Bakersfield Life Magazine April 2020

TM

April 2020

www.bakersfieldlife.com

ETHNIC DIVERSITY ISSUE

Love & Life

The art of Chinese calligraphy

Last Word

Ethnic studies used as a portal for peace

$3.95

Dining with Dre Visits Vatos Tacos

Around the World in Kern County

Explore the different cultural festivals throughout the area

MR BREHMER IS THE ONLY CENTRAL CALIFORNIA DUI ATTORNEY

to be a three straight year selection to the Southern California Super Lawyers Rising Star list (top 2 ½% of lawyers in California) and is recognized as one of Southern California’s “Top Attorneysâ€? as published in Los Angeles Magazine.

He is honored to be designated an “ACS-CHAL Forensic Lawyer-Scientist� by the American Chemical Society having obtained the highest student score on the examination among all California lawyers.

PRIOR TO BEING RECOGNIZED as California’s Top Lawyer-Scientist,

Mr. Brehmer received specialized training and further education in standardized

gas exchange, and is the only Kern County Defense attorney to be trained in drug recognition examinations. He is routinely asked to consult with both private and public attorneys throughout the country on issues of toxicology and pharmacology.

MR. BREHMER IS HONORED TO have presented multiple times to the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, the American Chemical Society, state and local public defender associations across the country, state defense bar conferences, law schools, and others associated with the forensic and legal community.

ACS-CHAL FORENSIC LAWYER-SCIENTIST

JEREMY BREHMER FELLOW AAFS In February 2016 Mr. Brehmer was recognized by the President of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences for his substantial contribution to the Academy.

WWW.BREHMERLAW.COM | 447-4DUI www.brehmerlaw.com

American Academy of Forensic Sciences annual meeting in Florida.

CO-AUTHOR OF SIX BOOKS

to other publications and those in process Mr. Brehmer has authored chapters about forensic science in criminal cases, search and seizure, pharmacology, drug detection limits, and discovery in several Aspatore/Thomson Reuters books. He is a contributing author on a blood alcohol analysis for West publishers, the co-author of the feature article for the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers publication, the Champion, and is co-editor/author of Medicolegal Aspects of

 �� � �  ­

AS A DIRECTOR AND COMMITTEE CHAIR for the national DUI Defense � € ‚ƒ „ … believer that a rising tide lifts all boats. It is for this reason that he dedicates much of

Â…

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STAFF

TM

April 2020

www.bakersfieldlife.com

ETHNIC DIVERSITY ISSUE

Love & Life

The art of Chinese calligraphy

Last Word

Ethnic studies used as a portal for peace

$3.95

Dining with Dre Visits Vatos Tacos

Bakersfield’s Premier City Magazine April 2020 / Vol. 14 / Issue 8 Bakersfield Life™ Magazine is published by The Bakersfield Californian

What is your favorite local ethnic festival to attend?

Publisher

“The annual Basque Picnic, where old friends reunite in celebration of the rich Basque culture that helps define our community. The food, the dancing and camaraderie easily transport you back to the western Pyrenees, home of some of my ancestors. Ez galdu!”

— Lisa Kimble, contributing writer

Cliff Chandler

Around the World in Kern County

Explore the different cultural festivals throughout the area

On the Cover

Advertising Sales Manager Jesse Dillon Editor Mark Nessia

A participant of the Tejon Tribe Pow Wow performs at CSUB. Powwows are gatherings to celebrate Native American culture.

Specialty Publications Designer Julie Mana-ay Perez Specialty Publications Intern

— Photo Courtesy of Archer Inspired Photography

Emerald Guthridge Photography Nina Ha, Alex Horvath, Julie Mana-ay Perez, Mark Nessia, Greg Nichols, Carla

Coming up next …

Rivas, Rod Thornburg

Best Of Issue

Contributing Writers Maude Campbell, Anna Marie Frank,

Advertise, contact Jesse

Dillon at jdillon@bakersfield.com or 661-395-7503.

SHARES

Alex Garzaro, Nina Ha, Lisa Kimble, Stephen Lynch, Jorge Moraga, Julie Plata, Andrea Saavedra

Subscribe

to Bakersfield Life Magazine for your home or office, go to www.tbcoffers. com/deal/blifeintro.

“Every time Philippine Weekend comes around, I’m reminded of the culture and community my family comes from.”

— Julie Mana-ay Perez, specialty publications designer “I love the traditional Chinese New Year lion dance by Golden Lion Studios, complete with cabbage throwing and thundering drums at the annual Bakersfield Chinese Women’s Club banquet!”

— Nina Ha, contributing writer “I am a huge fan of the Sister City Gardens Festival. It’s a sensory overload, with an abundance of color, music, dances and performances, food and activities, that is as educational as it is entertaining.”

— Mark Nessia, editor

Partner with us

for your next event. Email Mark Nessia at mnessia@bakersfield.com or call 661-395-7383 for more information.

Connect with us – www.bakersfieldlife.com facebook.com/BakersfieldLifeMagazine Instagram/bakersfield_life twitter.com/BakersfieldLife

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Bakersfield Life Magazine

April 2020

We want to hear from you – Send comments or letters to the editor to Mark Nessia at mnessia@bakersfield. com. Please include name, city and phone number. We reserve the right to edit letters for clarity and to excerpt them.

Contact us – 3700 Pegasus Dr. Bakersfield, CA 93308 661-395-7500

FEATURES 44 40 | Around the World in Kern County Part of what makes Kern County great is that it is a melting pot comprised of different cultures and ethnicities. Around the World in Kern County features a list of cultural events and festivals celebrated in Bakersfield and the surrounding area.

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Bakersfield Life Magazine

April 2020

APRIL 2020

CONTENTS

58

64 Up Front

8 Editor’s Note 9 The Big Picture 10 What’s Happening 12 On the Web 14 Calendar

Eat & Drink

20

18 Dining with Dre 20 Bites 24 Where We’re Eating 26 Best Thing We Ate This Month

Lifestyles

30 Pastimes 32 Love & Life 33 The Marketplace

Go & Do

36 Trip Planner

Healthy Living

40 Let’s Get Physical 42 Peace of Mind

People & Community 58 Bakersfield Matters 60 Our Town 62 History 64 Personality 66 All-Star Roundup 68 SNAP! 74 Last Word

30 www.BakersfieldLife.com

7

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visit us at: www.agapemtgco.com

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Sierra Pacific Mortgage Company, Inc. dba Agape Mortgage NMLS #1788.

Licensed in California by the Department of Business Oversight under the Residential Mortgage Lending Act #417-0015.

8

Bakersfield Life Magazine

April 2020

The only thing predictable about life is its unpredictability.

Had I written this a week ago, there would be a noticeable change in subject, tone and direction. Oh the difference a few days can make.

There’s no denying the impact COVID-19, otherwise known as the new coronavirus, has had on communities around the world. As of now, events and other large public gatherings are being postponed or canceled, businesses are limiting services or temporarily closing their doors, and social distancing has become the preferred practice to prevent the spread of illness.

How long this continues to be the norm, only time will tell. With that said, there is no guarantee that the events featured in this issue will take place. As frustrating as that may be, we need to remember that it’s better to endure a little inconvenience now to avoid more severe complications further down the road.

After all, this affects all of us.

That’s life for you. We may not be able to control what happens, but we can control how we handle ourselves in the aftermath. After all, life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you respond to it.

We can sit in isolation and sulk or we can remember that there’s still so much life to be lived during these difficult and scary times. We can prioritize selfpreservation or we can extend a helping hand to those who need it. We shouldn’t let fear or worry prevent us from making the most of the situation or keep us from treating each other like human beings.

Kindness is also contagious, so let’s

spread as much of it as we can for that transcends distance and separation.

How we respond to something typically reflects our views on the world around us. Do you see the glass as half full or half empty?

The cancellation of sporting events, festivals and the like can be a hindrance on one’s social life, but it can also be an opportunity for quality personal time with friends and family. Additional time at home can be turned into an opportunity to reconnect with one’s self, tackle those household tasks we’ve been neglecting or just get some much-needed rest.

But it can be hard to stay optimistic when so much of what’s going on can easily be seen as negative. That’s why we need to be there for one another. Those with half-full glasses can help fill the half-empty ones so we all have enough to drink during the drought.

Like all things, this too shall pass.

Through adversity, we unite. So stay safe, stay healthy and let’s continue to take care of ourselves and each other.

Mark Nessia Editor 661-395-7383 mnessia@bakersfield.com

THE 661

T h e B i g P i c t u re / W h a t ’s H a p p e n i n g / O n t h e We b / C a l e n d a r

KINDNESS: PASS IT ON

Brookdale Riverwalk resident Betty Newman, 94, shares a carnation with Haley Zavala in celebration of Random Acts of Kindness Day at California State University, Bakersfield.

PHOTO BY ALEX HORVATH

www.BakersfieldLife.com

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THE 661

What’s Happening

Due to recent circumstances, some events featured in the April issue of Bakersfield Life Magazine are subject to change. For up-to-date information, go to www.bakersfield.com.

ROCK STAR BEER TO HOST WIZARDS AND WITCHES BEER FESTIVAL

Rock Star Beer Festival summons all witches and wizards in Bakersfield as they host Wizards and Witches Beer Festival on April 17 held at the Elements Venue, 3401 Chester Ave., #Ste H, at 6:30 p.m. The magical and mischievous night will feature over 20 beers to taste, a photo booth, food and live music from the Slyther Sisters and DJ DumbleID. Guests must be 21 and over and are encouraged to wear their best Harry Potter inspired costumes.

Tickets are $37.74. For more information, visit. www.eventbrite.com.

