Bakersfield Life Magazine April 2016

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April 2016

A MEMBER OF THE

TBC MEDIA FAMILY

bakersfieldlife.com

Home and Garden Issue Community gardens sprouting up

Bakersfield’s first neighborhoods Remodeled kitchen

by Stockdale Kitchen and Bath

Latest trends in

Kitchen and bath remodels P. 44

$3.95

Ranch living in Kern County

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ALL-NEW 2016 SHOW WITH LIVE ORCHESTRA

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APR 27 - 28, 2016 Rabobank theater 1001 Truxtun Ave., Bakersfield, CA 93301

Apr 27 Wed 7:30pm Apr 28 Thu 7:30pm

Tickets: 800-880-0188 ShenYun.com/LA

Prices: $60- $120

APRIL 2016

F E AT U R E S

Food for all Cultivating memories in community gardens.

Page 66

Where the stars shine bight There’s nothing like country living.

Page 70

A community on the rise A look at how Bakersfield blossomed over time.

Page 76

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PHOTO BY DAN OCAMPO

A home on Elm Street in the Westchester area.

April 2016

APRIL 2016

56 Up Front 13 14 16 18 19 20 22 23

Word on the Web Business Profile The Big Picture Money Matters 12 Things You Didn’t Know My Pet Named After Finding Fame

24 25 26 27 28

What I’m Listening To By the Numbers In Season Short Takes Happenings

30 Food Dudes 34 Food and Wine 36 Lunchtime Pick

Lifestyles Technically Speaking On The Road Pastimes Home and Garden Welcome Home

Go & Do 54 Entertainment 55 Out and About 56 Trip Planner

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April 2016

B Well 58 60 62 64 65

Journey to the Altar Fit and Fresh Feature – The Art of Feng Shui Your Body Love and Life

People & Community

Eat & Drink

38 40 42 44 46

60

PHOTO BY SALLY BAKER

PHOTO BY LAURA LIERA

D E PA R T M E N T S

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82 84 86 88 90 92 93 94 100 102 104 106 108 110 112 114 122

Bakersfield Matters Family Verdict Personality For a Cause All-Star Athlete Talk of the Town Philanthropy Matters Our Town Hometown Hero Why I Live Here Inside Story Power Couple History Real People Prime Finds SNAP! Last Word

A New Location!

VALLEY REPUBLIC BANK NOW

OPEN! In RiverLakes with Drive-Up Service!

HAGEMAN ROAD

e recently opened our newest branch in the heart of Northwest Bakersfield on Coffee Road just south of Hageman.

As the first locally owned bank with an office in the RiverLakes area, we invite Kern County businesses and individuals to experience the community banking difference. The full-service location includes drive-up banking as well as an experienced team of professionals who provide responsive, reliable service with a personal touch.

Stan Newman, the branch manager, and Peri Jonas, relationship manager, invite your inquiry today!

RI

COFFEE ROAD

661.615.5700

VE

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MEANY AVENUE

Local. Responsive. Reliable.

NEW BRANCH! 4300 Coffee Road, Suite A6 5000 California Avenue, Suite 110 11330 Ming Avenue, Suite 400

valleyrepublicbank.com V lley Republic Bank Valley

(VLLX)

STAN NEWMAN

PERI JONAS

Branch Manager

Relationship Manager

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STAFF SHARES

Bakersfield’s Premier City Magazine April 2016 / Vol. 10 / Issue 7 Bakersfield Life™ Magazine is published by TBC Media.

What do you love about your backyard?

“Our party lights strung back and forth across the patio cover and candles on the table make dinners magical and time fly by.”

– Holly Bikakis, graphic designer

Publisher Ginger Moorhouse

Associate Publisher Virginia Cowenhoven

“I love it all! From the quiet coziness in front of the fire pit snuggled up on the outdoor sectional; to the fun, laughter and splashing in the pool; the beautiful trees, lighting and the smell of a good barbecue; and great music. It’s a little piece of paradise in our own backyard!”

– Joey Zachary, sales manager

President/CEO Richard Beene

Senior Vice President Chief Operating Officer Logan Molen

Chief Marketing Officer Mike Skrocki

ON THE COVER

Advertising Traffic Manager Shauna Rockwell

Kitchen makeover, thanks to the work of Stockdale Kitchen and Bath.

Photo by Mark Nessia

“My fruit trees!”

– Gabriel Ramirez, contributing writer

Sales Manager Joey Zachary

Market Research

“I love the queen palm and orange trees, clear pool, rose bushes and rainbowcolored hammock that come together to form my own backyard paradise.”

– Marissa Patton, intern

Lisa Beason, Jose Granados

Editor

Coming Next Month …

Olivia Garcia

Best Of Issue

Mark Nessia

Assistant Managing Editor Specialty Publications Coordinator

To Advertise, contact Mike

Laura Liera

Skrocki at mskrocki@bakersfield.com or 395-7563.

Glenn Hammett

Art Director Graphic Designer Holly Bikakis

Editorial Interns

While putting this issue together ...

Sara Carey, Marissa Patton

1 We survived the earthquake of 2016 in The Bakersfield Californian building, built in 1924.

Photography

2 Holly Bikakis and Laura Liera hosted the Food Dudes after dark on the outdoor patio of The Bakersfield Californian for the Mac & Cheese Festival preview. And we kind of mean in the dark.

3 Mark Nessia learned how to make hot chocolate for the first time in his life after three attempts.

Felix Adamo, Louis Amestoy, Sally Baker, Henry A. Barrios, Casey Christie, Jessica Frey, Susan Hall, Alex Horvath, Jori C. Kinney, Tanya X. Leonzo, Laura Liera, Michael Lopez, April Massirio, Louis Medina, Mark Nessia, Greg Nichols, Bryan Oberg, Dan Ocampo, Carla Rivas, Jan St Pierre,

Contributing writers Sally Baker, Kristen Barnes, Mary Christenson, Melissa Dennis, Diana Greenlee, Nina Ha, Lisa Kimble, Katie Kirschenmann, Stephen Lynch, Louis Medina, Julie Plata, Gabriel Ramirez, Katy Raytis, Paul Rivas, Cheryl Scott, Anna C. Smith, Tyler Stevens, Hannah Thomasson, Chris Thornburgh

“What I love most about my backyard is the potential. I just bought my home and the outdoor space is this amazing canvas just waiting for me to go out and be creative.”

– Miranda Whitworth, contributing writer “I love our large backyard with a huge RV drive, paved with drains, a large shop, two deep pits and super low maintenance ... what’s not to love?”

– Tamarra Harms, real estate account executive “I love my backyard because I can be in a bathing suit and not be seen by anyone.”

– Katy Raytis, contributing writer

Subscribe –

We want to hear from you –

Connect with us –

Contact us –

The magazine is inserted into The Bakersfield Californian on the last Saturday of every month and available with The Californian through its digital subscription.

Please call 392-5777.

Send comments or letters to the editor to Olivia Garcia at ogarcia@bakersfield.com. Please include name, city and phone number. We reserve the right to edit letters for clarity and to excerpt them.

bakersfieldlife.com facebook.com/BakersfieldLifeMagazine instagram/bakersfield_life twitter.com/BakersfieldLife Check out our giveaways and promotions on Facebook!

1707 Eye St. Bakersfield, CA 93301

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661-395-7500

Quality Healthcare at 18 Kern County Locations Buttonwillow 277 E. Front St.

Brimhall 1014 Calloway Dr.

Brimhall #2 1022 Calloway Dr.

Delano 1001 Main St.

Delano Dental 1215 Jefferson St.

Lost Hills 21138 Paso Robles Hwy.

Ming Ave. 4131 Ming Ave.

North Chester 210 N. Chester Ave.

Oildale 525 Roberts Ln.

Panama Lane 4600 Panama Ln.

Ridgecrest 1111 N. Chelsea St.

Rosedale 3401 Calloway Dr., Building 300

Shafter 655 S. Central Valley Hwy.

Shafter Women’s 320 James St.

Taft 1100 4th St.

Tehachapi 161 N. Mills St.

Wasco 2101 7th St.

White Lane 4151 Mexicali Dr.

Walk-in or call to schedule your appointment: 1-800-300-OMNI (66 64)

w w w. O m n i F a m i l y H e a l t h . o r g

Up Front

E D I TO R ’ S N OT E

No place like home

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Turn to page 44 for advice from Rick Sorci on ways to improve your kichen or bathroom.

looking for people who are doing wonderful things in all facets of their lives – from home to school or work to community.

Individuals must be local and age 40 and under.

Nominations must be submitted online by going to bakersfield.com/bakersfieldlife20under40 and completing an online submission form.

This online form closes April 21.

PHOTO BY TANYA X. LEONZO

Nominations are open until April 21 for our 20 Under 40 People to Watch contest.

Olivia Garcia Editor 395-7487 ogarcia@bakersfield.com

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

W

e are in the middle of upgrade projects in our home, and wow, I did not realize how important the factors of patience, quick decision-making and logistics play into the process.

These areas are so important for all parties involved, and so it’s important you take care in picking the right people and businesses for your projects.

We have met some neat, dedicated individuals while planning our projects. The hardest part is coming to an agreement between me and my husband on ideas. But that’s a whole ’nother story.

I can say I have a new appreciation for those who work in the home and garden industries. Give me a topic and I can write plenty about it. But tell me to give your house or garden a makeover?

Yeah, I missed the creativity gene there.

That’s why I was looking forward to this spring Home and Garden issue.

Inside are plenty of ideas, trends and tips for residents looking to spruce up their home or yard.

And there is also something for those who are thinking about buying or selling.

Rick Sorci of Stockdale Kitchen and Bath, for instance, gives us great insight on ways to improve the look of your bathroom and kitchen.

Our “Welcome Home” section provides you with a glimpse of beautiful homes in the area, ready for ownership.

And real estate agent Mary Christenson shares makeover tips for those looking to put their home on the market.

For the history buffs, writer Julie Plata takes us back in time and puts a spotlight on Bakersfield’s Sunset Park, a housing subdivision developed in the 1920s. The Oleander area now occupies the former Sunset Park.

Also, turn to the inside pages and take an inside peek into White Forest Nursery.

Spring is around the corner and with it, comes many activities.

This month, Bakersfield College will showcase its annual Garden Fest Saturday, April 16.

The Earth Day Luncheon also returns at California State University, Bakersfield, in a partnership led by the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and other groups.

I have had the opportunity to attend both events, and they are worth putting on your calendar.

Look inside for details.

Lastly, don’t forget to submit your nominations for our 20 Under 40 People to Watch contest.

We are asking readers to nominate superstar individuals in our community for this award. We are

WORD ON THE WEB Compiled by Bakersfield Life

Like us on Facebook

If you could remodel one thing about your home, what would it be?

My living room, because when we have family gatherings, there is not enough room for everyone.

— Debi Kiki Alvarez The front of my house. My house is Spanish style but my front yard does not feel like it. But I have started remodeling the rest of the house.

— Cornelio Gutierrez-Lozano My kitchen because it needs an upgrade, so I will enjoy cooking more.

—Irma Gomez My kitchen. We downsized and didn’t consider the smaller kitchen to be a problem until it was too late. We like to prepare meals together, but now, because the kitchen is so small (I call it a “one-butt kitchen”), it’s nearly impossible for both of us to be in there working at the same time.

— Katherine Stafford Burnett I would remodel my kitchen. My cabinets are old and difficult to access since I became disabled. I also share my home with my 87-year-old mom. Neither of us can get low for some access. My oven doesn’t work, and it’s just very old – all original stuff from being built in 1951. Along with needing new fridge, I would love a dishwasher. I consistently dream of a new kitchen every time I go to Ikea.

— Linda M. Francis My living room because that is the first room our company will see and we have had the same furniture since we bought our home. And our ceiling has water damage.

— April Jose Monarrez Our guest bedroom. Would love to install a Murphy bed with side cabinets to provide storage for the 37 photo albums of our family I inherited when our mom passed away, plus provide a space-saving ability to still have a decent-sized bed for our visiting friends and family when they take advantage of our offers to be their “hotel” while in town.

— Dick Taylor ON THE WEB

Next issue:

Mother’s Day Celebration Want to give your mom a little something extra this Mother’s Day? Send your favorite photo of you and your mom to bakersfieldlife@bakersfield.com and we just may include it in our May issue. Make sure to include your name and your mother’s name and why it’s your favorite!

Title your email: Mother’s Day Celebration.

facebook.com/3WayAuto

twitter.com/3WayChevyCad

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Business Profile

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Monji Landscape Companies What makes Monji Landscape Companies unique?

We are the Central Valley’s oldest landscape design/construction company with our roots dating back to 1953. With more than 60 years of experience, we have created a tradition of award-winning designs and thousands of beautiful projects throughout the Central Valley and abroad. We are one of few companies that is experienced in all areas of outdoor construction — landscape, pools, patios, outdoor kitchens, etc.

Our clients appreciate this because they only have to work with one company to bring their visions to life.

Also unique to our company is our expansive, 10,000-square-foot botanical garden, which displays our entire scope of work. In our one-of-a-kind garden setting, our clients are able to view our outdoor kitchens, patios, fire pits, waterfalls and so much more.

What different services does Monji Landscape Companies provide?

Our company’s services extend well beyond simple landscaping. We

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April 2016

specialize in every facet of outdoor design and construction, including outdoor kitchens, pools, patios, synthetic turf, waterfalls and fountains, hardscape (concrete, pavers, etc.), and, of course, beautiful landscape design and construction.

How are your designs accommodating to the current drought in California?

We are aware that due to the current drought, the California landscape must change but we believe that this change should be a beautiful one. We work with all of our clients to conserve water while maintaining the beauty of their design.

Depending on the project, this may mean minor changes, such as reducing the amount of turf in the landscape, updating the irrigation or swapping out certain plants for more water-friendly varieties.

Often, we may remove the lawn completely. Lawns use an immense amount of water annually and we can replace them with more droughttolerant options, such as synthetic turf, decorative stone or expanding

our planters with water-friendly trees and plants.

What is the importance of a clientdesigner relationship at Monji Landscapes Companies?

The client-designer relationship is the foundation upon which every one of our projects comes to life. Every client is different and has a different wish list for their garden. Some want a place to relax while others want a space for entertaining and some may simply want it to look beautiful when they come home after a long day at work. What excites us, as designers, is taking each unique client’s wants combined with the conditions of the property and developing a beautifully distinctive design.

Monji Landscape Companies 9401 Shellabarger Road 661-588-8067 www.monjilandscape.com

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Up Front

THE BIG PICTURE

The color of spring Photo by Jori C. Kinney A variety of wildflowers off Highway 223, east of Arvin, including perennial lupine and common fiddleneck.

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Up Front

M O N E Y M AT T E R S

Phishing schemes are targeting employers

By Chris Thornburgh

usinesses and individuals be on the lookout. Phishing and malware schemes increased nearly 400 percent this tax season, according to the IRS. Human resource departments are especially vulnerable.

B

identical to the actual IRS website. The phony Web address even looks believable – IRSgov.com. Don’t believe what you see. The only official IRS website is www.irs.gov. As a reminder, the IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers via email to request personal information. Knowing this, you can avoid becoming a victim of an IRS-related phishing scam

Phishing for W-2 information

Immediate steps if you are a phishing victim

A new phishing attack is making its rounds to steal employees’ identities. Phishing is when scam artists send phony emails, texts or pop-up messages to trick people into sharing their personal information. Cybercriminals are using the disguise of company executives and sending emails to human resources departments to request employee’s W-2s.

A local business recognized this latest “spoof.”

An accountant in a Bakersfield business received an email from her boss requesting copies of all W-2s.

Her boss’ wording was seemingly odd, so she called to confirm his request. Luckily, she took the time to second-guess the authenticity of the email, but a Southern California business was not so lucky in February.

A crook posing as the company’s CEO emailed an HR employee requesting W-2 data of nearly 700 present and past employees. After sending the information to the “CEO,” the HR employee questioned the validity of the request. Unfortunately, it was too late and the personal data of the employees was stolen.

According to the IRS, the following are details found in the phishing emails: • Kindly send me the individual 2015 W-2 (PDF) and earnings summary of all W-2 of our company staff for a quick review.

• Can you send me the updated list of employees with full details (name, Social Security number, date of birth, home address, salary)?

• I want you to send me the list of W-2 copy of employee’s wage and tax statement for 2015; I need them in PDF file type; you can send it as an attachment. Kindly prepare the lists and email them to me ASAP.

You’ve downloaded a file or clicked on a link that now seems highly suspect. Now what?

• If you were just attacked, disconnect from the Internet immediately to prevent data from being transmitted to criminals.

• If an attack takes place at work, contact your IT department immediately.

• Install or update antivirus software and run a full scan of your system.

• Depending on the severity of the attack, it may be necessary to reinstall your computer’s operating system. Hopefully you have a good backup of your system before the attack.

• If you suspect that your personal or financial data is compromised, notify your financial institutions immediately. It may be necessary to close affected accounts.

• Change account usernames and passwords immediately.

• Set up a fraud alert with the any one of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax (www.equifax.com), Experian (www.experian.com) or Trans Union (www.transunion.com) Keep an eye on your credit reports.

The bottom line These scams come at a busy time during tax season. Do not reply to emails, texts, or pop-up messages that request your personal information.

Regardless of who sends you an email, be cautious – things aren’t always what they seem.

Official IRS e-mail? Not! Another renewed phishing email is making its rounds again. An official-looking email, supposedly from the IRS, asks taxpayers to update their IRS file.

The email contains a link to a website that looks

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Chris Thornburgh

Chris Thornburgh is a CPA and partner at Brown Armstrong Accountancy Corp. Contact her at cthornburgh@bacpas.com or 661324-4971. The views expressed in this column are her own.

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

By Marissa Patton

Interior design

1 It is important to start with a master plan, no matter how big or small the space is.

Interior designer Napier Hill gives us the inside scoop on designing one’s home.

2 Most interior designers work with clients on a consulting basis.

3 It’s best to get quality pieces of decoration that you are going to enjoy for a long time.

4 With a lot of furniture being made in China, people need to be careful of its quality.

5 People can make mistakes by buying small pieces of furniture for small rooms when big ones can help anchor the room.

Small pieces can actually seem trite and make the room look too delicate.

6 A frequent mistake people make is they hang art too high, especially over the furniture.

7 When art is hung too low, it blocks out natural light.

8 Don’t buy everything from one source or it looks too planned, especially furniture that matches.

9 It’s important to avoid jumping on trends, especially things that are expensive. Trends may result in more costly purchases and you don’t want to be stuck with pieces that can become passe.

10 It can be more satisfying to make purchases more carefully so they always have a place in your home.

PHOTO BY JESSICA FREY

11 A good idea is to combine rich materials with humble items in a room (e.g., a tasteful work of art combined with something from nature).

12 Permanent room arrangement, or arrangement of furniture, is more a part of the 20th century than previous centuries. Furniture used to be on a smaller scale and was placed in a way that it didn’t need to be arranged again.

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Up Front

MY PET

Sandy Briggs and Rugby

By Laura Liera

Photos by Mark Nessia

T

“He had so much energy as a puppy that one day we put him on the treadmill and he just took to it and loved it,” – Sandy Briggs

he screeching sound of an old treadmill echoes in the Briggs household in southwest Bakersfield.

But it’s not Sandy Briggs who is running. Nope. It’s Rugby, the 10-year-old labradoodle getting his mile run before taking a stroll in the park.

The white, furry, 84-pound dog has to have his favorite TV show blasting in the room to really get him going.

His favorite TV show: “Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan.”

That’s actually where Briggs got the idea of exercising Rugby on a treadmill.

“He had so much energy as a puppy that one day we put him on the treadmill and he just took to it and loved it,” Briggs said.

When Rugby was younger, his personal best jog was 6 miles at a level five speed. Today, he tends to stay in the 1-mile jog range at a level four speed.

Briggs never leaves Rugby on the treadmill unsupervised. When he gets tired, he slows down and pulls on his leash and that’s when Briggs knows it’s time for him to step off.

