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Our 20th Annual Corporate Relocation Guide as well as the returnof the Cool Issue...COOL 2.0...plus Bonus! This Issue also contains the complete 2010 Bakersfield Business Conferece Syllabus - the World's Greatest Speakers will be appearing at the World's Greatest One-Day Conference - Only in Bakersfield Magazine!
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YOUR CITY. YOUR LIFE. YOUR MAGAZINE. FALL 2010 $3.50VOL. 27 NO. 4
What TRIPMeans to You
BakersfieldMagazine.netWe’re everywhere you are.
Mojave Air & Space Portpg.57Unrestricted Dream Space
Official Syllabus Inside
EXCLUSIVE!The Return ofThe BakersfieldBusiness Conference
Local Heroesof the Civil War
Coastal FavoritesGreat Eat-Aways
30+ More!COOL 2.0
20th Annual CorporateRelocation Issue
Sir Richard Branson and Burt Rutan take
us to the stars.
Chester Avenue at 27th Street 661-395-3000 • www.sjch.us
We know “firsts.”n Hospital to have both a Nationally Certified Stroke Center and Nationally Accredited Chest Pain Center under the same roof.
n Nationally Certified, hospital-based Diabetes Education Program.
n Hospital to perform open-heart surgery.
n Hospital-based Mobile Immunizations Program.
n Full-treatment Grossman Burn Center.
n Hospital-based 64-slice CT scanner.
n Gold Standard Bariatrics Program.
San Joaquin Community Hospital...Inspired To Lead
After all, we were Bakersfield’s first...
We know “firsts.”n Hospital to have both a Nationally Certified Stroke Center and Nationally Accredited Chest Pain Center under the same roof.
n Nationally Certified, hospital-based Diabetes Education Program.
n Hospital to perform open-heart surgery.
n Hospital-based Mobile Immunizations Program.
n Full-treatment Grossman Burn Center.
n Hospital-based 64-slice CT scanner.
n Gold Standard Bariatrics Program.
San Joaquin Community Hospital...Inspired To Lead
After all, we were Bakersfield’s first...
www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2010 �
� Bakersfield Magazine
661.565.9319
bakersfieldmarriott.com
801 Truxtun AvenueBakersfield, CA
Why Be Happy for Just One Hour?Enjoy your favorite drinks, signature cocktails and tasty appetizers all day long in the m.i. greatroom. Happy Hour specials are $3 Drafts and $5 Well and Wine drinks.
Summer Salad Spectacular !
Bakersfield MarriottWhen only the best will do!
Try The Nines Restaurant for lunch. Over 20 items to choose from for under $10.00
f e at u r e s
Contentsv
FALL 2010
S-1
They caught our eye, do they catch yours?
Stuff We Like........................22Discover the many roles our county played
Civil War in Kern...............30
The county can’t spell success without KEDC
Keeping Doors Open........69
A horse is a horse—that helps this charity
Nonprofit Spotlight................122It’s a brand new organization with a big goal
Breathing Easier................125
C O R P O R A T ER E L O C A T I O N
UNRESTRICTEDDREAM SPACE 57Where rocket ships and imaginations collide
IT’S BACK!COOL 2.0 33Hip peeps, rad bands, k i l ler places
Future energy needs are blowing in the wind
Natural Means Big Biz.............53
GROWINGA CITY 43Orange cones mean big things for Bakersfield
100 YEARS OFOILDORADO 119Where oil and mustaches go hand-in-hand
BAKERSFIELDBUSINESSCONFERENCESYLLABUS
The event of the decade is back for a 25 th Ann iversar y Encore P resentat ion
BORTON PETRINI, LLP’S
� Bakersfield Magazine
D e Pa r t M e N t s
FALL 2010v
ContentsConfess ions of a Quasi -C-L is t Celeb
Letter from the Editor..............13Local people, places, and things...oh my!
Kern Facts..........................15Never underestimate the power of a suit
The Bakersfield Look ...........27A local celeb who’s really touched a chord
Citizen Kern......................29How to prepare for incoming employees
Human Resources...................50
Compost your way to a greener garden
Going Green........................89
We’d say this pesto is really the “besto”
Quick Bites..........................98A poppin’ menu inside this hoppin’ hotel
What’s Cookin’........................99
South of the border never tasted so good
Entertaining the Bakersfield Way...103A little winery that’s bottling up big flavor
Life is a Cabernet...................107
We came, we saw, we took your picture
Party Chatter....................135
A field where Red & White fever strikes
Bakersfield’s Sound.... . . .138
109GREATEAT-AWAYS
It’s a short drive to these coastal favorites
102BOTTOMSUP
This watering hole is pourin’ cowboy classics
93HOME &GARDEN
Bring autumn indoors with these t ips
87GARDENINGWITH MRS. P
Things to remember as you plant for fall
www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2010 �
10 Bakersfield Magazine
SURPLUS INC. &SPECIALTY METALS
A PROUD THANK YOU TO THE BAKERSFIELD COMMUNITYFOR DOING BUSINESS WITH US FOR 47 YEARS
Your One Source For All Of Your Pipe & Steel Needs At The Best Price
589-0381 MON-FRI 7-5 SAT 7-NOON7020 ROSEDALE HWY
HADDAD KIA of BAKERSFIELD5445 Gasoline Alley Dr. • 661.398.0264
“A New Way To Roll”
SOUL +$16,599
VIN# 199597
Bakersfield Magazine is published bi-monthly by Bakersfield Magazine, Inc. All rights reserved. ©Copyright 2010 by Bakersfield Magazine, Inc. Reproduction in whole or in part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher of Bakersfield Magazine is strictly prohibited. Bakersfield Magazine, Inc. is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, artwork or photographs, even if accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope. The opinions expressed in Bakersfield Magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of Bakersfield Magazine management or owner. Bakersfield Magazine, Inc. assumes no responsibility or liability for claims made by advertisers. Subscription rate is $12 for 1 year, $1� for 2 years.
Subscribe now at bakersfieldmagazine.net
remembering
Donna Louise Corumfounder . visionary . friend
SVol. 2� No. � Fall 2010
PublisherLes Corum
Executive Editor Mike Corum
Assistant Editor Anika HenriksonGarden Editor
Lynn PittsHistorical Editor Chris Livingston
Wine & Food Editor Mike StepanovichCreative Director
Chuck BarnesGraphic Artist
Laura TurnerSystems/Production
Ryan TurnerDirector of Sales/Marketing
Mark CorumSales & Marketing
Douglas “Dale” Heflin, Lisa CorumMike Broida, Greg Johnson
Photography/Editorial AssistantIsabel Alvarez
Contributing WritersCharlie Durgin, Tracie GrimesLaNell Hart, Jason Gutierrez
Robin Paggi, Tom XavierAccounting/Human Resources
Melissa GalvanDistribution/Circulation
Brigit Ayers Cover Art
Virgin Galactic/Mark Greenberg
Bakersfield Magazine, Inc.1�01 New Stine Road, Suite 200
Office (661) 834-4126 Fax (661) 834-5495Email: [email protected]
website: bakersfieldmagazine.net
12 Bakersfield Magazine
Coming
December
2010
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTIONS
Religious Schools & Worship Services Directory
Worship Directory..... . . . . . . . . . .132
Home & Garden..................94
r e s o u r c e shome & Garden
everafters...Weddings............................133
Shoppers Bazaar................130
The Dining Guide..................111
The Dining Guide
Kern Health Resource Guide...129
Green PagesGreen Pages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89
Community Par tners...........116
community partners
MEDICAL PROFILES
Medical Profi les...................128
Cheap Eats
KernHealthBest Docs
www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2010 1�
8200 Stockdale Hwy. Ste D7832-4270
www.sneadsformen.com
I was warned...I always knew there’d come a day—in fact, before I accepted this position I was guaranteed it!
“You’ll never know when or where, but be prepared,” they said.
There’s no real training for these situa-tions; no online course; no book for dum-mies. It’s more of an on-the-job kind of thing. Since my first issue, I’ve been on the lookout but, I admit, I’d let my guard down. A couple weeks ago, I was attend-ing a local function, an informal gathering, and some of Bakersfield’s notables were in attendance. Yet a few minutes after our ar-rival, I felt kinda funny—a sort of nervous-ness overtook my entire being. My senses picked up on someone paying more atten-tion to our group than normal, yet I couldn’t pinpoint who. A bead of sweat formed at my temple—maybe the afternoon setting sun? Maybe not. This was weird.
As the evening progressed, a “voice” kept telling me “Danger! Will Robinson!” I took in the layout of the room, but didn’t notice any signs of an immediate threat (while mentally noting the only exit was through one door or over the balcony...12 stories below). Yet there was this nagging feeling. Still, I proceeded to the serving line with my posse in tow (my lovely wife, the publisher and his date, and the director of marketing and his wife). Being a quasi-C-list celeb and all, I don’t leave home without them because...you never know.
And that’s when it happened. All of the sudden, outta the shadows steps a woman dressed in black, with a sinister smile, and she’s looming toward me and yelling “Hey! You’re that spider guy!”
Turns out she was one of the friendly event staff and had seen me in the maga-zine...I’d been recognized!
I stumbled for intelligent words, but only managed a faint “uh huh.” She proceeded to tell me and my posse (who, by this time, had formed an impregnable human shield around me...well sort of) how much she had enjoyed my last editorial; that she and her boyfriend (who was an artist) were really intrigued at the thought of “silver black widows.”
This was no run-of-the-mill stalker—this was a true fan!
They had been right; I had no clue how to
Letter from the Editor
Mike [email protected]
Confessions of a Quasi-C-List Celeb
act, except a little embarrassed for my lack of dialogue (I’m an introvert by nature). I hope she doesn’t reveal my bad behavior to perezhilton.com!
All in all, I was flattered by the fact that she took time out her day to let me know that I had made a difference in hers—I think that’s really cool. And speaking of cool...we’ve done it again! We’ve compiled anoth-er �0-plus item list of the Funkiest People, Grooviest Places, and Hippest Things that make Bakersfield such a cool place to live. That’s right, we’re talking about the COOL Issue: Cool 2.0, with enough local tidbits to keep you the life of trivia nights for years to come. The coolness starts on page ��.
And with the change in seasons comes our annual Corporate Relocation Section. This year, being our 20th presentation, is one of our best—featuring in-depth cover-age on TRIP (Thomas Roads Improvement Program) on page ��, as well as a great sto-ry on “natural” business in Kern County on page ��. And a favorite of mine: a look at the Mojave Air & Space Port (page ��).
We are also very excited to present the 2010 Borton Pertrini, LLP Bakersfield Business Conference Syllabus in its entire-ty! Happening every five years now, 2010 marks the 2�th Anniversary of the Confer-ence and Bakersfield Magazine was fortu-nate enough to team up with Borton Petrini, LLP in publishing this commemorative, highly-collectible Conference Syllabus ex-clusively in your magazine! The Syllabus starts immediately following page ��.
After seeing how great this issue turned out, I think my quasi-C-list celeb status might just be upgraded. Enjoy.
©IsT
OCkp
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.COM/
dRGR
OUNd
s
1� Bakersfield Magazine
Be honest—what was the first thing you thought when you met your fu-ture spouse for the first time?Flemming: My first thought when I met Ann was that she was very young and that this was just simply not going to last. However, that simply was not the case!Ann: What beautiful blue eyes and broad shoulders. He was an assistant manager at Payless Drug Store. He was 24 years old and I was 17 years young. We had lots of coffee breaks together and I was finally able to date him the day after my 18th birthday!What is the funniest thing that hap-pened while you two were dating?Flemming: I was very late to pick her up on our first date and her dad told me to have her home by 10:30 p.m. It was already 8 p.m.! I played coun-try music (she only listened to soul). I thought...this is our first and perhaps last date.Ann: On one date, he took me flying in a private plane. He was the pilot and flipped the plane around.
What is the craziest thing your spouse has ever done for you?Flemming: The craziest thing Ann did for me was my surprise 40th birthday party. A bag lady knocked at our door, the house was full of guests, and as the music started, her clothes slowly dwindled.Ann: One day he purchased our 2nd home in Mission Viejo to my surprise. It was 2,800 sq. ft. and a mess. How-ever, 10 months later, after 37 1/2 gallons of Spring White Lucie Paint and all the trimmings, it was gorgeous! We did it together.What is your spouse’s biggest phobia?Flemming: I can honestly say that Ann does not have any phobia—there is nothing that she will not try at least once and is always willing to try it again. Ann: Flemming is afraid of heights. On a recent trip to Australia, he even bought a ticket to walk the Sidney Har-bor Bridge to overcome it! He changed his mind so I framed his ticket with my photo on the bridge.
Who’s the first one to admit when they’re wrong?Flemming: Ann is the first to step out and admit being wrong. I, on the other hand, hate admitting when I’m wrong...probably because I’m very sel-dom wrong!Ann: I am the first to admit I’m wrong. I’m not a shy person.What is your spouse most passionate about?Flemming: She is passionate about cooking, eating healthy foods, and eat-ing dinner on time with no TV. Ann: Flemming is passionate about life and wanting to know everything there is to know about everything! He is most passionate about our home in Lake Tahoe and skiing his heart out.What’s your favorite thing to do in Bakersfield?Flemming: I love being outdoors and, of course, listening to country music at the Crystal Palace.Ann: I love to volunteer in Bakersfield.
What is your least favorite thing about your spouse and most favorite thing?Flemming: I would say that I have no pet peeves...Ann is a very positive per-son with a great personality and is very easy to live with.Ann: He has no patience to just watch one program—he clicks the remote constantly. It’s OK, though, because I just love the passion he still has for me. He is the ultimate provider, husband, fa-ther, and “bestefar” (“grandpa” in Nor-wegian), and adores his dog, Scarlet.
People • Places • EventsKern Facts
in stEP with: Ann &Flemming Hansen
she’s a philanthropist and he’s the Co-ownerof hansen’s Moving and storage–which is a good thing, because this couple is always on the move.
HIS& Hers
www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2010 1�
Be honest—what was the first thing you thought when you met your fu-ture spouse for the first time?Flemming: My first thought when I met Ann was that she was very young and that this was just simply not going to last. However, that simply was not the case!Ann: What beautiful blue eyes and broad shoulders. He was an assistant manager at Payless Drug Store. He was 24 years old and I was 17 years young. We had lots of coffee breaks together and I was finally able to date him the day after my 18th birthday!What is the funniest thing that hap-pened while you two were dating?Flemming: I was very late to pick her up on our first date and her dad told me to have her home by 10:30 p.m. It was already 8 p.m.! I played coun-try music (she only listened to soul). I thought...this is our first and perhaps last date.Ann: On one date, he took me flying in a private plane. He was the pilot and flipped the plane around.
What is the craziest thing your spouse has ever done for you?Flemming: The craziest thing Ann did for me was my surprise 40th birthday party. A bag lady knocked at our door, the house was full of guests, and as the music started, her clothes slowly dwindled.Ann: One day he purchased our 2nd home in Mission Viejo to my surprise. It was 2,800 sq. ft. and a mess. How-ever, 10 months later, after 37 1/2 gallons of Spring White Lucie Paint and all the trimmings, it was gorgeous! We did it together.What is your spouse’s biggest phobia?Flemming: I can honestly say that Ann does not have any phobia—there is nothing that she will not try at least once and is always willing to try it again. Ann: Flemming is afraid of heights. On a recent trip to Australia, he even bought a ticket to walk the Sidney Har-bor Bridge to overcome it! He changed his mind so I framed his ticket with my photo on the bridge.
Who’s the first one to admit when they’re wrong?Flemming: Ann is the first to step out and admit being wrong. I, on the other hand, hate admitting when I’m wrong...probably because I’m very sel-dom wrong!Ann: I am the first to admit I’m wrong. I’m not a shy person.What is your spouse most passionate about?Flemming: She is passionate about cooking, eating healthy foods, and eat-ing dinner on time with no TV. Ann: Flemming is passionate about life and wanting to know everything there is to know about everything! He is most passionate about our home in Lake Tahoe and skiing his heart out.What’s your favorite thing to do in Bakersfield?Flemming: I love being outdoors and, of course, listening to country music at the Crystal Palace.Ann: I love to volunteer in Bakersfield.
What is your least favorite thing about your spouse and most favorite thing?Flemming: I would say that I have no pet peeves...Ann is a very positive per-son with a great personality and is very easy to live with.Ann: He has no patience to just watch one program—he clicks the remote constantly. It’s OK, though, because I just love the passion he still has for me. He is the ultimate provider, husband, fa-ther, and “bestefar” (“grandpa” in Nor-wegian), and adores his dog, Scarlet.
People • Places • EventsKern Facts
in stEP with: Ann &Flemming Hansen
she’s a philanthropist and he’s the Co-ownerof hansen’s Moving and storage–which is a good thing, because this couple is always on the move.
HIS& Hers
www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2010 1�
1� Bakersfield Magazine
Fan-tasticPeople • Places • Events
WITHOuT A SINGLe ART CLASS uNDeR HIS BeLT, Johnny Ramos
has been able to make a significant impres-sion on the art community—with some of his works going for thousands to rabid col-lectors. But the West High grad remains humbled by the success and focuses that excess attention inward to his work.
“Inspiration for me comes from mid-century modernist painters and those of the early 1��0s. And I’m influenced by people and things in my life. But women will inspire colors,” Ramos said. The women Ramos has known have provoked him to paint in big, bold colors and patterns, and even in-spired paintings that seem to come from a softer, dreamier pal-ette. There’s also a painting with violent strokes and dark red colors. “But that’s an-other story,” Ramos quipped with a smile.
He was 30 years old before he dis-covered the artist inside. He had notebooks full of sketches and ideas for what would one day become incredibly surreal and modern works of art, but in 200�, painting was still something that hadn’t taken hold.
“At one point, I was refurbish-ing furniture and I was in L.A. I would see paintings in boutiques and think, ‘I can do that,’ ” the ��-year-old explained.
Now, it’s true that many of us see a modernist-style painting and assume we could do the same thing if we put a brush to canvas (or in the case of Ramos, wood). However, how many of us have actually tried and succeeded?
With a tenacious fervor, Ramos began
to decorate his own home with his works. “It was something to keep my mind oc-
cupied and it turned into something of an obsession. I would have friends come over and tell me that I just had to do something
with my paintings. I was sort of pushed into it,” he added, chuckling.
He began approaching local boutiques and found success comes for those who work hard. Only a year after he fell into the art form, he was seeing his work hanging in local places like Tangerine. And within just a few years, he was see-ing a much bigger response—it was in well-respected art galleries in town
and he was consistently being invited to hang his work in rooms across the city.
The dedication he shows to his art is im-pressive. That presents a challenge since he does have a day job. But now that he
and business partner Kynan Chambers have created Bos-sanova Studios, a venue for his work to be constantly on display, he can have more showings and reach a larger audience.
“I wasn’t happy with a show every four or five months,” he ex-plained of previous gallery expe-rience. Ramos is creatively at his peak the week before a show, and sometimes that means staying up all night (and not showering for a few days) before a show, finish-ing the signature piece, so he’s happy with the added pressure.
So what’s next for an artist who’s found himself in the cen-ter of Bakersfield’s art scene? And for someone who has will-ingly given of his time and art to charities in the community (like donating work to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Kern County’s an-nual ArtFest)? For starters, he’s doing all the artwork for a chil-dren’s book he’s putting out with a friend of his (who’s a lawyer), due out early next year. He’ll also be expanding into new mar-kets—the L.A., Santa Barbara, and Palm Springs markets to be
specific, bringing attention to Bakersfield in a big way.
“I’m very proud to be an artist from Ba-kersfield and I love to say I’m from Ba-kersfield to clients from outside the city.”
And based on the fact that locals have frequently been seen stealing the posters advertising one of his shows off walls and windows, it would seem Bakersfield is equally as proud of Ramos.
WOW, YOu GuYS ARe GOOD! We had tons of
people enter our last Pop Quiz and nearly everyone had the answer correct! Naturally, that means we have to work harder to stump you. So take a gander at this and see if you can identify where we took the picture. You’ll be generously rewarded for getting it right—a $30 Russo’s Books gift certificate will be yours. Send your guesses to [email protected]. Good luck!
in & Around B•town
by the NUMBERS
Kern Facts
expressionsLoca
l
POP Quiz
Number of Bakersfieldcity parksnumber of acres intule Elk state ReserveKern County’s firstFourth of July celebrationnumber of hotelrooms in Bakersfield number of people who watched Discovery landat Edwards AFB in 1988GAllONS OF ICE CREAM DREYERS FACIlITY CAN PRODUCE A YEAR
bakersfieldbiz.us, Bakersfield College, Historic Chronology of Kern County; visitbakersfield.com
i was refurbishing furniture and would
see paintingsin boutiquesand think,
I can do that.–Johnny Ramos
We’Ve ALL SeeN SOMe OF THe
MASSIVe WIND TuRBINeS IN
the Tehachapi-Mojave wind resource area.
As we drive south, we suddenly find our-
selves in a massive wind farm, with turbines
that extend high in the sky. They’re doing
a lot for our county’s economy, but they’re
also a wealth of cool facts. For example, did
you know that blades on some of the
largest turbines are 130 feet long?
To put that in perspective for you, 1�0 feet
is roughly 1� stories, and that is one story
taller than Stockdale Tower. Whoa!
47
953
1856
4,500
400,000
70,000,000
©istockphoto.com/sjlocke
www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2010 1�
Available Tax Incentives Include: •EmployeeHiringCredit •SignificantSavingonEmployeeHiring •SalesandTaxCredit •BusinessExpenseDeduction •CentralCaliforniaLocation •TrainedLaborForce •AffordableLandandLow-CostUtilities
Reap The Benefits Of Locating Your CompanyIn The Arvin Enterprise Zone Program.
WWW.ARVIN.ORG
Togetyourbusinessonthepathtotaxsavingsrightaway,callusat661.854.3134orvisitusonline.
Fan-tasticPeople • Places • Events
WITHOuT A SINGLe ART CLASS uNDeR HIS BeLT, Johnny Ramos
has been able to make a significant impres-sion on the art community—with some of his works going for thousands to rabid col-lectors. But the West High grad remains humbled by the success and focuses that excess attention inward to his work.
“Inspiration for me comes from mid-century modernist painters and those of the early 1��0s. And I’m influenced by people and things in my life. But women will inspire colors,” Ramos said. The women Ramos has known have provoked him to paint in big, bold colors and patterns, and even in-spired paintings that seem to come from a softer, dreamier pal-ette. There’s also a painting with violent strokes and dark red colors. “But that’s an-other story,” Ramos quipped with a smile.
He was 30 years old before he dis-covered the artist inside. He had notebooks full of sketches and ideas for what would one day become incredibly surreal and modern works of art, but in 200�, painting was still something that hadn’t taken hold.
“At one point, I was refurbish-ing furniture and I was in L.A. I would see paintings in boutiques and think, ‘I can do that,’ ” the ��-year-old explained.
Now, it’s true that many of us see a modernist-style painting and assume we could do the same thing if we put a brush to canvas (or in the case of Ramos, wood). However, how many of us have actually tried and succeeded?
With a tenacious fervor, Ramos began
to decorate his own home with his works. “It was something to keep my mind oc-
cupied and it turned into something of an obsession. I would have friends come over and tell me that I just had to do something
with my paintings. I was sort of pushed into it,” he added, chuckling.
He began approaching local boutiques and found success comes for those who work hard. Only a year after he fell into the art form, he was seeing his work hanging in local places like Tangerine. And within just a few years, he was see-ing a much bigger response—it was in well-respected art galleries in town
and he was consistently being invited to hang his work in rooms across the city.
The dedication he shows to his art is im-pressive. That presents a challenge since he does have a day job. But now that he
and business partner Kynan Chambers have created Bos-sanova Studios, a venue for his work to be constantly on display, he can have more showings and reach a larger audience.
“I wasn’t happy with a show every four or five months,” he ex-plained of previous gallery expe-rience. Ramos is creatively at his peak the week before a show, and sometimes that means staying up all night (and not showering for a few days) before a show, finish-ing the signature piece, so he’s happy with the added pressure.
So what’s next for an artist who’s found himself in the cen-ter of Bakersfield’s art scene? And for someone who has will-ingly given of his time and art to charities in the community (like donating work to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Kern County’s an-nual ArtFest)? For starters, he’s doing all the artwork for a chil-dren’s book he’s putting out with a friend of his (who’s a lawyer), due out early next year. He’ll also be expanding into new mar-kets—the L.A., Santa Barbara, and Palm Springs markets to be
specific, bringing attention to Bakersfield in a big way.
“I’m very proud to be an artist from Ba-kersfield and I love to say I’m from Ba-kersfield to clients from outside the city.”
And based on the fact that locals have frequently been seen stealing the posters advertising one of his shows off walls and windows, it would seem Bakersfield is equally as proud of Ramos.
WOW, YOu GuYS ARe GOOD! We had tons of
people enter our last Pop Quiz and nearly everyone had the answer correct! Naturally, that means we have to work harder to stump you. So take a gander at this and see if you can identify where we took the picture. You’ll be generously rewarded for getting it right—a $30 Russo’s Books gift certificate will be yours. Send your guesses to [email protected]. Good luck!
in & Around B•town
by the NUMBERS
Kern Facts
expressionsLoca
l
POP Quiz
Number of Bakersfieldcity parksnumber of acres intule Elk state ReserveKern County’s firstFourth of July celebrationnumber of hotelrooms in Bakersfield number of people who watched Discovery landat Edwards AFB in 1988GAllONS OF ICE CREAM DREYERS FACIlITY CAN PRODUCE A YEAR
bakersfieldbiz.us, Bakersfield College, Historic Chronology of Kern County; visitbakersfield.com
i was refurbishing furniture and would
see paintingsin boutiquesand think,
I can do that.–Johnny Ramos
We’Ve ALL SeeN SOMe OF THe
MASSIVe WIND TuRBINeS IN
the Tehachapi-Mojave wind resource area.
As we drive south, we suddenly find our-
selves in a massive wind farm, with turbines
that extend high in the sky. They’re doing
a lot for our county’s economy, but they’re
also a wealth of cool facts. For example, did
you know that blades on some of the
largest turbines are 130 feet long?
To put that in perspective for you, 1�0 feet
is roughly 1� stories, and that is one story
taller than Stockdale Tower. Whoa!
47
953
1856
4,500
400,000
70,000,000
©istockphoto.com/sjlocke
1� Bakersfield Magazine
Kern Facts
EARLIeR THIS YeAR,
Business First of Buffalo
(Western New York’s Business
Newspaper) reported that across
the country, the 100 largest la-
bor markets had lost nearly �.�
million manufacturing jobs in
the past 10 years according to
recently released federal data.
That’s a lot of jobs and noth-
ing to smile about. However,
the sun shines a little brighter
here in Bakersfield. That same
data also showed that the
only market adding man-
ufacturing jobs during
the last decade was Ba-
kersfield, with a gain of
1,900 positions. Now that
is something to smile about.
Source: http://buffalo.bizjournals.com/buffalo/stories/2010/07/26/daily54.html
BOOMING BUSINESS
We’Ve HAD SOMe BIG WINNeRS ReCeNTLY and we can’t wait to share their pictures with you (don’t
worry, they said we could). But you could count yourself among them...all you have to do is join the A-list! You’ll have the opportunity to enter great drawings and contests.Visit bakersfieldmagazine.net for FOR YOUR CHANCE!
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NEWS FlASH...WINNING IS GREAT!
JAN FRIeDLY
LAuRA STeWART
KANDACe MILLeR
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www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2010 1�
GOATS HAVe LONG HAD A RePuTATION
AS eATING MACHINeS. A group of goats can clear a field in no time at all—which got some people thinking; wouldn’t it be beneficial to use goats to clear brush during fire season? So, with the help of grants, our Kern County Fire Department is currently working with some ador-able �-legged animals. “It’s a great opportunity and we’re learning as we go,” said Kern County Fire Department PIO Sean Collins.
Instead of having to send crews up to maintain fuel break areas throughout the spring and summer, where brush was previously cleared, a herd of goats will do the grounds-keeping. This will be a big help come next year’s fire season. “It’s going to save a lot of time, gas, and
resources,” Collins added.
Those crews
which previously had to go back to maintain fuel breaks can, instead, be making new breaks.
Collins said the Depart-ment transferred 17 goats up to the Pine Mountain Club area in mid-July. And next year, they hope to see the benefits of these brush-eaters.
“We’re wanting to continue growing this program, grow-ing the herd. Then we’ll move them to places where we need to maintain those fuel breaks, places in the mountainous ar-eas of Kern River Valley, Te-hachapi, and Frazier Park.”
The biggest way to grow this pilot program is by involving the public...and they’ve got a great way to do this! By giv-ing them the opportunity to sponsor a goat.
“They’d get to name the goat and help us care for it,” Collins explained of those who make a financial contri-bution. “And they’d know that the goat was doing it’s part to help the community.”
Because by gobbling up the dry grasses, these goats
may just be the ticket to keeping Kern County from getting burned for years to come. If you’d like more information on adopting a goat, call(��1) ��0-01��.
Not aBAAAD
idea!
KCFD Fire Goats
People • Places • Events
©istockphoto.com/globalp/vicm
20 Bakersfield Magazine
Source: Kern County Film Commission
in 1960, hollywood crews
descended upon Bakersfield
to film scenes from Alfred
hitchcock’s upcoming
movie PSYCHO,
starring Janet Leigh and
Anthony Perkins.
Good“Eve...ning”
WANT TO PLAN AN eVeNING OF LIVe eNTeRTAINMeNT THe
WHOLe FAMILY WILL eNJOY? Then mark November 12, 1�, and 1� on your 2010 calendar. Those are the dates the Fox Theater and Spot-light Theatre have scheduled their joint-effort presentation of the live musical, “For the Love of Mag-gie.” The evenings of musical theater are planned in celebra-tion of the majestic Fox Theater’s �0th birthday.
“Maggie,” cre-ated by local composer Ann Agabashian and late author/lyricist Barbara Gardner, tells a story of ro-mance between Lord Douglas and Maggie Mooney, real people who met in Bakers-field around the turn of the century (see page 2� for more on the loving couple). Other historically-inspired events such as fights over water rights, land fraud, and drilling for oil, enliven the story and carry the romance along. Rated “G” for Good Fun, “Maggie” features the talents of local performers and some of Bakersfield’s best-known musical theater actors. evening performances a r e scheduled for Friday and Saturday, with a matinée performance on Sunday.
Opened Christmas Day in 1930, the Fox Theater was built to serve both the movie industry and vaude-ville. Its fully operational stage and 1,�00 seat theater provides a perfect setting for live theater, as well as other entertainment
venues. The Fox is the auditorium for the Downtown elementary School and for the middle school graduations each year. As a rental venue, the Fox has served pre-
miers, movies, plays, weddings, memorial services, business meetings, magicians, comedians, and con-certs for the last �0 years.
The Fox was pur-chased and saved from being demol-ished in 1��� by do-nations from the peo-ple and corporations of Bakersfield, mak-ing it truly a com-munity treasure that is not depen-dent on taxpayer money, which is why events like “Maggie” are so im-
portant. All proceeds from the musical pre-sentation will go to the on-going restoration of the Fox Theater and the Spotlight The-atre. Tickets are available through ValliTix.
For the love of
FOx THEATERCinematic institutionfor over 80 years.
THErE waS Blood. Not literally, of course. But when the Alamo Draft-
house and Levi’s® 2010 Rolling Road-show came to town, and invited the entire town to a screening of Paul Thomas Anderson’s There will Be Blood at the Kern County Museum, people took note. They also took lawn chairs.
In August, Ba-kersfield played host to the nation-wide tour of free outdoor ��mm screening experiences which paired some of the country’s favorite films with the lo-cations where they were shot or set. With a theme of “We Are All Workers,” the film festival celebrated the hard-work-ing men and women who helped shape the country. Because of Kern County’s
Kern’s Rolling Roadshowconnection to the early oil industry, we were a natural choice for the screening of Anderson’s flick. And just in case you
weren’t aware, An-derson actually visited the Kern County Museum to do research during the mov-ie’s filming.
The Rolling Road -show people con-tacted the Museum this summer about having the screening take place there—which proved to be a perfect locale. Where better to watch a movie about
the rough life of early oil workers than surrounded by reminders of our county’s past?
The night of the show, the grounds were packed. There might have been blood at one point, but the night of the screening, there were only cheers.
Grab Your Tissues & Head To The Fox...
IT’S A GReAT DAY TO GIVe AWAY
A PRIze. Actually, we like to give
prizes away every day, so there really
isn’t any cause for celebration. unless,
of course, you’re the first A-Lister to
spot your name below and email us at
[email protected]. Then you can celebrate winning
*contest eligibility for a-list members only who have not won a prize in the past three months
ANN ENGECORRINE COATS
RON lOSAVIRGIE GARCIA
$100 IN GIFT CERTIFICATES TOEl PORTAl MExICAN RESTAURANT.
If you’re not a member of the
magazine’s A-List, just visit our website
and sign up today. It’s fast and free–two
words we all love to hear. It’s the only
way you’ll ever see your name listed
below and it’s your only chance to win.
SUSAN KOEHlERSCOTT STOTlERSAM WIlKERSONRUSS PETRONE
RUBEN GARzARONESSA BIDDlE
NICOlE KUBASMARK DEVRIES
in & Around B•townKern Facts
DIDYA WIN?
By LaNell Hart
photo proviDeD bY kern coUntY mUseUm
Firooz Amjadi, M.D.
Dr. Amjadi obtained his medical training from the UCLA school of Medicine. he then completed a residency in orthopaedics at the prestigious Cleveland Clinic Foundation and an additional fellowship in neurosurgery and orthopaedic spine surgery at Cedars-sinai in southern California. Dr. Amjadi is board certified in orthopaedic surgery and specializes in minimally invasive spine surgery to reduce pain and recovery time while improving functionality and disability from surgery.Dr. Amjadi is now welcoming new patients!
Firooz Amjadi, M.D.Kern Bone & Jointspecialists, inc.1921 18th streetBakersfield, CA 93301
to make an appointmentwith Dr. Amjadi, call:(661) 324-2491
• Minimally invasive spinal surgery• specializing in neck & Back Adult surgery• neurosurgical/Orthopaedic Fellowship trained• Board Certified
www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2010 21
THE
G A L L E R YSAN JOAQUIN COMMUNITY HOSPITAL
2615 Chester Avenue661-395-3000
www.sjch.us
Something Special forSomeone Special
Source: Kern County Film Commission
in 1960, hollywood crews
descended upon Bakersfield
to film scenes from Alfred
hitchcock’s upcoming
movie PSYCHO,
starring Janet Leigh and
Anthony Perkins.
Good“Eve...ning”
WANT TO PLAN AN eVeNING OF LIVe eNTeRTAINMeNT THe
WHOLe FAMILY WILL eNJOY? Then mark November 12, 1�, and 1� on your 2010 calendar. Those are the dates the Fox Theater and Spot-light Theatre have scheduled their joint-effort presentation of the live musical, “For the Love of Mag-gie.” The evenings of musical theater are planned in celebra-tion of the majestic Fox Theater’s �0th birthday.
“Maggie,” cre-ated by local composer Ann Agabashian and late author/lyricist Barbara Gardner, tells a story of ro-mance between Lord Douglas and Maggie Mooney, real people who met in Bakers-field around the turn of the century (see page 2� for more on the loving couple). Other historically-inspired events such as fights over water rights, land fraud, and drilling for oil, enliven the story and carry the romance along. Rated “G” for Good Fun, “Maggie” features the talents of local performers and some of Bakersfield’s best-known musical theater actors. evening performances a r e scheduled for Friday and Saturday, with a matinée performance on Sunday.
Opened Christmas Day in 1930, the Fox Theater was built to serve both the movie industry and vaude-ville. Its fully operational stage and 1,�00 seat theater provides a perfect setting for live theater, as well as other entertainment
venues. The Fox is the auditorium for the Downtown elementary School and for the middle school graduations each year. As a rental venue, the Fox has served pre-
miers, movies, plays, weddings, memorial services, business meetings, magicians, comedians, and con-certs for the last �0 years.
The Fox was pur-chased and saved from being demol-ished in 1��� by do-nations from the peo-ple and corporations of Bakersfield, mak-ing it truly a com-munity treasure that is not depen-dent on taxpayer money, which is why events like “Maggie” are so im-
portant. All proceeds from the musical pre-sentation will go to the on-going restoration of the Fox Theater and the Spotlight The-atre. Tickets are available through ValliTix.
For the love of
FOx THEATERCinematic institutionfor over 80 years.
THErE waS Blood. Not literally, of course. But when the Alamo Draft-
house and Levi’s® 2010 Rolling Road-show came to town, and invited the entire town to a screening of Paul Thomas Anderson’s There will Be Blood at the Kern County Museum, people took note. They also took lawn chairs.
In August, Ba-kersfield played host to the nation-wide tour of free outdoor ��mm screening experiences which paired some of the country’s favorite films with the lo-cations where they were shot or set. With a theme of “We Are All Workers,” the film festival celebrated the hard-work-ing men and women who helped shape the country. Because of Kern County’s
Kern’s Rolling Roadshowconnection to the early oil industry, we were a natural choice for the screening of Anderson’s flick. And just in case you
weren’t aware, An-derson actually visited the Kern County Museum to do research during the mov-ie’s filming.
The Rolling Road -show people con-tacted the Museum this summer about having the screening take place there—which proved to be a perfect locale. Where better to watch a movie about
the rough life of early oil workers than surrounded by reminders of our county’s past?
The night of the show, the grounds were packed. There might have been blood at one point, but the night of the screening, there were only cheers.
Grab Your Tissues & Head To The Fox...
IT’S A GReAT DAY TO GIVe AWAY
A PRIze. Actually, we like to give
prizes away every day, so there really
isn’t any cause for celebration. unless,
of course, you’re the first A-Lister to
spot your name below and email us at
[email protected]. Then you can celebrate winning
*contest eligibility for a-list members only who have not won a prize in the past three months
ANN ENGECORRINE COATS
RON lOSAVIRGIE GARCIA
$100 IN GIFT CERTIFICATES TOEl PORTAl MExICAN RESTAURANT.
If you’re not a member of the
magazine’s A-List, just visit our website
and sign up today. It’s fast and free–two
words we all love to hear. It’s the only
way you’ll ever see your name listed
below and it’s your only chance to win.
SUSAN KOEHlERSCOTT STOTlERSAM WIlKERSONRUSS PETRONE
RUBEN GARzARONESSA BIDDlE
NICOlE KUBASMARK DEVRIES
in & Around B•townKern Facts
DIDYA WIN?
By LaNell Hart
photo proviDeD bY kern coUntY mUseUm
22 Bakersfield Magazine
Kern Facts
stuf
f w
e lik
e
CoolNew Contest!
Read our “Stuff We like” blog at bakersfieldmagazine.net to get all the details on how you can win $50 Gift Certificatesto the places we’vefeatured.
49ers InfantNFl Jersey, $35Touchdown Sports9000 Ming Ave., Ste. T2 (661) 663-3358
Posh leotard withattached Tutu, $33.99
Planet Dance8200 Stockdale Hwy.,
Ste. H2(661) 831-5678
Vieta Handbag,$99Apricot lane Boutique
9000 Ming Ave., Ste. J-1(661) 332-9019
Mitsubushi 65”3D-ready TV, $2,199Urner’s 4110 Wible Rd. (661) 396-8400
McCall’s CountryCanning Candles, $23Country Apple10111 Rosedale Hwy.(661) 588-6895
GloTherapeutics,Glo Super Serum, $115
la Dolce Vita Salon & Spa2100 19th St.
(661) 861-4900
love PotionSequined Sweater, $178Kaur Boutique9000 Ming Ave., Ste. 1-2(661) 664-7800
3
2
1 Watching my children sleep. After a long day of running, jumping, playing, and squabbling, nothing is more peace-ful than their faces as they finally give in to slumber. And if I’m fairly sure I won’t wake them, I may even sneak a kiss on a soft cheek.
Walking along the beach. This goes for almost any beach along almost any ocean. I have never found another place that pro-vides the same calming effects on my mental kinks.
Lilacs. These fragrant flowers were one of my fondest childhood memories from Washington State and one of my biggest disappointments is that they struggle to survive Central Valley heat.
The Gorgonzola Filet at T.L. Max-well’s downtown. Thank goodness Terry Maxwell introduced this entrée to me years ago because it has become the dish I would request if I knew I was offered one final meal. And, if I added dessert, I would have to request a slice of my moth-er’s strawberry-rhubarb pie.
Fall and football. And, despite their dis-mal record of the last decade, Washing-ton Husky football. The chill in the air, crackle in the fireplace, and the purple and gold lining up for kickoff make any Saturday...a great Saturday.
JACKiE PARKs, KERO-tV AnChOR,“reports” her five favorite things!
4
5
People • Places • Events
www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2010 2�
From Start to Finish...We are Bakersfield’s Premier
Turn-Key Builder.
661.587.9816 | DelfinoHomes.com
Kern Facts
stuf
f w
e lik
e
CoolNew Contest!
Read our “Stuff We like” blog at bakersfieldmagazine.net to get all the details on how you can win $50 Gift Certificatesto the places we’vefeatured.
49ers InfantNFl Jersey, $35Touchdown Sports9000 Ming Ave., Ste. T2 (661) 663-3358
Posh leotard withattached Tutu, $33.99
Planet Dance8200 Stockdale Hwy.,
Ste. H2(661) 831-5678
Vieta Handbag,$99Apricot lane Boutique
9000 Ming Ave., Ste. J-1(661) 332-9019
Mitsubushi 65”3D-ready TV, $2,199Urner’s 4110 Wible Rd. (661) 396-8400
McCall’s CountryCanning Candles, $23Country Apple10111 Rosedale Hwy.(661) 588-6895
GloTherapeutics,Glo Super Serum, $115
la Dolce Vita Salon & Spa2100 19th St.
(661) 861-4900
love PotionSequined Sweater, $178Kaur Boutique9000 Ming Ave., Ste. 1-2(661) 664-7800
3
2
1 Watching my children sleep. After a long day of running, jumping, playing, and squabbling, nothing is more peace-ful than their faces as they finally give in to slumber. And if I’m fairly sure I won’t wake them, I may even sneak a kiss on a soft cheek.
Walking along the beach. This goes for almost any beach along almost any ocean. I have never found another place that pro-vides the same calming effects on my mental kinks.
Lilacs. These fragrant flowers were one of my fondest childhood memories from Washington State and one of my biggest disappointments is that they struggle to survive Central Valley heat.
The Gorgonzola Filet at T.L. Max-well’s downtown. Thank goodness Terry Maxwell introduced this entrée to me years ago because it has become the dish I would request if I knew I was offered one final meal. And, if I added dessert, I would have to request a slice of my moth-er’s strawberry-rhubarb pie.
Fall and football. And, despite their dis-mal record of the last decade, Washing-ton Husky football. The chill in the air, crackle in the fireplace, and the purple and gold lining up for kickoff make any Saturday...a great Saturday.
JACKiE PARKs, KERO-tV AnChOR,“reports” her five favorite things!
4
5
People • Places • Events
2� Bakersfield Magazine
Source: History of Kern County, California by wallace M. Morgan.Historic record Company, los angles, California, 1914.
The Rest of the Story...S A SORT OF “PART TWO” TO THe HISTORY TIDBIT we gave you last issue about the British coming to Ba-
kersfield, we thought we’d include this love story...“With this story of the Rosedale remittance men belongs
the romantic tale of the wooing of loretta Addis by lord Sholto Douglas, third son of the Marquis of Queens-bury. Loretta Addis was Miss Maggie Mooney’s stage name, and Miss Maggie Mooney was a pretty and piquant
little Irish girl who made an honest, if not conventional, living for herself by doing a turn on the stage of big Frank Carson’s place on 20th Street.
Sholto proposed on every appro-priate and inappropriate occasion he could find. But Loretta was suspi-cious of alliances with the nobility [assuming the] marquis and marchio-ness never would sanction the match. Finally, the young Lord’s friends interfered to break up the languish-ing match, and, failing in persuasive tactics, they had Sholto arrested on a charge of insanity. Then they set to work to get Miss Mooney out of Ba-kersfield.
The love affairs of Lord Sholto and Loretta Addis made a good story, or at least the stories that the Bakersfield [reporters] sent out looked good to the San Francisco city editors, and [so] they gave the local correspondents carte blanc, printed their stuff on the front page, and clamored for more. C. P. Fox and W. D. Young were working the story together. When Sholto was locked up in one of the private rooms at the sheriff’s quar-
ters, and Sholto’s friends were about to succeed in persuading Miss Mooney to move, Young and Fox saw the end of their pay streak. They visited Miss Mooney [and painted a] picture of Sholto’s despair, spurned by his heart’s desire and charged with madness, for nothing more than that he loved the fair Lo-retta. Miss Mooney knew the blarney when she heard it. Their arguments fell flat. Then Young played his trump card.
“Let them renounce you, if they dare,” he exclaimed, “and you go on the stage as Lady Sholto Douglas, daughter-in-law of the Marquis of Queensbury.”
The practical instinct of a good press agent won where flat-tering and persuasion failed.
Fifteen minutes later, Fox and Young, and Deputy Sher-iff Joe Droulliard were ushering Miss Mooney into the little room where Sholto [waited].” The two lived happily ever after.
Kern Facts skilled hands
S
Robert SotoBIKE MECHANIC
A Geared up By Charlie Durgin
ExPERts MAKE it LOOK EAsy.
phot
o co
Urte
sY ca
liFor
nia D
igita
l neW
spap
er co
llec
tion
Tour De France among other prestigious cycling events, and Hager is no slouch either. The two have over �0 combined years of mechanic experience.
In a world where most trades have been heavily impacted by computers and technology, the trade of bike mechanic remains pretty old school, as does its learning curve. You can’t just Google your way to a solution.
“You take time and you think about it,” Soto said about solv-ing tricky bike issues, “or you reference one of the guys in the shop with more experience.”
Soto says that most of the repairs that come across the bench in a day are normal ones like flat tires or the regu-lar tune-up.
Often, the real adventure begins when a well-meaning customer has taken the wrench into his own hands.
“When folks try to fix stuff themselves, they can make the original problem worse,” Soto said. “Like not putting grease where you are supposed to, or even worse, putting WD-�0 where grease belongs, because WD-�0 disperses grease and turns it to liquid.”
This isn’t good when the grease is supposed to keep heavy metal bearings from cooking in their races.
First-timers and newbies also have a rough time build-ing bike wheels.
“When people try to build their own wheels for the first time, they’ll have the spokes crossing in the wrong place, for instance, over the valve stem,
which makes the tube pretty difficult to pump,” Soto said.
Those still aren’t the tough-est cases that Soto sees.
“Cheap components, a lot of plastic parts, and nothing works right when you get them,” Soto said of the off-brand bikes sold by non-specialty bike dealers. “Bikes that have sat outside for a long time are also difficult to work on.”
Despite working on bikes all day for a living, Soto still loves traveling on two wheels. He rides his bike to work almost
every day, and he likes to spend some of his free time at the skate park riding his BMX bike.
The only downside to being a mechanic who can still shred at the skate park?
“People will hit me up at the skate park when I’m trying to ride, and I have to tell them ‘I’m not at work!’ ”
So now they’ll know where to catch him when he is work-ing, turning wrenches and practicing the core of being a bike mechanic: “patience and repetition.”
NIDeR’S CYCLeRY me-chanic Robert Soto took
a fairly conventional path to be-coming a bike mechanic. “I was actually a bike assembler, and I got tired of doing that,” Soto said.
Bicycles come from the fac-tory mostly assembled, with minor parts like the handlebars attached in the shop. The rest is just small adjustments.
“Being a bike mechanic means you know how to tear a bicycle down and put it back together, from top to bottom—and on any bike,” Soto said.
It takes patience and time to become a bike mechanic, and you don’t do it to get rich.
It’s about sticking it out, do-ing the dismal work like chang-ing flats and assembling bikes in order to work on the cooler aspects—building wheels or nice carbon bikes.
Soto has stuck it out for three years, and he’s done it the tra-ditional way.
He rode BMX bikes as a youth and began repairing them himself out of conve-nience. BMX bikes are fairly simple to learn on as they are single-speed, meaning there aren’t multiple gears and tricky derailleurs to deal with. They are also sturdier and smaller than their road and mountain counterparts.
“everything I know about working on geared bikes, I learned from Jay Hager and John Panick,” Soto said of his mentors and fellow Snid-er’s mechanics. Panick has worked as a mechanic in the
in a world where most trades have been heavily impacted by computers and technology, the trade of bike mechanic remains pretty old school, as does its learning curve.
You can’t just Google your way to a solution.
www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2010 2�
Source: History of Kern County, California by wallace M. Morgan.Historic record Company, los angles, California, 1914.
The Rest of the Story...S A SORT OF “PART TWO” TO THe HISTORY TIDBIT we gave you last issue about the British coming to Ba-
kersfield, we thought we’d include this love story...“With this story of the Rosedale remittance men belongs
the romantic tale of the wooing of loretta Addis by lord Sholto Douglas, third son of the Marquis of Queens-bury. Loretta Addis was Miss Maggie Mooney’s stage name, and Miss Maggie Mooney was a pretty and piquant
little Irish girl who made an honest, if not conventional, living for herself by doing a turn on the stage of big Frank Carson’s place on 20th Street.
Sholto proposed on every appro-priate and inappropriate occasion he could find. But Loretta was suspi-cious of alliances with the nobility [assuming the] marquis and marchio-ness never would sanction the match. Finally, the young Lord’s friends interfered to break up the languish-ing match, and, failing in persuasive tactics, they had Sholto arrested on a charge of insanity. Then they set to work to get Miss Mooney out of Ba-kersfield.
The love affairs of Lord Sholto and Loretta Addis made a good story, or at least the stories that the Bakersfield [reporters] sent out looked good to the San Francisco city editors, and [so] they gave the local correspondents carte blanc, printed their stuff on the front page, and clamored for more. C. P. Fox and W. D. Young were working the story together. When Sholto was locked up in one of the private rooms at the sheriff’s quar-
ters, and Sholto’s friends were about to succeed in persuading Miss Mooney to move, Young and Fox saw the end of their pay streak. They visited Miss Mooney [and painted a] picture of Sholto’s despair, spurned by his heart’s desire and charged with madness, for nothing more than that he loved the fair Lo-retta. Miss Mooney knew the blarney when she heard it. Their arguments fell flat. Then Young played his trump card.
“Let them renounce you, if they dare,” he exclaimed, “and you go on the stage as Lady Sholto Douglas, daughter-in-law of the Marquis of Queensbury.”
The practical instinct of a good press agent won where flat-tering and persuasion failed.
Fifteen minutes later, Fox and Young, and Deputy Sher-iff Joe Droulliard were ushering Miss Mooney into the little room where Sholto [waited].” The two lived happily ever after.
Kern Facts skilled hands
S
Robert SotoBIKE MECHANIC
A Geared up By Charlie Durgin
ExPERts MAKE it LOOK EAsy.
phot
o co
Urte
sY ca
liFor
nia D
igita
l neW
spap
er co
llec
tion
Tour De France among other prestigious cycling events, and Hager is no slouch either. The two have over �0 combined years of mechanic experience.
In a world where most trades have been heavily impacted by computers and technology, the trade of bike mechanic remains pretty old school, as does its learning curve. You can’t just Google your way to a solution.
“You take time and you think about it,” Soto said about solv-ing tricky bike issues, “or you reference one of the guys in the shop with more experience.”
Soto says that most of the repairs that come across the bench in a day are normal ones like flat tires or the regu-lar tune-up.
Often, the real adventure begins when a well-meaning customer has taken the wrench into his own hands.
“When folks try to fix stuff themselves, they can make the original problem worse,” Soto said. “Like not putting grease where you are supposed to, or even worse, putting WD-�0 where grease belongs, because WD-�0 disperses grease and turns it to liquid.”
This isn’t good when the grease is supposed to keep heavy metal bearings from cooking in their races.
First-timers and newbies also have a rough time build-ing bike wheels.
“When people try to build their own wheels for the first time, they’ll have the spokes crossing in the wrong place, for instance, over the valve stem,
which makes the tube pretty difficult to pump,” Soto said.
Those still aren’t the tough-est cases that Soto sees.
“Cheap components, a lot of plastic parts, and nothing works right when you get them,” Soto said of the off-brand bikes sold by non-specialty bike dealers. “Bikes that have sat outside for a long time are also difficult to work on.”
Despite working on bikes all day for a living, Soto still loves traveling on two wheels. He rides his bike to work almost
every day, and he likes to spend some of his free time at the skate park riding his BMX bike.
The only downside to being a mechanic who can still shred at the skate park?
“People will hit me up at the skate park when I’m trying to ride, and I have to tell them ‘I’m not at work!’ ”
So now they’ll know where to catch him when he is work-ing, turning wrenches and practicing the core of being a bike mechanic: “patience and repetition.”
NIDeR’S CYCLeRY me-chanic Robert Soto took
a fairly conventional path to be-coming a bike mechanic. “I was actually a bike assembler, and I got tired of doing that,” Soto said.
Bicycles come from the fac-tory mostly assembled, with minor parts like the handlebars attached in the shop. The rest is just small adjustments.
“Being a bike mechanic means you know how to tear a bicycle down and put it back together, from top to bottom—and on any bike,” Soto said.
It takes patience and time to become a bike mechanic, and you don’t do it to get rich.
It’s about sticking it out, do-ing the dismal work like chang-ing flats and assembling bikes in order to work on the cooler aspects—building wheels or nice carbon bikes.
Soto has stuck it out for three years, and he’s done it the tra-ditional way.
He rode BMX bikes as a youth and began repairing them himself out of conve-nience. BMX bikes are fairly simple to learn on as they are single-speed, meaning there aren’t multiple gears and tricky derailleurs to deal with. They are also sturdier and smaller than their road and mountain counterparts.
“everything I know about working on geared bikes, I learned from Jay Hager and John Panick,” Soto said of his mentors and fellow Snid-er’s mechanics. Panick has worked as a mechanic in the
in a world where most trades have been heavily impacted by computers and technology, the trade of bike mechanic remains pretty old school, as does its learning curve.
You can’t just Google your way to a solution.
2� Bakersfield Magazine
www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2010 2�
Jeffrey Enoch Flores, 39Occupation: Chief of Stafffor County Supervisor
Are you a Bakersfield Native? Although I grew up in the San Gabriel Valley, I consider myself a native and have lived in Bakersfield for 21 years.
Is there a style product that you absolutely can’t live without? Classic Italian Barber Prorasoshave cream with an aftersplash of Agua de Pravia.
Do you think Bakersfield has astyle? It has to be that quintessential “Ag” look: pressed chinos, plaid shirt, with or without boots, and a Columbia fleece vest. It’s a great no-nonsense look that says hardworking, trustworthy, comfortable, and confident.
Describe your personal style. I prefer a continental look. Also, anything that’s classic and timeless. Prep and understated is what works best for me.
Is there a celebrity or person that you get your style from? Not really, it’s just something that has evolved over time. German National Soccer coach Joachim Loew is well dressed, if you ask me.
What are you wearing? Navy Façonnable suit with burgundy window pane; Brooks Brothers red and blue tattersall check dress shirt; Brooks Brothers pattern tie; black Calvin Klein dress belt; and black horse bit Ferragamo loafers.
FASHION TIP:Come on people—lose the Hawaiian shirts.
Does your style change when you are not at work? I’m usually in a pair of
�01 jeans and a T-shirt or polo.
How do you personalize your ‘business’ look? I always wear 100 percent cotton shirts, I just can’t do
polyester—not even blends. I prefer a spread or cutaway collar with a thick
tie that can make a fat knot.
What are your favorite places toshop in Bakersfield? I’m so
pressed for time, I usually shoponline. There are some fine
traditional stores in town though.
What is your favorite item ofclothing? My navy JPress blazer is
indispensable. In terms of function, I can wear it in work environments, in formal
settings, or at casual settings with chinos or with a pair of jeans.
What is the biggest fashion mistake you have made? I was going to wear
an American business suit with cuffs to a formal wedding in Madrid and they
looked at me as if I was from Mars.I quickly went out and bought a
tapered suit (sans cuffs).
Are you a bargain hound? Yes, and you can’t beat a Kirkland dress
shirt from Costco.
What mistakes do you think women make when they dress? I don’t know
about women’s dress codes, but for both men and women, I think that Bakersfield
needs to move beyond Hawaiian shirts.
www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2010 2�
2� Bakersfield Magazine
www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2010 2�
! CITIZENKERN
How he got started: The term “child prodigy” gets bandied about, but Byrom’s past certainly supports that descriptor; he learned to play multiple instruments (including the violin and the tuba) while still in grade school. He took that love of music with him when he joined the Navy and played in the branch’s band, stationed in San Fransisco. He spent two years in the studio with the Grateful Dead (“and learned how not to record an album”) but it wouldn’t be long before he was getting his own deal with Capitol Records.
His heroes: “My dad is the biggest influence on me—I went to bed listen-ing to him sing every night,” Byrom explained. “As far as bands go, my fa-vorite as a kid was ZZ Top. My favorite artist was Hendrix. But to this day, I lis-ten to Otis Redding and Merle Haggard every day.”
His favorite part of the industry: “Defi-nitely performing and connecting with the audience,” Byrom said. “The road is always rough, but back when I was touring all the time, the two hours I spent on stage made the other twenty-two worth it.” It’s much easier now that Byrom has a regular gig playing with the Buckaroos at the Crystal Palace and doesn’t have to sleep in a tour bus at night. He still hams it up on stage.
What he’d still like to accomplish: Never mind having over 40 of his songs appear in movies, writing chart-topping hits for other artists, touring with George Strait, or being nominated for an Academy of Country Music award, Byrom plans to stay busy in the music industry for a long time. “It’s like the mob—you can never really get out.” So, he’s making a new record with Big House and opening a studio in town.
Career highlights: In between fronting Billy Satellite, New Frontier, and Big House, Byrom jammed with a veritable who’s who list in the music industry, and as a writer/producer has worked with the likes of Ed-die Money, Barbara Streisand, David Lee Roth, and Don Felder and Timothy Schmidt of the Eagles. Still, he says an all-night im-promptu rehearsal with former Temptations singer Ali-Ollie Woodson is a huge highlight. ‘‘
‘‘
Personal Stats:Name: Monty Byrom Age: 52Birthplace: TexasTitle: Musician; Song Writer; Producer
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�0 Bakersfield Magazine
ext year marks 1�0 years since the beginning of the Civil War, a
confrontation that pitted broth-er against brother, tore families apart, and shook this nation to its very core. The New York newspaper Banner of liberty prophesied as early as April 1��1 that “the Tragedy is about to Begin!”
And while fathers, broth-ers, and husbands were eager to enlist, by war’s end they were ready for it to be over. As Franklin Warner, a private from Michigan observed in 1���, the year “has come and we do not know what this year will bring forth; oh may it bring the close of this war for I am getting tired of it—for I am tired of living such a life it is a dogs [sic] life to every soldier.” No place was immune to the effects of the war as it reached everywhere includ-ing California.