THE DAVID MARCUS THUMBS UP FOUNDATION HOSTS GOLF TOURNAMENT AT RIVERLAKES GOLF COURSE The David Marcus Thumbs Up Foundation hosts its first golf tournament at The Links at RiverLakes Ranch on April 25 benefiting its scholarship recipients. Check-in begins at 6:30 a.m. and shotgun starts at 8 a.m. The deadline for early registration is April 11 and is $100 per person and $400 for a team of four. The tournament includes a cart, green fees, lunch, opportunity drawings, prizes, raffles, gifts for each golfer and a hole-in-one contest. For more information, visit www.davidmarcusthumbsup.com.

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Bakersfield Life Magazine

April 2020

QUINCEANERA EXPO AND FASHION SHOW HELD AT FAIRGROUNDS Bakersfield welcomes the Quinceanera.com Expo & Fashion Show, which will take place on Sunday, April 5, at noon. The event will be held at the Kern County Fairgrounds.

This free event will provide a perfect opportunity for mingling and marketing; where one can show off their party-planning skills or gather creative ideas to throw a party of their own. Participants can shop for dresses, look for venues, invitations, party favors and so much more. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

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The shrimp tacos are wonderful. ~ Richard W. Always awesome food! ~ Aimee H.

WORTH EVERY SAND DOLLAR www.BakersfieldLife.com

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THE 661

On the Web @BakersfieldLifeMagazine

@Bakersfield_Life

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ETHNIC CUISINE TO EAT IN TOWN?

We asked, you answered on social media! Make sure to follow us to participate in our reader callouts for a chance to win prizes and be featured in the magazine!

Mariane McLucas Reyes Mexican, from street taco stands to Mexicali.

Jared Pearson Basque is the best. Wool Growers for sure!!

Amy Carrillo Bakersfield has some great Indian food!

Cassie Rector Mexican!! Delicious tasty food. I love it all, especially tacos!

Beverly Martin Soul food at J’s Place on Calloway and Rosedale.

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Bakersfield Life Magazine

April 2020

THE 661

Calendar

EVENTS IN

APRIL

Powered by

Find more community events at www.bakersfield.com/events.

Post your event there or submit via email to bakersfieldlife@ bakersfield.com.

Due to recent circumstances, some events featured in the April issue of Bakersfield Life Magazine are subject to change. For up-to-date information, go to www.bakersfield.com.

April 1

The Office! A Musical Parody, 6:30 p.m.

What: Right Angle Entertainment brings “The Office” to Bakersfield in an off-Broadway show.

Where: The Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater, 2001 H St. Admission: $29–$49 More Info: www.eventbrite. com

April 4

Easter Fest 2020, 10 a.m.

What: The Raider Crusaders hosts a free Easter egg hunt. The event will feature a barbecue and picnic.

Guests must bring an Easter basket for a local foster child.

Where: Stramler Park, 4003 Chester Ave. Admission: Free More Info: www.eventbrite. com World Autism Day Party, 2 p.m.

What: Special Explorers Center hosts a World Autism Day party for the public. The event will include food, games, raffles and vendor booths. Guests are encouraged to wear blue, puzzle pieces or team shirts for a chance to win a prize.

Where: Mondavi Park, 601 Mondavi Way Admission: Free 14

Bakersfield Life Magazine

The Spring Village Flea features various vendors that offer antiques, collectibles, art and more.

More Info: www.eventbrite. com

April 11

2020 Mission Possible 5K, 8 a.m.

What: The Mission at Kern County hosts its Mission Possible 5K run. The run will serve hot pancakes and sausages for breakfast, provide participant medals and chip timers.

Where: California Living Museum, 10500 Alfred Harrell Highway Admission: Pre-registration is $30, late registration is April 2020

$35.

More Info: www.runsignup. com

April 16

Tribute to Johnny Cash Staring Philip Bauer, 7 p.m.

What: Singer and songwriter Philip Bauer pays a tribute to Johnny Cash by performing some of his greatest hits.

Where: Bakersfield Music Hall of Fame, 2230 Q St. Admission: $35—$40 More Info: 661-864-1701

April 17

Wizards and Witches Beer

The Mac and Cheese Fest returns to Bakersfield.

Festival, 6:30 p.m.

What: Join all wizards and witches turn Bakersfield into a wizarding verse of

wonders with magic, debauchery and mischief. The event will feature tastings of over 20 magical beers, photo ops, food and live music from the Slyther Sisters and DJ DumbelD. Where: Elements Venue, 3401 Chester Ave., Suite H Admission: $35 More Info: www.eventbrite. com

April 18

The Mac and Cheese Fest 2020, 2 p.m.

What: AGM Community Partners present its seventh annual Mac and Cheese Fest. The event will feature mac and cheese bites from over 30 of Bakersfield’s chefs and eateries, beer, wine and seltzers. Guests can enjoy music, games and a photo booth.

Where: CSUB Stockdale Highway Soccer Fields, 9001 Stockdale Highway Admission: $40–$100 More Info: www.eventbrite. com Kern CWA 6th Annual Basque Crawl, 4:30 p.m.

What: Join Kern County California Women for Agriculture as they host their sixth annual Basque Crawl.

The event will begin with drinks at Pyrenees, then the Noriega Hotel for dinner, wine, a drawing and a silent auction.

Where: Noriega Hotel, 525 Sumner St. Admission: $60 More Info: Email kerncountycwa@gmail.com

April 19

2020 Mega Adoption Event, 10:30 a.m.

What: Join Kern County Animal Services for their 4th annual family fun event that highlights Kern County’s adoptable pets. The event will feature fun, games and food. Guests are welcome to bring their furry friends.

Where: Stramler Park, 3805 Chester Ave. Admission: Free More Info: 661-868-7100 Spring Village Flea, 8 a.m.

What: Kern County Museum and In Your Wildest Dreams Consignment & Antiques hosts a family friendly marketplace, which will feature vendors of antiques, collectibles, vintage clothes, arts and local artisan goods.

The event will also feature music, food and fun.

Where: Kern County Museum, 3801 Chester Ave. Admission: $5 per person, children 12 and under are free.

More Info: www.kerncountymuseum.org

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April 23

Bakersfield Women’s Business Conference, 7 a.m.

What: The Bakersfield Women’s Business Conference host its 31st annual event that will include a networking breakfast, breakout workshop sessions, a luncheon with keynote speaker Jillian Michaels and closing speaker Anthony Robles, a national wrestling champion.

Where: Mechanics Bank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. Admission: $30–$350 More Info: www.bakersfieldwomen.org

April 25

Franco Escamilla, 7 p.m.

What: Comic and musician Franco Escamilla comes to Bakersfield to showcase his stand-up comedy through sarcastic, rough, sour touch humor that characterized his artistic career.

Where: The Historic Bakersfield Fox Theatre, 2001 H St. Admission: $59—$125 More Info: www.eventbrite. com

April 30

Kake Walker rainbow Unicorn cake class, 6 p.m.

What: Join Kake Walker in this fun and educational cake decorating class.

Where: Senor Pepe's Mexican Restaurant, 8450 Granite Falls Drive Admission: $45 More Info: www.eventbrite. com

themccartygroup.com 661.665.SOLD (7653) www.BakersfieldLife.com

15

Open Nominations THROUGH APRIL 12 The 20 Under 40 feature selects 20 locals who are under the age of 40 and are considered trailblazers in his or her professional career or schooling and known for giving back to our community in special ways.

Winners will be honored in our July issue and at a special get-together.

TO NOMINATE: Visit bakersfield.com/bakersfield-life/20-under-40/ and click on the 20 Under 40 button between March 9 and April 12.

If you have any questions, contact Mark Nessia at mnessia@bakersfield.com.

EAT & DRINK

D i n i n g w i t h D re / B i t e s / W h e re We ’ re E a t i n g / B e s t T h i n g We At e T h i s M o n t h

FOR THE LOVE OF TACOS

Shredded beef birria tacos from Vatos Tacos. Birria is a Mexican dish originally made with goat meat, but is also made with beef, veal, lamb or pork. It is often served with sauce for dipping.

Read more on Page 18.

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

www.BakersfieldLife.com

17

E AT & D R I N K

Dining with Dre

The Vato burger features a housemade patty on a bed of lettuce topped with guacamole, bacon, cheese and jalapeno poppers.

VATOS TACOS

A SIT-DOWN EXPERIENCE THAT DOESN’T COMPROMISE THE FOOD TRUCK’S LEGACY

By Andrea Saavedra

Parlaying the success of a food truck into a stationary restaurant isn’t a walk in the park and doesn’t guarantee that it will be a slam dunk. But Vatos Tacos is proof that Bakersfield customers will follow food from the west side to the east side for a sit-down experience that doesn’t compromise the taco fantasy experience they had at the truck.

Dining curbside from a food truck is something everyone should experience at some point, especially if you consider yourself an “epicurious” foodie. So when I met my husband and his co-worker at the Vatos Tacos truck on their lunch break and I smelled the wonders of al pastor in the air, I knew I was about to have another truck on my list of “go-to” spots in town.

I ordered their mulita, a wonderful mini quesadilla filled with al pastor, tons of melty cheese, onions and cilantro topped with pickled onions. As I chowed down, I 18

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April 2020

was raving about every bite, relaying my every thought of every bite. My husband’s co-worker then asked me if I’ve been to the Vatos Tacos cantina, their brick-and-mortar location.

“Um, no!” I replied. I mean, I’m “Dining with Dre.” How did I not know about this place? I knew I had to dine there ASAP. Fast-forward to earlier this month, where I dragged my editor to have lunch with me at Vatos Tacos Grill & Cantina, nestled in northeast Bakersfield, right off Highway 178.

As soon as I opened the door I knew it was going to be a good time. The same smells of the truck filled the cantina, bringing back memories of my mulita experience.