But even after his treadmill jog, he’ll go on a 3-mile walk around the neighborhood with Briggs.

“There are times when he’ll just run to the room and waits for me to turn on the treadmill,” she said.

Let’s just say Rugby has taken over the treadmill and would probably turn it on himself if he could.

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His indoor workout is definitely paying off. Just sitting, Rugby’s muscles are quite defined and when he plays with you, there is no denying how strong he is.

Rugby’s muscular physique even inspired his veterinarian to put his dog on the treadmill.

“The vet tells me he is in great shape for his age,” Briggs said.

After 5 years living in our home I was finally ready to update our kitchen. I did a lot of research on my own and came to Rick with a very specific vision for my kitchen. Each idea I had, no matter how challenging they seemed to me, his answer was always, “Yep, we can handle it.” His confidence in the size of job I presented him with is what won me over in choosing Stockdale Kitchen and Bath. I also loved working with Rick’s crew. Their faces became familiar and I trusted them in my home when I often times was not. Rick genuinely seems to love what he does, his energy is contagious, and made the whole process enjoyable. He and his crew were sensitive to our families needs as well, they set up a temporary kitchen space in our dining room, complete with refrigerator and microwave, and had usually wrapped up their days work by the time my children got home from school. I would highly recommend Stockdale Kitchen and Bath to anyone wanting to modernize their home, no matter the job size.

~ Colby & Jenny Lewis

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NAMED AFTER

PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE

Up Front

A river runs through it

By Lisa Kimble

W

Edward M. Kern

Did you know?

Kern River was originally called Rio Bravo de San Felipe by Father Francisco Garces.

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hen Kern County was incorporated 150 years ago, its founding fathers needn’t look further than the mighty Kern River for inspiration on a fitting name. Originally called Rio Bravo de San Felipe by Father Francisco Garces when he came through the area 90 years earlier, the river was renamed by renowned explorer John C. Fremont in honor of his favorite cartographer, friend and fellow explorer Edward Kern.

Edward Meyer Kern was born into a prominent Philadelphia family in 1823, one of nine children and the youngest of three brothers. Also known as “Ned,” he was diagnosed with epilepsy at a young age. His father, John Kern III, the son of a German immigrant, fought alongside George Washington at Valley Forge and became a successful customs collector at the Port of Philadelphia.

Edward trained as an artist at the Franklin Institute – now a museum – which was a high

Bakersfield Life Magazine

April 2016

school for applied sciences then.

Like his older brother Richard, Edward became an accomplished artist. Brother Benjamin became a doctor. The Kern brothers embarked on several expeditions together throughout California and the southwest.

In 1845, Edward was chosen from a field of a dozen candidates to serve as artist and topographer on Fremont’s third expedition exploring California’s interior. He was paid $3 a day. Every night Kern drew a field map of the day’s route complete with longitudes, latitudes and sketches of landmarks.

The group included Joseph Walker, for whom Walker Basin is named.

Fremont ordered the men to travel the southern Sierra Nevada route over the pass Walker had discovered 10 years earlier, including passage over the yet unnamed Kern River. Their campsite at the north and south forks of the river lies submerged but a historical monument stands near the east shore of Lake Isabella.

The following year, after the Bear Flag Revolt, Kern ascended to

the rank of lieutenant with the California Battalion and commanded the garrison at Sutter’s Fort, which was also the destination of the doomed Donner Party. He was later criticized for his mismanagement in delaying the search.

Brothers Richard and Benjamin had been killed during expeditions, while Edward mapped the Japanese coast aboard the U.S.S. Vincennes and later surveyed the sea lanes between the Far East and California. He returned to the United States in 1860 and established a studio in Philadelphia where he died in 1863 following an epileptic attack. He was 40 years old.

Years later, his diaries were discovered under the floorboards of an old hotel in Pennsylvania.

The journals, along with notebooks, drawings, maps and correspondence are now part of a collection at the Reinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library at Yale University detailing the explorations of Edward and Richard Kern in the West and Pacific from 1845 to 1860.

F I N D I N G FA M E

Stereo Citizen

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

Hometown band shoots for stardom

By Sara Carey

W

hen local band Stereo Citizen takes the stage, it transforms into a five-piece force of nature.

The first thing you notice is how they are not your average garage band. They possess that distinctive quality that not every band can boast of: synergy.

Classically trained lead singer Chris Puckett and drummer Josiah Frazier took the reins last April to form a band that would hopefully carry them to stardom. They discovered just that in guitarist Spencer Kelly; Matt Prewitt,

guitar and keyboards; and bassist Austin Buck.

“I would love to wake up every morning, know that I’m going to play for a big crowd, and then on the way to the show, hear my song on the radio,” Puckett said.

Thanks to their inexhaustible dedication, talent, and hometown support, this dream became a reality.

The band rocked the house for its first live show at The Gate on March 4, had its new single, “Till the Wheels Came Off,” playing on 106.1 KRAB Radio, and is hard at work in the studio on its very first EP, a

shorter compilation usually released before a full studio album.

When Puckett picks up his mic, it’s easy to see his determination to uncover the heart of the music, and there’s a touch of sincerity to his voice.

He said he feels he has to get the stories out of his head.

For Frazier, it’s the connection between the audience that drives him.

“Music is about that passion that can unite between two people, and between thousands of people, who come together without even knowing each other,” he said.

But making music powerful enough to bring complete strangers together is an undertaking even most established four-piece bands struggle with.

Performing downtown is the first step of their journey and their momentum is rapidly growing.

“Sometimes talented people from small towns end up stigmatizing themselves and holding themselves back, and you can’t think like that,” Kelly said.

Frazier agreed: “Bakersfield is always going to be our heart and our home, but you have to dream bigger.”

FUN FACTS

If you could be a superhero, what would your power be?

Josiah The ability to know how many licks it takes to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop.

Spencer I’d say I want to freeze time, so I could sleep in some days.

Matt The ability to see why kids love Cinnamon Toast Crunch.

Austin The power to know it’s not butter.

Chris Mind control.

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Up Front

W H AT I ’ M L I S T E N I N G T O

Ain’t no rest for local music promoter, DJ

By Sara Carey

PHOTO BY JORI C. KINNEY

Between holding down a 9 to 5 at the music store F.Y.E., deejaying and hosting his own show on 89.7 Savage Radio, promoting local artists around town nearly every night, and raising a family, it’s no wonder Patrick Spurlock has earned the nickname “Phantom Stranger.”

“I definitely lean toward the darker side of things, so music inspired by horror, anger, weirdness and rage appeal to me,” Spurlock said.

Even though he’s constantly being exposed to new music, he said he always returns to the feeling and intensity of hip-hop and metal.

Patrick Spurlock, a local DJ in Bakersfield.

PATRIC K’S PICKS

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“Children of the Grave”

“More Human Than Human”

BLACK SABBATH

WHITE ZOMBIE

One of my favorite songs ever and by one of my favorite bands.

I saw them play it live at the LA Forum.

My introduction to another favorite band and artist, White Zombie and Rob Zombie.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

April 2016

“Ace of Spades”

“Bring the Pain”

“Search and Destroy”

MOTORHEAD

METHOD MAN

THE STOOGES

One of their most popular songs but one that always sticks with me – and one that we love to play in our set.

Introduced me to hip-hop. Raw and like nothing I had heard at the time.

This was the first song I ever played on my Savage Radio show.

BY THE NUMBERS Statistics are for Greater Bakersfield

A look at local housing

Type of dwelling Single-family house ..................................................................................73% Apartment ..................................................................................................15% Condominium/town home ......................................................................6% Mobile home ................................................................................................6%

Median market value homes Bakersfield ........................................................................................$207,687 Northwest ........................................................................................$288,959 Southwest ........................................................................................$284,226

Average number of years in present home Homeowners ................................................................................................12 Renters ..............................................................................................................4

Homeowners

55% Renters Source: Scarborough Research (September 2015)

42%

15,838 Number of adults who used a real estate agent in the past 12 months

24,160 Number of adults planning to buy a home in the next 12 months

49,104 Number of adults planning to move in the next 12 months

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IN SEASON

THINKSTOCK.COM

Up Front

Allergies in Kern County Beware of the pollen “Seasonal allergies tend to consist of pollen, dust, ragweed, which are most common here in Kern County.”

– Dr. Koran Loewen, San Joaquin Community Hospital

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By Marissa Patton

S

neezing. Itchy eyes. Runny nose.

We all know allergy season has arrived in Bakersfield when these symptoms kick in as the almond tree blossoms turn into beautiful backdrops.

But the beautiful part stops there.

And sadly, for those who have allergies, there are a few more months to push through.

Doctor Kiran Loewen, a primary care physician with San Joaquin Community Hospital, offered some information and advice to make the allergy months more bearable.

According to Loewen, Bakers-

Bakersfield Life Magazine

April 2016

field has two main seasons where allergies come to surface. In the spring, almond trees start blooming and many people see an immediate change. In the winter, the trees wilt and release a lot of allergens into the air, adding to your typical allergy symptoms.

“Seasonal allergies tend to consist of pollen, dust, ragweed, which are most common here in Kern County,” she said.

And let’s not forget about our toasty summers in Kern County, whose high temperatures actually add to the symptoms of allergies.

“Allergens float into the air on hot days,” Loewen said “It’s simple evaporation.”

You typically know you have allergies when you start having a runny nose, see an increase in coughing and have itchy eyes and sneeze constantly.

Those who have severe allergies might even have shortness of breath at times.

Loewen recommends a daily dose of Benadryl starting in March, for those that have mild symptoms.

If a person was born and raised in Kern County, they are actually not prone to having more allergies.

The opposite actually happens.

Those who move to Kern County from a different area are not acclimated to the area and have the worst allergies, Loewen said.

S H O R T TA K E S

Make-A-Wish cooks up something special for local teen

Earth Day at CSUB PHOTO COURTESY OF MAKE-A-WISH

Going green for the world

I

n partnership with the Make-AWish Foundation, California Pizza Kitchen fulfilled the culinary dreams of Bakersfield teen Zach Wargo, who is living with titin myopathy, a rare condition that causes muscle weakness.

Because Zach is a cooking show and pizza aficionado, his ultimate culinary wish experience included a one-on-one cooking session with CPK’s executive chef and the opportunity to create his very own pizza, “Zach’s Bacon + Fig Pizza,” which

will be sold at California Pizza Kitchen’s River Walk location during the month of March.

Part of the proceeds from Zach’s pizza will go to benefit the Kern County chapter of Make-A-Wish.

– Bakersfield Life

Relay for Life celebrates 25th anniversary

T

he largest relay community in the world is celebrating its 25th anniversary and Relay for Life of Bakersfield wants to make it a really big party April 23 and 24.

The party begins Saturday morning with the survivor lap at 10 a.m., followed by live music, contests, activities and raffles with proceeds to benefit the American Cancer Society. Spectator admission and parking is free in the lot across from the Fairgrounds main entrance on P Street.

The luminaria ceremony is at 9 p.m., with a survivor speaker, special music and lighted luminaria circling the track, honoring a cancer survivor or in memory of a cancer patient. Luminarias can be purchased during the day at the event or on the Relay for Life website.

Potential teams, team members and survivors can get more details at relayforlife.org/bakersfieldca or by calling 327-7827. – Bakersfield Life

O

n April 22, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with Cal State Bakersfield, will host its fourth annual Earth Day: Conserving in the Workplace and Home luncheon.

The event honors Earth Day, a celebration that promotes the development and protection of a healthy earth.

Experts from Kern Green, Keep Bakersfield Beautiful and the California Water Company will talk about the environmental work being done in Kern County.

Attendees will receive useful tips on water and energy conservation as well as some creative recycling techniques.

They will be shown how to take steps forward in building a safe, clean and green community.

“We have many resources in Kern County from recycling, anti-litter and utility programs, it’s important to inform our members and community of these services,” Jay Tamsi, president and CEO of the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, said. “We need to take advantage of these vital programs in the workplace, home and surrounding environment.”

The Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce hopes to help make the valley the healthiest and cleanest place it can be.

The luncheon is free and open to the public. Due to limited space, RSVP by calling 633-5495 or emailing officeadmin@kchcc.org.

– Bakersfield Life

When: April 22 Where: Cal State Bakersfield, 9001 Stockdale Highway Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Free

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Up Front

HAPPENINGS

April

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

4th annual Crime Victims’ Rights march The 4th annual Crime Victims’ Rights march will take place Tuesday, April 12, at the Liberty Bell.

The march is put on by the Kern County District Attorney’s Office and honors crime victims, their families and advocates with a candlelight vigil prayer service at the end of the march.

The sight of hundreds of people holding candles in the dark is a powerful symbol of transforming the darkness caused by crime and shedding light on victims’ rights.

This year’s theme – “Serving Victims. Building Trust. Restoring Hope” – underscores the importance of establishing trust with victims.

The 1-mile walk from the Liberty Bell to Central Park at Mill Creek will begin at about 5:30 p.m. but people are encouraged to arrive at 4 p.m.

For more information, call the Victim Services Unit at 868-2400.

April 6 Blue Man Group, 7:30 p.m.

Rabobank Theater, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $35-$65. rabobankarena.com.

Blue Man Group

April 1

April 5

Phil Dodson, 7:30 p.m.

Valley Baptist Church, 5500 Olive Drive. Free.

665-9422.

The Warriors Cage, 8 p.m.

Eagle Mountain Casino, 681 S. Tule Reservation Road, Porterville. $30-$40. eaglemtncasino.com.

Bakersfield Career Fair, 11 a.m. Holiday Inn, 3927 Marriott Drive. Free. eventbrite.com.

Free Social Security Workshop, 1 p.m. or 6 p.m.

Kern Schools Federal Credit Union, 11500 Bolthouse Drive. ksfcu.org/workshop.

April 2

Superhero Run, to benefit CASA, 7 a.m. The Park at River Walk, 11298 Stockdale Highway. $10. kerncasa.org.

Get Messy family event, The McFarland 10 a.m. Kern County Museum, 3801 Chester Ave. $10.

Arts Festival kcmuseum.org.

April 23 Bakersfield Rocks The k Par d lan Far Mc ., p.m 4 Noon to Fox, 6 p.m. Fox Theater, 100 2nd St. 2001 H St. $25. etix.com. l sica Free family event with mu , All breed dog show and orio Vel , itos Dev guests Los obedience trials, 8 a.m.

Three Commons and Mento Buru.

Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 S. P St. $5 adult; $4 seniors with kids 12 and under free. Free parking.

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April 2016

April 9 Country & Craft Beer Festival, 1 p.m. Central Park at Mill Creek, 21st St. $70 or $120 VIP. eventbrite.com.

Cinderella, 7 p.m.

Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $5-$8. etix.com.

April 10 G-Eazy, 8 p.m. Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $38. rabobankarena.com.

April 16

The Mac & Cheese Fest

21st Annual Scottish Games, 9 a.m. games, 6 p.m. Ceilidh, Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 S. P St. $17 games; $15 Ceilidh; $28 combo; $13students/ seniors/military; $5 parking. kernscot.org.

Mexican Folk Dance Kern County’s 150th Birthday Bash, 10 a.m.

Kern County Museum, 3801 Chester Ave. $10. kcmuseum.org.

The Mac & Cheese Fest, 2 p.m. Cal State Bakersfield, 9001 Stockdale Highway.

21 and over. $34.64-$50.47. eventbrite.com.

April 20 Free Auto Buying 101 Workshop, 6 p.m. Kern Schools Federal Credit Union, 11500 Bolthouse Drive. ksfcu.org/workshop April 22 Chris Stapleton, 8 p.m.

Rabobank Theater, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $35-$45. rabobankarena.com.

April 25 Joe Bonamassa, 8 p.m.

Rabobank Theater, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $69$125. rabobankarena.com.

Shen Yun

April 27 Shen Yun, 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday and Thursday, Rabobank Theater, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $60-$120. rabobankarena.com.

April 30 Community Recycling Day, 8:30 a.m., Kern Schools Federal Credit Union, 11500 Bolthouse Drive. ksfcu.org/recycle

For the 30th year, Grupo Folklorico Escuelas Unidas presents their annual Festival Juvenil Primaveral event on Saturday, April 23 at the East Bakersfield High School auditorium starting at 6 p.m.

Sylvia Guzman, director and founder of the event, said the mission is for adults and kids as young as 4 years old, to learn traditional Mexican dances from different Mexican states.

“We have teachers from the U.S. and various regions of Mexico to come teach our kids,” Guzman said.

This year’s event performing groups include Grupo Folklorico Rincones de mi Tierra Maestro Marcos Sanchez, Ballet Folklorico Mi Tierra de Bakersfield, Grupo Folklorico Corazon de St. Augustine and many more.

Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Tickets available at Martin’s Meats, 801 21st St. For more information, call 619-4372.

Bike Bakersfield, Cycle for Life event Bike Bakersfield will be hosting its second annual Cycle for Life fundraiser on April 21 from 6 to 9 p.m. The event will be at the Gardens at Mill Creek, 712 19th St. Tickets are $100 per person and $150 per couple. Admission includes dinner with keynote speaker Bill Walton, an NBA basketball legend and bicycle advocate.

All proceeds benefit Bike Bakersfield, a local nonprofit organization that started in 2005 with the goal of encouraging people to bike and get outdoors.

For more information, call Jason Cater at 661-204-3947 or Adam Kahler at 410-6899024.

– Bakersfield Life

Michael Israel, artist

Event to benefit ADAKC The Fourth annual Heart Never Forgets event for ADAKC’s capital campaign will take place on Thursday, April 14, at the home of Mike and Cathi Stier.

Event ticket includes gourmet food grazing and a one-of-a-kind art and entertainment show with world-renowned artist, Michael Israel.

The Alzheimer’s Disease Association of Kern County is the only local nonprofit agency in the county that offers a social model day services program. ADAKC’s day services program provides social and cognitive stimulation and socialization for persons diagnosed, while caregivers get a much-needed break from the extreme exhaustion of caregiving.

Tickets are $250 per person and may be purchased by calling Terri at ADAKC at 393-871.

– Bakersfield Life

Bill Walton when he played for UCLA.

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Eat & Drink

FOOD DUDES

The Mac & Cheese Fest An exclusive preview of the creamy goodness

Food Dudes from left: J.R. Flores, Tony Mosley, Bill Jeffries and Dustin Kneep Facing page: Catering Affairs’ Waffle mac and cheese

30

Compiled by Bakersfield Life Photos by Greg Nichols

T

his isn’t your mother’s mac and cheese. This is gourmet mac and cheese.

For the third year, The Macaroni & Cheese Fest will be serving up the most creative and delicious spinoffs of this American classic at Cal State Bakersfield on April 16.

The Food Dudes were approached by Sam Brandon of Ameri-

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April 2016

can General Media and founder of the festival, to do a preview tasting of a few dishes that the public will get to enjoy the day of.

Of course, our Dudes were ready for this exclusive. Read about their thoughts on three different restaurants and don’t forget to vote for your favorite at the festival.

See you there!

CATERING AFFAIRS THE WAFFLE MAC AND CHEESE Tony Mosley: Having never expe-

rienced a waffle mac and cheese dish, I was a little surprised by the presentation of this unique dish: golden brown waffles drizzled with nacho cheese sauce. I dug in and immediately detected the taste of garlic butter. The waffle had bacon bits and elbow macaroni inside. On the side was a small container of nacho cheese dipping sauce, which was made with cream cheese and milk.

J.R. Flores: At first glance I pondered, where’s the mac and cheese in this waffle? But it’s after that first

MAC FAQ’S • 21 and over only; IDs will be checked at the gate • No pets (excluding service dogs) • No outside food or beverage

The Mac & Cheese Fest April 16 2 to 6 p.m.

Cal State Bakersfield, 9001 Stockdale Highway $50.47 online tickets themacandcheesefest.com

Ticket price includes

bite that you discover the macaroni is stuffed inside the waffle. There were herbs and sweet crispy bacon pieces inside the waffle, cooked with a tasty garlic butter. No syrup needed, that’s what the side of cheese sauce is for.

