking high-level math and science courses at similar rates as their male peers. Think about the increasing number of young women pursuing STEM careers in engineering, medicine, geology and more. And think about the U.S. Women’s National Team, which this summer made USA the first country to win three FIFA Women’s World Cup titles. Not long after 146

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their win, my family and I were lucky enough to witness the team being recognized with a New York City ticker tape parade – the first time an all-woman team has received the honor. The excitement along the parade route was contagious as the crowd chattered, fidgeted and waved American flags in anticipation. Perhaps the loudest cheers and greatest energy came from the smallest bodies in the crowd: girls (many soccer players themselves) who couldn’t wait to lay eyes on their heroines. I was mesmerized by the young teens’ red, white and blue faces, huge smiles and starry eyes while they led the crowd in chants like “I believe that we will win.” And I was moved by the sense that the girls were experiencing a sense of empowerment that transcends the world of soccer and sports in general. The FIFA Women’s World Cup provided the stage; Abby Wambach, Carli Lloyd, and their teammates were the headliners; but we, the audience, would walk away with a lasting impression that could change how we see our own world. Going into the tournament, the team knew they were in a unique position to do more than play soccer. They could affect the attitudes and even the futures of their young fans. On their website, they encouraged all girls, athletes or not, to believe in themselves: “Listen up, ladies. We believe

September 2015

in you. We believe we will be at the top of the podium after that final whistle blows. We never let anyone tell us otherwise. Don’t let the tired cliches and stereotypes make you doubt what you were meant to be: the best.” You can find the entire letter at ussoccer.com. It’s worth taking a look. Playing soccer is just one way girls can learn and hone life skills like selfdiscipline, teamwork and perseverance. Some will choose individual sports like swimming or running and realize that, while they may be alone in their lane, they are still part of a larger team working toward a common goal. Some will choose academic competitions like mock trial, We the People and academic decathlon. Others may not choose a competitive format at all but will instead focus on simply being the best they can be at whatever they choose to be. Whether it’s friend, daughter, sister, wife, mother, engineer, artist, athlete or executive, the title isn’t important. Every position these girls play, now and in the future, matters. And they get to choose which role it will be! I cheered loudly and proudly for our U.S. soccer team, in honor of their skills and talent. But mostly, I admire them for taking girls of all ages by the hand and reminding us that, like them, we just need to believe.

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