The music overhead took me back to the late ’90s, with the sounds of Michael Jackson and Biggie complete with Chicano and Dia de los Muertos art on the walls.

When I skimmed the menu, it did not disappoint. Vatos Tacos’ menu consists of Mexican-style street food with a modern twist, sugarcoated with family recipes from the PHOTOS BY MARK NESSIA

The sampler platter features bacon-wrapped shrimp, chicken flautas, bacon-wrapped jalapenos, chili verde and housemade chips.

owner. I love a good restaurant with a WEB EXCLUSIVE family foundation.

I tried the Go to www.bakersfieldlife.com to Vato burger, tacos see what Dre thought about the birdorados de birria, ria tacos. And don’t forget to follow the sampler platter her on Instagram @diningwithdre_. and, of course, the mulita. I HAD to have it again! The Vato burger is not for the faint of heart and is pretty darn delicious — a housemade patty on a bed of lettuce topped with guacamole, bacon, cheese and jalapeno poppers. Just make sure to ask for a fork and knife on the side when you order this bad boy.

Vatos Tacos’ sampler appetizer platter is not your average or traditional Mexican platter. Move over chips and dip and make way for bacon-wrapped shrimp, bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers, loaded chicken taquitos and chili verde. After trying all the items on the platter while I sipped on their signature mango mule, I was in heaven. And pretty full.

But I still had to relive my mulita experience! The true test of this whole experience was if the cantina mulita stood up to the truck’s mulita. As it was served in front of me, with the cheese still bubbling from the flat-top grill, the same aroma filled my nose. As I took the first bite, it transported me back to that hot summer day sitting in the parking lot of the Vatos Tacos truck. I felt silly for even questioning the comparison between the truck and the cantina.

One thing about Vatos Tacos to keep in mind is that it’s not your average Mexican restaurant. If you’re looking for a simple bean and cheese burrito or chicken tacos, turn around and go to Mexicali — you won’t find that here.

What you will find is a fun family oriented and family owned restaurant that takes traditional flavors to the next level for a melt-in-yourmouth experience that will keep you Andrea Saavedra coming back for more.

The mulita consists of two crispy tortillas filled with your choice of meat, onion, cilantro, guacamole, salsa, housemade red sauce and melted cheese.

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FOOD & DRINK

Bites

Ethnic Cuisine oy Vicer n India & ne Cuisi Bar

Chicken makhani The chicken makhani at Viceroy Indian Cuisine & Bar is packed with flavor, creamy and rich. The dish is a clay-oven-baked boneless chicken cooked in rich tomato butter cream sauce. Viceroy gives its customers the option to order their plates mild, medium or hot. It also comes with a side of basmati rice, but customers have the choice to choose between jeera rice, kashmiri pulao, veg pulao, lemon rice or spinach tomato rice. The best part of the 20

Bakersfield Life Magazine

April 2020

dish is the sauce — it’s savory, sweet and a little tangy.

Pair with garlic naan to enjoy an additional sensation of flavors running across your taste buds.

Viceroy Indian Cuisine & Bar 10650 Stockdale Highway, Suite 100 661-564-9621

PHOTO BY JULIE MANA-AY PEREZ

FOOD & DRINK

Bites

Mama Roomba

Shrimp skillet Mama Roomba is a Caribbean restaurant featuring authentic Caribbean cuisine tapas style.

Mama Roomba’s soul-style shrimp skillet was full of buttery and savory goodness served with a side of aroz blanco. The shrimp was only plated with Mama Roomba’s creamy sauce but that’s all you need to satisfy your PHOTO BY JULIE MANA-AY PEREZ

hunger. Don’t forget to try Mama Roomba’s corn and cheese empanadas. They’re stuffed with ricotta cheese, diced bell peppers and corn, then deep-fried to perfection.

Mama Roomba 1814 Eye St. 661-322-3262 www.BakersfieldLife.com

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FOOD & DRINK

Bites

L ine p p i l Phi ine Cuis

Two-item combo with barbecue chicken skewers and pork adobo When it comes to Asian cuisine, Filipino food is always the bridesmaid, never the bride. Chinese, Japanese and Korean usually steal the spotlight, leaving little to no room for their forgotten friend. It’s true that Filipino food differs from other Asian cuisines and people have a tendency to avoid the unknown. But that just means they’re missing out. L Philippine Cuisine serves up traditional Filipino dishes, from staples like pancit and pork adobo, to less common fare, like sisig, 22

Bakersfield Life Magazine

April 2020

which is made from parts of pig head and chicken liver.

A “safe” introduction to Filipino cuisine would be a two-item combo with barbecue chicken skewers and pork adobo, whose salty-sour flavor profile is a good indication of what Filipino food is all about.

L Philippine Cuisine 704 Oak St., Suite A 661-864-7730 PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

FOOD & DRINK

Bites

Athena’s Greek Cafe

Chicago-style gyro Athena’s Greek Cafe serves up a variety of authentic Greek cuisine, which features traditional dishes like gyros, pitas, Greek salads, burgers and pastries. The Chicago-style gyro at Athena’s contains seasoned beef and lamb, tomatoes, red onions, is topped with tzatziki (a Greek cucumber yogurt sauce) and is all wrapped in your choice of white or wheat pita bread. From there, customers can make their plate a combo for $3.59, adding your choice of sides — rice pilaf, feta french fries, roasted potatoes or a salad.

Athena’s Greek Cafe 1901 20th St., Suite B 661-800-5322 9612 Flushing Quail Road, Suite 202 661-588-2324 PHOTO BY JULIE MANA-AY PEREZ

www.BakersfieldLife.com

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FOOD & DRINK

Where We’re Eating

Captain G’s Soul Food Kitchen If you make your way to Captain G’s Soul Food Kitchen, a newly opened restaurant, be prepared to sift through a menu full of tempting options.

Their menu offers an array of Southern food favorites like fried chicken, pork chops, barbecue ribs, catfish, shrimp and pork chops. It also comes with a choice of side like mac and cheese, fried okra, yams, chili beans or potato salad. Add a waffle or an extra side of protein on their a la carte menu

for $2.25–$3.75. Captain G’s fried chicken plate was served with three large pieces of tender and well-seasoned chicken sided with mac and cheese, cornbread and a savory waffle.

This is a place where the food speaks for itself.

— Julie Mana-ay Perez, specialty publications designer Captain G’s Soul Food Kitchen 1201 Chester Ave. 661-748-1567

La Tapatia Mexican Grill Searching for a place to satisfy your craving for an authentic Mexican meal? Well La Tapatia Mexican Grill has you covered. This hidden gem offers a wide variety of hearty meals, from breakfast, lunch and dinner to appetizers and sides. There’s a little something for everyone. Patrons have the option of ordering full meals and plates or simply going a la carte. Experience a house specialty such as the kip enchiladas. A gathering of bold flavors such as

deliciously seasoned chicken and chili relleno sauce inside of a soft tortilla and topped with their smooth chili verde sauce and jack cheese. Each of the meals comes with a side of rice and beans; sure to keep you full, satisfied and coming back for more.

— Emerald Guthridge, specialty publications intern La Tapatia Mexican Grill 1015 N. Chester Ave. 661-393-7388

Hot Pot Spot Bakersfield has no shortage of variety when it comes to dining options.

But every once in a while, a new player joins the game and introduces something different. Enter Hot Pot Spot, Bakersfield’s first hot pot restaurant. Originating in China, hot pot centers around hot broth that is accompanied by a mixture of vegetables and proteins, like thinly sliced pork, beef, lamb and chicken. The hot pot experience varies from restaurant to restaurant, 24

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April 2020

with some bringing out raw ingredients that are cooked in the pot. Hot Pot Spot, however, serves its dishes fully cooked and kept piping hot on a heating plate. But that doesn’t take away from a truly unique communal dining experience that begs guests to share and enjoy.

— Mark Nessia, editor Hot Pot Spot 1525 18th St. 661-742-1808

FOOD & DRINK

Best Thing We Ate This Month

CORNERSTONE BAKERY’S PEANUT BUTTER FROSTING

Each month, something delicious captures the attention of the Bakersfield Life Magazine staff. This time around, it was Cornerstone Bakery’s peanut butter buttercream frosting. Peanut butter tends to be thick and heavy, but Cornerstone Bakery has managed to create something that’s airy and light, yet still packed with peanut butter flavor.

Try it on a chocolate cupcake — a classic combination — or try the peanut butter patty cupcake consisting of a vanilla bean cake topped with peanut butter buttercream frosting that’s then dipped in chocolate, which gives it a satisfying crunch. If that sounds too fancy, try a “scrap cup,” which contains all the goodness of the cupcakes minus the theatrics.

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Bakersfield Life Magazine

April 2020

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

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LIFESTYLES Pastimes /

L o v e & L i fe / T h e M a r ke t p l a c e

MAESTRO, TAKE THE LEAD Sequoia Middle School Advanced Band Director Joshua Barr conducts his students during the judging portion of the 14th Annual Junior High and Middle School Band and Orchestra Festival at the Bakersfield College Edward Simonsen Performing Arts Center's Indoor Theater.

PHOTO BY ALEX HORVATH

www.BakersfieldLife.com

29

LIFESTYLES

Pastimes

TAKE TO THE SKIES

RC PLANES PROVIDE BUDGET-FRIENDLY ESCAPE FOR THEIR PILOTS

By Mark Nessia

There’s a literal buzz in the air on the corner of Highland Knolls Drive and Vineland Road, across from Dr. Douglas K. Fletcher Elementary School. In the distance, two small objects can be seen in the sky, ascending, descending, rocketing in straight lines, circling, looping and hovering — the hum of their propellers breaking the silence of what is otherwise a peaceful morning.