Soon after the war broke out, 1�,000 Californians enlisted on the side of the union. Most of those who enlisted were sta-tioned in the west. California
Volunteers occupied more terri-tory in the west than the union did in the east. They were sta-tioned in California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Kansas, Nevada, utah, Oregon, Wash-ington, and Wyoming. Some, however, such as members of the California Cavalry, served with the Second Massachusetts Cavalry and fought in thirty-one battles, many of which were in the Shenandoah Valley.
One of the main functions of the California Volunteers was to protect gold shipments that were vital in keeping the union Solvent. They were also tasked with protecting overland mail routes, putting down In-dian uprisings, and keeping an eye on Southern Secessionists who were especially visible in the area. In order to carry out these missions, two camps were erected in the area to maintain order. The first, Camp Babbitt, was established June 2�, 1��2 about one mile from Visalia. Named after Colonel e.B. Bab-bitt, its primary mission was to keep an eye on Southern Sym-pathizers who permeated the
Kern County remembers
area. Tulare County was almost entirely founded by Southern-ers, making the area a pro-Con-federate hot bed. Also keep in mind that the area was below the ��-�0 line established by the Missouri Compromise of 1�20.
Camp Babbitt’s jurisdiction reached from Fort Tejon to Fres-no County. On June 2�, 1���, Lieutenant-Colonel Wil-liam Jones, commander of the Second Cavalry of the California Volunteers, reported to Colonel R.C. Drum, the Assistant Ad-jutant General, Depart-ment of the Pacific that “unofficial information” came to his attention that there were “disloyal prac-tices” going on in Millerton.
He suggests that Fort Miller be re-occupied with a company or detachment of cavalry. He be-lieved that this presence would “have a moral influence upon their conduct toward the Gov-ernment and its officers.” He also suggested that Fort Tejon be brought back to life and con-cluded his report by noting “the propriety of reoccupying Fort
Tejon with a company of cav-alry” because “it is also located in the midst of a disloyal people; also near hostile Indians, they having recently robbed and mur-dered several persons in Kelso
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Cañon and in Kern River Val-ley, which is within supporting distance of Fort Tejon.” Inciden-tally, Fort Tejon was abandoned at the onset of the war after its commander John W. Davidson
The year “has come and we do not know what this year will bring forth; oh may it bring the close of this war for I am getting tired of it—for I am tired of living such a life it is a dogs [sic] life to every soldier.”
—Pvt. Franklin Warner, 1���
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�0 Bakersfield Magazine
www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2010 �1
the Kern River Valley includ-ing murder and cattle rustling. It was reported that “Roberts and Waldron had lost 1�0 head of stock.” Finally, the residents conveyed that they believed many of the Indians in question “were strangers in the valley” and were thought to be Tehacha-pi and Owens River Indians.
McLaughlin sought out Jose Chico, known to be an Owens River Indian Chief who was liv-ing on the Kern River as a farm-er. After a lengthy interrogation, McLaughlin found that the “hos-tiles” were a renegade band of “Tehachapie” Indians, some of which were Owens River Indi-ans, “who had endeavored to go to the war with them,” and that they were sleeping at the camp during the night and hiding out during the day.
McLaughlin advised Chico to remain with him for the evening and that they, along with some of the witnesses, would visit the camp in the early morning the next day. On April 1�, 1��� at 2 a.m., McLaughlin and his detachment of soldiers, along with Jose Chico and the wit-
nesses, headed for the Indian hideout which was ten miles from Keyesville. At dawn, the soldiers surrounded the camp. His feelings about this incident and his attitudes about Indians were indicative of the times. He notes “this extreme punishment, though I regret it, was necessary, and I feel certain that a few such examples will soon crush the In-dians and finish the war in this and adjacent valleys.” He then goes on to challenge the trust-worthiness of Indians and adds, “It is now a well-established fact that no treaty can be entered into with these Indians. They care nothing for pledge given, and have imagined that they could live better by war than peace.”
While McLaughlin and other California Volunteers were pro-tecting the West, others, such as future Bakersfield residents Charles A. Gessie and Henry F. Condict were busy fight-ing “Johnny Reb” in the east. Gessie was the quintessential American Patriot. He enlisted as a seaman in the union Navy and served on the u.S.S Clara Dol-sen and the u.S.S. Cricket. >>
left to fight in the east. Fort Te-jon was reoccupied as advised in 1��� by California Volunteers.
Jones was referring to the “Indian problem” that came to a head in Kelso Canyon in April
and Camp Independence, was able to temporarily pacify the local Indians. Once the soldiers were out of sight, however, they went back on the warpath. Soon after, John Lee and Jose Grijalva had their freight wagon attacked leaving the two teamsters dead. This was the beginning of a se-
ries of Indian attacks in the Owens Valley.
In order to quell the violence, the army dis-patched Captain Moses A. McLaughlin of the Second Cavalry Califor-nia Volunteers to the area. He set out from Camp Babbitt on April 10, 1��� with forty-four men, four
six-mule teams, and one twelve pound howitzer. The
detachment traveled some 2�� miles and arrived in the Owens Valley on April 2�. He began his investigation with the residents of Keyesville. He was told by many that there were a “large body of Indians encamp-ed upon the North Fork of the Kern River.” They indicated that many of them had been engag-ing in acts of violence all over
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1���. The “problem” erupted in late 1��1 when Indians attacked some area ranchers and made off with some of their cattle. Colonel George Spafford evans, who established Camp Babbitt
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�2 Bakersfield Magazine
The battles on the rivers of America must have been exciting but perhaps not enough for Gessie. On October �, 1��� at the age of twenty-eight, he enlisted as a private into Company I, 1�th Regi-ment, of the Ohio Volunteer Cavalry. The very next day he was engaged in battle and would see nine more battles that culminated with the Battle of Appomattox Court House and General Lee’s sur-render. Gessie died May 3, 1897 in Bakersfield and is buried at union Cemetery.
Henry Ford Condict also was involved in the action. Born in New Jersey July �, 1���, his family moved to the Illinois frontier when he was five years old. At the age of seventeen, he secured an appointment to the united States Naval Academy where he was the classmate of the famed Admiral Dewey. For medical reasons he was unable to complete his training forcing him to return to Illinois. In 1���, ventured to Northern California. With the start of the war, he returned to join the fight in the east.
Condict mustered into service on September 2�, 1��1, joining the First New Hampshire Battery and quickly saw action. He fought at the Second Battle of Bull Run, Antietam, Chancellorsville, and Fredericksburg. At Fredericksburg his unit was almost completely destroyed. This experience forced him to resign from the war. Not satisfied with his decision, he decided to re-join in the fight soon
Home of the Brave
Fort tejon ruins circa 1880 [view from rancho de castec].
after he returned to Illinois. The men of Company H, eighth Illinois Cavalry were eager to accept the new and experienced recruit and on June �, 1��� Condict became one of the unit’s newest mem-bers. At the Battle of Gettysburg it was his regiment that fired the first shot. He ended his service to the Union on June 2, 1865 and returned to Illinois.
Condict decided to move back to California and by 1��� was in Bakersfield. He was quite the entrepreneur and served as the pro-prietor of the Stage Hotel and eventually established the C.O.D. Soda Works where he took up the business of quenching the thirst of area residents. He also dabbled in the oil industry and served as an agent for Standard Oil and had affiliations with the Paraffin Oil Company, Coalinga Peerless, and united States Oil Company.
They came from different backgrounds and fought on a vari-ety of battlefields. Their common interest was the need to pre-serve the union and perhaps their sense of adventure. Whatever the reason, after the interruption of war was over they returned to their lives and many of them migrated and settled in areas of opportunity such as Bakersfield. v
Soldiers came from different backgrounds and fought on a variety of battlefields. Their common interest was the need to preserve the union and perhaps
their sense of adventure.
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In the beginning, there was a word...and that word was: “Cool.”
From there, culture took over and the word splintered. Things were “funky,” “hip,” “rad,” “groovy,” “fly,” and, our personal favorite, “bodacious.” But slang aside, each of these words has something in common—they’re all ways to describe something which, by its very nature, defies description. Cool is a magical word that can transcend boundaries in the hippest of ways. Think about it. You use it to describe bands, books, places, people, and everything under the blood red sun (which is also cool). Even your mom uses the word.
Which, in our book, makes your mom cool. Here are some other things we think are pretty bodacious...
30+ More of the Funkiest People, Grooviest Places,& Hippest Things in All of Bakersfield
COOL 2.0
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Haggard Longboards: Wonder WheelsHow often do you hear about a group of guys in their early 20s starting a successful company? It’s enough to make you take notice, even if you have no idea how to ride a longboard. Daniel Scheidle, Richard Scheidle, Sean Corson, Patrick McMahon, and Jared Bradford have taken their love of boarding to the next level by first creating a company and naming it after one of our city’s most-famous exports; then by selling boards (via the Internet) and by letting customers customize said boards with unique designs. Since 2007, these guys have been propagating the longboard way of life in Bakersfield by dedicating all their free-time to shaping and customizing boards for their growing customer base. It’s grown slowly, but Haggard Longboards keeps on rolling.
Thorn Clothing: Way Cool ThreadsWhen you put stylish threads and charity together, there’s nothing you can’t accomplish. It worked for The Gap, right? That was Jake Sherley’s thinking when in 1999, he began putting his own ultra-hip de-signs on garments and giving the proceeds to non-profit organizations around the world. Could the guy be any nicer? Jake and his wife, Johanna, continue to help others by donating the profits from sales of clothing to the Bakersfield Homeless Center and the Rescue Mission, among many others. They’ve gone global, too. With the support of a few cast members on ABC’s The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, the na-tion has seen and worn some of Sherley’s designs. That extra attention has helped Thorn Clothing reach more people in need—like those in Zambia who need clean drinking water. And those who need serious fashion advice.
Cowboy Museum: Western Americana Lives OnOnce you get 87-year-old Paul de Fonville talking about the cowboy way of life, you’ll be hardpressed to get him to stop. He’s the kind of guy that sleeps in a cowboy hat, brushes his teeth in cowboy boots, and lassos his coffee cup in the morning. He’s also the kind of guy who, in 1962, opened the Cowboy Memorial and Library in Walker Basin. If you’re asking yourself why he’d do that, you might want to rethink night school. The truth is, de Fonville’s mission is to preserve the heritage of the American Cowboy and pay tribute to the many men who helped build the West into what it is...er...was before the television was invented. We’re 100 percent positive de Fonville has never seen The Jersey Shore.
Tommy Hays: Still StrummingIt’s not that being an insurance agent is boring, per se, it’s just that it doesn’t remotely compare with the feeling of being on stage and playing to an audience that has been conceivably listening to your music for nearly 50 years. It’s the feeling one of the Bakersfield Sound creators Tommy Hays has whenever he whips out a guitar. He was at the forefront of a musical style that we (and the world) know and love, even if some of you won’t admit it. It’s a sound that was created in opposition to the overly-polished records comin’ out of Nashville at the time, and Mr. Hays was one of those guys behind the music (that was a subtle hint for VH1). Let’s face it...the guy is inherently cool. How many grandpas do you see hopping up on stage every chance they get, releasing an album while in their mid-70s, and getting inducted into the Western Swing Society Hall of Fame? The answer is a big zero. Unless you’re Tommy Hays’ grandkid. strum
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www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2010 ��
The AfterParty: Harmony in Hair
Never has spandex looked so good. The After-
Party, which formed in 2007, is made of four
twenty-something men who take their AquaNet
seriously. Yes, Zakk Magnum (lead singer), Rikki
Styles (lead guitar), Nikki Faith (lead bass), and
Troy Thunderz (lead drums) may dress and act
like they just stepped off the Poison tour bus,
but they take their music seriously, too. They
spend their nights and weekends traveling up
and down the California coast covering ‘80s
“hair-metal” tunes, causing riots (the good kind)
at corporate events, birthday parties, and even
weddings. In only three years, they’ve accrued
a cult following wherever they play. The black
Trans-ams line up around the block to hear
Mötley Crüe, Guns N’ Roses, and Def Leppard.
We discovered that roughly 80 percent of what
happens during a typical AfterParty show can’t
be printed...but that’s just the way this group of
rockers would want it.
Haggard Longboards: Wonder WheelsHow often do you hear about a group of guys in their early 20s starting a successful company? It’s enough to make you take notice, even if you have no idea how to ride a longboard. Daniel Scheidle, Richard Scheidle, Sean Corson, Patrick McMahon, and Jared Bradford have taken their love of boarding to the next level by first creating a company and naming it after one of our city’s most-famous exports; then by selling boards (via the Internet) and by letting customers customize said boards with unique designs. Since 2007, these guys have been propagating the longboard way of life in Bakersfield by dedicating all their free-time to shaping and customizing boards for their growing customer base. It’s grown slowly, but Haggard Longboards keeps on rolling.
Thorn Clothing: Way Cool ThreadsWhen you put stylish threads and charity together, there’s nothing you can’t accomplish. It worked for The Gap, right? That was Jake Sherley’s thinking when in 1999, he began putting his own ultra-hip de-signs on garments and giving the proceeds to non-profit organizations around the world. Could the guy be any nicer? Jake and his wife, Johanna, continue to help others by donating the profits from sales of clothing to the Bakersfield Homeless Center and the Rescue Mission, among many others. They’ve gone global, too. With the support of a few cast members on ABC’s The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, the na-tion has seen and worn some of Sherley’s designs. That extra attention has helped Thorn Clothing reach more people in need—like those in Zambia who need clean drinking water. And those who need serious fashion advice.
Cowboy Museum: Western Americana Lives OnOnce you get 87-year-old Paul de Fonville talking about the cowboy way of life, you’ll be hardpressed to get him to stop. He’s the kind of guy that sleeps in a cowboy hat, brushes his teeth in cowboy boots, and lassos his coffee cup in the morning. He’s also the kind of guy who, in 1962, opened the Cowboy Memorial and Library in Walker Basin. If you’re asking yourself why he’d do that, you might want to rethink night school. The truth is, de Fonville’s mission is to preserve the heritage of the American Cowboy and pay tribute to the many men who helped build the West into what it is...er...was before the television was invented. We’re 100 percent positive de Fonville has never seen The Jersey Shore.
Trouts: Honky-tonk HappeningThere’s a reward being offered at Trout’s. Rock-well, the interim president and janitor (seri-ously) says that if you can stand on stage and name another venue on this side of the Missis-sippi that offers more live shows for free, he’ll give you cold, hard cash. Just warn-ing you, you’ll have to find a place that underwrites more than 131—that’s the number boasted by this bar and venue, one of the only surviving (and thriving) honky-tonks from the days of yore. (Fun fact: The days of yore are generally con-sidered to be the 1940s.) Still, the place is as hopping today as it was when the stars of the Bakersfield Sound would grace Trout’s stages. But, there are other reasons this place is in-famous, so we recommend getting your dad’s permission before you try and get inside.
The Shire of Wintermist: Heavy Metal HavocEating a roasted boar leg is not for the faint-hearted. Nor is battling a heavily-armored knight. That’s mainly why you don’t see us trying to join this clever and highly-creative group, known globally as the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) and locally as The Shire of Wintermist (which is the Southern Kern County chapter). The SCA is a nonprofit organization with events year-round intended to both romanticize the time period before the 1600s and bring it back to life. Members make their own armor, know how to weave and spin, and even understand Medi-eval games...and all while we stand by and gawk. Because, let’s face it, while we’d more than likely be able to play a lute if instructed, there’s little chance we could archer our way out of a paper bag. But that shouldn’t stop you from joining!
COOL2.0
Andy Noise: Going UndergroundIt’s easy to see why Paul Anderson made the cut; as mentioned in prior articles, we’re suckers for facial hair. But the man known to generations in Bakersfield as “Andy Noise” has more going for him than an off-season Santa beard. He ran Andy Noise Records from 1987 to 2000, the year his landlord tripled his rent and sent all those hipster kids who spent their afternoons searching for out-of-print Smiths singles and used punk albums running to their basements. Today, Mr. Noise spends his time coordinating another under-ground culture. For the past four years, he’s been in charge of local running clubs (long distance and cross country), and even posts local high schools track stats online to help grow the small group of dedicated runners in town to a pretty impressive number.
Tommy Hays: Still StrummingIt’s not that being an insurance agent is boring, per se, it’s just that it doesn’t remotely compare with the feeling of being on stage and playing to an audience that has been conceivably listening to your music for nearly 50 years. It’s the feeling one of the Bakersfield Sound creators Tommy Hays has whenever he whips out a guitar. He was at the forefront of a musical style that we (and the world) know and love, even if some of you won’t admit it. It’s a sound that was created in opposition to the overly-polished records comin’ out of Nashville at the time, and Mr. Hays was one of those guys behind the music (that was a subtle hint for VH1). Let’s face it...the guy is inherently cool. How many grandpas do you see hopping up on stage every chance they get, releasing an album while in their mid-70s, and getting inducted into the Western Swing Society Hall of Fame? The answer is a big zero. Unless you’re Tommy Hays’ grandkid. strum
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www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2010 ��
�� Bakersfield Magazine
Famoso: Built for SpeedWasn’t it the Eagles who sang “Life in the Fast Lane”? Well, before the Eagles, there were the Smokers. The Bakersfield Smokers to be exact. They were the epitome of life in the fast lane. And this rough-and-tumble group of racers was looking for a place to let their tires do the talkin’. While we really don’t condone speeding, knowing this group of car-lovin’, fast-drivin’, rubber-burnin’ dudes founded the track because they were tired of getting busted on the streets of Bakersfield pretty much puts Famoso on a pedestal in our eyes. That, and the place is home to the March Meet and the Hot Rod Reunion every year (two events that deserve their own Cool list). It’s hollowed ground to a large population of people—not only locals, but drag racers from around the world who
Soulajar: Rising StarsIn true rock band fashion, their name came from a member’s girlfriend. Comprised of guitarist Ryan Fergon; drummer Brian Boozer; bassist Greg Bettis; and singer Jim Ranger, Soulajar emerged from a meeting of remarkable minds at Bakersfield College in 2002. With a sound that can only be described as funk/grove/soul/rock (yes, we mean all four), Soulajar spent the first few years as a band writing tunes and playing at each others’ houses before taking the stage at a local bar for their first gig. As winners of Starbucks’ So Cal Music Contest, Soulajar was given the chance to perform at the House of Blues in Hollywood to a sold-out crowd. Since then, they’ve been putting energy into playing at various festivals around town and painstak-ingly working on their first album, which will no doubt fly off the shelves in late ‘10 or early ‘11.
Banshee in the Kitchen: Different StrokesWith five albums under their belt, it seems as though there’s no stopping this intelligent trio of women, hell-bent on bringing Celtic music to the masses. Touring and recording since the early 2000s, Banshee in the Kitchen has performed in local and national festivals, the-aters, and the occasional living room. But tra-ditional “world” music this is not—Jill Egland, Brenda Hunter, and Katharine Edmonson inject their version of wit and whimsy into the songs they perform. Within the first few chords, one instantly gets the impression they’re hearing something familiar—tunes that have been a part of the musical subconscious for hundreds of years. And thanks to fans around the state, and local support, we’ll be hearing Banshee in the Kitchen perform them for another hundred. Okay, probably not a hundred.
Derek Mears: Mayhem AboundsIt would probably shock you to find out that the actor behind the role of Jason in the recent version of Friday the 13th played Dungeons and Dragons growing up. The actor known for terrorizing teenage campers is a self-proclaimed giant nerd (we verified!). In what can only be described as sweet, sweet irony, Mears grew up to portray the same character that gave him nightmares as a child. And his star has continually been on the rise over the past decade (staring in big budget action flicks with even bigger Hollywood names). Yet the 38-year-old still performs with improv groups in L.A., which he developed a taste for here in town as a high schooler. Talk about down-to-earth. So while he’s currently filming the fourth Pirates of the Caribbean flick, he’s probably the only man from Bakersfield who, when asked the question, “What did you do today?” will answer, “You know, just murdered a couple of teens.”
Mattsbooks.org: Good IdeasHow can selling books be cool, you ask? For one thing, when its reason for being is to help parents and students gather textbooks for high school. For another, when the site was started by someone who, at the time, was barely able to vote. In 2006, Matt Molina was a senior at Garces High and his folks told him that if he sold his textbooks, he could keep the money he made. So he did. Friends later hit him up to sell their textbooks. A growing business was born. Molina decided that he’d help sell the textbooks of one family to another Garces family and split the proceeds 60-40, with Molina taking the smaller cut. Everybody wins. Especially Molina, who runs the business over the summer between May and August and nets more money than some of us do in a year. Damn, the only thing we did before we got out of high school was perfect our parents’ signatures.
Ironworks: Creating Your Dream Ride
Roger Lee had no idea what he was doing at age 25 when he decided to open a
business. After getting laid off, and having friends offer to pay him money to customize
their vehicles, he started a one-man shop which has since turned into the mecca of all
Bakersfield custom car workshops. This isn’t the place to take your Subaru. It’s not even
the place to take your BMW. The only reason you should take a step toward Ironworks
is if you’re seriously wanting to drive around in a highly-stylized,
completely-customized ride. Lee will tell you that. He and his
employees are ground-up builders, and nothing is ever “good
enough.” It’s got to be perfect. Which is why some of the cars
they’ve turned out resemble fine art. And why numerous
national hot rod and truck magazines continue to feature their
sleek builds on their covers. We’re sure some of these trucks
are also featured as glossy pin-ups in the magazines, but we
were too busy reading the articles.
have literally stopped off at Famoso to get their picture taken on the track like they were at Disneyland. Thankfully, there have never been any Donald Duck sightings on the track.
COOL2.0
Nat Dove: Texas Boogie KingYou won’t find this man singing the blues. Oh, wait, you will. But not for the reason you’d think. As an internationally-renowned blues and jazz musician, educator, and author, Dove’s life is full of high notes. They all just happen to be rooted in blues. Seems contradictory, but we assure you, it’s not.The “Texas Boogie King” has taught music education at CSUB and a heck-of-a-lot of places around the world, including Japan, Sweden, and France. He also lectures frequently at major universities, using his energy to bring the blues back into the mainstream. Dove is the founder and CEO of the Bakersfield Blues Preservation Society, works with the Arts Council of Kern, and was inducted into the West Coast Blues Hall of Fame. What have you done lately? He plans to continue working with children, teaching them the art of musical expression so none of them ever feels blue again. We’re thinking of hiring him around press time. piano coUrtesY oF caliFornia keYboarDs
The Fox Theater: It’s ShowtimeHere’s a question: What 1,500-seat theater opened on Christmas Day in 1930 and also hosts Bakersfield’s answer to the Hollywood Walk of Fame? You’ll need to be quick like a fox to get this one. Oh, shoot—we gave it away. For those of you who didn’t pick up on our ridiculous attempt at humor, we think the Fox Theater is pretty rad. Not only does it host a variety of national acts including comedians and bands, but it caters to local plays and art-ists. After the initial Save the Fox campaign in the early ‘90s, the theater has steadily gotten better and better—quickly reestablishing it-self as a integral cog of downtown life. There are no bad seats in this place, which doubles as a community hot spot for friends and fami-lies looking to take a nostalgic trip to the early days of Bakersfield. And, it should be said, any place that can say the original line up of Asia played on its stage has our vote.
flicks
run!
bitchin’
chords
smart
burn
new
boogie
phOT
Os pR
OVId
Ed B
Y dER
Ek M
EARs
phOT
O CR
EdIT:
ChAd
MICh
AEL W
ARd
phOTO COURTEsY IRONWORks
phOTO pROVIdEd BY AUTO CLUB FAMOsO RACEWAY
phOT
O CO
URTE
sY sO
ULAj
AR
www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2010 ��
Famoso: Built for SpeedWasn’t it the Eagles who sang “Life in the Fast Lane”? Well, before the Eagles, there were the Smokers. The Bakersfield Smokers to be exact. They were the epitome of life in the fast lane. And this rough-and-tumble group of racers was looking for a place to let their tires do the talkin’. While we really don’t condone speeding, knowing this group of car-lovin’, fast-drivin’, rubber-burnin’ dudes founded the track because they were tired of getting busted on the streets of Bakersfield pretty much puts Famoso on a pedestal in our eyes. That, and the place is home to the March Meet and the Hot Rod Reunion every year (two events that deserve their own Cool list). It’s hollowed ground to a large population of people—not only locals, but drag racers from around the world who
Soulajar: Rising StarsIn true rock band fashion, their name came from a member’s girlfriend. Comprised of guitarist Ryan Fergon; drummer Brian Boozer; bassist Greg Bettis; and singer Jim Ranger, Soulajar emerged from a meeting of remarkable minds at Bakersfield College in 2002. With a sound that can only be described as funk/grove/soul/rock (yes, we mean all four), Soulajar spent the first few years as a band writing tunes and playing at each others’ houses before taking the stage at a local bar for their first gig. As winners of Starbucks’ So Cal Music Contest, Soulajar was given the chance to perform at the House of Blues in Hollywood to a sold-out crowd. Since then, they’ve been putting energy into playing at various festivals around town and painstak-ingly working on their first album, which will no doubt fly off the shelves in late ‘10 or early ‘11.
Banshee in the Kitchen: Different StrokesWith five albums under their belt, it seems as though there’s no stopping this intelligent trio of women, hell-bent on bringing Celtic music to the masses. Touring and recording since the early 2000s, Banshee in the Kitchen has performed in local and national festivals, the-aters, and the occasional living room. But tra-ditional “world” music this is not—Jill Egland, Brenda Hunter, and Katharine Edmonson inject their version of wit and whimsy into the songs they perform. Within the first few chords, one instantly gets the impression they’re hearing something familiar—tunes that have been a part of the musical subconscious for hundreds of years. And thanks to fans around the state, and local support, we’ll be hearing Banshee in the Kitchen perform them for another hundred. Okay, probably not a hundred.
Derek Mears: Mayhem AboundsIt would probably shock you to find out that the actor behind the role of Jason in the recent version of Friday the 13th played Dungeons and Dragons growing up. The actor known for terrorizing teenage campers is a self-proclaimed giant nerd (we verified!). In what can only be described as sweet, sweet irony, Mears grew up to portray the same character that gave him nightmares as a child. And his star has continually been on the rise over the past decade (staring in big budget action flicks with even bigger Hollywood names). Yet the 38-year-old still performs with improv groups in L.A., which he developed a taste for here in town as a high schooler. Talk about down-to-earth. So while he’s currently filming the fourth Pirates of the Caribbean flick, he’s probably the only man from Bakersfield who, when asked the question, “What did you do today?” will answer, “You know, just murdered a couple of teens.”
Mattsbooks.org: Good IdeasHow can selling books be cool, you ask? For one thing, when its reason for being is to help parents and students gather textbooks for high school. For another, when the site was started by someone who, at the time, was barely able to vote. In 2006, Matt Molina was a senior at Garces High and his folks told him that if he sold his textbooks, he could keep the money he made. So he did. Friends later hit him up to sell their textbooks. A growing business was born. Molina decided that he’d help sell the textbooks of one family to another Garces family and split the proceeds 60-40, with Molina taking the smaller cut. Everybody wins. Especially Molina, who runs the business over the summer between May and August and nets more money than some of us do in a year. Damn, the only thing we did before we got out of high school was perfect our parents’ signatures.
Ironworks: Creating Your Dream Ride
Roger Lee had no idea what he was doing at age 25 when he decided to open a
business. After getting laid off, and having friends offer to pay him money to customize
their vehicles, he started a one-man shop which has since turned into the mecca of all
Bakersfield custom car workshops. This isn’t the place to take your Subaru. It’s not even
the place to take your BMW. The only reason you should take a step toward Ironworks
is if you’re seriously wanting to drive around in a highly-stylized,
completely-customized ride. Lee will tell you that. He and his
employees are ground-up builders, and nothing is ever “good
enough.” It’s got to be perfect. Which is why some of the cars
they’ve turned out resemble fine art. And why numerous
national hot rod and truck magazines continue to feature their
sleek builds on their covers. We’re sure some of these trucks
are also featured as glossy pin-ups in the magazines, but we
were too busy reading the articles.
have literally stopped off at Famoso to get their picture taken on the track like they were at Disneyland. Thankfully, there have never been any Donald Duck sightings on the track.
COOL2.0
Nat Dove: Texas Boogie KingYou won’t find this man singing the blues. Oh, wait, you will. But not for the reason you’d think. As an internationally-renowned blues and jazz musician, educator, and author, Dove’s life is full of high notes. They all just happen to be rooted in blues. Seems contradictory, but we assure you, it’s not.The “Texas Boogie King” has taught music education at CSUB and a heck-of-a-lot of places around the world, including Japan, Sweden, and France. He also lectures frequently at major universities, using his energy to bring the blues back into the mainstream. Dove is the founder and CEO of the Bakersfield Blues Preservation Society, works with the Arts Council of Kern, and was inducted into the West Coast Blues Hall of Fame. What have you done lately? He plans to continue working with children, teaching them the art of musical expression so none of them ever feels blue again. We’re thinking of hiring him around press time. piano coUrtesY oF caliFornia keYboarDs
The Fox Theater: It’s ShowtimeHere’s a question: What 1,500-seat theater opened on Christmas Day in 1930 and also hosts Bakersfield’s answer to the Hollywood Walk of Fame? You’ll need to be quick like a fox to get this one. Oh, shoot—we gave it away. For those of you who didn’t pick up on our ridiculous attempt at humor, we think the Fox Theater is pretty rad. Not only does it host a variety of national acts including comedians and bands, but it caters to local plays and art-ists. After the initial Save the Fox campaign in the early ‘90s, the theater has steadily gotten better and better—quickly reestablishing it-self as a integral cog of downtown life. There are no bad seats in this place, which doubles as a community hot spot for friends and fami-lies looking to take a nostalgic trip to the early days of Bakersfield. And, it should be said, any place that can say the original line up of Asia played on its stage has our vote.
flicks
run!
bitchin’
chords
smart
burn
new
boogie
phOT
Os pR
OVId
Ed B
Y dER
Ek M
EARs
phOT
O CR
EdIT:
ChAd
MICh
AEL W
ARd
phOTO COURTEsY IRONWORks
phOTO pROVIdEd BY AUTO CLUB FAMOsO RACEWAY
phOT
O CO
URTE
sY sO
ULAj
AR
�� Bakersfield Magazine
Brian Kirschenmann: Potato Guy
Holy potatoes! We all know Bakersfield has an
inner circle of local celebrities—folks who’ve
gained popularity for one reason or another, but
we prefer the people who’ve become local ce-
lebrities for doing what they love. Kirschenmann
is a local 5th generation potato farmer and was
approached in January 2009 by FritoLay and
asked to be part of a local growers’ campaign.
Kirschenmann’s farm has long been a FritoLay
supplier so a crew of 100 people descended on
the farm and spent a week filming what would be
a 30-second commercial...for a potato chip. But
is there a more perfect medium for the potato?
Think about it, have you ever eaten Thanksgiving
dinner without mashed potatoes? If you have,
stop reading, put down this magazine, and stare
long and hard in the mirror.
But if you haven’t, then you
can appreciate Kirschen-
mann’s work like we do.
Bakersfield Pink Ladies: Be-Bop-A-LulaDressing up like rockabilly fillies from the ‘50s is one thing. Donating money and goods to lo-cal charities is another. Put those together and you have a group of charitable women who won’t leave the house without pink jackets. You also have a helluva lot of pompadoured bangs. Paulette Engle and Joanne McCain were casually spending one night a week with each other, out of the house and away from their families, socializing. They turned that
into a 28-member strong group of women who routinely host fund-raisers and BBQs for worthy causes in our area—and for people who like grilled meat. In just over two years, they’ve donated thousands to the Bakersfield Rescue Mission, the Alliance Against Family Violence, and CASA. Pretty good for a group of gals who probably use more hairspray than the entire cast of Dynasty.
Korn: In The CropsAfter spending hours searching for a “back-ward letter R” on our typewriters, we were forced to concede that not only is local- and internationally-loved Korn a pretty fly band (kids still say fly...look it up if you don’t be-lieve us), but they are also a copy editor’s worse nightmare. Yet when the band mys-teriously took to the outskirts of Bakers-
Decision Games: Play OnThere is no other person, group, or com-pany on this list that can boast what Deci-sion Games can. They hold the record for the largest military history game ever published (that’s on top of all the other detailed war games they’ve produced). Now, you’re probably think-ing it’s just a Hulk-sized version of Risk, but you’re wrong. War in the Pacific, the game that puts all other games to shame (and thereby makes David Banner angry), has a ping-pong table sized map of the Pacific, 200 small island maps, 9,000 play-ing pieces, and over 200 pages of highly-detailed rules. That’s right, Christopher and Callie Cum-
Sherri Cruse: Wild RidesAt the tender age of 9, a time when most of us are just trying hard to remember the names of the 50 states and their re-spective capitals, Sherri Cruse revved her way into the MotoCross world. What started as a blatant desire to be better at riding than her older brother, turned into a legitimate career move. Cruse started out as an endurance racer in the off-road world, and soon captured a World Off Road Championship Series (WORCS) title. Do you know anyone else who’s been an X Games Silver Medal-ist and or who was nominated as 2009’s Transworld Motocross’s Female Racer of the Year? We didn’t think so. At 5’ 1’’, she also holds the title for the biggest ratio discrepancy as the shortest to coolest person on our list.
The Shutter Clique: Say CheeseBy now, you know we at the magazine love a good pun. This one tops them all! A group of local photographers who’ve banded together to take pictures to a new level (and to literally take pictures).Formed when Jennifer Williams and Patrick Ang decided that they should stop bumping
Bright House Amphitheatre: Nice ViewAt one time or another, every person in Bakersfield will step foot on the grounds of the Bright House Am-phitheatre and the Park at Riverwalk.* Your grand-ma, your dad, you...everyone’s stopped by to see a concert, a performance, a movie, or just to do cart-wheels and round-offs on the grass. Your grandma’s still in great shape, by the way. With all the main-stream concerts coming through, there’s always someone to go watch. And with the advent of the Barber Honda Local Music Showcase, you can bring a picnic lunch, a few friends (up to 4,000—that’s how many the amphitheatre can seat), and listen to local bands play music while you look up at the stars. It sounds fruity, but it’s cool, okay? Not to mention, later this month, FattKatt and the VonZippers are gracing the stage. And, ahem, you might remem-ber us saying they were cool last year.
*A statistic we made up for this story.
Bakersfield Jam: Got Game?If necessity is the mother of invention, then it’s also the mother of reinvention. Didn’t Frank Zappa say that? But so it goes for the owners of the Bakersfield Jam when they re-evaluated their business model last year and transformed minor league basketball into an elite event. The decision to move games to their recently-built practice facility was ulti-mately the best thing they could have done. Now, with a cigar bar, a glass elevator, luxury boxes (complete with TVs and couches), and an intimate ambiance, they’ve gone from hav-ing to give tickets away to having to turn peo-ple away. Season tickets or sponsorship are the only way to experience the games now, which has allowed this franchise to be in the black for the first time in a long time. Will a “pretty-please” get us in the door?
Legendary Hat Guy: Big Al It’s a term of endearment that many people use to describe Al Gonzales. For 48 years, he’s shaped the hats of some of country music’s most-loved stars (like Buck Owens and Dwight Yoakam), as well as rodeo queens and beauty pag-eant winners. It’s not rocket science...it’s just hats. But we’d like to see you try. For cryin’ out loud, the man has a hat and a dish named after him. According to legend (and Gonzales), longtime friend and fellow hat maker John Milano was looking to name a recent hat he’d made. Gonzales told him to name it after the best-looking guy he knew. That day, the “Big Al” was christened. And because he’s been eating at Bill Lee’s for 20-plus years, the legendary Chinese restaurant named a plate of food after him. Maybe we’ll jump on the bandwagon and just cal l this the “Big Al” issue.
COOL2.0
into each other at professional sessions and instead form a group of photo-loving folks who were into collaboration. The Shutter Clique meets once a month, but don’t expect to just walk to their clubhouse—they require a bit more dedication. Before they can find out the location of that month’s meeting, the roughly 20 regular members have to submit a photo that
relates to that month’s topic. This is all in the spirit of working together to help improve the quality of each photographer’s work, which is the antithesis to any clique we knew of in high school.
mins, who started Decision Games in 1988, ca-ter to people who’s hobby it is to read hundreds of pages of rules...for fun. And, quite frankly, they make our hour-long “epic” office Battle-ship tournaments look like games of Candyland.
Don Martin: It’s an Art Thing
If Frank Sinatra was still alive (and was from
Bakersfield), we’re sure at one point he’d sing
a song about Don Martin. Oh, Mr. Downtown.
At 44, he’s already done more for improving the
quality of life in downtown than people twice his
age. Not that a lot of octogenarians are hanging
out downtown, but you get the idea. After open-
ing Metro Galleries in 2005, Martin went to work
with the Downtown Business Association, help-
ing to establish a designated arts district and re-
move the stigma of “downtown” from most Ba-
kersfieldians’ minds. Martin is also credited with
starting First Fridays, and if you don’t know what
that is...shame on you. Businesses stay open
later on the first Friday of every month and it’s es-
timated that between 2,500 and 3,000 people
frequent the area, enjoying the nightlife. Now,
who could we tap to sing that song?
field to perform a concert in the middle of a Korn-themed crop circle that had been spo-radically and virally unveiled this summer, everyone took notice. Probably because of the whole “fear of aliens” thing. But also be-cause Korn consistently boasts about their Bakersfield roots. That’s why we’ll always love this bunch of rabble-rousers (kids prob-ably don’t say that as often), even if one of their songs did inspire our mothers to con-stantly refer to us as “a freak on a leash.”
mr. downtown
loud
fun
iiieeeee
smile
stylin’
chips
pink
beauty
madhatter
phOT
O CR
EdIT:
pATR
ICk A
NG phOT
O pR
OVId
Ed B
Y ROA
dRUN
NER
RECO
Rds
phOTOs COURTEsY shERRI CRUIsE
phOTO pROVIdEd BY pINk LAdIEs
phOTOs CREdIT: AMY TIERNEY & F8F11 IMAGEs
�� Bakersfield Magazine
www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2010 ��
Brian Kirschenmann: Potato Guy
Holy potatoes! We all know Bakersfield has an
inner circle of local celebrities—folks who’ve
gained popularity for one reason or another, but
we prefer the people who’ve become local ce-
lebrities for doing what they love. Kirschenmann
is a local 5th generation potato farmer and was
approached in January 2009 by FritoLay and
asked to be part of a local growers’ campaign.
Kirschenmann’s farm has long been a FritoLay
supplier so a crew of 100 people descended on
the farm and spent a week filming what would be
a 30-second commercial...for a potato chip. But
is there a more perfect medium for the potato?
Think about it, have you ever eaten Thanksgiving
dinner without mashed potatoes? If you have,
stop reading, put down this magazine, and stare
long and hard in the mirror.
But if you haven’t, then you
can appreciate Kirschen-
mann’s work like we do.
Bakersfield Pink Ladies: Be-Bop-A-LulaDressing up like rockabilly fillies from the ‘50s is one thing. Donating money and goods to lo-cal charities is another. Put those together and you have a group of charitable women who won’t leave the house without pink jackets. You also have a helluva lot of pompadoured bangs. Paulette Engle and Joanne McCain were casually spending one night a week with each other, out of the house and away from their families, socializing. They turned that
into a 28-member strong group of women who routinely host fund-raisers and BBQs for worthy causes in our area—and for people who like grilled meat. In just over two years, they’ve donated thousands to the Bakersfield Rescue Mission, the Alliance Against Family Violence, and CASA. Pretty good for a group of gals who probably use more hairspray than the entire cast of Dynasty.
Korn: In The CropsAfter spending hours searching for a “back-ward letter R” on our typewriters, we were forced to concede that not only is local- and internationally-loved Korn a pretty fly band (kids still say fly...look it up if you don’t be-lieve us), but they are also a copy editor’s worse nightmare. Yet when the band mys-teriously took to the outskirts of Bakers-
Decision Games: Play OnThere is no other person, group, or com-pany on this list that can boast what Deci-sion Games can. They hold the record for the largest military history game ever published (that’s on top of all the other detailed war games they’ve produced). Now, you’re probably think-ing it’s just a Hulk-sized version of Risk, but you’re wrong. War in the Pacific, the game that puts all other games to shame (and thereby makes David Banner angry), has a ping-pong table sized map of the Pacific, 200 small island maps, 9,000 play-ing pieces, and over 200 pages of highly-detailed rules. That’s right, Christopher and Callie Cum-
Sherri Cruse: Wild RidesAt the tender age of 9, a time when most of us are just trying hard to remember the names of the 50 states and their re-spective capitals, Sherri Cruse revved her way into the MotoCross world. What started as a blatant desire to be better at riding than her older brother, turned into a legitimate career move. Cruse started out as an endurance racer in the off-road world, and soon captured a World Off Road Championship Series (WORCS) title. Do you know anyone else who’s been an X Games Silver Medal-ist and or who was nominated as 2009’s Transworld Motocross’s Female Racer of the Year? We didn’t think so. At 5’ 1’’, she also holds the title for the biggest ratio discrepancy as the shortest to coolest person on our list.
The Shutter Clique: Say CheeseBy now, you know we at the magazine love a good pun. This one tops them all! A group of local photographers who’ve banded together to take pictures to a new level (and to literally take pictures).Formed when Jennifer Williams and Patrick Ang decided that they should stop bumping
Bright House Amphitheatre: Nice ViewAt one time or another, every person in Bakersfield will step foot on the grounds of the Bright House Am-phitheatre and the Park at Riverwalk.* Your grand-ma, your dad, you...everyone’s stopped by to see a concert, a performance, a movie, or just to do cart-wheels and round-offs on the grass. Your grandma’s still in great shape, by the way. With all the main-stream concerts coming through, there’s always someone to go watch. And with the advent of the Barber Honda Local Music Showcase, you can bring a picnic lunch, a few friends (up to 4,000—that’s how many the amphitheatre can seat), and listen to local bands play music while you look up at the stars. It sounds fruity, but it’s cool, okay? Not to mention, later this month, FattKatt and the VonZippers are gracing the stage. And, ahem, you might remem-ber us saying they were cool last year.
*A statistic we made up for this story.
Bakersfield Jam: Got Game?If necessity is the mother of invention, then it’s also the mother of reinvention. Didn’t Frank Zappa say that? But so it goes for the owners of the Bakersfield Jam when they re-evaluated their business model last year and transformed minor league basketball into an elite event. The decision to move games to their recently-built practice facility was ulti-mately the best thing they could have done. Now, with a cigar bar, a glass elevator, luxury boxes (complete with TVs and couches), and an intimate ambiance, they’ve gone from hav-ing to give tickets away to having to turn peo-ple away. Season tickets or sponsorship are the only way to experience the games now, which has allowed this franchise to be in the black for the first time in a long time. Will a “pretty-please” get us in the door?
Legendary Hat Guy: Big Al It’s a term of endearment that many people use to describe Al Gonzales. For 48 years, he’s shaped the hats of some of country music’s most-loved stars (like Buck Owens and Dwight Yoakam), as well as rodeo queens and beauty pag-eant winners. It’s not rocket science...it’s just hats. But we’d like to see you try. For cryin’ out loud, the man has a hat and a dish named after him. According to legend (and Gonzales), longtime friend and fellow hat maker John Milano was looking to name a recent hat he’d made. Gonzales told him to name it after the best-looking guy he knew. That day, the “Big Al” was christened. And because he’s been eating at Bill Lee’s for 20-plus years, the legendary Chinese restaurant named a plate of food after him. Maybe we’ll jump on the bandwagon and just cal l this the “Big Al” issue.
COOL2.0
into each other at professional sessions and instead form a group of photo-loving folks who were into collaboration. The Shutter Clique meets once a month, but don’t expect to just walk to their clubhouse—they require a bit more dedication. Before they can find out the location of that month’s meeting, the roughly 20 regular members have to submit a photo that
relates to that month’s topic. This is all in the spirit of working together to help improve the quality of each photographer’s work, which is the antithesis to any clique we knew of in high school.
mins, who started Decision Games in 1988, ca-ter to people who’s hobby it is to read hundreds of pages of rules...for fun. And, quite frankly, they make our hour-long “epic” office Battle-ship tournaments look like games of Candyland.
Don Martin: It’s an Art Thing
If Frank Sinatra was still alive (and was from
Bakersfield), we’re sure at one point he’d sing
a song about Don Martin. Oh, Mr. Downtown.
At 44, he’s already done more for improving the
quality of life in downtown than people twice his
age. Not that a lot of octogenarians are hanging
out downtown, but you get the idea. After open-
ing Metro Galleries in 2005, Martin went to work
with the Downtown Business Association, help-
ing to establish a designated arts district and re-
move the stigma of “downtown” from most Ba-
kersfieldians’ minds. Martin is also credited with
starting First Fridays, and if you don’t know what
that is...shame on you. Businesses stay open
later on the first Friday of every month and it’s es-
timated that between 2,500 and 3,000 people
frequent the area, enjoying the nightlife. Now,
who could we tap to sing that song?
field to perform a concert in the middle of a Korn-themed crop circle that had been spo-radically and virally unveiled this summer, everyone took notice. Probably because of the whole “fear of aliens” thing. But also be-cause Korn consistently boasts about their Bakersfield roots. That’s why we’ll always love this bunch of rabble-rousers (kids prob-ably don’t say that as often), even if one of their songs did inspire our mothers to con-stantly refer to us as “a freak on a leash.”
mr. downtown
loud
fun
iiieeeee
smile
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�0 Bakersfield Magazine
Fishlips: Island of Misfit ToysIt’s okay with the owners of Fishlips if you want to refer to them as the Island of Misfit Toys. It’s a point of pride for Shawna Haddad-Byers and Andrew Wilkins that each night, this downtown establishment hosts a different crowd. It’s a one-stop shop for good tunes, good food, and good friends. You’ll hear rock, blues, comedy shows, and more...all while eating juicy burgers (impec-cably named after famous rockers) and admiring the low-key manner with which the place is run. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that they’re big on giving back. They’ll open their doors for local charities who need a place to host a fund-raiser. They’ve even found themselves becoming a proposal hot-spot, having had four marriage proposals take place in the past year alone. Given the atmosphere at Fishlips, we can see why.
E.P.I.C.: Got Ghosts?First, we have to give this organization kudos for having the best name ever.
Then, we have to warn you that Ghostbusters jokes will not be tolerated. E.P.I.C.
stands for Ethical Paranormal Investigations of California and was founded by
Todd Norton two years ago. And they take what they do seriously—as do their
clients, who range from business owners to home owners across the state.
They specialize in turning your hauntings or paranormal phenomena into the
easily-explainable by using K2 meters, sound recorders, and cameras. That
“ghost” at the foot of your bed could be excess electromagnetic energy com-
ing from your alarm clock. They’ll spend hours investigating, hours and hours
going through data, and present you with detailed notes and explanations for
what you’ve been experiencing. Of course, there are also cases that they can’t
explain. But rather than give you nightmares, we’ll stop here.
Pat Gerber: It’s a Hot Wheels®ThingThis man is the envy of nearly all the men in our office. Why? you ask. Well, not only does Pat Gerber have his very own monster truck (wipe the drool off your chins now), he’s got a specially-made Hot Wheels® version of his monster truck, which, while limited, has already hit store shelves. Gerber owns Shocker Motorsports, a local custom truck shop with a focus on lift kits and all that jazz, but the reason his face is gracing the pages of our Cool Issue, is because he’s fulfilled every man’s dream...well, every man who ever spent hours pushing miniature cars around a plastic racetrack. First, he played with Hot Wheels®. Second, he joined forces with his father to work in a auto shop. Third, he started building mon-ster trucks. Fourth, Mattel has now modeled two trucks after his designs. And fifth, his daughters now play with his Hot Wheels® truck. We seriously don’t know how this could get any better. Unless, of course, Mattel decided to create cus-
The Gate: Local Music PlatformJust over 13 years ago, Rob Allison opened a gate to the local music scene. It’s called The Gate (although we’re not sure why). It began when Allison, then a part of local band Traxter, discovered a lack of locations for local garage bands to play. So he decided to make one. In the past, local audiences have seen MXPX, The Plain White T’s, and Marcy Playground thanks to Allison, and to a lesser extent, thanks to the bands themselves. You won’t be turned away for not play-ing the right kind of music at this all ages venue...and you’ll even get a cut of the door. For Allison, creativ-ity demands an audience, and he’ll give anyone a time slot as long as they’re serious. Even that kid who thinks everyone wants to hear him “play” punked-up versions of Van Morrison tunes for 30 minutes.
Well, that’s all folks...for now. But because we found so many Cool things this time, you’ll find more listed on our website, so be sure to check them out. It’s an impressive list, but we know we’re just scratching the surface on what’s cool in our city. So if you know of a person, place, or a thing (a noun, basically) that should be included in our next Cool Issue, let us know by emailing us at [email protected]. You might just see your suggestion in print when we unleash...The Cool Issue 3: This Time It’s Personal. v
tom-paint designs for Gerber (and only Gerber) to use on his trucks. Wait, that actually happened.
all ages
party!boo
COOL2.0
zoom
phOT
O pR
OVId
Ed B
Y TOd
d NO
RTON
www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2010 �1
Fishlips: Island of Misfit ToysIt’s okay with the owners of Fishlips if you want to refer to them as the Island of Misfit Toys. It’s a point of pride for Shawna Haddad-Byers and Andrew Wilkins that each night, this downtown establishment hosts a different crowd. It’s a one-stop shop for good tunes, good food, and good friends. You’ll hear rock, blues, comedy shows, and more...all while eating juicy burgers (impec-cably named after famous rockers) and admiring the low-key manner with which the place is run. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that they’re big on giving back. They’ll open their doors for local charities who need a place to host a fund-raiser. They’ve even found themselves becoming a proposal hot-spot, having had four marriage proposals take place in the past year alone. Given the atmosphere at Fishlips, we can see why.
E.P.I.C.: Got Ghosts?First, we have to give this organization kudos for having the best name ever.
Then, we have to warn you that Ghostbusters jokes will not be tolerated. E.P.I.C.
stands for Ethical Paranormal Investigations of California and was founded by
Todd Norton two years ago. And they take what they do seriously—as do their
clients, who range from business owners to home owners across the state.
They specialize in turning your hauntings or paranormal phenomena into the
easily-explainable by using K2 meters, sound recorders, and cameras. That
“ghost” at the foot of your bed could be excess electromagnetic energy com-
ing from your alarm clock. They’ll spend hours investigating, hours and hours
going through data, and present you with detailed notes and explanations for
what you’ve been experiencing. Of course, there are also cases that they can’t
explain. But rather than give you nightmares, we’ll stop here.
Pat Gerber: It’s a Hot Wheels®ThingThis man is the envy of nearly all the men in our office. Why? you ask. Well, not only does Pat Gerber have his very own monster truck (wipe the drool off your chins now), he’s got a specially-made Hot Wheels® version of his monster truck, which, while limited, has already hit store shelves. Gerber owns Shocker Motorsports, a local custom truck shop with a focus on lift kits and all that jazz, but the reason his face is gracing the pages of our Cool Issue, is because he’s fulfilled every man’s dream...well, every man who ever spent hours pushing miniature cars around a plastic racetrack. First, he played with Hot Wheels®. Second, he joined forces with his father to work in a auto shop. Third, he started building mon-ster trucks. Fourth, Mattel has now modeled two trucks after his designs. And fifth, his daughters now play with his Hot Wheels® truck. We seriously don’t know how this could get any better. Unless, of course, Mattel decided to create cus-
The Gate: Local Music PlatformJust over 13 years ago, Rob Allison opened a gate to the local music scene. It’s called The Gate (although we’re not sure why). It began when Allison, then a part of local band Traxter, discovered a lack of locations for local garage bands to play. So he decided to make one. In the past, local audiences have seen MXPX, The Plain White T’s, and Marcy Playground thanks to Allison, and to a lesser extent, thanks to the bands themselves. You won’t be turned away for not play-ing the right kind of music at this all ages venue...and you’ll even get a cut of the door. For Allison, creativ-ity demands an audience, and he’ll give anyone a time slot as long as they’re serious. Even that kid who thinks everyone wants to hear him “play” punked-up versions of Van Morrison tunes for 30 minutes.
Well, that’s all folks...for now. But because we found so many Cool things this time, you’ll find more listed on our website, so be sure to check them out. It’s an impressive list, but we know we’re just scratching the surface on what’s cool in our city. So if you know of a person, place, or a thing (a noun, basically) that should be included in our next Cool Issue, let us know by emailing us at [email protected]. You might just see your suggestion in print when we unleash...The Cool Issue 3: This Time It’s Personal. v
tom-paint designs for Gerber (and only Gerber) to use on his trucks. Wait, that actually happened.
all ages
party!boo
COOL2.0
zoom
phOT
O pR
OVId
Ed B
Y TOd
d NO
RTON
www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2010 ��
the big plan:
growinga City
in 2002, four agenCies
Came together
to examine metro
bakersfield and
what improvements
needed to be made in
traffiC flow and road
work to faCilitate
City growth for the
next 20 to 30 years.
bill thomas stepped
forward as well
and led efforts to
seCure $630 million
for road projeCts.
[ Corporate reloCation ]
t’s been estimated that the metro
population of bakersfield will ex-
ceed 550,000 people in 2017. that’s
50,000 more people than we have
right now arriving in our city within
seven years. it’s like having the entire
city of davis, California move to town. and that’s a good thing.
more people means more commerce—new businesses, new
homes being built, new ideas. sure, to some extent, it will mean
more cars on the road, but because of the forward-thinking of city
planners and the support of former Congressman Bill Thomas, it
doesn’t have to mean more gridlock.
you’ve undoubtedly seen a lot of orange cones around certain
parts of town. and you’ll soon be seeing more. before you start
sighing, worrying about your morning and afternoon commutes,
know that these construction projects are all a part of something
bigger—something better—that will help bakersfield grow and
thrive as one of California’s major cities.
TRIP HISTORY
back in 2002, a study was published that had been orchestrated
by the City of bakersfield, the County of kern, Caltrans, and kern
Council of governments called the bakersfield systems study. es-
sentially, these four agencies came together to examine the met-
ro area of bakersfield and what types of improvements needed
to be made in terms of traffic flow and
road work to facilitate the growth the
city was forecasting for the next 20 to
30 years. they looked at traffic modeling,
traffic patterns, previous road work, and
a host of other details that would help
them determine where improvements
could be made or where road widening
could help with current congestion. >>
i
phot
o co
Urte
sY th
omas
roaD
s imp
rove
ment
prog
ram/
gilb
ert v
ega
www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2010 ��
�� Bakersfield Magazine
“when bill thomas called and said he
was earmarking some money for trans-
portation, we were thinking it would be
great to get thirty or forty million,” said
Raul Rojas, public works director. “but
thomas said he was thinking bigger.”
thomas led the effort to secure $630
million for bakersfield-area road projects
in the 2005 safe, accountable, flexible, ef-
ficient transportation equity act: a legacy
for users (safetea: lu).
and soon, the thomas roads improve-
ment program, or trip, was formed, named
after Congressman thomas.
trip is, just like the 2002 study, a coop-
erative effort between the County of kern,
Caltrans, the kern Council of governments,
and managed by the City of bakersfield.
and just to put this in perspective, the last
time a major federally-funded transporta-
tion project was built in bakersfield it was
the late 1970s.
as Ted Wright, trip program manager,
pointed out, a number of the projects cur-
rently managed by trip were first identi-
fied in the bakersfield systems study in-
cluding the westside parkway, 24th street
widening, and the hageman flyover. trip
projects will facilitate regional mobility,
economic growth, and development, as
well as reduce travel time through major
transportation corridors. if you’ve ever
been stuck on rosedale highway or trux-
tun extension, you can fully appreciate
what trip will do.
however, trip didn’t happen overnight.
“the earmark came in august of 2005,”
wright explained. but before any projects
could commence, there were a number
of companies that needed to be hired to
supplement City staff and help complete
the tasks at hand. because of the magni-
tude of the projects, a large engineering
firm was needed to assist with program
management.
“parsons came on board in february of
2006,” he added. parsons is the engineer-
ing firm hired to help deliver the trip
projects and had previously worked in
bakersfield. in 2004, parsons designed
the wastewater treatment plant 3 facility
which was recently completed in south
bakersfield.
“it’s been a great experience to partner
with the City of bakersfield,” said Christo-
pher Clark, program manager for parsons.
“our goal is to deliver these completed
projects as soon as possible.
Clark and other parsons employees have
relocated to bakersfield, and the company
has become a participating member of
the community, helping to fund aera park
and donating design work for the mill
Creek pavilion. Clark is also on the mayor’s
keep bakersfield beautiful committee.
once parsons was on board, additional
consultants were hired to plan and design
the projects. then the trip team had to
find a building to house together all the
employees from four different agencies.
THE PROCESS OF THE PROJECT
by the time we see those orange cones
pop up, countless hours and years of plan-
ning have already gone into a construc-
tion project.
“after all the firms had been selected,”
continued ted wright, “we have to com-
plete numerous reports.” from there, a
host of environmental impact studies and
documents are generated.
each trip project goes through a rigor-
ous transportation planning and environ-
mental process.
“plans are developed during the con-
ceptual engineering phase, which can
take two years or more,” wright explained.
“during this time, project alternatives are
developed, along with ‘footprints’ that
are analyzed for potential environmental
impacts. projects are evaluated pursuant
to California environmental Quality act
(CeQa) and national environmental poli-
cy act (nepa) requirements.”
once that footprint has been generated,
there is a public scoping meeting, giving
residents a chance to understand the pro-
posed construction and to suggest other
project alternatives. afterward, technical
studies are prepared, along with a draft en-
vironmental document, which is released
for future public review and comment.
the environmental process provides an
opportunity to inform decision makers
about potential effects, coordinate with
relevant agencies, and inform the pub-
lic of alternatives and potential impacts,
and receive and respond to comments.
Workers use concrete to secure the infrastructure of overpasses.
the big plan: growing a City
construction at the west end of the 7th standard road project.
www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2010 ��
the types of environmental studies per-
formed are all-encompassing and must
be approved by government agencies
including u.s. fish and wildlife, California
department of fish and game, air pollu-
tion Control, and the bureau of reclama-
tion. these studies include:
n Biological Resources: identifies poten-
tial impacts to flora, fauna, and sensitive
habitats within the project area.
n Water Quality/Hydrology: describes
the existing water quality and drainage
and identifies how to avoid impacts.
n Air Quality: describes the air quality in
the project area and potential air quality
impacts of the project.
n Cultural Resources: determines the
presence of paleontological, archaeologi-
cal, and/or historical resources.
n Socio-Economic Impacts: identifies
impacts, such as community cohesion,
environmental justice, and availability of
public facilities and services.
n Hazardous Waste: describes hazard-
ous waste sites within the project area.
n Visual Impacts/Aesthetics: deter-
mines if the proposed project degrades
the existing visual character, including
light pollution.
n Noise: studies the exposure of persons
to the generation of noise levels in excess
of established standards.
n Traffic and Circulation: analyzes traffic
volumes, accident data, and levels of ser-
vice for current year, year of completion,
and 20 years from completion.
n Indirect Physical Changes: identifies
any reasonably foreseeable indirect phys-
ical changes to the environment.
naturally, these studies aren’t done
overnight. they’re conducted over the
course of years before any construction
can occur.
“these studies and reports take a lot of
manpower to generate,” wright added.