Dustin Kneep: We ditched the silverware for this handheld bite of mac and cheese. Although the requisite ingredients were present (elbow noodles, cheese, herbs, bacon, etc.), the deconstructed, or alt-constructed, waffle mac and cheese gave a new take on the traditional dish. The meal ate more like an appetizer – think pretzel or breadstick with dipping sauce – but was as filling as any bowl of the old cheesy stuff.

Continued on page 32

• Unlimited mac & cheese samplings (1 ounce) each • Beer, wine, liquor tastings (1 ounce) servings with souvenir glass and more than 20 wineries and breweries offering tastings • Access to all entertainment on stage • Free parking • Access to play in all tournaments and games • Ability to vote for your favorite chef and mac and cheese tasting

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Left: Murray Family Farms’ hot chicken salad mac and cheese Right: Countryside Grill found at Brookside Market’s chile verde mac and cheese

32

Continued from page 31

MURRAY FAMILY FARMS HOT CHICKEN SALAD MAC AND CHEESE Bill Jeffries: This dish was full of flavor. Ingredients mixed together to make this a wonderful mac and cheese dish includes the following:

Bakersfield Life Magazine

April 2016

small chunks of chicken, very finesliced celery, ground pepper, fresh grated sweet onions, roasted almonds, cheddar cheese, mayonnaise and potato chips.

J.R.: Now I must admit I am not a fan of onions at all, so I was a little apprehensive from the start but I’ll admit it wasn’t bad at all. I had never tried freshly grated sweet onions, but when combined with all the other

ingredients in this dish, they blended nicely. What stood out were the roasted almonds and evenly seasoned cracked pepper over the chicken.

COUNTRYSIDE GRILL FOUND AT BROOKSIDE MARKET CHILE VERDE MAC AND CHEESE J.R.: I know what you’re thinking: Somebody’s done this before. Well, not like this. Let’s start at the elbow

Countryside Grill found at Brookside Market’s French toast mac and cheese

jalapenos added a zesty spice but not overpowering.

Dustin: The combination of smooth white cheese sauce with succulent and spicy green chile made for a winning combination with this dish. This saucy bowl of goodness, filled with meat and salsa, is exactly the type of entree you would want to have for a sit-down meal.

macaroni with white Wisconsin cheddar. Holy goodness! The chile verde sauce is made with fresh ingredients – and yes, I tried to get the recipe but it’s a secret. It wasn’t too spicy, except for the occasional surprise chili pepper. All of these flavors were topped with fresh feta cheese. I can’t say here who I’m voting for, but you can look for me at this booth.

Tony: This stuff was the bomb! I predict a possible top finisher at this year’s Mac & Cheese Fest. It was an excellent chile verde that created a great blend with the macaroni. You could really taste the blends of cheeses, including the Wisconsin cheddar cheese and the feta cheese, that top off the dish. The

FRENCH TOAST MAC AND CHEESE Bill: I would order this for breakfast with a cup of coffee.

It’s made with eggs, melted cheddar cheese, French toast, pecans, elbow macaroni, cream cheese and applewood-smoked bacon baked in a pan and then served with warm maple syrup.

You can smell the cinnamon as you cut into this delicious savory dish.

Tony: This looked like a piece of cake. It’s a deliciously sweet and oh so filling breakfast treat suitable for the anytime of the day or night.

Dustin: This is something I would never have ordered but will definitely go back for. This sweet mac and cheese made for a surprisingly delicious finish to our night. This might not be what you think of as mac and cheese, but if you like capirotada (Mexican bread pudding) with its touch of cheddar, then you’ll love this for breakfast, brunch or dessert.

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Eat & Drink

FOOD AND WINE

Good brew, good food, good tunes Country and Craft Beer Festival returns to Bakersfield

By Paul Rivas Photos by Bryan Oberg of C&B Photography

C

ountry music has an endless amount of feel-good drinking songs for everyone to enjoy, and craft beer has sprouted all over Kern County.

The Active 20-30 Club of Bakersfield has combined the two to bring back the Country and Craft Beer Festival at Central Park at Mill Creek on Saturday, April 9.

Downtown Bakersfield’s premier event brings good times for people wanting a music festival experience.

“With the high-end craft beer and local food tasting and then tons of yard games, like giant Jenga, ring on a string, giant cornhole and giant beer pong, there are tons of activities for people to do even if you are not the biggest country artist enthusiast,” said Vance Elmore, president of the Active 20-30 Club and co-chairman of the event.

Attendees of the event will be able to taste some of the best local and regional craft beers around. More than 40 breweries will be featured, such as Dogfish Head, Honey Wagon Brewing, Ballast Point and Lengthwise Brewing Company, which is the exclusive presenting sponsor. Guests will have unlimited drinking while using a 16-ounce Country and Craft Beer Festival collector’s glass, with a 4-ounce pour line, as well as eat free food from 34

Bakersfield Life Magazine

Porkchop and Bubbas, J’s Place, Dia De Los Tacos and many other restaurants. As people enjoy good food and a good brew, bands Dale Sol, Vince Galindo, Truxton Mile, Leaving Austin and the Casey

“

We purposely keep the numbers small because we don’t want long lines; we want people to get their beer or food very quick.

”

— Alex Balfour, pastpresident and VIP chairman

Donahew Band will be performing.

It will be an exclusive event where guest won’t have to worry about large crowds.

“We purposely keep the numbers small because we don’t want long lines; we want people to get their beer or food very quick,” said Alex Balfour, past-president and VIP chairman.

“The Active 20-30 Club is a nonprofit and all the money we raise goes directly to children’s charities in Kern County,” said Brian Dean, chairman of the event.

April 2016

Country and Craft Beer Festival April 9, 1 to 5 p.m., at Central Park at Mill Creek $60 advance tickets, $70 at the door $100 VIP advance tickets, $140 at the door VIPs get in an hour early www.countrycraftbeer.com To join the Active 20-30 Club of Bakersfield, email board@active2030.org

For people who like backyard barbecues and love to give back to the community, the Country and Craft Beer Festival is the event to attend.

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Eat & Drink

LUNCHTIME PICK

El Portal West Mexican Grill & Cantina

By Laura Liera

Photos by Mark Nessia

M

Top: Chimichanga Bottom: Spinach enchiladas

exican cuisine is not hard to find in Bakersfield. But how do you stand out from everyone else? El Portal West Mexican Grill & Cantina manager Adrian Castaneda said it’s all in great customer service and authentic flavors.

“We offer a family environment from the moment you step in and our cooks bring traditional Mexican flavors to your table,” he said.

As someone who has grown up with a tortilla and chili in hand, El Portal brought the flavors my taste buds know and love with its dishes.

Spinach enchiladas ($7.95) Enchiladas are a staple in the Mexican culture. But when you manage to sneak in sauteed spinach, squash, bell peppers and mushrooms in the filling, we’re talking a whole different burst of flavors in

your mouth. Your taste buds know it’s two enchiladas on the plate, but yet your brain can’t believe how healthy and fresh it tastes. The enchiladas are smothered in their secret green sauce that creates the perfect marriage in flavors.

Chimichanga ($6.95) To be honest, this was my first ever chimichanga. Castaneda recommended their famous chile verde filling and I’m now officially a fan of chimichanga. The size of the deepfried burrito is stunning. It’s filled with rice, beans, chile verde and topped with their savory green sauce and melted cheese. I’ve always stayed away from ordering a chimichanga because I always felt the burrito would be soggy. Boy was I wrong! This burrito was crispy. And I can see why El Portal is known for its chile verde.

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April 2016

If you haven’t visited El Portal in a while, make a trip for lunch. With affordable prices, you can walk out with a full tummy without a dent in your wallet. Plus, you’ll notice the new revamped space inside. The new booths are extra comfy and the detailed brick walls add to the classic Mexican restaurant vibe. New carpet and decorations are slated to go up in the next few months.

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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37

Lifestyles

T E C H N I C A L LY S P E A K I N G

How to live like the Jetsons 1

The best technology ideas head home

By Anna C. Smith

“Sense” setting is selected. Nest can also be controlled remotely from an app on your smartphone.

T

he vision of the future portrayed by “The Jetsons” may not be so far off after all. There’s a wave of new gadgets that allow for a truly high-tech household. Futuristic thermostats, intelligent TVs and even light bulbs can now work together to make your nest more connected and convenient. We collected 10 new gadgets that can launch your abode into the future.

1 l Create Command Central: • Finally, a tool designed to translate various languages from different devices throughout your home from one app.

Devies that can be connected include compatible lights, webcams, stereos, TVs, deadbolts, security systems and thermostats.

• For current hubs on the market, look for the following brands: Smart Things, Iris, Wink.

2 l Make Your TV Disappear: • The Transparent TV designed by Michael Friebe combines conventional LCD and the latest in display technology to create a television that looks like a seethrough pane and appears to vanish when turned off.

3 l Try “4K” Television that Doesn’t Cost $4k: • The new 4K ultra high-definition technology means you’ll notice a difference with more than four times the detail of full HD. • Samsung, Panasonic and Sony all make versions.

4 l Window Blinds that Seem to Rise and Fall on their Own: • Remotely control your window shades while sitting in your favorite chair.

• Bali, Serena and Hunter Douglass all make wireless options.

5 l Invest in a Smart(er) Thermostat: • The Nest thermostat will learn your habits and adjust accordingly when the 38

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April 2016

6 l Discover a Better-Designed iPad Stand: • Yohann, a Kickstarter-funded project, holds iPads vertically or horizontally on hard or soft surfaces and comes in multiple finishes.

2

7 l Turn Appliances Wireless: • GE’s Appliance Module can be plugged into any small appliance and it’s instantly wireless!

8 l Watch as Documents Print Right from Your Monitor: • The Combi Monitor will help you save space on your desk with this printer and monitor in one sleek device.

5

6

9 l Say Goodbye to “Germ-y” Door Handles: • The Yanko Design door handle uses UV light inside the handle to kill unwelcome germs that come to live there. The light is on and the handle glows blue when the door is shut, but when you push the handle down to open the door, the UV lamp keeping the handle sterilized turns itself off. The handle is currently in the concept phase and has not yet been released.

10 l Watch What Fido Does While You’re Away: • To take pet-monitoring technology a step further, Pet Chatz is a patented system that offers multi-sensory interaction with your pet while away. Owners can phone their pet for two-way video/audio chats, provide treats and comforting scents, and monitor with motion and sound detection.

The pet can even call YOU with PawCall, an add-on feature!

Even with all of these Jetson-like advances, I’m still waiting for my own personal Rosie the robot maid to complete daily tasks like cook and clean. Perhaps by 2062, the year the Jetsons show is set in, we’ll all have our own robot assistants.

Fingers crossed!

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10

Lifestyles

ON THE ROAD

What Subaru does best Subaru Outback Limited raises safety, excellence bar

By Olivia Garcia Photos by Jori C. Kinney

T

The luxurious 2016 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited offers all the amenities for those who appreciate the journey.

40

wo things have always impressed me about the Subaru brand: its safety ratings and its loyalty among Subaru owners.

I say safety because I’ve learned that Subaru Outback models, loaded with EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, receive the highest possible score in front-crash prevention tests by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

The EyeSight system is technology that’s all about protection, from precollision braking and precollision throttle management to adaptive cruise control and lane departure and sway warning with lane keep assist.

In fact, the 2016 Outback boasts as an IIHS Top Safety Pick for seven years now.

And I can see why.

I test-drove the Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited recently and I can surely speak to the Outback’s safety.

Now I don’t want to sound like a

Bakersfield Life Magazine

April 2016

commercial (even though Subaru has some pretty effective media campaigns about its safety prowess), but the testdrive did save my life in a way.

As I headed into downtown, a van popped out a little too fast into an intersection without paying attention to the oncoming traffic (aka me). I did not notice her speed into the intersection but the Subaru did and warned me enough to slow down.

What could have been a crash was prevented thanks to the Outback. I later saw that she was at a stop sign before she sped into the intersection; however, in her look to me as she turned away, it was obvious she knew she had made a mistake. The good thing is that we were both OK. That’s what makes the EyeSight technology so great.

“It is one of the best cars, one of the safest cars around,” said Todd Parker, a sales consultant at Sangera Subaru in Bakersfield.

According to press material, the Outback 2.5i is equipped with the standard symmetrical all-wheel drive, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, Active

Torque Vectoring, X-Mode, hill descent control and hill start assist.

With all-wheel drive, “all axles are equal in length and provide a better balance and traction,” Parker said.

Powered with a 2.5-liter horizontally opposed (“boxer”) four-cylinder engine that delivers 175 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque, the Outback is one you can easily drive around town on trips or out on an outdoor adventure.

Inside the spacious 108.1 cubicfoot cabin, the Outback can comfortably sit five people while offering a 60/40 split folding option for cargo needs. Once the backseat is dropped, the Outback has 73.3 cubic feet of cargo room – plenty enough for a road trip adventure.

Parker also talked to me about the Subaru’s ring-shaped reinforcement frame that offers maximum resistant to impact energy while protecting the driver and passengers.

Parker is one of the reasons I am referring to about the loyalty. He is a true example of working for a company he loves and believes in, and he

It’s all in the details Five best features: The five best features are standard on the 2016 Limited Outback: the blind spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert safety system; rear vents with heated seats; stylish and sporty twotone alloy wheels; Harmon Kardon premium audio system with 12 speakers, including a subwoofer and 576-watt amplifier; and a power rear gate.

Price and fuel: Base Limited Outback $31,545, plus tax and license. As tested, $35,415, plus tax and license. 25 mpg city, 33 mpg highway and 28 mpg combined.

What makes the 2016 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited stand out from others?

The Limited Outback delivers exceptional luxury, including front- and rear-heated seats, driver’s dual memory seating, premium quality sound, a power rear gate, and optional keyless access and push button start, while still delivering exceptional storage (73.3 cubic feet), versatile ground clearance (8.7 inches) and Subaru’s “go anywhere” symmetrical all-wheel drive system.

Target customer: The 2016 Subaru Outback is designed for any person or family with an active lifestyle and a sense of adventure, while still delivering value, easy-to-use technology and modern convenience.

Three words that define the Subaru Outback Limited: backs it up by being a proud owner of a 1997 Legacy wagon that currently has about 300,000 miles and yes, he still drives it.

“Ninety-five percent of Subaru vehicles sold within the last 10 years are still on the road,” Parker said. “They just keep going. I can attest to that. My car is a 97, and it is still on the road.”

Plus the Outback has a newer, improved look with its interior redesigned last year and leather-trimmed upholstery and woodgrain-patterned matte finish accent

trims. It definitely sets off a classy, sophisticated feel.

I was also enamored with the entertainment technology: 12 Harman Kardon GreenEdge speakers boasting 576 watts and its Starlink 6.2 multimedia technology with Pandora, iHeartRadio, Stitcher and other smartphone app integrations. And it offers hands-free phone features that includes, get this, reading your text messages and showing them on the screen so you can focus on the road and enjoy the drive and the company around you.

Luxurious, stylish and versatile.

What do you like most about the 2016 Limited Outback?

The 2016 Limited Outback delivers the luxury, technology and safety features found in “high-end” competitors while still delivering Subaru’s core “go anywhere” attitude with symmetrical allwheel drive, and the capacity and capability to adventure off the trail.

Source: Max Pierce, sales consultant, Sangera Subaru

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Lifestyles

PA S T I M E S

Pickleball was created during the summer of 1965 on Bainbridge Island outside of Seattle, Washington.

The original purpose of the game was to provide a sport for the entire family.

A sport on the rise Pickleball finds growing interest in Bakersfield Top: Nick Jacobs, who is the BC men’s tennis head coach, returns a serve on the pickleball courts at Jastro Park.

Bottom: From left: Amir Khazaee, Oliver Marble, Nick Jacobs and Nick Loudermilk congratulate one another following a pickleball match.

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By Tyler Stevens Photos by Mark Nessia

W

ith beautiful spring weather quickly approaching the Bakersfield skies, many locals are getting out the house and picking up a paddle for a day of competitive pickleball. Gaining traction in Bakersfield, pickleball has people dropping the tennis racquets, picking up a paddle and heading out to the park to play.

Local pickleball player Liz Valdez discovered the sport in San Diego and began playing in her cul-de-sac in Bakersfield once she returned.

“I went to visit a friend in San Diego and got introduced to the sport,” said Valdez, who was a racquetball player for more than 10 years before she picked up a paddle.

The sport wasn’t as popular in Bakersfield three years ago, so Valdez came up with an idea.

“I painted lines on my street and

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April 2016

started playing with friends,” she said.

Roxann Williams was introduced to the sport through Valdez.

“At first I didn’t want to play because of the name, but Liz talked me into it,” says Williams.

Pickleball is a court game that is a combination of tennis, pingpong and badminton. It is played on a court with a paddle more related to a pingpong paddle as opposed to a tennis racquet with strings. Carolyn Reinen was introduced to the sport through Williams and started playing in August 2014.

“Our group of players is all about having a good time, introducing the sport to people in Bakersfield and making friends,” Reinen said.

The sport has grown over the last year here, attracting many locals to the sport. Bakersfield College women’s tennis head coach Nick Loudermilk says he likes playing because “it’s a fast-paced, fun game a lot different than tennis but a really

good time.”

Reinen, Valdez and Williams reached out to the city of Bakersfield and had official pickleball courts painted on the tennis courts at Jastro Park, as well as new lights installed to allow games to be played well into the evening.

Reinen hosts a Facebook page that people can visit and she also posts the sport on Meetup.com, which is a site that allows people with similar interest to come together and meet up for various events.

“We would like as many people to come out and give pickleball a try,” Reinen said. Games are played on Sundays and Wednesdays at Jastro Park with times ranging from 4 to 5 p.m.

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Lifestyles

HOME AND GARDEN

Spruce up your kitchen, bath A look at popular remodel trends

By Gabriel Ramirez

I

n an attempt to modernize their kitchen or bathrooms, many will often scour the Internet, search endless ideas on Pinterest or visit model homes in new developments for ideas and trends.

This process, however, can be overwhelming and often leads with an overload of information and uncertainty of where to begin.

But the process shouldn’t be difficult, said Rick Sorci, owner and designer of Stockdale Kitchen and Bath.

Sorci chatted with Bakersfield Life 44

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April 2016

on tips and trends for that breathtaking kitchen and perfect bathroom.

Sorci, a certified kitchen designer and general contractor, said that residents want their kitchen and bathroom to have style, whether it is modern or traditional in approach.

“They want upscale, complete looks and all the new conveniences,” Sorci said.

Yet, there are a few things to keep in mind when staying current.

For instance, some bathroom trends include new adult height vanities at 36 inches for master baths, tower vanity storages, good lighting, comfort height toilets and nice showers with a bench.

According to Sorci, when it comes to bathrooms, the shower has become a big focal point with more interest being put into benches in the shower and shampoo niches.

In the kitchen, Sorci said people want open floor plans that accommodate islands, great storage cabinets that have inserts like rollout shelving and Lazy Susans plus the most modern appliances.

When it comes to islands, Sorci said the more seating a kitchen island can have, the better. People are also looking for undercounter ice makers.

“Ice makers are hot in kitchens that only have refrigerator ice and it’s not enough,” Sorci said. “A lot of

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the ice makers make nuggettype ice like what you find at Sonic Drive-Ins.” Some retro looks are also coming back.

“Some fun shapes in tile are becoming very popular,” Sorci said. “Glass, stone and ceramic tile in hexagons and arabesque for accent pieces with 3 inches by 6 inches as the main field tile are also very cool and give the retro look.”

But he cautions consumers to carefully research trends, as some don’t quite work out.

“Pot fillers over ranges, for one, can be problematic,” Sorci said. “It also always amazes me

when I see carpet in a bathroom or when people have really low ceilings in kitchens.