For Jonathan Perrette and Scott Reese, it’s just another day on the joysticks of their remote-control airplanes.

“It’s relaxing,” Perrette, 34, said,

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April 2020

who tries to fly at least once a week.

“I come out here and not worry about my job, bills, whatever you have in your life. You can do whatever you want, fly in any direction.”

Perrette has been flying RC planes for 16 years, a natural evolution from driving RC cars when he was 12 years old. He ultimately got Reese into planes.

“I like (flying planes) because I used to race RC cars and every time we race, it’s like $30–$40,” Reese, 32, said. “Here, we charge the batteries, we’re not spending anything. Once you buy the plane, it’s just free.”

The entry level and cost of maintenance for RC planes is considerably lower than some of its other

remote-control counterparts. Reese, who’s about two months into flying planes, says he’s crashed his plane three times, snapping it in half once, and it only cost him $35 in parts.

But like most hobbies, it can get real pricey real fast.

“Some people fly actual turbine-powered jets that use kerosene fuel and they’re $10,000–$15,000,” Perrette said. “These are a lot cheaper.”

The planes Perrette and Reese use are made with expanded polyolefin foam, which can be glued back together if it breaks, and require very little maintenance. They are powered by electric motors and controlled by controllers that have a long range.

PHOTOS BY MARK NESSIA

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Jonathan Perrette and Scott Reese stand with their RC planes near the corner of Highland Knolls Drive and Vineland Road.

A complete setup with the plane, radio, battery and charger can run about $350. Batteries typically last about five minutes but charge in 20 minutes. Perrette’s setup utilizes three batteries in a constant rotation, resulting in very little downtime.

Perrette and Reese do most of their shopping locally at Doug’s Hobbies in downtown Bakersfield and recommend flying RC planes for all ages. “Unless you crash significantly, the cost is all initial and it really doesn’t cost you anything to fly after that,� he said.

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31

LIFESTYLES

Love & Life

THE ART OF

CHINESE CALLIGRAPHY

Richard Liu

By Nina Ha

Manuel Ponce’s quintessential Mexican tune “Estrellita” plays like a soundtrack of life while a man with silver locks and a self-assured smile examines his artistic effects.

A roll of cardboard window shade is sprawled out across an elongated dining table, its ridged peaks serving as a canvas to traditional Chinese calligraphy. It’s a practice centuries old, which the mastery of could arguably take equally long.

The deliberative scribe is my father, Richard Liu. As long as I can remember, he’s been asked by neighbors, friends and dignitaries to create art with words. Sometimes, it’s written with a brush dipped in gold and glitter on thick red ribbon for a prestigious celebration. Other times, it’s a contemplative poem in bold black ink across an entire wall in someone’s living room.

My father’s latest project is a wall scroll for my in-laws to bless their new home. It’s from a famous poem about the different seasons we all go through in life.

Loosely translated, it means: “Spring has hundreds of flowers blossoming Autumn has the moon Summer has cool breezes Winter has snow If you have no worries, that is the best life.”

As I studied my father at work, I noticed complete immersion in his craft. After creating his own ink by grinding an inkstick against an inkstone with water, he dips his brush and begins. As his fluid motions dance in rhythm to the music, he is in his element.

My dad was born in Taiwan in a small countryside town in 1948, but he’s not your average 71-year-old. He has long hair, is 32

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April 2020

often mistaken for an Indian chief and dresses like a rock star.

As a young man, my father loved reading and learning.

However, my grandfather was a strict farmer who forbade what he believed to be frivolous luxuries, given the large daily workload. At night, Dad would capture fireflies in a jar so he could secretly read books under the covers.

He enjoyed school, where he learned the art of calligraphy.

Like music, it is a passion that transcends space and time for him, allowing for new experiences and creations each time he plays his instruments or puts brush to paper.

My father says: “Calligraphy is a living, breathing art form.

Based on the environment, how you’re feeling that day and various other elements, the finished work is completely different from day to day.”

In this technology-driven world, he says many people have forgotten the lost art of writing. He encourages everyone to preserve their own oral and written cultural and ancestral traditions for future generations.

For my dad, the heart of artistry lies in the act of giving.

He believes: “As long as I’m still alive, I can help people. If someone wants my art, I can give it to them. If they like it, that makes me happy.”

And seeing my father enjoying his art, music and life makes me happy.

I believe that God created us all with unique gifts to offer. And when we share those talents with the world, we will unite our purpose and passion, cueing our own inimitable tune in the soundtrack of our lives.

Opinions expressed in this column are those of Nina Ha.

Nina Ha & Dad PHOTOS BY NINA HA

LIFESTYLES

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33

GO & DO Tr i p P l a n n e r

Due to recent circumstances, some April events, like Scottish Games and Gathering, Crab Fest, Kern Creatives Artist Showcase and STEMposium, have been canceled or postponed. For up-to-date information, go to www.bakersfield.com.

A TASTE OF DENMARK

Solvang offers all of the old-fashioned things some people love, like shops and the architecture surrounding the Santa Ynez Valley.

Visitors can find chef-driven restaurants, wine and experience Danish culture. Read more on Page 36.

PHOTO BY JULIE MANA-AY PEREZ

www.BakersfieldLife.com

35

GO & DO

Trip Planner

All of Solvang's architecture is Danish and Scandinavian inspired.

LITTLE DENMARK

IMMERSE IN DANISH CULTURE IN CALIFORNIA

By Julie Mana-ay Perez

Surrounded by the Santa Ynez Valley hills, Solvang is a gem for tourists and weekend travelers alike. Solvang is a little town in Santa Barbara County with a European reputation. Solvang’s main attraction is the town’s European culture and architecture, from shops to restaurants, it’s all built Danish style.

THINGS TO DO Tourists can easily walk through Solvang within a couple hours, excluding the time spent at the many different shops. Solvang offers a variety of boutiques, antique shops, art galleries and the famous Copenhagen House.

Solvang also has many museums, like Elverhoj Museum of History & Art, which displays Solvang’s history, Vikings and works created by local artists; the Wilding Museum, which showcases nature through art while promoting wildlife conservation; and the Great Hall of the Danes and the Amber Museum, which features Danish Viking history, antiques and artifacts.

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April 2020

THINGS TO EAT Solvang is also known for its wineries and cuisine.

Solvang Restaurant serves a combination of Danish and American food while giving its customers a Scandinavian feel. Solvang Restaurant’s popular dish is the traditional aebleskiver, a delicious Danish jelly-filled donut topped with powdered sugar and raspberry jam. Visitors come in and out the door just to order this Danish dessert. Customers can even order it with a side of vanilla ice cream.

One of many wineries in Solvang is Sevtap Tasting Room, with its handcrafted Bordeaux-style blends. Sevtap Tasting Room has an intimate space, inside and out, allowing its guests to feel welcome. A traditional wine served in Solvang is glogg, which is a mulled, hot wine popular in areas like Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark. The taste of glogg is sweet, spicy and makes you feel warm, making this beverage perfect for cold weather days.

Nestled in the heart of Solvang in the Petersen Village Square is Mortensen’s Danish Bakery, where they sell Denmark’s favorite pastries. Mortensen’s Danish Bakery carries a legacy in Solvang, creating authentic, traditional recipes that feature flaky pastries, all-butter shortbread, PHOTO BY JULIE MANA-AY PEREZ

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and real whipped cream napoleons and chocolate eclairs. Mortensen’s cream puff is filled with a sweet cream filling in between a crispy, golden puff and topped with chocolate. Order your pastries with Mortensen’s latte and tea, which come perfect enough to sip and stroll through the rest of Solvang.

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39

H E A LT H Y L I V I N G

Let's Get Physical

SIMPLE MINDSET SHIFTS THAT WILL HELP YOU LOSE WEIGHT

By Alex Garzaro

We tend to dread the idea of weight loss because we associate it with being difficult and a lot of work. Sure, it can be, depending on how you look at it.

You already have so much going on — kids’ soccer practice, work, cooking meals for the family, etc. By the time you even think of working on your weight loss, you feel so overwhelmed by it that it feels like, “Why bother?” I get it. But losing weight doesn’t have to be stressful or overwhelming. Weight loss is as much of a mental battle as it is a physical one, so it’s time to shift your perspective.

You look in the mirror and pick your body apart — “If only my stomach were flatter and my legs were more toned.” You step on the scale and feel disappointed.

Your clothes no longer fit you the way they did when you bought them, so you feel discouraged. The stress 40

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April 2020

of knowing you have allowed yourself to get to this point starts to increase cortisol in your body, causing you to turn to your comfort foods and activities like binge-watching Netflix to help reduce your stress.

Numerous studies have proven that increased cortisol levels, in combination with increased insulin levels, will increase the intake of high-fat and sugary foods, which is why you are turning to your favorite foods instead of weight loss activity. This is what we in the fitness industry call the spiral effect. You are stuck maintaining the bad habits that have led you to where you are now.

The spiral effect has you feeling defeated and maintaining a negative correlation with weight loss before you even start. So how do you release yourself from the spiral effect?

Well, for one, start looking at weight loss with a positive perspective as opposed to a negative one, starting with learning to be patient with yourself. It DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM

took you months, maybe even years to get to where you are now. Give yourself the same amount of time to reach your weight loss goals as it took you to gain the weight in the first place.

Next, give yourself some love. Would you talk to your friends the way you have been talking to yourself in your head? Give yourself some compassion. Just because you are where you are doesn’t mean you have to stay where you are. You are strong, capable and ready, so start to fall in love with the process of working on you. Love yourself for where you are while working toward where you want to be.