“and it takes a lot of time. “
the public is encouraged to participate
in the transportation planning process.
public scoping meetings are held when
major projects are initiated to gain public
input, and the public is offered ample op-
portunity to review and comment on the
draft environmental documents. all com-
ments are addressed prior to finalizing
the document.
the final environmental document
(fed) identifies the preferred alignment
and project requirements. at this point,
the project may go to final design and
right-of-way may be acquired, if needed.
WHAT’S GOING ON NOW?
over the past year, trip projects have
moved forward through various stages of
completion. the first project to start con-
struction was the state route (sr) 178/
fairfax road interchange, and the project
is now fully open to traffic. the project
involved building an interchange at the
former at-grade sr-178 and fairfax road
intersection and rebuilding sr-178 as a
freeway for about one mile within the proj-
ect area. the project also widened fairfax
road through the state right-of-way and
constructed a sound wall along residential
properties on the northwest side.
during construction, nearly 600,000
cubic yards of earth had to be removed
from the site to make way for the new
interchange. about half of the dirt was
transported to the old landfill site north
of fairfax road to be used as a final cap.
the remainder was used as fill dirt at the
sr-99/7th standard road interchange
project. in addition, 60,000 tons of old
roadbed material was recycled into the
project as base material for the new
roadbed instead of being hauled off to
area landfills.
the sr-99/7th standard road inter-
change also completed construction and
opened to traffic this past year, just as
construction got underway on the 7th
standard road widening and 7th stan-
dard road/bnsf railway grade separa-
tion projects.
7th standard road is a heavily used
transportation corridor for goods move-
ment, and provides a direct connection
between i-5 and sr-99. the County’s multi-
phased project includes improvements
to the interchange at sr-99/7th standard
road, two railroad grade separations, and
the widening of 7th standard road >>
a rendering of what the completed truxtun tie-in for Westside parkway will look like from above.
phot
o/ill
Ustr
atio
n co
Urte
sY th
omas
roaD
s imp
rove
ment
prog
ram
�� Bakersfield Magazine
the big plan: growing a Citybetween santa fe way and meadows field.
an earlier phase of construction was com-
pleted in spring 2008, and involved widen-
ing merle haggard drive between the sr-
99 interchange and the william m. thomas
terminal at meadows field airport.
the sr-99/7th standard road inter-
change project included a realignment
of saco road and Quinn road, with a sig-
nalized intersection; a new bridge across
sr-99 to carry westbound traffic; signal-
izing the golden state avenue and 7th
standard road intersection; and a new
bridge over the union pacific railroad.
the phases currently under construc-
tion will widen the roadway between
Zachary avenue and Coffee road, from
two to four lanes, build six new bridges
over three canals, and construct a grade
separation over the bnsf railway. this
construction is expected to be complet-
ed in mid to late 2011.
perhaps the most noticeable construc-
tion project is the westside parkway,
where construction can be seen from
several major roadways. ultimately, the
project will add 8 miles of new freeway,
extending from heath road at stockdale
highway east to truxtun avenue near sr-
99. the project also includes the exten-
sion of mohawk street from truxtun av-
enue to rosedale highway, providing an
additional crossing over the kern river.
Currently there is no river crossing be-
tween sr-99 and Coffee road, a distance
of approximately three miles.
the mohawk street extension has been
under construction for the past year, but has
been relatively out of public view due to its
remote location. that has changed in recent
months as work ramped up on the kern riv-
er bridge and the truxtun avenue/mohawk
street intersection expansion. in addition
to the river crossing, the mohawk project
includes a bridge over the future westside
parkway and the bnsf railroad tracks.
work on the new east-west freeway is
also well underway, and is most obvious to
travelers along Coffee road and Calloway
drive. this new freeway will be a great as-
set to commuters from western bakers-
field, who currently have few viable routes
to and from the central business district.
when complete, the westside parkway
will provide a high-capacity, east-west
transportation facility that will:
1. Reduce congestion on existing paral-
lel roads.
2. Support current and planned devel-
opment in western Bakersfield.
3. Improve connectivity of the existing
transportation network.
4. Provide future multi-modal oppor-
tunities.
a view of stockdale towers from the construction site.
phot
o bY
gilb
ert v
ega
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concrete pilings which will support the mohawk street bridge.
www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2010 ��
initial work includes construction of a
six-lane freeway from mohawk street to
allen road (4.25 miles) with full inter-
changes at mohawk street, Coffee road,
and Calloway drive. Construction also in-
cludes a bridge over the parkway at jew-
etta avenue, a signalized intersection at
allen road, and sound walls adjacent to
residential areas.
the California transportation Commis-
sion allocated funding for the next phase
of the parkway, the truxtun tie-in, at its
june 2010 meeting. funding is dependent
upon the passage of a state budget and
bond sales, but plans are complete and
the project is ready to begin construction
as soon as funds become available.
the truxtun tie-in will build the seg-
ment of the westside parkway between
the mohawk street interchange and
truxtun avenue. two bridges will be built
over the kern river and they will allow di-
rect connections between the westside
parkway and truxtun avenue. it’s also
been designed to accommodate all pos-
sible alignments currently under consid-
eration for the Centennial Corridor/sr-58
Connector project.
funding for the parkway’s west end,
between allen road and stockdale high-
way/heath road, is programmed in the
2012-13 state transportation improve-
ment program. but trip officials continue
to look for alternate funding sources that
would allow the project to start construc-
tion at an earlier date.
as we watch the construction of these
projects move from concepts to actual
roads and bridges, we can see how they’ll
soon improve current traffic congestion.
ECONOMIC IMPACTS
By Alan Tandy
five years ago i wrote an article for this
magazine about the upcoming thomas
roads improvement program. we had just
received the news that the bakersfield re-
gion would receive what i called
a “massive gift” to build better
roads in bakersfield that will real-
ize immeasurable benefits when
complete. the gift was from (re-
tired) Congressman bill thomas
who had secured $630 million for
bakersfield in the 2005 transporta-
tion act.
at that time, we had identified in broad
terms the projects to be funded but had
many details to put into place to get to the
point where construction on the projects
could begin.
since then, bakersfield has seen con-
struction start on six major roadway proj-
ects, including the state route 178/fairfax
road interchange, mohawk street exten-
sion (westside parkway phase 1), westside
parkway phase 2 (mohawk street to allen
road), state route-99/7th standard road
interchange improvements, 7th standard
road widening project, and 7th standard
road/santa fe way grade separation.
design has been completed on the final
two phases of the westside parkway, and
six projects are under environmental re-
view. the six construction contracts total
more than $176 million and include ap-
proximately 14 miles of new and improved
roadway and 18 bridge structures. addi-
tional local and state matching funds have
been added, for a combined trip budget
of $1.2 billion.
what is visible for most who see the trip
projects in progress are the construction
crews, piles of dirt, and orange cones around
town. less visible, but very significant, are
the many economic impacts that such an
intense effort has on our community. for
example, the $1.2 billion investment in the
trip projects will support thousands of jobs.
those jobs, in turn, will
generate $1.3 billion in
employment income
over the life of the pro-
gram. the importance
the trip program plays
in our local economy
cannot be understat-
ed, given the economic
downturn we are cur-
rently experiencing.
also worth noting
is the large number
of local subcontractors and suppliers par-
ticipating in the project. the team for the
westside parkway project includes nine lo-
cal subcontractors and 38 local suppliers.
the contractor reports that 75 percent of
the workforce for that project is local. those
who are not, stay in area hotels and spend
money on food and entertainment. >>
TANDYaesthetic detail has been added to the bridges and overpasses.
the $1.2 billion
spent on trip proj-
eCts will support
thousands of
jobs. those jobs, in
turn, will Create
an additional
$1.3 billion in em-
ployment inCome.
–alan tandy
�� Bakersfield Magazine
they also generate revenue for local gov-
ernment through transient occupancy and
sales taxes, helping to fund local services.
there have been several cost-benefit
analyses of proposed trip projects. these
studies identified benefits such as savings
on travel time, fuel costs, and the reduction
in accident costs. there also will be reduc-
tions in external costs, such as noise levels
and vehicle emissions.
for example, with the completion of the
westside parkway project, commuters will
experience less stop-and-go traffic and
greenhouse gasses will be considerably re-
duced and will pay long term dividends to
our community
the most recent figures show that bakers-
field, based upon population within the city
limits, is the 11th largest city in California.
we are also the 59th largest city in the na-
tion, larger than either toledo or pittsburgh,
by comparison. if we were to include the
population of the greater bakersfield met-
ropolitan area, we would rate even higher.
we are no longer a small community, but a
growing urban area with many of the same
challenges found in other urban areas. trip
provides a unique opportunity to plan for
our city’s current and future growth.
in the past five years, we have seen tre-
mendous progress on many of the trip
projects. in the next five years, we will see
even more – more completed projects,
more benefits to our community, and more
revenue flowing into our economy.
SOMETHING UNIQUE
“usually a department of transporta-
tion heads up a project of this type and
magnitude,” wright said of the westside
parkway project. “it’s rare that a city will
run a project like this. and not only is the
City of bakersfield running this project,
but it will be maintained and operated by
the city upon completion, until it eventu-
ally becomes highway 58.”
projects the scale of the westside park-
way often entail huge right-of-way pur-
chases and relocations, but the City be-
gan preserving right-of-way years before
development encroached on the corridor.
the result was that no homes had to be
acquired to make way for construction of
the westside parkway.
that’s not to say there haven’t been hic-
cups.
“it’s normal to have a few utility reloca-
tions and environmental challenges pop
up,” Clark explained. “it’s very important
we follow environmental laws and poli-
cies, but it can be frustrating.”
especially when you have to relocate an
entire elderberry bush.
“we realized for the westside parkway
construction, we’d need to transplant a
large elderberry bush,” he added. large is
an understatement. the thing was rough-
ly the size of a large travel trailer.
“however, it housed the food source
and habitat for a valley elderberry long-
horn beetle, which is endangered.”
so workers extricated the bush, loaded
it on a flatbed truck and shipped it north
to french Camp, a conservation area
where a grouping of elderberry bushes
already grew. “every project throws a dif-
ferent curve,” Clark added.
as an interesting aside, the collabora-
tion of the various state, local, and federal
agencies on trip projects has resulted in
the development of a program-wide miti-
gation program for federally endangered
and state-listed species, such as the san
joaquin kit fox, blunt nosed leopard liz-
ard, and bakersfield cactus.
another unique aspect of trip is that
staff from the City, County and Caltrans,
along with parsons are co-located in the
same office.
“being housed together in the same
building allows us to expedite the proj-
ects; all the agencies are here (in the trip’s
offices on truxtun avenue),” wright said.
“it’s what Congressman thomas wanted.”
when seen in its entirety, the program
is unique. while environmental work is
proceeding on one project, design or
construction is on-going on another. that
means that hundreds of people, from nu-
merous consultant teams, are working
to make the necessary improvements to
bakersfield’s transportation system.
WHAT’S TO COME?
what other projects will drivers be see-
ing throughout the coming years?
the sr-178/morning driving inter-
change project has recently completed
environmental studies and the draft envi-
a worker scales the abutment on coffee road.
the big plan: growing a City
phot
o bY
gilb
ert v
ega
phot
o bY
gilb
ert v
ega
Workers place concrete for a new bridge deck.
www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2010 ��
ronmental document was made available
for public review in early september. the
project will create a new interchange and
widen sr-178 to four lanes for approxi-
mately 1.5 miles. once the final environ-
mental document is signed (in the next
few months), the project will move into the
final design phase. Construction is expect-
ed to begin in 2013.
a separate project on sr-178 is planned
to widen roughly 3.5 miles of sr-178 to
four lanes from Canteria drive to mira-
monte drive. this project is expected to
start construction in late 2012.
pending funding availability, the hage-
man road flyover could also start con-
struction in 2012. the project would flyover
sr-99, connecting hageman road west of
sr-99 with golden state avenue (sr-204),
providing direct access from northwest
bakersfield to the Central business district.
Construction on rosedale highway
and 24th street are expected to begin in
2013. rosedale highway would be wid-
ened from four to six lanes, from west of
Calloway drive to sr-99, and 24th street
would include improvements to the 24th
street/oak street intersection and widen-
ing 23rd and 24th streets east to m street.
finally, the Centennial Corridor/sr-
58 Connector would connect i-5 to sr-
58 via the westside parkway. segment 1
would connect sr-58, east of real road,
to the parkway. four build alternatives
are currently under consideration and are
progressing through the environmentmal
phase. Construction is not slated to begin
until late 2015, but the completion of this
project is needed to achieve both local
and inter-regional east-west connectivity.
OVERALL BENEFITS
By Mayor Harvey L. Hall
the new freeways being built in ba-
kersfield have some people asking: now
that bakersfield is so big, why should
they care about these new roads
being built in other parts of
town far from their homes? the
reason is simply that: because
bakersfield is so big. not only
has bakersfield grown, it has
grown tremendously in such a
short time. Consider these facts:
1. Between 1980 and 2010,
the size of Bakersfield’s city limits in-
creased 91.39 percent.
2. Population in greater Bakersfield
increased 120.96 percent during that
same time.
3. Population in the Bakersfield city
limits during that 30 year period in-
creased 220.94 percent.
with all that growth, our freeway
system did not keep up the pace. most
transportation systems are improved
incrementally, in small steps. but bakers-
field’s dramatic growth meant even in-
cremental increases could not keep up
with the demand.
the large amount of funding for the
thomas roads improvement program,
will allow our community to plan and
build roadway capacity for the next 20
to 30 years. not only will trip provide a
unique opportunity to build a systemic
transportation network for greater ba-
kersfield, it gives our community a huge
jump into the 21st century. here’s how:
first, we will see increased mobility and
an improved transportation network.
expect shorter travel times and shorter
travel distances. second, consider the
number of accidents avoided. a better
transportation system means fewer fa-
talities and fewer injuries.
third, look for an enhanced status for
bakersfield as a distribution hub. bakers-
field has long been
known for its loca-
tional advantages and
we have promoted
them to companies
that want to get their
products to major
western markets. be-
cause of our strategic
location outside the
southern California
region, a better road
system will allow for
faster travel of goods and services. that
is good for business and good for bakers-
field’s economy.
fourth, residents and businesses have
long known about the problems of mov-
ing east-west traffic across bakersfield.
freeway 99 handles north-south travel,
and there are east-west freeways on >>
the amount of
funding for the
thomas roads
improvement pro-
gram will allow
our Community to
plan and build road-
way CapaCity for the
next 20 to 30 years.
–mayor harvey l. hall
the abutment at coffee road in a stage of completion.
�0 Bakersfield Magazine
Industrial Cleaning Solutions
Commercial Cleaning Solutions
callKern Commercial
Cleaning661.325.4906
kerncommercial.com
Quality WorkSince 1971
Written SatisfactionGUARANTY!
v HUMAN RESOURCES v
New business is coming our way, which will, hopefully, gen-erate more business for Kern County employers as well as those relocating to our county. It has been said that opportunity has the uncanny habit of favor-ing those who have paid the price of years of preparation. The fol-lowing are some things that em-ployers can do from a human re-sources perspective to prepare for the opportunity of more business.
Update your job descriptions. More business means more employees. In addition to informing candidates about the duties of the posi-tion, accurate and up-to-date job descriptions have a variety of benefits, such as helping employers devel-op better interview questions, make better hires and fairly evaluate performance, determine a reasonable accommodation for disabilities, and reduce liability by being able to demonstrate why candidates select-ed were the most qualified applicants.
Review your hiring process. To ensure you’re in compliance with state and federal laws, ask questions such as the following:
-Are your job applications free of questions about applicants’ race, color, sex, gender, preg-nancy, sexual orientation, national origin, ances-try, religion, age, marital status, mental disability, physical disability, and medical condition?
-Have your interviewers been trained on how to avoid inappropriate questions and ask only ques-tions that elicit information about the applicant’s previous job experience and performance?
-Are your pre-employment tests (such as physical agility, skills, and knowledge) job-related and accu-rate indicators of whether applicants will be able to perform the jobs for which they are applying?
-Do you conduct background checks? If so, are you providing applicants with the proper notifica-tion and waivers?
-Are you providing the legally-required informa-tion to new hires, such as their rights to workers’ compensation, state disability insurance, and the right to work in a harassment-free environment?
Conduct an HR Department Review. Be sure to ensure all required notices are posted where all employees and applicants can see them, that private information is being stored appropri-ately, and that employees are properly classified as exempt and non-exempt and are being appro-priately compensated.
Also ensure that time worked is being accurately recorded, meal and rest periods are being provided to non-exempt employees, and the company’s Ill-ness and Injury Prevention Program and emer-gency Action Plan are up-to-date. (All employers in California are required to have both). Don’t forget to make sure safety training is being conducted and properly recorded and that workplace accidents are being properly investigated and documented.
Your HR personnel should be fa-miliar with company and statutory leaves of absence (e.g. sick leave, Pregnancy Disability Leave, Cali-fornia Family Rights Act, Family Medical Leave Act, etc.) and how to manage them. And you should be aware of how workers’ compen-sation and unemployment claims are being effectively managed.
Create or update your em-ployee handbook. employers are not required by law to provide a handbook to employees; however,
employers are legally required to provide informa-tion to their employees about their statutory rights (such as leaves of absence). In addition to provid-ing that information, having a carefully-drafted employee handbook provides clear expectations of behavior so there are fewer misunderstandings. Handbooks usually contain information on com-pany policies (such as attendance, dress codes, use of company equipment, etc.) and company proce-dures (such as how to file a complaint). Employers who clearly describe the behavior they expect from their employees are more likely to get that behav-ior from them. A handbook helps resolve conflicts when misunderstandings do happen and supervisors know how to handle complaints, disciplinary ac-tions, leaves of absence requests, etc., and promote consistency on how employee matters are handled.
An employee handbook can be so valuable that the Small Business Administration believes that it “is one of the most important communication tools between your company and your employees.”
Train your supervisors. Trained supervisors help to reduce the risk of liability, improve productivity and morale, and reduce turnover. Supervisors should know how to (at a minimum) do the following:
-Model appropriate behavior. This means being knowledgeable about and adhering to company poli-cies and state and federal labor laws.
-Communicate effectively. Supervisors need to be able to give understandable instructions and speak to people in a way that inspires them to per-form, instead of inspiring them to complain to HR or governmental agencies.
-Handle disciplinary actions in a way that is con-sistent with company policy and improves produc-tivity and morale instead of destroying it.
-Accurately document performance. Documenta-tion is an invaluable tool in helping employers to avoid lawsuits or to help in their defense if they are sued.
Alexander Graham Bell said that, “Before any-thing else, preparation is the key to success.” em-ployers who get their businesses in order now will be ready to hit the ground running when more busi-ness comes their way. Opportunity is going to come knocking. Are you prepared to answer?
Get Ready for More Business!
By Robin Paggi
Contact robin Paggi Ma, SPHr-Ca, CPlP at KdG Hr Solutions. (661) 328-5267
www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2010 �1
[Cr]
the east side of 99. however, west of 99
is another story. the trip roadwork will
resolve the east-west traffic movement
problem across the bakersfield area.
fifth, trip projects will provide new cross-
ings across the kern river. many of us recall
when the only way to get across the kern
river west of freeway 99 was the two-lane
stockdale highway bridge. that was before
the bridges we have now at Coffee road, Cal-
loway drive, and allen road. but today’s traf-
fic still has too few ways to get across the riv-
er. with trip, the new mohawk street bridge
linking truxtun avenue with rosedale high-
way, and the westside parkway bridges be-
tween mohawk street and truxtun avenue,
will provide more ways to cross the river.
lastly, interregional traffic currently clogs
our surface streets. with no freeways to
channel trucks and other vehicles through
many parts of bakersfield, that traffic com-
petes with local residents trying to get
across town for daily activities. the result:
frustration for everyone. the trip projects
will help to channel that interregional traf-
fic onto major highways, so that the sur-
face roads can once again be used for the
daily routines of local residents. local resi-
dents also will be able to access those trip
routes, reducing time spent at stoplights
and improving our local air quality.
not only will the trip projects im-
prove our transportation network, they
will make it easier for people to get to
work, shopping, and recreation. that
means improvement in many quality of
life issues. it also will speed the flow of
goods and services, making bakersfield
more attractive to businesses.
regardless of where people live in
bakersfield, they will benefit from the
many trip projects. as mayor, i am
proud to see our community embrace
this forward-looking approach to ad-
dress our future transportation needs.
in the four years since trip opened its
doors, construction has started on six ma-
jor roadway projects and has made con-
siderable progress toward completing
environmental and technical studies on
the remaining projects. but there is still
much more to come.
phase 2 construction of the Westside parkway at calloway.
the big plan: growing a City
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www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2010 ��
naturalmeans
big bizby tracie grimes
it’s been more than
100 years sinCe pio-
neers began pump-
ing “blaCk gold”
from kern County
soil. little did they
know that as they
dug those first few
oil wells in the late
1800s, their labor
would Continue to
fuel kern County’s
eConomy for the
next Century.
[ Corporate reloCation ]
since those early days, oil and gas
production has played a ma-
jor part not only in kern’s economic
growth, but in u.s. domestic oil and
gas production. over 10 percent of
u.s. domestic oil and gas comes from
our area and five of California’s largest producing oil fields are
right here in kern County.
innovation has kept kern County at the epicenter of the
nation’s energy-producing map. and although kern will al-
ways be a leader when it comes to oil and natural gas pro-
duction, the face of energy production in our county is be-
ginning to change.
“green” or renewable energy is the newest kid on kern’s en-
ergy block. biofuel, hydrogen, wind, and solar power are becom-
ing bigger and bigger parts of bakersfield’s energy-producing
landscape, and with the current push to maximize domestic
energy sources and find more environmentally-friendly ways
to develop that energy, renewable energy is a fast-growing
sector of our area’s economy.
“diversifying our ‘energy portfolio’ to include renewables
creates more stability in hard economic times,” Lorelei
Oviatt, kern County director of planning and Community
development, points out. “renewable energy complements
—if not enhances—our oil and gas
production and brings in a new di-
mension of jobs. projects will need the
same carpenters and electricians who
may have been laid off because of the
current slow-down in housing and
the dip in the price of kern’s crude oil,
so we are seeing more and more op-
portunities for ‘green’ job training.” >>
phot
os pr
oviDe
D bY k
eDc
www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2010 ��
�� Bakersfield Magazine
to get kern’s workforce ready to go
green, local educational institutions are
offering training in working on renew-
able energy projects. the kern Community
College district and the employers’ train-
ing resource are offering classes geared
toward re-training displaced workers and
preparing them to enter the fast-growing
“green workforce.” independence high
school also offers clean energy instruction
in its energy and utilities academy, which
lieutenant governor maldonado recently
called “the future of our California; the fu-
ture of our nation.”
according to Robin Fleming, kern Coun-
ty economic development Corporation’s
senior manager/business developer, those
newly “greened” workers will start finding
opportunities are available now because
there’s a big rush to begin solar construc-
tion projects by december, so businesses
California must produce 33 percent of its
electricity from renewable sources,” flem-
ing says. “this renewable energy mandate
is actually great for kern County because
it’s stimulated a lot of interest in our area.”
renewable resource energy is a natural
fit for kern’s energy industry because not
only are we blessed with a wealth of natu-
ral resources, but because our geographic
location at the center of California makes
the energy we produce accessible to many
metropolitan areas, fleming observes.
“we have all the ingredients it takes to
produce a high volume of domestic en-
ergy, and the icing on the cake is that
we can deliver it quickly because of our
close proximity to metropolitan areas.”
solar and wind are two of the fastest-
growing areas in the field, fleming com-
ments, grinning while she notes that “sun
and wind are natural resources we certain-
ly have plenty of.
“the mojave desert has become a ‘hot
spot’ for solar energy and plans are under-
way for the world’s largest solar array to
be built in the area,” she explained, adding
that about 20-plus solar projects are in the
permitting stage, some of the most no-
table include beacon solar energy project
and solar millennium, llC.
wind energy, already a staple of kern’s
economy since the first wind farm was
built in tehachapi in the early 1980s, is
growing exponentially and has the poten-
tial of producing billions of
dollars in revenue by 2030.
“whenever i go to an en-
ergy conference and some-
one finds out i’m from kern
County, they usually say, ‘oh,
yeah, tehachapi; you guys
were first,” fleming laughs.
“we are producing about
783 megawatts today and
anticipate that number to
grow by an additional 4,500,”
says Linda Parker, executive director of the
kern wind energy association, noting that
the huge increase is due to the foresighted-
ness of kern County planners and supervi-
sors. “the county set aside 223,000 acres of
land in the tehachapi mountains to develop
a huge wind farm, allowing about a dozen
small wind energy companies to build tur-
bines on the land. distribution of the power
will be much more effective thanks to a new
transmission line, the tehachapi renewable
transmission project, and the wind com-
panies will be able to sell power to several
utilities. once everything is up and running,
we’ll be able to deliver enough energy to
power nearly three million homes in the los
angeles and kern County areas.”
but even with our wealth of natural
resources and the promise of economic
stimulation, renewable energy project
will bring to kern County, getting the
shovels in the ground is no easy task.
“it took almost 10 years of walking the
land; meeting with community members;
addressing environmental concerns; com-
plying with federal, state, and local agency
regulations; and permitting requirements,
but we got the green light to start the proj-
ect [the tehachapi renewable transmis-
sion project],” parker says, breathing a sigh
of relief. “ we wouldn’t have been able to
grow at all without this transmission proj-
ect because our current lines could not
transmit even one more watt. and since
there’s no way to store wind energy, you
either have to use it or lose it.”
parker went on to say that although Cali-
fornia is not the easiest place to do busi-
ness, kern County’s planning & Community
development department goes above and
beyond their duty in working to get viable
projects approved.
“we are very blessed to have someone
like lorelei oviatt and her staff here to
educate, work out any complications, and
move projects forward in a way that ben-
efits all parties involved.”
“we really work to be respectful of prop-
erty owners and developers while protect-
ing kern County’s irreplaceable natural
resources,” oviatt emphasizes. “our goal is
to streamline the permit process so that
good projects, not just any project but the
ones that are sound and make sense, can
get moving.
“the process in California takes about
three times as long as in any other state,
and can be pretty frustrating, but that
doesn’t mean it has to stop a project dead
in its tracks.”
the big question mark for starting con-
struction on wind projects in the tehachapi
and mojave desert areas, for instance, was
environmental. disrupting the habitats of
the mojave ground squir-
rel and the desert tortoise
were of great concern to
environmentalists; and the
u.s. department of defense
contended that the height
of the wind turbines would
be hazardous to pilots.
“we worked hard to ad-
dress these concerns and did
get the project approved,”
oviatt says, because, she
points out, “our commitment to attracting
businesses to kern County that will bring in
new jobs and boost our tax revenue flows
from the top down; from the board of su-
pervisors to every employee in the county.”
forward thinking that trickles from the
top down; maybe that’s why kern County cit-
izens are following in the footsteps of coun-
ty leaders when it comes to going green.
“there’s been a shift in people’s attitude to-
wards energy,” oviatt notes. “people in kern
County are really starting to understand the
importance of renewable energy. did you
know that bakersfield has the second most
rooftop solar panels in the country? this is
just another example of how people in our
county look for innovative, common-sense
approaches to current issues.”
it’s a balancing act, finding ways to at-
tract renewable energy companies to kern
County while keeping them excited about
moving to California even after they find
out all the CeQa (California environmental
natural means big biz
lorelei oviattkern County director of planning and Community development
linda parkerexecutive director of the kern wind energy association
robin flemingkern County economic development Corporation’s senior manager/business developer
Quality act) regulations, per-
mits, and eir’s (environmen-
tal impact reports) they are
required to comply with.
“lorelei and her staff >>
can take advantage of tax
incentives offered as part
of the american recov-
ery and reinvestment act.
“also, by the year 2020,
renewable energy
Complements
—if not enhanCes—
our oil and gas
produCtion. this
brings in a whole
new dimension of
jobs and helps to
stabiliZe our loCal
job markets.
kern County
produCes about 783
megawatts today
and it’s expeCted
to grow by an
additional 4,500.
this is due to the
foresightedness of
City planners and
supervisors.
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Bringing “Community” Back
www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2010 ��
to get kern’s workforce ready to go
green, local educational institutions are
offering training in working on renew-
able energy projects. the kern Community
College district and the employers’ train-
ing resource are offering classes geared
toward re-training displaced workers and
preparing them to enter the fast-growing
“green workforce.” independence high
school also offers clean energy instruction
in its energy and utilities academy, which
lieutenant governor maldonado recently
called “the future of our California; the fu-
ture of our nation.”
according to Robin Fleming, kern Coun-
ty economic development Corporation’s
senior manager/business developer, those
newly “greened” workers will start finding
opportunities are available now because
there’s a big rush to begin solar construc-
tion projects by december, so businesses
California must produce 33 percent of its
electricity from renewable sources,” flem-
ing says. “this renewable energy mandate
is actually great for kern County because
it’s stimulated a lot of interest in our area.”
renewable resource energy is a natural
fit for kern’s energy industry because not
only are we blessed with a wealth of natu-
ral resources, but because our geographic
location at the center of California makes
the energy we produce accessible to many
metropolitan areas, fleming observes.
“we have all the ingredients it takes to
produce a high volume of domestic en-
ergy, and the icing on the cake is that
we can deliver it quickly because of our
close proximity to metropolitan areas.”
solar and wind are two of the fastest-
growing areas in the field, fleming com-
ments, grinning while she notes that “sun
and wind are natural resources we certain-
ly have plenty of.
“the mojave desert has become a ‘hot
spot’ for solar energy and plans are under-
way for the world’s largest solar array to
be built in the area,” she explained, adding
that about 20-plus solar projects are in the
permitting stage, some of the most no-
table include beacon solar energy project
and solar millennium, llC.
wind energy, already a staple of kern’s
economy since the first wind farm was
built in tehachapi in the early 1980s, is
growing exponentially and has the poten-
tial of producing billions of
dollars in revenue by 2030.
“whenever i go to an en-
ergy conference and some-
one finds out i’m from kern
County, they usually say, ‘oh,
yeah, tehachapi; you guys
were first,” fleming laughs.
“we are producing about
783 megawatts today and
anticipate that number to
grow by an additional 4,500,”
says Linda Parker, executive director of the
kern wind energy association, noting that
the huge increase is due to the foresighted-
ness of kern County planners and supervi-
sors. “the county set aside 223,000 acres of
land in the tehachapi mountains to develop
a huge wind farm, allowing about a dozen
small wind energy companies to build tur-
bines on the land. distribution of the power
will be much more effective thanks to a new
transmission line, the tehachapi renewable
transmission project, and the wind com-
panies will be able to sell power to several
utilities. once everything is up and running,
we’ll be able to deliver enough energy to
power nearly three million homes in the los
angeles and kern County areas.”
but even with our wealth of natural
resources and the promise of economic
stimulation, renewable energy project
will bring to kern County, getting the
shovels in the ground is no easy task.
“it took almost 10 years of walking the
land; meeting with community members;
addressing environmental concerns; com-
plying with federal, state, and local agency
regulations; and permitting requirements,
but we got the green light to start the proj-
ect [the tehachapi renewable transmis-
sion project],” parker says, breathing a sigh
of relief. “ we wouldn’t have been able to
grow at all without this transmission proj-
ect because our current lines could not
transmit even one more watt. and since
there’s no way to store wind energy, you
either have to use it or lose it.”
parker went on to say that although Cali-
fornia is not the easiest place to do busi-
ness, kern County’s planning & Community
development department goes above and
beyond their duty in working to get viable
projects approved.
“we are very blessed to have someone
like lorelei oviatt and her staff here to
educate, work out any complications, and
move projects forward in a way that ben-
efits all parties involved.”
“we really work to be respectful of prop-
erty owners and developers while protect-
ing kern County’s irreplaceable natural
resources,” oviatt emphasizes. “our goal is
to streamline the permit process so that
good projects, not just any project but the
ones that are sound and make sense, can
get moving.
“the process in California takes about
three times as long as in any other state,
and can be pretty frustrating, but that
doesn’t mean it has to stop a project dead
in its tracks.”
the big question mark for starting con-
struction on wind projects in the tehachapi
and mojave desert areas, for instance, was
environmental. disrupting the habitats of
the mojave ground squir-
rel and the desert tortoise
were of great concern to
environmentalists; and the
u.s. department of defense
contended that the height
of the wind turbines would
be hazardous to pilots.
“we worked hard to ad-
dress these concerns and did
get the project approved,”
oviatt says, because, she
points out, “our commitment to attracting
businesses to kern County that will bring in
new jobs and boost our tax revenue flows
from the top down; from the board of su-
pervisors to every employee in the county.”
forward thinking that trickles from the
top down; maybe that’s why kern County cit-
izens are following in the footsteps of coun-
ty leaders when it comes to going green.
“there’s been a shift in people’s attitude to-
wards energy,” oviatt notes. “people in kern
County are really starting to understand the
importance of renewable energy. did you
know that bakersfield has the second most
rooftop solar panels in the country? this is
just another example of how people in our
county look for innovative, common-sense
approaches to current issues.”
it’s a balancing act, finding ways to at-
tract renewable energy companies to kern
County while keeping them excited about
moving to California even after they find
out all the CeQa (California environmental
natural means big biz
lorelei oviattkern County director of planning and Community development
linda parkerexecutive director of the kern wind energy association
robin flemingkern County economic development Corporation’s senior manager/business developer
Quality act) regulations, per-
mits, and eir’s (environmen-
tal impact reports) they are
required to comply with.
“lorelei and her staff >>
can take advantage of tax
incentives offered as part
of the american recov-
ery and reinvestment act.
“also, by the year 2020,
renewable energy
Complements
—if not enhanCes—
our oil and gas
produCtion. this
brings in a whole
new dimension of
jobs and helps to
stabiliZe our loCal
job markets.
kern County
produCes about 783
megawatts today
and it’s expeCted
to grow by an
additional 4,500.
this is due to the
foresightedness of
City planners and
supervisors.
�� Bakersfield Magazine
spend hours educating themselves and know every corner there is
to turn when seeking a renewable energy building project permit,”
parker stresses. “they know how to spot the most viable projects,
projects that will benefit kern County taxpayers and the company
looking to come into kern County, and they will help move the proj-
ect through the entire process as quickly as possible.”
“our job in planning & Community development is to get to the
shovel-in-the-ground point just as fast. but we also want to protect our
way of life here in kern County. we want to be respectful of people and
their connections with the land and environment,” oviatt adds.
helping interested companies investigate land they’re interested [Cr]
natural means big biz in to find any roadblocks they may face before they get to far into
the process is one valuable service offered by oviatt’s office.
being good stewards as the swing toward renewable energy
strengthens kern County’s position as a leading energy provider is
important because it ensures that we are forging ahead in a safe,
environmentally-conscious way, parker comments.
“it’s taken a lot of work over a lot of years to get to the point where
the ‘planets are all in alignment,’ ” parker adds, ticking off issues like
addressing concerns that a wayward Condor would fly into a wind
turbine (even though there are no reports of a Condor being killed
or injured by a wind turbine) or the small tents that had to be put up
over the “bakersfield cacti” that were transplanted to allow for wind
turbine construction. “and now we can, as supervisor don maben
pointed out, ‘finally start putting the steel in the ground.’ but we
did what we needed to do to put kern County at the top of the
map and were able to attract companies like terra-gen power who
is currently building a $115 million wind farm that will feed 3,000
megawatts of clean power onto the grid.”
renewable energy, once considered a “new age” idea is turning
into a rapidly-growing powerhouse in kern County’s economy.
and as technology keeps advancing, bringing us more gadgets de-
signed to enhance and improve our life, it’s nice to know we’ll be
able to power up our ipods, computer games, and air conditioners
without depleting our county’s expendable resources.
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www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2010 ��
unrestriCted
dreamspaCe
by Charlie durgin
stu witt is a busy man.
he’s the general manager of the mo-
jave air & space port in mojave, Ca.
in between fielding media requests
from Cbs, usa today, and the equally-
esteemed bakersfield magazine, he’s
also managing staff and overseeing events at his facility that
are, well, rocket science.
on this particular august afternoon, burt rutan’s world fa-
mous scaled Composites has flown their white knight aircraft;
it’s the one that will ferry spaceshiptwo into suborbit along
with six paid passengers in the near future. the passengers will
be able to see the blackness of space through the ship’s portholes,
and they’ll also get a rare view of earth below.
but there is more going on at what some call “the new area 51.”
just don’t expect witt to be especially chatty about it.
“we are very protective of tenants and their operations...
the same reason that orville and wilbur went to kitty hawk in
1897, is the same reason people were drawn to mojave,” witt
says of the remote high desert location.
“our claim is we have unrestricted dream space,” witt adds,
using a popular unofficial slogan, “and our people want pro-
tections from the encroachment of the press, and they want
protection from industrial espionage.”
if one were to have unfettered access
to the grounds, they would see many
blackened windows and little sign of
what was happening behind them.
“the truth is, most hangar doors
are closed unless they are moving an
object in or out; people are very pro-
tective of their trade secrets, as they
should be,” witt says. >>
[ Corporate reloCation ]
the futuristic spaceshiptwo with wings feathered upwardfor re-entry as it returnsfrom space.
illUstration coUrtesY virgin galactic
photo coUrtesY virgin galactic/mark greenberg
burt rutan
“ Capitalism is the
best way to drive
innovation. if
we relied on the
government to
build the first
airline, we’d have
one giant air-
plane that flies
two times a year.”
–miChael mealling
www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2010 ��
�� Bakersfield Magazine
michael mealling, vice president of
business development and Chief finan-
cial officer of masten space systems
can understand, but doesn’t always
subscribe to the practice. masten builds
affordable unmanned spacecraft—de-
livering loads between 50 and 100 kilo-
grams to space for experiments.
when their service goes online, it’ll
cost $250 a kilogram at the special “edu-
cational” rate to take your experiment
or test into space. a bargain when you
consider it can currently cost anywhere
from $3,000 to $10,000 to put some-
thing into low orbit, according to differ-
ent industry websites.
“we come from an it background, so
we are used to bugs. we’ll show you our
explosions and mishaps,” mealling ex-
plains.
and true to form, masten regularly
posts videos of successes and failures to
youtube for all to see.
according to mealling, having an
open door policy is an exception rather
than the rule.
“take scaled Composites,” mealling
elaborates. “they’re ‘closed mouth,’ and
that’s burt’s style; he doesn’t tell you
what he’s done until he’s done it.”
and what has scaled Composites
hour, 54 minute flight, achieving an alti-
tude of 45,000 feet.”
“this [was] a momentous day for the
scaled and virgin teams. the captive
carry flight signifies the start of what
we believe will be an extremely exciting
and successful spaceship flight test pro-
gram,” rutan says via official statement.
according to company statements,
virgin galactic has already taken around
$45 million in deposits for space flight
reservations from over 330 people want-
ing to experience space for themselves.
the program still has benchmarks to
complete before the lucky
330 on the reservation list
get their shot at proving
they’ve got the right stuff.
Company statements
indicate that “the vss en-
terprise test flight program
will continue through
2010 and 2011, progress-
ing from captive carry to
independent glide and
then powered flight, prior
to the start of commercial
operations.”
so, while this means the 330 on the
short list still have at least a year to wait,
it means that the rest of us might be
able to catch a test flight of this amaz-
ing craft if we make our
way to mojave.
while rutan’s policy of
reservation seems rooted
in humility and a desire
to follow through before
boasting, mealling says
there is solid business
sense for staying quiet
about technological break-
throughs and plans.
“we are commercial companies, and
we are trying to grow the business, and
one slip could mean a lost contract, and
that lost contract could mean the
end of the business and the dream,”
mealling adds.
recently, masten space systems took
a $1 million-dollar x prize for winning
the northrop grumman lunar lander
Challenge last year. the prize was a sig-
nificant take for masten; according to
mealling, they’ve only spent $3 million
total so far.
“Capitalism is the best way to drive in-
novation,” mealling says. “if we relied on
the government to build the first airline,
we’d have one giant airplane that flies
two times a year.”
for all the excitement that
space travel brings, there is
a lot more going on in mo-
jave that is ground based.
many folks at the mojave
air & space port say that
the future can be seen from
the high desert, and if the
hard numbers are any indication,
the future will involve more trains than
it does jet packs.
“ninety percent of our business is in
other sectors (than space travel),” witt
adds. “our growth business is train in-
termodal storage of wind components
and other specialty shipment items that
need cross country transit.” >>
unrestriCted dream space
virgin galaCtiC has
already taken $45
million in deposits
for spaCe flight
reservations from
over 330 people
wanting to expe-
rienCe spaCe for
themselves.
the first passenger space flight with the lynx suborbital
spacecraft is scheduled for 2011.
stu Witt, general manager of the mojave air & space port.
Drop shot:spaceshiptwo is released from vms eve,a carrier mothership for virgin galactic.
the Xr-5m15 prototype engine is run at Xcor’s test site on the
mojave air & space port.
phot
o co
Urte
sY Xc
or
phot
o co
Urte
sY m
ojav
e air
& sp
ace p
ort
illUs
trat
ion
coUr
tesY
virg
in g
alac
tic
phot
o co
Urte
sY Xc
or/m
ike m
asse
e
done? just about everything. in the ‘80s,
burt rutan cooked up the design for
voyager, the first aircraft to circumvent
the globe without stopping or refueling.
in the new millennium, rutan’s appetite
for innovation has not waned.
scaled Composites has made numer-
ous ownership changes and partner-
ships over the years, with perhaps the
most compelling to the public being his
alliance with british billionaire sir rich-
ard branson. in 2005, branson’s virgin
group partnered with scaled Compos-
ites to form the spaceship Company,
and the simple name belies a serious
business.
according to a press release on virgin
galactic’s website, the spaceship Com-
pany recently conducted a very suc-
cessful “Captive Carry” flight test. virgin
galactic, a division of branson’s virgin
group, aspires to send six private passen-
gers into suborbit for a weightlessness
experience and stunning views of the
earth. the flight involves a spacecraft of
the “spaceshiptwo” designation being
flown to altitude by a “mothership.”
according to the same press release,
“vss enterprise remained attached to
its unique whiteknighttwo carrier air-
craft, vms eve, for the duration of the 2
Xoie rocket returning to earth after winning the $1 million prize from nasa in the northrop
grumman lunar lander challenge.
phot
o pr
oviD
eD bY
mas
ten
spac
e sYs
tems
www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2010 ��
michael mealling, vice president of
business development and Chief finan-
cial officer of masten space systems
can understand, but doesn’t always
subscribe to the practice. masten builds
affordable unmanned spacecraft—de-
livering loads between 50 and 100 kilo-
grams to space for experiments.
when their service goes online, it’ll
cost $250 a kilogram at the special “edu-
cational” rate to take your experiment
or test into space. a bargain when you
consider it can currently cost anywhere
from $3,000 to $10,000 to put some-
thing into low orbit, according to differ-
ent industry websites.
“we come from an it background, so
we are used to bugs. we’ll show you our
explosions and mishaps,” mealling ex-
plains.
and true to form, masten regularly
posts videos of successes and failures to
youtube for all to see.
according to mealling, having an
open door policy is an exception rather
than the rule.
“take scaled Composites,” mealling
elaborates. “they’re ‘closed mouth,’ and
that’s burt’s style; he doesn’t tell you
what he’s done until he’s done it.”
and what has scaled Composites
hour, 54 minute flight, achieving an alti-
tude of 45,000 feet.”
“this [was] a momentous day for the
scaled and virgin teams. the captive
carry flight signifies the start of what
we believe will be an extremely exciting
and successful spaceship flight test pro-
gram,” rutan says via official statement.
according to company statements,
virgin galactic has already taken around
$45 million in deposits for space flight
reservations from over 330 people want-
ing to experience space for themselves.
the program still has benchmarks to
complete before the lucky
330 on the reservation list
get their shot at proving
they’ve got the right stuff.
Company statements
indicate that “the vss en-
terprise test flight program
will continue through
2010 and 2011, progress-
ing from captive carry to
independent glide and
then powered flight, prior
to the start of commercial
operations.”
so, while this means the 330 on the
short list still have at least a year to wait,
it means that the rest of us might be
able to catch a test flight of this amaz-
ing craft if we make our
way to mojave.
while rutan’s policy of
reservation seems rooted
in humility and a desire
to follow through before
boasting, mealling says
there is solid business
sense for staying quiet
about technological break-
throughs and plans.
“we are commercial companies, and
we are trying to grow the business, and
one slip could mean a lost contract, and
that lost contract could mean the
end of the business and the dream,”
mealling adds.
recently, masten space systems took
a $1 million-dollar x prize for winning
the northrop grumman lunar lander
Challenge last year. the prize was a sig-
nificant take for masten; according to
mealling, they’ve only spent $3 million
total so far.
“Capitalism is the best way to drive in-
novation,” mealling says. “if we relied on
the government to build the first airline,
we’d have one giant airplane that flies
two times a year.”
for all the excitement that
space travel brings, there is
a lot more going on in mo-
jave that is ground based.
many folks at the mojave
air & space port say that
the future can be seen from
the high desert, and if the
hard numbers are any indication,
the future will involve more trains than
it does jet packs.
“ninety percent of our business is in
other sectors (than space travel),” witt
adds. “our growth business is train in-
termodal storage of wind components
and other specialty shipment items that
need cross country transit.” >>
unrestriCted dream space
virgin galaCtiC has
already taken $45
million in deposits
for spaCe flight
reservations from
over 330 people
wanting to expe-
rienCe spaCe for
themselves.
the first passenger space flight with the lynx suborbital
spacecraft is scheduled for 2011.
stu Witt, general manager of the mojave air & space port.
Drop shot:spaceshiptwo is released from vms eve,a carrier mothership for virgin galactic.
the Xr-5m15 prototype engine is run at Xcor’s test site on the
mojave air & space port.
phot
o co
Urte
sY Xc
or
phot
o co
Urte
sY m
ojav
e air
& sp
ace p
ort
illUs
trat
ion
coUr
tesY
virg
in g
alac
tic
phot
o co
Urte
sY Xc
or/m
ike m
asse
e
done? just about everything. in the ‘80s,
burt rutan cooked up the design for
voyager, the first aircraft to circumvent
the globe without stopping or refueling.
in the new millennium, rutan’s appetite
for innovation has not waned.
scaled Composites has made numer-
ous ownership changes and partner-
ships over the years, with perhaps the
most compelling to the public being his
alliance with british billionaire sir rich-
ard branson. in 2005, branson’s virgin
group partnered with scaled Compos-
ites to form the spaceship Company,
and the simple name belies a serious
business.
according to a press release on virgin
galactic’s website, the spaceship Com-
pany recently conducted a very suc-
cessful “Captive Carry” flight test. virgin
galactic, a division of branson’s virgin
group, aspires to send six private passen-
gers into suborbit for a weightlessness
experience and stunning views of the
earth. the flight involves a spacecraft of
the “spaceshiptwo” designation being
flown to altitude by a “mothership.”
according to the same press release,
“vss enterprise remained attached to
its unique whiteknighttwo carrier air-
craft, vms eve, for the duration of the 2
Xoie rocket returning to earth after winning the $1 million prize from nasa in the northrop
grumman lunar lander challenge.
phot
o pr
oviD
eD bY
mas
ten
spac
e sYs
tems
�0 Bakersfield Magazine
[Cr]
in plain terms? “progress rail is here
turning rail wheels, and if you’ve ever
ridden skateboards, you know what
‘trucks’ are,” witt explains, referring to
the wheel and axle assembly that sits
below the deck. while it isn’t futuristic,
“shipping by train is very cost effective,
it’s much cheaper than trucking.”
the only problem it faces is one you
won’t find in space, or the mojave air &
space port for that matter-routes. “we
don’t have enough rail lines,” he says.
still, the heart of the matter lies in put-
ting people into space. and nasa won’t
be doing it much longer.
the space shuttle program will be
scuttled in 2011, and after that, “we’ll be
in the position of hitching rides to space
from someone else,” witt concludes.
in 2015 or 2016, the international
space station will be positioned over
the pacific ocean and deorbited. then,
the world’s most expensive object—at
$100 billion, according to the general
accounting office—will become a mas-
sive fireball as it reenters earth’s atmo-
sphere. so we might be running out of
time to drive ourselves.
but there is hope at the mojave air &
space port
that another
american
mission,
possibly
private, will
be shipping
astronauts to space from american soil.
firestar technologies is doing promis-
ing work in new rocket fuels including
the world’s first monopropellant, gas-
cooled rocket engines.
xcor aerospace is developing reus-
able rockets, and has begun pre-selling
tickets to ride its lynx spacecraft into
suborbit for just $95,000. test flights are
scheduled to begin for the one pilot-one
passenger craft in 2011. again, a bargain
when compared to nasa’s rates, and
even the $200,000 cost of virgin galac-
tic’s spaceshiptwo.
you can see the future for yourself
from the voyager restaurant in mojave,
Ca. just get a table, enjoy a meal, and
let your eyes wander across the wide
open dream space in kern County’s
high desert.
but given the super secret nature of
these companies, don’t tell them you
heard it here.
the spaCe shuttle
program will
be sCuttled in
2011, and after
that, “we’ll be in
the position of
hitChing rides
to spaCe from
someone else.”
–stu witt
rutan and scaled composites use the mojave air & space port as
a launch site for numerous aircraft.
sir richard branson stands beside spaceshipone, winner of the
$10 million ansari X-prize.virgin galactic unveilsthe vms eve mothership.
[Cr]
phot
o co
Urte
sY vi
rgin
gal
actic
/mar
k gre
enbe
rg
phot
o co
Urte
sY sc
aleD
comp
osite
s
phot
o co
Urte
sY vi
rgin
gal
actic
unrestriCted dream space
�2 Bakersfield Magazine
www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2010 ��
2010
America’sPremier One-DAy
COnferenCe
Twenty-fifth Anniversary Encore Presentation
BAkersfielDBusiness COnferenCe
Borton Petrini, llP’s
s-�Borton Petrini, llP’s Bakersfield Business Conference
. WelCOme .Twenty-five years ago, 250 of us gathered in the
clubhouse of Stockdale Country Club to participate in the first of what would become 21 annual Bakers-field Business Conferences. The participation grew to over 10,000 annually and the home of the Confer-ence became California State University, Bakersfield. Five years ago, we decided to hold our last Confer-ence. Over the last five years we have continued to receive emails, letters, and telephone calls asking that we bring back the Conference. One Shirley D’Aoust demanded the return and you learn not to say “no” to a determined lady who handles her wheelchair like a weapon. So today, we present the Bakersfield Business Conference Encore Performance in celebration of our 25th year of the founding of the Confer-ence. Henceforth we will present a Conference every five years, thus making certain the Confer-ence does not get stale as new speakers, leaders, and issues are presented.
The last five years have pre-sented transformational changes in the political, social, and eco-nomic forces that are constantly affecting our lives and busi-nesses, making it more important now than ever to hear from those directly involved with world and national affairs.
When we started the Confer-ence 25 years ago, our motto was “Making Learning Fun.” The Conference still stands for a mix of humor, lectures, music, motivational talks, and patriotic ven-ues to make your experience worthwhile and enjoy-able. We want your Conference experience to be casu-al and we think you will agree that our “tent city” is a much more pleasant setting than a stuffy hotel confer-ence room or bleachers in a stadium. We will present the Main Tent program with three other smaller tents running simultaneous programs so you can pick and choose who you want to see and hear.
We also offer areas of respite from the lecture ven-ues. Try our traditional Sports Tent sponsored by Bright House for catching up on the games of the day, take a relaxing break in the “Quiet Deal,” enjoy a trip to the Ice Cream Pavilion and stop by the Farmers Market for complimentary treats, take a ride on our 100-foot Ferris Wheel for an overview of the grounds, and take a walk among the 2,790 American flags and
90 flags from foreign countries—a tribute to the victims of 9/11. Let the kid in you come alive as you take a ride on our All-American Carousel and enjoy the best of our local artists in our Art Pavilion. Don’t miss the book signings and greetings at the Stars & Stripes Arcade, and be sure to stop at the Mayor’s Tent and CSUB tents and say hello to our city and university officials.
We will start the day in the Main Tent with the comedy of Rich Little and end the day program with some very special patriotic surprise guests.
For those of you leaving us after the day program, take in the 100-plus award-winning automobiles that will be as-sembled starting at 5:30 p.m. in an area on your way back
to the parking lots. The cars are being furnished by the Highway 99 Cruise-n-Show that is having a show in Ba-kersfield this weekend. The car show area will also feature music by Foster Campbell and Friends (an outstanding R & B band) with Becky DeShields.
For those of you staying for the eve-ning program, the gates to the “Music Of Our Lives” concert and picnic open at 6:00 p.m., directly across from the Ferris Wheel in the CSUB Amphithe-ater. You are welcome to take in the auto show and then mosey on down to the amphitheater if you wish. This evening’s entertainment will feature a picnic dinner being served between 6:00 and 7:00 p.m. and a concert starting at 7:00 p.m., with a tribute to
Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper (the only authorized tribute by the estates of their families), ‘60s and ‘70s sensation Bobby Vee, and, of course, the legendary Ronnie Milsap. There will also be a very funny special surprise comedian, and our patriotic fireworks show. Gates will close at 10:30 p.m. following the evening concert.
With so many wonderful speakers and entertainers, it is our sincere hope that you will be able to gain one, two, or three really terrific ideas that will help you and your families advance and become more prosperous in the years to come. I hope you have a wonderful day and we’ll see you in 2015.
Very truly yours,
George F. MartinBorton Petrini, LLP
Presenting an encore performance in celebration of our 25th year!
s-5Borton Petrini, llP’s Bakersfield Business Conference
. COnTenTs .
Twenty-fifth Anniversary Encore Presentation
A close-up lookat Borton Petrini, llP.
firm BehindThe Conference ......... 6
learn all about those whowill be speaking throughout the day.
speakerBiographies .................19
Helpful hintsto make the best of your day.
Of interestTo you ............................. 9
some long-time favoritesand some new things to experience.
ThingsTo see & Do .................14
A patriotic flagtribute to the victims of 9/11.
Pepperdineflags ..............................15
We give you a brief look at thepeople who help make this event happen.
OurVolunteers .................. 62
What’s there, who’s involved,and why you’ll want to visit!
stars& stripes ......................61
A step-by-step look behind the scenes of this year’s Conference.
makingit Happen ................... 5�
As the lights go down, discover what awaits you on the Conference Grounds.
eveningentertainment .......... 50
By the numbers...what it takesto make an event of this magnitude happen.
ThinkBig ................................. 17
All the sports andhow we bring them to you.
Thesports Tent .................. 60
City-by-city, state-by-state, country-by-country list of our attendees’ hometowns.
GlobalCommunity ................ 6�
s-9Borton Petrini, llP’s Bakersfield Business Conference
Of interest to youNews and helpful information that will make your day go smoothly.
Internet AccessBright House Networks provides Internet access on the
grounds for attendees who need to check their email or search the Internet.
~Conference Special Events~
Art PavilionDon’t miss the beautiful and unique art work of local
Kern County artists on display and for sale in the Art Pa-vilion. Enjoy everything from sculptures to hand-crafted, one-of-a-kind paintings.
Bakersfield High School ChoraleAs attendees enter the Conference grounds, they will
be entertained by the sounds of the Bakersfield High School Chorale. Featuring 66 sophomores, juniors, and seniors, they have received “Superior” ratings at the annual California Mu-sic Educators’ Association festivals every year since 2002. The BHS Chorale will continue to entertain prior to the first speaker and will return to the Conference grounds as the day program comes to an end.
Borton Petrini, LLP Business TentGet up close and personal with the attorneys from the
law firm and local business leaders who will be discuss-ing important legal and business topics of interest to you throughout the day in the Business Tent. Check your pro-gram schedule for times.
CarouselTake a trip down memory lane back to your childhood
and enjoy a fun ride on the carousel located in front of the Main Tent in the center of the Conference grounds. >
Assisted Listening DevicesAssisted listening devices will be provided for those who
need them. If you would like an assisted listening device, please let an usher know, and he or she will bring one to you. A copy of your driver’s license will be made. They will be located in the Information Tent for those who would like to check one out before the speakers begin. Return assisted listening devices at the conclusion of the Conference pro-gram as you leave for home or as you head to the evening concert.
Disabled ServicesThe Business Conference provides a full range of ser-
vices for the disabled, from shuttle service to and from the parking lot, shuttle service to and from the Main Tent and restrooms, to lunch delivery service in the Main Tent. Quality Team, Inc. provides wheel chairs for our Disabled Services so we can assist you if wheel chair ser-vices are needed. Disabled Services also provides escort services to all areas of the grounds. For service, stop by Disabled Services as you enter the Conference or notify one of the ushers or other volunteers who will see to at-tendee needs.
First Aid ServicesEmergency and first aid services will be available in
the First Aid Tent, compliments of Bakersfield Family Medical Center. Located at the north end of the grounds, a physician and nurse will be on duty all day. Hall Ambu-lance is ready in case of an emergency situation.
Information TentIn order to make your visit as pleasant and worry free
as possible, Conference organizers provide a convenient-ly located, all purpose Information Tent where attendees may get updates on the day’s Conference programs and ask for directions on Conference grounds. Also in the In-formation Tent will be assisted listening devices distribu-tion, prize drawing ticket drop-off, and lost and found.
RestroomsRestroom facilities are located on the west side of the
Conference grounds. Restrooms for those with special needs also will be available. If you need assistance, don’t hesitate to call upon our volunteers in Disabled Services.
TelephonesAT&T Wireless and Verizon Wireless will make local
and long distance cellular service available. Cellular ser-vices are located near the front entrances to the Main Tent.
QUALITY CARE CLOSE TO HOME
BRAIN SURGERY SPINE SURGERY
N AT I O N A L R E C O G N I T I O N | L O C A L R E P U T AT I O N
“I am a 50-year-old active person that was in a lot of pain due to two herniated discs. Dr. Gantwerker performed a micro-discectomy. And now, two months after the surgery, I am 100% better, out of pain, and fully active. The caring and professional staff of the Brain & Spine Center made this difficult time so much easier to take. I can’t thank Dr. Gantwerker and the staff enough for giving me my life back. I would recommend Dr. Gantwerker and the Brain & Spine Center to anyone needing back help.” —Debbie Cronk, Bakersfield
Neurosurgical & Spine Conditions Seen• Degenerative disorders of the spine• Neck pain disorders• Back pain disorders• Leg pain disorders• Traumatic disorders of the spine• Head trauma• Brain & spine tumors, malignant & benign• Trigeminal neuralgia & facial pain• Parkinson’s disease• Movement disorders• Revision spine surgery• Spine related arm or leg pain
Surgical Techniques Used• Minimally invasive surgery• Complex spinal fusion• Non-fusion spinal surgery• Artificial disc technology• Image guided brain surgery• Stereotactic brain surgery• Deep brain stimulation (DBS)• Spinal cord stimulation• Gamma Knife radiosurgery*
Bakersfield9300 Stockdale Hwy., Suite 300Bakersfield, CA 93311(661) 414-9100
Valencia/Santa Clarita25751 McBean Parkway, Suite 305Valencia, CA 91355(661) 799-2542
Northridge18350 Roscoe Blvd., Suite 318Northridge, CA 91325(818) 827-2720Fax: (661) 253-0248
We proudly accept Medicareand other PPO insurances.