Most newer homes have at least an 8-foot ceiling, which gives a more open feeling.”

Sorci had some advice for those looking to do a remodel.

“Always find the right fit of a designer and general contractor,” Sorci said. “This will be a collaborative effort so make sure you can communicate well with them. Also, set aside a contingency fund for the unforeseen, whether you fall in love with an expensive item or a problem occurs with the house.”

For more information on trends, contact Rick Sorci at Stockdale Kitchen and Bath, 661-834-3333 or online at www.stockdalekitchenandbath.com.

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s 2016 Boy & Girl of the Year

Alizza Jiménez

Max Shafer

The Man, Woman and Student of the Year Campaign is a spirited 10-week fundraising competition. Candidates raise funds for research, patients services and advocacy in honor of children just like our Boy & Girl of the Year.

In 1964, a child’s chance of surviving Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), the most common form of childhood leukemia, was 3%. Today, with the advances in treatment, the survival rate is 90%. The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is leading the way in funding life-saving cancer research.

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Lifestyles

W E LC O M E H O M E

Tuscany A homebuyer’s dream community

By Gabriel Ramirez

L

Photos by Jori C. Kinney

ocated in northwest Bakersfield, the Tuscany community

by San Joaquin Valley Homes offers an array of choices in floorplans and exterior designs.

Starting in the low $300,000s, these spacious homes range from 2219 to 3205 square feet and feature three to six bedrooms and two to 3.5 baths with the opportunity for you to personalize your home with additional room options.

The homesites are also spacious, ranging from 8,500 to 14,000 square feet, allowing for diverse outdoor opportunities.

The three model homes, open daily for touring, are stunning inside and out. Built in the architectural traditions of French Country, Tuscan and Italian, they display a classic European flair with thoughtful embellishments and handcrafted details such as keystone entryways, inviting carriage lights, full-height stone veneer and concrete tile roofs. Outdoor living spaces are complemented with enchanting courtyards, covered patios and flexible plans include a porte cochere and a casita.

The blend of aesthetic appeal with functional living spaces make these homes especially attractive. Expansive windows with a view in the great rooms and 9-10’ ceilings throughout the first floors enhance the spaciousness of these elegant homes.

Selective details such as naturally beautiful granite counters in kitchen and baths, sleek tile flooring, hand-textured walls with two-tone paint, recessed lighting, custom-designed maple

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cabinetry, deluxe baseboards and door casings unify to create an ambience of luxury.

The plans offered at Tuscany are the Carrera, Verona, Palazzo and Marsala.

The Carrera is a single-story, split-wing design with 2,219 square feet featuring three bedrooms, two baths, an office and a two-car garage. It has an elegant and inviting tiled entry that extends into a gallery that opens to a large courtyard through French doors.

The Verona plan has 2,470 square feet in the standard plan which includes four bedrooms, 2.5 baths and a three-car garage.

You can add a loft with a guest suite upstairs increasing the living space to 3,205 square feet.

The two-story Palazzo plan features four bedrooms, a loft and 2.5 baths in its 2,659 square feet. An optional casita makes it a 3,011 square foot home. A fifth bedroom or an office can be added in place of the loft. The large owner‘s suite is conveniently located on the first floor.

The Marsala, a single-story home with 2,831 square feet, includes four bedrooms and 2.5 baths and a three-car garage.

The large great room opens to the kitchen and dining areas and has a broad view and access to the backyard covered patio. A popular split-wing design provides additional privacy to the spacious owner’s suite which is set on one side of the home away from the other bedrooms.

For more information visit the neighborhood sales office at Hageman and Renfro or call the managing realtor, Carrie Williams, with Chaddick Williams Realty: 301-8115 or 979-1999.

April 2016

The spacious owners’ suites with adjoining baths add a touch of luxury.

The Tuscany neighborhood style and homes are inspired by classic European architecture in the traditions of Italian, Tuscan and French country.

Tuscany Model hours: Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday through Monday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Price: Staring in the low $300,000s Amenities: Granite counters; tile flooring; Whirlpool stainless steel appliances, including double oven; front yard landscaping; enchanting courtyards; covered patios; and spacious homesites.

Parks: Close to many North of the River parks.

Shopping: Northwest Promenade School District: Rosedale School District, Patriot Elementary, Freedom Middle School and Frontier High School

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Lifestyles

W E LC O M E H O M E

Northhampton at Stockdale River Ranch Superior quality and endless flexibility at Woodside Homes’ southwest development

Top: Woodside Homes offers several different exterior design themes and color options.

Bottom: The office can be built out as an additional bedroom.

Facing page: The open feel of the kitchen, dining and living areas is enhanced by the large widows.

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By Glenn Hammett Photos courtesy of Studio J Inc.

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oodside Homes has been building quality homes in California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona and Texas since 1977. Northhampton at Stockdale River Ranch is their new development in southwest Bakersfield that offers five unique floor plans ranging from 1,927 to 2,738 square feet, a wide variety of lot sizes and ideal access to Stockdale Highway and the Westside Parkway.

Woodside Homes strives to maximize the homebuyer’s ability to customize his or her new home.

Everything from how the house will sit on the lot to specific locations of electrical outlets is decided before the first shovel is put in the ground.

I was given a tour of the Abing-

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April 2016

ton, a 2,160 square-foot, three-bedroom, two-bathroom plan that includes a den, which can be converted to a fourth bedroom; great room; laundry room; and a threecar garage.

With the great room, dining room and kitchen connected to each other and unrestricted by walls or doorways, the living space has an extremely open feel. The impression of spaciousness is enhanced by 9-foothigh ceilings and a continuous row of large windows that run the length of the great room and kitchen and look out on to the backyard.

The Abington is a split-wing floor plan, with the master suite separated from the other bedrooms and bathroom by the great room/dining room space.

From granite countertops to the tankless water heater, quality materi-

als and ingenuity of design are evident throughout.

As a homeowner who has endured a couple of catastrophic plumbing failures, including one that resulted in hot water pouring out of a light fixture in a bathroom ceiling, I must say that my favorite amenity is the Manabloc plumbing system.

Similar to a typical home electrical system, the Manabloc system features an array of valves in a central

location (like an electrical breaker box) with dedicated flexible plastic tubes connecting each valve directly to a corresponding plumbing fixture (faucet, toilet, dishwasher, etc.). The benefits are numerous and dramatic. Each fixture can be shut off individually from a central location without disrupting water flow to the rest of the house, and the only fittings are at the valve and at the fixture, so the likelihood of failure inside of a wall or in the attack is almost nil.

This system provides efficient water delivery and maintains consistency in water pressure and temperature throughout the home. Also, water travels through the tubing silently so the noise of water flowing through copper or steel pipes is eliminated and the system comes with a 10-year warranty, which is 10 years more than traditional home plumbing installations.

If you are interested in a superior quality, amenity-filled, highly customizable home in a great location, Northhampton at Stockdale River Ranch should be on your short list.

Woodside Homes is nearing an opening date for Monticello, a third community in Bakersfield that features large lots, six different floor plans ranging from 2,495 to 3,707 square feet and a long list of luxury, convenience and energy saving amenities.

Monticello is located in northwest Bakersfield near the intersection of Snow Road and Calloway Drive.

Northhampton at Stockdale River Ranch Model hours: Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 6 p.m.

Price: From the high $200,000s. Featured model in the low $300,000s.

Amenities: 13’x13’ ceramic tile flooring in kitchen, entry and wet areas, fire-resistant concrete tile roof, granite countertops in kitchen, GE appliance package, Rinnai tankless water heating, Manabloc home-run manifold plumbing system, prewired for security system.

Parks: The Park at River Walk and Liberty Park Shopping: The Shops at River Walk, The Marketplace Schools: Rio Bravo-Greely Elementary and Middle Schools, Liberty High School

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Lifestyles

Clockwise: Open dining area and living room in the Cambridge Collection.

Large living area in the Chateau Series.

Spacious kitchen with granite countertops and tile flooring in the Cambridge Collection.

Open living room in the California Series.

A NextGen suite in the Cambridge Collection including its own entrance and outdoor patio area.

W E LC O M E H O M E

Gossamer Grove Shafter’s first master-planned community now taking flight

By Holly Bikakis Photos by Jori C. Kinney

S

hafter’s long history with aviation is being celebrated with its first master-planned community: the Gossamer Grove development by Lennar Homes.

Its namesake comes from the Gossamer Condor plane, which was the first human-powered aircraft capable of sustained flight, flown at Minter Field in 1977.

At the heart of this planned community is Flight Park, which has aeronautical themed playground equipment for kids to enjoy.

Phase One opened on the northwest corner of Calloway Drive and 7th Standard Road in March. There are three series to choose from: the Cambridge Collection, the Chateau Series and the California Series.

In total, there are 12 models to go through, each very charming and beautifully decorated.

When completed, the Gossamer Grove area will have more than 3,400 homes, several parks, two new schools and commercial developments.

New homeowners have come to expect a long list of amenities

and this series does not disappoint.

All Gossamer Grove homes come with the “everything’s included” package, making many luxuries standard.

Convenience and connectivity through technology make these homes unique. Lennar brings you peace of mind with smartphone capability that enables the homeowner to control front door locks, thermostat, garage doors, carriage and great room lights, and sprinklers, whether you are home or not.

Other unique amenities include a home Wi-Fi system, USB charging stations and motion sensor lights in the bathrooms and laundry areas.

Solar panels are on every home with a 20/20 program that lets the homeowner pay just 80 percent of his or her power bill.

Some models include a 220-volt prewire for electric car charging and tankless water heating systems.

Another unique design element in the neighborhood is the NextGen series offered with certain models in the Cambridge Collection and Chateau Series.

This is a home within a home for dual-living. The suites are on the main floor with their own

kitchenette, bathroom, living area, laundry and entry way.

Distinctive features in the models open kitchen areas include granite countertops, Frigidaire and Frigidaire Professional stainless steel appliances, Moen faucets and breakfast bars.

The front yards were my favorite, with water-conscious xeriscaping designs and winding concrete and gravel pathways.

Come by and check out the models or, if you’re ready to move in, there are several homes already under construction waiting for you and your family to move in.

From left to right: the California Series, Foxtail model; the Chateau Series, Dutchess model; and the Cambridge Collection, Epiphany model.

Gossamer Grove Model Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m daily Prices: • California Series: 1,580-1,989 square feet, mid-$200,000s • Chateau Series: 1,766-2,969 sq. ft., low $300,000s • Cambridge Collection: 1,877-3,185 square feet, mid-$300,000s Parks: Flight Park, Madison Grove Park Shopping: Riverlakes Galleria School District: Norris Elementary, Norris Middle School, Shafter High School

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Lifestyles

W E LC O M E H O M E

The Garnet model offers a wide open-floor plan.

The great room serves as a central gathering area and merges with the cook’s kitchen and dining space.

Facing page top: The Opal design provides an open, single-story floor plan with a generous great room connecting with a large dining room, including optional cabinets.

Facing page middle: The Citrine plan offers a great room, which serves as the home’s hallmark and integrates easily with dining area and kitchen.

Facing page bottom: The Topaz plan comes with front yard landscaping leading to a spacious, single-level floor plan emphasizing connectivity.

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Standard Pacific Homes at Windwood Innovative new home designs highlight livability, convenience

By Melissa Dennis Photos courtesy of A.G. Photography

C

ontinuing the legacies of Ryland and Standard Pacific, CalAtlantic Homes, one of the nation’s largest homebuilders, is showcasing a variety of new home designs at Windwood in west Bakersfield, north of Panama Lane.

Brand-new, one- and two-story homes appeal to shoppers at every stage of life. Four distinctive floor plans offer three to five bedrooms plus den, two to three baths, spacious garages, expansive storage and ample family gathering space.

At Windwood, the great room is the visual centerpiece of the home, connecting effortlessly with the cook’s kitchen and dedicated dining space, providing a grand sense of spaciousness.

Open interiors pay tribute to the way families live today where connection, convenience and the ability to entertain easily are coveted. Bright and airy kitchens incorporate modern appliances, walkin pantries and center islands perfect for casual

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April 2016

dining, conversation and meal preparation.

A downstairs master bedroom in select plans provides an ideal first-floor retreat for families seeking single-story living. Two-story floor plans showcase a guest suite option where a fourth bedroom adjacent to the dining area serves as an intimate and independent living space with large walk-in closet and a full bath.

Homeowners at Windwood may choose from an array of contemporary options such as an upstairs loft, formal dining room or home office to suit individual needs. A California room available in select plans maximizes indoor-outdoor entertaining, bringing the outdoors in and affording a private, year-round sanctuary.

“Windwood combines contemporary design touches and high-quality craftsmanship with a rich community life,” said Elliot Mann, Southern California president for CalAtlantic Homes.

“Our beautiful new home neighborhood offers buyers the opportunity to own a brand-new home in a southern Central Valley location specifically chosen for its lifestyle advantages,” he added.

Exterior architecture at Windwood evokes Spanish, traditional and French country sensibilities. Residents enjoy a colorful streetscape where outstanding design detail, high-quality building materials and included front yard landscaping distinguish the community.

Windwood is ideally located near schools, shopping, parks, lakes, mountains and wine country. The new home neighborhood is a short drive to major employment centers, cultural attractions, golf courses, recreational opportunities and the I-5, 99 and 119 highways.

CalAtlantic Group Inc., a combination of Standard Pacific Corp. and Ryland Group Inc., two of the nation’s largest and most respected homebuilders, offers well-crafted homes in thoughtfully designed communities that meet the desires of customers across the homebuilding spectrum, from entry level to luxury, in 41 metropolitan statistical areas spanning 17 states.

With a trusted reputation for quality craftsmanship, an outstanding customer experience and exceptional architectural design earned over its 50 year history, CalAtlantic Group Inc. utilizes its over five decades of land acquisition, development and homebuilding expertise to acquire and build desirable communities in locations that meet the high expectations of the company’s homeowners.

Windwood Model hours: Monday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Located at 10216 Sirretta Peak Place.

Price range: From the low $300,000s Floorplans: 1,935 to 2,600 square feet Features: Large great rooms and bright kitchens Target customer: Couples, families and empty nesters seeking one- or two-story home designs Schools: Leo B. Hart Elementary, Tevis Junior High and Independence High School Parks: Greystone Park and the Buena Vista Aquatic Recreation Area and Lake Shopping: Valley Plaza Mall and The Marketplace For more information or to tour a model home, call 282-8880, email Windwood@ StanPac.com or visit CalAtlanticHomes.com.

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

PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE

Go & Do

Sesquicentennial Celebration Kern County to celebrate 150th anniversary

By Sara Carey Riders, ropers and wranglers were on hand during the Whiskey Flat Days events in Kernville.

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ruly a once-in-a-lifetime event, this year marks the 150th anniversary of Kern County. Incorporated in 1866, Kern County boasts a rich and diverse history that few can match.

For this sesquicentennial celebration, the five districts of Kern County will come together to hold an event that’s been months in the making.

Steve Gabbatis, Kern County’s public information officer, said: “We’re getting participation in putting this birthday party on from every city in the county.

Each district is in charge of making themselves representative of their portion of the county.”

Organized in part by the Board of Trade, each city and district has

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April 2016

the opportunity to shine the best light on its own unique culture and people.

District 1 of Kern County will be represented by Delano, Ridgecrest, Shafter and McFarland.

Marsha Smith, president of the Kern River Valley Chamber of Commerce, said event highlights will include Nuui Cunni Native American Culture Center giving demonstrations on Indian food, crafts, medicine, and art, as well as Kern River Brewery sampling beer.

Another crowd-drawer will be Shafter’s Minter Field Air Museum exhibiting a collection of its vintage aircraft, with a chance for kids to climb inside the cockpits and get their picture taken.

People can also look forward to the Exchange Club’s River Duck Races, miners teaching people how to strike it rich and Buffalo Man, also known as Rod Blanken-

ship, explaining the history of plains bison and the Indian nickel.

Perhaps the most well-known event will be the Whiskey Flats Old West encampments, celebrating an important historical era of Kern County. With its period costumes, exceptional architecture, and gun fight re-enactments, people from all walks of life can take part.

“These are the biggest attractions we have,” Smith said.

There is one thing that people, especially train enthusiasts, travel from all over the world to see, says Gabbatis, and that’s the giant scale model of the Tehachapi Loop.

This celebration will be held at the Kern County Museum on April 16, and with only a small gate fee, Gabbatis estimates that at least 5,000 people will show up to take part in the festivities and learn more about their hometown.

OUT AND ABOUT

Saddle up!

PHOTO COURTESY OF CASA OF KERN

CASA hosts Kentucky Derby fundraiser

By Laura Liera

Y

ou won’t have to travel to the Kentucky Derby this year because it’s coming to Bakersfield.

Well, not the actual event but you can dress the part and enjoy mint juleps and Southern cuisine at the 4th Annual Boot Scootin’ Derby theme event on May 7, hosted by CASA of Kern County.

But this year, CASA is incorporating a Western twist, so you can wear your cowboy boots and Levi jeans.

When guests arrive to the Gardiner Ranch, they will be greeted with a mint julep – a cocktail made of bourbon, water, crushed ice and fresh mint. As they make their way down the red carpet, they can enjoy the breathtaking views of the ranch.

“We wanted to add the wow factor this year so we will have professional equestrian entertainment,” Amy Raddatz, resource development manager for CASA, said.

There will be an appetizer tent where guests can enjoy a variety of bluegrass-inspired food until dinner is served at 6:30 p.m.

Once dinner is served, the Kentucky Derby will be streamed on a big screen, Raddatz said.

This event is a big fundraiser

for CASA, whose mission is to speak for abused or neglected children in the juvenile dependency process. The organization trains volunteers to provide every child who needs an advocate with a voice in the court process.

“All of the money raised by this event comes back to us,” Raddatz said.

The cost for one volunteer to become a CASA advocate is about $3,000, of which the organization takes care of all the fees.

With this Kentucky Derby event, Raddatz hopes CASA can train 50 people.

“Our advocates are vital,” she said. “They meet with the child weekly and are basically the voice for these children.”

The ultimate goal for CASA is to find the more than 1,900 children in foster care in Kern County a forever home.

“We have the best community support,” Raddatz said.

“Because of their continuous support with our events, we are still here.”

What: Boot Scootin’ Derby When: May 7 at 5 p.m.

Where: Gardiner Ranch Price: $125 per person or $1,000 for table of eight

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Go & Do

TRIP PLANNER

Beyond the beach Uncovering the secret gems of Santa Barbara Photos and story by Laura Liera

W

ith an average high temperature of 64 degrees year-round, Santa Barbara has more to offer than its scenic, sandy beach. Don’t get me wrong, lounging at the beach is relaxing any time, but this vibrant city has plenty of hidden treasures.

Whether you spend a week or even a day in Santa Barbara, this city will remind you that life is good.

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Santa Barbara Botanical Garden Hidden in the hills of Mission Canyon and about 2 miles away from State Street, this picturesque garden is stunning. It’s hard to believe that I’ve visited Santa Barbara countless times and have missed this gem that will be celebrating its 90th anniversary later this year.

For just $10, you are greeted by the fragrant aroma of flowers and trees before you make your way along the 1mile stroll around the garden that takes an average of 45 minutes. But with so

much for your eyes to focus on and, of course, taking moments to capture photos, ditch your watch. If I could pick my favorite spot of the garden, it would be the redwood section. The aroma of these giant trees reminded me of Sequoia National Park without the windy roads.

The bird chirping and river mission creek echoing in this area really allows you to become one with nature. The garden is pet friendly and is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day from March to October and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

November to February.

Santa Barbara Public Market Located in the heart of Santa Barbara’s downtown, the market offers an assortment of authentic

Santa Barbara cuisine. Whether you’re in the mood to have a scoop of homemade ice cream after you chow down on some Thai food at The Empty Bowl, there is something for every palate.

For those looking to enjoy a glass of Santa Barbara wine, there is a quaint spot toward the back of the market that offers the ideal wine tasting experience after you’ve enjoyed a day of shopping.