Lastly, no more all-or-nothing approaches to your weight loss. You will only cause yourself more stress by trying to add in more activity than you can maintain with your crazy lifestyle. It’s time you learn to fit your weight loss activity into your lifestyle, instead of your lifestyle around your weight loss. Choose one nutritional aspect to focus on at a time and set a maintainable activity schedule for yourself; anything extra, consider them bonus days.

Alex Garzaro is a lifestyle strategist, weight loss expert for women and transformational speaker. The views expressed are her own.

Alex Garzaro

www.BakersfieldLife.com

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H E A LT H Y L I V I N G

Peace of Mind

THINK POSITIVE!

REWIRE YOUR THOUGHTS TO IMPROVE YOUR BIOLOGY, EXCITE YOUR BIOGRAPHY

By Anna Marie Frank

Let’s talk about rewiring your thought patterns.

Did you know that your thoughts can change your biology? I believe our brain (how we think) impacts our biology and our biology impacts our biography.

Want to put this theory to the test?

Think of a lemon. Close your eyes and envision yourself cutting a lemon wedge and then bringing it up to your mouth. Now smell it. Put the lemon between your teeth and hold it there. Imagine biting down on that lemon.

What did you experience? Did your salivary glands start salivating? Mine did just writing this. You just changed what was going on in your biology by thinking of this lemon in your mouth.

Now think of the most joyous time in your life. What emotions come up? The emotions that came up with that thought also impact your biology. What about a sad or hard time? The emotions that come up all change the 42

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April 2020

direction and information of your biology.

It’s been proven time and again. Simply thinking about something causes your brain to release chemicals that affect how you act and how you feel.

Now that we know this, it’s easy to see how important positive thinking is to our health and well-being.

So, let’s rewire your thoughts to improve your biology and excite your biography! Here are some simple affirmations to help reset your thought patterns. Feel free to make up your own, but if one of these speaks to you, grab it, repeat it, feel it and love it.

• I am important, loved, wanted and welcomed.

• I willingly let go of all that does not serve me, and I choose to step into my greatness with an open heart.

• I claim my own power and lovingly create my own reality. I am strong and loved.

• I am safe, calm, and the universe loves and approves and supports me.

• I release the past. I cherish myself and my beautiful

DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM

sexuality. I am safe. I am loved.

• I love who I am. I am grounded in my own power. I am secure on all levels.

• I am the power and authority in my life. I release the past and claim my good now.

These affirmations come from the groundbreaking work of motivational author Louise Hay. Ms. Hay is a perfect example of the mind-body connection, having overcome a violently traumatic childhood to become a New York Times bestselling author.

Would one of these affirmations work for you? Take some time to really listen to your language. Listen to the words you say over and over, the ones you say aloud and the ones you repeat in your head. Write down any words or beliefs you keep repeating. Then take some time to dissect them and rewrite them. Changing your language and your thinking will change your physical being, daily activities and life experiences.

Give it a try. What do you have to lose?

Anna Marie Frank is a brain health and wellness expert, author, lecturer and human-potential coach. The views expressed are her own.

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Compiled by Bakersfield Life

Part of what makes Kern County great is it is a melting pot comprised of different cultures and ethnicities. The community can learn about these different cultures through Bakersfield’s history and experience these cultures in the streets. The following pages list cultural events and festivals in Bakersfield and surrounding areas, like Delano and Kernville, so get to celebrating with your family and friends.

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Bakersfield’s sister cities send international representatives to its festival annually to celebrate culture around the community.

Representatives from Amritsar, India, showcase a cultural dance for the Sister City Gardens Festival.

Representatives from Bakersfield’s sister cities showcase different cultural activities.

Last year, the Bakersfield Sister City Project Corporation and the city of Bakersfield hosted the second annual Sister City Gardens Festival, where the community gathered and celebrated Bakersfield’s sister cities’ cultural diversity and spirit. Throughout the festival, guests are entertained with cultural dances, food, exhibits and activities inspired by Bakersfield’s sister cities — Wakayama, Japan; Partisan District of Minsk, Belarus; Cixi, China; Santiago de Queretaro, Mexico; Bucheon, Republic of Korea; and Amritsar, India.

CALIFORNIAN FILE PHOTOS

The Sister City Gardens Festival showcases arts, food, activities and exhibits. www.BakersfieldLife.com

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The Sikh community stands together during the Sikh Peace Parade.

The Sikh Peace Parade

Residents in the community celebrate Gurpurab, also known as Nagakirtan.

Gurpurab also holds a parade for the Sikh community.

The Sikh community in Bakersfield celebrates Gurpurab, the birthday of their religion’s founder. The event brings the community together for a day of food, performances, sword fighting and a parade, referred to as Nagakirtan. The Sikh Peace Parade boasts colorful saris and Indian food, bringing together Sikhs and non-Sikhs to celebrate the birth of Sikhism. The event also marks the day the Sikhs’ 10th guru made the Khalsa Panth, or the community of initiated Sikhs. Sikhs donate food to the community and come together to celebrate, like they do daily at each of their temples throughout the city.

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CALIFORNIAN FILE PHOTOS

Throughout the Latino Food Festival, guests can find an array of Hispanic food.

The Latino Food Festival is an annual tradition for the Hispanic community in Bakersfield.

The event also highlights a menudo and pozole cook-off.

For over two decades, the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has hosted the annual Latino Food Festival Menudo & Pozole Cook Off every May. The event showcases some of the best menudo and pozole dishes in Bakersfield. This event is an annual community tradition and cultural festival that blends a family fun affair with Hispanic culture, food and live entertainment.

Live Hispanic music is performed to celebrate Hispanic culture.

CALIFORNIAN FILE PHOTOS

www.BakersfieldLife.com

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The annual Basque Festival has a parade of musicians and dancers.

Basque Festival (may 23—25)

The Kern County Basque Club hosted its 47th annual Basque Festival last year. People in the community came together to dance, participate in handball, a card tournament and eat well-known Basque foods. The event is a fun-filled weekend that begins with a lunch and a tournament and ends with dances and more food.

Dancers perform at the Basque Festival.

Musicians and dancers parade on the handball court at the Kern County Basque Club’s annual Basque Festival.

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Children prepare to perform traditional Basque dances at the Basque Festival.

CALIFORNIAN FILE PHOTOS

Scottish attire is worn to show pride in the culture.

The Kern County Scottish Society hosts both the Bakersfield Celtic Music Festival and the Kern County Scottish Games and Gathering events every year to immerse the community in the Celtic culture. Guests can expect music, kilts, beer and activities.

The Kern County Scottish Games and Gathering is an annual event to celebrate Scottish culture through physical activities and games.

The Bakersfield Celtic Music Festival is celebrated to unite the community through Scottish music and food.

The Scottish Games and Gathering is another way for athletes to compete against one another.

CALIFORNIAN FILE PHOTOS

Celtic music is performed throughout the Scottish Games and Gathering to showcase Scottish pride. www.BakersfieldLife.com

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Philippine Weekend takes place in Delano annually.

Every summer in July, Delano celebrates its annual Philippine Weekend, one of the largest Filipino festivals in the country, to commemorate Filipino heritage, all while eating and enjoying live entertainment. The event kicks off with a grand parade, which begins on Main Street, and the festivities continue at Cecil Park in Delano with various Filipino vendors selling food, like lumpia, pork adobo, pancit, chicken teriyaki and halo-halo. Events included in this celebration include a Barrio Fiesta, basketball and tennis tournaments, dancing and singing competitions, Tiny Tots pageant winners, Mr. and Miss Philippine Weekend winners, and the Santacruzan Presentation Ball.

Philippine Weekend also features multiple food vendors for guests to taste different Filipino cuisines.

Performers will wear traditional Filipino outfits.

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The event features performers of all ages to showcase Filipino culture.

Philippine Weekend holds an annual Santacruzan pageant, where residents have the opportunity to be crowned Mister or Miss Philippine Weekend.

CALIFORNIAN FILE PHOTOS

The St. George Dance Group showcases cultural dances.

The event also has an array of Greek food available.

The Greek Food Festival is one of the longest-running festivals in Bakersfield. Last year, St. George Greek Orthodox Church celebrated its 45th annual Bakersfield Greek Food Festival. The festival highlights Greek food favorites, like gyro sandwiches, feta fries, lamb shank, falafels, a loukoumades booth, baklava ice cream and more. Along with a series of popular Greek food, the festival also features Greek performances by the St. George Dance Group and live music. The St. George Dance Group is made up of multiethnic performers who share a common love for Greek dance. There are also various vendors for everyone’s shopping pleasure, activities and a tour of St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church.

Guests have the opportunity to taste different Greek foods.

Participants are able to see Greek culture come to life through live music and dancing.

CALIFORNIAN FILE PHOTOS

www.BakersfieldLife.com

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The Jewish Food Festival features Eastern European jazz music for entertainment.

Temple Beth El and Congregation B’nai Jacob present the annual Jewish Food Festival, where participants are able to enjoy food such as kosher brisket, sandwiches, falafel and rugelach. There are also vendors and Judaica items, entertainment featuring Eastern European jazz, Israeli dancing, a kugel-tasting contest and various kid-friendly activities.

The Jewish Food Festival also features Jewish cuisine favorites from vendors.

The festival is about celebrating Jewish culture with the community.

People in the community come together to celebrate the Jewish culture with food, music and entertainment.

The annual Pyrenees-Fiesta celebrates two local cultures all while raising money to benefit families with children who are dealing with life-threatening illnesses. The event features food from both Basque and Hispanic cultures, entertainment and an auction to raise money to support the mission of helping families.

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CALIFORNIAN FILE PHOTOS

The Tejon Tribe Pow Wow gives the community an opportunity to learn about the Native American culture.