Visit us online:www.brain-spinecenter.com
It is increasingly difficult to make sense of the treatment now available to chronic back pain sufferers.
The physicians at the Brain & Spine Center of Bakersfield can provide you with compassionate and knowledgeable care for your chronic back pain.
Our neurosurgeons and clinicians will use their expertise to recommend the right treatment for you. Ask your physician to refer you, or call to schedulean appointment with one of our experts!
*Northridge Hospital Medical Center offers Leksell Gamma Knife by Elekta
~Patient Testimonial~
Mark A. Liker, M.D., F.A.C.S. NEUROsURGEON Sherwin E. Hua, M.D., Ph.D. NEUROsURGEON Brian R. Gantwerker, M.D. NEUROsURGEON
Lisa J. Mendez, NEUROsURGICAL PA-C Jung Sung, NEUROsURGICAL PA-C
s-11Borton Petrini, llP’s Bakersfield Business Conference
Sports Tent byBright House
Having trouble concentrating on the speakers when you don’t know how your teams are doing? Take a break and visit the Sports Tent where you will find a bank of television sets with all your favorite sports programming provided by Bright House and a scoreboard with updated scores for your favorite teams. You’ll also find two com-puter operators connected to the Internet who can pull up any game in which you’re interested. The action on the Internet is transmitted to two, large 40-inch monitors so you can see the action as it happens. Also in the Sports Tent, there will be refreshments and a no-host bar.
Quiet DealBack again this year by popular demand is the Quiet Deal
located near the Stars & Stripes Arcade for those who just need to relax for a moment or take a power nap. Available will be cots near a relaxing fountain for your lounging pleasure.
~Conference Meals & Snacks~
Alcoholic Beverage BarYour favorite alcoholic beverages will be available in
four convenient locations: the Sports Tent, the Beer Gar-den, and two bars near entrances to the Main Tent.
All-AmericanBakersfield Lunch
A highlight of the Conference has always been the great food. Lunch, served through more than 140 serving lines in less than 30 minutes, will be available at the Lunch Buffet Tent directly behind the Main Speakers Tent.
This year’s menu includes:Seasoned Tri-Tip Roast
Vegetarian Santa Maria Barbecue BeansPenne Pasta Salad with Olives, Capers, Mozzarella Cheese,
and Roasted Tomato VinaigretteMixed Green Salad with Light Italian DressingCherry Tomato, Bell Pepper, and Onion Salad
with Vinaigrette DressingSoft Rolls and Butter
Gourmet Brownies and Lemon BarsNote: Your lunch ticket is attached to your Conference tick-et. Be sure to take your ticket with you to the Lunch Tent.
Beer GardenA favorite of Conference attendees and a great spot to relax
with a domestic or imported brew, or a glass of wine, our Beer Garden returns this year for the enjoyment of our attendees.
Continental BreakfastIn the morning, the Refreshment Tents will serve a
Continental Breakfast that includes pastries, mini-muf-fins, doughnuts, and bagels and cream cheese or butter, tea, and coffee.
Farmers MarketThe Farmers Market has been a favorite with Conference
attendees since its first appearance. The Farmers Market >
Celebrity Speakers TentsFor a different perspective, there are two Celebrity
Speakers Tents where you can get up close in a more personal setting with speakers who can interact with the audience, giving them a chance to ask questions.
Conference DrawingDon’t forget to fill out your drawing card before our
mid-afternoon drawing–you might go home a winner of one of our door prizes! You may drop your card off any time before lunch at the Information Tent or give it to one of our ushers in the Main Tent.
CSUB PavilionAs you enter the grounds and adjacent to the Mayor’s
Tent, the California State University, Bakersfield Pavil-ion will return, providing visitors with information about various campus activities and programs. 2010 marks CSUB’s 40th anniversary. As such, the theme is “40 years of excellence.” There is an upscale lounge-type feel to the tent, featuring a video loop of historic and current pho-tos, supplemented by enlarged historic photos displayed around the tent. There will be desserts served throughout the day as well as literature from various schools and de-partments on campus.
Ferris WheelA Ferris Wheel, dubbed the Giant Wheel, will be on
the CSUB campus to offer attendees gorgeous, one-of-a-kind daytime and evening views of the entire Confer-ence grounds. The Ferris Wheel gives folks a chance to be a kid again and is a Conference-goer favorite. Be sure you take a ride.
Mayor’s TentHarvey L. Hall, Mayor of the City of Bakersfield, in-
vites all Business Conference guests to meet him in the “Mayor’s Tent,” located near the entrance and the CSUB Pavilion. Mayor Hall has rolled out the red carpet to greet you and showcase an impressive variety of businesses that call Bakersfield home.
NewspapersToday’s newspaper, provided by The Bakersfield Cali-
fornian, will be available at several locations throughout the Conference grounds.
Stars & Stripes ArcadeWant to see more of your favorite speakers today?
The Stars & Stripes Arcade will have books and audio tapes on sale by our speakers, provided by Russo’s Book-store. Not only can you purchase speaker books, but also many of our speakers will be holding book signings, giv-ing Conference guests the chance to meet their favorite speakers and take home priceless mementos.
s-12 America’s Premier One-Day Conference 2010
is located under the Jumbotron on the south end of the Con-ference grounds and will be providing healthful snacks all day. Our famous Farmers Market will feature fresh fruits, nuts, and raisins provided by local and international spe-cialty suppliers and growers. Be sure to stop by the Farm-ers Market to sample the following wonderful products:
Bolthouse Farms - Juices and carrot Snak PaksCalifornia Fruit Depot - Walnut Stuffed Medjool Dates
Grimmway Farms - Carrots, Oranges, and LemonsHronis, Inc. - Grapes
Kingsburg Apple - Asian Pears, White Peaches, Nectarines, PluotsRoyal Moonlight Corp. - Nectarines and Plums
Paramount Farms - Sunkist Pistachios and Almonds Paramount Citrus - Oranges and Lemons
McCafé CoffeeComplimentary McCafé Coffee service provided by
the local McDonald’s Franchise Owners is located near the entrance to the grounds. They’ll help you wake up first thing in the morning and unwind at the end of the day serving iced and hot lattes, and espressos.
Thrifty Ice Cream PavilionRite Aid will be serving Thrifty Ice Cream to celebrate
Thrifty Ice Cream’s 70th anniversary. Thrifty Ice Cream Sandwiches will be available in Vanilla, Mint N Chip, Neo-politan, and Cookies N Cream. Thrifty Ice Cream will be available in cups of Vanilla, Rocky Road, Pistachio Nut, Strawberry, Chocolate Malted Krunch, and Mint N Chip.
RefreshmentsThroughout the day, refreshments in the Refreshment
Tents will be available for attendees’ enjoyment, featuring popcorn, Pepsi products, and Crystal Geyser bottled water.
~Of Interest to You on theAmphitheater Grounds this Evening~
Alcoholic Beverage BarBar services will be available at a Bar Tent on the Am-
phitheater grounds as well as in the Sports Tent which will remain open until the close of the evening concert program.
Art PavilionIf you missed this pavilion during the day, the Art Pavil-
ion will remain open during the evening program to give you an opportunity to see the art exhibited by local artists.
Highway 99 Cruise-n-ShowAs you leave for home or for the Music Of Our Lives
evening concert program, stop by and admire 100 or so classic cars from the Highway 99 Cruise-n-Show located just outside the entrance to the Conference grounds which will be on display between 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Evening Entertainment - Music of Our LivesThe evening entertainment program is an additional
ticketed event following the day Conference program and will be held under the stars in the CSUB Amphithe-ater. The “Music Of Our Lives” Program starts at 6:00 p.m. with a picnic dinner by Hodel’s Country Dining followed by an outstanding evening of entertainment. Dance or sit back and enjoy a nonstop concert with the Winter Dance Party re-creating the performances of Buddy Holly, the Big Bopper, and Ritchie Valens, followed by a Surprise Guest, and then a 45-minute set by Bobby Vee, who took Buddy Holly’s place on the Winter Dance Party tour the night after the famous crash in 1959. Following Bobby Vee’s performance, the program will feature a patriotic, 15-minute fireworks spectacular, and then the legendary Ronnie Milsap will finish the program performing many of his 40 number one hits. The Evening Program promises to be a patri-otic remembrance of the Music Of Our Lives and just plain more fun than a person should be allowed!
Fireworks ShowA spectacular fireworks show choreographed to inspi-
rational and patriotic music has, again, been planned.
Foster Campbell and Friends BandEnjoy the jazz and R&B sounds of the Foster Campbell and Friends band who will be entertaining you from 5:30 p.m. until 7:15 p.m. at the Highway 99 Cruise-n-Show before the evening concert begins.
Picnic in the ParkAnother example of the tasty fare at the Conference
will be the Picnic in the Park provided by local Hodel’s Country Dining and available when you enter the CSUB Amphitheater Evening Entertainment grounds.
This year’s picnic will include:Marinated, Oven-Roasted Chicken • Rice Pilaf
Tossed Green Salad • Fresh FruitTomato Cucumber Salad • Potato Salad
Pasta and Vegetable SaladRolls and Butter • Assorted Cookies
RefreshmentsRefreshments will continue to be served throughout
the evening in a Refreshment Tent on the Amphitheater grounds featuring popcorn, Pepsi products, and Crystal Geyser bottled water.
Sports TentThe Sports Tent will remain open throughout the eve-
ning so you can continue to check the scores of your favorite teams.
GOLD STAR CONSTRUCTION, INC.,
prides itself on building smarter. An
independent consultant works with the design and
engineering team to achieve an energy efficient home
that is 35-50% more efficient than the optimal level
as outlined by PG & E. Every attention possible is
paid to a stronger structure, a more energy efficient
structure, and a better, smarter use of materials. In
this process, GOLD STAR is able to incorporate
into its design products that not only make sense,
but that also contribute toward each home’s energy
efficiency and overall Energy Star rating.
Early California Charm with Modern Energy Efficient Luxury
Lakeview at Rio Bravo homes are built with the highest standards of in-tegrity, sustainability, and respect for the people that live in them. Lo-cated within walking distance of the Kern County Golf Course, the Kern River, Lake Ming, and CALM. Come and see the extensive list of stan-dard features! Pella windows, Trane HVAC, KitchenAid, Knotty Alder doors and trim, and more...
11200 Lake Ming RoadHwy. 178 East to Alfred Harrell Hwy. Left on Alfred Harrell Hwy. to Lake Ming Road. Right on Lake Ming Road. Gate entry on left.
For More Information Call: 661.477.8468www.GSTARC.com | License #908949
Find Out For Yourself What Everyone Is Talking About.
For more information:Lynne Wright661-477-8468Jenny Cameron661-703-6386
DRE#01328107
GOLD STAR CONSTRUCTION, INC.,
prides itself on building smarter. An
independent consultant works with the design and
engineering team to achieve an energy efficient home
that is 35-50% more efficient than the optimal level
as outlined by PG & E. Every attention possible is
paid to a stronger structure, a more energy efficient
structure, and a better, smarter use of materials. In
this process, GOLD STAR is able to incorporate
into its design products that not only make sense,
but that also contribute toward each home’s energy
efficiency and overall Energy Star rating.
Early California Charm with Modern Energy Efficient Luxury
Lakeview at Rio Bravo homes are built with the highest standards of in-tegrity, sustainability, and respect for the people that live in them. Lo-cated within walking distance of the Kern County Golf Course, the Kern River, Lake Ming, and CALM. Come and see the extensive list of stan-dard features! Pella windows, Trane HVAC, KitchenAid, Knotty Alder doors and trim, and more...
11200 Lake Ming RoadHwy. 178 East to Alfred Harrell Hwy. Left on Alfred Harrell Hwy. to Lake Ming Road. Right on Lake Ming Road. Gate entry on left.
For More Information Call: 661.477.8468www.GSTARC.com | License #908949
Find Out For Yourself What Everyone Is Talking About.
For more information:Lynne Wright661-477-8468Jenny Cameron661-703-6386
DRE#01328107
s-14 America’s Premier One-Day Conference 2010
Things to see & DoA 25th anniversary comes around only once and
because there are so many things to see and do while attending the Conference, we want to make sure you know about these special activities.
Guests will have the chance to view classic cars that have been hand-selected to sit on the grounds of the Conference. The same weekend of the Confer-ence the 7th Annual Cruise-n-Show will be taking place downtown—so the two will combine for the first time this year.
“We’re very excited to be a part of the confer-ence,” said Art Carlock, the man behind this nation-ally-recognized car show. “It’s an honor to get a friendly call from George [Martin] and be asked to participate.” And the Conference is just as happy to have them.
Folks will start seeing specialty cars drive onto the grounds later in the afternoon, after a spe-
Amusements, these two attractions will give guests the chance to be a child again as they soar 100 feet into the air or twirl under the lights of an antique car-ousel, which originated from the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas before being purchased by the Helms. It will take more than four semi trucks and trailers to move these rides.
“We’re very proud to be involved again,” said Dave Helm. “This is a great opportunity and we, as a company, have a great appreciation for the United States, so it’s a great fit.”
Finally, ticket-holders will have the chance to take a stroll through the Art Pavilion. Local artist Monica Nelson, a veteran exhibit coordinator, has gathered over a dozen fellow local artists who have produced unique works of art for display and sale at the Con-ference...a first in Conference history.
“George Martin was inspired to have local art on
cial committee at the Cruise-n-Show hand-picks the best of the best. The best two cars will be se-lected to sit on stage, so keep your eyes peeled.
At the same time, local R & B group Foster Camp-bell and Friends will grace the stage, performing their brand of feel-good music as attendees to the Evening Show arrive, ready for a night of dancing.
And a conference of this magnitude wouldn’t be complete without a 100-foot Ferris wheel, dubbed the Giant Wheel, and an All-American Carousel. Supplied by Dave and Debby Helm of Helm & Sons
display,” said Nelson. “It is a chance for the entire nation to see the diversity and talent of Bakersfield artists.” There will be everything from sculptures to hand-crafted, one-of-a-kind paintings for Conference goers to admire.
The Art Pavilion is located next to the Sports Tent and will be open during the evening entertainment as well.
So in addition to the dozens of speakers to hear, there are plenty of amazing things to see and do at this year’s Conference.
s-15Borton Petrini, llP’s Bakersfield Business Conference
Pepperdine flagsWe sincerely hope you have the chance to stroll the
grounds and take in all there is to see. In addition to the many vendors, activities, and sights, a particularly important display will be available for Conference attendees to appreciate. It is the Pepperdine University Flag Memorial and it is, perhaps, the most moving addition to this year’s Conference.
The memorial is the work of Pepperdine students, faculty, staff, volunteers, facilities management, and planning staff wanting to pay tribute to the victims of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The tribute was conceived originally and led by the University’s chapter of the College Republicans in 2008, said Pepperdine University Director of Student Activities, Doug Hurley.
“Each year, the display is coordinated by students and volunteers,” Hurley added. “The beauty and power of seeing all those American
As it has annually since September 2001, the University holds a brief prayer service at the Garden, a 14,880-square-foot outdoor garden which honors 9/11 victims and overlooks the Pacific Ocean on one of the highest bluffs on the Malibu campus.
However, thanks in part to the Kern County chapter of the Wounded Heroes Fund and the West High School ROTC, the flags will be flying patriotically on the Conference grounds. Both organizations will be spending the days prior to the conference laying rebar to support the thousands of flags. The day before, they’ll come back and post all the flags in their holders, in uniform, for this ceremonious occasion.
“Viewing the flags is a great way to remem-ber and commemorate the innocent people whose lives were lost that day,” Hurley continued. “It’s not a statement on war and it doesn’t have any-
and International flags flying needs very little explanation. It’s very sacred.”
The are 2,880 flags displayed each year on the Pepperdine Campus—one for each life lost. The flags have been carefully transported to the Bakersfield Business Conference this year for attendees to appreciate.
The Conference is the first event to make the request to have the memorial on display. This is very special as Hurley explained that this is not a moving display. It’s home is the Pepperdine Campus, where it’s known as the Heroes Garden.
thing to do with politics. It’s about remembering those people.”
Hurley said that word-of-mouth has brought a lot of attention to the memorial and the public’s response has been overwhelming. What these students and volunteers have accomplished is breathtaking and on such a patriotic day, it seems fitting that such a display will be on the grounds of this anniversary event, and everyone from the Conference is thrilled and honored to host the memorial so guests can fully appreciate the majesty of the nearly 3,000 flags flying high.
s-17Borton Petrini, llP’s Bakersfield Business Conference
Think Big
food for 10,00025,000 bottles of Crystal Geyser
bottled water15,000 servings of
Pepsi, Diet Pepsi & Sierra Mist1,500 gallons of coffee12,000 packets of sugar
60,000 pounds of ice20,000 breakfast pastries1,800 pounds green salad4,000 pounds potato salad
11,000 soft rolls19,500 pats of butter
4,000 pounds of tri-tip375 gallons marinade1,500 pounds of pasta
300 pounds of cream cheese400 pounds of Santa Maria beans
200 pounds of salt250 pounds of sugar
6,500 brownies6,500 lemon bars
30,000 popcorn bags20,000 napkins
30,000 coffee cups1,200 table linens
1,400 serving spoons250 chafing dishes
50 ovens4 (80-gallon) kettles6 refrigerator trucks
1,000 pounds Ballantine ProduceRoyal Gala apples
1,000 pounds Ballantine ProduceGranny Smith apples
6,000 individual servings of raisinsfrom Enoch Packing
500 pounds Sun WorldThompson Seedless grapes
500 pounds Sun World Crimson grapes100 Grimmway Farms lemons800 pounds Kingsburg Apple
Asian pears800 pounds Kingsburg Apple
white peaches750 pounds Kingsburg Apple
nectarines750 pounds Kingsburg Apple
pluots960 pounds Paramount Farms
oranges120 pounds Paramount Farms
lemons5,000 individual servings ofGrimmway Farms carrots
10,000 individual servings ofParamount Farms Sunkist
almonds10,000 individual servings ofParamount Farms Sunkist
pistachios2,000 pounds Hronis grapes1,400 Sierra Produce kiwi
50 pounds Sun World Internationalred and green grapes
500 pounds Kings Canyon Corri Sales Red Ruby grapes
1,000 New Leaf kiwi10,000 bags for grapesfrom Sierra Produce
2,000 pounds Moonlight Sales Corp. nectarines
2,000 pounds Moonlight Sales Corp. plums
10,000 individual bagsfrom Mercury Plastics
1,000 Sunkist Fruit Gems1,000 California Fruit Depo
walnut stuffed Medjool datesBolthouse Farms bottled juices
5,000 Bolthouse Farmscarrot snak paks
500 pounds Marko Zaninovich, Inc.green and red grapes
5,000 gallons Thrifty ice cream6,000 Thrifty
ice cream sandwiches7,500 ice cream cones7,500 ice cream cups1,800 pounds chicken
1,000 pounds rice pilaf750 pounds cut fresh fruit
600 poundstomato cucumber salad800 pounds pasta salad
4,000 dinner rolls25,000 plates
20,000 3-pack serving ware
Getting There200+ individual limousine trips
40+ hours of scheduling services16 vehicles
1 supply truck550+ gallons of fuel
If you were going to throw a party for 10,000 guests, where would you start? Probably with a list—a BIG list—of everything you would need, starting with a 50-acre site and a lot of other stuff. Here’s what it takes, by the num-bers, to transform an empty field and an amphitheater into one of the most successful business conferences ever.
>
s-18 America’s Premier One-Day Conference 2010
6,000+ miles of travel26 chauffeurs
4 on-site personnel40 golf carts
DecorationsMore than 95 tents,
pavilions, and canopies3,000 American andInternational flags
1,930 tables15,000 chairs
105 umbrella tables50 cots
24 park benches1,000 table numbers
160 gallons of redSnapdragons
392 gallons of whiteNemesia Innocense
790 gallons of mixed, violet,and white Impatients
512 gallons of blue Salvia80 gallons of blue Tapian
230 gallons of yellow Marigolds130 gallons of red Celosia244 flats of red Petunias
96 flats of white Petunias88 flats of blue Petunias100 flats of yellow dwarf
Marigolds
150 flats of red/whitePetunia Picotee
4 fountains8 (20-foot) flag poles
160 restroom facilities5,263 lineal feet of chain link
screened fencing250 lineal feet of lattice
983 lineal feet of picket fence1,500 cut long-stem roses
2,000 newspapers
Party favors10,000 hand-held American flags
10,000 hand-held fans10,000 syllabi10,000 pens
10,000 note pads10,000 seat cushions
fireworks1,545 assorted shells
Technical5 (350 kw) generators2 (200 kw) generators4 (100 kw) generators
4,000 gallons of diesel fuelState-of-the-art line array
sound systems200 special hearing devices
8 LED 10 ft. x 14 ft. video walls1 LED 18 ft. x 30 ft. screen
1,500 outdoor lights200 dimmers
8 computerized lighting consoles8 computerized audio consoles
2 fully-equipped TV sportsbroadcasting trucks
Hundreds of feet of trussDozens of motors and lifts
Hundreds of theatricallighting fixtures2 follow spots
Intricate media interfacew/ all systems
15 sportslighters160 communications radios
Clean-up500 (33-gallon) trash containers
500 (33-gallon) recycle containers4 (25-yard) trash dumpsters6 (40-yard) trash dumpsters20 (3-yard) trash dumpsters
man Power100+ technicians
100 cooks150 media representatives
500 vendor staff325 community volunteers
BAkersfielDBusiness COnferenCe
Borton Petrini, llP’s
America’s Premier One-Day ConferenceCalifornia state university, Bakersfield
Over the past quarter century, the Bakersfield Business Conference has delivered a wide array of speakers and entertainers who have changed history, entertained millions, and determined the course of world events. This year’s
encore presentation promises to be no exception.
We invite you to sit back and relax as you see and hear from this year’s slate of world-class influencers—all here for one
day in Bakersfield, California.
speaker introduction
s-21Borton Petrini, llP’s Bakersfield Business Conference
Wally Amosentrepreneur and Best-selling Author
Today, his name is a household word. As founder of Famous Amos Cookies in 1975 and father of
the gourmet chocolate chip cookie industry, Wally Amos, bet-ter known as “Famous Amos,” has used his fame to support educational causes. Wally was National Spokesman for Literacy Volunteers of America from 1979 until 2002 when they merged with Laubach Literacy Council to create ProLiteracy Worldwide. He now refers to himself as a Literacy Advocate. He is a former Board Member of the National Center for Family Literacy and Communities in Schools. In addition, he serves as Chairman of the Read it Loud! Foundation.
In 1994, he co-founded the Uncle Wally’s Muffin Company which produces a full line of muffins.
Wally Amos has been the recipient of many honors and awards. He gave the shirt off his back and his battered Panama hat to the Smithsonian Institution’s Business Americana Collection. He has been inducted into the Babson College Academy of Distin-guished Entrepreneurs, and he received the Horatio Alger Award, The President’s Award for Entrepreneurial Excellence, and The National Literacy Honors Award.
His most recent venture is Chip & Cookie, with retail stores in Waikiki and in Kailua Town, HI, and an e-Commerce business, www.chipandcookie.com, featuring five flavors of cookies and two chocolate chip cookie plush character dolls, Chip & Cookie,
plus other gift and apparel items created by Chris-tine Harris-Amos. Wally and Christine founded the Read it LOUD! Founda-tion in 2005 urging par-ents and caregivers to read aloud to children for at least 10 minutes each day. Ten percent of the net profits realized by Chip & Cookie, LLC will benefit the foundation, an IRS (501)(3C), to support its efforts to pro-mote Children’s Literacy, www.readitloud.org. In August 2006, using Savannah as their pilot city, they launched Read it LOUD! Savannah, a campaign promoting reading aloud to children. Read it LOUD recently partnered with the Library of Congress and the United States Postal Service to launch a national campaign.
Wally is also an author who has written eight books.Over the years, Wally has acted in a number of network sitcoms and ap-peared on hundreds of interview shows, news programs, educa-tional programs and commercials.
Over 150 million Americans know Wally Amos. His fame is grounded in quality, substance, and a positive attitude.
Bob BeckelPolitical Consultant and Co-columnist for usA Today
Combining political savvy, campaign experience, and a sharp wit, Bob Beckel has emerged as one of Washington’s leading political analysts. He has a veteran’s perspective from his years in the White House, on Capitol Hill, and leading dozens of election campaigns.
After a political baptism as a college student working for Robert Kennedy’s 1968 campaign, a tour of duty in the Peace Corps, and a successful stint heading up his own consulting firm, Bob joined the federal government in 1977. As a deputy assistant secretary of state in the Carter administration, he steered the controversial Panama Canal Treaties through Congress. He then moved to the White House to head the administration’s effort to press Congress into passing the Mideast and SALT II Treaties.
He resumed his career as a political consultant until Walter Mondale asked him to manage his 1984 campaign for the presidency. As national campaign manager, he oversaw Mondale’s successful race for the Democratic nomination. He is credited with pulling together the campaign after its defeat in New Hampshire and became known as the man who wrapped the “Where’s the Beef?” slogan around Gary Hart so effectively.
For the past several years, Beckel has had an active consulting practice, and advises his clients on communication strategy, consensus building, and public policy. He is one
of Washington’s most prolific speakers.
Beckel was a regular guest on CNN’s Cross-fire and worked with counterpart Fred Barnes of the Weekly Standard as a senior political analyst for CBS’ This Morning. He has been a contributing colum-nist for the Los Ange-les Times during the last three presidential campaigns, and was a guest host for Larry King Live. He also co-hosted Crossfire Sunday with Lynne Cheney for three years. He also worked with former GOP Chairman Haley Barbour as a political analyst for numerous local and international broadcast outlets for 12 years.
Currently, Mr. Beckel is a graduate professor in advanced political strategy at George Washington University. He is the regular Democratic political analyst for Fox News Channel’s Hannity & Colmes as well as for numerous other shows on Fox Cable. He also appears regularly on broad-cast network newscasts, and is a syndicated columnist with Tribune Media Services.
s-22 America’s Premier One-Day Conference 2010
Donna BrazileVeteran Political strategist
Veteran Democratic political strategist Donna Brazile is an ad-junct professor, author, syndicated columnist, television political commentator, Vice Chair of Voter Registration and Participation at the Democratic National Committee, and former chair of the DNC’s Voting Rights Institute. Last, but never least, she is a na-tive of New Orleans.
Aside from working for the full recovery of her beloved New Orleans, Ms. Brazile’s passion is encouraging young people to vote, to work within the system to strengthen it, and to run for public office.
Ms. Brazile began her political career at the age of nine when she worked to elect a City Council candidate who had promised to build a playground in her neighborhood; the candidate won, the swing set was installed, and a lifelong passion for political progress was ignited. Four decades and innumerable state and lo-cal campaigns later, Ms. Brazile has worked on every presidential campaign from 1976 through 2000, when she served as campaign manager for former Vice President Al Gore, becoming the first African-American woman to manage a presidential campaign.
Author of the best-selling memoir Cooking with Grease: Stir-ring the Pots in American Politics, Ms. Brazile is an adjunct pro-fessor at Georgetown University, a syndicated newspaper col-umnist for United Media, a columnist for Ms. Magazine and O, The Oprah Magazine, an on-air contributor to CNN, and ABC,
where she regularly ap-pears on This Week with Christiane Amanpour.
In August 2009, O, The Oprah Magazine chose Ms. Brazile as one of its 20 “re-markable visionaries” for the magazine’s first-ever O Power List. In addition, she was named among the 100 Most Powerful Women by Washingtonian magazine, Top 50 Women in America by Essence magazine, and received the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s highest award for political achievement. A former member of the board of directors of the Louisiana Recovery Authority, responsible for leading the state’s rebuilding process in the aftermath of two catastrophic hur-ricanes, Ms. Brazile is the proud recipient of honorary doctorate degrees from Louisiana State University and Xavier University of Louisiana, the only historically Black, Catholic institution of higher education in the United States.
Ms. Brazile is founder and managing director of Brazile & As-sociates, LLC, a general consulting, grassroots advocacy, and training firm based in Washington, DC.
robert Brycerenowned Author and Journalist
Robert Bryce’s articles have appeared in dozens of pub-lications including the Atlantic Monthly, Slate, New York Times, Washington Post, American Conservative, The Nation, Washington Spectator, and The Guardian. His first book, Pipe Dreams: Greed, Ego, and the Death of Enron, received rave reviews and was named one of the best non-fiction books of 2002 by Publishers Weekly. His second book, Cronies: Oil, the Bushes, and the Rise of Texas, America’s Superstate, was published in 2004. His third book, Gusher of Lies: The Dangerous Delusions of “Energy Independence,” published in March 2008, was favorably reviewed by more than 20 media outlets. The American magazine called Gusher of Lies “a strong and much-needed dose of reality.”
Bryce spent 12 years writing for the Austin Chronicle. He now works as the managing editor of Houston-based magazine Energy Tribune. He is also a contributing writer at the Texas Observer.
He has appeared on dozens of TV and radio shows that have aired on variety of outlets including the BBC, MS-NBC, and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. In addition, he’s been on CNN’s Inside Politics, PBS’ The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer, NPR’s Fresh Air with Terry Gross, and Talk of the Nation. He has been writing about the American energy business since 1989. An apiarist, he
lives in Austin, Texas, with his wife, Lorin, their three children, and a hyperactive bird dog named Biscuit.
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laura Bushformer first lady of the united states
Laura Bush has consistently been ranked as one of the most popular first ladies by public opinion polls. One reason seems clear: Mrs. Bush fulfilled her role as First Lady of the United States with modesty, grace, and an unwavering commitment to encourage education and literacy at home and acknowledg-ment of woman’s rights across the globe.
As First Lady, Mrs. Bush impressed the world when she presented the President’s Weekly Radio Address in 2001. The radio address was a key moment in the Bush administration because it demanded the world acknowledge the plight of women and children suffering under the Taliban and under-scored the administration’s commitment to fostering democ-racy and individual rights around the globe.
A former teacher and librarian, Mrs. Bush convened in 2001, a Summit on Early Childhood Cognitive Development, providing a forum for prominent scholars and educators to share research on the best ways for parents and caregivers to prepare children for lifelong learning. She is an enthusiastic proponent of teacher recruitment programs such as Teach for America, The New Teacher Project, and Troops to Teachers.
As the leader of former George W. Bush’s Helping Amer-ica’s Youth initiative, Mrs. Bush has listened closely to the concerns of young people, parents, and community leaders throughout the country. She draws attention to proven pro-grams that help children avoid such risky behaviors as drug
and alcohol use and early sexual activity and violence. She also high-lights the need for a car-ing adult role model in every child’s life.
In September 2001, Mrs. Bush joined the Library of Congress to launch the first National Book Festival. The Festi-val has grown each year, drawing more than 120,000 book-lovers from across the na-tion to Washington, DC in 2008. In 1995, Mrs. Bush estab-lished the Texas Book Festival, and it continues to thrive to-day. In 2006, Mrs. Bush hosted leaders from around the world for the White House Conference on Advancing Global Litera-cy, showcasing successful, culturally aware literacy programs from a diversity of countries.
Mrs. Bush continues to be actively involved in issues of na-tional and global concern today. She currently serves as Hon-orary Ambassador for the United Nations Literacy Decade.
Angela “Bay” Buchanan former Treasurer of the united states, Author, and Political Analyst
Angela “Bay” Buchanan began her political career as the national treasurer of Ronald Reagan’s presidential cam-paigns in 1980 and 1984. This position catapulted her into a distinguished career beginning in 1981 when President Reagan appointed her to be treasurer of the United States. At the age of 32, she was the youngest person to hold that position since it was established in 1775.
Buchanan served as the campaign chairman for all three of her brother Pat Buchanan’s presidential campaigns. In 2008, she served as a senior advisor to Mitt Romney. From September of 1996 through August of 1999, she co-an-chored Equal Time, a political talk show initially on CNBC, then MSNBC. In addition, she worked as a political analyst for Good Morning America throughout the general election in 1992. From 1996 to 1997, Buchanan hosted a two-hour radio talk show program covering current events. In the summer of 1996, George magazine recognized her as one of the top 20 political women in the nation. The Clare Boothe Luce Policy Institute named Bay Buchanan the 2007 Wom-an of the Year.
Currently, Buchanan is a political analyst often seen on CBS’ Morning Show, as well as on CNN, MSNBC, and FOX News. She writes a regular column for Human Events Online; is the president of The American Cause, an educa-tional foundation dedicated to advancing traditional con-
servative issues; and co-chairman of Team America, a PAC dedi-cated to opposing am-nesty for illegal aliens. Her first book, The Ex-treme Makeover of Hill-ary Rodham Clinton was published in 2007.
A native of Wash-ington, DC, Buchanan has a masters degree in mathematics from McGill University in Montreal, Cana-da, and has further studies at several universities, includ-ing the University of New South Wales in Australia. In 1981, she received an Honorary Doctor of Law Degree from Samford University. She lives in Virginia and has three sons and two grandchildren.
s-26 America’s Premier One-Day Conference 2010
John Chachasinvestment Banker and Business leader
John Chachas is a third generation Nevadan who has special-ized in providing financial advice to companies in the media and digital industries. On June 8, 2010 he lost a race as a Repub-lican in the primary for the Nevada U.S. Senate seat currently held by Majority Leader Harry Reid, but was acknowledged by Nevada’s political reporters as the clear intellectual force in the Nevada Senate race. Chachas has declared his intention to re-turn to the political field in 2012.
John and his two brothers were raised near their family’s cat-tle ranch in Ely, Nevada. His grandfather, a Greek immigrant, acquired the ranch in 1942, which the family owned for 40 years. He attended public school where he was the editor of his high school newspaper and an avid skier and horseman. During college he developed an interest in public policy and served as a Washington intern for former Nevada Senator Paul Laxalt.
Chachas received his undergraduate degree from Columbia University and an MBA from Harvard Business School, after which he returned to a career in banking giving financial advice to managements and boards of leading American companies. In his 24 year business career, he has earned a reputation as a smart, creative problem solver and Chachas is regarded as a leading banker to newspaper and broadcasting companies. As a Managing Director at First Boston (now Credit Suisse) and Lazard Freres & Co., John and his partners ran those firms’
media and digital content practices. His work has included giving advice to leading content com-panies such as The Walt Disney Company, Hearst Corporation, and Clear Channel Communica-tions, among others. He is a published author on changes affecting the American newspaper in-dustry and advised eight such companies in 2009 at the depth of the media recession, including The Tribune Company, The Journal Register Company, the McClatchy Company, and the Minneapolis Star Tribune, among others.
As a private investor, Chachas acquired (in conjunction with other investors) a leading San Francisco based luxury retailer, Gump’s San Francisco, where he continues to serve on the Board. John and his family have active Nevada business inter-ests in gold, silver and water in northern Nevada.
He met his wife, Diane, at Columbia University in 1984. They have been married for 20 years and have three children and reside in New York City and Ely, Nevada.
Capitol stepsPolitical satire Troupe
Twenty-five years ago, the Capitol Steps began as a group of Senate staffers who set out to satirize the very people and places that employed them. In the years that followed, many of the Steps ignored the conventional wisdom (“Don’t quit your day job!”), and although not all of the current members of the Steps are former Capitol Hill staffers, taken together the performers have worked in a total of 18 Congressional offices and represent 62 years of collective House and Senate staff experience.
Since they began, the Capitol Steps have recorded 26 albums, including their latest, I’m So Indicted. They’ve been featured on NBC, CBS, ABC, and PBS, and can be heard four times a year on National Public Radio stations nationwide during their Politics Takes a Holiday radio specials.
The Capitol Steps were born in December 1981 when some staffers for Senator Charles Percy were planning entertainment for a Christmas party. Ronald Reagan was President when the Steps began, so co-founders Elaina Newport, Bill Strauss, and Jim Aidala figured that if entertainers could become politicians, then politicians could become entertainers! Their first idea was to stage a nativity play, but in the whole Congress they couldn’t find three wise men or a virgin! So, they decided to dig into the headlines of the day, and created song parodies and skits which conveyed a special brand of satirical humor that was as popular in Peoria as it was on Pennsylvania Avenue.
Most cast members have worked on Capitol Hill; some for Demo-crats, some for Repub-licans, and others for politicians who firmly straddle the fence. No matter who holds office, there’s never a shortage of material. Says Elaina Newport, “Typically the Republicans goof up, and the Democrats party. Then the Democrats goof up and the Republicans party. That’s what we call the two-party system.”
Although the Capitol Steps are based in Washington, DC, most of their shows are out-of-town or for out-of-town audi-ences, whether it’s the National Welding Supply Association, a university audience, high schoolers, or state legislators. In fact, the Capitol Steps have performed for the last five Presi-dents (six, if you include Hillary). The only complaints the Steps seem to get are from politicians and personalities who are not included in the program!
No matter who’s in the headlines, the Capitol Steps are equal opportunity offenders.
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richard Cheney46th Vice President of the united states
For over 40 years, Richard Cheney has served at the highest levels of U.S. Government and private sector. As White House Chief of Staff in the aftermath of Watergate and America’s withdrawal from Vietnam, Wyoming’s Congressman and a member of the House Republican leadership during the Re-gan years, Secretary of Defense as the Cold War ended and America defeated Iraq in Desert Storm, CEO of Halliburton, and Vice President of the United States on 9/11 at the dawn of the Global War on Terror, Cheney has participated in many of the events that have shaped our nation for over four decades.
Widely acknowledged as the most powerful and influential Vice President ever, Richard Cheney is an historic figure. Do-mestically, he was pivotal in reorganizing the government to defend the homeland, negotiating the Bush Administration’s tax cuts, chairing the Energy Task Force, and overseeing the annual federal budget process.
Seven years after arriving in Washington, D.C. in 1968 as a grad-uate student, Cheney became one of the youngest White House Chiefs of Staff in history. Cheney oversaw the Ford presidential campaign in 1976, and then returned home to Wyoming and was elected as Wyoming’s lone Congressman in 1978. Cheney served as chairman of the House Republican Policy Committee, the Re-publican Conference, and as Republican Whip. He was also the ranking Republican on the Iran-Contra committee, and served for over four years as a member of the House Permanent Select Com-
mittee on Intelligence. In 1989, he was nominated by President George Bush to serve as Secretary of Defense and was con-firmed unanimously by the United States Senate. In his four years at the Pentagon, Cheney helped to lead American forces to victory in Operation Just Cause in Panama, Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in the Persian Gulf. He also oversaw the restructuring of the U.S. military following the breakup of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War. In 1991, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
In the mid-1990s, Cheney became Chairman and CEO of Halliburton, one of the world’s foremost energy firms as well as an engineering and construction company with 100,000 employees in 130 countries around the world.
He brings a unique perspective to the economic and geopo-litical challenges of our time and is unequaled as a spokesman for a strong America, one that remains the best hope of those who suffer and live in fear and the strongest force for good the world has ever known.
lynne Cheneyformer second lady of the united states and Bestselling Author
Called “the really indispensable Cheney” by columnist George Will, Lynne Cheney enlivens audiences and lights up TV screens while arguing for the need to teach America’s story fully and fairly. As chairman of the Nation Endowment for the Humanities and second lady, she brought this mes-sage to audiences across the country.
With a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin, Mrs. Cheney also speaks forcefully on the importance of nurtur-ing a diversity of viewpoints on college campuses, as well as in the mainstream media. Through speeches and appear-ances on radio and television—including a stint as co-host on Crossfire Sunday—she has established her identity as an incisive commentator on culture and politics.
“A riveting book,” talk-show host Mike Gallagher called Lynne Cheney’s Blue Skies, No Fences. “A delightful memoir of more innocent days,” observed Kathryn Lopez of National Review Online. Lynne Cheney’s bestselling children’s books, including America, A Patriotic Primer and We the People have also garnered wide praise, with reviewers noting their careful research and compelling presentation. Cheney is no stranger to controversy, but as Sanford Pinkser, reviewing Telling the Truth in The Philadelphia Inquirer, wrote “Even those who disagree with [Cheney] will find much more to debate than to easily dismiss.”
Lynne Cheney’s pam-phlets, books, and edito-rial pieces have won her a wide following among those who yearn for a re-invigoration of common sense and patriotism in our schools, colleges, and national life. Cur-rently a scholar at the American Enterprise In-stitute, her views on sub-jects ranging from the state of our schools to the condition of our politics gain authority not only from her deep knowledge of history, but from her experiences at the highest levels of our national life.
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Dr. Joe Clark Visionary High school Principal and education reformer
In September 1982, during the first day of class at Eastside High School in Paterson, New Jersey, a student was stabbed. In 1983, things would be different. The school’s new princi-pal, Joe Clark, would be the reason why.
On a single day during his first week at Eastside, Clark ex-pelled 300 students for fighting, vandalism, drug possession, profanity, or abusing teachers. He explains, “If there is no dis-cipline, there is anarchy. Good citizenship demands attention to responsibilities as well as to rights.”
A former Army drill instructor, Joe Clark sees education as a mission. He worked while attending high school to support his mother and siblings. He then went on to get his BA from Wil-liam Paterson College and a master’s degree from Seton Hall University. He also received an honorary Doctor of Philoso-phy from the US Sports Academy. The feisty and polysyllabic-speaker, Clark was made for the helm of Eastside High. After two years under his leadership, the formerly raucous institu-tion was declared a model school by New Jersey’s governor. Clark himself was named one of the nation’s ten “Principals of Leadership” in 1986.
Clark won acclaim for his achievements in a Time cover story, two 60 Minutes profiles, and appearances on television news and talk shows all over the world. President Reagan named him a model educator and offered him a White House post as a policy advisor. He was the subject of the Warner
Brothers film, Lean On Me, with two-time Oscar nominee Morgan Free-man playing him. After seven years as principal of Eastside High, he re-signed in 1990 and began making speeches on the lecture circuit.
In August 1995, he was appointed director of Es-sex County Detention House, a juvenile Detention center in Newark, New Jersey. During his six years as the center’s director, he continued his challenging work to bring change to the community that brought him up.
His message is one of pride in self. He believes that “Every day, pride in self and school must be reinforced. Every day, the value of academics must be demonstrated.” And every day, Joe Clark demonstrates, through his own shining example, how commitment to youth can make America’s future leaders better citizens and better people.
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eleanor Cliftnewsweek Contributing editor and Popular Political Analyst
Eleanor Clift became a contributing editor to Newsweek in September 1994. She writes on the Washington power struc-ture, the influence of women in politics, and other issues. She is currently assigned to follow the jockeying over policy and politics in the Democratic-controlled Congress, and the emerging contenders for the 2008 presidential nomination in both the Republican and Democratic parties. Clift also writes a weekly column on Newsweek.com entitled “Capitol Letter” where she analyzes the political news of the week.
Formerly Newsweek’s White House correspondent, Clift also served as congressional and political correspondent for six years. She was a key member of the magazine’s 1992 election team, following the campaign of Bill Clinton from its start to inauguration day. In June 1992 she was named deputy Washington bureau chief.
As a reporter in Newsweek’s Atlanta bureau, Clift covered Jimmy Carter’s bid for the presidency. She followed Carter to Washington to become Newsweek’s White House corre-spondent, a position she held until 1985. Clift began her ca-reer as a secretary to Newsweek’s National Affairs editor in New York. She was one of the first women at the magazine to move from secretary to reporter.
Clift left Newsweek briefly in 1985 to serve as White House correspondent for the Los Angeles Times. She returned to Newsweek the following year to cover the Iran-Contra scandal.
Clift is a regular panelist on the syndi-cated talk show, The McLaughlin Group, and a political analyst for the FOX News Network. She is also co-chair of the board of the Interna-tional Women’s Media Foundation.
Clift and her late hus-band, Tom Brazaitis, who was a columnist for the Cleveland Plain Dealer, wrote two books together, War Without Bloodshed: The Art of Pol-itics and Madam President: Shattering the Last Glass Ceil-ing. Madam President is available in paperback. Clift’s most recent book, Founding Sisters is about the passage of the 19th amendment giving women the vote.
Herb Cohen internationally renowned negotiator and Author
For more than three decades, Herb Cohen has been a prac-ticing negotiator, intimately enmeshed in some of the world’s headline dramas, from hostile takeovers to hostage negotia-tions. His clients have included business executives, entre-preneurs, sports and theatrical agents plus large corporations as well as governmental agencies, such as the Department of State, FBI, CIA, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, and the U.S. Department of Justice.
While serving as an adviser to Presidents Carter and Reagan on combating terrorism, he was embroiled in the Iranian Hos-tage Crisis and credited with helping to shape the government’s response to the skyjacking of TWA Flight 847 and the seizure of the Achille Lauro. His input and advice has been sought by the White House on a myriad of problems such as the Gulf Cri-sis, the seizure of the Japanese Embassy in Lima, Peru, and the Camp David Mideast Peace Talks.
Unlike many theorists, he was actively involved in the nego-tiations that settled both the NFL players’ strike and the Gen-eral Motors Chevymobile litigation and also participated in the START Arms Control Negotiations with the Soviet Union.
Herb Cohen’s analysis, insights, and humorous view of many of these high-level happenings have appeared in many international publications, and he himself has been the subject of articles in Time magazine, People, The Economist, The New Yorker, and Esquire, among many others
He is the author of You Can Negotiate Anything, which was on the New York Times best-seller list for almost one year and has been translated into twenty-six languages.
Finally after two de-cades, Negotiate This! By Caring But Not T-H-A-T Much was published by Warner Books in mid-September 2003 to rave reviews.
During the Cold War, Herb Cohen served with the U.S. Army, 14th Armored Cavalry Regiment on the East-West Bor-der in Bad Kissingen, Germany.
While attending university and law school he worked in many business and governmental organizations and ultimate-ly became a faculty member at the University of Michigan’s Graduate School of Business.
He has been the only outsider ever to address the Attorney General’s Annual Conference of all the United States Attor-neys. In addition, he has spoken to the U.S. Attorney’s Offices of the Southern District of NY, in Chicago and the Northern District of California.
s-�0 America’s Premier One-Day Conference 2010
Tina Dupartentrepreneur and financial Advisor
Tina Dupart was born in San Francisco, California. Her first job was in the entertainment industry, where she assumed the persona of “Bingo,” one of the four fleecy, costume characters of the “Ba-nana Splits,” a zany group produced by Hanna/Barbera who did public performances and commercials for Channel 44 in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Holding with the costume theme, Tina later graduated from the University of California at Davis with a B.S. Degree in Costume Design. Her education landed her a sales representative position in Texas for Koret of California, an arm of Levi Strauss.
Tina’s career made an about face and over the next 10 years she held management positions in the print industry where she earned several industry and international design awards including the coveted, Maggie Award, for the “Best Redesign for a High Tech Publication” and the “Best Promotion Brochure.”
When it was Tina’s turn to research a young company to pres-ent to her women’s stock club as a prospective stock investment, she discovered Cisco Systems. Cisco was a high tech company that was a young startup with hardly a track record but with very promising fundamentals. In fact, the fundamentals were so pro-found that she decided within minutes to find a contact within Cisco Systems and call for an interview.
During her time in the silicon valley, Tina wore many hats working on product launches, marketing campaigns, training programs, and strategic partnering programs. One of her proj-
ects won the CEO, “Su-per Team Award” given out personally by John Chambers, CEO of Cisco Systems.
Life was going along fine for Tina in her high tech career until the year 2001 when the “Dot Com Bust” happened. The “Silicon Valley” started laying off thousands of employees. Bonuses were eliminated for those that survived the cuts. Tina feared that both she and her husband, who also worked in high tech, were next to get laid off. This fear ignited something in Tina that can only be described as a burning pas-sion to be in total control of her purse strings.
Tina spent the next 5 years reading everything she could get her hands on about building true wealth, and in year 2006, rather than being laid off at her high tech job in corporate America, she gave her job the pink slip in order to become an entrepreneur.
Today she teaches others a simple way to build residual income that can be passed down in their families from generation to generation.
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newt Gingrich former speaker of the House of representatives
Newt Gingrich is well-known as the architect of the “Contract with America” that led the Republican Party to victory in 1994 by capturing the majority in the U.S. House for the first time in forty years. After he was elected Speaker, he disrupted the status quo by moving power out of Washington and back to the American people. Under his leadership, Congress passed welfare reform, passed the first balanced budget in a generation and passed the first tax cut in sixteen years. In addition, the Congress restored funding to strengthen our defense and intelligence capabilities, an action later lauded by the bipartisan 9/11 Commission.
But there is a lot more to Gingrich than these remarkable achievements. As an author, Gingrich has published twenty books including 10 fiction and non-fiction New York Times best-sellers.
Gingrich and his wife, Callista, host and produce documen-taries, including Ronald Reagan: Rendezvous with Destiny, We Have the Power, and Rediscovering God in America.
Widely recognized for his commitment to a better system of health for all Americans, his leadership helped save Medicare from bankruptcy, prompted FDA reform to help the seriously ill, and initiated a new focus on research, prevention, and wellness.
A strong advocate of volunteerism, Gingrich has long champi-oned the positive impact every individual can have on society. He has raised millions of dollars for charity, donating both time and money to a wide array of causes, including Habitat for Humanity,
United Cerebral Palsy, the American Cancer Society, and ZooAtlanta.
Gingrich was first elected to Congress in 1978 where he served the Sixth District of Georgia for twenty years. In 1995, he was elected Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives where he served until 1999. The Washington Times has called him “the indispensable leader” and Time magazine, in naming him Man of the Year for 1995, said, “Leaders make things possible. Exceptional leaders make them inevitable. Newt Gingrich belongs in the category of the exceptional.”
His experiences as the son of a career soldier convinced him at an early age to dedicate his life to his country and to the protection of freedom. Realizing the importance of understanding the past in order to protect the future, he immersed himself in the study of history, receiving his Bachelor’s degree from Emory University and Master’s and Doctorate in Modern European History from Tulane University. He resides in Virginia with his wife, Callista.
s-�2 America’s Premier One-Day Conference 2010
rudy Giulianiformer mayor of new york
Rudolph W. Giuliani, the former Mayor of New York City, was born in 1944 in Brooklyn, New York.
After joining the office of the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Rudy Giuliani rose quickly through the ranks, becoming the Chief of the Narcotics Unit at age 29. After the inauguration of Ronald Reagan in 1981, Giuliani was named Associate Attorney General, the third highest position in the U.S. Department of Justice.
In 1983, President Reagan appointed Rudy Giuliani as the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York. Giuliani spear-headed successful efforts against organized crime, white-collar crimi-nals, drug dealers and corrupt elected officials.
In 1993, Rudy Giuliani was elected Mayor of the City of New York. Campaigning on the slogan “One City, One Standard,” he focused on reducing crime, reforming welfare, and improving the quality of life.
When Mayor Giuliani took office, one of every seven New Yorkers was on welfare. Mayor Giuliani implemented the largest and most suc-cessful welfare-to-work initiative in the country, turning welfare offices into Job Centers and reduced welfare rolls by 640,000—nearly 60 percent.
On September 11, 2001, America suffered the worst attack in its history when terrorists crashed planes into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center. Thousands of New Yorkers were killed, includ-ing hundreds of members of the city’s uniformed services, who rushed to the scene to lead the heroic rescue of tens of thousands of people. Having narrowly missed being crushed when the Towers fell, Mayor
Giuliani immediately began leading the recovery of the city as it faced its darkest hour. Mayor Giuliani was widely lauded for his steady hand during challenging times. He was named “Per-son of the Year” by Time magazine, knighted by the Queen of England, dubbed “Rudy the Rock” by French President Jacques Chirac, and former first lady Nancy Reagan presented him with the Ronald Reagan Presidential Freedom Award. Limited by New York City law to two terms as mayor, Rudy Giuliani founded Giuliani Part-ners in January, 2002, quickly establishing the professional services firm as a leader in emergency preparedness, public safety, leader-ship during crises, and financial management. Mayor Giuliani is also a Partner in the law firm of Bracewell & Giuliani, LLP.
Mayor Giuliani recently ran for the Republican nomination for President of the United States. During his campaign, he gal-vanized the national debate on such critical issues as national security, education, energy independence, healthcare, and the economy. The policy commitments Mayor Giuliani made to the American people remain vitally important to America’s future.
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mayor Harvey l. Hallmayor of the City of Bakersfield
Next year, 2011, will mark the 40th Anniversary of the am-bulance company founded by Bakersfield’s Mayor, Harvey L. Hall. As a nearly life-long member of the Bakersfield com-munity, his roots are firmly planted in Bakersfield. He has a passion for the people, culture, and history of Bakersfield, and is committed to promoting growth, prosperity, and opportunity for business.
Having successfully built Hall Ambulance, Hall understands business, and the challenges building a thriving company pres-ents. While hard work and long hours were vital in building his business, he never lost sight of the good fortune that contribut-ed to his success, and as a result, determined to run for Mayor in 1999 under the slogan, “Unity in the Community.” He hand-ily defeated a field of nine other candidates in the March 2000 election. During his swearing-in ceremony on January 2, 2001, Mayor Hall made clear his goal with the statement: “Our city is one of greatness, and it will be my goal everyday to make every day better than the day before and to try and make this city the best city in America.”
As Bakersfield’s mayor, Hall has initiated monthly May-or’s Freeway Cleanups, is active with the Keep Bakersfield Beautiful Committee and the annual Great American Cleanup. His entire Mayor’s salary is donated to the Kern Community Foundation for the purpose of funding scholarships for local students attending local colleges or CSUB.
In 2010 Mayor Hall was honored to be se-lected as the recipient of the prestigious John Brock—Community Ser-vice Award. The award acknowledges a lifetime spent serving, and giving back to the community that has been a partner in Mayor Hall’s success.
Mayor Hall is Bakers-field’s 25th Mayor. He was re-elected in 2004 and 2008, and is presently serving his third term. He is only the second Mayor in our city’s history to serve three terms. Bakersfield’s popu-lation has dramatically increased over the last twenty years, more than doubling from 161,670 in 1989 to 338,952 in 2010, making it one of the fastest growing cities in the United States. This ever-changing face of the city presents Mayor Hall abun-dant opportunities to promote commerce while encouraging citizens to rise to meet the challenges of the future with deter-mination, dedication and tenacity. He staunchly believes that Bakersfield’s tomorrows will be better than today.
Mayor Hall is married with four children and four grand-children.
Goldie HawnAcademy Award-Winning Actress/Producer
Known as Hollywood’s sweetheart, Goldie Hawn’s Acade-my Award-winning roles and lasting impressions have gained her adoring audiences worldwide. A woman of many talents, Hawn is not only a gifted actor, but also a creative director, savvy producer, flourishing entrepreneur, respected CEO, best-selling author and loving parent. Managing to balance her life with such extensive responsibilities, she understands the importance of appreciating the simple joys of a hectic lifestyle.
Perseverant by nature, Hawn made her behind-the-scenes debut in 1980—the beginnings of over two decades of entre-preneurial success. She has produced critically acclaimed films such as Overboard, My Blue Heaven, and Private Benjamin, and has most recently starred in movies such as The Out-of-Towners and The First Wives Club. Today, Hawn is a principal in a production entity created with Kurt Russell and children Oliver Hudson and Golden Globe winner Kate Hudson.
Hawn’s many accomplishments illustrate that she has a sol-id grasp on what it takes to be an effective leader. An advocate that our strengths come from within, and a firm believer that we are responsible for our own happiness, Hawn has dedicated herself to enlightening others and encouraging the intercon-nectedness of society. Drawing her wisdom from a unique life-time of experiences, Hawn maintains that complete wellness requires a balance of mind, body, and spirit.
Believing that laughter is the best medicine and that humor is highly in-fectious, Hawn has cre-ated the “Traveling Mu-seum of Laughter.” With hopes to bring smiles to faces nationwide, she teaches that all are capa-ble of healing themselves by embracing the joys in life. Hawn’s contagious energy and enthusiasm have already begun to make a dif-ference, as she continues to develop her Hawn Foundation. Dedicated to creating a more peaceful and tolerant world by supporting research efforts and teaching programs targeting children, the Hawn Foundation brings promise to the younger generation and its future.
With endless optimism, Hawn welcomes a new stage in her life. In her book, Goldie: A Lotus Grows in the Mud, Hawn shares her positive attitude towards life. She will not only continue to touch her own generation, but will inspire ones to come. Hawn’s gracious appeal has earned her respect not only as an actress, but also as a grounded and approachable human being.
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Gary Johnsonformer Governor of new mexico
Gary Johnson is a Republican and serves as the Honorary Chairman of the Our America Initiative. He has been an outspo-ken advocate for efficient government, lower taxes, winning the war on drug abuse, protection of civil liberties, revitalization of the economy and promoting entrepreneurship and privatization.
He was born January 1, 1953 and attended the University of New Mexico at Albuquerque from 1971 to 1975, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree. While in college, Gary Johnson earned money as a door-to-door handyman. His successes in this area led to his own construction business, Big J Enterprises, which was founded in 1976. Johnson grew the company into a multi-million dollar corporation that employed over 1,000 peo-ple in 1994. When he sold Big J in 1999, no employee lost his job and the company remains very successful to this day.
In 1994, Johnson was elected Governor of New Mexico de-spite having little political experience. He defeated the incum-bent Democratic Governor Bruce King in the general election by 50 percent to 40 percent as well as a former Republican Governor in the Republican primary election.
In 1998, Johnson was re-elected as governor, defeating Democratic Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez by a 55 per-cent to 45 percent margin.
As Governor of New Mexico, Johnson was known for his common-sense business approach to governing. He elimi-nated New Mexico’s budget deficit, cut the rate of growth in
state government in half and privatized half of the state prisons. John-son also shifted state Medicaid to managed care (which led to better healthcare by creating a statewide healthcare network that previously did not exist and which saved money) and re-duced state employees by over 1,000, with no firings. During his term, New Mexico experienced the longest period without a tax increase in the state’s history.
While in office, Governor Johnson vetoed 750 bills (which was more than all the vetoes of the other 49 Governors in the country at the time.) By New Mexico State Constitution, Gary Johnson could not run for a third consecutive term as gover-nor. He currently lives in New Mexico and has remained very active, competing in numerous athletic competitions. He is an avid skier, adventurer, and bicyclist who abstains from alcohol. In 2003, he climbed Mount Everest. Johnson was raised Lu-theran and throughout his life has ordered his life according to spiritual principles. He has two grown children.
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s-�5Borton Petrini, llP’s Bakersfield Business Conference
rich littlelegendary impressionist and Comedian
Infamous for his skewing of political figures, Little has charmed, amused, annoyed, and lampooned politicians from here to his native Canada. A master mimic of over 200 voices, Little continues to impress in Atlantic City, Las Vegas, Reno, Hawaii, Chicago, New York, and London.
Some of his favorite current stars are Arnold Schwarzeneg-ger, Sylvester Stallone, Jack Nicholson, and Clint Eastwood. “They’re easy to do,” he says. “They are larger than life.”
Little says, “an impression is what you think a person sounds like. It could be an exaggeration or a cartoon. It’s your impression. I think of an impersonation as more of an exact copy. Knowing the person personally is not important; it’s knowing the speech patterns and mannerisms [in order] to imitate the person the way the public sees him.” It took him seven years to perfect Frank Sinatra, but only several minutes to mimic Dr. Ruth.