There is even an indoor beer garden slated to open later this year for beer enthusiasts.

Scarlett Begonia Tucked away in a charming courtyard off the Paseo Nuevo shopping center, this is another hidden gem of Santa Barbara. Its

menu changes seasonally to provide the freshest ingredients and flavors in each dish.

I ordered the chicken biscuits and gravy – a local favorite and I can see why. The red chiles and chorizo in the gravy put this classic on a different level of comfort. The two biscuits were on a bed of fresh spinach topped with a chile-vinaigrette. If you want to avoid a wait time, arrive at around 10 a.m. to get a spot either in the patio or indoors.

Facing page: Scenes from The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden.

Top and middle left: Santa Barbara Public Market Middle right and bottom: Chicken biscuits and gravy and a vanilla latte at Scarlett Begonia in downtown Santa Barbara.

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B Well

J O U R N E Y T O T H E A LTA R

Reaching goals, one step at a time

Words from their trainer, Tim Gojich, owner of Fit for Life Gym

Compiled by Bakersfield Life

Nick and Katie are doing a great job. We have been working on a lifestyle shift. They are shopping for foods in a strategic way versus buying what sounds good.

In regards to their workouts, Katie is working in our high-energy metabolic classes to help shed some body fat, while Nick is doing a muscle-building program that changes every four weeks to keep his body accepting new muscle mass.

KATIE

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Photos by Jori C. Kinney

Well this month has definitely been a challenge, after coming down with a severe case of bronchitis that kept me out of the gym and in bed for more than a week. I was surprised at how disappointed I was to not be working out and off my now regular routine.

But my first workout back after being sick was maybe my best workout yet; I felt stronger and better than ever and it really gave me the encouragement I needed to dive into things again.

I do struggle with always staying 100 percent on track with the nutrition plan, but Tim Gojich encourages this to be a lifestyle balance and having things that you love in moderation – on a cheat day.

On a wedding note, I haven’t been so excited to start the dress search, as I am now. I can see the direction that my body is headed, now that

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April 2016

this journey to the altar is in full effect.

We have made changes to our meals and our daughter, Addison, has enjoyed participating in our workout discussions and enjoys shopping with us at the farmers market – it has become a fun, family activity.

NICK This month has been leaps and bounds better than last month.

After the first month of training and beginning my new meal plan, I was struggling. It was difficult for me to embrace the fact that I had no change in any of my measurements after a full month of working out.

But my spirit was lifted after some educational information provided by Tim. He is teaching me how my body responds differently to various foods and exercise.

I have started a new workout routine and I feel great. I have noticed a considerable amount of change in my strength as well as my stamina.

Every day I am eager to get to the gym in hopes that I will be able to lift more weight than the prior week; thus far, I have been successful.

This success in the gym pushes me to do better in regards to my eating habits. I enjoy being in the kitchen and creating new recipes that coincide with our food guidelines.

Facing page: Lateral lunges with increased difficulty while holding a large medicine ball.

Top: Highly difficult staggered push ups while trying to keep balance on a medicine ball.

Nick and Katie work as a team in this lungeand-row combination instructed by Fit for Life trainer and owner, Tim Gojich.

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B Well

FIT AND FRESH

What’s in the garden

By Katie Kirschenmann and Sally Baker Photos by Sally Baker

V

egetable gardens are a delight for your palate and your pocketbook. With minimal investment, you can feed your family fresh and flavorful veggies and greens that are organic and packed with nutrients. The easiest and simplest garden to maintain is a raised bed. These can be intimidating for the less experienced gardener but there are numerous online and local resources available that can guide even the first-time backyard veggie farmer toward bountiful success.

What’s growing now?

Arugula should be abundant in our gardens in early May until our Bakersfield heat wilts it. With few calories, a delicious peppery flavor and a rich source of phytochemicals, arugula is a perfect plant to grow, harvest and eat at home. Other wonderful benefits include: • Inflammation reduction • Vitamin K for bone health • Cleanses and detoxifies the body • Boosts memory • Perfect hydrating and cooling food

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WHERE TO RUN THIS MONTH

RUSTIC LEMON CHICKEN ARUGULA SALAD Using store bought Rotisserie chicken, this quick and absolutely delicious dinner salad is fast, nutritious and a snap to make. It makes a summer supper guaranteed to impress, with a perfect subtle lemon flavor to offset the arugula.

Ingredients • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice • zest of a fresh lemon • salt and pepper (as you like) • 2 teaspoons chopped garlic • 1/4 cup fresh chopped herbs of your choice.

Cilantro, parsley and basil work well • 2 or 3 fresh thinly chopped green onions.

Instructions • Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

• Roughly slice a storebought rotisserie chicken and place in a casserole dish.

• Into a measuring jug, pour 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil • Stir your ingredients together until well combined. Using your hand spread across the top of the sliced chicken. Pour remaining liquid over the chicken • Bake in oven for 20 to 30 minutes until golden • Allow to cool a little before using in salad • Arrange arugula in bowl, with tomatoes and avocados • Place chicken on top and toss all together before eating

CASA SUPERHERO RUN April 2 The Park at River Walk, 11298 Stockdale Highway www.active.com

VALLEY ACHIEVEMENT CENTER 5K April 16 Valley Achievement Center, 1721 Westwind Drive www.active.com

CELEBRATE CSUB 5K April 23 Cal State Bakersfield, 9001 Stockdale Highway www.active.com

RATTLESNAKE 5K/10K April 23 Hart Memorial Park, Alfred Harrell Highway www.bakersfieldtrackclub.org

GARDEN QUIZ

1. What is a heirloom seed? a. A seed that’s worth a lot of money b. A seed from a variety of plant that has been around for many years c. A seed that grows only in the spring d. A seed that grows in South America 2. Which of these vegetables is not in the mustard family? a. kale b. sprouts c. lettuce d. collard greens

Compiled by Bakersfield Life

3. Which of these veggies is a cool weather crop? a. radishes b. tomatoes c. peppers d. squash 4. Which of the following crops fit the description of good companion planting. a. tomatoes and garlic b. strawberries and cabbage c. peas and leeks d. carrots and cucumbers

5. True or False.

John Evans, a mechanical designer from Alaska, holds seven world records for giant vegetables.

6. Which of these is a great source of nitrogen for your soil? a. sugar b. banana peels c. coffee grounds d. none of the above

7. True or False.

About 60 percent of the roses grown in the U.S. are produced in California.

8. One tomato provides ____ percent of the recommended daily calcium. a. 25 b. 33 c. 40 d. 60

Answers: 1. B; 2. C; 3. A; 4. D; 5. TRUE; 6. C; 7. TRUE; 8. C

How’s your green thumb?

Source: howstuffworks.com, burpeehomegardens.com

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The art of FENG Creating balance, peace in your humble abode

B Y M A R I S S A PAT T O N

I

t has been said that home is where the heart is. Harmony can be found there too.

The essence of harmony is emphasized in feng shui, a Chinese system that focuses on the flow of energy.

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Robert Moseley, owner of the interior design company House of Moseley, emphasizes the importance of feng shui.

“It is the representation of yourself in the home, a way of expressing yourself,” he said.

A philosophy he has carried throughout all of his interior design work is that your home has to be your own personal expression.

“The key is that if it doesn’t make you feel happy in your home, it doesn’t work,” Moseley said.

Having been in the business for more than 20 years, Moseley’s incorporation of feng shui is done subconsciously.

He believes that without feng shui, people have a tendency to become hoarders.

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“It’s absence chokes you and makes the home feel stagnate, as if you’re living in a museum,” he said.

Feng shui is all about using objects, colors and metal to empower yourself.

Adding small splashes of color in corners can really help promote harmony and good will.

What truly inspires feng shui is chi, an invisible force and the lifeblood of the world. Chi plays a vital role in keeping harmony in the home and can make everyone feel good about it.

Moseley believes one of the most important colors is red, which attracts good chi.

Bad chi affects everybody and can make a person feel claustrophobic.

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To incorporate feng shui and chi efficiently, Moseley suggests using the bungalow map. The map lays out each section of the home and will make each one special.

“At the end of the day, your home has to reflect you,” he said. “It has to inspire you.”

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YO U R B O DY

Top left: Student Rec Center Top right: CSUB students Arron Aguiler, Jacob Banksdales and Ryan Briscoe work on setting routes on “The Rock” at the CSUB Rec Center.

Bottom right: The exterior of the CSUB Rec Center.

64

Strengthening bodies, minds CSUB Rec Center a valuable resource for students, faculty, alumni

By Sara Carey

C

alifornia State University, Bakersfield has more to offer outside the classroom.

Its $21 million Student Recreation Center was built in 2007, and according to Mary O’Mahoney, director of student recreation, more than 1,000 students, faculty and alumni pass through its doors each day.

Spanning 75,130 square feet, the Rec Center boasts a fitness area equipped with treadmills, cross-trainers, exercise bikes, as well as weight training, stretching and core strength areas. There is also a gymnasium, track, a 34-foot-high rock wall and, to top it all off, 24 50-inch TVs. With a 23-year history as director of campus recreation at the University of Arizona, O’Mahoney now has a year and a half under her belt at CSUB. She says the difference their facility makes in a student is more than just physical.

“Students that participate in our rec programs and students that come to the rec center on a regular basis earn higher GPAs and are more likely to

Bakersfield Life Magazine

April 2016

graduate,” she said.

Senior Jesus Ambriz, wrestler and track runner, credits the rec center as his outlet.

“I’ve been active my whole life, and since I just got done with my wrestling career here, this is how I keep active,” he said. “I don’t go to any other gym.”

The ambition to better themselves derives from different sources. Senior Janet Bautista credited her motivation to Instagram.

“I see all those ‘bodymotivation’ and ‘workoutwednesday’ photos and I think, ‘I want that body.’ Those people make you want to push yourself, and they show that it’s possible for anyone,” she said.

Dedication and time management are just a few of the skills O’Mahoney believes the Rec Center helps foster. She attributes the facility to helping set students up for beneficial lifetime habits.

Future goals for the Rec Center include partnering with the nursing department to promote healthy lifestyles, developing outdoor adventure trips with the geology department and constructing a state-ofthe-art high ropes course.

PHOTO BY ALEX HORVATH

CALIFORNIAN FILE PHOTO

PHOTO BY ALEX HORVATH

B Well

LOV E A N D L I F E

Quick tips for your spring cleaning

By Nina Ha

A

to our home garage. I purchased easy-to-assemble floorto-ceiling shelving units and used clear, plastic bins to store holiday items, party supplies and sports gear.

From a parent blog, I’ve learned that affixing pretty labels to those plastic bins not only identifies what’s inside, but is also aesthetically pleasing. I also found that designating a permanent home for things such as cell phones, keys and remote controls can help keep order and maintain sanity for all. And, in the interest of eliminating clutter, I take photos of things and documents I want to remember, but not necessarily keep.

As many of us begin our springcleaning this month, I wish you all much productivity and many sparks of joy.

PHOTO BY APRIL MASSIRIO

s the co-recipient of UC Santa Barbara’s freshman year “Messiest Dorm Room” award, I am admittedly the last person who should be giving advice on tidying. However, I have seen the error of my ways, and, in my adult life, have fought back valiantly to reverse my disorderly habits.

Like most people, I have never had any formal training on how to organize, file or store my belongings.

I thought those were skills only the most disciplined of minds possessed. Their homes are always ready for visitors, their kids’ toys are nowhere to be seen, and the inside of their cars look brand-new.

According to New York Times best-selling author, Marie Kondo, we’re all capable of a clutter-free life if we understand that the core of successful tidying lies in the concept of sparking joy.

In her book, “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing,” Kondo says: “Keep only those things that speak to your heart.

Then ... discard all the rest. By doing this, you can reset your life.”

By ridding your home of clothing you don’t feel good wearing, books you’ll never read, meaningless papers and keepsakes that have outlived their usefulness, you will have less to store among the joyful items you’re keeping. She advises folding clothing if possible since 20 to 40 folded pieces of clothing can be stored in the same amount of space as 10 hung items.

One storage method that works well is utilizing vertical space. Lifestyle guru Martha Stewart is a big proponent of it so I took that concept and applied it

Nina Ha

Opinions expressed in this column are those of Nina Ha.

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These results are very encouraging as physicians complain that following the traditional pharmacological “standard of care” that most of their diabetic patients see greater dependence on drugs over time and worsening of symptoms. Chronic diabetes is the number one cause of amputations of feet, kidney failure, blindness, and increases the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease (also known as Type Three Diabetes.)

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BY LAURA LIERA PHOTOS ON THIS PAGE OF THE GREENFIELD WALKING GROUP BY MARK NESSIA.

FOOD FOR ALL Cultivating memories in community gardens

T

hey can be found among neighborhoods.

Some sit on more than 8,000 square feet of land. And they all have one common thread: collaboration.

Community gardens in Bakersfield have started to pop up in and around the city for the last five years and have grown in popularity nationwide. They are pretty self-explanatory: plots of land set aside for neighbors to create gardens together. But don’t fret, having a green thumb is not a requirement.

We walked through a few garden paths and chatted with the community volunteers that keep these spots green and lively.

GREENFIELD WALKING GROUP GARDEN If the name of this garden sounds familiar, it’s because the volunteers are the women who meet every morning for their Zumba class at Stiern Park – a group that has taken the “keep moving” initiative to a different level.

Gema Perez works the soil.

Continued on page 68

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One-year-old Emma Silva helps out.

10 FACTS OF COMMUNITY GARDENING

1. Beautifies the neighborhood 2. Supports local businesses 3. Encourages selfsufficiency 4. Urban community gardening rehabilitates the degraded and chemical-ridden soil.

Lessens bioaccumalation of harmful chemicals in your body.

5. Safe haven for people and wildlife.

6. Gardens create a positive connection between humans and the land.

7. Accomplishments in garden boost selfesteem.

Some of the volunteers at the Greenfield Walking Group community garden.

8. Community gardens have been shown to actually increase property values in the immediate vicinity where they are located.

9. Reduces the “heat island� effect.

10. Produces nutritious food and better for the body.

Source: columbuscommunity gardening.blogspot.com/200 8/07/10-facts-of-communitygardening.html

Ismelda Cardenas waters the plants in the greenhouse.

A volunteer tends to the plants.

Beets pulled out from the garden.

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Continued on page 66 PHOTOS ON THIS PAGE OF THE SEEDS OF INSPIRATION BY JORI C. KINNEY.

Clockwise: A bug in a garden.

Beets thrive at Seeds of Inspiration.

A variety of different fruits and vegetables growing at Seeds of Inspiration.

A warming welcome to the Seeds of Inspiration community garden.

Red Mustard getting close to harvest.

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Bakersfield Life Magazine

Since 2011, Zumba organizer Gema Perez had been discussing the idea of a community garden with the other members, but they were struggling to find an empty lot big enough for a garden.

In 2013, with the help of Keep Bakersfield Beautiful and Mayor Harvey Hall, the group was given permission to turn the corner lot on Jonah Street and Langston Court into a garden.

Perez and the Zumba crew talked to local neighbors on the idea of a community garden and they were received with open arms.

For years, the corner lot was home to ruckus amongst teens.

Empty beer bottles were conApril 2016

stantly being thrown at the cinder block walls late at night or loud music was played until 3 a.m.

“We worked eight hour days for the first few months to clean the entire area,” Perez said. “The ground was so tough and there was a lot of trash that had to be picked up.”

This summer will mark the garden’s three-year anniversary.

Anyone walking down the street today would never imagine this place was ever bare and abandoned. The rows of fresh fruits and vegetables that are there now seem to belong there.

Ismelda Cardenas, a volunteer, spends about three hours at

the garden at least three times a week.

She walks through the garden, pointing out what is growing.

“We have radish, chiles, oregano, Brussels sprouts, beets, cilantro, cucumbers, tomatoes, chives, asparagus, garlic, okra and so much more delicious food,” Cardenas said smiling.

The garden is sectioned off into about 20 areas to accommodate the 22 members. Although the Zumba members don’t live in the garden neighborhood, they still see the benefit of having a place where they can all meet up and even share recipes.

You can even find a few toddlers roaming the garden, getting

get the ground ready for plantation in 2013. The Giving Tree Project adopted the garden and helped find sponsors for the garden.

All the food grown yearround is divided among the garden members.

And according to Felix, there is always a food surplus.

“There is always way too much food, which is a good thing,” she noted. “It’s a good way to give back to local food banks and the community.”

Some of Felix’s favorite fruit harvested in the summer is watermelon and cantaloupe.

In the winter, she enjoys seeing broccoli, lettuce and tomatoes in the garden.

their hands dirty and planting a few seeds.

“We have the kids help us so they can be a part of the growth,” Perez said. “They are more likely to eat the vegetables they planted than eating ones from the store all because they planted the seed.”

SEEDS OF INSPIRATION COMMUNITY GARDEN Nestled in the Oleander area on 4th and H streets is this 8,800square-foot garden, whose focal point is a vintage VW bug turned into a flowerpot.

There are several raised garden beds that decorate the grounds with colorful vegetables like beets, ready to be harvested on a sunny February morning.

Jessica Felix, community relations specialist for Keep Bakersfield Beautiful, said this garden has been grown and fostered entirely by the neighborhood.

“This area was a whole lot of nothing for many decades,” she said.

It took a lot of hard work to

For membership information on either garden or to start your own community garden, call Keep Bakersfield Beautiful at 326-3539.

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The Davies’ beautiful log cabin that looks over a small creek (right) in Keene, California.

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Bakersfield Life Magazine

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There’s nothing quite like country living Ranch homeowners find peace and quiet for family, friends and animals

By Hannah Thomasson

PHOTO BY JORI C. KINNEY

Continued on page 72

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Continued from page 71

he earthy smells, the fresh air, clear skies and open space are all things that the city can’t offer. There’s room for the kids to run and play, animals to graze, and room to plant and grow more than just vegetables.

It’s a place to put down roots.

Family and friends always want to come and visit because there is something inside of all of them – a calling to go back to nature and recon-

T

nect with the great outdoors. It’s a place to reset and live life at a different pace.

It’s true, some might not consider the country to be paradise, but for these Kern County residents, the country is the perfect paradise filled with its own unique mix of romance and charm.

Sure, there’s a bit of a commute, some extra upkeep and neighbors aren’t exactly a stone throw away, but it’s home and the extra effort of living outside of the city is more than worth it.

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

Country living offers a nice, relaxing getaway from the busy life of the city.

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

A HOME ON THE LAKE

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April 2016

Kathy and Bon Reynolds originally only wanted 5 acres in Bakersfield.

After searching high and low without any luck, their realtor found a hidden 40-acre gem nestled between orange orchards in McFarland. It was more land than they had planned on, but the very first time they saw it, they knew they wanted to make an offer and make it their own.

“We wanted animals, fruit trees, and peace and quiet,” Kathy said.

It took three years to build a house and when they moved from Monterey into their new country home, they finally had their peace and quiet.

“The very first night, we went to bed after mov-

ing into the house, we looked at one another and said, ‘It’s so quite out here, I don’t think I can sleep!’”

Kathy said.

They adjusted quickly and now they don’t think they could ever move back into town. Over the years, they added on to the property, building a private shooting range with an 8foot tall berm, a track for motorcycles and quads, and a lake, complete with a variety of fish and geese where they occasionally sit with a glass of wine and watch the fish jump.

It’s their very own escape.

“All you can hear out here is the birds and the bees and your dogs barking occasionally; it’s very peaceful,” Bon said.

Continued on page 73

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

A HOME WITH HISTORY Tootie Norton grew up on 5 acres of land and in a house that has seen her family through three generations of love and laughter.

“One of my favorite things is how much history that is here in this home and what it means to my family. There are a lot of good memories here,” Norton said.

Norton and her husband bought half of the land in Bakersfield from her parents. She is now raising her five kids in her childhood home and creating new memories as she home-schools them and they continue to build on to the house. Living away from the city has given her family space to have a garden, a motorcycle track, animals and, most important of all, room for her kids to have the childhood experiences Norton and her sisters had.