The Tejon Tribe Pow Wow gives attendees an opportunity to learn about the Tejon Tribe. A powwow is a Native American gathering that celebrates the culture and history with dancing, singing and a competition aspect. The powwow is a way for the community and the Tejon Tribe to come together and be involved. Other tribes outside of the Tejon Tribe join the powwow as well. The event includes activities, Native American food, a drumming competition, crafts and vendor booths.

The powwow features vendors, Native American dances and more to showcase Native American culture.

Native American clothing is worn to show pride.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CSUB

www.BakersfieldLife.com

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Caryna Childs, right, lights one of the Kwanzaa candles during the lighting ceremony at the Kwanzaa Celebration.

Drummers with the Oblinyanko African Dance Group perform during the celebration of Kwanzaa.

Bakersfield’s Kwanzaa Celebration is all about family, community and culture. The event features exhibition artifacts showcased in the Harambee African Art Community Gallery and also features an Oblinyanko drum and dance ensemble, African folktale storytelling, vendors and more.

African heritage attire is encouraged among guests attending to portray, honor and embody the imagery of the Kwanzaa cultural tradition.

Eyo the Stilt Walker performs with The Teya Sa Thiosanne Drummers during the Kwanzaa Celebration.

Dancers with the Oblinyanko Drum and Dance Ensemble perform at the celebration.

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Rojanne Abilogu with the Oblinyanko African Dance Group performs during the celebration of Kwanzaa.

Many vendors showcase different African artifacts and art.

CALIFORNIAN FILE PHOTOS

Live music is performed at Whiskey Flats.

Whiskey Flats celebrates history from the Wild West days with the community in Kernville.

Kernville hosts Whiskey Flats every Presidents Day weekend. The event celebrates its history from the Wild West days when the area was settled by gold miners, cattle ranchers and trappers. Whiskey Flat Days is a family friendly event. Guests can enjoy the Whiskey Flats parade, Wild West Daze Rodeo, Wild West encampment, carnival rides, frog jumping contests, Whiskey Flat mayor contest, food and crafts booths, epitaph, costume and whiskerino contests, line dancing, a pet parade, bluegrass and country western music, an art show, gunfighter skits and more.

CALIFORNIAN FILE PHOTOS

The Whiskey Flats Encampment has Native Americans, characters from the Old West and a glimpse of what it was like to live in the 19th century. www.BakersfieldLife.com

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Dr. Reza Moghbel brings in his dog, Hugo, to visit with patient Linda Crosby during her office visit. The dentist office of Dr. Moghbel offers visits with Hugo, a therapy dog who “works” at the practice. Hugo's job is to comfort patients.

PHOTO BY ALEX HORVATH

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PEOPLE & COMMUNITY

Bakersfield Matters

Artist Dan Schultz works on a piece outside Tejon Ranch in 2016 for the Plein Air Painting Festival.

IN ‘PLEIN’ SIGHT

ARTISTS USE KERN AS THEIR CANVAS FOR PLEIN AIR PAINTING FESTIVAL

By Lisa Kimble

With over 8,000 square miles, Kern County’s diversity of landscapes and vistas is an artist’s paradise.

“We have everything to paint but a beach,” said Arts Council of Kern Executive Director David Gordon.

Indeed, from rolling hills peppered with poppies and a majestic river, to the expansive desert and cattle ranges, artistic inspiration is boundless.

It is also why inviting outdoor landscape artists to participate in the Arts Council’s Plein Air Painting Festival is never a hard sell. The term “en plain air” is a French expression meaning “in the open air” or painting outdoors, on-site with the subject in full view rather than within the confines of a studio. Plein air artistry came into vogue with the emergence of impressionism in the mid- to late 19th century and was the hallmark of masters of that period like Monet, Renoir and Van Gogh. The last few decades have seen renewed interest.

The Arts Council of Kern’s sixth annual Kern County Plein Air Painting Festival kicks off Monday, April 20, and concludes five days later on April 25 with a juried competition, sale and gala. Fifteen of the best plein air painters in California and the western U.S. will convene in Bakersfield, setting up their canvases on easels at beloved locations across the area.

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“Painting is a fairly solitary pursuit so it is nice to meet others who share the same interest,” said Ben Young of San Diego, who is taking part this year. “If not for this kind of event, I would stay in my comfort zone and just paint the scenery that is close to me.”

It also affords art enthusiasts the rare opportunity to interact with acclaimed painters in their element. In the past, iconic places like Wind Wolves Preserve and the historic Tracy Ranch in Buttonwillow have served as sources of inspiration.

“These artists generate work that reflects our home in a positive, respectful way,” Gordon added.

They will be on their own for most of the week, except for April 23 where they will be downtown painting, followed by a reception open to the public at the Bakersfield Art Association.

“I will be looking for strength in draftsmanship, design, color harmony and the truly intangible emotional quality of a piece,” said this Kern County Plein year’s judge Kim Lordier of Air Painting Millbrae.

Festival The festival culminates April 20–25 with the Paintings on the For more information, go Paseo Gala that Saturday to www.kernarts.org. where guests will stroll through the Betty Younger

CALIFORNIAN FILE PHOTOS

LASER HAIR REDUCTION & BODY SCULPTING & TIGHTENING

Paul Kratter, left, and Nate Ross take part in the Kern County Plein Air Painting Festival in 2018.

Sculpture Garden for the award announcements. All proceeds from the painting sales will benefit the artists and the Arts Council.

While beauty is in the eyes of the beholder and art is subjective, this year’s participants, whether they are capturing our area’s rural or urban splendor, will be carrying on a centuries-old tradition of the great impressionists capturing natural light and movement.

“Attending a plein air event in your community opens up new ways of seeing your ‘backyard,’ a different perspective, an appreciation of things you may have driven past on a daily basis and not realized the beauty that exists,” added Lordier.

So if you drive by an artist during the festival painting away in earnest, take a moment to appreciate their view and extend some Bakersfield hospitality we are renowned for.

Opinions expressed in this column are those of Lisa Kimble.

Lisa Kimble

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PEOPLE & COMMUNITY

Our Town

All India Sweet & Spices sells everything from fresh produce to Indian health and beauty products.

VARIETY IS THE SPICE OF LIFE

ETHNIC GROCERY STORES CARRY SPECIALIZED ITEMS NOT FOUND ANYWHERE ELSE

By Julie Mana-ay Perez

Other than a journey to the aisle that has both taco supplies and stir-fry, most of our grocery shopping trips are ordinary. Most stores confine ethnic ingredients to a single aisle, leaving shoppers with limited options. Fortunately, Bakersfield has a variety of ethnic specialty stores carrying items you can’t find anywhere else.

MEDI GROCERY (1002 WIBLE ROAD) Medi Grocery is a Middle Eastern store that sells European produce and goods. Many of their products are ingredients used in popular Mediterranean, Romanian and Iranian dishes, like tahina seasoning and fava beans.

Medi Grocery also has a frozen meal section for famous dishes like gyros, samosas, paratha and chicken seekh kebabs. In Islamic law, halal awareness is spread among Muslims, so many of Medi Grocery’s snack products do not contain gelatin, which is derived from pigs.

ASIA MARKET (7701 WHITE LANE) There are a few Asian markets in Bakersfield but one of the bigger stores is Asia Market, which sells just about every Asian product imaginable. Asia Market sells fresh produce, particularly ones that are popular in Asian dishes like eggplants and bean sprouts. Aside from fresh vegetables, Asia Market sells fresh seafood as well. Just 60

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like a typical grocery store sells prepackaged frozen food, Asia Market sells its food ready to go, like beef tapa, chicken tosino, lumpia and pork skewers. Asia Market also has a small food stand that sells fresh Asian cuisine, like fried shrimp, beef broccoli, chicken chow mein and more.

CARNICERIA LA CARRETA (3015 CALLOWAY DRIVE AND 5792 STINE ROAD) Carniceria La Carreta is a family owned local meat market and grocery store serving Bakersfield since 1999.

It’s a classic Mexican-style butcher shop that offers meat from Harris Ranch. Not only is it a grocery store that specializes in popular Latin products, it’s a full-service butcher shop that sells its meat cut and ready to go for its customers. Carniceria La Carreta also has a small food stand with a menu that sells popular Hispanic cuisines, like tortas, elotes, chilaquiles, burritos, tacos and more.

ALL INDIA SWEET & SPICES (1715 S. REAL ROAD) Among some of the few Indian grocery stores, All India Sweet & Spices sells everything from fresh produce to Indian health and beauty products. The selection ranges from spices used in just about every Indian dish served and Punjabi snacks like jeera cookies, biscuits and more.

All India Sweet & Spices’ tea selection is unlike any other as they offer cardamom chai tea, orange pekoe tea and masala chai tea.

PHOTO BY JULIE MANA-AY PEREZ

PEOPLE & COMMUNITY

History

ELIZABETH BORTON DE TREVIÑO:

BUILDING CULTURAL BRIDGES THROUGH LITERATURE

By Julie Plata

“Beth Treviño’s Books Are Aid to International Understanding,” proclaimed the headline of an article in the May 21, 1966, Bakersfield Californian.

Spanning 50 years, several books and publications, Elizabeth Borton de Treviño dedicated her writing career to telling stories that crossed borders and cultures.

Mary Elizabeth Victoria Borton was born in Bakersfield in 1904 to local attorney Fred Ellsworth Borton and Carrie Louise Christensen. The love of writing was instilled in her at a young age by her father who also wrote poems and short stories.

After graduating from Kern County High School in 1921, Borton de Treviño attended Bakersfield College for two years before she was accepted into Stanford University. While there she became a member of Phi Beta Kappa and was one of 30 students to graduate in 1925 with the Distinction of Great Honor.

The next phase in her life took her to Boston, where she was on the staff of the Boston Herald. She spent some time in Hollywood interviewing movie stars, but it was while on assignment in Monterey, Mexico, that her life changed.