While working as a disc jockey and talk show host, for one April Fools Day marathon he had “Jimmy Durante” emcee the morning show; “James Mason” was a rock ‘n’ roll deejay; and “Elvis Presley” hosted an afternoon program. Like the infamous 1939 broadcast of War of the Worlds, 500 autograph-hungry El-vis-believing fans besieged the station, thinking the King was really there.
While still in his early 20s, Little was “discovered” in the United States. His friend, singer Mel Torme, then on the musi-cal team of CBS’ The Judy Garland Show, asked him to make a
tape. Instead of the usual impressions, he did Fred MacMurray, Dana An-drews, James Mason and Van Heflin, “the kinds of people nobody did.” Garland thought it was “great” and Little was signed for the show.
He was named “Com-edy Star of the Year” by the American Guild of Variety Artists. The perpetrator of nine comedy albums and three HBO comedy specials, Rich Little’s Christmas Carol with “W.C. Fields” as Scrooge, “Humphrey Bogart” as one of the ghosts, and “Paul Lynde” as Bob Cratchit won an Emmy, among other awards.
Over the years Rich Little has been active with children’s charities and he was co-host of the Canadian division of the Children’s Miracle Network. He was inducted into the Miami Children’s Hospital International Pediatrics Hall of Fame for his tireless efforts in fundraising on behalf of children. In June of 1998 Rich Little added his star to the Canadian Walk of Fame to go along with his current star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
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robert loewenPresident of the lincoln Club of Orange County
Robert Loewen is the President of the Lincoln Club of Or-ange County, where he has been a member for 20 years. He has served on the Executive Committee and Board of Direc-tors of the Lincoln Club for more than ten years.
A passionate advocate for the right of workers to choose their own political agenda, in 1996 Mr. Loewen cast an early vote in the Lincoln Club’s Legislative Committee to fund the first polling for what became Proposition 226 on the 1998 bal-lot. Proposition 226 would have prohibited unions from ob-taining political funding through employee payroll deductions without the employee’s express written consent. Since that time, Mr. Loewen has been an active writer and speaker on the subject of the political power of public employee unions.
An attorney licensed in California since 1975, Mr. Loewen is a member of a prominent international law firm in its 85-lawyer Irvine, California office. He specializes in business litigation with an emphasis on environmental and appellate cases and is often consulted on constitutional issues concern-ing personal freedom.
Mr. Loewen received his bachelor of arts degree from Po-mona College in 1970. He graduated first in his class from the University of Southern California School of Law in 1975, where he served as Executive Editor of Lead Articles for the Southern California Law Review and was a member of the Order of the Coif. Following law school, Mr. Loewen served
as a law clerk to Justice Byron R. White at the United States Supreme Court and for Judge Walter Ely at the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
Mr. Loewen serves on the Board of Directors of the Juvenile Diabe-tes Research Foundation of Orange County, the Board and Executive Committee of the Lincoln Club of Or-ange County, the Board of Visitors of Chapman Law School, and is a member of the Alexis de Tocqueville Society of the United Way of Orange County. He lives in Laguna Beach, California with his wife of 38 years, and they have three grown children.
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kevin mcCarthyunited states Congressman
Congressman Kevin McCarthy was born in Bakers-field, California, and is a fourth-generation Kern County resident. He was first elected to represent the 22nd Dis-trict of California in the United States House of Repre-sentatives in November 2006, and has focused his work in Congress to represent his constituents from Califor-nia’s 22nd District in Congress. In November 2008, he was reelected to his second term.
For the 111th Congress, Republican Whip, Eric Cantor, appointed McCarthy to serve in the House Leadership as the Chief Deputy Republican Whip, the highest appointed position in the House Republican Conference.
Congressman McCarthy also serves on the Financial Services Committee and was reappointed to the House Administration Committee, where he serves as the Ranking Member on the Subcommittee on Elections.
Congressman’s McCarthy’s rise in leadership has not gone unnoticed. Newsweek included a quote in their November 2008 magazine calling McCarthy one of the GOP’s “most persuasive compelling members.”
Roll Call newspaper named Congressman McCarthy the 110th Congress’ “Rookie of the Year.” Additionally, early in the 110th Congress, McCarthy was named by the Weekly Standard as one of three “Young Guns of
the House GOP,” and was dubbed “the strat-egist” among the three up and coming leaders in the House.
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sarah Palinformer Alaskan Governor and 2008 Vice-Presidential Candidate
Sarah Palin first made history on December 4, 2006 when she was sworn in as the first female governor of Alaska. In August 2008, Senator John McCain tapped Palin to serve as his vice-presidential running mate in his presidential campaign, making her the first woman to run on the Republican Party’s presidential ticket. Many were introduced to Palin for the first time after her selection as McCain’s vice-presidential running mate, but Palin has a long record of achievement and experience in public of-fice. Prior to her election as Governor, Palin served two terms on the Wasilla City Council and two terms as the mayor of Wasilla.
During her tenure, she reduced property tax levels while increasing services and made Wasilla a business-friendly environment, drawing in new industry.
Under her leadership as Governor, Alaska invested $5 billion in state savings, overhauled education funding and protected Alaska’s natural resources. She created Alaska’s Petroleum Systems Integrity Office to provide oversight and maintenance of oil and gas equipment, facilities, and infrastructure, and the Climate Change Subcabinet to pre-pare a climate change strategy for Alaska.
Palin is past chair of the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission, a multistate government agency that promotes the conservation and efficient recovery of domestic oil and
natural gas resources while protecting health, safety and the environ-ment. She also served as chair of the National Governors Association (NGA) Natural Resourc-es Committee, which was charged with pursu-ing legislation to ensure state needs are consid-ered as federal policy is formulated in the areas of agriculture, energy, environmental protection and natural resource management.
Sarah Heath Palin arrived in Alaska with her family in 1964, when her parents came to teach school in Skagway. She received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communica-tions-Journalism from the University of Idaho in 1987. She is married to Todd Palin, who is a lifelong Alaskan, worked as a production operator on the North Slope and is a four-time champion of the Iron Dog, the world’s longest snow machine race. They have five children.
She is the author of Going Rogue: An American Life, an instant best-seller, which was released in November of 2009.
Tony PlanaAward-winning star of ugly Betty and Director of stage and screen
Tony Plana was educated at Loyola-Marymount University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree through the Honors Pro-gram in Literature and Theater Arts, graduating magna cum laude. He received his professional training at the Royal Acad-emy of Dramatic Art in London, England.
Plana was one of the stars of the hit ABC series, Ugly Betty. He played Ignacio Suarez, Betty’s father.
Plana also starred as the widowed, Mexican-American patri-arch, Roberto Santiago, in Showtime’s landmark, groundbreak-ing hit series Resurrection Boulevard for which he has received 2001 and 2002 ALMA award nominations for best actor.
Having co-directed and co-produced the film A Million To Juan with Paul Rodriguez, Plana celebrated his solo direc-torial debut in December 2000 with The Princess and the Barrio Boy.
He directed several episodes of Nickelodeon’s hit series, The Brothers Garcia, receiving a HUMANITAS award nomina-tion and winning the Imagen Award for its third season finale, “Don’t Judge a Book by its Cover.”
Plana is also the co-founder and executive artistic director of the East L.A. Classic Theatre, a group comprised primarily of Hispanic American theatre professionals.
Through the East L.A. Classic Theatre, Plana has developed a unique and innovative literacy program called Beyond Bor-ders. It is designed to enable students to expand their edu-
cational horizons and academic achievements by moving beyond their personal, cultural, and vocational borders.
As an actor Plana has starred in more than 60 feature films, including JFK, Nixon, Primal Fear, The Rookie, Silver Strand, and Picking Up the Pieces with Woody Allen. He has portrayed leading roles in four critically acclaimed television series: Veronica Claire for Lifetime, Bakersfield P.D. for FOX and Steven Bocco’s Total Security and City of Angels for ABC.
He is the recipient of two Nosotros Golden Eagle awards for outstanding work in film and television, as well as five Los Angeles Dramalogue Awards for Theatre. In addition to his extensive involvement in the media arts, he also serves on various boards including the American Red Cross, the Mariachi Heritage Foundation, the East L.A. Community Youth Center, and the Young Musicians Foundation created by Henry Mancini.
Plana is the proud father of Alejandro and Isabel and has been happily married to actress Ada Maris.
s-41Borton Petrini, llP’s Bakersfield Business Conference
Cathy rigbylegendary Olympic Gymnast and iconic Actress of stage and screen
As legend has it, the late, great Mary Martin, after a particularly grueling Broadway performance of Peter Pan, collapsed on her dressing-room sofa and groaned, “You have to be an acrobat to play this part.” Enter Cathy Rigby, the onetime Olympic gymnast who followed in the elfin footsteps of Martin. Rigby reveled in her aerial role. She won a coveted Best Actress Tony nomination and rave reviews for her performance.
Born premature and sickly, Rigby turned to gymnastics as an escape from severe shyness and an alcoholic father. From the start, she knew that this was the arena where she would shine. In 1968, the 15-year-old performed at the Summer Olympics in Mexico City, earning the highest U.S. gymnastic scores. Throughout her athletic career, she earned 12 international medals, including eight golds.
However, the 15-year-old grew up. Commentators and fans voiced their disappointment, and her coach told her to lose weight. Rigby turned to binging and purging, becoming both anorexic and bulimic. She was hospitalized twice, and nearly died.
During this time period, she retired from gymnastics, married, gave birth to two sons, and became a commentator for ABC Sports. Although to the world she looked fine, Rigby knew her winning spirit had waned. So, like a true champion, she took a step into the unknown. She and her husband divorced, she sought medical as-sistance, and then began a new career as an actress and singer.
Her efforts paid off spec-tacularly. Rigby conquered her disease and earned ec-static reviews in her new career. Debuting in the role of Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, she was called “a genuine theatrical talent” in Variety. Since then, she has appeared on numer-ous television programs, and starred in such plays as Meet Me In St. Louis, South Pacific, and, of course, Peter Pan. She has toured the United States starring as Annie Oakley in Annie Get Your Gun, and headlined in Las Vegas, winning the George M. Cohan Award for Best Specialty Act.
During their 25th anniversary celebration, ABC-TV’s venerable Wide World of Sports acknowledged her unequaled contribution to athletics by naming her one of America’s Most Influential Women in Sports. Rigby was also the recipient of the League of American The-atres and Producers’ 2004 Award for Distinguished Lifetime Service.
Like the young boy she portrayed on stage, Cathy Rigby—Olympic icon, stirring orator, talented performer, and coura-geous woman—has battled the obstacles and flown to the stars.
Paul rodriguez“The Original latin king of Comedy”
Paul Rodriguez’ career has spanned more than two decades and includes starring roles and featured appearances in over 30 films and countless television series and specials. His first big break came while doing comedy warm-ups for Norman Lear’s show Gloria. Lear ultimately wrote and developed a weekly series for Paul, “a.k.a. Pablo.” Paul holds the honor and is enshrined at the Smithsonian as the first television show about a Mexican American Family on mainstream American television. He went on to do two other series, Trial and Error, and Grand Slam for CBS. For four years (1990/94) Paul hosted El Show de Paul Rodriguez, an entertainment talk show for the Spanish-language Univision Network. Paul’s directorial debut came in 1994 with the film A Million to Juan, a family comedy in which he also wrote and starred in.
Paul segued nicely from television to motion pictures, making his feature film debut in the Universal Pictures’ comedy D.C. Cab. He landed the coveted role of outspoken fight physician Freddie Pacheco in Columbia Pictures big budget biopic Ali for director Michael Mann and Producer John Peters. Other movie roles that followed are New Line Cinema’s The Price of Glory, starring Jimmy Smitts; Metro-Goldwyn’s Tortilla Soup, with Hector Elizondo; Crocodile Dundee in LA with Paul Hogan; The Shipment with Matthew Modine, Jerry Zucker’s Rat Race, and Chasing Papi directed by Linda Mendoza.
He had the opportunity to work with the legendary Clint Eastwood in the Warner Brothers film Bloodwork. Paul was the
executive producer and star of the comedy concert film, The Original Latin Kings of Comedy, distributed by Paramount Pictures.
Paul Rodriguez is an in demand performer with a busy schedule of concerts and personal appearances. As a well-rounded stand-up comedian, having honed his craft over the past twenty-five years, it is estimated that Paul has performed live to well over one million concert goers from coast to coast building a solid fan base. Within Hispanic communities, Rodriguez is considered to be the Richard Pryor, Lenny Bruce, and George Carlin when it comes to original comedy. Hands down, he has become the Original Latin King of Comedy.
Paul remains strongly rooted in the Latino community, working with civic and educational groups and his main contributions go to the National Hispanic Scholarship Fund (NHSF). Paul also contributes to such charitable efforts as Comic Relief appearing on the HBO’s program every year since its inception and hosts the annual Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric Aids Foundation Celebrity Golf Tournament.
s-4�Borton Petrini, llP’s Bakersfield Business Conference
mitt romneyDistinguished Public servant and Business leader
Widely recognized for his leadership and accomplishments as a public servant and in private enterprise, former Massachusetts Gov-ernor Mitt Romney’s career is marked by success. From 1978 to 1984, Governor Romney enjoyed a successful tenure as Vice Presi-dent at Bain & Company, a leading management consulting firm, helping businesses grow and improve their operations. In 1984, Romney founded and led Bain Capital, now one of the nation’s most successful venture capital and investment firms. He later took a temporary leave of absence to return to Bain & Company as CEO at a time of financial turmoil to lead a turnaround for the organization.
During the run-up on the 2002 Olympic Games, Romney left the private sector to become President and CEO of the Salt Lake Organizing Committee. Given the task of turning around an Olym-pics mired in controversy and saddled in debt, Romney galvanized community spirit, erased a $379 million operating deficit, orga-nized 23,000 volunteers, and oversaw an unprecedented security mobilization just months after the September 11th attacks, leading to one of the most successful Olympics in the country’s history.
Romney’s career in public service has been equally distin-guished. Elected Governor of Massachusetts in 2002, he presided over a dramatic reversal of state fortunes and sustained economic growth, balancing the state budget without raising taxes, creat-ing tens of thousands of new jobs, and enacting education reform to both reward students and aid failing schools. In 2006, Gover-nor Romney proposed and signed into law private, market-based
healthcare reform, ensur-ing that every Massa-chusetts citizen receives health insurance—without a government takeover and without raising taxes.
Elected Chairman of the Republican Governors As-sociation during the 2006 election cycle, Romney raised a then-record $27 million for candidates run-ning in state house contests across the country.
Governor Romney has been deeply involved in community and civic affairs, serving in his church and numerous charities includ-ing City Year, the Boy Scouts, and the Points of Light Founda-tion. He was also the Massachusetts Republican nominee for U.S. Senate in 1994 against Ted Kennedy. He received his B.A., with Highest Honors, from Brigham Young University in 1971. In 1975, he was awarded an MBA from Harvard Business School, where he was named a Baker Scholar, and a J.D., cum laude, from Harvard Law School.
Governor Romney and his wife Ann have been married for 40 years and have five sons, five daughters-in-law, and fourteen grandchildren.
karl roveformer Deputy Chief of staff and sr. Advisor to President George W. Bush
Karl Rove served as Senior Advisor to President George W. Bush from 2001-2007 and Deputy Chief of Staff from 2004-2007. At the White House, he oversaw the Offices of Strategic Initiatives, Political Affairs, Public Liaison, and Intergovern-mental Affairs, and as Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy, coordi-nated the White House policy making process.
Karl has been described by respected author and columnist Michael Barone in U.S. News & World Report as “...unique...no Presidential appointee has ever had such a strong influence on politics and policy, and none is likely to do so again anytime soon.” Washington Post columnist David Broder has called Karl a master political strategist whose “game has always been long term...and he plays it with an intensity and attention to detail that few can match.” Fred Barnes, executive editor of The Weekly Standard, has called Karl, “The greatest political mind of his generation and probably of any generation...He knows history, understands the moods of the public, and is a visionary on matters of public policy.”
Before Karl became known as “The Architect” of President Bush’s 2000 and 2004 campaigns, he was president of Karl Rove and Company, an Austin-based public affairs firm that worked for Republican candidates, non-partisan causes, and non-profit groups. His clients included over 75 Republican U.S. Senate, Congressional, and gubernatorial candidates in 24 states, as well as the Moderate Party of Sweden.
As a Fox News con-tributor, Karl provides a “genuine feel of inside knowledge,” says David Zurawik, a television critic for The Baltimore Sun. At Fox, Karl has “focused his punditry on what he knows best: strategy,” (Megan Gar-ber, Assistant Editor, Columbia Journalism Review). Even The New York Times’ op-ed editor, Tobin Har-shaw, observed that “Rove’s substantive contributions may inspire a little work ethic among the celebrity talking heads who may be forced to bring to the news a little more data and a little less opinion, a recalibration that would be welcome to its devoted viewers.”
Karl writes a weekly op-ed for The Wall Street Journal, he is a Newsweek columnist, and recently authored a new book published by Simon & Schuster.
Karl is now a member of the board of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation and the Texas History Museum, as well as a member of the Texas Philosophical Society.
Karl and his wife, Darby, have one son.
s-45Borton Petrini, llP’s Bakersfield Business Conference
Dick rutanlegendary flight of the Voyager Pilot
Voyager Aircraft’s non-stop and unrefueled flight around the world in December of 1986 placed Mojave proudly on the map and placed pilot Dick Rutan in the history books.
In early 1981, Dick Rutan resigned from his brother’s com-pany and founded Voyager Aircraft, Inc., and prepared to com-plete the first-ever around the world, non-stop, non-refueled flight. The Voyager is now proudly suspended in the Smithso-nian Air and Space Museum’s “Milestones of Flight” gallery in our nation’s capitol.
Four days following the historic flight of the Voyager, Presi-dent Ronald Reagan awarded Dick the Presidential Citizen’s Medal of Honor at a special ceremony. The medal has been presented only sixteen times in the history of the United States.
In 2001, Dick Rutan became the chief test pilot for XCOR and has been flying the first-ever rocket powered experimen-tal Long EZ (pronounced Long Easy). Named the EZ-Rocket, this air vehicle has not only set a world record, but the proof of concept is also setting the future for rocket travel and the intensifying sport of rocket powered aircraft racing.
In July of 2002, Dick Rutan was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in Dayton, Ohio. This esteemed en-shrinement honored Dick and three other Americans “whose heroism helped define 20th Century America.”
In December of 2005, Dick set another world record. This
record was set in the EZ-Rocket for the lon-gest distance in a ground launched rocket powered aircraft. In April of 2006, Dick was awarded the NAA “Most Memorable Flight of 2005” award in Washington, DC for the flight from the Mojave Spaceport to the Califor-nia City Airport. Also, for that record setting flight, Dick was awarded the Louis Bleriot Medal in November of 2006.
After retirement, Dick joined his brother, Burt, as Produc-tion Manager and Chief Test Pilot for Rutan Aircraft Factory. Dick Rutan flew the test flight development program of many military and civilian experimental aircraft and set numerous world speed and distance records in his Long EZ, a popular Rutan designed home-built airplane. Dick was awarded the Louis Bleriot Medal by the prestigious Federation Aeronau-tique Internationale during a ceremony in Brussels, Belgium in recognition of these record-setting flights.
Dick’s wife, Kris, is a kindergarten teacher. Together, they have four daughters and nine grandchildren.
Jane seymourAward-winning Actress and entrepreneur
Award-winning actress Jane Seymour has showcased her tal-ents on the Broadway stage, in motion pictures, and on television, blazing the trail for family-friendly programming, with her Golden Globe-winning role as “Dr. Michaela Quinn” on Dr. Quinn, Medi-cine Woman. Seymour’s film credits include the iconic James Bond film Live and Let Die and the cult classic Somewhere in Time.
Fulfilling her lifelong dream to dance, and overcoming a serious back injury, Seymour took the dance floor by storm, appearing on the phenomenal sensation Dancing with the Stars.
Dubbed a “Renaissance Woman” by the press, Seymour launched the new Jane Seymour Home Collection—a national lifestyle brand inspired by her homes, art and family-centered lifestyle. Rolled out in 2007, it is a collection of home textiles, lighting, home fragrance, and decorative accessories.
Seymour is also an established author. Amongst her books is the autobiographical Remarkable Changes: Turning Life’s Challenges into Opportunities, profiling her own and 20 personal stories of others who have experienced positive transformation in the face of life-changing crisis. The birth of her twins John and Kris in 1995 inspired Seymour to team with her husband to write a series of exceedingly successful children’s books entitled This One ‘N That One, inspired by the changes having twins brought into their lives.
In addition to her busy life of acting, writing, designing and painting, and mothering six children, Seymour is a dedicated ac-tivist for a number of charities seeking to improve children’s lives
around the world and has been actively involved in charitable endeavors for over twenty-five years. She serves as the Honor-ary Chairperson for City Hearts, an organization that enriches the lives of inner-city children and disadvan-taged youths by teaching and involving them in arts programs including paint-ing, dancing, photography, and acting. Seymour is an International Ambassador for Childhelp, a national organization dedicated to the research, treatment and prevention of child abuse. In addition to winning that organization’s “Woman of the World” Award, she is also the recipient of many other honors for her social and chari-table achievements. She is, as well, a member of the American Red Cross Celebrity Cabinet and spearheads their campaign to eradi-cate measles as the number one killer of children in Africa.
Seymour is an advocate of combining traditional Western Medicine with alternative medicine practice, after witnessing the amazing results the combination had upon her ailing father in his last days, as well as the positive influence this theory has had on her other family members.
s-47Borton Petrini, llP’s Bakersfield Business Conference
michael steeleChairman of the republican national Committee
Former Maryland Lieutenant Governor Michael S. Steele is an up-and-comer on the American political scene and the newest chair of the Republican National Committee. He combines his political and business experience to guide organizations through the interre-lated legal, business, and political issues affecting their operations.
A self-described Lincoln Republican, Michael S. Steele earned a place in history in 2003 when he became the first African-American elected to statewide office in Maryland. His experi-ence as a successful elected conservative Republican African-American and his engaging speaking style have launched Steele into national prominence. His first major exposure was during an appearance at the 2004 Republican National Convention. Since then President George W. Bush chose Steele to be part of the US delegation to the investiture of Pope Benedict XVI, and Steele has been an entertaining and articulate guest on cable political talk shows such as HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher and Com-edy Central’s The Colbert Report.
An expert on political strategy, fund-raising, PACs, and election reform, Michael Steele has served on the National Federal Elec-tion Reform Commission and the NAACP Blue Ribbon Com-mission on Election Reform. As a senior advisor to GROWpac, he advised House Republican Conference Chairman J.C. Watts (R-OK) on strategic and political issues.
Born in 1958 at Andrews Air Force Base in Prince George’s County, Maryland, Michael Steele was raised in Washington,
DC. He spent three years as a seminarian in the Order of St. Augustine in preparation for the priest-hood, but, ultimately, chose a career in law in-stead. He earned his law degree from Georgetown University Law Center.
From 1991 to 1997, Michael Steele was a cor-porate securities attorney at the international law firm of Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Ham-ilton in Washington, DC, specializing in sophisticated finan-cial transactions on behalf of Wall Street underwriters. He also was a corporate counsel for the Mills Corporation and found-ed The Steele Group, a business and legal consulting firm. Named a 2005 Aspen Institute Rodel Fellow in Public Leader-ship and awarded the 2005 Bethune-DuBois Institute Award for his ongoing work in the development of quality education in Maryland, Michael Steele also has served on a variety of boards and commissions including East Baltimore Develop-ment Corporation, Export-Import Bank Advisory Board, the U.S. Naval Academy Board of Visitors, and the Republican National Committee.
Cal Thomas Award-winning Journalist
With a twice-weekly column appearing in over 500 newspapers nationwide, Cal Thomas is the most widely-read and one of the most-highly regarded voices on the American political scene. He is a panelist on the popular show Fox News Watch. His USA Today feature “Common Ground” provides insightful discussion of contentious so-cial issues with his friend and political counterpart, Bob Beckel.
A graduate of American University, Thomas is a 36-year veteran of broadcast and print journalism. He has worked for NBC, CNBC, PBS, and the FOX News Network, where he currently provides frequent political commentary. He has appeared on NBC Nightly News, Nightline, Good Morn-ing America, Crossfire, Larry King Live, and The Oprah Winfrey Show.
In 1995, Thomas was honored with a Cable ACE Award nomination for Best Interview Program. Other awards in-clude a George Foster Peabody team reporting award, and awards from both the Associated Press and United Press International.
A writer of force and clarity, Thomas has authored over ten books, including the latest release, The Wit and Wis-dom of Cal Thomas as well as a book with Bob Beckel, Common Ground: How to Stop the Bipartisan War That is
Destroying America. He has also penned Blinded by Might: Can the Reli-gious Right Save Ameri-ca?, A Freedom Dream, Public Persons and Pri-vate Lives, Book Burn-ing, Liberals for Lunch, Occupied Territory, The Death of Ethics in America, Uncommon Sense, and The Things That Matter Most.
Thomas and his wife Ray, who is a family therapist, have four children and eight grandchildren and live in the Wash-ington, DC area.
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Tobin smithfox Business Analyst and new york Times Best-selling Author
Tobin Smith is the founder and chairman of Change-Wave Research, one of the world’s leading independent equities and economic research organizations serving in-stitutional and self-directed private investors. He is edi-tor of ChangeWave Investing, its flagship research ser-vice, serves as executive editor of ChangeWave Micro-Cap Investor, and contributes his weekly market outlook and editorial rants to ChangeWave’s WaveWire e-letter, which is read by more than 250,000 investors each week. Since 2000, Smith has served as a contributing market an-alyst for the FOX News Channel and currently co-stars on Bulls & Bears, cable television’s number one rated invest-ment program. He is also a contributor to FOX Business Network and is a frequent guest expert on FOX News’ Your World With Neil Cavuto and The O’Reilly Factor pro-grams. Smith has also appeared on CNBC, CNNfn, Bloom-berg TV, CBS Radio and other leading media outlets. In June 2000, his book ChangeWave Investing: Picking the Next Monster Stocks of the New Economy hit the streets, debuted on the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and USA Today best-seller lists. In October 2001, the long-anticipated sequel, ChangeWave Investing 2.0, debuted as the number one selling business book on Amazon.com and was a Wall Street Journal best-seller.
Since 1980, Smith has delivered more than 1,000 speeches on strategies for anticipat-ing and investing on the winning side of trans-formational change. In 1995, he became vice president and group publisher of Phil-lips International. As vice president, Smith launched the company’s Interactive Media Group where he refined the investment strategies and approaches fea-tured in the flagship service ChangeWave Investing. In 2007 he became a founding shareholder in InvestorPlace Media, LLC, which is a leading private publisher of in-vestment advisory publications worldwide.
Gerri WillisfOX Business Anchor, Columnist, and Author
Gerri Willis joined Fox Business Network (FBN) in March of 2010. She is the host of The Willis Report, a daytime program that focuses on consumer and personal finance issues. Joined by a different panel of experts each afternoon, Willis dissects the news of the day and explains its bottom line effects on the wallets of everyday Ameri-cans. The program also examines the latest scams, hidden fees, and other ways some companies take advantage of consumers. Willis also appears across all programming to provide analysis on how the news of the day affects tax-payers.
Prior to joining FBN, Willis served as the personal fi-nance editor for CNN Business News and hosted the weekly half-hour program titled Your Bottom Line, which focused on ways to save Americans money and the econo-my’s effects on personal finance. Before CNN, she worked at SmartMoney magazine as the senior financial corre-spondent.
A graduate of Columbia Business School where she was a Knight-Bagehot Fellow, Willis is the author of two busi-ness books, The Smart Money Guide to Real Estate Invest-ing and Home Rich.
She was also the winner of the Excellence in Retirement Savings Reporting award in 2001, which is bestowed by the American University School of Communication and
the Investment Compa-ny Institute’s Education Foundation.
Born in Spruce Pine, NC, Willis resides in Westchester County.
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ronnie milsap evening entertainmentlegendary singer and musician
Ronnie Milsap’s life story is a testament to overcoming challenges in life. Born into dire poverty in the Appala-chian town of Robinsville, North Carolina, Milsap’s mother viewed her newborn’s blindness as punishment from God. Shortly after his first birthday, he was cast off and given to his grandmother to raise. At age six, he was sent to the Gov-ernor Morehead State School for the Blind in Raleigh.
All along, the sightless child took refuge in music and the radio. Morehead put him through strict classical music train-ing, a program that was heightened after the young boy early on showed the innate talent of a prodigy. At the same time, he obsessively listened to the radio, especially the late night programs of country music, gospel and rhythm and blues.
Country music couldn’t have found a man more suited to lead the Nashville sound to mainstream modern entertain-ment. Even as he mastered Beethoven and Mozart, his heart belonged to hard core country and rhythm and blues, mu-sic he heard beamed from powerful radio stations located in Nashville. Those early sounds about life and love, provided a young, impoverished blind boy with a connection to a world beyond the harsh reality of his daily existence.
Eventually, an adult Milsap found his myriad of influences into a cosmopolitan style of country music that helped revo-lutionize Nashville. His track record speaks loud and clear: 40 number one hits, seven Grammy Awards, four Academy of
Country Music Awards, and eight Country Music Association Awards. To-gether, they underscore Milsap’s position as one of the best loved and most endearing artists in country music history.
In April 1973, the blind singer began a long-lasting association with RCA Records. His 40 number one hits stand as a testament to his success and staying power as a country artist. Only the late Conway Twit-ty scored more top country hits, and his included many duets with Loretta Lynn.
While looking back at the enormous impact he has had on country music in the ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s and now this cen-tury, Milsap insists on looking ahead as well. “I’ve been very fortunate to have had a lot of successful records,” he says. “Now it’s time to make some more.”
Milsap will also be one of the day’s Conference speakers.
s-51Borton Petrini, llP’s Bakersfield Business Conference
Bobby Vee evening entertainmentlegendary entertainer
Bobby Vee was born Robert Thomas Velline in Fargo, North Dakota on April 30, 1943 into a musical family. His father Sidney played the violin and piano, his uncle played sax, and his two older brothers, Bill and Sidney, Jr., both played gui-tar. By the age of fifteen Bobby’s musical career was already under way. He eventually saved up enough money from a paper route to eventually buy a new (but sun-faded) thirty dollar Harmony guitar.
Before long Bill had become an excellent guitar player and began jamming with bass player Jim Stillman and drummer Bob Korum. Bobby tried every angle imaginable to join the group sessions but Bill thought he was too young. When he finally let Bobby join him, Bill discovered Bobby knew all the lyrics to the songs they were playing. Before long, Dick Dunkirk took Stillman’s place on bass guitar and the Shad-ows became one of the top new bands in the area.
At this point, as the result of a tragic twist of fate, Bob-by’s story begins to take on a bitter sweet flavor. The date was February 3, 1959. A light plane carrying Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, the Big Bopper, and 20-year-old pilot Roger Peterson crashed in a snow-covered Iowa field, killing ev-eryone on board. Only minutes earlier they had finished their performance at the Surf Ballroom in Clearlake, Iowa and had rushed to the airport in nearby Mason City to catch the charter plane that was to bring them to their next engage-
ment in Moorhead, Min-nesota. News of the trag-edy traveled fast. People at the local radio station in Moorhead, like ev-eryone, were in a state of shock. The rest of the tour had arrived by bus from Clearlake after a cold and snowy all night drive. A decision was made to continue on with the show. The promoters asked for local talent to help fill in that sad night and as the curtain came up that evening, a new voice was introduced to the world: Bobby Vee. In the fol-lowing thirty-plus years Bobby would go on to place thirty-eight songs in the Billboard top 100 charts, six gold singles, fourteen top forty hits and two gold albums. But that night, instead of a seat in the audience Bobby and his brother Bill, along with the Shadows took the stage in memory of three of rock ‘n’ roll’s brightest stars.
Bobby has continued to grow as an artist and entertainer and to enjoy a loyal following of fans and friends alike.
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Winter Dance Party evening entertainmentrenowned Tribute Group
John Mueller’s “Winter Dance Party®” is the official live and authentic re-creation of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper’s final tour and the only show endorsed by the Holly, Valens, and Richardson estates. Each live con-cert performance includes over two hours of unbridled, high-voltage entertainment featuring all the hit songs of the ‘50s era: “That’ll Be The Day,” “Peggy Sue,” “Oh, Boy,” “Rave On,” “La Bamba,” “Chantilly Lace,” and many, many more.
John Mueller, the critically acclaimed former star of the U.S. touring version of the London/Broadway hit musical Buddy...the Buddy Holly Story, performs as Buddy Holly and J.P. Richardson, Jr. fills his legendary father’s footsteps as the Big Bopper. Jay brings with him the heritage and feel-ing that only he can offer. Ray Anthony performs as Ritchie Valens and is a renowned star of the “Legends of Rock and Roll” show at the Imperial Palace in Las Vegas.
The very authentic and energetic four-piece band (guitar, drums, stand-up bass, and sax) includes Grammy award-win-ning Mike Acosta on saxophone.
The Winter Dance Party show has performed in front of over 2 million people on national TV for the Jerry Lewis Telethon, has toured extensively throughout the United States and Canada at theatres, performing arts centers, ballrooms, corporate events, casinos, and even the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame along with John Mellencamp, Marshall Crenshaw, and others.
Highlights over the years have included re-ceiving the keys to the city of Green Bay, WI from the Mayor, play-ing in the legendary Surf ballroom on the same day Buddy, Ritchie, and the Big Bopper did 40 years prior, and perform-ing on stage with Maria Elena Holly (Buddy’s widow), Niki Sullivan (an original Cricket band member), and Tommy Allsup (original Winter Dance Party guitarist and legendary Nashville producer).
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making it HappenThe 25th Anniversary Conference is the result of
years of refinement, planning, and foresight that have culminated in one of the largest and most famous one-day business conferences in the world.
Imagine, being tasked with building an infrastructure to accommodate an estimated 13,000 people in less than three weeks (after months of planning) including electricity, communications, and basic needs such as water and restroom facilities? This Herculean effort of coordination and planning brings together techni-cal experts and volunteers, staff, and organizers who must orchestrate their efforts so the Conference will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for attendees. At the helm of this well-orchestrated effort is Borton Petrini’s Firm Administrator Katrina Nelson, who serves as conference coordinator.
Everything starts at the Law Offices of Borton Pe-trini, LLP. Many employees of the Firm, along with
we were then tasked with finding a suitable location that could accommodate an event that encompasses an area just 12 acres shy of the happiest place on earth. We were soon contacted by Michael A. Neal, Vice President for Business and Administrative Services for California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) welcoming us home to their campus for our 25th year. Their cooperation has been essential to our event’s success and we appreciate the efforts of their adminis-trators, faculty, and students alike.
As you enter the Conference grounds, you will be taken aback by a display on loan from Pepperdine University of nearly 3,000 American and multi-na-tional flags, proud sentinels honoring each of the lives lost on September 11, 2001. Landmark Surveying & Engineering has generously provid-ed site and topographical surveying and mapping services for the strategic
their regular jobs, have additional responsibilities of putting the building blocks of the Conference together; a few of which are contracting for the speakers and en-tertainers, bidding and contracting for all Conference services, planning menus, writing and designing Con-ference marketing materials, assigning and training volunteers, coordinating ticket sales, and determining the grounds’ design.
When deciding to bring back the Conference for a 25th Anniversary presentation, perhaps we got a little ahead of ourselves. After making the announcement,
placement of the 2,880 9/11 Memorial Flags as well as the location of existing Conference site features for tents and facilities. We cannot thank them enough for their tedious efforts to make this display a reality.
With surveying services completed, the grounds layout and landscape plans are produced, indicating where each and every plant, tent, structure, and trailer will be placed. This task has been eloquently handled for many years by Renfro & Renfro, who have de-lighted our attendees and helped define our event as a uniquely patriotic celebration. Our event’s “patriotic >
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playground” is in no small part attributable to Don and Nancy’s creative vision and relentless problem-solv-ing experience.
The first inkling Bakersfield residents have that the Conference is coming is the aluminum beams of the Main Tent being erected on the soccer fields at Califor-
nia State University, Bakersfield about the third week of September. A-1 Par-ty Rentals and Karl’s Event Rentals
were responsible for providing all of the tents for our Conference. In addition, they were tasked with provid-ing tables and chairs. The main tent’s clear span design resembles a bandage shape with the main center sec-tion measuring 200’ x 500’. Two wings on either end adjoin the center section each measuring 100’ x 150’. We are thankful for their contribution for this year and years past. The size and scope of our event presents special challenges that they take with pride and dedi-
one-day event. Keeping in mind thousands of children are eager to resume their soccer games following the Conference presented another challenge in minimizing any damage to the fields. We have gone to great lengths to protect the fields during the construction process, including requiring plywood to be placed in a rotation pattern in front of all heavy equipment and vehicles entering the Conference grounds.
And, since we are on the AYSO soccer fields, Water-Ways Irrigation Engineers installed over 2,000 feet of water lines so we have water for the entire grounds.
Getting around the 50-acre Conference site and pre-paring such a massive project would be nearly impos-sible without maneuverable, reliable transportation. A 60 vehicle fleet ranging from golf, utility, and limo carts will be provided by Sierra Golf Management to assist during the set-up as well as the day of the Conference.
cation. At the same time, Andy Gump delivers and installs about 6,000 ft. of event fencing with pristine
windscreen encompassing the Con-ference grounds.
For the 2010 Bakersfield Business Conference, Ahern Rentals will be
supplying construction equipment such as fork lifts, boom lifts, light towers, and utility carts to help the ven-dors construct and set up tents, stages, and the general moving of materials throughout the event. Ahern Rent-als will also provide lighting for the evening events and parking areas.
Our patriotic tent city was built on fields that have long been the home of our local American Youth Soc-cer Organization (AYSO). Our local soccer commu-
nity has gone above and beyond in support of our Conference—even going so far as to place their season on hold for three weeks in order to accommodate this spectacular
With the tents in place and two-weeks before show time, JoRonCo, delivers and begins installing the main stage. In addition, they handle both celebrity tent stages, the media stage, all camera plat-forms, the front of house platforms along with all TV stands, and the press riser. In total, they coordinate just a touch over 5,000 sq. ft. of staging. The company is also responsible for supply-ing all the required items for the outdoor amphitheater evening concert including 5,500 chairs, 250 tables, and about a half-dozen ad-ditional tents.
The foliage plans from Renfro & Renfro are brought to life by CCN Nursery and Land-scape, and Do Right’s Nursery. Do Right’s Nursery supplies live flowers, CCN supplies the plants as well as placing each and every one of them to produce the in-
s-55Borton Petrini, llP’s Bakersfield Business Conference
tricate flower artistry that has become a hallmark of the Bakersfield Business Conference. After all of the plans and flowers have been placed, the decorating team from Flourishing Art steps in to add the all-American fin-ishing touches to the grounds. Decorators have a big job, with 32 acres to cover. The team is responsible for wrapping plants and flowerbeds, placing the 3,000 long-stem roses into bud vases, fashioning the stage garland, and designing and placing many of the floral arrange-ments around the site awaiting the attendees’ arrival. Approximately 3,500 plants will be staged surrounded by approximately 1,100 linear feet of white picket fenc-ing. Bill Maxwell and Augie Armour are responsible for overseeing the installation of grounds props such as fencing and lattice work with the assistance of Act One Labor, as well as handling the upkeep of the grass and grounds during construction and patrolling to ensure there are no hazards to workers or Conference attendees.
tation provider of the Bakersfield Business Conference since 1990. Weeks before the Conference, Limousine Scene begins making travel arrangements with speaker bureaus, personal assistants, and the speakers themselves to provide transportation from Los Angeles hotels, LAX, our own airport, local hotels, and private residences in Southern California. All drivers undergo the scrutiny of an FBI background check with many of their chauffeurs being off-duty law enforcement personnel who are tasked with driving and protecting their passengers. We are es-pecially grateful for their responsibility to make sure that all speakers are delivered to the stage in a timely manner and ensure their safe return to their point of origin.
As the speakers and entertainers arrive at the Confer-ence they will have the opportunity to relax prior to going on stage in green room trailers provided by ModSpace.
We are excited to have Choura Events, providing catering and beverage services for the Continental breakfast, lunch, popcorn, and beverage ar-eas in the Beer Garden, full bar in the Sports Tent, and evening concert. Executive Chef Ryan McIntyre will immerse himself into the entire culinary process for our event. Chef McIntyre believes in selecting local produce and utilizing only the best provisions. This will result in Choura providing a flavorful profile to the event and a combination of innovative pairings.
Randy and Michelle Spoelstra of Alpha Produce, Inc. took on the responsibility of co-ordinating and supervising this year’s Farmer’s Market featuring fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts from a variety of local and international suppliers and growers. The Con-ference is excited to welcome and thanks Michelle and Randy for all their hard work and efforts in bringing to-gether the produce for the Farmers Market. Mercury Bags also gener-ously provided all the bags for the individual servings.
Rite Aid will be serving Thrifty Ice Cream to cel-ebrate Thrifty Ice Cream’s 70th anniversary. Thrifty Ice Cream Sandwiches will be available in Vanilla, Mint ‘N’ Chip, Neapolitan, and Cookies ‘N’ Cream. Thrifty Ice Cream will be available in cones and cups of Vanil-la, Rocky Road, Pistachio Nut, Strawberry, Chocolate Malted Krunch, and Mint ‘N’ Chip. We are exception-ally proud to have Rite Aid joining us this year to serve Thrifty Ice Cream. It’s the perfect treat for those of us who might develop a sweet tooth over the course of the day’s events.
Your local Golden Empire McDonald’s Operators, welcome you to the big, bold taste of McCafé. They’ll help you wake up first thing in the morning and un-wind at the end of the day with their very own blend of 100 percent Arabica beans, sourced from around the globe. They will be serving complimentary iced and hot lattes, espresso made with 100 percent pure Arabica >
To assist with keeping the grounds looking exceptional, Kern County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue will man-
age a large group of volunteers who will patrol the grounds for garbage. To assist in this endeavor, Bakersfield ARC (BARC), the largest service provider in Kern County for adults with developmental disabilities,
will provide and maintain the numerous trash recycling receptacles located throughout the Conference grounds.
Varner & Sons, Inc. also provides the large roll-off refuse containers to man-age all of the refuse. To keep the trash from overflowing, the full trash bins are
hauled away throughout the day. More than 400 cu-bic yards of trash and recyclables are hauled away each year. Their efforts will keep the Conference grounds
looking clean and tidy.The Limousine Scene has been
the exclusive and official transpor-
s-57Borton Petrini, llP’s Bakersfield Business Conference
espresso beans blended with whole or nonfat milk.Perhaps the most interesting bit of feedback we con-
tinue to receive is about the impres-siveness of the portable restrooms provided by Andy Gump. Their
commitment for this event consists of 90 “VIP” self-contained flushing units for the ladies complete with sinks, lighting, and mirrors that run off solar power to operate the battery. The men will appreciate the 45 DLX special event “Granite” units with hand sanitizer and hand-washing units. We cannot say enough about their commitment and goal to make sure guests want to stay
longer and come back the next time.Once again Russo’s Books will be
returning to the Conference to help manage book signings and sales in our
Stars & Stripes Pavilion. The team at Russo’s loves talking about books and our attendees tend to be vora-
With more than 9,000 people converging on the Cal State University, Bakersfield site on Conference Day, a traffic nightmare could take all the fun out of attend-ing if it weren’t for the cooperation of the Bakersfield Police Department Traffic Division, which directs and routes traffic to the Cal State campus. Once inside the campus grounds, the Bakersfield Police Department Explorer Post 521 takes over, efficiently directing at-tendees to the parking areas. The Explorers expect to park more than 4,000 ve-hicles on Conference day. This year, Motor City will be providing more than a dozen complimentary shuttle SUV vehicles to help those who need assistance in get-ting from the numerous parking areas to the entrance of the Conference grounds.
During construction of the Conference site the grounds are made safe and secure by the watchful eye
cious readers, so we know their knowledge and efforts will be appreciated.
We’re thankful to the team at Bakersfield Magazine for the long hours and inspiration they have put into creating
this year’s Conference Syllabus. It was a pleasure to work with the Corum
family and Assistant Editor Anika Henrikson. The extra time and effort they put in and their drive to present information about our event and speakers accurately has benefited our event greatly and we are very appreciative of both their talent and commitment.
Because of the international flavor of the Conference and the widespread interest, a special Media Tent is provided each year for the approximately 150 jour-nalists covering the Conference. Organizing and co-
ordinating the massive influx of print and broadcast journalists is Brandon Martin of Martin Media Strategies.
of retired Lieutenants Brad Singleton and Galen Chow from the Bakersfield Police Department. Brad also coordinates the services with Chief Marty Williamson of the California State University Police, and other law enforcement agencies to provide a safe environment for the speakers and attendees on Conference day. This includes added safety resources from Trans-West Security Services, Inc. Conference organizers want guests to be “safe and secure” on the Conference grounds and see to it that any special health needs are met, so Bakersfield Family Medi-cal Center enthusiastically steps forward each year to provide first aid and medical assistance to guests. >
Brad Singleton Galen Chow
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In case of sudden illness or injury Hall Ambulance Service, Inc. will be present with a fully-staffed Ad-vanced Life Support Paramedic Ambulance as well as their Special Events Unit.
It’s been said that volunteering comes from the heart, and at the Bakersfield Business Conference, it shows! Under the direction of Sandy Sons, head of the Conference Volunteer Team, approximately 1,000 community members go out of their way to make this day the most pleasant it could possibly be. Beside Sandy is Diane Cogdal who has volunteered since the second or third year the Conference began. We would like to express our sincerest gratitude to these magnificent ladies who come back year after year, with a smile on their face—willing to do what-ever it takes!
First aid services at the amphitheater will be pro-vided in the new Jesus Shack mobile medical unit and Hall Ambulance.
And don’t forget the Conference’s traditional patriotic fireworks display finely choreographed to
patriotic music and orchestrated by Pyro Spectaculars.
Getting TechnicalKeeping communications amongst the Confer-
ence organizers, security and the dozens of vendors and volunteers comes under the responsibility of Applied Tech-nology. We are indebted for their high-level of participation in pro-
viding all two-way radios and ensuring communica-tions are crystal clear.
Once the stage is set, Roger Upton Design begins its wizardry of transforming a bare stage into a dra-
matic backdrop for our speak-ers and entertainers. Designing such a massive project takes
weeks to work out and hundreds of details to con-sider, such as size of props and their scale so both the live audience and those who see it from one of the numerous screens scattered throughout the Confer-ence site see the same image at the same scale.
With one week to go, the conference grounds have really taken shape. It is at his point that electricity, audio, and video equipment is installed. What does it take to put together a production of this magnitude? Hundreds of technical specialists in every field from electronics, lighting, power management, audio, and video come together to give you the best entertain-ment experience possible.
Long time conference vendor, MSI Production Services has returned to provide theatrical light-
ing for the main stage, business, and media tents, and the evening
concert stage. 2010 makes the tenth Conference
for this team of professionals, whose work has been seen around the globe on events such as Su-per Bowls, Olympics, the Indianapolis 500, Major League Baseball’s All Star Games, the NHL All Star Games, ESPN’s X-Games, major political con-ventions, and special events. MSI’s owner/partner, Tom Bollard (a graduate from Bakersfield’s Garces Memorial High School), is back for his eleventh conference. Wearing his other hat as the Conference’s technical direc-tor, his company, Show Imaging, Inc., will provide attendees with a next-gen-eration experience without wrinkles or hiccups.
Serban Sound Systems has been involved with the Conference since year one, when they were con-tracted to provide several microphones for a small busi-ness conference. Through the years, Serban continued to expand for the needs of the Conference until its attendance swelled to 10,000 people in 1999. At that point Serban Sound made the transition to serve as Technical Coordinator, thus over-seeing all technical applications at the Conference.
Schulman Mobile Video will be providing the Production Television Mobile Unit, Cameras and Video feeds for the main tent conference event.
Our popular outdoor ven-ue presents special sound engineering challenges that have been tackled and overcome by LA Sound Com-pany. They continue to prove themselves by providing crystal clear audio for our attendees be-tween 2000 and 2004 and once again in 2010.
KGET/Eye Street Productions is providing video introductions of the speakers in the main tent as well as the video feed of the evening program in the CSUB Amphitheater.
The efforts of all the aforementioned audio visual specialists will culminate with images appearing on the numerous LED screens. Screenworks NEP is responsible for providing custom-ized solutions incorporating lead-ing technology to ensure the clear-est picture.
Urner’s Big Screen City is providing televisions throughout the various tents to keep those strolling the grounds aware of what’s taking place inside the Main Tent.
Providing all the power to the 35 acres of Conference grounds is Event Power Solutions who supply super-quiet generators and run miles of ca-bles so the show can go on.
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each month a different pistol orrifle will be highlighted.
The sports Tent by Bright House
Just because you are at one of the largest business conferences in the world doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the really important things in life...like sports! This year, thanks in big part to Bright House Networks, who provided all of the TV and Internet connectivity, we’d like to point you in the direction of The Sports Tent.
Inside is every sports fanatic’s dream, a wall of televisions tuned into sporting events. You’ll be able to watch Major League Baseball playoffs, college football and basketball games, National Basketball Association games, NASCAR, and more.
Patrons are able to watch these events on several 50-inch monitors, plus several other televisions, all in HD, which is a new feature this year.
In addition to the games live on television, guests are able to stay up-to-date on the other happenings in sports via a continuous Internet connection. Large monitors are dedicated to attendees who want to check on their favor-ite teams or look up up-to-the-minute scores.
“The [tent] is enormously popular,” said Sport Tent Supervisor John Wallace. “We started out years ago with just two laptop computers. Now we have
four computers and four techs working to keep up.”But what’s it like in The Sports Tent? “We’ve had some
pretty good rivalries over the years,” said Wallace. Guests have also been treated to surprise visits from famous athletes. For instance, one year some former Olympians stopped by the Tent and watched games with the attend-ees and signed autographs. “It was wild when they showed up,” Wallace said. “It was buzzing all day long after that.”
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Clay KoernerContact :
[email protected] • 661.873.2200 x 250
s-61Borton Petrini, llP’s Bakersfield Business Conference
The stars & stripes ArcadeA longtime feature of the Bakersfield Business
Conference has been the Stars & Stripes Arcade and Bookstore, where books written by and about your favorite speakers are supplied by Russo’s Books, a locally-owned book store. Many speakers will be holding book signings today, exclusively for Con-ference guests.
The Bakersfield Business Conference offers the opportunity to hear and see some of the world’s most famous leaders, entertainers, educators, and business icons. Many of our speakers have authored books about their experiences or particular field of excellence, and Conference organizers realized years ago that attendees would appreciate the op-portunity to purchase these books to enhance their visit to the Conference.
Throughout the years, such political icons, au-thors and luminaries as Henry Kissinger, Shimon
almost late for her plane because she refused to leave before she signed everyone’s book who was in line,” Charmaine said. “And everyone in line had at least two or more of her books”
Bob Dole also was a favorite. The former U.S. Senator and presidential candidate seemed to enjoy his time at the book signing.
“He practically had to be dragged off because it was his time to speak,” she said. “He kept saying, ‘Just a few more, just a few more.’ He kept making excuses why he couldn’t leave. He’d see someone in line (as he was walking away) and say, ‘You look like a veteran – I need to sign your book.”
Advance notice cannot be given as to which speakers will be available for book signings and the Conference cannot guarantee speakers will be avail-able to sign books Conference day. Speaker book signing is a Conference day “do you have time and
Peres, William Bennett, Bob Dole, Debbi Fields, Joan Lunden, Desmond Tutu, Ray Bradbury, G. Gordon Liddy, John Wooden, Sally Ride, Walter Schirra, James Carville, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., James Carville, John Major, Steve Young, and John Wallace have graciously attended book sign-ings. “It gives the attendees a chance to bring home memorabilia that’s special,” said Charmaines Ly-ons, a volunteer who worked in the book signing from 1998 through 2001.
“Debbi Fields (of Mrs. Fields’ Cookies fame) was
will you agree to sign” arrangement made with the speaker when they arrive on Conference grounds. However, throughout Conference day, announce-ments are made giving the times of those speakers who will be at the Stars & Stripes Arcade.
Due to the short time frame between a speaker book-signing announcement and when they begin signing, the Conference has speaker books avail-able in the book-signing area located at the Stars & Stripes Arcade. Just pick up a copy of the speaker’s book and pay for it after the book has been signed.
s-62 America’s Premier One-Day Conference 2010
Our VolunteersHow does an event the magnitude of the Ba-
kersfield Business Conference keep guests happy? Many things play an important part including the approximately 1,000 community members who volunteer for each Conference.
Those volunteers come from a full range of occu-pations and experience. As Sandy Sons, who heads the Conference volunteer team, shared, “The whole intent and concept of volunteers is to create a won-derful positive experience for the attendees.” Most of the volunteers are from this area but we have some from Los Angeles, San Diego, and even other
states. And one volunteer, Louis Kerker, is 99 years of age. He has volunteered before and this year, he will be seated in a chair serving as a greeter.
The people you see in the Conference shirts are ticket takers, greeters, main tent and evening pro-gram ushers, ice cream servers, and hosts who work in the Information Booth, Sports Tent, Beer Gar-den, Stars & Stripes Pavilion, and Business Tent. In addition, there are many who work behind the scenes stuffing attendee bags and serving as radio dispatchers, and clean-up patrols.
Golf carts are constantly in motion around the grounds moving people with disabilities and ensur-ing each area has ample supplies. Over the years, guests have asked volunteers to do any number of interesting tasks.
Some requests you might say were beyond the call of duty, but volunteers are always ready and willing to “go that extra mile.” One volunteer su-
pervisor remembers when an attendee “sat in some-thing sticky and we offered to send for a new pair of slacks. He replied that he wore a difficult size to find and asked that we try to get it off, so he bent over and I used a wet cloth to remove the sticky stuff from the seat of his slacks. He was very good natured and everyone, including the attendee, found it to be amusing.”
Diane Cogdal has volunteered for the Confer-ence since the second or third year it began. She laughed as she stated, “I’m growing old with it.” Diane shared one story where an attendee reported
that his father “went to the porta-potties and was lost. Volunteers converged on the men’s restroom in search of a man who looked lost. It may have seemed a little strange for men guests to see women volunteers in their restroom area, but they found the attendee’s father.”
Linda Schmitt, a volunteer assigned to the Infor-mation Center recalled the time when “an attendee came to us for help. She had stepped on her dress and tore it, and the volunteers sewed her dress back on.” Another volunteer recalls one year while waiting to perform, a singer went for a walk and wound up in the middle of CSUB grounds when the sprinklers came on. The volunteer security person stood on the sprin-kler until the entertainer could clear the area.
The Conference is very thankful for all the volun-teers who make our guests welcome and attend to their needs on Conference day. Volunteers, you’re the best!