“I see the stars, the sunrise and the sunset over the mountains and I’m just standing in my front yard. I get a beautiful view every day of nature, the mountains, bees and the wind rustling in the trees. We miss those things in the city,” Norton said.

Tootie Norton appreciates living in her childhood home and creating new memories with her children.

Continued on page 74

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PHOTO BY JORI C. KINNEY

Views of a twostory guest home where the Davies' kids and grandkids get to come and stay.

PHOTO BY JORI C. KINNEY

PHOTO BY JORI C. KINNEY

A CABIN BY A CREEK Rick and Lorraine Davies dreamed and prayed for a cabin by a creek for years before finding the perfect parcel of 5 acres in Keene, complete with a gorgeous cabin, guest cabin and Clear Creek running through their property.

“This was just the kind of thing we were dreaming of,” Lorraine said.

The Davies’ love of the outdoors has made their country cabin their haven away from the hustle and bustle of the city. They frequently hike the area and take walks along the creek, enjoying some of their favorite aspects of living away from the city.

“The beauty of God’s creation, the stars at night, and the clean air and quiet,” Lorraine said. “Sometimes, during the summer, we sleep out on the deck and look up at the stars.”

Spotting local wildlife is a regular occurrence, and when the grandkids come to visit, they love to catch frogs and lizards and play in their fort.

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Bakersfield Life Magazine

April 2016

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A Community Turn-of-the-century innovations direct local growth trends, neighborhood development

on the

Rise

By Diana Greenlee

Continued on page 78

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Bakersfield Life Magazine

April 2016

PHOTO COURTESY OF KERN COUNTY MUSEUM USED BY PERMISSION

D

rawn in by a real estate ad touting a “historic property,” Gilbert Gia set out to investigate the relic last month. The local historian and retired teacher said the home was built in 1912 by Harry Jastro, son of Henry Jastro, just a few blocks from the park that bears their last name. The elder Jastro, who was Col. Thomas Baker’s son-in-law and business partner, lived in the area more than a century ago.

“Jastro built a house just south of the Fox Theater. He lived in that house pretty early,” said Gia. “He co-operated a beer brewery business with Thomas Baker.”

With almost 350,000 residents today, Bakersfield is linked to a past developed by degrees of separation during a time when Baker’s field was a literal term. Kern County Museum Curator of Collections Lori Wear said Baker crossed Gordon’s Ferry in the early1860s, heading south into a “swampy,

Above: Chester Avenue looking north from what is now called Wall Street Alley in 1877. The fourth building from the left is the mercantile store operated by George and Julius Chester, after whom the street was named.

Facing page: Vintage homes and mature trees mark the Westchester neighborhood, which was first developed in the late 1800s.

PHOTO BY DAN OCAMPO

bakersfieldlife.com

77

forested area.” With crisp air and fertile soil, it was ideal farmland.

“He planted a 10-acre alfalfa field in the area of the present Civic Center,” she said. “He built an adobe house.”

In 1876 Southern Pacific built their station in what was known as the town of Sumner – the corner of Sumner and Baker streets today. The railroad brought jobs and workers followed. Gia said east Bakersfield began to build, as many folks walked to work or traveled by horse and wagon. He said proximity to work was a deciding factor in local growth patterns during the period.

“Bakersfield was an overhauling facility for the railroad,” said Gia. “And they needed a lot of people.”

Housing – hotels and then homes – sprouted as folks began to take root in the area. Brothers George and Julius Chester owned a mercantile downtown, and Chester Avenue became a partition separating the two main sides of the area.

“Everything west of Chester was uptown,” said Gia. “Everything east of Chester was blue collar – stables, mercantile. That’s where the

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Continued from page 76

The historic Jastro house sits on the property on 20th Street in Bakersfield.

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saloons were, too.”

Between 1871 and 1920, south of California Avenue, the Oleander area took shape with Kern County High School, now called Bakersfield High School, just north of the division. Growth extended into Westchester thereafter.

“Oleander would have predated Westchester by about 20 years,” he said. “They thought it (development) was going to go south, but it went more to the north.”

In the meantime, the communities north of the Kern River were beginning to form. Oil was discovered in the area in 1899; with the advent of the automobile, the demand for processed fuel created jobs and workers followed, many traveling on foot. Originally divided into three sections – Oil Center, Oil City and Oildale – the area later provided housing for WWII pilots.

“It (housing) was within the footprint of the airport training center,” said Wear.

With unrestricted water running through

Housing and businesses sprang up around the Southern Pacific Railroad station on Sumner and Baker streets, including Curley’s Cafe, shown here in 1906.

Continued on page 80

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loved helping the Hoffmann nurse care for his terminally ill father so much that he earned the nickname Dr. Underpants, as well as his very own doctor’s coat and stethoscope. Sebastian was by his father’s side when he passed peacefully on September 4, 2015.

Sebastian now has a dream to become a real doctor and help other families someday.

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the river, Bakersfield experienced floods during the late 1800s. The curator said building continued into northeast Bakersfield once the Lake Isabella Dam was built in the 1950s.

“They had periods of flooding or drought,” she said. “Now we control water much more.”

During the same period, the west side was also experiencing a transition. James Haggin and Lloyd Tevis, brothers-in-law from Kentucky, caught gold fever and headed west in the late 1800s.

Lawyers by trade, the pair started Kern County Land Company, developing several subJames Haggin divisions in Bakersfield, including Rosedale Ranch. The businessmen sectioned out and sold parcels of land – many turned into family farms. It was a sophisticat-

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Andrew Ferguson in 1915; Ferguson is credited with founding Oildale.

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Along with his brother-in-law James Haggin, Lloyd Tevis had an enduring impact on southwest Bakersfield.

ed operation.

“They had the Rosedale colony, the Union Avenue colony,” said Wear. “They had brochures and they’d sell to the settlers.”

Akin to their contemporaries, the brothers made an indelible impact on the local landscape; their familiar names are still visible on the maps. Many old dwellings are also still standing. Built for the long haul, they’re an uncanny testament to a city parallel to our own, yet worlds away. Gia says some of the oldest properties still have barns for the horses once needed for transportation. But some things never change.

“In 1912, they were just converting from horses to automobiles,” he said. “And they had to pay extra for garbage, including hauling away the manure.”

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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

Fancy Feat

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Lisa Kimble and dancing partner Shay Burke.

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ur children will tell you their mother loves to dance while driving, much to their mortification. School drop-off zones are strictly off-limits, but everyplace else has been fair game. So when Superior Court Judge Colette Humphrey asked if I wanted to participate in this year’s cast of Dancing At The Stars, Stars Theatre’s local fundraising version of ABC’s hit dance competition show, “Dancing With The Stars,” my immediate reaction was to accept. After all, who says no to a judge, even if you shared a gym locker with her in high school. But I needed time to deliberate, knowing my family would most certainly be aghast. (And they were, at first.)

So, too, was just about everyone else I told. Instead of coming to my senses, I became emboldened. If Monsignor Craig Harrison (last year’s runner-up) and attorney David Torres, the reigning champ, could do it, then this dancing-whiledriving mom was certainly game.

Besides, ABC has convinced “Good Morning America’s” Ginger Zee, and even an ex-Mrs. Trump to come on board this season. How bad could it be? My self-confidence and tibias are about to find out.

On a recent evening, we amateurs were paired with our professional partners. And we sized each other up. Grimmway general counsel Jeff Green already has a stiff leg up on us. Fathers of “Nutcracker” ballerinas recruited for the annual holiday classic always will. Bakersfield Californian Executive Editor Robert Price can probably do the country-western two-stop in his sleep. Just read his book.

My partner, 44-year-old Shay Burke, was a no-show. This can’t be good, I thought. Here was my

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April 2016

chance to moon dance my way toward the exit. Besides, ballet lessons as a young girl, junior high pep squad and community college cheer alternate were hardly the makings of a Twyla Tharp. Time to crawl past assistant police Chief Lyle Martin and county counsel Theresa Goldner before anyone notices I’m gone.

Too late. Burke, a local realtor well-known in the theater community for nearly three decades and currently appearing in a nationwide Famous Footwear commercial, was expecting my call.

My feet were already starting to swell. But this is a cause worth putting my two best left extremities forward. Since 1969, Bakersfield Music Theatre has been churning out highcaliber musicals and intimate dinner theater productions. It is a performing arts gem with a theater community as vibrant as you’ll find anywhere.

I envisioned playing Ginger Rogers to Burke’s Fred Astaire. Elegant and safe. But Burke advised that it could also put those in attendance to sleep after 30 seconds. This is, after all, a fundraising competition we wanted to win, he reminded me. In addition to trying to garner the most online votes, judges and the audience will weigh in the night of the April 2 event to crown a dancing queen and king.

Burke, handsome and limber, had meticulously choreographed a routine from another genre by another iconic dancer – Michael Jackson. But before I could say “Beat It,” I was learning the eight count to

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE STARS THEATRE

Stars Theatre fundraiser a test of humility, dexterity

the pop star’s ’80s hit. Since February, 10 couples have held clandestine rehearsals, including a farmer, a beauty queen, a morning news darling and this dancing-while-driving mom. We’ll square off next weekend at Stars when our humility and dexterity will be put to the test. Like any good candidate, some of us have stacked the audience. There will likely be rattled nerves and a few missteps, too.

I will need hip and knee replacements when it’s over. But I’ll have the moves to “Beat It” down pat while parked at a stoplight.

Online votes are a dollar apiece and can be cast for Shay and me online by visiting bmtstars.com.

Every vote is a dollar for the wonderful Stars Theatre, which hopes to raise upward of $35,000. Tickets are still available for the Friday, April 1, dress rehearsal. Contact the Stars box office at 325-6100.

Lisa Kimble

Opinions expressed in this column are those of Lisa Kimble.

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People & Community

FA M I LY V E R D I C T

By Katy Raytis

Extreme Home Makeover: Mom Edition Because your house is never really clean

M

y co-worker recently told me a story that has me wondering whether his mother and mine were secretly separated at birth. His mom stopped by unexpectedly for a visit.

They have two small kids, so he said his house was “fairly messy.”

“Fairly messy” is a relative term. For those of us with small children, “fairly messy” means there is still a navigable pathway through the Legos, crayons and sippy cups. But for the empty-nester grandma, “fairly messy” is more akin to having yesterday’s mail still on the counter. My co-worker said it took about four minutes before his mom happened to casually mention, “You know, your cousin Jean has a new cleaning lady that seems really great.”

Ahhh. Good ol’ mom.

Like my friend’s mom, my own mother has mastered the art of sideways suggestion, particularly when it comes to my house. My mom has a compulsion for tearing out catalog pictures that she dutifully carries around in her purse for months on end, waiting for that perfect moment to offer decorating advice that pretty much translates into “just burn the place down and start over.”

Home makeover hope apparently springs eternal for my mom, since most of those catalog pictures would leave you wondering whether she has actually seen the inside of our house. Here’s a picture of a white wooden staircase or shelves holding things like seashells and candles sitting in sand. “Um, thanks mom. I’ll save this in case I move to Cape Cod.” A couple of weeks ago, she handed me a picture she had torn out of a Restoration Hardware catalog. “Here Katy. This is perfect for your office.”

There was a dark leather couch with oversized throw pillows and a fluffy orange blanket sitting opposite from an upholstered ottoman with a wooden tray that held a single flower, a tea cup with a spoon, a plate of lemon bars and a book with reading glasses nearby. Beyond the couch, an oversized window looked out onto a deck with a fire pit surrounded by a turquoise outdoor sofa and two plush chairs.

If I could craft a picture that was the furthest possible point from my own home, it might be that one. Our home office doesn’t even have furniture that belongs to us. We have a game table from one of my husband’s

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relatives, two chairs from my parents, a coffee table from my sister and a couch from a family friend that was given away because its legs were sawed off so it sits strangely close to the floor.

Even if we did have our own furniture or have furniture with legs, if that Restoration Hardware picture was my house, the wooden tray would be crammed full of TV remotes that don’t work, and there would be a dead Christmas tree in the corner that we never got around to taking down. You wouldn’t sit on that pretty leather couch, you would store unfolded laundry there.

There would be three clocks displaying three different times and a table nearby with a large greenish fish tank holding the last three fish still living from the 2013 Kern County Fair.

I admit that the office decor isn’t the greatest. In fairness, it’s not like we don’t have any decorated rooms. We actually have two: the living room and the dining room.

You can tell that these are the nice rooms because they are barricaded off so that no one who lives here can get near them.

I thanked my mom for the picture and remarked how perfect it was, since I’m always in our office reading the classics while sipping tea and enjoying homemade lemon bars. She just rolled her eyes and moved on to other pressing topics, such as the phone number for her friend’s painter who could fix our den, the fact that resort-style patio umbrellas are going on sale at Pottery Barn and a brief inquisition on why I haven’t planted the big fern she suggested for that “horrible” empty spot in the front yard. Also, “Why don’t you tell your gardener to do something about that lawn?”

When it comes to homemaking, there is no one quite like good ol’ mom. It’s like having your own personal (albeit slightly delusional) HGTV fairy for every room in your house, plus the yard. Who knows? Maybe someday I will have a Cape Cod mansion to decorate.

If so, I’m ready.

And so is my mom.

Katy Raytis

Opinions expressed in this column are those of Katy Raytis.

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People & Community

PERSONALITY

Better late than never New parish priest answered late-in-life calling

PHOTO BY MICHAEL LOPEZ

Father Bert Mello poses for a portrait in the courtyard of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church.

By Lisa Kimble

T

he old axiom, “Do as I say, not as I did,” may well become Father Bert Mello’s new mantra as the Catholic priest takes over administrative duties at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in northeast Bakersfield.

Even in the trend sweeping through the Catholic church in this country, where over the past decade, two-thirds of seminary students are 86

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middle-aged men entering their second or third career, it would be difficult to find the kind of unorthodox career trajectory Mello has experienced.

An avowed sinner with a oncedecadent lifestyle, Mello is candid about his compelling journey.

Already it has made for some good laughs during his homilies where nearly all of his congregants have been Catholic longer than he has been ordained.

“Late in life, priests are certainly a nuance within the movement,” he said.

Sixty-two-year-old Albert Joseph Mello was born and raised in Merced. His father was a soda pop salesman, his mother worked at a hospital in Atwater and the family, including sister Lena, grew up on his grandfather’s farm.

A cradle Catholic, Mello parted ways with his faith after high school.

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despair before receiving grace and salvation.

“I was very honest with Bishop Ochoa,” he said. He served at St. Anthony of Padua in Fresno under Monsignor Robert Wenzinger, who also spent time at OLPH. This is only his second assignment, but his first as parish administrator, typically a formality before being appointed pastor by the bishop.

He is also the envy of other priests in the diocese. “Other priests said, ‘Bishop Ochoa must really like you. You got the Disneyland of parishes,’” he laughed.

OLPH, a past Beautiful Bakersfield award recipient, is renown for its lush grounds.

He also inherited a church and school in sound financial shape and knows he has big shoes to fill. Monsignor Michael Braun, his predecessor, retired two months ago as the area’s longest-serving pastor.

“I guess I am living my dream,” Mello said.

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“My sister said maybe this was my chance at my dream of becoming a priest,” he remembered. “I thought, ‘God can’t possibly want me to be a priest!’”

On the eve of heading to Mount Angel Seminary in Oregon, Mello says he was offered a high-paying job from a competitor.

“I felt this incredible intimacy with our God that I could not deny, and I said no,” he said. He was 54.

He was ordained June 1, 2013, and firmly believes it was God’s plan that he experience

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College was cost-prohibitive, so he went to work, eventually settling into a lucrative job as a beer sales manager with plenty of perks. He was 29 when he met and married his wife, Debbie, and the pair was well suited for each other and a fun-loving, high-flying, hardpartying and self-indulgent way of life.

“We were very hedonistic,” he recalled.

They were also well on their way to divorcing. After 16 years, the couple called it quits. They had no children.

Later that same year, Mello, once the life of the party, recoiled and took stock in his life.

“The divorce brought discipline to my life,” he added. “It brought clarity and my priorities changed.”

Overweight, out of shape and deep in debt, Mello began to get a handle on his finances.

He also replaced candy and cigarettes with Subway sandwiches and daily walks, which took him by a Catholic church where he’d quench his thirst at the drinking fountain. He began attending Mass again but needed to take care of some housekeeping with his maker.

“I had a severed relationship with God and I had committed mortal sins, so I needed to make a true, full confession,” Mello said.

He arrived with 10 pages full of misdeeds, much to the chagrin of others waiting in line behind him. The priest absolved Mello of his sins, and welcomed him home.

“No synthetic highs compared to that moment for me,” he said.

Mello’s ex-wife remarried and later died. He never dated again and pored over Vatican documents and church teachings. He was on his way to becoming a deacon in 2007 when he lost his job.

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FOR A CAUSE

PHOTOS COURTESY OF GOLDEN EMPIRE GLEANERS

People & Community

Competition numbers worldwide in 2015 • 1,200 structures built • 7,309,568 pounds raised • 6,091,307 meals provided

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April 2016

Building to feed the hungry Canstruction competition raises food insecurity awareness globally, locally

By Laura Liera

T

hey are larger-thanlife structures. If you look closely, you might recognize familiar labels like Bumble Bee, Green Giant and Hunt’s.

But more than an art piece, these colossal structures are raising food insecurity awareness globally and in our very own backyard.

For the second year, the Golden Empire Gleaners and the local chapter of the American Institute of Architects will be hosting a Canstruction competition at the Valley Plaza Mall April 15-17.

Jim Wheeler, executive director of Golden Empire Gleaners, said 11,000 cans of food were collected from last year’s event. The collection was split evenly to different local organizations, but this year, all cans collected will benefit the Gleaners.

The Gleaners distributes food to more than 200,000 people a year.

In an effort to keep food on the shelves year-round, Wheeler said hosting an event like Canstruction was the perfect fit.

This year, there will be three teams bringing their designs to life. Each team has

12 hours to build before the judging begins.

Teams are judged in six categories by local jurors and receive awards at the end of the competition. There’s even a people’s choice award.

Last year, Wheeler said Ordiz Melby Architects Inc. built a three-sided structure made of tuna cans. On one side, there was an illustration of Merle Haggard and Buck Owens and the other two were of the Padre Hotel and the Fox Theater.

“I’m sure they (Ordiz Melby Architects) have something special up their sleeve this year,” Wheeler added.

There are rules to follow for building.

Each sculpture must be 10-by-10 in size. Structures must be structurally self-supporting. No plywood, tubing or sheet metal is allowed.

High-tension rubber bands, nylon string, wire and tiebacks are allowed.

Although Wheeler doesn’t know what the designs looks like, he is excited that no matter what, the teams will have fun building and helping the cause.

“For us, it’s a fundraiser and getting the canned foods into people’s homes,” he said.

Canstruction Bakersfield April 15-17 Valley Plaza Mall, 2701 Ming Ave. Vote for your favorite at www.facebook.com/bakocanstruction

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

Hitting her college goooaaaal Cee Cee Butler eyes soccer, studies in fall

By Stephen Lynch East High’s Cee Cee Butler keeps her eyes on the ball as Liberty Madera’s Allison Saether makes a save in the girls Division III championship.

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ee Cee Butler will never know if she could have made the difference in the East High girls soccer team’s failed attempt to win a section championship this year.

Coming off a brilliant junior season in which she led the entire Central Section in goals scored with 55, Butler played only six games this past high school season before deciding to leave the Blades after Christmas break. Butler also left her former club team, comprised entirely of East players and managed by Blades girls coach Marty

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April 2016

Martinez, to join the South Valley Thunder.

“They’re a club known for helping girls get college (soccer) scholarships,” Butler said. “My parents said it’s time for you to make the switch.”

East went on without her and lost the Division III section title game by one goal for a second straight year to Liberty Ranchos Madera. Butler followed the Blades progress from a distance, pulling for her former teammates to win a Valley title.