Upon her arrival, she was introduced to Luis Treviño Gomez. He was assigned as her interpreter and it did not take long before the two fell in love. After wedding in 1935, the young couple moved in with Luis’ parents before setting off on their own and having two sons, Luis and Enrique.

Soon, Elizabeth embarked on a journey of creating literature that appealed to book lovers around the world.

Her passion for her adopted homeland was interwoven thoughout the stories she told of old Mexico and Spain and in a series of memoirs. In 1966, she was awarded the Newbery Medal for the most distinguished contribution to the literature of children in English for “I, Juan de Pareja,” which recounted the story of famous artist Diego Velazquez and his African slave Juan, who went on to become an accomplished artist in his own right.

Even with her success, Bakersfield was never far from her mind and she frequently returned to visit with family and to share a picture of her life in Mexico with various 62

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April 2020

community groups. It was during these talks she recounted stories about the customs, education and culture of our southern neighbor.

Borton de Treviño’s nonfiction work really embodied the spirit of multiculturalism and love. Her memoir, “My Heart Lies South: The Story of My Mexican Wedding,” tells the story of family, love and the blending of cultures.

Excerpts from the book were prominently featured in national magazines, condensed by Reader’s Digest, and translated into 14 languages and Braille.

On Nov. 15, 1962, The Californian praised Borton de Treviño’s follow-up memoir, “Where the Heart Is,” for its international understanding and deep appreciation of another country’s culture. Borton de Treviño provided a “fresh, humorous and deft” account of life with her Mexican in-laws, her children with their Gringo-Mexican heritage, her husband, friends, neighbors and pets.

Reminding others about the importance of acceptance and love, Borton de Treviño wrote in a 1971 epilogue to “My Heart Lies South”: “You must love each other. If you marry across racial, religious and cultural lines, you must love more and harder.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF KERN COUNTY MUSEUM

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PEOPLE & COMMUNITY

Personality

Musicians from Santiago de Queretaro, Mexico, provided a special musical presentation for some members of the Bakersfield Sister City Project Corporation.

A LIFE-CHANGING TRIP

VISIT TO SISTER CITY LEAVES LASTING IMPRESSION FOR BAKERSFIELD RESIDENT

By Julie Mana-ay Perez

The relationship between sisters can be one of the strongest and longest-lasting connections in life, so when it comes to sister cities, the same influence of ties and partnerships are made through a cultural and international relationship.

The Sister City program was established in 1956 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower so that Americans and international residents form affiliations between one another.

Bakersfield currently has six sister cities: Wakayama, Japan; Partisan District of Minsk, Belarus; Cixi, China; Santiago de Queretaro, Mexico; Bucheon, Republic of Korea; and Amritsar, India.

“What sister city programs do is have connections with other cities around the world so you can understand people by living with them and finding out they are as wonderful as we are,” said Bakersfield Sister City Project Corporation President John Hefner.

Hefner was one of the first two students selected to go to Bakersfield’s first sister city, Wakayama, Japan, in 1965.

Hefner recalled his first time traveling as an exchange student and staying with his papasan over that summer.

“I found out that traveling is a wonderful way to learn about the history, customs and culture of other people. It 64

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made me appreciate traveling and understand that when you travel, you can learn firsthand about people,” he said.

After his first international trip, Hefner saw the importance of traveling and connecting with other people from different cultures.

“It’s not just a simple trip. Students get to learn about history and experience something that will stay with them for the rest of their lives,” he said.

Bakersfield’s Sister City program is a nonprofit organization made up of 22 volunteer board members. The program is funded by the volunteers themselves through fundraisers held.

The program also hosts an annual Sister City Gardens Festival to unite representatives from Bakersfield’s sister cities and community members to celebrate cultural diversity. Along with commemorating different cultures, the program also hosts students from Bakersfield’s sister cities to stay for a period of time.

“People stay in the program because they see the value in experience. You learn from the people that come in,” said Hefner. “It’s a sharing thing. To me, it’s beneficial for the kids.”

To become a sister city, Hefner said there needs to be an interest in the community toward another country.

Because Bakersfield has relationships in its local community with Hispanic, Punjabi and Korean cultures, the PHOTOS COURTESY OF WILLIAM HUNGERFORD

Dianna Hoover, the Santiago de Queretaro fire chief and John Hefner hold a plaque on behalf of the Bomberos volunteer firefighter in Santiago de Queretaro, Mexico, in 2016.

Sister City program is able to link an international community with their very own.

Hefner mentions the program is working on obtaining another sister city with Saint-Jean-de-Luz in France, which is a Basque community.

Hefner encourages the community to be involved with Bakersfield’s sister cities because it gives people a better perspective about life and how the people around us are different. “We want people to know who we are and how this program can affect a person for life, as it has me and these children. It’s a cultural diversity that immerses a person into that culture for a short period of time,� he said.

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PEOPLE & COMMUNITY

All-Star Roundup

Bakersfield's Josiah Hill celebrates his pinfall victory over Nicholas Villarreal during the 285-pound weight class CIF State Wrestling Championship finals on Saturday night at Mechanics Bank Arena.

WINTER SPORTS RECAP

LOCAL HIGH SCHOOLS POST SUCCESSFUL WINTER SEASON DESPITE SHUTDOWN

By Stephen Lynch

While concerns over the coronavirus have caused the postponement or cancellation of almost everything on the local spring sports calendar, the local winter sports season, with a couple of notable exceptions, was completed before things were unfortunately shut down.

It was a highly successful 2019–2020 winter season for several local high school athletes and teams.

Eight local high school teams won Central Section championships and one local prep athlete claimed an individual state title.

Girls basketball: The East High girls basketball team capped off a solid regular season with a spectacular postseason run. After finishing in second place to Mira Monte for the top spot in the final Southeast Yosemite League standings, the Blades went on a playoff tear, winning eight straight games, claiming a Central Section Division V championship before going on to earn a spot in the CIF Division V State Championship game. Sadly, for East (23-9), which was attempting to become the first girls basketball team from Kern County to ever win a state championship, the title tilt was canceled by the CIF due to 66

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the coronavirus pandemic.

The Bakersfield High girls basketball team went 10-0 in winning the Southwest Yosemite League championship prior to claiming the Central Section Division I championship. The Drillers’ (30-3) dominating season eventually came to an end in round two of the Division II Southern California Regional playoffs.

Boys basketball: The Bakersfield Christian boys basketball team suffered a similar fate as the East girls. The Eagles (27-6) rolled to league and section titles and won a spot in the CIF Division IV championship game, only to have it canceled.

The Independence boys basketball team (19-8) finished second to BCHS for the South Yosemite League title, but won the Central Section DIII championship.

After escaping with a 63-62 victory over Centennial in the semifinals, the Falcons beat Visalia-Redwood, 60-45, in the championship game.

Girls soccer: Centennial (D-II) and Arvin (D-VI) both won section championships. The Golden Hawks (18-53), backed by goalkeepers Juliana Alexander and Avery Sands, posted 15 shutouts and allowed just 16 goals all season. The Bears (17-5-3) defended their D-Vi title by outscoring their three section playoff opponents 5-0, CALIFORNIAN FILE PHOTO

including a 1-0 victory against Frazier Mountain in the championship game.

Boys soccer: Garces (25-3) won a section championship for a second straight year and narrowly missed out on winning a second straight Southern California Regional championship. Paced by Alex Halevy’s 31 goals, the Rams went undefeated in SWYL play before steamrolling Shafter 4-0 in the Central Section D-IV championship game. Garces went on to make it all the way to the SoCal D-III Regional title game, where it lost in a shootout to Corona-Santiago.

After winning the SEYL title and Central Section D-III championship, the Foothill boys soccer team (24-1-2) had its hopes for a SoCal D-IV Regional championship dashed when the Trojans lost in a shootout to Pasadena-Marshall in the quarterfinals. It was later found out that Marshall had used an ineligible player and Foothill was awarded the victory. However, that was little consolation for the Trojans, who missed out on playing in the semifinals.

Wrestling: Josiah Hill capped off a spectacular senior season by becoming the first heavyweight from Bakersfield High to ever win a state wrestling championship.

Hill, who went into the state tournament ranked No. 1 in the state, pinned Gilroy’s Nico Villarreal in the second period of the 285-pound championship match. Hill finished the season with a 43-1 record.

Frontier’s Alyssa Valdavia matched the highest finish ever at the state meet by a Kern County girls wrestler.

Competing at 106 pounds, the junior made it all the way to the finals before suffering her only loss of the season, an 11-4 decision to Nyla Valencia of Campbell-Sobrato.

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Snap!

PEOPLE & COMMUNITY

Inaugural Mayor’s Ball Date: Feb. 8 Held at: City Center Photos by: Carla Rivas

Stephanie Stansbury, Erica Garewal and Jim Scott

Shelby Moore, Leslie Aldridge and Brooke Oscarson

Robert Johnson III and NaTesha Johnson

Ken Walker, Randall Windh and Todd Price

Vince Fong and Carissa Cady

Brittany Peters, Phillip Peters, Kelly Gladden, Kevin Zimmermann and Jackie Eskew

Carol Feil, Robin Foster, Mayor Karen Goh, Madison Foster and Darrell Feil 68

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Kristi Windtberg, Lauren Eittreim and Nicole Lazzerini

Amy Adams and Bella Stine

Tahlua Goosby, Indra Robinson, Kathy Campbell, Robert Johnson III and NaTesha Johnson

Dwayne Cantrell, Angel Cantrell, Amy Baldovinos and Carlos Baldovinos

Natalie Green and Ryan Green

Sharlet Briggs and JoVi Mongold

PEOPLE & COMMUNITY

Snap!