Sandy Sons
Diane Cogdal
s-6�Borton Petrini, llP’s Bakersfield Business Conference
ALABAMAAuburn Birmingham Carrollton Grove Hill Inverness Mobile Sunland
ALASKAAnchorage Cordova Ketchikan Valdez
ARIZONAAlbuquerque Anthem Apache Junction Avondale Bullhead City Cave CreekChandler Cottonwood Delaware Flagstaff Florence Fountain Hills Gilbert Glendale Goodyear Green Valley Harrison Lake Havasu City Litchfield Park MesaNogales Oro Valley Paradise Valley Payson Peoria Phoenix Pinetop Prescott Queen Creek Queen Valley Roll Russellville Sacaton Scottsdale Sedona Show Low Sierra Vista Sonoita Stanfield Sulphur Springs Sun City Sun City West Surprise Tempe Thatcher Tollessa Tuckerman Tucson West Fork Wickenburg Winslow Yuma
ARKANSASAlma Cabort Gilbert Harrisburg Hot Springs Village Little Rock Springdale
CALIFORNIAAcampo Acton Adelanto Agoura Hills Agua Dulce Aguanga Ahwahnee
Alameda Alamo Alhambra Aliso Viejo Alpaugh Alpine Alta Loma Altadena Altus American Canyon Anaheim Anaheim Hills Anderson Angels Camp Angelus Oaks Angwin Antioch Antelope Apple Valley Aptos Arbuckle Arcadia Arcata Arizona Arleta Arniona Arnold Aromas Arroyo Grande Arvin Atascadero Atherton Atwater Auberry Auburn Avalon Avenal Avila Beach Azusa Bakersfield Balboa Balboa Island Baldwin Park Ballico Banning Barstow Bass Lake Baypoint Beaumont Bell Canyon Bell Gardens Bellflower Belmont Belvedere Benicia Berkeley Bermuda Dunes Bethel Island Beverly Hills Big Bear Lake Big Pine Birmingham Bishop Blue Jay Blythe Bodega Bay Bonita Bonny Doon Bonsall Boron Boulder Creek Bradley Brawley Brea Brentwood Buellton Buena Park Buhl Burbank Burlingame Burlington Burnt Ranch Burson Buttonwillow Byron Calabasas
Caliente California City California Hot Springs Calipatria Calistoga Camarillo Cambria Cameron Park Campbell Canoga Park Cantua Creek Canyon Country Canyon Lake Capistrano Beach Capitola Cardiff Carlsbad Carmel Carmel Valley Carmichael Carnelian Bay Carpinteria Carson Caruthers Caspar Castaic Castro Valley Castroville Cathedral City Cayucos Cedar Glen Central Valley Ceres Cerritos Charlotte Chatsworth Cherry Valley Chico Chino Chino Hills Chowchilla Chualar Chula Vista Citrus Heights City Of Commerce City Of Industry City Of Paramount Claremont Clarksburg Clayton Clements Clio Cloverdale Clovis Coachella Coalinga Coarsegold Colton Columbia Commerce Compton Concord Copperopolis Corcoran Corning Corona Corona Del Mar Coronado Corralitos Costa Mesa Cotati Coto De Caza Cottonwood Coulterville Courtland Covina Crescent City Crestline Creston Crockett Crowley Lake Crows Landing Culver City
Cupertino Cypress Daly City Dana Point Danville Davis Del Mar Del Rey Delano Delhi Denair Desert Hot Springs DFW Airport Di Giorgio Diablo Diamond Bar Diamond Springs Dinuba Discovery Bay Dixon Dos Palos Dove Canyon Downey Dublin Ducor Durham Earlimart Edison Edwards AFB El Cajon El Centro El Cerrito El Dorado Hills El Granada El Monte El Segundo El Sobrante El Toro Elk Grove Elorata Elverta Emeryville Encinitas Encino Escalon Escondido Etna Eureka Exeter Fair Oaks Fairfield Fallbrook Farmersville Farmington Fellows Felton Ferndale Fiddletown Fields Landing Fillmore Firebaugh Flintridge Folsom Fontana Foothill Ranch Forest Falls Foresthill Forestville Fort Bragg Fortuna Foster City Fountain Valley Fowler Frazier Park Freedom Fremont Fresno Friant Fullerton Galt Gardena Garden Grove Gilroy Glencoe Glendale Glendora
Glennville Gold River Goleta Gonzales Goshen Granada Hills Grand Terrace Granite Bay Grapevine Grass Valley Greenbrae Greenfield Gridley Groveland Grover Beach Guadalupe Gurolena Gustine Hacienda Heights Half Moon Bay Hanford Harbor City Harmony Hawthorne Hayward Healdsburg Helendale Helm Hemet Herald Hercules Hermosa Beach Hesperia Hickman Hidden Hills Highland Hillsborough Hilmar Hollister Holtville Hope Ranch Howthorne Hughson Hume Huntington Beach Huntington Park Huron Hydesville Idyllwild Ignacio Imperial Imperial Beach Indian Wells Indio Industry Inglewood Inyokern Irvine Irwindale Isla Vista Ivanhoe Jackson Jamul Janesville June Lake Juniper Hills Keene Kentfield Kenwood Kerman Kernville Keyes King City Kingsburg La Canada La Canada Flintridge La Crescenta La Habra La Habra Heights La Jolla La Mesa La Mirada La Palma La Puente La Quinta
La Selva Beach La Sierra La Verne La Costa Ladera Ranch Lafayette Laguna Beach Laguna Hills Laguna Niguel Laguna Woods LaJolla Lake Arrowhead Lake Elsinore Lake Forest Lake Hughes Lake Isabella Lake Sherwood Lake Stevens Lake View Terrace Lakeport Lakeside Lakewood Lamont Lancaster Laramie Larkspur Las Flores Lathrop Laton Lawndale Le Grand Lebec Lee Vining Lemon Cove Lemoore Lincoln Linden Lindsay Littlerock Live Oak Livermore Livingston Lodi Loleta Loma Linda Lomita Lompoc Lone PineLong Beach Loomis Los Alamitos Los Alamos Los Altos Los Angeles Los Banos Los Gatos Los Olivos Los Osos Lost Hills Lucerne Valley Lynwood Madera Magalia Malibu Mammoth Lakes Manhattan Beach Manteca Maricopa Marina Marina Del Rey Marinwood Marion Mariposa Martinez Marysville Maywood McArthur McFarland McKittrick Meadow Vista Mendota Menifee Menlo Park Mentone Merced Middletown
Midpines Mill Valley Millbrae Mira Loma Mission Hills Mission Viejo Mi-Wuk Village Modesto Mojave Monarch Beach Monrovia Montara Montclair Monte Sereno Montebello Montecito Monterey Monterey Park Montgomery Village Montrose Moorpark Moraga Moreno Valley Morgan Hill Morro Bay Moss Beach Mountain Ranch Mountain View Murphys Murrieta Napa Navato Nevada City New Cuyama Newark Newbury Park Newcastle Newhall Newman Newport Beach Newport Coast Nipomo Norco North Fork North Highland North Hills North Hollywood Northridge Norwalk Novato Oak Hills Oak Park Oak View Oakdale Oakhurst Oakland Oakley Oakville Oceano Oceanside Ojai O’Neals Ontario Onyx OlivenhainOrange Orange Cove Orange Park Acres Orangevale Orcutt Orinda Orland Oro Grande Orosi Oroville Oxnard Pacific Grove Pacific Palisades Pacifica Pacoima Paicines Palm Desert Palm Springs Palmdale Palo Alto Palo Cedro
Palos Verdes Palos Verdes Estates Palos Verdes Peninsula Panorama City Paradise Paramount Parlier Pasadena Paso Robles Patterson Pauma Valley Pebble Beach Penn Valley Perris Petaluma Phelan Phillips Ranch Pico Rivera Piedmont Pine Grove Pine Mountain Club Pinedale Pinole Pinon Hills Pinon Pines Pioneer Pismo Beach Pittsburg Pixley Placentia Placerville Playa Del Rey Pleasant Hill Pleasanton Plymouth Pomona Port Hueneme Porter Ranch Porterville Portola Valley Posey Potter Valley Poway Pratcher Princeton Prunedale Pumpkin Center Quartz Quartz Hill Ramona Rancho Bernardo Rancho Cordova Rancho Cucamonga Rancho Dominguez Rancho Mirage Rancho Murieta Rancho Palos Verdes Rancho Santa Fe Rancho Santa Margarita Raymond Red Bluff Redcrest Redding Redlands Redondo Beach Redwood Shores Redwood City Redwood Valley Reedley Rescue Reseda Rialto Richgrove Richmond Ridgecrest Rio Linda Rio Vista Ripon Riverbank Riverdale Riverside Rocklin Rodeo Rohnert Park
Rolling Hills Rolling Hills Estates Ronhnert Park Rosamond Rosemead Roseville Ross Rowland Heights Running Spring Rutherford Sacramento Saint Helena Salida Salinas San Andreas San Anselmo San Ardo San Bernardino San Bruno San Carlos San Clemente San Diego San Dimas San Fernando San Francisco San Gabriel San Jacinto San Joaquin San Jose San Juan Capistrano San Leandro San Lucas San Luis Obispo San Marcos San Marino San Mateo San Miguel San Pedro San Rafael San Ramon Sanger Santa Ana Santa Barbara Santa Clara Santa Clarita Santa Cruz Santa Fe Springs Santa Margarita Santa Maria Santa Monica Santa Paula Santa Rita Park Santa Rosa Santa Ynez Santee Saratoga Saugus Sausalito Scotts Valley Seal Beach Seaside Sebastopol Selma Shadow Hills Shafter Shandon Shasta Shasta Lake Shaver Lake Shell Beach Sherman Oaks Shingle Springs Shingletown Sierra Madre Signal Hill Silverado Simi Valley Sky Forest Sloughhouse South El Monte South Lake Tahoe Solana Beach Soledad Solvang Somis
The Global CommunityA look at the cities, states, and countries represented at the Bakersfield Business Conference
>
s-64 America’s Premier One-Day Conference 2010
Sonoma Sonora Soquel Soulsbyville South Gate South Pasadena South San Francisco Spreckels Springville Squaw Valley St. Helena Stanford Stanton Stevenson Stevenson Ranch Stockton Stratford Strathmore Studio City Suisun City Summerland Sun City Sun Valley Sunland Sunnyvale Sunset Beach Surfside Sutter Sutter Creek Sylmar Taft Tahoe City Tahoma Tarzana Tecate Tehachapi Temecula Temple City Templeton Terra Bella Thousand Oaks Thousand Palms Three Rivers Tiburon Tipton Toluca Lake Topanga Torrance Trabuco Canyon Tracy Tranquility Traver Tres Pinos Trona Truckee Tujunga Tulare Tupman Turlock Tuscany Hills Tustin Twain Harte Twentynine Palms Twin Peaks Ukiah Union City Universal City Upland Vacaville Valencia Vallejo Valley Center Valley Springs Valley Village Van Nuys Venice Ventura Verning Vernon Victorville Villa Park Vina Visalia Vista Volcano Walnut Walnut Creek Walnut Grove Wasco Washoe Valley Waterford Watsonville Weaverville
Weldon West Covina West Hills West Hollywood West Lake Village West Los Angeles West Point West Sacramento Westchester Westlake Village Westley Westminster Wheatland Whittier Wildomar Willits Willows Wilmington Wilton Windsor Winnetka Winton Wishon Wofford Heights Woodbridge Woodlake Woodland Woodland Crest Woodland Hills Woodside Woody Wrightwood Yorba Linda Yountville Yuba City Yucaipa Yucca Valley
COLORADOAlamosa Arvada Aurora Bennett Bertroud Boulder Broomfield Byers Carbondale Castle Rock Centennial Center Colorado Springs Creede Denver Durango Eaton Englewood Evergreen Fort Collins Golden Grand Junction Greeley Gunnison Highlands Ranch Kersey Keystone Lakewood Lamar Littleton Lone Tree Manassa Morrison Parker Peterson AFB Pueblo Pueblo West Snowmass Village Sterling Thornton Wellington Westminister Wheat Ridge Windsor Wray Yuma
CONNECTICUTBloomfield Danbury East Glastonbury Easton Fairfield Greenwich Hamden
New Canaan Orange Stamford Vernon Wallingford Weston Westport Washington
DELAWAREMillsboro Wilmington
DIST OFCOLUMBIAWashington
FLORIDAAuburndoli Bonita Springs Cape Canaveral Cape Coral Clearwater Cocoa Beach Coral Gables Davie Fernandina Beach Fort Lauderdale Fort Myers Gulf Breeze Hernando Jacksonville Jupiter Key Largo Lake Mary Lighthouse Point Longwood Marco Island Merritt Island Miami North Port Orlando Palm Beach Palm Coast Palm Harbor Pompano Beach Ponte Vedra Beach Safety Harbor Saint Johns Sarasota Sebring St. Pertersburg Stuart Tallahassee Tampa Valrico Vero Beach Wesley Chapel West Palm Beach Windermere
GEORGIA Alpharetta Athens Atlanta Canton College Park Evans Lilburn Marietta Norcross Roswell Savannah Stockbridge Watkinsville Woodstock Young Harris
HAWAII Honaunau Honolulu Kaaawa Kahului Kailua Kailua-Kona Kamuela Kapaa Kapolei Kealakekua Kihei-Maui Koloa Kula Lawai Pahoa
Waimea
IDAHOAberdeen American Falls Blackfoot Boise Caldwell Coeur d’Alene Eagle Grand View Hayden Hayden Lake Ketchum Malad Midvale Mountain Home Nampa Naples Parma Pocatello Rexburg Sun Valley Twin Falls
ILLINOIS Arlington Bedford Park Belleville Bloomington Calumet City Champaign Chicago Clarendon Hills Crystal Lake Decatur Deerfield Downers Grove El Paso Elk Grove Village Glen Ellyn Itasca Kewanee Lake Forest Lake Zurich Lansing Libertyville Lindenburst Morris Naperville Normal Oak Brook Oak Brook Terrace Oswego Peoria Saint Charles South Barrington Springfield Sterling Towanda Urbana Virgil Warrenville Western Spring Wheaton Winnetka Wood River
INDIANABloomington Bluffton Carmel Columbus Crown Point Fishers Hobart Indianapolis Oxford Spencer Valparaiso
IOWABettendorf Cedar Rapids Chariton Council Bluffs Des Moines Eldon Iowa City Milford Monticello Muscatine Newton Saint Charles
Walcott West Des Moines West Liberty Winterset
KANSASCimarron Dodge City El Dorado Garden City Goodland Hays Hutchinson Lakin Lawrence Leavenworth Leawood Lenexa Lyons Mission Woods Ness City Newton Olathe Overland Park Pittsburg Prairie Village Satanta Shawnee Mission Stilwell Topeka Ulysses Wamego Wichita Winfield
KENTUCKYLexington Louisville Owensboro Paducah Philpot Union
LOUISIANABaton Rouge Hammond Lafayette Lake Charles Mandeville Metairie New Orleans Tallulah
MAINEKittery Livermore Falls Saco Sanford Windham
MARYLANDAshton Baltimore Bethesda Ellicott City Gaithersburg Ijamsville Potomac Rockville Silver Spring Timonium Towson
MASSACHUSETTSBelchertown Boston Cambridge Chickopee Concord East Sandwich Longmeadow Mansfield Medford Melrose Montague North Reading Northhampton Sunderland Turners Falls Waltham Westport
MICHIGANAda
Ann Arbor Auburn Hills Bellevue Berkley Bloomfield Hills Clark Lake Clawson Detroit Eaton Rapid Erie Farmington Farmington Hills Fenton Fremont Galesberg Grand Rapids Harper Woods Holland Howell Kalamazoo Lansing Mt. Pleasant Northville Port Huron Rochester Roseville Saline South Lyon Taylor Troy Utica Wayland Wyandotte Ypsilanti
MINNESOTABemidji Brainerd Brooklyn Park Chanhassen Chaska Coon Rapids Eagan Eden Prairie Edina Excelsior Lake George Mankato Minneapolis Mora Plymouth Ramsey Red Wing St. Paul St. Cloud Willmar
MISSISSIPPIJackson
MISSOURIBelt Ballwin Battlefield Blue Springs Camdenton Cape Girardeau Chamois Chesterfield Columbia Florissant Joplin Kansas City Kirksville Lee’s Summit Nixa O’Fallon Salsbury Sedalia Silver Springs Springfield St. Charles St. Joseph St. Louis St. Peters Webb City
MONTANABiloxi Bigfork Billings Butte Missoula Red Lodge
Sand Coulee Stevensville Wibaux
NEBRASKAGenoa Gering Grand Island Hallam Harrisburg Hastings Hubbell Kearney Kimball Lincoln Morrill Naponee Nenzel Omaha Richland Scottsbluff Sidney South Sioux City Valley Wahoo West Point
NEVADACarson City Crystal Bay Dayton Elko Fernley Gardnerville Genoa Henderson Imlay Incline Village Las Vegas Mesquite Minden North Las Vegas Pahrump Reno Sparks Spring Creek Stateline Sun Valley Tuscarora Washoe Washoe Valley Wellington Yerington Zephyr Cove
NEWHAMPSHIRENorth Syracuse Manchester Seabrook
NEW JERSEYAnnandale Avon By The Sea Boonton Bridgewater Changewater Cherry Hill Clementon Cranbury Far Hills Fort Lee Hoboken Mendham Metuchem Montclair Montvale Mountain Lakes Ocean City Saddle River Somerville Summit Towaco Wanaque Wayne Whippany
NEW MEXICOAlbuquerque Edgewood Farmington Gallup Grants Hobbs
Los Lunas Ranchos De Taos Rio Rancho Roswell Santa Fe Socorro Truth or Consequences Winston
NEW YORKBoulder City Baldwinville Bay Shore BuffaloCamden Cato Delevan Fairport Goldens Bridge Harrison Hartwick Henrietta Honesye Falls Huntington Irvington Ithaca Larchmont Mye New Hartford New Russia New York City North Woodmere Oswego Purchase Queens VillageQueenstown Rifton Rochester Saratoga Springs Scarsdale Syracuse Ulster Park Utica Vestal White Plains
NORTHCAROLINAArchdale Canton Chapel Hill Charlotte Clemmons Durham Fayetteville Greensboro Greenville Hendersonville Kernersville Mooresville Oak Island Raleigh Salisbury Southern Pines Statesville Weaverville
NORTH DAKOTABismarck Fargo
OHIO Central City Cincinnati Cleveland Columbus Dublin Hamilton Loveland Macedonia Maple Heights Mason McArthur Milford Morrow New Albany Perrysburg Roseville Sidney Solon Toledo Westerville Westlake
Youngstown
OKLAHOMAArdmore Bixby Bristow Broken Arrow Edmond El Reno Guymon Kingfisher Lindsay Oklahoma City Pryor Sapulpa Stigler Tulsa Webbers Falls
OREGONAshland Beaverton Bend Brookings Carlton Central Point Charleston Coos Bay Coquille Corvallis Cottage Grove Cove Dayton Dundee Estacada Eugene Fairview Grants Pass Gresham Hillsboro Irrigon Jacksonville Keizer Klamath Falls Lake Oswego Lincoln CityLondon McMinnville Medford Milwaukie Newberg Oakland Pendleton Philomath Pleasant Hill Portland Redmond Reedsport Roseburg Salem Seal Rock Sherwood Sisters Springfield Sunriver Toledo Tualatin Union Warren Warrenton West Linn Wilsonville
PENNSYLVANIA Ambler Bala Cynwyd Bucko Clarks Summit Denver East Petersburg Farmington Gettysburg Glenmoore Hanover Township Harrisburg Hatboro Johnstown Latrobe Mechanicsburg Mineral Point New Hope Penn Valley Philadelphia Pittsburgh
s-65Borton Petrini, llP’s Bakersfield Business Conference
Pottstown Roslyn Shrewsbury Tire Hill Tower City Washington Watsontown Waynesburg West Chester Wynnewood Yardley Zelienople
RHODE SLANDBarrington Lincoln North Kingstown Providence
SOUTHCAROLINABucharest Beaufort Chapin Charleston Greenville Greer Hilton Head Island Spartanburg
SOUTH DAKOTAMadison Mitchell Napa Sioux Falls Spearfish Gothenburg
TENNESSEEBurnsChandler Chattanooga Clarksville Collierville Columbia Cordova
Crossville Gallatin Goodlettsville Hermitaje Knoxville Memphis Morristown Murfreesboro Nashville Roan Mountain Rockwood Shelbyville Smyrna Tarrant
TEXASAbilene Addison Alen Amarillo Aransas Pass Argyle Arlington Athens Aubrey Austin Barker Beaumont Bedford Beeville Bellaire Bovina Bowie Brownsville Burleson Canyon Carrollton Cedar Park Clifton College Sation Colleyville Coppell Cypress Dalhart Dallas Decatur
Devine Dimmitt El Paso Euless Farmers Branch Farwell Flower Mound Fort Worth Friendswood Frisco Fulshear Gardendale Garland Georgetown Grand Prairie Grapevine Hale Carter Haltom City Huntsville Horseshoe Bay Houston Humble Ingleside Irving Jourdanton Katy Kempner Kilgore Kingsland Kingsville Kingwood Lamesa Lancaster Lewisville Little Elm Livingston Lockhart Lubbock Mansfield Marble Falls McAllen McKinney Midland Midway Missouri City Montgomery
Nacogdoches North Richland Oakwood Odessa Orange Perryton Plano Port Barre Porter Premont Richardson Richmond Roanoke Rockwall Rosenberg San Angelo San Antonio Schertz Seymour Smithville Southlake Spring Stafford Sugar Land Sunrise Beach Tarrant Terrell Texas City The Colony The Woodlands Tomball Trinity Trophy Club Tyler Umbarger Victoria Weatherford Webster Whitney Willis
UTAHAmerican ForkBedford Bountiful Cedar City
Clinton Draper Farmington Highland Hooper Kaysville Layton Lindon Midvale Murray Ogden Orem Park City Pleasant Grove Provo Richfield Saint George Salt Lake City Sandy Saratoga Springs South Jordan Spanish Fork St. George Toquerville West Valley Woods Cross
VERMONTAlexandria Burlington Mendon Woodstock Anacortes
VIRGINIAArlington Armandale Charlottesville Chesapeake Chesterfield Danville Earlysville Fairfax Franklin Haymaken Herndon
Locust Grove Lorton North Garden Oak Hill Petersburg Portsmouth Reston Richmond Roanoke Salem Springfield Sterling Vienna Virginia Beach White Post Williamsburg Woodbridge
WASHINGTONArlington Bainbridge Island Bellevue Bellingham Blaine Bothell Camano Island Camas Castle Rock Clarkston Clyde Hill Connell Duvall Eastbound Edmonds Ellensburg Eltopia Enumclaw Everett Forest Grove Freeland Friday Harbor Gig Harbor Granger Granite Falls Issaquah
Kelso Kennewick Kent Kirkland Lake Stevens Liberty Lake Longview Mead Medina Mercer Island Montesano Mt. Vernon Nine Mile Falls North Bend Oak Harbor Ocean Shores Olympia Onacortes Othello Pasco Port Ludlow Port Orchard Poulsbo Pullman Puyallup Quincy Reardan Redmond Renton Richland Sammamish Seattle Selah Snohomish Snoqualmie Spokane Summer Sunnyside Tacoma Vancouver Walla Walla Woodinville Woodland
WEST VIRGINIA
Appleton Great Cacapon Salem
WISCONSINBuffalo Beloit Brookfield Cedar Grove Cudahy Green Bay Hartford Hayward Marathon Milwaukee Pewaukee Racine River Falls Stone Lake Waukesha
WYOMINGCasper Cheyenne Green River Pinedale Ranchester Thermopolis Wheatland
CANADAAlbanyBurlington Calgary Edmonton Ilkley North Vancouver Saskatchewan Shakespeare Toronto Vancouver
CAYMANISLANDSSeven Mile Beach
CHINABeijing
ENGLANDIckfordLeedsLondonMoortownNewcastleOadby Leicester SurreyUppingham YorkWashingtonWeybridge
GERMANYMuenchen
MEXICOMazatlanMexico City
NEWZEALANDConcord
RUSSIAMoscow
SINGAPOREShaw Centre
SOUTH AFRICAMerstham Cape Town
SWEDENFrolundaGotaland
SWITZERLANDAndelfingen
VIETNAMHanoi
s-66 America’s Premier One-Day Conference 2010
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While most of the
country has been
grappling With
struggling markets
and ever-increas-
ing unemployment
rates, the kern eco-
nomic development
corporation (kedc)
has continued to
keep the county
afloat, securing
funds and jobs to
ensure the groWth
of kern county in
the years to come.
[ corporate relocation ]
for an organization that’s just barely
been around long enough to be
able to order a stiff drink, the kern
economic development corporation
certainly has a firm grasp on what it takes to do big business
in our area. While most of the country has been grappling with
struggling markets and ever-increasing unemployment rates, the
kern economic development corporation (kedc) has continued
to keep the county afloat, securing funds and jobs to ensure the
growth of kern county in the years to come.
the kedc was officially formed 22 years ago by a group of for-
ward-thinking business leaders who realized that the best way
to maintain a strong and stable economic climate was to first
create a diversified economic base. so a private, nonprofit orga-
nization was born.
that strategy has ultimately paid off big time for our county.
in their short history, the kedc has helped facilitate the reloca-
tion of major businesses and corporations to kern county, which
has, in turn, helped boost our local economy and created tens of
thousands of new jobs.
according to kedc president and ceo Richard Chapman, on
a very basic level, the organization looks to market our county to
potential businesses looking to relocate.
think of them as our county’s talent
agent, making us look good and putting
us up for roles.
thankfully, chapman said, the county
already has so much going for it, there’s
very little trouble in making us look
good to potential corporations.
“there are six industry sectors >>
keepingdoors
open
richard chapmanpresident and ceo kern economic development corporation
©istockphoto.com/Lorenevan
www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2010 69
70 Bakersfield Magazine
that kedc actively markets within,” chapman
explained. “value-added agriculture; trans-
portation, logistics, warehousing, and manu-
facturing; energy and chemical; business and
professional services; healthcare and medi-
cal technology; and aerospace and defense.”
and as many of us know, those are sectors in
which kern county has historically excelled.
“not only do we recruit new business to
kern county,” chapman continued, “but
we help establish businesses with reloca-
tion and expansion efforts. and we work
with local companies to provide econom-
ic data, workforce information, and facili-
tate the regulation process.”
because, as you might expect, there is
a lot of paperwork to fill out when mov-
ing an entire company to a new county
or ensuring that the products and goods
produced by a new company will adhere
to county restrictions and regulations.
the kedc offers a one-stop service by
assembling a team of experts from both
private and public sectors to address ev-
ery relocation or expansion need. they
provide direct access to public and educa-
tional organizations as well as local busi-
nesses to help any relocating company
recruit, hire, and train employees.
“additionally,” chapman explained, “we
provide extensive data for these busi-
nesses. everything from demographics,
planning data, infrastructure and tran-
spiration figures, to the city and county’s
economic reports.”
the kedc’s relationships with the county of
kern and real estate agents also give them ac-
cess to available sites for rent or construction.
“We work with local, state, and federal gov-
ernment entities to not only expedite the
process but are fully aware of economic in-
centives for companies that include sales tax
credits, tax deductions, and hiring credits to
help attract new jobs, investment, and devel-
opment,” chapman further elaborated.
the truly important question, however,
is what has all that done for our county’s
economy? Well, in the 2007-2008 fiscal year
alone, the kedc assisted efforts that ulti-
mately created $67 million in wage income
and $89 million in capital investment in
kern county. and between 2008 and 2009,
they helped add $130 million in capital and
$42 million in new wages to the county.
over that 22-year history, they’ve been a
part of some very big moves to our county
including the famous footwear relocation
to the tejon industrial complex, which cre-
ated 120 new jobs. not to mention the rai-
lex move to delano which created 300 jobs
and the fedex ground arrival in bakersfield
which added 200 new jobs to the county.
but there are numerous other companies
who’ve found kern county makes a great
home for their company. in 2009, 250 new
jobs were created when men’s Wearhouse
opened a distribution center in bakersfield
keeping doors open
ing index
from janu-
ary 2010,
to have the
same qual-
ity of life one
would have
with a salary
of $50,000 a year in los angeles, they’d
only need to make $36,881 in bakersfield.
additionally, the population density and
average commute times are far smaller here
in kern county, which obviously looks bet-
ter to companies looking to relocate.
“major companies will choose kern be-
cause of our centralized location,” chapman
said. “no other county offers the easy access
to all the population of california, let alone
the entire Western united states.”
not to mention, kern county offers such
diverse cultural and environmental advan-
tages to other counties in california, from
urban to rural; from agriculture to the arts.
there is such an impressive diversity when
it comes to job opportunities that the kedc
wants to make sure young people know the
growing industries they can study within.
that’s why they formed the kern economic
development foundation, a 501(c)3. money
raised through this foundation, from events
and donors, will help the kedc administer
new projects including a program for men-
toring high school and college-age girls in
the energy and utilities field. it’s a sector not
usually thought of for women, yet many
local women have found lucrative and in-
teresting positions in oil and energy (for
proof of this, turn to page 53). many of these
mentors educate young women in the im-
portance of math and sciences—encourag-
ing them to break traditional molds so that
they, too, can be a part of emerging energy
industries.
because of the expansive lay of the land
in our county, we are able to keep up with
trends in industries that few other locations
can. not only are we a leader in oil and ag,
but, thanks to the kedc’s help, many new
industries are coming into our county walls,
including wind and solar energy.
for instance, not only is the tehachapi
pass one of the world’s largest producers of
wind-generated energy, but the tehachapi-
mojave Wind resource area is anticipated
to grow an additional 4,500-6,000 mega-
watts in the next 10-15 years.
and that’s not the only growth the kedc
is foreseeing in the county’s economic fu-
ture. studies have shown that kern county
will be one of the first seven counties in the
entire nation to return to pre-recession em-
ployment levels sometime in 2011.
With more companies looking to ex-
pand as business improves in the coming
years, the seven-person team at the kern
economic development corporation will
show them the smartest place to put their
money—right here. [cr]
and, in 2008, 135 jobs opened up when rio
bravo medical center opened its doors.
“We’re still finding that the greatest
success for our county is coming from
southern california,” chapman explained.
the reasons for this are plentiful. for start-
ers, the cost of living and doing business in
bakersfield and kern county is significantly
lower than in the los angeles and southern
california markets.
according to the accra cost of liv-
chapman(left) promotes the county at various conventions and summits.
to have the same
quality of life
one Would have
With a salary
of $50,000 a year
in los angeles,
they’d only need
to make $36,881
in bakersfield.
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performance-offroad.com
www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2010 71
that kedc actively markets within,” chapman
explained. “value-added agriculture; trans-
portation, logistics, warehousing, and manu-
facturing; energy and chemical; business and
professional services; healthcare and medi-
cal technology; and aerospace and defense.”
and as many of us know, those are sectors in
which kern county has historically excelled.
“not only do we recruit new business to
kern county,” chapman continued, “but
we help establish businesses with reloca-
tion and expansion efforts. and we work
with local companies to provide econom-
ic data, workforce information, and facili-
tate the regulation process.”
because, as you might expect, there is
a lot of paperwork to fill out when mov-
ing an entire company to a new county
or ensuring that the products and goods
produced by a new company will adhere
to county restrictions and regulations.
the kedc offers a one-stop service by
assembling a team of experts from both
private and public sectors to address ev-
ery relocation or expansion need. they
provide direct access to public and educa-
tional organizations as well as local busi-
nesses to help any relocating company
recruit, hire, and train employees.
“additionally,” chapman explained, “we
provide extensive data for these busi-
nesses. everything from demographics,
planning data, infrastructure and tran-
spiration figures, to the city and county’s
economic reports.”
the kedc’s relationships with the county of
kern and real estate agents also give them ac-
cess to available sites for rent or construction.
“We work with local, state, and federal gov-
ernment entities to not only expedite the
process but are fully aware of economic in-
centives for companies that include sales tax
credits, tax deductions, and hiring credits to
help attract new jobs, investment, and devel-
opment,” chapman further elaborated.
the truly important question, however,
is what has all that done for our county’s
economy? Well, in the 2007-2008 fiscal year
alone, the kedc assisted efforts that ulti-
mately created $67 million in wage income
and $89 million in capital investment in
kern county. and between 2008 and 2009,
they helped add $130 million in capital and
$42 million in new wages to the county.
over that 22-year history, they’ve been a
part of some very big moves to our county
including the famous footwear relocation
to the tejon industrial complex, which cre-
ated 120 new jobs. not to mention the rai-
lex move to delano which created 300 jobs
and the fedex ground arrival in bakersfield
which added 200 new jobs to the county.
but there are numerous other companies
who’ve found kern county makes a great
home for their company. in 2009, 250 new
jobs were created when men’s Wearhouse
opened a distribution center in bakersfield
keeping doors open
ing index
from janu-
ary 2010,
to have the
same qual-
ity of life one
would have
with a salary
of $50,000 a year in los angeles, they’d
only need to make $36,881 in bakersfield.
additionally, the population density and
average commute times are far smaller here
in kern county, which obviously looks bet-
ter to companies looking to relocate.
“major companies will choose kern be-
cause of our centralized location,” chapman
said. “no other county offers the easy access
to all the population of california, let alone
the entire Western united states.”
not to mention, kern county offers such
diverse cultural and environmental advan-
tages to other counties in california, from
urban to rural; from agriculture to the arts.
there is such an impressive diversity when
it comes to job opportunities that the kedc
wants to make sure young people know the
growing industries they can study within.
that’s why they formed the kern economic
development foundation, a 501(c)3. money
raised through this foundation, from events
and donors, will help the kedc administer
new projects including a program for men-
toring high school and college-age girls in
the energy and utilities field. it’s a sector not
usually thought of for women, yet many
local women have found lucrative and in-
teresting positions in oil and energy (for
proof of this, turn to page 53). many of these
mentors educate young women in the im-
portance of math and sciences—encourag-
ing them to break traditional molds so that
they, too, can be a part of emerging energy
industries.
because of the expansive lay of the land
in our county, we are able to keep up with
trends in industries that few other locations
can. not only are we a leader in oil and ag,
but, thanks to the kedc’s help, many new
industries are coming into our county walls,
including wind and solar energy.
for instance, not only is the tehachapi
pass one of the world’s largest producers of
wind-generated energy, but the tehachapi-
mojave Wind resource area is anticipated
to grow an additional 4,500-6,000 mega-
watts in the next 10-15 years.
and that’s not the only growth the kedc
is foreseeing in the county’s economic fu-
ture. studies have shown that kern county
will be one of the first seven counties in the
entire nation to return to pre-recession em-
ployment levels sometime in 2011.
With more companies looking to ex-
pand as business improves in the coming
years, the seven-person team at the kern
economic development corporation will
show them the smartest place to put their
money—right here. [cr]
and, in 2008, 135 jobs opened up when rio
bravo medical center opened its doors.
“We’re still finding that the greatest
success for our county is coming from
southern california,” chapman explained.
the reasons for this are plentiful. for start-
ers, the cost of living and doing business in
bakersfield and kern county is significantly
lower than in the los angeles and southern
california markets.
according to the accra cost of liv-
chapman(left) promotes the county at various conventions and summits.
to have the same
quality of life
one Would have
With a salary
of $50,000 a year
in los angeles,
they’d only need
to make $36,881
in bakersfield.
phot
os co
urte
sy o
F keD
c
www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2010 73
Achievers SeriesA Special Advertorial Presentation
AchieversBakersfield’s Business
A business doesn’t run itself. The people behind the business are what turns good ideas into successful companies. It takes a lot of hard work and a lot of dedication to do so, but most of all it takes passion. And that is something these people have in abundance. They’ve poured their heart and soul into their chosen profession and excelled. They continue to succeed in business, while earning the respect of their peers and the support of the community.
Valley Republic bank GReGoRy D. bynum& associates, inc.
Gemcare HealtH plan
Family motoRsauto boDy & paint
aRRc tecHnoloGy
the
74 Bakersfield Magazine
ValleyRepublicbank.com
5000 california avenue, suite 110 x 661.371.2000
Valley Republic bank opened in February 2009 in the midst of
a very severe economic environment. the bank’s president and
ceo, bruce Jay, stated that he was regu-
larly asked why it would choose to open at
that time. according to Jay, this is a classic
case where vision and preparation meets
an opportunity. “We assembled the orga-
nizing team in early 2007, nearly two years
before the bank opened. We concluded
that significant market opportunities exist-
ed to create a safe, successful local bank
to serve the local market,” Jay explained.
back in 1990, there were seven banks
headquartered locally but only two re-
mained by 2007 through mergers and
acquisitions. During this same period, the
population had increased by more than
75 percent. “We believed the kern county market was poised
for significant growth over the next 20 years, fueling the demand
for additional local banking services,” Jay added. “although we
never anticipated the downturn in the economy and the financial
industry, it turned out to be a tremendous opportunity. our timing
for opening Valley Republic bank couldn’t have been better.”
Jay said there are several reasons for the tremendous success
the bank has had to date. “First of all, when we opened, we had
no bad loans, so we are a legitimate ‘safe haven’ for local de-
positors. second is the quality of our team. our board of directors
is made up of the community’s best. they are well-known, suc-
cessful business leaders who have demonstrated quality leader-
ship consistently over time,” he said.
Furthermore, with the bank being connected to the local
community and not having “800” numbers, it is locally avail-
able and responsible. “and we can make loan decisions much
faster because of that,” Jay said. “We’re focused on our cus-
tomers and our community.”
Valley Republic bank’s performance dur-
ing the first 18 months of operation has been
outstanding. it recently surpassed $200 mil-
lion in assets, and Jay noted it is well ahead
of its business plan in every category. “We
view the solid and stable development of
Valley Republic bank as a marathon, not
a sprint,” he added. “it takes time, but we
are ahead of schedule in our goal to be
‘bakersfield’s premier bank.’ ”
in June, the bank completed a secondary
stock offering and raised an additional $12
million in capital. With this additional capi-
tal, Valley Republic bank has the highest
capital ratio of any bank in its peer group in
california. “this strong capital position provides safety for deposi-
tors and the local lending capacity to enhance the local econ-
omy and improve the quality of life in our community,” said Jay.
the FDic apparently feels the bank can do it, too. since Valley
Republic bank received regulatory approval in 2008, the FDic has
only approved one new bank charter in california. Valley Repub-
lic bank’s commitment to the community is also impressive—it will
travel to customers’ businesses to help with transactions. “We are
a part of this community, the market, and its people—we know
what’s going on locally. the services and turnaround time cannot
be equaled,” Jay concluded. “our competitive edge is relation-
ship banking and strong local decision making combined with
deep roots in this community.”
that’s a philosophy that has already been proven to work for
Valley Republic bank, and it shows no signs of straying from that
commitment in the coming years.
bruce Jay, president & ceo
phil mclaughlin, executive Vice president; Doris Depew, aVp-Relationship manager; bruce Jay, president & ceo
Valley Republic bank
www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2010 75
ValleyRepublicbank.com
5000 california avenue, suite 110 x 661.371.2000
Valley Republic bank opened in February 2009 in the midst of
a very severe economic environment. the bank’s president and
ceo, bruce Jay, stated that he was regu-
larly asked why it would choose to open at
that time. according to Jay, this is a classic
case where vision and preparation meets
an opportunity. “We assembled the orga-
nizing team in early 2007, nearly two years
before the bank opened. We concluded
that significant market opportunities exist-
ed to create a safe, successful local bank
to serve the local market,” Jay explained.
back in 1990, there were seven banks
headquartered locally but only two re-
mained by 2007 through mergers and
acquisitions. During this same period, the
population had increased by more than
75 percent. “We believed the kern county market was poised
for significant growth over the next 20 years, fueling the demand
for additional local banking services,” Jay added. “although we
never anticipated the downturn in the economy and the financial
industry, it turned out to be a tremendous opportunity. our timing
for opening Valley Republic bank couldn’t have been better.”
Jay said there are several reasons for the tremendous success
the bank has had to date. “First of all, when we opened, we had
no bad loans, so we are a legitimate ‘safe haven’ for local de-
positors. second is the quality of our team. our board of directors
is made up of the community’s best. they are well-known, suc-
cessful business leaders who have demonstrated quality leader-
ship consistently over time,” he said.
Furthermore, with the bank being connected to the local
community and not having “800” numbers, it is locally avail-
able and responsible. “and we can make loan decisions much
faster because of that,” Jay said. “We’re focused on our cus-
tomers and our community.”
Valley Republic bank’s performance dur-
ing the first 18 months of operation has been
outstanding. it recently surpassed $200 mil-
lion in assets, and Jay noted it is well ahead
of its business plan in every category. “We
view the solid and stable development of
Valley Republic bank as a marathon, not
a sprint,” he added. “it takes time, but we
are ahead of schedule in our goal to be
‘bakersfield’s premier bank.’ ”
in June, the bank completed a secondary
stock offering and raised an additional $12
million in capital. With this additional capi-
tal, Valley Republic bank has the highest
capital ratio of any bank in its peer group in
california. “this strong capital position provides safety for deposi-
tors and the local lending capacity to enhance the local econ-
omy and improve the quality of life in our community,” said Jay.
the FDic apparently feels the bank can do it, too. since Valley
Republic bank received regulatory approval in 2008, the FDic has
only approved one new bank charter in california. Valley Repub-
lic bank’s commitment to the community is also impressive—it will
travel to customers’ businesses to help with transactions. “We are
a part of this community, the market, and its people—we know
what’s going on locally. the services and turnaround time cannot
be equaled,” Jay concluded. “our competitive edge is relation-
ship banking and strong local decision making combined with
deep roots in this community.”
that’s a philosophy that has already been proven to work for
Valley Republic bank, and it shows no signs of straying from that
commitment in the coming years.
bruce Jay, president & ceo
phil mclaughlin, executive Vice president; Doris Depew, aVp-Relationship manager; bruce Jay, president & ceo
Valley Republic bank
76 Bakersfield Magazine
bynuminc.com
5601 truxtun avenue, suite 190 x 661.395.0541
Gregory D. bynum and associates has a longstanding repu-
tation in bakersfield for excellence in commercial real estate
development. established in 1981, the
company also specializes in property
management, brokerage, and apprais-
al-analysis. in fact, providing appraisal
services was how the company initially
generated business. “the vehicle was
appraisal and we slowly got into the
other areas of real estate development,”
explained Greg bynum who was joined
by Doug Warren in 1982 and John brock,
Jr. in 1988. together, they have shaped
a company whose impact on bakersfield
business has been significant in spite of
the ups and downs of the real estate
market. “it’s a source of pride that we
have been successful over the past 30 years,” bynum said.
thus far, the company has developed over one million square
feet of buildings, and currently manages more than 700,000
square feet. but the company has a greater vision. “We have
a goal of taking our numbers even higher,” explained bynum.
ultimately, with the help of their invaluable investor base and
team of architects, lenders, and contractors, the next goal is
to account for over two million square feet of developed prop-
erty and one million square feet of managed real estate. it is
this ambition that keeps them ahead of the curve and at the
top of the industry.
the company’s focus is and always will be to positively shape
bakersfield’s landscape for its current and future residents.
“We’re all natives of bakersfield and family is important to us,”
bynum said. through the projects they develop and the many
volunteer hours of its employees, the company endeavors to
support and improve the quality of life in the bakersfield region.
a recently completed project that aligns with these goals is
bakersfield’s new traffic court located on
arrow street. the project has helped with
the much needed relief of congestion at
the existing courthouse. other projects
currently in the works include a 23,000
square foot office building recently com-
pleted on ashe Road, south of District,
which is the first phase of a 24-acre mul-
tiphase development. the project is de-
signed for a total of 250,000 square feet
of retail and office space. additionally,
the company has negotiated a public/
private partnership with csub for a devel-
opment on excess land on the university
campus. Development of a project for
the site and its ground breaking are scheduled to take place
over the next 18 months.
For the team at Gregory D. bynum and associates, it’s about
the creativity behind what they do, the variety of people they
get to work with on a daily basis, the fact that no two days are
the same, and the satisfaction they receive when they make
a quality impact on the community. and you can see that
quality in their work. “our mo isn’t to cut corners. We build the
highest quality structure the market will allow,” said bynum. in
addition, the team is dedicated to seeing their unique vision
come to fruition. their expertise, commitment to the commu-
nity and key business partnerships will allow them continued
success.
it is the leadership, teamwork, and initiative of the Gregory
D. bynum and associates team that will enable their future
success.
Gregory & mary bynum, owners
GReGoRy D. bynum & associates, inc.
Front row (l-r) Greg bynum, mary bynum, Roy scarazzo, edward scott, barbie martinez, megan bynum, kristin bowman, Wendy stuebbeback row (l-r) Don bynum, John brock, Douglas Warren, J. Greer, art bynum
www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2010 77
bynuminc.com
5601 truxtun avenue, suite 190 x 661.395.0541
Gregory D. bynum and associates has a longstanding repu-
tation in bakersfield for excellence in commercial real estate
development. established in 1981, the
company also specializes in property
management, brokerage, and apprais-
al-analysis. in fact, providing appraisal
services was how the company initially
generated business. “the vehicle was
appraisal and we slowly got into the
other areas of real estate development,”
explained Greg bynum who was joined
by Doug Warren in 1982 and John brock,
Jr. in 1988. together, they have shaped
a company whose impact on bakersfield
business has been significant in spite of
the ups and downs of the real estate
market. “it’s a source of pride that we
have been successful over the past 30 years,” bynum said.
thus far, the company has developed over one million square
feet of buildings, and currently manages more than 700,000
square feet. but the company has a greater vision. “We have
a goal of taking our numbers even higher,” explained bynum.
ultimately, with the help of their invaluable investor base and
team of architects, lenders, and contractors, the next goal is
to account for over two million square feet of developed prop-
erty and one million square feet of managed real estate. it is
this ambition that keeps them ahead of the curve and at the
top of the industry.
the company’s focus is and always will be to positively shape
bakersfield’s landscape for its current and future residents.
“We’re all natives of bakersfield and family is important to us,”
bynum said. through the projects they develop and the many
volunteer hours of its employees, the company endeavors to
support and improve the quality of life in the bakersfield region.
a recently completed project that aligns with these goals is
bakersfield’s new traffic court located on
arrow street. the project has helped with
the much needed relief of congestion at
the existing courthouse. other projects
currently in the works include a 23,000
square foot office building recently com-
pleted on ashe Road, south of District,
which is the first phase of a 24-acre mul-
tiphase development. the project is de-
signed for a total of 250,000 square feet
of retail and office space. additionally,
the company has negotiated a public/
private partnership with csub for a devel-
opment on excess land on the university
campus. Development of a project for
the site and its ground breaking are scheduled to take place
over the next 18 months.
For the team at Gregory D. bynum and associates, it’s about
the creativity behind what they do, the variety of people they
get to work with on a daily basis, the fact that no two days are
the same, and the satisfaction they receive when they make
a quality impact on the community. and you can see that
quality in their work. “our mo isn’t to cut corners. We build the
highest quality structure the market will allow,” said bynum. in
addition, the team is dedicated to seeing their unique vision
come to fruition. their expertise, commitment to the commu-
nity and key business partnerships will allow them continued
success.
it is the leadership, teamwork, and initiative of the Gregory
D. bynum and associates team that will enable their future
success.
Gregory & mary bynum, owners
GReGoRy D. bynum & associates, inc.
Front row (l-r) Greg bynum, mary bynum, Roy scarazzo, edward scott, barbie martinez, megan bynum, kristin bowman, Wendy stuebbeback row (l-r) Don bynum, John brock, Douglas Warren, J. Greer, art bynum
78 Bakersfield Magazine
GemcareHealthplan.com
4550 california avenue, suite 100 x 661.716.8800
the year 2010 has been a banner one for Gemcare and its affili-
ated companies. the medical group was formed as an indepen-
dent practice association (ipa) in 1992 with
just ten primary care physicians and three
specialists. today, Gemcare has over 100
primary care physicians and approximately
180 specialists and services members in ba-
kersfield and the outlying communities of
Delano, lake isabella, taft, and tehachapi.
membership has grown from 50 members in
november of 1992 to over 50,000 members
today. and while the company’s growth
has been steady and consistent, their plans
for the coming months and years are what’s
most impressive.
in January of 2010, memorial Hospital and
mercy Hospitals of bakersfield agreed to pur-
chase a stake in Gemcare Health plan and its administrative arm,
managed care systems, llc, acquiring a fifty percent interest. the
remaining 50 percent was retained by the Gemcare physicians. a new
entity was formed, Gemcare mercy memorial Health system (GmmHs).
“With the advent of healthcare reform, we needed to create a
competitive system and products to fulfill community needs,” said
GmmHs president and ceo Robert severs. and working with these
two hospitals, part of the cHW network, will help give them the op-
portunity to do so.
the new relationship has allowed the new partners to launch a
commercial Health plan on october 1st of this year to go along
with its medicare plan, the second largest in kern county.
Gemcare’s history as a physician organization and the hospitals’
medical network will combine to make healthcare more efficient by
“giving hospitals and doctors a financial incentive to manage medical
care more carefully. the idea was to have a local, alternative product
to compete,” severs explained. “offering insured products to the
local employers that want to offer health benefits to their workers.”
the company will promote the new
commercial Hmo to local employers em-
phasizing collaboration and data sharing
with employers. “too often nobody can
tell employers why their healthcare costs
have increased. We plan to make employ-
ers part of the process by sharing data.”
and what sets this new Hmo apart is that
all of the operations are not only taking
place in the same city, they’re taking place
under one roof.
“We know the dynamics of kern county,”
said president and ceo of Gemcare Health
plan, inc. michael myers. “We have a good
feel for the community and what its needs
are going forward.”
“the level of service will exceed that of other plans,” severs con-
tinued. “members, as with our medicare members, will be able to
come in and speak directly with us if they have an issue.”
all the components have come together nicely, severs and my-
ers agreed. and because, according to severs, fragmentation is
the biggest problem from an insurance standpoint when it comes
to healthcare, this new commercial Hmo will already stand out
due to its cohesive structure.
“We could not have and would not have been able to ac-
complish this commercial system if it hadn’t been for cHW,” severs
added. “especially since the largest portion of healthcare costs
come from hospitals.”
so it stands to reason Gemcare mercy memorial Health systems’
new commercial Hmo will only improve the level of care kern
county employees receive in the coming years.
Jon Van boening, president bmHVincent phillips, mD, president Gemcare
GemcaRe HealtH plan
(l-r) ana igoa, marketing manager, Gemcare Health plan; Jon Van boening, president, bakersfield memorial Hospital; Robert severs, president and ceo, Gemcare mercy memorial Health system; David Dougherty, mD, board of Director, Gemcare mercy memorial Health system; Russell V. Judd, president, mercy Hospitals of bakersfield; Vincent phillips, mD, president Gemcareand board of Director, Gemcare mercy memorial Health system; Javier bustamante, mD, board of Director, Gemcare mercymemorial Health system; mike myers, president and ceo, Gemcare Health plan.
www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2010 79
GemcareHealthplan.com
4550 california avenue, suite 100 x 661.716.8800
the year 2010 has been a banner one for Gemcare and its affili-
ated companies. the medical group was formed as an indepen-
dent practice association (ipa) in 1992 with
just ten primary care physicians and three
specialists. today, Gemcare has over 100
primary care physicians and approximately
180 specialists and services members in ba-
kersfield and the outlying communities of
Delano, lake isabella, taft, and tehachapi.
membership has grown from 50 members in
november of 1992 to over 50,000 members
today. and while the company’s growth
has been steady and consistent, their plans
for the coming months and years are what’s
most impressive.
in January of 2010, memorial Hospital and
mercy Hospitals of bakersfield agreed to pur-
chase a stake in Gemcare Health plan and its administrative arm,
managed care systems, llc, acquiring a fifty percent interest. the
remaining 50 percent was retained by the Gemcare physicians. a new
entity was formed, Gemcare mercy memorial Health system (GmmHs).
“With the advent of healthcare reform, we needed to create a
competitive system and products to fulfill community needs,” said
GmmHs president and ceo Robert severs. and working with these
two hospitals, part of the cHW network, will help give them the op-
portunity to do so.
the new relationship has allowed the new partners to launch a
commercial Health plan on october 1st of this year to go along
with its medicare plan, the second largest in kern county.
Gemcare’s history as a physician organization and the hospitals’
medical network will combine to make healthcare more efficient by
“giving hospitals and doctors a financial incentive to manage medical
care more carefully. the idea was to have a local, alternative product
to compete,” severs explained. “offering insured products to the
local employers that want to offer health benefits to their workers.”
the company will promote the new
commercial Hmo to local employers em-
phasizing collaboration and data sharing
with employers. “too often nobody can
tell employers why their healthcare costs
have increased. We plan to make employ-
ers part of the process by sharing data.”
and what sets this new Hmo apart is that
all of the operations are not only taking
place in the same city, they’re taking place
under one roof.
“We know the dynamics of kern county,”
said president and ceo of Gemcare Health
plan, inc. michael myers. “We have a good
feel for the community and what its needs
are going forward.”
“the level of service will exceed that of other plans,” severs con-
tinued. “members, as with our medicare members, will be able to
come in and speak directly with us if they have an issue.”
all the components have come together nicely, severs and my-
ers agreed. and because, according to severs, fragmentation is
the biggest problem from an insurance standpoint when it comes
to healthcare, this new commercial Hmo will already stand out
due to its cohesive structure.
“We could not have and would not have been able to ac-
complish this commercial system if it hadn’t been for cHW,” severs
added. “especially since the largest portion of healthcare costs
come from hospitals.”
so it stands to reason Gemcare mercy memorial Health systems’
new commercial Hmo will only improve the level of care kern
county employees receive in the coming years.
Jon Van boening, president bmHVincent phillips, mD, president Gemcare
GemcaRe HealtH plan
(l-r) ana igoa, marketing manager, Gemcare Health plan; Jon Van boening, president, bakersfield memorial Hospital; Robert severs, president and ceo, Gemcare mercy memorial Health system; David Dougherty, mD, board of Director, Gemcare mercy memorial Health system; Russell V. Judd, president, mercy Hospitals of bakersfield; Vincent phillips, mD, president Gemcareand board of Director, Gemcare mercy memorial Health system; Javier bustamante, mD, board of Director, Gemcare mercymemorial Health system; mike myers, president and ceo, Gemcare Health plan.
80 Bakersfield Magazine
arrc.com
1600 mill Rock Way x 661.281.4000
What began with a small investment, is recognized as
one of the fastest growing companies in america today.
alex Rogers started aRRc as a simple
pc service and repair shop by selling
his only asset, a horse named trooper,
for a mere $300 in 1992. the timing was
great for a business like aRRc in the
bakersfield market. pcs were “hot”
and the public was starting to real-
ize what the internet was, so Rogers
began “cold calling from the yellow
pages” to get customers. this progres-
sive attitude laid the groundwork for
what aRRc would become. “For us,
to give anything less than superior ser-
vice would be an embarrassment. it’s
very personal,” he said.
aRRc is a prominent fixture in the bakersfield community
because of what Rogers and his wife, monique, have de-
veloped—a company that caters to clients’ technologi-
cal needs while retaining solid relationships that exist even
when there isn’t a problem. and that motto has helped
the company continue to grow and expand their reach
beyond repair and support services. aRRc’s capabilities
extend into emergency technological services, live re-
mote assistance, voice and data cabling, network and
security services, and managed services products, which
allow clients to have every technological need taken care
of by the entire aRRc team.
their managed services model, chartec, has even gone
national. connectWise, a company in Florida, partnered
with aRRc to produce a chartec product line which is cur-
rently being distributed across the country and into canada
and australia, providing companies with technology so-
lutions around the globe. it’s giant feather in aRRc’s hat.
“We made a huge investment to pro-
vide our clients with the workstations,
servers, back up appliances, and tele-
communication equipment they need
to run their businesses,” Rogers elabo-
rated. and it has paid off.
aRRc has been named one of the
fastest growing privately-owned com-
panies in america by inc. magazine
three times now. and both the Rogers
have been placed in nationally-ranked
lists of top executives for the technology
industry. not to mention, chartec was
dubbed business solutions magazine’s
innovative product of the year.
With chartec, aRRc is able to help local and international
businesses continue to function and generate revenue.
“anybody can sell a computer, anybody can build a net-
work,” monique explained. “but when you see that a com-
pany is growing and becoming what it needs to be because
you were involved, it’s very rewarding.”
as the technology market fluctuates, aRRc has found their
niche every time. the company is always trying to better its
abilities to help clients. “the solutions we provide are not just
about delivering or connecting equipment. We manage the
experience for the client by minimizing downtime, designing
solutions to grow with the company, and continuing a high
level of service after the sale is complete. We are successful
only if our clients and their businesses remain successful.”
it’s a philosophy that continues to bring this company
high praise.
alex Rogers, owner
aRRc tecHnoloGy
name Here
www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2010 81
arrc.com
1600 mill Rock Way x 661.281.4000
What began with a small investment, is recognized as
one of the fastest growing companies in america today.
alex Rogers started aRRc as a simple
pc service and repair shop by selling
his only asset, a horse named trooper,
for a mere $300 in 1992. the timing was
great for a business like aRRc in the
bakersfield market. pcs were “hot”
and the public was starting to real-
ize what the internet was, so Rogers
began “cold calling from the yellow
pages” to get customers. this progres-
sive attitude laid the groundwork for
what aRRc would become. “For us,
to give anything less than superior ser-
vice would be an embarrassment. it’s
very personal,” he said.
aRRc is a prominent fixture in the bakersfield community
because of what Rogers and his wife, monique, have de-
veloped—a company that caters to clients’ technologi-
cal needs while retaining solid relationships that exist even
when there isn’t a problem. and that motto has helped
the company continue to grow and expand their reach
beyond repair and support services. aRRc’s capabilities
extend into emergency technological services, live re-
mote assistance, voice and data cabling, network and
security services, and managed services products, which
allow clients to have every technological need taken care
of by the entire aRRc team.
their managed services model, chartec, has even gone
national. connectWise, a company in Florida, partnered
with aRRc to produce a chartec product line which is cur-
rently being distributed across the country and into canada
and australia, providing companies with technology so-
lutions around the globe. it’s giant feather in aRRc’s hat.
“We made a huge investment to pro-
vide our clients with the workstations,
servers, back up appliances, and tele-
communication equipment they need
to run their businesses,” Rogers elabo-
rated. and it has paid off.
aRRc has been named one of the
fastest growing privately-owned com-
panies in america by inc. magazine
three times now. and both the Rogers
have been placed in nationally-ranked
lists of top executives for the technology
industry. not to mention, chartec was
dubbed business solutions magazine’s
innovative product of the year.
With chartec, aRRc is able to help local and international
businesses continue to function and generate revenue.
“anybody can sell a computer, anybody can build a net-
work,” monique explained. “but when you see that a com-
pany is growing and becoming what it needs to be because
you were involved, it’s very rewarding.”
as the technology market fluctuates, aRRc has found their
niche every time. the company is always trying to better its
abilities to help clients. “the solutions we provide are not just
about delivering or connecting equipment. We manage the
experience for the client by minimizing downtime, designing
solutions to grow with the company, and continuing a high
level of service after the sale is complete. We are successful
only if our clients and their businesses remain successful.”
it’s a philosophy that continues to bring this company
high praise.
alex Rogers, owner
aRRc tecHnoloGy
name Here
82 Bakersfield Magazine
fmautobody.com
6860 District boulevard x 661.834.4960
“bakersfield is the best place to live, work, and bring up
our family,” said ben and lisette caroccio. in search of
a place to call their home and busi-
ness headquarters, the young couple
moved to bakersfield, leaving behind
the rushed and impersonal lifestyle of
the los angeles area. in 2003, they
purchased Family motors auto body
and paint from Jose arredondo, the
owner of Family motors. Within seven
years, they paid off the business loan,
purchased two spacious buildings,
and expanded their operation, cur-
rently occupying over two acres on
District blvd.
ben grew up in the body shop busi-
ness. His father had a two-car repair
shop. He instilled family values in the mind of little ben—
warmth, integrity, honesty, and friendship. His father oper-
ated his business by “Hand-shake,” that signified total trust
and loyalty between him and his clients. ben and lisette
still operate the old-fashioned way: give your clients a
good deal and a good deal more. “We have focused on
building people, our most valuable resource,” said lisette,
who serves as the cFo of the corporation.
“the way we treat our workers sets the standard the way
our workers will treat our customers. We treat our employ-
ees as part of our family. We pay 100 percent of the pre-
mium for their health insurance, and pay better than aver-
age wages. our mentor constantly reminds us that ‘Hungry
horses don’t win races,’ ” added ben. “if you take care of
your people, they will take care of you and build your busi-
ness. We help people not only to make a good living but
also to build a purpose-driven life for themselves and their
families,” said lisette.
in the current economic climate,
the couple thrives on their philoso-
phy of giving back to the community.
among their generous donations to
local charities, they have adopted a
village school in india, and helped es-
tablish a “buffalo bank” that provides
poor widows a way to make a living
and become self-reliant. they also
sponsor a sewing center and literacy
program for orphan girls. child educa-
tion is their major passion. lisette vol-
unteers almost 15 hours a week at their
children’s school.
in seven years, the couple has in-
creased their work force from six to thirty, established a
state-of-the-art body shop and opened a full-service auto
and truck repair center. What is their secret?
“We love what we do, we treat every customer as part
of our family, provide the highest quality of service, and
grow our business the old-fashioned way...by earning the
trust of our loyal customers,” ben explained. “We encour-
age our employees to take pride in their work as though it
was going to be on display. our slogan has always been,
‘Do it right the first time and make the lasting impression,
because there is no second chance to make the first im-
pression.’ ”
because you have a choice where you get your vehicle
repaired, ben and lisette caroccio do everything to en-
sure that Family motors auto body will be your first choice.
no matter what.
ben & lisette caroccio, owners
Family motoRs auto boDy & paint
the caroccio Family
www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2010 83
fmautobody.com
6860 District boulevard x 661.834.4960
“bakersfield is the best place to live, work, and bring up
our family,” said ben and lisette caroccio. in search of
a place to call their home and busi-
ness headquarters, the young couple
moved to bakersfield, leaving behind
the rushed and impersonal lifestyle of
the los angeles area. in 2003, they
purchased Family motors auto body
and paint from Jose arredondo, the
owner of Family motors. Within seven
years, they paid off the business loan,
purchased two spacious buildings,
and expanded their operation, cur-
rently occupying over two acres on
District blvd.
ben grew up in the body shop busi-
ness. His father had a two-car repair
shop. He instilled family values in the mind of little ben—
warmth, integrity, honesty, and friendship. His father oper-
ated his business by “Hand-shake,” that signified total trust
and loyalty between him and his clients. ben and lisette
still operate the old-fashioned way: give your clients a
good deal and a good deal more. “We have focused on
building people, our most valuable resource,” said lisette,
who serves as the cFo of the corporation.
“the way we treat our workers sets the standard the way
our workers will treat our customers. We treat our employ-
ees as part of our family. We pay 100 percent of the pre-
mium for their health insurance, and pay better than aver-
age wages. our mentor constantly reminds us that ‘Hungry
horses don’t win races,’ ” added ben. “if you take care of
your people, they will take care of you and build your busi-
ness. We help people not only to make a good living but
also to build a purpose-driven life for themselves and their
families,” said lisette.
in the current economic climate,
the couple thrives on their philoso-
phy of giving back to the community.
among their generous donations to
local charities, they have adopted a
village school in india, and helped es-
tablish a “buffalo bank” that provides
poor widows a way to make a living
and become self-reliant. they also
sponsor a sewing center and literacy
program for orphan girls. child educa-
tion is their major passion. lisette vol-
unteers almost 15 hours a week at their
children’s school.
in seven years, the couple has in-
creased their work force from six to thirty, established a
state-of-the-art body shop and opened a full-service auto
and truck repair center. What is their secret?