“When we lost my junior year, I was like, ‘We’re coming back (to the section championship game) my senior year for sure,’” Butler said. “‘We’re going to win.’

PHOTO BY HENRY A. BARRIOS

People & Community

“When I heard they made it, I was like, ‘They can win it.’ I was rooting for them the whole time.”

Meanwhile, she kept honing her skills with the South Valley Thunder and drawing the attention of several college soccer programs.

In early February, she accepted a full-ride soccer scholarship, signing with William and Jessup University an NAIA school located in Rocklin, California. One of the top high school forwards in Kern County, Butler has a keen knack for scoring goals.

Butler’s biggest asset is her blazing speed. She can dribble the ball downfield faster that most defenders can run uninhibited, making her

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a breakaway threat at all times.

Butler began playing soccer at 5 years old. She played goalkeeper until age 10, when her coach at the time thought that her speed would be better utilized in the field.

Despite limited action with the Blades this past season, Butler still managed to register six goals. She had a hat trick against Coalinga in early December.

Butler’s freshman and sophomore years were hampered by injuries and ailments but she still was able to score 40 goals during her first two prep seasons.

As a junior, Butler was an unstoppable scoring machine.

She scored seven goals during a regular season game against Ridgeview and tallied four of East’s five goals during the playoffs. At the end of the campaign, she was named FirstTeam All-Area and chosen as the South Yosemite League Player of the Year.

“I was just scoring left and right,” Butler said. “No one was able to stop me. It was unbelievable.”

Now Butler is ready to make the jump to college, where she plans to study kinesiology.

“I’ve met the girls (at William and Jessup) and they’re so nice,” Butler said. “The school just felt like home to me.”

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People & Community

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

Greasing the gears

By Diana Greenlee

I

The Kern Citizens for Sustainable Government often attend city council meetings to examine issues through a critical lens.

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f local government operates like a well-oiled machine, it might be due in part to the Kern Citizens for Sustainable Government greasing the gears.

Co-founder John-Paul Lake said Measure D, a pension reform initiative affecting the city of Bakersfield’s newly hired police and firefighters, caught his eye a few years ago, prompting him – along with local businessmen Chad Hathaway, founder of Hathaway LLC, and Precision Pharmacy owner Patrick Wade – to start the organization in 2010.

Through a series of channels, including The Bakersfield Californian’s opinion section, the trio set out to inform voters about the benefits of the initiative.

“That ballot measure put the formula back to what it was and made it more affordable to honor,” he said. “We thought it was an important issue, but there was

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April 2016

no awareness about why it was important. Measure D did pass.”

Lake, project manager for Rain for Rent, said the campaign was a “fun and positive experience” for the men, but they realized there was a need to focus on other local matters; what started as an idea became a movement.

“We wanted to raise awareness on other issues,” he said. “We hired an advisory board and then a fulltime employee.”

Supported by fundraising, director of Kern Citizens for Sustainable Governance Lauren Skidmore said they are an advocacy-based, bipartisan group – a nonprofit whose purpose is to encourage efficient, economically sensible government.

They have about 50 core members, but their advisory board, which is made up of local business and organization leaders, is the heart of the group. They attend council and board meetings to examine issues through a critical lens.

“We look at all elements of gov-

ernment and provide insight and feedback in order to promote fiscal responsibility and sustainability,” she said.

Skidmore says they use a “think tank” approach, offering solutions to local issues, such as those involving the library system, bullet train and educational system, which she says is constantly growing and changing.

“We’ve had tough discussions, (about education),” she said. “If we are truly preparing our students, why is there such a high unemployment rate? Why are so many (students) failing? It’s all about transparency.”

The organization’s good intentions are not always met with gratitude, according to Skidmore. The wheels of progress keep turning, but she said it’s important for taxpayers to have a voice in decision-making.

“The unfortunate element is that they recoil, and transparency for some entities scares them,” she said.

“But it really provides enhanced innovation and public engagement.”

PHOTO BY MICHAEL FAGANS

PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE

Kern Citizens for Sustainable Government promotes fiscal responsibility, sustainability along with growth

P H I L A N T H R O P Y M AT T E R S

The importance of community philanthropy Working together to make our community a better place to live, work and visit

By Kristen Barnes

“S

o what is a community foundation?”

Having joined Kern Community Foundation almost one year ago, this is the question that comes up most frequently in conversations.

The community foundation model was born more than 100 years ago by banker Frederic Goff in Cleveland, who realized the value of creating a permanent fund that would benefit citizens in his community for generations to come. Some of the earliest investments of the Cleveland Foundation included research that led to reforms in public education and criminal justice. One effort even helped create a system of public parks and open spaces that increased access to nature for all city residents.

Today, more than 800 community foundations around the country help build and strengthen their communities and bring together people and organizations that want to make a difference in the world. They are tax-exempt public charities that guide philanthropy and are dedicated to improving the quality of life in the areas they serve.

Individuals, families, businesses and organizations work with community foundations to create permanent charitable funds that help meet community challenges. The foundation invests and administers these funds.

For donors, community foundations offer a range of charitable giving options that provide tax benefits and strategic advice about philanthropy. For the geographic region they serve, community foundations provide leadership, expertise and capital to address social issues and serve as a resource for nonprofit, civic, government and philanthropic organizations.

For the past 16 years, Kern Community Foundation has worked to bring together people and organizations that want to make a difference in the community.

Today, we manage more than 120 funds, totaling $18 million in assets. The donors behind these funds represent a rich and diverse cross section of our population –

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Kern County is one of the many nonprofit groups to benefit from the Kern Community Foundation.

from newly married couples and working professionals to community icons, civicminded groups and even publicly traded corporations. Perhaps even more interesting is the size of these funds – almost 40 percent of our current funds have balances of less than $10,000 and many were opened with initial contributions of $1,000.

Of course, while the diversity of our donors is something we like to share, it is the sum total of their grant-making that speaks volumes. In the last 16 years, more than $14 million has been granted to charitable organizations, schools and places of worship, most of it right here in Kern County. Clearly something we are quite proud of and hopefully something that more folks can realistically see in their future.

In coming months, I look forward to sharing more about the Kern Community Foundation and the importance of community philanthropy so that one day, people will know their community foundation as a resource for organized, impactful giving, making our community a better place to live, to work and to visit.

Kristen Barnes

Kristen Barnes is the president and CEO at Kern Community Foundation.

Contact her at Kristen@kernfoundation.org or 616-2601.

The views expressed in this column are her own. bakersfieldlife.com

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People & Community

O U R TOW N

From left: Tanyyah Hood and Karlie Little, Tamara and Avalyn Adkisson, and Goretty and Alexzander Anguiano pose together for a photo at the Bakersfield College Child Development Center playground.

Facing page top: The center was able to purchase new toys and furnishings thanks to an $830,000 partnership grant CAPK received through President Obama’s Early Learning Initiative program.

Facing page bottom: Bakersfield College student Goretty Anguiano, 23, the single mother of two Head Start children, is grateful for the services her 2-year-old son Alexzander receives at BC’s Child Development Center through the CAPK Early Head Start Partnership.

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Giving the gift of education Partnership helps young parents finish school Story and photos by Louis Medina

D

oes an average $15,000per-family, per-year investment seem like a lot if it helps young adult parents – many of them teens – finish high school or pursue college studies while their children receive quality early childhood education?

Not to President Barack Obama, whose Early Learning Initiative allows Head Start agencies like Community Action Partnership of Kern to partner with non-Head Start child care providers to expand early learning and developmental opportunities for infants and toddlers up to age 3.

In 2015, CAPK received close to $830,000 of $500 million the president made available nationwide, said Doe Ryti, the agency’s Early Head Start Partnership manager.

CAPK chose as its partners two child development centers on the campuses of educational institu-

Bakersfield Life Magazine

April 2016

tions: one serving 40 children at Bakersfield College, the other, 16 children at the Kern County Superintendent of Schools’ Kelly F. Blanton Education Center, which serves teen parents dealing with challenges ranging from poor attendance to probation and parole.

Partnering with these centers allows CAPK to deliver no-cost, fullday, full-year care to the children of struggling students enrolled at BC and Blanton.

“I’ve had several parents tell me that if it wasn’t for our services, they wouldn’t be able to attend school,” said CAPK family service worker Nicole Callahan, who provides resources, information and support to the parents of children at the BC center.

One such parent is Goretty Anguiano, 23, who studies psychology and child development. Anguiano is the single mother of two Head Start children. One of those children,

2-year-old Alexzander, suffers from an enlarged heart. Once Callahan learned of Alex’s condition, she did research online and found local doctors for him.

“They’re putting their time into my child,” Anguiano said of Callahan and her colleagues.

BC Child Development Center Program Manager Danell Ward appreciates Callahan’s role because of her own life experience.

“Twenty-three years ago I was homeless with a 3-year-old child,” Ward said. The weekly hotel vouchers she received from welfare were the only thing that kept her and her son off the street. But, she said, “I was determined to go to school to better myself.”

Young, low-income single parents are always in what Ward calls “survival mode,” regularly weighing options such as having to miss school or work to keep a doctor’s appointment that can take up most

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of the day if they lack their own transportation.

Quality child care and family service support that’s available on campus changes all that.

“

I’ve had several parents tell me that if it wasn’t for our services, they wouldn’t be able to attend school.

—Nicole Callahan

”

“What better place to have child care than right on the college grounds?” she said.

Besides expanding services to children and parents, the generous EHS Partnership grant has proven to be a boon to the partnering centers’ teachers as well.

At the KCSOS center, Site Supervisor Lydia Pires still marvels at all the new supplies she was able to purchase with the funding.

“Our furniture was 10 years old and a lot of it was donated,” she said. In early February, a completely refurnished classroom was ready to greet the children and staff who would be starting the program later in the month.

And the grant also allows teachers to enjoy professional development opportunities, such as trainings and conferences they would otherwise be unable to afford, Ryti said. bakersfieldlife.com

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PHOTO BY MICHAEL LOPEZ

People & Community

A gathering place of leaders Petroleum Club of Bakersfield celebrates 64 years of commitment to excellence Petroleum Club President Dave Plivelich poses for a portrait inside the dining area of the club.

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By Gabriel Ramirez

T

his year, the Petroleum Club of Bakersfield will celebrate 64 years of existence and it will poise itself for the next 64 years with the launch of the Chairman’s Circle of Leadership Honor Wall.

The wall will include the names of individuals and business that are lead-

Bakersfield Life Magazine

April 2016

ers in the community from past generations to today’s up-and-comers.

Formed in 1952 and incorporated in 1953 by founding board members; George L. Bradford, landman and real estate developer; W. D. Kleinpell, petroleum geologist; John H. Beach; Everett W. Pease, geologist; and Thomas J. Fitzgerald, geologist, engineer with Gene Reid Drilling and the club’s first

president, the Petroleum Club’s primary purpose has been to aid in the association and fellowship of men connected with the petroleum industry and to encourage and sponsor new ideas, which would benefit the oil industry as a whole.

The Petroleum Club had its initial meetings at the Bakersfield Inn, then moved to the Elk’s Lodge in the ’60s, to the Bell

Tower facility in the ’80s and, in 2003, it moved to the current location on the 12th story of the Stockdale Tower.

“The club has evolved and expanded their membership by including business and industries that support not only the oil industry but the entire business community,” said Dave Plivelich, president of the Petroleum Club of Bakersfield. “Over

the years they have expanded even more and now includes a diverse membership that includes, but is not limited to, agriculture, finance, law, medical and more.”

And while the Petroleum Club looks to the future, Plivelich said there is much history to look back upon.

“Doing deeper research into our history of late, due to the event honoring past president Weldon Sons, as well as pulling data together in general for historical preservation, I have discovered more about the club than I ever knew before,” Plivelich said.

“The club truly is a point of light for the city. In November of 2015, I was returning from a meeting

in LA and as I was coming down the Grapevine, I noticed the club is visible on a clear day on the city horizon.”

Plivelich shared that some past presidents of the club included Harold Hanson (1994-1996), who served on the city council and Kern Council of Governments; Harvey L. Hall (1996-1998), who became the 25th mayor of Bakersfield; Michael McFadden (1998-2003), who helped secure the location on the 12th floor of the tallest building in Bakersfield; and Weldon Sons (20032010), who served the club as not only president but also general manager, membership director and board member for many years. The club’s website, ThePetroleumClub.com,

also includes many founding members from the membership roster in 1956-1957 and many of the names listed are recognizable leaders in Bakersfield history.

“While the club is a private business and social club, creating lasting memories and experiences delivering the highest standard of sophisticated dining and service, it is also the preferred meeting place, hosting numerous service clubs, networking groups, nonprofit fundraisers, wedding receptions, high school reunions, proms, presen-

tations, celebrations of life and more,” Plivelich said.

“The club has a very rich history with ties to not only the oil industry but the agricultural, financial and legal community as well. It’s past list of names and connections in the community represent the strong commitment to the ongoing success in our community. It is the gathering place of leaders, from young to mature, with a philosophy that reflects our commitment to excellence in all facets.

It’s a group that gets things done, with people you can count on.”

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People & Community

O U R TOW N

Festival of flora Annual BC Garden Fest spreads its roots

In one of the hot houses at Bakersfield College.

By Sara Carey Photos by Casey Christie

E

leven years ago, Bakersfield College agriculture professor Lindsay Ono set out to reinvigorate the school’s dwindling Horticulture Facing page bottom: Water Department. What began as a flowing in the small-scale plant sale to help raise beautiful garden funds for the department has transsetting during formed into an annual event drawthe ninth annual ing nearly 5,000 people.

Garden Fest.

It’s a festival of flora that brings together the local community and college, with students, faculty and resiGarden Fest dents preparing all yearSaturday, April 16 round for the celebration.

9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sally Sterns is adjunct Bakersfield College’s faculty and horticultural Renegade Park technician of BC. Her role as behind the scenes coorganizer of Garden Fest gives her firsthand insight into the support behind this event.

Facing page top: A variety of koi fish.

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Bakersfield Life Magazine

April 2016

“Our students, who volunteer to be a part of this day, always say how much fun they have and love to represent BC agriculture,” she said.

Enthusiasm from the community also motivates Sterns.

She said, “I’m always surprised at how happy everyone is when they are at Garden Fest.”

This happiness stems from the fact that there’s something for everyone to enjoy, not just green thumbs. Along with more than 250 booths showcasing home and garden maintenance, there are also raffle prizes, a kids carnival, local farmers market, pet boutiques, and arts and crafts activities.

In addition, this year marks the second annual “Renegade Ruckus Cook-off” competition, in which BC culinary arts students compete in a “Chopped” style contest, creating the best dish using a secret ingredient.

A crowd-drawing event highlight is the Country Garden semi-

nars hosted by professor Ono and Dale Edwards, the “Sultan of Sod” with 35 years of landscaping experience. Broadcast live on Kern Radio 1180 and 96.1 FM, Edwards and Ono hold seminars teaching lawn and garden maintenance.

“We have over 2,000 people come and listen to us speak,” Edwards said. “Our Garden Fest seminars are entertaining, interactive, informative and I guarantee they won’t put you to sleep.”

In order to accommodate families and college students, public admission and parking for the event is free.

“You usually have to pay to see the kind of stuff we’re doing here,” he said.

Faculty and students alike are thrilled to see many people that have been attending the Garden Fest since its inception are now bringing their own children to enjoy the festivities. The only thing needed now is more space to grow.

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People & Community

H O M E TOW N H E R O

Just winging it Impromptu Air Force career takes Bakersfield planner around the globe

By Cheryl Scott

Top: Paul Johnson in Bosnia in 1999.

Bottom: SNCO graduation in Montgomery, Alabama, in 2004.

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T

rying to impress a girl might seem like an extreme reason for enlisting in the Air Force, but that’s exactly what motivated Paul Johnson, 48, to take the leap back in 1985. The young lady wasn’t necessarily impressed, but Johnson stuck to his commitment to serve and it was the beginning of a rewarding and eventful 22-year career.

Today, Johnson serves as principal planner with the city of Bakersfield, but the path that brought him here from Klamath Falls, Oregon, was a route that zigzagged around the country and the world.

As a new serviceman in the mid-1980s, Johnson was trained as a civil engineer to prepare for the “what ifs” of the Cold War. He supervised the building and repair of runways (so fighter jets could be deployed if necessary) and activities like maintaining/securing Minuteman intercontinental ballistic missiles in Montana.

Becoming “career military” wasn’t always Johnson’s plan. In fact, during the first couple of years, he thought for sure his would only be a four-year stint.

“When I got to Germany, though, I started to think the Air Force might become my career,” he said. “I felt

Bakersfield Life Magazine

April 2016

more like I was there for a purpose. And since we were all away from home, we felt a real sense of camaraderie.”

Johnson worked his way back to various posts in the U.S., but eventually Desert Shield in the early 1990s took him to Kuwait and Abu Dhabi. The war brought Johnson a new kind of adrenaline and sense of purpose – and a new kind of danger, too.

“I was never fearful, though, even when we were being shot at,” he said. “I always felt when it was my time, it was my time.”

Johnson served a stint in South Korea in 1995, engaged in “war games” and preparing for possible chemical warfare. Among other things, Johnson oversaw the practice of emergency runway repairs.

“A single hole in a runway can disable an entire fleet of fighter jets,” he said.

Some of the most extreme circumstances Johnson experienced were in Bosnia, while performing humanitarian work in 1999.

“We were there in support of the Predator,” he said, referring to the unmanned aerial vehicle used to provide real-time reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition for joint war fighters.

“All the drills we had previously practiced were now really happening,” he said. “It was pretty intense, with small arms fire and air attacks; I watched a MIG get shot down. We had young people with us who were afraid they wouldn’t make it back; I tried to encourage them and tell them it would be OK.” While serving as commandant of Leadership School at Edwards Air Force Base, Johnson met his future bride, Katrina. They eventually settled in Bakersfield after a final two years of service in Florida and Nevada.

These days, Johnson enjoys his work as a city planner, especially his ability to impact Bakersfield’s economy and helping businesses expand. The couple has twin 6-year-old daughters, Arianna and Brianna.

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WHY I LIVE HERE

PHOTO COURTESY OF VICTOR MARTIN

People & Community

Come for the adventures, stay for the people Victor Martin

CSUB executive embraces all Kern County has to offer

By Cheryl Scott

V

ictor Martin moved to Bakersfield from downtown Chicago just six years ago, but you’d never know he wasn’t a local, based on the many roles he plays here. On any given day, Martin might be seen wearing a suit and tie while promoting CSUB or one of his favorite nonprofits,

“

Everyone says this, but there’s a good reason for it – the people are the most enjoyable aspect of living here. I have made so many great friends and professional contacts that I couldn’t imagine leaving.

”

—Victor Martin

or he could be pulling his children in a wagon at a community event or maybe he’ll be riding his motorcycle 102

Bakersfield Life Magazine

April 2016

through the wide-open space of east Kern.

Regardless of where you see him, it’s obvious Martin is loving life in Bakersfield.

The desire to be near family brought Martin to Bakersfield, but what he didn’t expect was the warm welcome from strangers in the community, especially business leaders that helped him transition his career.

“I reached out to Richard Chapman (from Kern EDC) and Chris Frank (who was chair of the San Joaquin Community Hospital Foundation) and was amazed at their level of accessibility and their willingness to help me become a part of the community,” he said.

After working nearly three years at CSUB, Martin was recently appointed interim vice president for University Advancement and executive director of the CSUB Foundation.

His days are filled with activities that advance the university, including public, alumni and government affairs, and fund development.

When he’s not working, Martin is often out and about, spending time with daughter Maya, 4, and son Maluk, 2, at places like the California Living Museum. He also appreciates sights and activities locals often take for granted. Indeed, he is probably more familiar with the area’s hidden treasures than most natives.