CASA Kick-Off Date: Jan. 30 Held at: Palazzo Destefani Photos by: Greg Nichols

Pat Collins and Ken Keller

Destinie Martinez and Mike Martinez

Nicole Lynch and Tanya Carruesco

Linda Burton, Leigh Posas and Donna Fenton

Zoe Gudino, Marlene Morales, Shelby Moore and Kimberly Price

Kelley Sybesma and Andrew Sybesma

Michelle Bateman, Mark Bateman and Jefferson Eberhardt

Kamal Devendran, Christina Gonzalez, Roxanne Wu and Tazim Khan

Julio Gonzalez, Amy Travis, Vince Roche and Julie Morrow

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PEOPLE & COMMUNITY

Snap!

State of the County Date: Jan. 29 Held at: Kern County Fairgrounds Photos by: Greg Nichols

Monica Jeffries and Bill Jeffries

Jordan Kaufman, Amanda Frank and Michael Lukens

David Witt and Daures Stephens

Laura Lynne Wyatt, Scott Wyatt and Lydia Chaney

Amanda Smith, Nathan Francis and Michael Dillenbeck

Garth Sandsness, Marybeth Garrison, Daniel Buckley, Kenneth Ezpeleta and Tim Garrison

Zack Scrivner, Ryan Alsop and Melissa Alsop 70

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Amanda Ruiz, Bob Meadows and Leasa Engel

Michael Caves and Chad Louie

Tom Anton, Lyle Martin and Terry Maxwell

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Cynthia Zimmer, Michael Davies and Kelly Gladden

Scott Ide, Richard Cohen and Renny Dillinger

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Snap!

Christina Bynum, Glynis Bauge and Kristina Gordon

Alex Moreno and Carina Moran

Dr. Aaron Tenzer, Dr. Pat Birchfield, Cole Smith, Paul Gordon, Al Romero, Mike Gruetzmacher, Sebastain Bauge, Scott Salters, Wilfredo Cruz and Hanoz Santoke

Terry Younes, Dale Harris and Deborah Harris

Noel Leanos and Carlos Cardona

Meet Your Brewer Date: Feb. 22 Held at: Lengthwise Brewing Company Photos by: Carla Rivas

Justin Hill, Francesca Colombo, Don Bynum, Ashley McEnulty and Chris McEnulty

Randall Smith, Doug Reel and Tina Smith

Blake Lopez and Ashlie Lopez

Candace McGee and Samantha Newkirk

Jarod Kibbe, Ali Kibbe, Marissa Green and Mitchell Green

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Snap!

Kern County Economic Summit Date: March 11 Held at: DoubleTree by Hilton Photos by: Rod Thornburg

Michael George, Steve Sanders, Amanda Frank and Mary Barlow

Alonso Hurtado and Deb Murr

Tatevik Hovhannisyan and Danita Ramos

Darlene Moholke and Patrice Black

Brandon Gudmundson, Robert Doane, Branden Archuleta and Chris Wharton

Cindy Pollard, Nick Ortiz and Robin Mangarin

Steve Barnes, Karen King and CeCelia Griego 72

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Jenny McLean and Paula Aguilar

April 2020

Phil McLaughlan and Steve Annis

Frances Klingenberger and Sarah Hinzo

Patricia Ascencion and Michelle Carabajal

Steven Lane and Richard Chapman

Zicardo Corona, John Spaulding and Robert Martinez

PEOPLE & COMMUNITY

Kevin Weberling and Lara Weberling

Raul Corona and Lani Garcia

Snap!

Fred Faulkner and Bruna Faulkner

Maia Davis and Kari Hochstatter

Kimberly Brandenburg, Jessica Brandenburg, Lori Davis and Iliana Ferreira

Susie Miranda and Ida Cano

Jeannie Bertolaccini and Brian Bertolaccini

Rhythm & Roots Date: Feb. 27 Held at: Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace Photos by: Carla Rivas

Kevin Kerwin and Candace Kerwin

Diane Rowland, Jessica Grimes and Steve Rowland

Mathy Hufford and Madison Carter

Darren Scott and Cheryl Scott

Rachel Glauser and Carmen Moxham

Amy Young and Nicole Murphy www.BakersfieldLife.com

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PEOPLE & COMMUNITY

Last Word

Scenes from the Netflix series “Gentefied,” which was co-created by Bakersfield native Marvin Lemus.

BEYOND JUST DIVERSITY

USING ETHNIC STUDIES AS A PORTAL FOR PEACE IN THE CENTRAL VALLEY

By Jorge Moraga

“Gentefied,” co-created and directed by Bakersfield native Marvin Lemus, premiered on Netflix in February 2020. The 10-episode Spanglish series captures the ways gentrification and ongoing wealth inequality affects a Mexican-American family living in Los Angeles. Despite being centered in Boyle Heights, Lemus found pockets to bring Bakersfield to the forefront.

Take for example a conversation between Nayeli (a brown Chicana in the early stages of middle school crushes) and Norma (a Salvadoreña queer woman who works at Mama Fina’s Tacos restaurant): Nayeli: How far is Bakersfield?

Norma: Bakersfield, Woo! [Exhales] Like, two hours?

What you know about Bakersfield?

Nayeli: Well, Danny lives there. So does Dolores Huerta. She’s the one who came up with the “Si Se Puede” (Yes, we can!”)

Norma: Yet, no se puede (they can’t) correct the history books.

Or Larry Itliong, Philip Veracruz and the hundreds of Filipino/Filipina Americans for that matter, who just a few decades ago forged with fellow Mexican-American farmworkers like Huerta and Cesar Chavez to create a multiethnic, cross-racial labor movement. As many of my 74

Bakersfield Life Magazine

April 2020

students have shared since I arrived at CSUB in fall 2017, “I have lived in (Bakersfield, Delano, Arvin, Shafter, Lamont, Taft) all my life but I never learned about these histories/ herstories.”

One student actually learned more about Kern County’s contributions by leaving and learning that story elsewhere.

Norma is right: There is something about the U.S. education system that has yet to take ownership of the rich, transformative and fascinating contributions that black, indigenous people of color (BIPOC) and communities have made to local, regional and national history.

At just under 400,000 people, Bakersfield is Kern County’s most populated city, and therefore its most racially diverse. Accordingly, the city is home to 1.59 times more Latinx residents (approximately 197,000 people) than any other racial group (124,000 white alone, 30,000 black or African-American, 23,800 Asian alone and 998 American Indian and Alaska Native alone).

But demographics only tell a part of the narrative.

Prior to becoming an agriculture and petroleum-producing epicenter, Bakersfield was, and remains, Yokuts land.

For all of us who call Bakersfield “home,” we must remain cognizant and reflective that any claim to land and space in Kern County is inherently a racialized, colonialist project.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JORGE MORAGA

Y O U ’ R E A LWA Y S W E L C O M E A T

Gables Residential Care Homes Yes, we are diverse (geographically, culturally, ethnically, racially), but are we capable of appreciating, valuing and learning from what makes us “diverse” without first a critical reckoning of the origins and development of settler-colonial racism and white supremacy in dominant U.S. culture, ideology and institutions? Without a holistic, critical and intersectional analysis of American history and society, the importance of studying, preserving and respecting the over 73 different cultures that coexist in Kern County will continue to remain outside the history books and our collective political consciousness.

At a time when Kern County can become the deadliest county in the U.S., can welcome GEO-backed proposals to expand private detention centers, and can exhibit discrimination and harassment against our LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer) and nonbinary high school students, we need to ask: What kind of community does Kern County want to be and how will we learn from our historic past to better frame the present and inform the future?

Ethnic studies — the grassroots movement that powerfully reenvisioned education 50 years ago — provides the means to combat inequality, injustice and ignorance.

Professor Emeritus Christine Sleeter in “The Academic and Social Value of Ethnic Studies” noted: “Rather than being divisive, ethnic studies helps students to bridge differences that already exist in experiences and perspectives. In these ways, ethnic studies play an important role in building a truly inclusive multicultural democracy and system of education.”

Put simply, both students of color AND white students become better thinkers and people after taking ethnic studies. Therefore, if we seek to preserve and respect Kern County’s diverse cultures, we desperately need ethnic studies at the K-12/higher-education levels across the Central Valley. As we continue to witness battles for who belongs and who does not, and for which stories can be taught and which might become banned, ethnic studies is a portal for truth, peace and reconciliation.

Jorge Moraga is assistant professor of interdisciplinary studies at California State University, Bakersfield. He earned his Ph.D. in American studies with an emphasis in Latina/o studies, critical sport studies, and media and cultural studies. He is the proud son of two selfless Salvadoran immigrants.

The views expressed are his own.

The Meadows • 10702 Four Bears Dr. RCFE No. 157204176

Spruce Gardens • 13303 Nantucket RCFE No. 157206898

The Gables • 903 Spirit Lake RCFE No. 155801279

When living at home is no longer the best option for your loved one, visit the private homes of Gables Residential Care.

In these elegant, family homes, you will find: Jorge Moraga

More Information For more, check out two recent efforts that have sought to study, preserve and protect the different cultures found in Kern County: “American Migrant Stories,” a documentary directed by Andrés y Manuel Orozco, and “The Long Journey: A History of U.S. Immigration, from 1790 to Present,” a now digitized exhibit at the CSUB Walter W. Stiern Library.

• Comforts of home in a beautiful surrounding • Caring and competent staff on duty 24 hours a day • Only six residents in each home – companionship with others • Personal assistance with activities of daily living – bathing, dressing, grooming, meals, medication supervision, transportation – whatever is needed.

• Delicious, home-cooked meals and snacks • Lovely patios and secure walking paths • Alzheimer’s/Hospice Waivers

661.631.2036 www.BakersfieldLife.com

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