“We love what we do, we treat every customer as part
of our family, provide the highest quality of service, and
grow our business the old-fashioned way...by earning the
trust of our loyal customers,” ben explained. “We encour-
age our employees to take pride in their work as though it
was going to be on display. our slogan has always been,
‘Do it right the first time and make the lasting impression,
because there is no second chance to make the first im-
pression.’ ”
because you have a choice where you get your vehicle
repaired, ben and lisette caroccio do everything to en-
sure that Family motors auto body will be your first choice.
no matter what.
ben & lisette caroccio, owners
Family motoRs auto boDy & paint
the caroccio Family
84 Bakersfield Magazine
P R O F I L E S
For over 75 years, Greenlawn Mortuaries and Cemeteries has provided Bakersfield with heartfelt compassion and quality service during the most difficult times in our lives.
Over those years, the business has grown steadily. What started out as a monument and burial vault company has expanded to encompass two cemeteries, two mortuaries, and Wood Family Funeral Service, Inc. in Tehachapi, which recently joined the Greenlawn family. The one thing that has stayed the same, however, is their philosophy. Greenlawn strives to provide the personal touch that can only come from a family-run business.
And as such, this local operation can go above and beyond for families seeking their services.
“I put forth a challenge to our directors here,” president and CEO Jim La Mar explained. “I want them to do all that they can to exceed expectations, to do whatever they can to meet the needs of the families we serve.”
La Mar has been a part of the Greenlawn family since 1990, but only recently stepped up to fill the shoes of longtime president Bob Shaffer.
“Greenlawn has been my life since the day I as born,” states owner Marshall Helm. “The company has continued to improve as time goes on. That is because we have always looked to key people who know what they are doing. That is why I am thankful to have Jim running our company.”
“We have a long history with this community,” La Mar stated, “and we do not take that lightly. But we also know that our heritage alone isn’t enough for people to choose us when the need arises. We have to provide them with the best choices, services, and facilities at a fair price. Many companies are fearful of expansion, but we’re investing in our facilities, and we feel it will benefit the families we serve. I’m very proud of that.”
That’s why Greenlawn is undergoing a major face lift this year. In addition to new restroom facilities, a remodeled lobby, and new paint, they’ll be enhancing the landscaping. The new fountain is an example.
But the changes aren’t all within the grounds. La Mar is diligent in ensuring the types of services they offer are not only in tune with what families today want, but that they are economical. While many families are choosing cremation for their loved ones, Greenlawn understands the need to have a location to visit in order to pay their respects. To offer those needed services, Greenlawn is providing the cremation at no cost to families with certain property purchases.
“We understand how important it is for a family to come together during such a difficult time, so we started allowing the use of our chapel at no cost when our customers choose cremation. When
we fully care for their needs, it makes us a better business in the long run. I remind myself every day to ‘earn this’ right to serve the families that come to us. I want to be the voice that reminds our employees that this is not a job; it’s an opportunity to help someone. I don’t take it lightly.”
Besides serving the community through day-to-day operations, La Mar encourages his employees to volunteer and give back to our community. A few of the organizations they are involved in are the Bakersfield Ronald McDonald House, the Bakersfield Aids Project, the Bakersfield Breakfast Lions, and Kern County Teen Challenge. “It is our civic duty to give back to a community that has supported us for 75 years,” La Mar concluded.
3700 river Blvd. • (661)324-9701 | 2739 panama Ln. • (661)834-8820marshall (Digger) helm, owner | Jim La mar, presidentGreenlawn Mortuaries
P R O F I L E S
After having spent 15 years installing all aspects of pre-engineered metal building systems throughout the state of California, Larry Tucker realized that he wanted to make some changes within the industry in which he worked.
“I saw a need for a better level of quality craftsmanship, which was lacking at the time in this industry,” Larry explained. “I had the desire to fulfill that need.”
So, in 1995, he started Quality Steel Builders, Inc., a company of which he serves as president, and one that is still seeing substantial growth to this day.
“We supply and install pre-engineered metal building systems,” he said. “This product can be very flexible in design and can consist of a complete metal structure to include framing, siding, roofing, and a wide assortment of accessories.”
Larry is committed to providing complete service to the clients of Quality Steel Builders, Inc.
“We design our framing to support other types of materials or finishes such as concrete tilt-up walls, stud framing and plaster, insulated sandwich panels, or any design an architect or engineer wants to incorporate.”
Larry’s goal is to be not only accommodating to clients, but to provide unparalleled service. This business philosophy has made other companies take note.
“In the past, the majority of all metal buildings were of a basic design with the metal walls and roof finish. Even though it is still the most cost-effective design,
and is widely used and popular today, I have noticed that others have seen the benefits of using our system, complemented with the unlimited type of finishes that can be used to accomplish whatever look they want to achieve.”
As accommodating as the Quality Steel Builders, Inc. team is, they will not settle for less than perfection.
“We aim to excel above and beyond our competition in all areas of our business,” Larry elaborated. “We do extensive in-house training because a big hurdle has always been finding quality-oriented employees. So, we have built a training room that has a small metal building inside of it. We build this building from the ground up to help our team perfect their skills and we do in-house safety and equipment training to ensure a safe environment at the job site.” In fact, Larry is adamant that his staff be continuously trained throughout the year.
Larry personally works with and manages each project to ensure that the level of quality is top notch, safety practices are followed,
3331 pegasus Drive, suite 101 • (661)393-3800 | www.QsBi.comLarry tucker, presidentQuality Steel Builders, Inc.
and that the team performs at a professional level. “My team members bring our projects to completion within
budget and on time. We have no limits to the size or the complexity of projects that we can complete.”
Quality Steel Builders, Inc. has even built projects over 500,000 square feet in size.
“We complete every job with high quality standards, within budget, in a very safe manner, with great customer service and professionalism.”
That attitude extends to all facets of the business, which has provided Quality Steel Builders, Inc. a lot of recognition—giving Larry a lot to be proud of.
“My team members bring our projects to completion within budget and on time.”
–Larry Tucker
www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2010 85
P R O F I L E S
For over 75 years, Greenlawn Mortuaries and Cemeteries has provided Bakersfield with heartfelt compassion and quality service during the most difficult times in our lives.
Over those years, the business has grown steadily. What started out as a monument and burial vault company has expanded to encompass two cemeteries, two mortuaries, and Wood Family Funeral Service, Inc. in Tehachapi, which recently joined the Greenlawn family. The one thing that has stayed the same, however, is their philosophy. Greenlawn strives to provide the personal touch that can only come from a family-run business.
And as such, this local operation can go above and beyond for families seeking their services.
“I put forth a challenge to our directors here,” president and CEO Jim La Mar explained. “I want them to do all that they can to exceed expectations, to do whatever they can to meet the needs of the families we serve.”
La Mar has been a part of the Greenlawn family since 1990, but only recently stepped up to fill the shoes of longtime president Bob Shaffer.
“Greenlawn has been my life since the day I as born,” states owner Marshall Helm. “The company has continued to improve as time goes on. That is because we have always looked to key people who know what they are doing. That is why I am thankful to have Jim running our company.”
“We have a long history with this community,” La Mar stated, “and we do not take that lightly. But we also know that our heritage alone isn’t enough for people to choose us when the need arises. We have to provide them with the best choices, services, and facilities at a fair price. Many companies are fearful of expansion, but we’re investing in our facilities, and we feel it will benefit the families we serve. I’m very proud of that.”
That’s why Greenlawn is undergoing a major face lift this year. In addition to new restroom facilities, a remodeled lobby, and new paint, they’ll be enhancing the landscaping. The new fountain is an example.
But the changes aren’t all within the grounds. La Mar is diligent in ensuring the types of services they offer are not only in tune with what families today want, but that they are economical. While many families are choosing cremation for their loved ones, Greenlawn understands the need to have a location to visit in order to pay their respects. To offer those needed services, Greenlawn is providing the cremation at no cost to families with certain property purchases.
“We understand how important it is for a family to come together during such a difficult time, so we started allowing the use of our chapel at no cost when our customers choose cremation. When
we fully care for their needs, it makes us a better business in the long run. I remind myself every day to ‘earn this’ right to serve the families that come to us. I want to be the voice that reminds our employees that this is not a job; it’s an opportunity to help someone. I don’t take it lightly.”
Besides serving the community through day-to-day operations, La Mar encourages his employees to volunteer and give back to our community. A few of the organizations they are involved in are the Bakersfield Ronald McDonald House, the Bakersfield Aids Project, the Bakersfield Breakfast Lions, and Kern County Teen Challenge. “It is our civic duty to give back to a community that has supported us for 75 years,” La Mar concluded.
3700 river Blvd. • (661)324-9701 | 2739 panama Ln. • (661)834-8820marshall (Digger) helm, owner | Jim La mar, presidentGreenlawn Mortuaries
P R O F I L E S
After having spent 15 years installing all aspects of pre-engineered metal building systems throughout the state of California, Larry Tucker realized that he wanted to make some changes within the industry in which he worked.
“I saw a need for a better level of quality craftsmanship, which was lacking at the time in this industry,” Larry explained. “I had the desire to fulfill that need.”
So, in 1995, he started Quality Steel Builders, Inc., a company of which he serves as president, and one that is still seeing substantial growth to this day.
“We supply and install pre-engineered metal building systems,” he said. “This product can be very flexible in design and can consist of a complete metal structure to include framing, siding, roofing, and a wide assortment of accessories.”
Larry is committed to providing complete service to the clients of Quality Steel Builders, Inc.
“We design our framing to support other types of materials or finishes such as concrete tilt-up walls, stud framing and plaster, insulated sandwich panels, or any design an architect or engineer wants to incorporate.”
Larry’s goal is to be not only accommodating to clients, but to provide unparalleled service. This business philosophy has made other companies take note.
“In the past, the majority of all metal buildings were of a basic design with the metal walls and roof finish. Even though it is still the most cost-effective design,
and is widely used and popular today, I have noticed that others have seen the benefits of using our system, complemented with the unlimited type of finishes that can be used to accomplish whatever look they want to achieve.”
As accommodating as the Quality Steel Builders, Inc. team is, they will not settle for less than perfection.
“We aim to excel above and beyond our competition in all areas of our business,” Larry elaborated. “We do extensive in-house training because a big hurdle has always been finding quality-oriented employees. So, we have built a training room that has a small metal building inside of it. We build this building from the ground up to help our team perfect their skills and we do in-house safety and equipment training to ensure a safe environment at the job site.” In fact, Larry is adamant that his staff be continuously trained throughout the year.
Larry personally works with and manages each project to ensure that the level of quality is top notch, safety practices are followed,
3331 pegasus Drive, suite 101 • (661)393-3800 | www.QsBi.comLarry tucker, presidentQuality Steel Builders, Inc.
and that the team performs at a professional level. “My team members bring our projects to completion within
budget and on time. We have no limits to the size or the complexity of projects that we can complete.”
Quality Steel Builders, Inc. has even built projects over 500,000 square feet in size.
“We complete every job with high quality standards, within budget, in a very safe manner, with great customer service and professionalism.”
That attitude extends to all facets of the business, which has provided Quality Steel Builders, Inc. a lot of recognition—giving Larry a lot to be proud of.
“My team members bring our projects to completion within budget and on time.”
–Larry Tucker
86 Bakersfield Magazine
P R O F I L E S
Lynne Wright has a face that most people in Bakersfield recog-nize. In addition to being a long-respected and long-trusted Real-tor, Wright has also spent a considerable amount of time working in building and development, as well as relocation. These are both areas in which Wright has a lot of passion.
“I started helping people relocate in 2002, but also worked in re-sale and some commercial at the time,” Wright said. “Because of my extensive travel experience, and love and understanding of different cultures, I initially specialized in international relocation. However, I have moved into all areas of relocation.”
For Wright, this area of focus has allowed her to do what she does best.“My work involves not just finding the perfect home, but finding
the right schools, recreation possibilities, and helping clients find their way in our area as far as all the services they will need for their families,” she said. “I understand I am a part of a wonderful service industry. We aren’t simply selling homes, we’re helping people make a life here in Bakersfield.”
Wright brings an extensive track record in quality service and su-perb knowledge to the table whenever she works with a client. Save for roughly five years in which she lived in Seattle, Wright, raised at Tejon Ranch, has lived in the Bakersfield area most of her life. It’s this knowledge of the community that has allowed her to service clients for years and years.
And though her plate is more than full with her work at Keller Williams Realty, Wright still finds time to focus a considerable amount of energy on new home construction. With an extensive knowledge in construction and building practices, Wright hopes to further help families who realize what a great time it is to build the home they’ve always wanted.
Wright represents some of our area’s premier builders. Gene Winter of Gold Star Construction builds extremely energy-efficient luxury homes and is developing the site of the former Rio Bravo Tennis Resort. This amazing gated community will capture views of Lake Ming, the golf course, as well as Hart Park and our beautiful mountains. Winter also builds large custom homes wherever you like. Legend Homes is currently building in Talladega and Rancho Santa Fe. Chad Wright, owner, a true custom builder, is happy to have Wright represent him as he is busy at a time when he was un-sure of his building future. “We have several projects underway and on the books—we are moving ahead,” Chad Wright said.
“I simply love what I do and work as hard as I can to help the
5351 olive Drive • (661)619-5939keller Williams realtyLynne Wright, Realtor GRI, SRES
families I serve,” she added. That energy has not gone unnoticed. Wright has received countless referrals and letters of appreciation from large companies and small families alike.
Steve and Melissa Spendlove wrote, “Lynne was our real estate agent for our cross country move from Texas to Bakersfield. Even prior to personally meeting Lynne, her dedication and commitment were apparent in the pre-work and research she had completed and
delivered to us before we arrived into town. With her hard work and willingness to go the extra mile, we were able to find a great home in just one week.”
For Wright, a client is not another number. That came across to Lisa Babilonia who attempted to sell her home through another agent. After weeks of frustration she contacted Wright. “She im-mediately made me feel at ease and priced my home to sell. She’s experienced, knowledgeable of the market, has attention to detail, [she’s] trustworthy, and understands what it’s going to take to get your home sold.”
That’s service you simply can’t argue with—and service that has given Wright a reputation in Bakersfield as being the best. She has a face you know and a name you can trust.
With an extensive knowledge in construction and building practices, Wright hopes to further help families who realize what a great time it is
to build their dream home.
That’s service you simply can’t argue with—and service that has given Wright a reputation in Bakersfield as being the best. She has a face
you know and a name you can trust.
www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2010 87
OG A R D E N I N G W I T H M R S . P
Inside-Out GardeningBy Lynn Pitts
ctober and November are what some people call “Inside-Out Time.” It’s an odd sub-season in Bakersfield that may last a few weeks or longer. You start the day in a chilly house, but after going outside, you’re still close to summer warmth. Off come the sweaters and on go the sprinklers. There’s a slight chance of frost, which seems to encourage re-seeded lawns into that Oz-like emerald green color.
If you haven’t tried a fall-winter garden, you are missing a great opportunity to have some of the tastiest veggies. Sow lettuce, snow peas, radishes, carrots, Swiss chard, spinach, turnips, and fava beans. For flowers, sweet peas should be planted by Halloween. Poppy, larkspur, lupine, Bachelor Buttons, and alyssum seeds can be scattered now. Garlic cloves, onion sets, and shallots can be planted as well as flats of calendulas, Iceland poppies, primroses, snapdragons, stock, violas, and pansies. Your window for planting a fall-winter garden is between Columbus Day (October 12) and Veterans Day (November 11); say around Will Rogers Day (November 4).
Fall is a gardener’s most-favorite time of year. There’s that crispness in the air, of course, bringing lazy summer doldrums to an end. Fall makes my mind snap to attention and recall lessons learned in the great outdoor school of life. Books and classes are a great way to discover more about gardening, but there is really no substitute for that remarkable teaching team—trial and error. Over time, I’ve learned a few things, some important, others not so, and some lessons are yet to take hold. Gardening is a passion you can fulfill without guilt. It’s not fattening. It’s not bad for your health. It doesn’t lead to a life of crime. I still plant things too close, instant gratification being a powerful force. I still tend to go over the top; just one more pot won’t hurt, will it? And I am still a hypocrite. I told
In case you wondered...You can have too many garden ornaments,
but don’t let that stop you.
Get growing with a bonus fall-winter season!
myself no projects next year, but I’m already playing with ideas for a grape arbor. I have, however, learned some lessons through the years and here’s a smattering:gPlants don’t just grow up...they grow out as well. Most would probably be tossed from an airline seat for being too fat. Pay attention to that horizontal dimension. gYou can have too many garden orna-ments, but don’t let that stop you.gPlants that live over winter but get leg-gy and/or woody like lavender, santolina, rosemary and sage rarely recover their lush fullness. Toss ‘em. >>
Garden mistakes are called “research.”Plants that die are “opportunities.”
©Istockphoto.com/suzIfoo/Ivonnew
88 Bakersfield Magazine
GREENGOING
In a classIc epIsode of The sImpsons, lIsa falls for a young dreamboaT envIronmenTal acTIvIsT, whom she tries to impress by explaining she started a compost pile in her backyard.
he responds with, “you mean you don’t pocket-mulch?” and pro-ceeds to show her a handful of decomposing debris extricated from his pants pocket (presumably, these are hemp pants).
The important thing to take away from this is that composting is not only for granolas and stereotypical environmentalist groups—anyone with a yard can benefit from starting a compost pile.
sadly, “my first compost pile” kits are not available—you’ve got to do a bit of research before you embark on this. That’s why we’ve put together a few things to keep in mind when starting your com-posting journey.first off, you might be asking yourself “Why compost?” The answer is simple and two-fold.
according to Thegardenofoz.org, “compost is good for two very compelling reasons. It’s great for the garden, and it’s environmen-
tally responsible...it improves the soil, which in turn supports healthier and more productive plants.” The site goes on to ex-plain that “compost provides virtually all of the essential nu-trients for healthy plant growth, and it almost always releases those nutrients over time to give plants a slow, steady, consistent intake of the elements essential
for growth. compost will improve the texture of both clay and sandy soil. and, as an added benefit, compost improves plant vigor and pro-vides for improved immunology from diseases.”
on an environmental level, composting “can significantly reduce the amount of solid waste that would otherwise find its way into the trash collection and dumping cycle.” so the more we compost, the less we contribute to the solid materials that sit in landfills.
before you start mulching, you’ll need to obtain or make a container that is approximately one cubic yard (3’x3’x3’). and according to eco-cycle.org, size is important for the proper temperature. piles that are too small cannot hold enough heat for effective microbial activity, and piles too large (more than 5 feet cubed) do not allow for enough air to reach microbes in the center of the pile.
next, mix two parts brown (dry leaves, small twigs, straw, etc.) with one part green (grass clippings, kitchen scraps, etc.). This 2 to 1 ratio provides the best mix of carbon (brown materials) to nitrogen (greens). chop or break up any twigs and large pieces of fruit and >>
green pages
phot
o By
anne
nor
man
Lynn Pitts, better known as Mrs. P., is a native Californian, master gardener in four counties including Kern, a garden writer, and profes-sional botanical artist. She has been featured on “The Art of Gardening,” on PBS, and has conducted flower workshops throughout Cali-fornia for botanical gardens and arboretums.
gSomething happens to people’s brains when they get their hands on pruners. They want to reenact the chainsaw massa-cre, which explains the butchered trees and hedges around town. gDo not use fish fertilizer in your pots on the day you are having a cocktail party on the patio. Do not spread manure on your lawn just before entertaining outside (or in-side with the windows open). And, by all means, do not go off and leave the job to a teenage boy who thinks, if one bag of fertil-izer is good, two will be even better.gThe term “dwarf” on a plant tag just means it’s smaller than the species. Maybe only 15 feet high instead of 25.gYou can never dig enough compost into hard clay soil. You can never dig enough compost into hard clay soil. Write this 100 times on the blackboard.g A good pickax is your new “BFF” when breaking up hard clay soil.gDon’t use bark chips on paths. It disinte-grates into an excellent medium for growing weeds, unless you first lay down weed cloth.gSomeday you will find all your trowels. They’ll be at the end of the rainbow with all those socks that disappeared in the wash.gDon’t expect flowers you order to have the brilliant color you see in catalogs. gDon’t move a large plant unless you can afford to lose it. I moved a $250 Japa-nese maple because I thought it would look better somewhere else. Not a smart move.gYou are not alone. There is rarely such a thing as a water feature that doesn’t have problems.gPlants that flop aren’t worth it. Staking is a chore and seldom looks natural. I make exceptions for lilies and delphiniums.g As mentioned last issue, phrases such as “tendency to spread” are euphemisms for “will take over everything.”gUnless your family is crazy for zucchini bread, you probably don’t need more than one zucchini plant. Ditto for cherry tomato plants.gRoses continue their love/hate affair with me. Last January I convinced myself I didn’t need so many roses. I tried to give them up but it’s like giving up chocolate. You can only do it for so long. I never made it through Lent. I still have 25 rose bushes.
Gardening with Mrs. P
Before I forget, I’ve got to tell you about a couple of fantastic plant catalogs I’ve recently discovered. Since our “Inside” time is soon arriving, it’s always fun to dog-ear pages on chilly winter days, planning ahead to 2011’s garden. My reputation as a disciplined shopper is toast as I get greedier with each flip of a catalog page. This reminds me of a German saying: “Once your reputation is ruined, you can live quite freely.” But I digress.
The catalogs I mentioned are:
Yucca Do Nursery Yuccado.comA southwestern Texas nursery specializing
in drought- and heat-tolerant plants that will astound you with all the excellent choices.
Plant Delights Nursery Plantdelights.comCan you say “addictive”? I can and I
will. More than 1,000 perennials to choose from. It’s dangerous and don’t say I didn’t warn you.
A friend told me that gardening is like spaghetti. Everybody loves it, but everyone makes the sauce differently. And it’s still good. Call garden mistakes “research” and plants that die “opportunities.” I think Will Rogers would approve. v
Let your creative side have its wild way this bonus season.
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www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2010 89
GREENGOING
In a classIc epIsode of The sImpsons, lIsa falls for a young dreamboaT envIronmenTal acTIvIsT, whom she tries to impress by explaining she started a compost pile in her backyard.
he responds with, “you mean you don’t pocket-mulch?” and pro-ceeds to show her a handful of decomposing debris extricated from his pants pocket (presumably, these are hemp pants).
The important thing to take away from this is that composting is not only for granolas and stereotypical environmentalist groups—anyone with a yard can benefit from starting a compost pile.
sadly, “my first compost pile” kits are not available—you’ve got to do a bit of research before you embark on this. That’s why we’ve put together a few things to keep in mind when starting your com-posting journey.first off, you might be asking yourself “Why compost?” The answer is simple and two-fold.
according to Thegardenofoz.org, “compost is good for two very compelling reasons. It’s great for the garden, and it’s environmen-
tally responsible...it improves the soil, which in turn supports healthier and more productive plants.” The site goes on to ex-plain that “compost provides virtually all of the essential nu-trients for healthy plant growth, and it almost always releases those nutrients over time to give plants a slow, steady, consistent intake of the elements essential
for growth. compost will improve the texture of both clay and sandy soil. and, as an added benefit, compost improves plant vigor and pro-vides for improved immunology from diseases.”
on an environmental level, composting “can significantly reduce the amount of solid waste that would otherwise find its way into the trash collection and dumping cycle.” so the more we compost, the less we contribute to the solid materials that sit in landfills.
before you start mulching, you’ll need to obtain or make a container that is approximately one cubic yard (3’x3’x3’). and according to eco-cycle.org, size is important for the proper temperature. piles that are too small cannot hold enough heat for effective microbial activity, and piles too large (more than 5 feet cubed) do not allow for enough air to reach microbes in the center of the pile.
next, mix two parts brown (dry leaves, small twigs, straw, etc.) with one part green (grass clippings, kitchen scraps, etc.). This 2 to 1 ratio provides the best mix of carbon (brown materials) to nitrogen (greens). chop or break up any twigs and large pieces of fruit and >>
green pages
phot
o By
anne
nor
man
N
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vegetable waste. materials will break down more quickly with in-creased surface area.remember to keep it moist, but not soaking wet.
also, keep it turning. compost needs air. Turning the compost will help it break down and will prevent it from smelling unpleasant.
When it is ready your compost should look and smell like richsoil (just like earth). use finished compost to feed your garden, flowers, potted plants, and lawn.
for flowers and vegetables, work in half an inch of mature compost into the top six inches of the soil with a garden fork or rototiller. be sure that soil isn’t sodden with water as this can result in an “adobe effect” when it dries which adversely affects the plants.
for the lawn, sprinkle 1/8 to 1/4 inch of fine compost evenly across the grass to improve the lawn’s ability to use fertilizers more efficiently so that less is needed.
but you can’t just throw anything in a compost pile. again, ecocy-cle.org recommends “bones, meat, eggs (egg shells are okay), cheese, and other dairy products or oils be thrown in the garbage.” and keep the pets from doing their business in the pile, as well.
always bury the food waste by pulling aside some of the bedding, dumping the waste, and then cover it up with the bedding again. If your compost is smelly, that’s a sign that it needs more air. aerate your compost by regularly turning your pile.
so there are lots of benefits for composting...take your pick. all that’s left to do now is buy a pair of birkenstocks and get in the garden. Just kidding. n
Sources: TheGardenofOz.org; ecocycle.org/compost
More people are making the move to solar than ever before. Ac-cording to Glenn Bland, owner of Bland Solar and Air, “by outsmarting your meter, you can lower or eliminate your electric bill. Instead of paying PG&E for power, produce your own.”Bland said costs that may have made solar prohibitive can be avoid-ed with financing. Unsecured low interest loans are available with little or no down payment. There is a definite advantage to buying versus leasing a solar sys-tem. Home owners will receive both a tax credit and rebate from PG & E. When the 30 percent tax credit is received, it can be applied to the loan with payments cut in half. Payoff time is also decreased. Plus homeowners will see increased property value, and return on invest-ment in as little as five years.
Leasing has become popular but there’s disadvantages homeowners may not be aware of. No rebate or tax credit are available. At the end of a lease, you either have to pay the residual value of the system, re-lease it, or have it removed. When a homeowner moves they’re still responsible for the lease, if the new owner takes it over, they must be approved. Bland’s solar expertise goes beyond Bakersfield; he travels across the U.S. and teaches classes on solar installation. He stresses that solar buyers can create positive cash flow, save money on utility bills, and have low or no utility bills after it’s paid off.Stop by Bland Solar & Air’s 10,000 sq. ft. office, showroom, class-room, and warehouse facility at 4303 East Brundage Lane or visit www.outsmartyourmeter.com.
hoW To ouTsmarT your meTer WITh solar
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www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2010 91
92 Bakersfield Magazine
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By Tom Xavierhome & Garden
SPeCiaL adverTiSinG SeCTion
deCoraTinG for The SeaSonS iS noThinG new, BuT wiTh a few freSh ideaS, you Can do wonderS wiTh a Tired room. and iT SeemS auTumn iS The favoriTe SeaSon To deCoraTe for...The SuBTLe faLL CoLorS BrinG warmTh inTo our LiveS and homeS. BuT how To handLe eaCh room?
The LivinG roomBring in fall colors (reds, golds, browns) with throw pillows and throws. This is an
inviting way to bring colors into your living space as splashes of colors will make it an inviting place to relax.
The first tip would be to put up colorful fall swag, which can be purchased at craft and hobby stores. You can also make them yourself with silk or dried flowers. Both will add an element of the outdoors.
don’t be afraid to incorporate mini pumpkins—line them up on the mantle with foliage between them. Collect some colorful leaves, pine cones, and acorns outside, then gather together a bunch of small pumpkins, gourds, apples, and indian corn. add a basket, a glass vase or bowl, and you have the ingredients for a fall display you can use as a coffee table centerpiece, or placed on a hutch or antique bureau. Experiment with plenty of variations. an autumn-toned piece of cloth will look nice under a basket and it keeps the surface clean from residue—a win-win. Place candles around the sides or in the center of your display.
The dininG roomThe best way to bring fall into your dining room is by using a fall-colored table runner
or tablecloth. This step alone can change the appearance of the room and it’s a quick and easy addition. and if you want to take it one step further, try cloth chair covers in fall patterns or solid fall colors. >>
warm up your home with seasonal color
faLLinto the
Season
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94 Bakersfield Magazine
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r e S o u r C e Shome & Garden
The KiTChenThe kitchen is usually a room no one thinks of when decorating
for the seasons. a simple basket of seasonal produce on the counter can bring the wonderful feeling of fall into your home. and since the kitchen is a place of delicious smells, it should be a no-brainer that a simmering pot of potpourri on the stove will remind everyone that autumn is upon us and evoke memories of apple cider and hayrides.
The enTranCe wayThe first great way to decorate your porch for the fall is to
pick up some pumpkins. This is a great activity for a family or a couple and provides the opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy the fall foliage. Go to your local pumpkin patch and pick out a few pumpkins in various sizes to set on your steps this autumn. while you are there, see if the pumpkin patch also carries gourds and squashes, which can be put in a nice woven basket on your porch in addition to the pumpkins for some color and shape variety.
another great way to spruce up your porch this fall is to purchase a few bales of hay. Bales of hay can be placed on your porch as-is and used as a stand for your pumpkins and baskets of gourds and squashes. And you’ve got the swag inside...don’t be afraid to hang some on the front door. Try making your own with twigs and foliage from your front yard if you are the crafty type. But certain home goods stores sell garlands (for those not as crafty) that are just as colorful. These garlands bring incredible warmth to the home when wrapped up the banister of a staircase or on stair railings.
Sometimes the smallest touches can impact a room...and that certainly is the case for fall decorations. even a few changes in color can get you ready for harvest time. But don’t be afraid to try everything; autumn is a great season to bring into the home. n
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Switch on the burner, grease up the skillet, or spark up the coals, it’s
time to get eating. It’s not hard to eat a meal fit for a king—we’ve done
the research for you. Whether you’re searching for juicy new recipes to
thrill dinner guests with or looking for a new, exciting place to dine out
with family, our Food Section has all the spice and flavor you’ll need.food
We’ve got reviews, recipes, entertaining tips, and more! This is the place to explore local eateries that have good
food and good service, find out which ones cater to your budget and your taste buds, and get culinary inspiration
to bring back to your own kitchen. Sumptuous, mouth-watering meals await you whatever your mood—
grab your apron and peruse these pages for your favorite recipe.
Bon Appétit.
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98 Bakersfield Magazine
Bakersfield Marriott at the Convention Center
Salad
2 heirloom tomatoes, thickly sliced 3 oz. buratta cheese, thickly sliced
Salt • Cracked Pepper
PeSto
1 bunch of cilantro, stems removed1/2 bunch parsley, stems removed
2 cloves of garlic, minced1 small shallot, minced
Zest of one lemon • Juice of one lemon2 tbsp. pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
2 tbsp. shredded manchego cheese1/2 cup olive oil • Salt to taste
Use a blender or food processor to blend all ingredients for pesto until combined. Adjust consistency with water. After pesto is prepared, arrange the tomatoes and buratta cheese on a plate, alternating cheese and tomato. Sprinkle with salt and cracked pepper to taste. Then, simply drizzle the pesto over the top of your dish. Yum-mo!
QUICK BITES WITH LOCAL FLAVOR
CUISInE: edible elegance
salad with ATTITUdEIT’S nOT OFTEn THAT WE dECLARE SOmEOnE’S pESTO THE “BEST-O,” BUT, In THIS CASE, IT’S WARRAnTEd.
When we asked Executive Chef Ben Cude from the Bakersfield marriott at the Convention Center to cook something special up just for our readers that would be fresh, local, and elegant, he did not disappoint. Instead of traditional basil pesto, he prepared a cilantro pesto that has our mouths watering. He also didn’t skimp on the fresh flavor!
But don’t take our word for it...try it yourself. n
Heirloom Tomato Salad~with Cilantro Pesto~
executive chef Ben cudeBakersfield Marriott at the
convention center
easy to make!
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www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2010 99
welcome backI BECAmE A FAn OF BRImSTOnE, THE gRILL And BAR AT THE pAdRE HOTEL AT 18TH And H STREETS In dOWnTOWn BAKERSFIELd,
THE mOmEnT I SET FOOT In THE pLACE. I SUppOSE YOU COULd SAY I’d WAITEd dECAdES FOR THAT mOmEnT.
I used to work downtown, in the days when the padre was not much
more than a derelict. Older locals occasionally reminisce about the padre’s
heyday in the 1940s and ‘50s, when a girl on a swing and musician Er-
nie Kelly were magnets. When I came to town in the early ‘80s, the aging
hotel featured a phony rocket and blinking “Alamo Tombstone” neon lights
on its roof that made it an eyesore and the source of civic angst. It had
unsavory nicknames. It also was a mere ghost of what it once was when it
first opened in 1928.
All that has changed. now the padre is the toast of the town. It’s the
center of the downtown “social scene” a hotspot for lunch, and one of the
in-places for dinner.
Like many Bakersfieldians, I followed with some anticipation the padre’s
saga as it moved toward reopening. It had been open about a week when I
found myself downtown with about 20 minutes to kill before a meeting at
the Chamber of Commerce office. I decided to see for myself what the buzz
was all about, so I wandered over to the padre. I loved what I saw:
CUISInE: delectable destination
The Spanish Colonial Revival architectural style, popular in California
in the 1920s, was suddenly evident now that the roof-mounted distrac-
tions had been removed, and the building had received a facelift. The
former eyesore was now eye candy.
Just inside the lobby, the Farmacy Café seemed just right for break-
fast or a cup of coffee, and, I noted, paid subtle homage to the region’s
agricultural heritage.
The Belvedere Room, the hotel’s main dining room, was cool and inviting.
The elevator maintained the original façade, with an arrow, like the hand
of a clock, pointing to the floor numbers as it rotated first clockwise when
the elevator went up and counterclockwise when it came down.
The high lobby ceiling gave the new padre a feeling of opulence; the
white paint emphasized openness and airiness.
Brimstone, the grill and bar, with its wall of windows looking out onto
H Street, its stamped-tin ceiling and its hardwood floors, was reminiscent
of a bygone era. >>
By mike Stepanovich
WHAT’S COOKIn’
open wide for theWorks Burger!
100 Bakersfield Magazine
Bakersfield Association of ReAltoRs®
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www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2010 101
CUISInE: delectable destinationA hotel staff member noticed me looking around and offered me a tour. He took
me to the top (eighth) floor, showed me a couple of the rooms and pointed out
some of the other features. I was enthralled. I figured that a company that had
put this much effort into converting a shell of a place into a first-class hotel likely
served pretty good food. I went off to my meeting, but returned for lunch.
Was I rewarded! If you haven’t’ been to Brimstone, put it on your list. Everything
I’ve tried there has been splendid.
I began my Brimstone experience with a burger. Any place worth its salt has a good
burger, I reasoned, and as it turned out, Brimstone’s is among the best in town.
It’s simple at Brimstone—you have two choices: The padre Burger (or if you prefer,
substitute a chicken breast for the beef patty and you have the padre Chicken Sand-
wich), or “The Works” burger (or chicken sandwich). With either, you have a choice of
red cabbage salad, potato salad, or French fries. more on the sides in a minute.
Padre’s Italian Salad
skirt steak with chimichurri
The padre Burger ($10) comes with lettuce, tomato, a dill spear, onions and your
choice of cheeses—American, cheddar, Swiss, or provolone. “The Works” is the
same half-pound patty with the same vegetable enhancements, but your choice of
three additional toppings: bleu cheese, in addition to the other four cheeses; bacon;
avocado; jalapeños; mushrooms; fried egg; barbecue sauce; and onion sticks.
The bun is a delicious bakery bun, lightly brushed with butter on the top. The
patty is cooked to order (I prefer medium), juicy and flavorful. The burger comes
with a light application of mayonnaise, and additional condiments are available
upon request (I ask for extra mayo and mustard).
Once you take a bite it’s difficult to put the burger down; one bite leads to another
and the next thing you know you’ve almost forgotten that it came with a side dish.
And the sides are exceptional, especially the potato salad. What makes the pota-
to salad so good is that it has dijon mustard—not a lot, mind you, but just enough
mixed in to give it a unique flavor and make you wish for a bigger portion.
The fries are also first rate: crisp and crunchy on the outside, soft and flavorful
on the inside. They’re seasoned with coarse-grind salt. Yum!
I found it difficult to stray from the burger on subsequent visits (really, it’s that
good) but was tempted one day by a seafood salad that was pitched as a daily
special. It was stunning! Shrimp and crab highlighted this delectable creation.
Sadly, it’s never been offered since. I’ve overheard other diners asking about it as
well, but so far no encore. Its brief appearance proved incredibly popular to the
point that servers there are ready with an apology for its absence. Hopefully, the
chef will bring it back.
The Caesar salad ($7) is a good alternative—crisp Romaine and lightly
dressed. This classic salad also can be ordered with chicken ($4 extra) or poached
salmon ($6). I also have enjoyed the Cobb salad.
my wife, Carol, and I decided recently to try Brimstone for dinner, and came
away impressed. As luck would have it, we visited on a monday and learned
that all entrées are half-price on mondays. So a 10-ounce top sirloin steak that
otherwise would cost $18 is $9 on mondays. The trout that is normally $14 is
$7. A great deal!
At the enthusiastic suggestion of our server, morgan, we started with the ar-
tichoke hummus and pita chips appetizer ($7). morgan was right: the garbanzo-
artichoke blend had not only a nice texture but also delicate flavors—the two
principal ingredients blending beautifully. It disappeared quickly.
Carol, who adores shrimp cocktail, couldn’t resist Brimstone’s offering ($9).
The bite-sized shrimp were tossed in a cocktail sauce with just the right amount
of horseradish. It was chilled and refreshing.
Carol opted for the padre Italian salad ($9). Carol tends to be a light eater, so
I anticipated that part of the salad would accompany us home, but no, she ate
every morsel. The bed of greens included tomatoes, cucumbers, white beans,
provolone, and salami, which Carol topped with bleu cheese dressing. She’s par-
ticular about her bleu cheese dressing, and raved about Brimstone’s.
I chose the skirt steak, with fries and chimichurri ($13). This flavorful cut was
topped with the bright green Argentine condiment that was such a complement
that I asked for more. It was delicious! The size was perfect, too.
We’re already contemplating our return visit, because Brimstone is truly a din-
ing destination. n
Bakersfield Association of ReAltoRs®
4800 stockdale Highway, suite 100661.635.2300 | Fax 661.635.2317
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102 Bakersfield Magazine
dRInK: whet your whistle
saddle up!
Established in the 1940s by the Chisum family, Ethel Chisum ran the es-
tablishment from 1962 to 1996 and she was one tough cookie. Bartender
Sheena macdonald says, when you were at Ethel’s you were treated like
family, but it was her house and you played by her rules.
“There’s a running joke now that there’s always a burger available after
3 p.m. because when Ethel ran this place, she shut the grill off at 3 p.m.
and if you wanted a burger, you could go someplace else. She was pretty
straightforward like that.”
Ethel loved everyone and liked to have people around and that spirit is still
evident at Ethel’s Old Corral. A scene from the wild west, Ethel’s Old Corral is a
place the locals like to go for strong, quality drinks.
She’s got a little something tucked away for folks looking for a hearty drink:
Ethel’s Whiskey Bent. “We named this drink after the famous Hank Williams
Jr. song, ‘Whiskey Bent and Hell Bound.’ It’s a classic with the guys. It’s rug-
ged,” macdonald added. A concoction of crown royal, peach schnapps, and
cranberry juice, this lil’ doggy is one that can be sipped or slammed.
The drinks aren’t the only charms Ethel’s has; Often seen outside is the cow-
boy’s best friend–a horse. not to mention motorcycles–the modern horse for
the modern cowboy. So, saddle up partners, this is going to be one wild night! n
BOTTOmS Up!
ETHEL IS OnE COUnTRY-WESTERn gAL THAT YOU mIgHT nOT WAnT
TO TAngLE WITH On A FRIdAY nIgHT. WITH A dOUBLE HOLSTER,
SHE’S gOT A BOTTLE OF SmIRnOFF On OnE SIdE And HEFTY BOTTLE
OF WHISKEY On THE OTHER.
Year Established: 1943Location: 4310 Alfred Harrell Highway
QuiCkFaCtS
one shot crown royal Whiskey
half a shot peach schnapps
cranberry juice
Ethel’s Whiskey Bent
By Jason gutierrez
102 Bakersfield Magazine
OnE OF mY FAVORITE pARTY THEmES IS A mExICAn FIESTA...BUT WITH THE VOLUmE TURnEd Up. SO gRAB YOUR SOmBRERO And SHUFFLE SOUTH TO CELEBRATE.
However, you may think you know mexican food because you’ve cooked up some fajitas in your kitchen and cracked open a few jars of commercial salsa. But mexican cuisine can be much more interesting than the com-mercial products you’ve tried over the years. So take the challenge when you host your next dinner party and make it a fiesta to remember with these recipes (and more that are on our website!)
Setting the StageAn outdoor setting is perfect. Use your backyard, patio, or even courtyard. do you have mexican blankets, sombreros, dolls, or other souvenirs
you picked up on a trip to mexico? If so, find a way to incorporate them into your décor. The genuine item is always preferable to a plastic imita-tion. But it’s important to make it a very casual party. not everything has to match; it makes for a more unique look. Tissue paper flowers are part of traditional fiesta décor in mexico, so find a way to incorporate them.
natural decorations such as a cacti arrangement or a chili pepper wreath (ristra) would work well as a centerpiece.
Whether they serve as accents to your food, or mere conversation pieces, get a selection of hot sauces to place around your table.
You can purchase strands of chili pepper lights to add a spicy glow to your party, indoors or outdoors.
play traditional mariachi music during your dinner. To add that extra ambiance, bring in a fire pit, borrowed or rented.
Beverages
EnTERTAInIng THE BAKERSFIELd WAY
CUISInE : new takes on old traditions
Fiery Fiesta! By Tom xavier
Forget the traditional margarita! Start your guests off with a very fragrant and colorful Sangria punch or even the new “it” cocktail, the mojito. But take it up a notch by preparing the pineapple mojito. >>
the Perfect Starter - Pineapple Mojitos
2-3 lime wedges • 4-8 mint leaves, to taste
2 tsp. brown sugar • 3 or 4 pineapple chunks
2 ounces white or gold rum • Splash of pineapple juice
muddle the lime wedges, mint leaves, sugar, and pineapple in the bottom of a high-
ball glass with a wooden spoon or muddler. don’t overdo it, though. The idea is to bruise
the ingredients, releasing their flavors, not grind them up. pour in the rum and pineapple
juice. Fill with crushed ice. mix thoroughly. garnish with a sprig of mint.
no siesta here...It’s time to PARTY HARDY!
www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2010 103dRInK: whet your whistle
saddle up!
Established in the 1940s by the Chisum family, Ethel Chisum ran the es-
tablishment from 1962 to 1996 and she was one tough cookie. Bartender
Sheena macdonald says, when you were at Ethel’s you were treated like
family, but it was her house and you played by her rules.
“There’s a running joke now that there’s always a burger available after
3 p.m. because when Ethel ran this place, she shut the grill off at 3 p.m.
and if you wanted a burger, you could go someplace else. She was pretty
straightforward like that.”
Ethel loved everyone and liked to have people around and that spirit is still
evident at Ethel’s Old Corral. A scene from the wild west, Ethel’s Old Corral is a
place the locals like to go for strong, quality drinks.
She’s got a little something tucked away for folks looking for a hearty drink:
Ethel’s Whiskey Bent. “We named this drink after the famous Hank Williams
Jr. song, ‘Whiskey Bent and Hell Bound.’ It’s a classic with the guys. It’s rug-
ged,” macdonald added. A concoction of crown royal, peach schnapps, and
cranberry juice, this lil’ doggy is one that can be sipped or slammed.
The drinks aren’t the only charms Ethel’s has; Often seen outside is the cow-
boy’s best friend–a horse. not to mention motorcycles–the modern horse for
the modern cowboy. So, saddle up partners, this is going to be one wild night! n
BOTTOmS Up!
ETHEL IS OnE COUnTRY-WESTERn gAL THAT YOU mIgHT nOT WAnT
TO TAngLE WITH On A FRIdAY nIgHT. WITH A dOUBLE HOLSTER,
SHE’S gOT A BOTTLE OF SmIRnOFF On OnE SIdE And HEFTY BOTTLE
OF WHISKEY On THE OTHER.
Year Established: 1943Location: 4310 Alfred Harrell Highway
QuiCkFaCtS
one shot crown royal Whiskey
half a shot peach schnapps
cranberry juice
Ethel’s Whiskey Bent
By Jason gutierrez
OnE OF mY FAVORITE pARTY THEmES IS A mExICAn FIESTA...BUT WITH THE VOLUmE TURnEd Up. SO gRAB YOUR SOmBRERO And SHUFFLE SOUTH TO CELEBRATE.
However, you may think you know mexican food because you’ve cooked up some fajitas in your kitchen and cracked open a few jars of commercial salsa. But mexican cuisine can be much more interesting than the com-mercial products you’ve tried over the years. So take the challenge when you host your next dinner party and make it a fiesta to remember with these recipes (and more that are on our website!)
Setting the StageAn outdoor setting is perfect. Use your backyard, patio, or even courtyard. do you have mexican blankets, sombreros, dolls, or other souvenirs
you picked up on a trip to mexico? If so, find a way to incorporate them into your décor. The genuine item is always preferable to a plastic imita-tion. But it’s important to make it a very casual party. not everything has to match; it makes for a more unique look. Tissue paper flowers are part of traditional fiesta décor in mexico, so find a way to incorporate them.
natural decorations such as a cacti arrangement or a chili pepper wreath (ristra) would work well as a centerpiece.
Whether they serve as accents to your food, or mere conversation pieces, get a selection of hot sauces to place around your table.
You can purchase strands of chili pepper lights to add a spicy glow to your party, indoors or outdoors.
play traditional mariachi music during your dinner. To add that extra ambiance, bring in a fire pit, borrowed or rented.
Beverages
EnTERTAInIng THE BAKERSFIELd WAY
CUISInE : new takes on old traditions
Fiery Fiesta! By Tom xavier
Forget the traditional margarita! Start your guests off with a very fragrant and colorful Sangria punch or even the new “it” cocktail, the mojito. But take it up a notch by preparing the pineapple mojito. >>
the Perfect Starter - Pineapple Mojitos
2-3 lime wedges • 4-8 mint leaves, to taste
2 tsp. brown sugar • 3 or 4 pineapple chunks
2 ounces white or gold rum • Splash of pineapple juice
muddle the lime wedges, mint leaves, sugar, and pineapple in the bottom of a high-
ball glass with a wooden spoon or muddler. don’t overdo it, though. The idea is to bruise
the ingredients, releasing their flavors, not grind them up. pour in the rum and pineapple
juice. Fill with crushed ice. mix thoroughly. garnish with a sprig of mint.
no siesta here...It’s time to PARTY HARDY!
104 Bakersfield Magazine
appetizers and dips You have to have an avocado-based dip, naturally gua-
camole is tradition, but how about kicking it up a notch and adding blue cheese? This “Roquamole” adds that ex-tra little “wow” to a sometimes mundane guacamole.
Roquamole 1 cup crumbled Roquefort cheese
1/4 cup sour cream • 2 ripe avocados1/4 cup sliced pickled green jalapeños
2 tbsp. finely sliced scallions • 1/4 tsp. paprikalarge bag of blue corn tortilla chips
(the blue corn makes a huge difference)Crumble or mash the blue cheese with the sour
cream in a bowl. mash in the avocados. If they are ripe, a fork should be all you need. Roughly chop the jalapeños and stir them into the mixture along with the finely sliced scallions. Arrange in the center of a plate or dish, dust with paprika, and surround with tortilla chips. Serves 4-6.
Heat things up a bit with a mexican cheese fondue served with meatballs, sliced crisp jicama, and some fresh vegetable for dipping. All the best flavors of mexican food have crossed over into this cheese fon-due recipe, a great idea for dip or dinner.
Mexican Cheese Fondue20 oz. Monterey Jack cheese
3 tbsp. flour • 1 tsp. ground cumin1 tsp. paprika • 1 1/4 cups beer
1 1/2 tbsp. lemon juice6-8 fresh chilies, seeded and minced1/2 bell pepper, seeded and minced
1 medium tomato, seeded and chopped1 1/2 teaspoons salt
Shred the cheese and toss together with the flour, cumin, and paprika. Set aside.
Heat the beer over high heat in a medium, heavy saucepan. When very hot, add the lemon juice, chil-ies, bell pepper, and tomato. gradually add the cheese mixture, stirring, until it is melted and smooth. Add the salt and transfer to a warm fondue pot.
Serve with skewered pre-cooked meatballs (store-bought for ease) and tortilla chips or your jicama and other fresh veggies. Serves 6.
Side dishesThere are numerous side dishes that can be made
in advance and presented in a buffet style, which is the most practical arrangement for a large mexican theme party.
All your dishes would not be complete without beans, rice, and salsa on the side. But you can satisfy the “hot and spicy” lovers with Jalapeño Hushpuppies. They’re hot. They’re cool. But, alas, you can’t wear them on your feet. They’re breaded jalapeño pepper slices, baked to crispy-brown perfection.
Jalapeño Hushpuppies 1 1/2 cups yellow and/or white cornmeal
1/2 cup flour • 3 tsp. baking powder1 ½ tsp. salt • 1/2 tsp. pepper1 small onion, finely chopped
1 cup buttermilk • 1 egg, beaten1/4 cup finely-chopped jalapeño peppers
oil for deep fryingStir together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder,
salt, and pepper. Add the remaining ingredients and stir until blended.
drop heaping teaspoonfuls of the mixture into hot (350 degree) oil. Fry the hushpuppies for about three minutes, or until golden brown, turning once during cooking.
drain on paper towels.
Serve kicky Armadillo Eggs. They’re not really ar-madillo eggs, of course. Heck, they’re not even eggs! But you can add them to your list of “fun recipes” any-way. This is a revamp of the original recipe which calls for stuffing and breading whole jalapeños. makes 30 hushpuppies.
armadillo eggs8 oz. Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
8 oz. cheddar cheese, shredded1 lb. hot bulk pork sausage
1 1/2 cups baking mix 1/2 cup sliced jalapeños, or to taste
1 (6-oz. package) pork-flavor Shake ‘n BakeIn a medium bowl, thoroughly mix the sausage, ched-
dar cheese, half the Jack cheese, and baking mix together. Work a biscuit-size piece of the sausage dough
into a patty about 1/4-inch thick. place a pinch of
Jack cheese and two slices of jalapeño peppers in the center and wrap/mold it around the filling. Seal well. Repeat for the remaining peppers.
Roll the prepared peppers in Shake ‘n Bake, if you like. This gives the Armadillo Eggs a crispy crust, more like an armadillo shell.
Bake in a preheated 325 degree oven on a lightly-greased baking sheet until browned, about 25 min-utes. makes 16-20 eggs.
Main Courseno taco bars for this menu. Let’s try something dif-
ferent: Tricked-Out Chicken Chili! This is a savory chili, full of flavor, with just the right amount of kick to give your guests a skip in their step!
tricked-out Chicken Chili4 cups chopped yellow onions (3 onions)
1/8 cup good olive oil, plus extra for chicken 1/8 cup minced garlic (2 cloves)
2 red bell peppers • 2 yellow bell peppers (cored, seeded, and large-diced)
1 tsp. chili powder • 1 tsp. ground cumin 1/4 tsp. dried red pepper flakes, or to taste
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper, or to taste 2 tsp. kosher salt, plus more for chicken
2 (28-oz.) cans whole peeled plum tomatoes in puree, undrained
1/4 cup minced fresh basil leaves 4 split chicken breasts, bone in, skin on
Freshly ground black pepper Chopped onions, corn chips, grated cheddar,
Sour cream (for serving)Cook the onions in the oil over medium-low heat
for 10 to 15 minutes, until translucent. Add the >>
CUISInE : new takes on old traditions
and impress your guests with armadillo eggs.
661-325-4318
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www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2010 105
appetizers and dips You have to have an avocado-based dip, naturally gua-
camole is tradition, but how about kicking it up a notch and adding blue cheese? This “Roquamole” adds that ex-tra little “wow” to a sometimes mundane guacamole.
Roquamole 1 cup crumbled Roquefort cheese
1/4 cup sour cream • 2 ripe avocados1/4 cup sliced pickled green jalapeños
2 tbsp. finely sliced scallions • 1/4 tsp. paprikalarge bag of blue corn tortilla chips
(the blue corn makes a huge difference)Crumble or mash the blue cheese with the sour
cream in a bowl. mash in the avocados. If they are ripe, a fork should be all you need. Roughly chop the jalapeños and stir them into the mixture along with the finely sliced scallions. Arrange in the center of a plate or dish, dust with paprika, and surround with tortilla chips. Serves 4-6.
Heat things up a bit with a mexican cheese fondue served with meatballs, sliced crisp jicama, and some fresh vegetable for dipping. All the best flavors of mexican food have crossed over into this cheese fon-due recipe, a great idea for dip or dinner.
Mexican Cheese Fondue20 oz. Monterey Jack cheese
3 tbsp. flour • 1 tsp. ground cumin1 tsp. paprika • 1 1/4 cups beer
1 1/2 tbsp. lemon juice6-8 fresh chilies, seeded and minced1/2 bell pepper, seeded and minced
1 medium tomato, seeded and chopped1 1/2 teaspoons salt
Shred the cheese and toss together with the flour, cumin, and paprika. Set aside.
Heat the beer over high heat in a medium, heavy saucepan. When very hot, add the lemon juice, chil-ies, bell pepper, and tomato. gradually add the cheese mixture, stirring, until it is melted and smooth. Add the salt and transfer to a warm fondue pot.
Serve with skewered pre-cooked meatballs (store-bought for ease) and tortilla chips or your jicama and other fresh veggies. Serves 6.
Side dishesThere are numerous side dishes that can be made
in advance and presented in a buffet style, which is the most practical arrangement for a large mexican theme party.
All your dishes would not be complete without beans, rice, and salsa on the side. But you can satisfy the “hot and spicy” lovers with Jalapeño Hushpuppies. They’re hot. They’re cool. But, alas, you can’t wear them on your feet. They’re breaded jalapeño pepper slices, baked to crispy-brown perfection.
Jalapeño Hushpuppies 1 1/2 cups yellow and/or white cornmeal
1/2 cup flour • 3 tsp. baking powder1 ½ tsp. salt • 1/2 tsp. pepper1 small onion, finely chopped
1 cup buttermilk • 1 egg, beaten1/4 cup finely-chopped jalapeño peppers
oil for deep fryingStir together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder,
salt, and pepper. Add the remaining ingredients and stir until blended.
drop heaping teaspoonfuls of the mixture into hot (350 degree) oil. Fry the hushpuppies for about three minutes, or until golden brown, turning once during cooking.
drain on paper towels.
Serve kicky Armadillo Eggs. They’re not really ar-madillo eggs, of course. Heck, they’re not even eggs! But you can add them to your list of “fun recipes” any-way. This is a revamp of the original recipe which calls for stuffing and breading whole jalapeños. makes 30 hushpuppies.
armadillo eggs8 oz. Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
8 oz. cheddar cheese, shredded1 lb. hot bulk pork sausage
1 1/2 cups baking mix 1/2 cup sliced jalapeños, or to taste
1 (6-oz. package) pork-flavor Shake ‘n BakeIn a medium bowl, thoroughly mix the sausage, ched-
dar cheese, half the Jack cheese, and baking mix together. Work a biscuit-size piece of the sausage dough
into a patty about 1/4-inch thick. place a pinch of
Jack cheese and two slices of jalapeño peppers in the center and wrap/mold it around the filling. Seal well. Repeat for the remaining peppers.
Roll the prepared peppers in Shake ‘n Bake, if you like. This gives the Armadillo Eggs a crispy crust, more like an armadillo shell.
Bake in a preheated 325 degree oven on a lightly-greased baking sheet until browned, about 25 min-utes. makes 16-20 eggs.
Main Courseno taco bars for this menu. Let’s try something dif-
ferent: Tricked-Out Chicken Chili! This is a savory chili, full of flavor, with just the right amount of kick to give your guests a skip in their step!
tricked-out Chicken Chili4 cups chopped yellow onions (3 onions)
1/8 cup good olive oil, plus extra for chicken 1/8 cup minced garlic (2 cloves)
2 red bell peppers • 2 yellow bell peppers (cored, seeded, and large-diced)
1 tsp. chili powder • 1 tsp. ground cumin 1/4 tsp. dried red pepper flakes, or to taste
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper, or to taste 2 tsp. kosher salt, plus more for chicken
2 (28-oz.) cans whole peeled plum tomatoes in puree, undrained
1/4 cup minced fresh basil leaves 4 split chicken breasts, bone in, skin on
Freshly ground black pepper Chopped onions, corn chips, grated cheddar,
Sour cream (for serving)Cook the onions in the oil over medium-low heat
for 10 to 15 minutes, until translucent. Add the >>
CUISInE : new takes on old traditions
and impress your guests with armadillo eggs.
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106 Bakersfield Magazine
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garlic and cook for one more minute. Add the bell pep-pers, chili powder, cumin, red pepper flakes, cayenne, and salt. Cook for one minute. Crush the tomatoes by hand or in batches in a food processor fitted with a steel blade (pulse six to eight times). Add to the pot with the basil. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
preheat the oven to 350 degrees.Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and place
them on a baking sheet. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Roast the chicken for 35 to 40 min-utes, until just cooked. Let cool slightly. Separate the meat from the bones and skin and cut it into 3/4-inch chunks. Add to the chili and simmer, uncovered, for another 20 minutes. Serve with the toppings, or re-frigerate and reheat gently before serving.
desserts The ending to a magnificent banquet! Top off the
meal with flan, (the classic), churros, or sopapillas. You always wanted to know how to make flan,
right? Or perhaps you just want to know what flan is. It’s the traditional mexican caramel-custard dessert, a natural complement of spicy food. A good recipe for flan is to a mexican theme party as a cucumber sandwich recipe is to a tea party...essential. With or without a theme, though, it’s a great dessert.
toasted Coconut FlanFlan must be made ahead of time and chilled
well. Often, flan is cooked in individual ramekins but this recipe calls for the use of two, 10-inch glass pie plates, instead, because that’s more practical for serving a crowd. But if you have 16 ramekins and the time and patience to unmold them...1 (7-oz.) package shredded, sweetened coconut
1 1/2 cups sugar, divided4 cups milk • 2 cups heavy cream
8 whole eggs • 4 egg yolks1 tbsp. vanilla extract • 3 tbsp. water
Spread the coconut out on a large baking sheet and roast it in a 300 degree oven, tossing occasionally, un-til light brown, about 8 to 10 minutes. Cool.
preheat the oven to 325 degrees. In a small saucepan, combine three tablespoons of water with one cup of the sugar. Cook without stirring over medium heat until it becomes a deep caramel
syrup, about seven minutes. Immediately divide the syrup between the two pie plates and swirl to spread the caramel evenly.