Whether he’s hiking the Kern River Canyon’s Jar Trail or enjoying lunch at a locally owned hideaway like the Red House BBQ in Tehachapi, or taking a drive through the nearby wind turbines, Martin seeks out local adventures. On the other hand, simply taking in the view of the hills east of town while driving home from work makes him happy, too, he said.

In the end, though, Martin says it’s really all about the people.

“Everyone says this, but there’s a good reason for it – the people are the most enjoyable aspect of living here,” he said. “I have made so many great friends and professional contacts that I couldn’t imagine leaving.”

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People & Community

Left: White Forest Nurseryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s display garden shows xeriscape ideas for its customers.

Right: White Forest Nursery has a variety of different fruit trees, including these kumquat trees.

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April 2016

I N S I D E STO RY

White Forest Nursery Heaven in plant form

By Marissa Patton Photos by Jori C. Kinney

T

ucked in east Bakersfield is White Forest Nursery, a 5-acre paradise of plants, trees and gardening necessities.

The nursery opened more than 50 years ago by the parents of Jere White, 59, who is now the president of the nursery. It has since become one of the largest nurseries in Kern County.

White Forest Nursery is divided into sections of trees, plants and flowers while the inside has gardening equipment, pesticides and fertilizer.

“There is a wide range of material that we do sell, from trees to fertilizer and anywhere in between,” White said. “We try to make our services so our clientele can be successful.”

There are more than 30 varieties of trees, ranging from grapefruit trees to Asian

pear apple trees toward the back end of the lot, which sit next to the display gardens where people can draw inspiration from.

For those who are interested in planting their own food garden, White said there is always help around the nursery.

The 15 employees who help run the business and keep everything watered are available to help customers with any questions.

A big plus of living in Bakersfield is its climate.

“We have a climate that allows the widest variety of plant material to be grown than anywhere else in the world,” White said.

For those looking for a beautiful garden year round, White Forest has what you need for a garden year round.

“It’s all about seeing somebody be successful and providing for a vacation or oasis on one’s own backyard,” White said.

Left: White Forest Nursery has many colorful ground covers, including these orange gazina flowers.

Right: First glance after coming through the main entrance.

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POWER COUPLE

PHOTO BY MICHAEL LOPEZ

People & Community

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Bakersfield Life Magazine

April 2016

Xochitl Garcia and John Christian Silva Couple thrives where others falter

By Marissa Patton

L

ove is a powerful force, especially when it brings people together.

Despite the 14- to 16hour workdays six – sometimes seven – days a week, family and divorce lawyer Xochitl Garcia, 32, and Seven Oaks Country Club executive sous-chef John Christian Silva, 32, still manage to make time for each other.

“We have a regular routine, so we see each other a couple hours in the morning and we eat together at night, every night” Garcia said. “We usually powwow, ask each other how their day has gone and respect when the other person says that they don’t want to talk about their day.”

The couple started dating in 2004 and were married in October 2014.

When they met as undergraduates at the University of La Verne, Garcia admits it wasn’t love at first sight. She actually found Silva annoying.

Little did she know she had made a different impression on Silva.

“I have to admit, when I first saw her big brown eyes behind a set of glasses, I was a little speechless,” he said.

A year later, their paths crossed on a powderpuff football team that Garcia participated in and Silva coached.

“That first practice I went to, he yelled at me,” Garcia said.

“And that’s where the attraction started for me. No one had ever stood up to me; I’m kind of a strong personality.”

Both Garcia and Silva made the move to San Diego after La Verne. Garcia pursued her law school degree and Silva began

his career as a chef.

Now that they are both established professionals in Bakersfield, making sure they continue to grow as a couple has become a vital part of their relationship.

As a divorce lawyer, Garcia sees marriages fall apart day in, day out. But her job has served as the fuel to continue to strengthen her relationship with Silva.

“Mondays are the time we spend together because it’s John’s day off, so I leave work at a reasonable time to spend time with him,” she said.

Their motto has been to never take each other and what they have for granted.

With such demanding careers, there are moments in the middle of running around between cases or restaurant commitments that they miss each other.

And that’s when Garcia said they mutually agree to take a step back from work and focus on what’s important: their time together.

But it’s also the little things that matter.

Silva said he doesn’t hesitate to make a coffee run early in the morning for Garcia as she preps for trial.

“Sometimes I have to ask for days off in order for us to actually be able to do anything,” Silva said. “I use up my vacation day or a weekend day to do whatever we decide to plan.”

Although the two don’t have any children of their own, they are fine with it.

The focus for now is to continue to nurture their marriage and build on their relationship with success in the midset of two busy yet successful careers.

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People & Community

H I STO RY

The rise of Sunset Park The transformation of an empty field into the finest of neighborhoods

By Julie Plata Photos courtesy of Charlotte Brandt ong before the postWWII housing boom transformed the California landscape into a suburban maze of boxy tract homes, an ambitious developer broke ground on Sunset Park, Bakersfield’s most elaborate subdivision of the time.

The developer, Henry J. Brandt, immigrated to the United States from Denmark and settled in Bakersfield right before the turn of the 20th century. After early success as a blacksmith and pipeline contractor, he decided to embark on a career as a land developer.

In 1916, he founded the Brandt Investment Company and undertook the task of trans-

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Bakersfield Life Magazine

forming acres of empty fields into residential subdivisions.

On Feb. 25, 1925, the front page of The Bakersfield Californian announced. “Brandt to Convert 70 Acres Choice Area Into Homes.” The transaction between the Brandt Investment Company and Kern County Land Company for the parcel land, located south of California Avenue and east of Oak Street, was considered the most important real estate deal of the year.

Brandt planned to make Sunset Park the best subdivision in the city. The first order of business was the announcement that Sunset Park was chosen as the first residential neighborhood to be illuminated by electrolier streetlights. The building of the rest of Sunset

April 2016

Park’s infrastructure occurred on a grand scale.

Residential foundations were poured concurrently with the installation of gas, electric, water and sewer systems. Paved streets, sidewalks and curbs all added to the beauty of the neighborhood touted by The Bakersfield Californian on March 18, 1927, as “one of the most beautiful and rapidly growing subdivisions in California.”

When the project was first announced in 1925 in the Feb. 25 edition of The Californian, Brandt assured potential buyers “houses of the best type will be erected by the company, and a building restriction will be incorporated so that the entire tract will be builded [sic] up with sightly homes.”

A true build-to-suit development, buyers had the option to purchase a lot and construct their own home while others found their dream home among those designed and constructed

by Brandt’s company. Brandt promised in an ad published in the Bakersfield Morning Echo on March 22, 1927, that he spared no expense to produce the finest quality homes in Bakersfield where “few approach them in scrupulous quality of construction and general distinction.”

Each home, different and distinct, was in reach of anyone who earned a moderate income. With 10 percent down, an interest rate of 7 percent and a $50 monthly payment, homeownership made perfect sense for those spending the same

Facing page: Sales brochures for the Sunset Park neighborhood.

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Top: A home under construction in the 1920s.

Middle left: A Californian advertisement on Jan. 23, 1926.

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Middle right: Henry J. Brandt Bottom: Sales brochure. Photos courtesy of the Brandt family.

amount on rent. Brandt told The Bakersfield Californian on Jan. 23, 1926, he set the terms to help “deserving, ambitious families to acquire a home of their own,” as he firmly believed a homeowner is “the backbone of any community.”

The uniqueness of Sunset Park’s homes is its enduring legacy. Whether consumers desired a cozy frame house with a green gabled roof, a lovely five-room stucco, an English bungalow with a mission-designed fireplace or a home built to order, they were sure to find beautiful homes considered superior in architectural

design at an average price of $5,500.

By 1929, 164 houses were finished or under construction in the Sunset Park subdivision. Brandt succeeded in converting an undeveloped parcel of land into one of Bakersfield’s most aesthetic and modern neighborhoods.

The Bakersfield Californian predicted on Jan. 26, 1926, that Brandt’s metamorphosis of those 70 acres would create a subdivision that sounded like a fairy tale. He did just that – complete with green lawns, shady trees, perennial flowers and distinct homes with all the amenities buyers desired. bakersfieldlife.com

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People & Community

REAL PEOPLE

Born to design Landscape designer gives insights of the job

Aaron Gundry-Monji

Aaron’s fun design facts • My favorite project I’ve worked on was the healing garden at Mercy Southwest Hospital unveiled in 2012.

• I love Pinterest.

That’s a great place to start when looking for design ideas.

• As a teen, I would water plants, dig trenches and take trips to wholesalers throughout California to pick trees and shrubs with my dad.

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PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

• I like to walk through the home on the first consultation because the inside says so much about you and what you love about color and textures.

By Laura Liera

T

he design gene was always a part of Aaron GundryMonji.

The countless school breaks he spent working with the Monji Landscape family business are moments he still remembers till this day.

But he admits that as a teen, the work was just that: work.

“When I was younger, I don’t think I appreciated all the knowl-

Bakersfield Life Magazine

April 2016

edge as much as I do now,” GundryMonji said.

After graduating from college in Southern California, the now 31year-old didn’t know what his next move was and decided to make the trip back to his hometown and work at the family business for a few months.

Months turned into six years and Gundry-Monji is now a design consultant.

He picked up on the ins and outs of the business quickly. And soon,

design and horticulture became his passion.

As a design consultant, GundryMonji meets with clients at their residences so that the brainstorming ideas can immediately start flowing.

“Everyone has a long wish list, so when we come in, we want to see how that list fits the design,” he said.

Homeowners who want to vamp up their backyard usually get inspiration for magazines. Gundry-Monji encourages people to look at different styles but said he tells his clients to

narrow their favorite looks to about 10.

It’s one thing to see a kitchen patio or chair in a magazine and another to see it in person and really love it, he added.

And that’s why at Monji Landscape in northwest Bakersfield, there is an array of displays where people can touch and see what plants, materials and patio furniture work for them.

As a designer, GundryMonji is well aware of the current drought the state is experiencing. But that doesn’t stop him from creating unique backyard landscapes.

If a client has an interest for a rose garden – roses typically require 1 inch of water per week – the recommendation would be to do a grouping of decorative pots with roses, so that it looks like there is a lot of them but not as many are actually used.

A big homeowner’s debate nowadays, Gundry-Monji said, is whether or not turf will be put in.

“I find that less turf actually gives you more functional space,” he said.

“You have better patios, bistro chairs, fire pits and just a better use of space.”

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Magnifique The leather used for this product has a distinctive character. The grainy texture, small scratches and color highlights are its stamps of authenticity and not imperfection. Sugardaddy’s, 5512 Stockdale Highway, 325-8300, facebook.com/sugardaddys.

Kamille Hughes Paint a platter for grandma!

Grandmothers deserve the best Mother’s Day gift of all! This adorable 18" footed bowl is sure to be a treasured family heirloom!

Paint yours today at Color Me Mine at The Marketplace, 9000 Ming Ave., 664-7366, bakersfield.colormemine.com

Farm Girls Vintage Finds 2113 Q St. Open Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. farmgirlsvintagefinds@yahoo.com 559-430-7816

Your colors sing!

During April, local plein-air painter Charlotte White will have a collection of her oil paintings of local iconic businesses, signs and landscapes at Dagny’s, 1600 20th St., and watercolor paintings at the Art Center, 1607 19th St. To contact the artist, call 330-2676.

Springtime with Brighton!

Offering a wide selection of handbags, accessories, watches, shoes and much more. Come discover the must-have accessories for all of your stylish spring adventures! Christine’s, 4915 Stockdale Highway, 834-3068.

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April 2016

Colonel Clawâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d

Tim Dobbs

Luisa Guzman Gomez

Carlee Meador

Bakersfield Condors

Distinctive Limousine & Chauffeur Service

East Bakersfield High School

Creative Financial Staffing

Garrett Pedersen

Monsignor Perry

Madison Ridley

Stockdale High School

Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church

Bakersfield High School

Tracey Tipton

David A. Torres

Majestic Properties

Law Offices of David A. Torres

877.314.7511 BakersfieldHyundai.com

Delta Kappa Gamma Educational Society, Alpha Alpha Chapter, reception Date: Feb. 25 Held at Cal State Bakersfield Photos by Susan Hall

Gayle Richardson, Lavonne Schultz and Cynthia Chase

Martha Novak, Margaret Crabtree, Denise Hollister, Cynthia Chase and Susan Hall

Sherry Bennett, Carolyn Christolear, Lvonne Schuetz, Kathy Suder and Dr. Helia Corral

Cynthia Chase, hattie Ricks, Lilit Yerijakyan and Sally Johnson

Dr. Janet Tarjan, Jody Miller, Dr. Horace Mitchell, Cynthia Chase and Elsie Mae Lukens

Dr. Kathleen Knudsen and Dr. Jenny Zorn-Provost

Katy Suder, Martha Novak, Margaret Crabtree, Carolyn Christolear, Dr. Horace Mitchell, Denise Hollister, Cynthia Chase and Dr. Janet Tarjan

877.314.7511 BakersfieldHyundai.com

Kern Unit of the California Trucking Association Lamb Fry

Frank Thomasy and Shaun Moore

Shiloh Smith and Alex, Ted and Pam Cummings

Lisa and Nem Lugo

Ryan Froehlich, Grant Kniffen and David Russell

Kerry and Jeff Thompson

Mike Spingola and Jeff Quick

Date: Feb. 25 Held at Wool Growers Restaurant Photos by Jan St Pierre

Brett Docksteader, Jim King and Brian DuBoise

Martin Crouch and Dalene Sarret

877.314.7511 BakersfieldHyundai.com

SPCA Furry Paws and Foggy Nights Date: Feb. 25 Held at The Petroleum Club Photos by Jan St Pierre

Pete Thrift, Marci Deiller and Ron LaValley

Kevin Charette and Cody Brutlag, Julie Johnson and Chuck Nordstrom Dawn Huettl, Tracey Castro and Deryle Kidner

Steven and Alisa Teglia

Chris and Elisa Huot

Chris and Elisa Huot 116

Bakersfield Life Magazine

Chris and Mallory Gerry

Michelle Roe, Laura Jones, Ruth Myers and Connie Crosby April 2016

877.314.7511 BakersfieldHyundai.com

Bob Elias Hall of Fame Date: Feb. 25 Held at Rabobank Theater and Convention Center Photos by Greg Nichols

Carly Maxwell and Lacey Coppolo

Claude Gilbert and Greg Kerr

George Culver, Karen Langston and Duane Williams

Bill Baker, Madellyn and Ed Davis

Wendel Musgrove and Spain Musgrove

Gloria and Gary Friedman

Dr. Will Flickinger, Janice Hodges White and Joan Flickinger

Lisa and Tony Lazzerini and Anabel Martinez

$

$

$

Bob Meadows, Brandon Hernandez, Lisa Boydstun, Katia Landis and Kevin Trihey bakersfieldlife.com

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877.314.7511 BakersfieldHyundai.com

CSUBâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hall of Fame Date: Feb. 20 Held at Bakersfield Country Club Photos by Carla Rivas

Chris Mynk and Jacqui Kitchen-Mynk

Jesse Sugarmann and Rebecca Weller

Bill Ryan and Dr. Jill Thayer

Mike Maggard Kay and John Alexander

Dr. Shanna Treanor and Dr. Fernando Fan

John and Kay Alexander, Victoria and John Trichell 118

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Melissa Watkins and Andrew Dominick

Jenny Zorn and Andy Copeland

Jeff and Jackie Flores

Barry and Teri Goldner and Jeff Green

877.314.7511 BakersfieldHyundai.com

A Night of Inspiration benefiting H.E.A.R.T.S. Connection Date: March 3 Held at The DoubleTree Hotel Photos by Carla Rivas

John and Edna Harbin

Karla and Rafael Martinez

Peggy Kasinger and Paul McEachern

Joanna McGuire and Robin Graham

Elva Darrett and Dian Schneider

Jacob and Tracy Brown

Frank and Iraida Delgado, Lora and Rebecca Reid

Rudy Iniguez and Nancy Chavez

Kelly Lank, Oz Sanchez and Susan Graham

Tatiana Gullane, Gabriela Ruelas and Leann Dunn bakersfieldlife.com

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877.314.7511 BakersfieldHyundai.com

Bakersfield Breakfast Lions Club Spaghetti Feed Date: Feb. 27 Held at Standard Elementary School Photos by Carla Rivas

Bill Ware and Bob Bivens

Kristen Chicca and Tamaira Leptich

Alyssa Massey, Raven Scott and Pyper Trent

Samantha Brady, Emily Geiger and Bridgitte Barrera

Shawnel McWilliams, Abree Bailey, Kyren Noble and Ava Willingham

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Trever and Shari Martinusen

SFIELD CALIF OR

2015

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Denise, Danny and Colby King

FAVORITE RE

19th & N Street, Downtown Bakersfield www.emporiumwesternstore.com 120

Bakersfield Life Magazine

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bakersfieldlife.com

121

People & Community

LAST WORD

Home makeover tips How to get top dollar for your home

By Mary Christenson

Start with enhancing curb appeal Check your driveway – concrete clean or stained?

Trim overgrown trees, plant color in flower beds, freshen up your entry with a new “welcome” entry mat.

Check your front door hardware – is it tarnished, or shiny new? Do your doors need staining, oiling or paint? Windows clean? Exterior light fixtures clean, all bulbs working?

Let’s step inside Lights on, chandeliers sparkling clean, check for odors – this can be a deal breaker. Charcoal helps absorb and eliminate smoke or stale smells – Febreze in the air conditioning return air filter. Pack and put away all the items that will distract a buyer from visualizing their own furnishings. This means all the family photos, knickknack collectibles, stacks of papers and clothes. Make a place for every thing and put everything in its place!

Kitchen and master baths are the most important rooms to a woman. And we know who makes the buying decision, right? Spend money to make money!

Kitchen appliances are of utmost importance. White

appliances faded to yellow? Mismatched? Replace with stainless steel.

Granite or updated countertops will always be a good investment to bring you a faster sale. Pantry storage is critical. Toss out all the canned goods with outdated expiration dates, organize sparsely; if you haven’t used it in six months, toss it. Clear away the countertop appliances – a fresh fruit bowl, a gardenia floating in a glass dish, cookies baking in the oven.

Create a clean, fresh ambiance that will be inviting, let the buyer visualize how they will cook and entertain in their new home.

Bedrooms need fresh-smelling linens. Freshen up and replace your pillows and bedding if it smells old.

This can make a huge difference. Clean white linens, white comforter folded back, fluffy pillows – how inviting! Put away all the medicine bottles – clear bathroom countertops.

Check your faucets, update your tarnished hardware, hide trash cans, put out your best towels. Eliminate all the bath rugs when showing your home. Tiled floors in baths are a strong preference over carpet.

It never hurts to check out your competition when thinking of putting your home on the market. One of my very best clients went to open houses for a year before putting her home on the market. She watched and learned how to present her home and when it was finally listed, it sold from the online photos within one weekend to an out-of-town buyer who was so impressed.

PHOTO BY ALEX HORVATH

I

n today’s real estate market, it’s important to know what makes a home not only warm and inviting, but to learn what’s important to a buyer to make them consider your home first and foremost on their list. Take the time to prepare your home.

It needs to be picture perfect. Make sure your realtor uses a professional photographer. A picture can be worth a thousand words.

You want your home to sparkle and shine. Clean and organize your closets, your pantry, linen closets, garage and laundry. Less “stuff” means more visual space – space for the new owner’s collections.

Mary Christenson

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Bakersfield Life Magazine

April 2016

Opinions expressed in this column are those of Mary Christenson.

Deals that only feel like a dream.

2016 CIVIC LX SEDAN

2016 ODYSSEY Special Edition

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Trust the Locally Owned Dealer who’s been Serving Kern County for 60 Years!

Barber Honda 4500 Wible Road

at the Entrance to the Bakersfield Auto Mall

AA

I V E R S A N R YY

www.barberhonda.com

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1955

2015

1-888-475-8958

On approval of credit through HFS. Offer ends 4/4/2016 See dealer for complete details.

Se Habla Español

LOCALLY OWNED