Heat the milk and cream together but do not let it boil. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and egg yolks until well-blended, then beat in the remaining 1/2 cup sugar. Very gradually, beat the hot milk and cream mixture into the egg mixture. It’s now custard.
Set aside 1/2 cup of the toasted coconut for garnish. Stir the rest of the coconut and the va-nilla into the custard. divide the custard evenly between the two pie plates. now set the pie plates in a larger pan with hot water to reach halfway up the pie plates and bake for one hour or until the custard is set.
Remove the flans from their water bath and cool. Cover and refrigerate until well-chilled.
To unmold the flans, run a sharp knife around the edge and, if need be, dip the bottoms in hot water for a few seconds. place a round platter over each flan and invert. The caramel that was on the bottom is now on top, making a sauce. Sprinkle the reserved toasted coconut over the tops of the flans. Serves 16-20.
Adding special twists can make a good party great—take one of you traditional recipes and change one of the ingredients, for example, instead of using sour cream, use crème fresh. make a to-matillo salsa instead of a regular red tomato salsa. For individual servings, present your Roquamole in margarita glasses. don’t forget, you can find more recipes on our website. Whatever you do, put your own spin on your fiesta...and make it memorable. n
kick it up a notch with tricked-out chili.
CUISInE : new takes on old traditions
www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2010 107
WInE: a splash of life
LIFE IS A CABERnET
THERE’S An OLd AdAgE In THE WInE BUSInESS THAT IF THERE’S HARmOnY In THE WInERY, THERE’S HARmOnY In THE BOTTLE.
TInY VIA VEgA VInEYARd In pASO ROBLES IS pROOF OF THAT. LARRY And ApRIL gOmEz ARE ABOUT AS dOWn TO EARTH And REAL AS THEY COmE.
liquid harmonyWalk into their winery and feel the
harmony: Larry gregariously chatting
up customers, April quietly tending
to business, their kids playing. more
often than not, they’ll have a movie
or a baseball game playing on the
“big screen” on their north wall
that hangs from the ceiling. And
Larry will hoist his young daugh-
ter up and put her on the tast-
ing bar where she’ll sing a song
with a stage presence that belies
her single-digit age. The smile that
lights up Larry’s face while watching his
daughter perform is, well, magic. It’s hard
to imagine someone who loves his family more.
Larry’s the extrovert. He’s never met a stranger. April’s
the rock, the steady hand at the tiller. Together they have some-
thing special: a little winery that’s beginning to get big attention as
people—especially Bakersfield folk—discover this gem of a place.
perhaps what draws people to Via Vega is the variety of wines
Larry makes, including Aglianico (a rare southern Italian varietal),
malbec, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and zinfandel. His Bench Stars
and Bullpen are red blends that showcase the harmony (that word
again) between different varietals. And don’t forget his port-style
wine, Eleganté, that features traditional portuguese varietals Sou-
zao, Tinta Cao, and Touriga nacional.
perhaps it’s good karma from the homage he pays to his forebears.
Some of his labels feature cheerful skeletons—one holding grapes,
another playing a guitar—in reference to
the day of the dead (dia de los muertos),
celebrated in Latin America as a way to
remember family members who have
passed on. Traditionally, it’s a day of
celebration and partying, and Larry
and April are traditionalists.
perhaps it’s the balance in his
wines for which Larry strives. In a
region disparagingly dubbed “the
land of big wines” by some, refer-
ring to the propensity for ultra-ripe,
high-alcohol wines, Larry’s wines
have more moderate alcohol levels.
“It all goes back to an earlier harvest,” he
said. “You get fresher fruit, more balanced wines.
I’m able to blend for flavor. I plant low vigor rootstock” that
stands up to the warm climate better. “I crop here at our vineyard
for 2.5 to 3 tons to the acre max so that I get concentrated flavors. On
our estate vineyard you’re tasting the weather—you taste the trauma
of drought or the trauma of cold weather. Hot weather dehydrates the
grapes and concentrates the sugar. So in warmer years I pick earlier and
earlier. I’m trying to bring freshness to my wines.”
And it just may be a combination of all three, and his apprecia-
tion of making his living off the land. It started at a young age. Larry
was born in San Francisco and grew up in Atherton, near Stanford
University. Early on he and his brother Rick “started hanging around”
their uncle Tony’s vineyard in the napa Valley. “We were drawn to the
peace and toil of farming with no clue of its economics,” he said. >>
By mike Stepanovich
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www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2010 107
108 Bakersfield Magazine
Mike Stepanovich is an award-winning journalist who has been writing his Life is a Cabernet wine column since 1985, and reviewing restaurants for Bakersfield Magazine since 1997. Stepanovich has taught wine and food pairing classes for many years, and teaches a wine appreciation and history class for Bakersfield College. He began judging wines in 1987, and now judges at major international wine competitions throughout the United States. A home winemaker, Stepanovich resides with his wife, Carol, in Bakersfield.
WInE: a splash of lifeRick took over farming duties at their uncle’s vineyard after high school, and
Larry decided “I wanted to be a farmer, so I went to Santa Cruz to grow roses.”
It wasn’t long after that, however, that Larry decided he’d had enough of roses,
and enrolled at Cal poly San Luis Obispo where he earned a degree in fruit science.
Shortly thereafter, he enrolled at Fresno State where he earned his master’s degree
in enology. While in graduate school, his uncle sold his napa Valley vineyard.
His first job out of graduate school, from 1987 through 1990, was in a research
winery in Fresno where he was involved in brandy production. In 1991, he went
to Lockwood Vineyard in southern monterey County as assistant winemaker. He
stayed there until 1998, when he was hired at J. Lohr Winery in paso Robles as its
red-wine maker. He’d been living in paso Robles so was familiar with the terrain, and
not long after joining J. Lohr he purchased 20 acres
of undeveloped land in September 1998 “not more
than a mile from my desk at J. Lohr.”
It was also at J. Lohr where he met April, who, not
long after that, became his wife.
It was his dream to take a bare piece of dirt and
convert it to a vineyard and winery. He planted
15 acres of the property in 1999 with 11 varietal
blocks each with clonal variations and “started the
wait for third leaf,” the first year he’d have a crop. In
anticipation of that day, he built the winery build-
ings in January 2001.
meanwhile, after four years at J. Lohr, he be-
came winemaker at Wildhorse Winery & Vineyard
in nearby Templeton. Two years later, in 2004,
“Lockwood asked me back, and I’ve been there
ever since. I have great respect for this group and
I believe in their farming. They’ve made it easy for
me to also follow my dream.”
part of his dream included what to plant at his
new vineyard. “When I was at J. Lohr I got to use mostly Bordeaux varietals—Cab-
ernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, merlot, malbec, so I planted those. You’ve got to
have a zin here, and grenache and Syrah are paso stuff [varietals widely planted in
the paso Robles region]. I also wanted something true to type for making port, so I
planted the portuguese varieties.”
When all was said and done he wound up with four acres of Cabernet Sauvignon,
an acre and a half of Cabernet Franc, three acres of merlot, an acre of malbec, three
acres of Syrah, an acre and a half of grenache, two acres each of zinfandel and Agli-
anico, and fractions of an acre for each of the three portuguese varietals. Between
all the varietals, it provides him with between 37 and 45 tons of grapes annually,
enough for 1,100 cases or so of wine a year.
His first harvest was 2002, but he found it was a bad time to open. “We hit the
wine glut that year, and it took us a while to get
traction.” They finally opened their tasting room in
spring of 2007.
At a recent winemaker dinner for him and April
in Bakersfield, guests raved about the richness and
complexity of his wines. “We’re showing people
what this place tastes like,” he said. They also liked
his moderate prices: all Via Vega’s current releases
sell for less than $30 a bottle, except for the port-
style wine, Eleganté ($37).
It takes a bit to find Via Vega: it’s on a spur off
Airport Road north of Highway 46 in paso Robles.
Look for a sign with an arrow pointing to the left as
you drive north. “We’re where the pavement ends,” Larry quipped. “We’re open most
weekends and some Fridays, so call ahead if you’d like to come visit us.” The number,
by the way, is (805) 423-2190.
And if you do find your way there—Larry says they’re not on any maps—don’t
be surprised to find the whole family taking in a movie, or a San Francisco giants
game (Larry’s a mega fan) on the “VegaTron.”
It’s all part of the harmony that makes Via Vega so charming. n
Given the caliber of wines at Via Vega, there’s harmony in the vines, too.
the quaint tasting room is a welcoming and casual experience.
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www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2010 109
Our sumptious list of nine coastal restaurants to tantalize you.
G R E A T E A T - A W A Y S
Beach Eatswhich is crab) to the locals and any tourist who happens to stop by, Cracked Crab has made a big name for themselves with the casual and comfortable ambiance they pro-vide...in which you can relax while gorg-ing on butter-soaked bites of crustaceans. They’re not big on reservations (just walk-in) and you might just see a lot of Bakers-fieldians there during the winter. Appar-ently it’s the best time to make the trip...and no-doubt order their specialty—which is a bucket for two of, you guessed it, some of the best shellfish around.
~Rosa’s Ristorante Italiano~491 Price St. • Pismo Beach • (805)773-0551
No, it’s not a chain. This superb Italian eatery, located in Pismo for the past 21 years, comes from the same family as Bakersfield’s Rosa’s (and Sorella’s) and offers up seasonal favorites to all the din-ers it can handle...roughly 30 percent of which are from Bakersfield. Dress nice-ly, however, as Rosa’s qualifies as fine
e’re big fans of food here at Bakersfield Magazine. That shouldn’t really come as a shocker for those who regularly read our food section. Or those of you who’ve been on our Foodie Tour. Or those of you who download recipes from our seemingly endless archive online. We like food a lot, is what we’re saying. And, because of our proximity to the coast, we also enjoy a leisurely day trip to the beach.
We thought, why not combine the two and make a Great Getaways story that could rival any of our food features. Here then, is a list comprised of nine reader-recommended restaurants outside of Bakersfield, which don’t require more than half a tank of gas to get to—and which happen to prepare some killer cuisine (not to be confused with the song by Queen).
~Cracked Crab~751 Price St. • Pismo Beach • (805)773-2722
Having spent the past 11 years doling out delectable shellfish (we’re guessing a lot of
dining. Heaven forbid you don’t get the chance to try their award-winning cioppi-no (a tomato-based seafood stew) or their clam chowder, which blends traditional chowder flavors with an Italian kick. The restaurant also boasts an impressive bar which is always packed, but get there ear-ly as this place operates on a first-come, first-serve basis.
~Dorn’s Original Breakers Cafe~801 Market St. • Morro Bay • (805)772-4415
As any great seafood restaurant does, Dorn’s Breakers Cafe will base its menu on what’s locally running at the time. They focus on what’s fresh and what’s in season. That’s probably why they see tons of people from the Valley stop-ping by to feast on savory seafood year round. And talk about a view—you’re overlooking Morro Bay while you dine on succulent crab, lobster, clams, and anything else that comes fresh out of the ocean (that qualifies as food). It’s a ca-sual, family-run place but you’re guar-anteed a fine-dining experience. That’s why reservations are recommended! >>
Cracked Crab Rosa’s
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110 Bakersfield Magazine
6565
Brookside Market Coffee & Hageman
588-2070Brookside Market
The Marketplace654-6858
Green Frog Market Alta Vista & Bernard
332-0451
Green Frog Market 3711 Columbus
873-8244White Oak Plaza
6401 White Lane834-1916
Smith’s Brundage2213 Brundage Lane
325-6914
Bake Shop & Sales2808 Union Ave.
325-6357Decorating Dept.
2808 Union Ave.325-3411
Voted Best Bakery in Bakersfield
Years!
Family Owned
Serving Bakersf ield for
We Are As Traditional As Apple Pie.And As Current As Facebook®
Beach Eats~Great American Fish Company~1185 Embarcadero • Morro Bay • (805)772-4407
We’re hard-pressed to write anything about this place that isn’t already apparent by their name. Still, we’ll give it a try since we figure you’ll want a bit more information. First of all, nothing says fun like being able to dine over the water, especially with such a family-oriented, casual ambiance. They’ve been cookin’ up fla-vorful bites since 1981, and their specialty is something not many people think of when they hear “seafood.” They’re big on serving up fish that’s been hanging out over a mesquite grill for a while. It’s probably why they get their fair share of Bakersfield travelers trekking over. You won’t need to bother with a reservation unless it’s a special occasion—like Mother’s Day...or Eat A Lot Of Grilled Fish Day (soon to have its own Hallmark Card).
~Wine Cask~813 Anacapa St. • Santa Barbara • (805)966-9463
Wine Cask Restaurant is touted as a majestic space in historic El Paseo. Items on their menu range from comfort-style seafood to elegant dishes like their specialty: the Wine Cask Cassoulet, con-sisting of white beans, duck leg confit, braised pork cheek, and Farpoint Ranch sausage. Mouth watering a bit?
And, given the name of this establishment, which has been serv-ing up the goods for over 20 years, it’s a sure bet they’ll tempt you with complementary wines perfectly tailored to your meal. It’s a neighborhood-style restaurant, so it’s casual (which is a plus for all the Bakersfield folk who drop by) but it’s got a great downtown vibe. They do accept reservations for the dining room.
~The Harbor Restaurant~ 210 Stearns Wharf • Santa Barbara • (805)963-3311
When the unofficial motto of the restaurant is “it’s always smooth sailing,” it’s a sure bet your meal will be nautically-themed. The Harbor Restaurant features exquisite dining and some of Santa Barbara’s most spectacular ocean views. The menu is expansive, with seafood and steaks, and their ever-popular Potato-Crusted Fresh Salmon dish. Since it’s located on a pier that’s more than 150 years old, you can get your fill of the local history while you get your fill of local flavors.
~Moonstone Beach Bar & Grill~6550 Moonstone Beach Dr. • Cambria • (805)927-3859
For the last 17 years, Moonstone Beach has accommodated din-ers from all parts of California and the United States who are look-ing for upscale, yet affordable seafood and ambiance. Touted as one of the only full-service restaurant in the area, Moonstone Beach will definitely wow you with their menu, especially the Seared Sea Scallops with Citrus-Honey Glaze. If you’re not hungry by now, check your pulse. Reservations aren’t required—it’s more of a first come, first serve type of place, which suits everyone just fine at this laid back, yet elegant bar and grill.
~The Sow’s Ear~2248 Main St. • Cambria • (805)927-4865
During the summer, expect to find quite a few Bakersfield diners flocking to The Sow’s Ear. For 30 years, they’ve been serving up upscale comfort food like chicken fried steak and macaroni
Continued on page 115 >>
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HungryHunterYes, we have the best prime rib in town, but we’re so much more than a great steakhouse. Come in for lunch and enjoy our fresh ground 1/2lb. Angus Burgers or a homemade infused salmon burger. We’ve got soups and salads as well to complement our many entrées. Our dinner menu is just as varied with Australian lobster tails and fettuccine alfredo. Our delicious steaks are hand cut to ensure the fresheststeakpossible,sowrapyourmoutharoundourblack&bleuribeye,oratenderfiletmignon.Weofferagreatwinelistthat issuretopairwithanymeal.Locallyownedandoperated.Happyhour:Mon-Fri,2-6pm,Hours:Mon-Fri,Lunch11:30am-3pm,Dinner3-10pm,Saturdays4:30-10pm,Sundays12-9pm.3580RosedaleHwy.hungryhuntersteakhouse.com(661)328-0580
EnjoyalltheflavorsofMexicoatMauricio’sGrill&Cantina.Selectfromourlargeselection of seafood and vegetarian specialties, or choose your favorite classic south-of-the-border dish. Whether you’re in the mood for fajitas, carnitas or just a coupleoftacos,Mauricio’sOldWorldambianceoffersarelaxedatmosphereforlunch, dinner or Sunday brunch (Rosedale restaurant). Join us for Happy Hour in our full bar, 3-7pm, daily. We also offer outdoor patio dining and a banquet room for large groups. All major credit cards accepted. Hours:Mon-Thu11am-9:30pm,Friday&Saturday11am-10:30pm,Sundays10am-9:30pm.Twolocationstoserveyou:10700RosedaleHwy.(661)589-5292and6401WhiteLane(661)837-9570
Mauricio’sGrill&Cantina
FISHLIPS...MusicCocktailsGrillWe are so ready for Monday Night Football. Featuring a 10 foot screen with stereo sound and our killer buffet. We change our food to match the teams playing. Only $9.00withhomemadedesserts!Fishlipsisa21andovervenueservingthefinestinliveentertainmentandlocalfoodfavorites.Wearetheperfectsettingforyournextbusiness meeting, date with your special someone or enjoying a show with your friends.ServingFish&Chips,ClamChowder,Burgers,Tacos,Salads,Sandwichesand Tri-Tip for 10 years downtown. 1517 18th Street. LunchMon-Fri11:30-4pm.DinnerMon-Thur4pm-9pm.Fri&Sat 4pm-11pm.BarMon-Sat ‘til closing.www.fishlips.org.ReservationsorTicketInformation(661)324-2557
Café MedNEWLOWERPRICES!Foracozy,intimatesettingandfinediningwithauniqueatmosphere,CaféMedistheplacetogo.Chooseaselectionfromourextensivemenuandyourtastebudswillsurelybesatisfied.Startoffwithanappetizer-perhapsyou might try our Grilled Shrimp Cocktail or Hummus with Lamb Meat-a house specialty. Then choose from a variety of entrées including Mediterranean salads, steaksorevenpasta.AnexcellentdishtotryisourFisherman’sPasta-amixofshrimp,scallops,mussels,clams&thecatchofthedaysautéedinatomato,basiland mushroom cream sauce. Come by Café Med today. Open7daysaweek11am-close.LivemusiconFriday&Saturdaynights.Reservationsaccepted.Visa,MC,AE,DC.4809StockdaleHwy.cafemedrestaurant.com.(661)834-4433
Benji’sofferssomethingalittledifferentfromBakersfield’sBasquefare.Inadditionto traditional Basque entrées of lamb, chicken, veal and beef, Benji’s has pan-fried frog legs with garlic lemon sauce, lobster tail, roasted duck, escargots and calf liver. Andthebeefisn’tjusttri-tip;Benji’sservesascrumptiousfiletmignonandNewYorksteak with pepper cognac sauce. All dinners are served with the customary Basque familystyleset-up.Don’tforgetBenji’sspecialtysoufflésflavoredwithGrandMarnier,raspberry, chocolate or lemon. Basque family owned and operated for 20 years. Banquet facilities available. Convenientlylocated2blockswestofHighway99at4001RosedaleHwy.Opendaily11:30am-2pmand5:30-9:30pmexceptTuesdays.Lounge opens 11am. (661)328-0400
Benji’s French Basque 24thStreetCaféWith a list of daily specials a mile long, we have been a local favorite for over 20 yearsandcontinuebringingBakersfieldthegoodeats.Fromourclassichomemadesoups and comfort foods like meatloaf, to our sandwiches, omelets, and salads, we make everything fresh. Wrap your mouth around the tri-tip pasta with mushrooms, green onions, and a creamy garlic sauce. Or better yet, visit us for breakfast and you won’t forget it! We’ve got banana rum crepes, savory Portobella mushroom omelets, cinnamon apple pancakes, and so much more. But don’t leave without trying our Famous Rum Bloody Mary. It’s good for what ails ‘ya! Opensevendaysaweekforbreakfastandlunch,6am-2:30pm.www.24thstcafe.com.141524thStreet.(661)323-8801
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Uricchio’sTrattoriaNowOfferingCurb-sideTo-goService! Nestled in the heart of Downtown in the historical Haberfelde Building. Steaks, chops, seafood, and classic Italian dishes, complementedbyanextensivewinelist,havemadeUricchio’samainstayforovera decade. Uricchio’s San Francisco style setting is family owned and operated, and theperfectspot forabusiness lunch,ora romanticdiningexperience.Afteryour meal save room for the fabulous desserts from LaMousse of Beverly Hills. Hours:LunchMon-Fri11am-2pm,DinnerMon-Thu5-9pm,Friday&Saturday5-10pm.Reservationsrecommended,lunchreservationsforlargegroupsonly.www.uricchios-trattoria.com.140017thSt.Downtown.(661)326-8870
TheOrchidFineDining&SushiBarIfyou’relookingfortheperfectblendoftraditionalThaiflavorsandmoderntwists,The Orchid is the place to try. With mouthwatering specialty dishes like Red Curry Rib-EyeSteakandourLambChopwithSpicyMangoSauce,wedareyoutofindarestaurant offering more pow for your buck. We offer take-out and catering services, but our elegant dining room is perfect for a lunch meeting or an intimate night out. We also offer a private room that accommodates up to 60 people. Daily lunch specials include many classic Thai entrées like Panang Curry and Crunchy Cashew stir fry, a sweet and spicy dish made with onions, bell peppers, water chestnuts, and roasted cashews. JoinusMon-Thufrom11am-10pmorFri&Satfrom11am-11pm.9500BrimhallRoad.(661)587-8900
TheNinesRestaurantLocatedinsidetheBakersfieldMarriottat theConventionCenter,TheNinesisagreat place for business lunches with a brand new lunch menu that features over 20 delicious selections under $10. Our dinner menu offers award-winning short ribs as well as nightly dinner specials, including Tuesday Prime Rib Night and Saturday Date Night Menus. The beautiful Private Dining Room can seat up to 12 and is a great place for that intimate dinner with family, friends or clients. Call ahead and ourexecutivechefishappytowhipupacustommenujustforyou.Reservationsrecommended but not required. HoursareMon-Sun6:30am-2pmand5-10pm.801TruxtunAve.(661)565-9319
WhereEverything’sHomemade! If you’re in the mood for an early morning breakfast, lunch, or a casual evening dinner, stop by Lorene’s for a hearty meal youwon’tforget.Ourextensivemenuincludestraditionalbreakfastskillets,countryfresheggsandomelettes,andalargeselectionofpancakesandwaffles.Forlunchor dinner try our South-of-the-Border section or one of our charbroiled burgers. We also serve great steaks and numerous seafood entrées. Stop by today for family-friendly dining.Hours:6am-9:00pmdaily,Visa,MC,AE,DC,accepted.Twolocationstoserveyou:153123rd&EyeSt.(661)322-6887and6401MingAve.(661)831-9250
Lorene’sRanchHouseCoffeeShop
Jake’sTex-MexCafeCelebrating its 24th anniversary, this fast casual restaurant sets the standard for Tex-Mex in Bakersfield. “CowboyGrub” is the description for slow roasted pitbeef, mesquite smoked tri-tip, garlic chicken, multiple salads including the most populartacosalad.Chocolatecakenobodyleaveswithout.“Thisain’tnorefriedbeankindajoint.”HoursMon-Sat11amto8pm.ClosedSundays.1710OakSt.www.jakestexmex.com(661)322-6380
100YEARANNIVERSARY1910 – 2010
OLDWORLD&AUTHENTIC
RestaurantHours:Tue-Sat11am-2:30pm,DeliHours:Tue-Sat8am-4pm.725East19thStreet.shopluigis.com(661)322-0926
Luigi’sRestaurant&ItalianDelicatessen
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P.F. Chang’s China BistroP.F. Chang’s China Bistro is conveniently located at the Shops at Riverwalk, 10700 Stockdale Hwy. Visit us for food and drink specials during our Happy Hour everyday from 3-6 pm. You can also make a reservation or place a take-out order on-line at pfchangs.com. We serve lunch and dinner from 11am-10pm Sun-Thu, and11am-11pmFridayandSaturday.Wealsoofferanextensivemenuthatmeetsthe needs of both vegetarian and gluten-free guests. We look forward to seeing you soon. (661)663-8689
WeinviteyoutoenjoyournewestMexicanGrillandCantina,ElPortalWest.Weofferagreatselectionofappetizers,soups&salads,seafood,andourspecialtiesare chicken, steak and shrimp fajitas. Our full service bar features the best margaritas in town! Happy Hour Mon-Fri 3-7pm (bar only), Lunch specialseveryday, 11am-2pm. Fabulous Sunday Brunch, 10am-3pm, reservationsaccepted.1100CallowayDrive.(661)829-2737
ElPortalWest
Frugatti’sItalianWood-FiredOvenRealItalianbyRealItalians!Whetherdininginoralfrescoonournewpatio,comeinandenjoyournewmenuthat’sburstingwithflavorforlunch,dinnerorjustdessert.You’llloveoursteaks.WeuseonlythehighestqualityCertifiedAngusBrand® Beef. You’ll also love our chicken, seafood and pizzas cooked in our imported Italian wood-burning oven. We also offer a wide selection ofpastadishesandotherItalianfavorites.FordesserttryourhomemadeNewYorkcheesecakesorTiramisu.Comeexperienceourfriendlyatmosphere.Hours:Mon-Thu11am-9:30pm,Friday11am-10pm,Saturday11:30am-10pm,Sunday11:30am-9pm.Allmajorcreditcardsaccepted.600CoffeeRd.,cornerofTruxtunandCoffee.frugattis.com(661)836-2000
Weareyourone-stopshopforgreat,localflavor!Ourgoalistooffermoregroceryitems in the market and more variety in the deli for your convenience. From our high-quality meat to our breads, everything is fresh and local. Brookside also prepares our own salads and we have a large selection of wines and local products to choose from including Smith’s Bakery goodies to satisfy your sweet tooth. In addition to our Brookside breakfast and lunch menus, we have a catering menu that will help you celebrate any occasion with ease. Delihours:Mon-Fri5am-8pm,Sat6:30am-8pm,Sun6:30am-5pm.4700CoffeeRoad.Store:(661)588-1338,Deli:(661) 588-2329
BrooksideRiverlakesMarket&Deli
Take a trip to the Far East in this amazing restaurant located on the corner of Ming andAshe.TryGrandview’sforadeliciousvarietyofAsiancuisineandarelaxingatmosphere.Dineonsomeof thebestDimSumBakersfieldhas toofferwhilelisteningtothegentlesplashofawaterfall.WhetheryouhaveacravingforfineAsiandining, or desire a place to unwind after work, Grandview Asian Cuisine provides the perfect place to get away. Hours:10am-9pmdaily.Visa,MC,AE,DC.2217AsheRoad,Bakersfield.(661)832-2288
GrandviewAsianCuisine
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ABakersfieldtraditionsince1970,Caesar’sItalianDelicatessenshavebeenservingfineItalianfoodforover35years.OurfamilyownedDelisservequalitySandwiches,Soups, and Salads. We are a full service deli and carry a wide variety of cheeses, meats, and specialty items. We have a large variety of Salads including our famous Pickled Tongue. Pastas are prepared in house using sauces from Nonna’s (grandma’s) Old Italian Recipes. Come in and pick up a tray to take home. Catering isalsoavailableforyournextevent,smallofficeparties,largeevents&weddings,and includes Party Trays, Pastas, Sandwiches, Tri-Tip Deep Pit Beef, Chicken, or just Appetizers. Ask for a catering menu. 2828NilesSt. (EastBakersfield) (661)873-0270,or9500BrimhallRd.#304(Rosedalearea) (661)588-7004
Caesar’sItalianDelicatessenAsiaMarket&TeriyakiBowl carriesawideselectionof allAsian foods, includingChinese and Japanese favorites! The best part about our store is that after you have chosen your favorite item, you can either take it home and prepare a meal for yourself, or you can come into our restaurant and have us prepare a delicious meal for you using your selection! We have a full-service store and restaurant, so you can come in for breakfast,lunch,ordinner.Joinustodayforexcellentfoodprovidedbyafriendlystaffin a great atmosphere! Hours:9am-9pmdaily.7701WhiteLane.(661)837-0982
AsiaMarket-TeriyakiBowl
SinceopeninginFebruary2006,FlameandSkewershasimpressedBakersfielddinerswithauthenticMediterraneancuisine.Whenyouwantfresh,natural,flavorfulfood, this is the place to be. Mediterranean cuisine is rooted in the use of fresh and healthy ingredients. Every item boasts this philosophy—from the delicious and tender lamb kabob to the Shawerma, which is marinated and spiced slices of Tri-Tip Beef or Chickengrilledagainstanopenfire.Dinershaveavarietyofoptionsincludingsavorysandwiches, which are topped with romaine lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, hommus, and tajini sauce.www.flameandskewers.com.Twolocations:120124thSt.,openMon-Sat10:30am-8pm.(661)325-1500.5486CaliforniaAve.,openMon-Sat10:30am-10pm,Sunday10:30am-7:30pm.(661) 328-0900
FlameandSkewersEstablishedin2002,RJ’swasdevelopedbyJasonCoxandRussCartertobringalocalcasualdiningexperiencetoBakersfieldthatwouldfittheneedsofthecommunityandreflectthefamily-friendlyatmosphereofBakersfield.TheownersandstaffofRJ’stake pride in the great food and service they provide to each guest. RJ’s would like to welcome you to join them for lunch, dinner, weekend breakfast, a sporting event or some late-night fun with great friends! At RJ’s there is something for everyone…whether it is one of our premium quality mid-western steaks, a unique appetizer, freshly tossed salad or the giant Fatboy Burger you are sure to be impressed! Hours:11am-2amMon-Fri,9am-2amSat&Sun.Kitchencloses9pmSun-Th&10pmFri&Sat.HappyHourM-F3pm-6pm.rjsbarandgrill.com.9440HagemanRd,SteC.(661)587-4723
RJ’sBarandGrill
ValentienRestaurantandWineBarAuniquediningexperienceinBakersfield,offeringdeliciousfoodsandwines.Awelcomingenvironmentinthetraditionoftheneighborhoodbistro.Fromtakingthat special someone out for an exquisitedinner, to hosting a stafflunch; Valentien can accommodate you. Seafood,Poultry,Beef,ExoticGame,Vegetar-ian;FrenchCuisineFusedwithCaliforniaFreshness. Known for our amazing sauces, and delectable dishes; everything is made from scratch. Including the desserts! WithaSommelieronstaff,wefeatureanextensivewinelist,primarilyfocusingonFrenchandCalifornianwines.AtValentienRestaurant&WineBar,webelievethatserviceisofutmostimportance.Aknowledgeablestaffwillguideyourdiningexperiencewithgraceandease.Welookforwardtoservingyou.OPEN for LUNCH FIVEDAYSAWEEK:Mon-Fri11:30am-2pm.OPENforDINNERSEVENNIGHTSAWEEK:Sun-Thur5pm-9pmFri&Sat5pm-10pm.Allmajorcreditcardsaccepted.Reservationsrecommendedbutnotrequired.3310TruxtunAve.,Suite160,93301(661) 864-0397
www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2010 115
and cheese (made with Andouille sausage, smoked chicken, sun-dried tomatoes and three very grown-up cheeses, including gruyere, blue, and parmesan) alongside sa-vory steaks and lobster pot pie. They don’t open until 5 p.m. and reservations are ac-cepted but not required. Though the name doesn’t suggest it, The Sow’s Ear has been voted not only one of the most romantic places to dine, but also has been recognized by Zagat as having the best service on the Central Coast!
~Hog’s Breath Restaurant & Bar~San Carlos and 5th • Carmel • (831)625-1044
We’ll admit it. We’re really anxious to try the “Dirty Harry Hamburger.” This Clint Eastwood-owned restaurant has more going for it than a cleverly-named burger, though. The ambiance is casual, rustic, and very mellow, but you’ll also be treated to some succulent dishes while dining there including a presumably rugged (yet ten-der) prime rib. You can either make a res-ervation or walk-in to this place, which has been around for 38 years...coincidentally started around the same time Mr. Eastwood was starring in Dirty Harry. Or maybe it’s no coincidence at all. But what can’t be chalked up to coincidence is the fun you’ll have while eating great food—Dirty Harry wouldn’t have it any other way.
Do you know of a great restaurant we missed? Email us at [email protected] and give us the name of the place so we can add it to our list! v
Hog’s Breath
PHOTO COURTESY HOG’S BREATH RESTAURANT & BAR
Beach EatsContinued from page 110
116 Bakersfield Magazine
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118 Bakersfield Magazine
If you find your upper lip surprisingly bare at the moment, and you’re looking to attend Taft’s 100th birthday party this year, it’s high time you tossed the razor into the trashcan (unless, you know, you’re a woman). For without that bristly friend, you won’t be truly accepted at Oildorado Days, taking place this year from October 15th to the 24th.
Those ten days will commemorate Taft’s 100 years as an incorporated city with a celebration that “takes everyone back to a time when rugged pioneers carved out a bustling community in the middle of one of the world’s most productive oil fields.”
Though it happens only once every five years, Oildorado has long been considered an event worth the wait. For where else would you be able to order a warrant to have someone “arrested” (on the grounds
that they weren’t rocking a killer ‘stache)? That’s no joke.
The celebration didn’t start early for the city, though—there was no grand celebration for 20 years.
That first year, festivities included a parade that attracted some 200 entries and a crowd estimated at 20,000 people. According to the event’s history, there was a banquet, tug-of-war, fireworks, nail-
driving contest, and a water fight staged by the fire department. A civic luncheon was held, which would become a staple of all future celebrations.
But the moniker hasn’t always
Inc, a nonprofit, nonpolitical group of volunteers.
There are so many facets to the Oildorado celebration that for the event to happen annually, people would have to quit their day jobs. So it was decided that the celebration would take place once every five years. It would give the group time to make the coming Oildorado better than the years before and build excitement in the public.
“Every celebration has the same flavor,” said Taft Oildorado, Inc. President Eric Cooper. “Every year it has the same feel.” And that’s how it should be. Some of those events include the Maids of Petroleum, the parade, the car show, the crafts, the concerts, and the oilfield tours. “But we started planning for this year’s events four years ago,” he added. >>
been Oildorado. As cheeky as the name is, it wasn’t used until 1946 (after World War II delayed the 1945 event). The Chamber of Commerce decided at that point that they needed a permanent
organization to plan and oversee the celebrations—enter Taft Oildorado,
OildoradoReturns
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the 1985 Best overall Beard winner. Who could top that?
1950’s celebration saw some pretty fashion-able ladies on the prowl.
photos courtesy taFt oiLDoraDo, inc.
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If you find your upper lip surprisingly bare at the moment, and you’re looking to attend Taft’s 100th birthday party this year, it’s high time you tossed the razor into the trashcan (unless, you know, you’re a woman). For without that bristly friend, you won’t be truly accepted at Oildorado Days, taking place this year from October 15th to the 24th.
Those ten days will commemorate Taft’s 100 years as an incorporated city with a celebration that “takes everyone back to a time when rugged pioneers carved out a bustling community in the middle of one of the world’s most productive oil fields.”
Though it happens only once every five years, Oildorado has long been considered an event worth the wait. For where else would you be able to order a warrant to have someone “arrested” (on the grounds
that they weren’t rocking a killer ‘stache)? That’s no joke.
The celebration didn’t start early for the city, though—there was no grand celebration for 20 years.
That first year, festivities included a parade that attracted some 200 entries and a crowd estimated at 20,000 people. According to the event’s history, there was a banquet, tug-of-war, fireworks, nail-
driving contest, and a water fight staged by the fire department. A civic luncheon was held, which would become a staple of all future celebrations.
But the moniker hasn’t always
Inc, a nonprofit, nonpolitical group of volunteers.
There are so many facets to the Oildorado celebration that for the event to happen annually, people would have to quit their day jobs. So it was decided that the celebration would take place once every five years. It would give the group time to make the coming Oildorado better than the years before and build excitement in the public.
“Every celebration has the same flavor,” said Taft Oildorado, Inc. President Eric Cooper. “Every year it has the same feel.” And that’s how it should be. Some of those events include the Maids of Petroleum, the parade, the car show, the crafts, the concerts, and the oilfield tours. “But we started planning for this year’s events four years ago,” he added. >>
been Oildorado. As cheeky as the name is, it wasn’t used until 1946 (after World War II delayed the 1945 event). The Chamber of Commerce decided at that point that they needed a permanent
organization to plan and oversee the celebrations—enter Taft Oildorado,
OildoradoReturns
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the 1985 Best overall Beard winner. Who could top that?
1950’s celebration saw some pretty fashion-able ladies on the prowl.
photos courtesy taFt oiLDoraDo, inc.
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120 Bakersfield Magazine
The Assistance League of Bakersfield requests you Save the Date
CHEZ NOËL
Available November 1st at:Bargain Box-1924 Q Street • Pappagallo-Stockdale
Fashion Plaza • Olcotts-The Marketplace Sugardaddy’s-Stockdale Village
Miss Holiday-Brimhall & Calloway Country Club Liquors & Delicatessen-3737 Columbus
Christmas Home Tour & Holiday Boutique
Friday, December 3, 2010Saturday, December 4, 2010
Tickets $35For information: (661) 861-9223
Proceeds benefit our philanthropic programs.
No cell phones, photography, high heels, wheel chair access, or
children under 12
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Mainly because of a particular event that will be brand new this year.
The Oil Worker Monument will be unveiled at this year’s celebration. It is the culmination of a major effort by a committee of volunteers who raised more than $700,000 to commission a monument to honor all the men and women who have worked in the oil fields.
“The planning for the monument began roughly five years ago,” Cooper explained. “And everyone wanted to be able to unveil it on the first day of this year’s celebration.”
The 30-foot tall tribute will be formally christened on Friday, October 15. The ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. at the monument site where the town’s Rails to Trails bike and walking path crosses Sixth Street.
But the 10-day event is so jam-packed with things to do, see, hear, and experience, that you’ll want to go every single day. If only to witness the shenanigans of the Oildorado Posse, who’ll
categories for Wiskerino (the best name for a facial hair contest) include: beard (full dark, full white, full salt and pepper, full red), most unusual, best mustache, best overall beard. There also is an open division, which we at the magazine are incredibly intrigued by. We can’t emphasize this fact enough.
Of course, Oildorado has many other staples for those venturing out to celebrate our county’s history which include oil
be on the look out for people with warrants out against them (and men without facial hair who’ve neglected to buy a Smooth-puss badge from the Oildorado Store). Those captured will be treated to a visit to Kangeroo Kourt and a trip around town in the official Oildorado Hoosegow.
And we weren’t kidding about the facial hair thing. Judging
field skills contests such as wire line splicing, well-pulling, backhoe, welding, pipefitting, and crane operation.
“The community benefits greatly from this event,” Cooper elaborated. “It’s the reason so many people have given their time and energy to help us make each Oildorado celebration better than the last. It’s amazing what you can get in a small town when you need it.”
But Cooper stressed the goal of Oildorado is not to make money—it’s to honor a community for how hardworking its people were (and are today). Any funds that are raised after expenses go toward future events.
“Every community needs something to celebrate,” Cooper said. “Other cities have lilacs, but we have oil. So we put a lot of eggs into this one basket of Oildorado because it affects so many people and makes them happy.”
Here’s hoping that basket gets bigger and bigger in years to come. And that more people embrace the majesty of an old-timey mustache.
If you’d like more information on this year’s events, visit oildoradodays.com. n
Folks gathered to watch the parade in 1946.
The Oildorado Posse out huntin’ for fugitives.
a maid of petroleum gives a man a quick shave in 1955.
Media Sponsor
...Make it a
Family Tradition
Join us at the 5th Annual
Magical Forest
All proceeds stay in Kern County and benefit BARC and other nonprofit agencies serving local families.
December 4th-23rd Mon-Fri: 6-9pm • Sat-Sun: 5-9pm
Adults $5.00 • Seniors $4.00 • Children 6-12 $3.00 Children 5 & under FREE • Call 834-2272 for Ticket Locations
Santa’s Secret Shoppe • Forest of Sights & SoundsSanta at the North Pole • Food • Grinch Mobile & Train Rides
Photos • Live Entertainment • Over 30 Crafters
Enjoy A Holiday Adventure
BARC CAMPUS2240 S. Union Ave.
1 block north of White Ln.
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www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2010 121
The Assistance League of Bakersfield requests you Save the Date
CHEZ NOËL
Available November 1st at:Bargain Box-1924 Q Street • Pappagallo-Stockdale
Fashion Plaza • Olcotts-The Marketplace Sugardaddy’s-Stockdale Village
Miss Holiday-Brimhall & Calloway Country Club Liquors & Delicatessen-3737 Columbus
Christmas Home Tour & Holiday Boutique
Friday, December 3, 2010Saturday, December 4, 2010
Tickets $35For information: (661) 861-9223
Proceeds benefit our philanthropic programs.
No cell phones, photography, high heels, wheel chair access, or
children under 12
co
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Oildorado Returns
Mainly because of a particular event that will be brand new this year.
The Oil Worker Monument will be unveiled at this year’s celebration. It is the culmination of a major effort by a committee of volunteers who raised more than $700,000 to commission a monument to honor all the men and women who have worked in the oil fields.
“The planning for the monument began roughly five years ago,” Cooper explained. “And everyone wanted to be able to unveil it on the first day of this year’s celebration.”
The 30-foot tall tribute will be formally christened on Friday, October 15. The ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. at the monument site where the town’s Rails to Trails bike and walking path crosses Sixth Street.
But the 10-day event is so jam-packed with things to do, see, hear, and experience, that you’ll want to go every single day. If only to witness the shenanigans of the Oildorado Posse, who’ll
categories for Wiskerino (the best name for a facial hair contest) include: beard (full dark, full white, full salt and pepper, full red), most unusual, best mustache, best overall beard. There also is an open division, which we at the magazine are incredibly intrigued by. We can’t emphasize this fact enough.
Of course, Oildorado has many other staples for those venturing out to celebrate our county’s history which include oil
be on the look out for people with warrants out against them (and men without facial hair who’ve neglected to buy a Smooth-puss badge from the Oildorado Store). Those captured will be treated to a visit to Kangeroo Kourt and a trip around town in the official Oildorado Hoosegow.
And we weren’t kidding about the facial hair thing. Judging
field skills contests such as wire line splicing, well-pulling, backhoe, welding, pipefitting, and crane operation.
“The community benefits greatly from this event,” Cooper elaborated. “It’s the reason so many people have given their time and energy to help us make each Oildorado celebration better than the last. It’s amazing what you can get in a small town when you need it.”
But Cooper stressed the goal of Oildorado is not to make money—it’s to honor a community for how hardworking its people were (and are today). Any funds that are raised after expenses go toward future events.
“Every community needs something to celebrate,” Cooper said. “Other cities have lilacs, but we have oil. So we put a lot of eggs into this one basket of Oildorado because it affects so many people and makes them happy.”
Here’s hoping that basket gets bigger and bigger in years to come. And that more people embrace the majesty of an old-timey mustache.
If you’d like more information on this year’s events, visit oildoradodays.com. n
Folks gathered to watch the parade in 1946.
The Oildorado Posse out huntin’ for fugitives.
a maid of petroleum gives a man a quick shave in 1955.
Media Sponsor
...Make it a
Family Tradition
Join us at the 5th Annual
Magical Forest
All proceeds stay in Kern County and benefit BARC and other nonprofit agencies serving local families.
December 4th-23rd Mon-Fri: 6-9pm • Sat-Sun: 5-9pm
Adults $5.00 • Seniors $4.00 • Children 6-12 $3.00 Children 5 & under FREE • Call 834-2272 for Ticket Locations
Santa’s Secret Shoppe • Forest of Sights & SoundsSanta at the North Pole • Food • Grinch Mobile & Train Rides
Photos • Live Entertainment • Over 30 Crafters
Enjoy A Holiday Adventure
BARC CAMPUS2240 S. Union Ave.
1 block north of White Ln.
BAKE
RSFIELD MAGAZINE
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122 Bakersfield Magazine
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The horse becomes the rider’s legs. “And you can’t imagine the difference
that can make in a young person’s life,” she added. “That’s the second aspect. To see the look in their eye and the smile on their face when they’re on the horses.”
M.A.R.E.’s goal is to help the rider succeed to their level of ability, whether that be improved motor function or even developing better social skills.
“We have also seen a lot more chil-dren with autism benefiting from these riding lessons,” Durkan explained. “The facility provides enough sensory stimu-lation, but not too much. It’s a great op-portunity to learn social behaviors and practice their ability to process sensory observations without the stigma.”
But the impact M.A.R.E. has on the community is more of a ripple.
“We receive about 800 volunteer hours a month and I would say 75 per-cent of our volunteers are high school-aged kids,” Durkan said. These young people are benefiting immensely; they’re learning to give of themselves and realizing the importance of help-ing others—especially those who are differently-abled. The volunteers help with a variety of tasks, including lead-ing the horses during lessons, helping the riders during games, sing-a-longs, and other activities to improve fine-motor skills. They also help care for the horses, which is no small task.
“We have 10 horses right now, and
In the beginning,there was only one horse, a few kids in need, and a lot of hard work. But M.A.R.E (Mastering Abilities Riding Equines) is proud to be celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.
Mainly because it seemed like an im-possible idea. When Diane Hopkins got the idea to found a nonprofit in 1990 for children with physical and develop-mental disabilities using horses, no one thought it would work.
“Everyone said it couldn’t be done,” said Deborah Durkan, executive direc-tor of M.A.R.E, who has been with the organization for 19 years.
There were too many hurdles, not enough support, and too much at stake. But with perseverance and some gener-osity of early donors, M.A.R.E began steadily growing.
That growth can be attributed to the fact that there was a need in the com-munity that hadn’t been met before. Families of children with cerebral palsy, Downs Syndrome, and other physical disabilities were seeing improvements in the demeanor, confidence, and physi-cal abilities after they’d ridden.
“The physical benefits are the first aspect of many,” Durkan elaborated. “When a rider is on a horse, their body reacts to the horse’s movement. It im-proves their muscle tone, balance, and coordination because the rider is hav-ing to hold their balance on a dynamic, moving surface.”
NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT
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last year, our equine expenses were $40,000. That includes food, veterinary care, and necessary supplements to help the horses thrive with our sandy soil. The horses need to be happy and healthy in order for them to help the riders. And the financial burden of the horses is a lot of our budget,” Durkan explained. M.A.R.E. owns five of the horses; the other five have been “feed-leased” to M.A.R.E. by generous donors, who pro-vide some financial support.
It has been a tough year, though, as M.A.R.E., which normally receives fi-nancial support and referrals from Kern Regional Center, took a $50,000 fund-ing cut. That money was used to help families who couldn’t afford to have their child ride at M.A.R.E.
“It costs about $35 to $40 per ride, and we have scholarship programs, but with this cut, we went from having 104 riders on our roster to about 60. That’s 40 families we can’t help right now.”
But there are many ways you can help M.A.R.E continue providing an amaz-ing service to children and families of Kern County. In additional to financial
contributions and volunteers, they’re looking for donations of equipment to help care for the horses: alfalfa pellets, fly spray, reins, clean sand, lead ropes, and other office and farm equipment. Of course, you could always attend their Diamonds to Denim 20th Anniversary Celebration on October 16! For a full wish-list or to find out more about M.A.R.E’s programs, visit mare-ridingcenter.com or call (661) 589-1877. n
a smile is proof enough the program works.
It’s theLittle Things ph
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www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2010 123
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The horse becomes the rider’s legs. “And you can’t imagine the difference
that can make in a young person’s life,” she added. “That’s the second aspect. To see the look in their eye and the smile on their face when they’re on the horses.”
M.A.R.E.’s goal is to help the rider succeed to their level of ability, whether that be improved motor function or even developing better social skills.
“We have also seen a lot more chil-dren with autism benefiting from these riding lessons,” Durkan explained. “The facility provides enough sensory stimu-lation, but not too much. It’s a great op-portunity to learn social behaviors and practice their ability to process sensory observations without the stigma.”
But the impact M.A.R.E. has on the community is more of a ripple.
“We receive about 800 volunteer hours a month and I would say 75 per-cent of our volunteers are high school-aged kids,” Durkan said. These young people are benefiting immensely; they’re learning to give of themselves and realizing the importance of help-ing others—especially those who are differently-abled. The volunteers help with a variety of tasks, including lead-ing the horses during lessons, helping the riders during games, sing-a-longs, and other activities to improve fine-motor skills. They also help care for the horses, which is no small task.
“We have 10 horses right now, and
In the beginning,there was only one horse, a few kids in need, and a lot of hard work. But M.A.R.E (Mastering Abilities Riding Equines) is proud to be celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.
Mainly because it seemed like an im-possible idea. When Diane Hopkins got the idea to found a nonprofit in 1990 for children with physical and develop-mental disabilities using horses, no one thought it would work.
“Everyone said it couldn’t be done,” said Deborah Durkan, executive direc-tor of M.A.R.E, who has been with the organization for 19 years.
There were too many hurdles, not enough support, and too much at stake. But with perseverance and some gener-osity of early donors, M.A.R.E began steadily growing.
That growth can be attributed to the fact that there was a need in the com-munity that hadn’t been met before. Families of children with cerebral palsy, Downs Syndrome, and other physical disabilities were seeing improvements in the demeanor, confidence, and physi-cal abilities after they’d ridden.
“The physical benefits are the first aspect of many,” Durkan elaborated. “When a rider is on a horse, their body reacts to the horse’s movement. It im-proves their muscle tone, balance, and coordination because the rider is hav-ing to hold their balance on a dynamic, moving surface.”
NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT
BAKE
RSFIELD MAGAZINE
CO
M
M U N I T Y PA RTNER
last year, our equine expenses were $40,000. That includes food, veterinary care, and necessary supplements to help the horses thrive with our sandy soil. The horses need to be happy and healthy in order for them to help the riders. And the financial burden of the horses is a lot of our budget,” Durkan explained. M.A.R.E. owns five of the horses; the other five have been “feed-leased” to M.A.R.E. by generous donors, who pro-vide some financial support.
It has been a tough year, though, as M.A.R.E., which normally receives fi-nancial support and referrals from Kern Regional Center, took a $50,000 fund-ing cut. That money was used to help families who couldn’t afford to have their child ride at M.A.R.E.
“It costs about $35 to $40 per ride, and we have scholarship programs, but with this cut, we went from having 104 riders on our roster to about 60. That’s 40 families we can’t help right now.”
But there are many ways you can help M.A.R.E continue providing an amaz-ing service to children and families of Kern County. In additional to financial
contributions and volunteers, they’re looking for donations of equipment to help care for the horses: alfalfa pellets, fly spray, reins, clean sand, lead ropes, and other office and farm equipment. Of course, you could always attend their Diamonds to Denim 20th Anniversary Celebration on October 16! For a full wish-list or to find out more about M.A.R.E’s programs, visit mare-ridingcenter.com or call (661) 589-1877. n
a smile is proof enough the program works.
It’s theLittle Things ph
otos
prov
iDeD
By m
.a.r.e
.
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124 Bakersfield Magazine
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We all know the phrase, “It’s as easy as breathing.” We use it when we want to describe something that is consid-ered a cake walk; something we can do with our eyes closed. But breathing easy is something a lot of us take for granted. People affected by asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other respiratory diseases often find that breathing isn’t easy, but one orga-nization plans to change that.
The Asthma and COPD Education Center (ACEC) is a new kid on the nonprofit block—having only recently acquired their license as a public charity and their 501c3 designation from the government. And by recently, we mean July of 2010. But the organization has been on a mission for more than a year now, trying tirelessly to educate the public on asthma and chronic respiratory disorders. The group has enlisted the services of veteran Nonprofit executive Dave Parker. Parker’s experience as an executive of Kern Community Founda-tion, CALM, and other community nonprofits brings a strong lead-ership to the group.
“We’re hoping to provide training and information to the pub-lic and educators on how to better manage these diseases,” ex-plained John Snobarger, one of ACEC’s founders and the current Board President.
“We realized that while there are organizations tackling respira-tory health from a state and national level, fighting for cleaner air laws, there wasn’t anything being done on a local and county scale. People weren’t being educated on the conditions they had.”
That’s when Snobarger and a number of other locals banded together to form the ACEC.
It was June of 2009 when founders began working on getting the ACEC open for the public. And only a little over a year later, they’re seeing the fruits of their labors.
They were donated office space, furniture, and computers by generous local businesses.
“We wanted to have everything set up before we began taking our mission to the public,” Snobarger continued.
And that mission is simple: they want to provide education to patients and medical professionals in the area of lung disease in order to improve the quality of life along with working to prevent respiratory disease.
They’ll do this by providing one-on-one and group education to individuals with asthma and COPD and their families at the ACEC; educating to school personnel on asthma and treating young children with respiratory conditions; by hosting a county-wide Asthma Conference for patients and their families,
daycare providers, medical providers, and school profes-sionals; by providing a day camp for kids with asthma; hosting Eager Breathers meetings for seniors with COPD; by developing a county-wide referral system
for providers with asthma and COPD patients; and finally, to
support the Kern County Depart-ment of Public Health’s ELCAAP
(Enhancing Local Capacity to Address Asthma Priorities).
They’ll utilize mock inhalers and teach-ing tools to get the message across to adults and
children.“We’ve already raised some money through two events,” Sno-
barger explained. “We received the proceeds from the Woody Y Bike Ride in April and from the Fish Pierce Summertime Blues Review in August.” Those funds will stay local to support ACEC’s educational programs—much needed educational programs.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that more than 16 million adults and 6 million children have asthma across the country. And because of Kern County’s air quality, more than 130,000 people have asthma in our area. According to a Sur-veillance Report in June of 2007 detailing the burden asthma has on the state, the number of asthma-related hospitalizations tallied over 700 in 2006. The cost of hospitalizations was over $18 million.
“Asthma as a disease is quite complicated,” explained Sharon Bor-radori. “But the management is very simple. It’s just knowing how.”
Borradori is one of three Certified Asthma Educators in Kern County.After retiring from the American Lung Association in 2009, she
realized that there was still a strong need on a local level. “I started trying to educate patients on my own and I was ap-
proached by John and other founders and asked if I wanted to make what I was doing a nonprofit.” It was an easy question.
“Organizations that work to improve air quality are very impor-tant, but we wanted to help families suffering today,” she added.
“We’re very passionate about improving the quality of life for a pa-tient and their family,” Borradori said. “Especially children. It’s hor-rible to see a child feel like they can’t breathe. It’s one of the leading causes of missing school...they’re missing out on life. But so much of this can be avoided with a little education.”
Like encouraging those who suffer from COPD to start using oxygen earlier. “Some people want to put off using oxygen as
long as they can,” Snobarger explained, “but research >>
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Breathing Easy
Asthma and COPD Education Center(ACEC) 5601 Truxtun Ave., Ste. 220 • (661) 873-4031
The business of medicine doesn’t allow for a lot of education. This organization will fill that void. –sharon Borradori
www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2010 125
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has shown that those who begin oxygen treatments earlier, even just at night, can help stop the disease from progressing. The physicians we have on our Board of Direc-tors can help us tailor this information for the local public so that they’re informed.”
“Education is so important when it comes to respiratory diseases,” he continued. “We’ve discovered that so many asthma sufferers don’t know how to properly use their inhaler.” As a result, they’re not get-ting the medicine they need during a flair-up or, worse, they’re not keeping a consistent amount of medication in their system to pre-vent attacks.
“We want to make sure that children and adults breathe easier, enjoy life, participate
in activities, and lead a better quality of life—but also that we help reduce the cost of healthcare to families and businesses,” Snobarger added.
The ACEC has found that 62 percent of children affected by asthma don’t have an asthma management plan. They’re not aware of how they can live a normal life just be understanding their condition and the medicine they’re taking.
“The doctor’s role is to diagnose the con-dition and prescribe a medication to treat it,” Borradori continued. “But the business of medicine doesn’t allow for a lot of educa-tion. This organization will fill that void.”
The ACEC is located at 5601 Truxtun Avenue, Ste. 220. You can call their office, (661) 873-4031, to learn more about asthma and COPD and how you can help someone breathe a little easier. n
Breathing Easy
sharon Borradori and John snobarger
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has shown that those who begin oxygen treatments earlier, even just at night, can help stop the disease from progressing. The physicians we have on our Board of Direc-tors can help us tailor this information for the local public so that they’re informed.”
“Education is so important when it comes to respiratory diseases,” he continued. “We’ve discovered that so many asthma sufferers don’t know how to properly use their inhaler.” As a result, they’re not get-ting the medicine they need during a flair-up or, worse, they’re not keeping a consistent amount of medication in their system to pre-vent attacks.
“We want to make sure that children and adults breathe easier, enjoy life, participate
in activities, and lead a better quality of life—but also that we help reduce the cost of healthcare to families and businesses,” Snobarger added.
The ACEC has found that 62 percent of children affected by asthma don’t have an asthma management plan. They’re not aware of how they can live a normal life just be understanding their condition and the medicine they’re taking.
“The doctor’s role is to diagnose the con-dition and prescribe a medication to treat it,” Borradori continued. “But the business of medicine doesn’t allow for a lot of educa-tion. This organization will fill that void.”
The ACEC is located at 5601 Truxtun Avenue, Ste. 220. You can call their office, (661) 873-4031, to learn more about asthma and COPD and how you can help someone breathe a little easier. n
Breathing Easy
sharon Borradori and John snobarger
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128 Bakersfield Magazine
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Eager fans and a number of Buck Owens’ family and friends, gathered for the unveiling of his star on Bakersfield’s “Walk of Fame,” directly in front of the Fox theater. the ceremony took place right outside the majestic theater a day before what would be Buck’s 81st birthday. The crowd cheered as the much deserved-star was revealed.
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Buck Owens’ Star
summer socialThe Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce Summer Social was a “totally awe-some” triumph this year. Keeping with the theme of the 1980s, some guests dressed up while others simply reminisced of a time gone by. still, everyone had the chance to dine on tasty treats and bid on all the wonderful silent auction items up for grabs.
John & Demi Owens Linda Polston & Peggy DarlingTom Crear & Kym Moore
Bruce Jay & John Glentzer Rebeca Brower & Tabatha Keel
Steve Hughes, Alysia Wilson & Amy Gargan Pamela Clement, Jacque Jans & Angela Paquette
Viola Ramero & Blanca Rodriguz Jimmy & Leah Browder
Rosemary Hobbs & Tammy Reynolds Laura Kuster, Scott & Jeanne Tunnicliffe
Jennifer & Bryan Dials
Greg West & Kate Kenney paula mande
Rick & Lillie Davis
Laree Snow, Rick Kreiser & Lorie Stites
Maria Romero, Theresa Yorba & Kylie Pylman
Heather Haro & Jennifer Overson
Jeane Scheiber & Tonya Dretzka tasha Lepo
136 Bakersfield Magazine
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Guests poured into NFL star Joey Porter’s beautiful home for an evening that won’t soon be forgotten. Those who were lucky enough to attend were treated to a savory dinner and a high-end silent auction with football memorabilia, vacation packages, and elegant jewelry. proceeds from this event went toward Barc programs and the Jasmine nyree Day center.
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hot summer nights
John Brock awardsthis annual event always adds a touch of class to early fall. mayor harvey L. Hall was the recipient of this year’s award for his contributions to Bakersfield’s community growth. Proceeds from the award’s ceremony help to fund the John Brock endowment, which funds scholarships for students in CSUB’s School of Business and Public Administration.
Veronica Pinon, Jodi & Vip Dev Harry Fenske, Kurt Anderson & Mike McWilliams
Cindy & Harley Pinson Ryan Lafebre & Bethany Fleisher
Steve Silvius & Jeff Heinle Tim & Nichole Scanlon
Sherry Dolan, Libby Allen & Judy Morasci David Coffey & Josie Bowman
Keitha Turner, Mary Kenny, Jackie Att & Pete Sturn Shelly & Ron Fraze
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Larry Moxley & Lou Barbich Nicole & Jacob Panero
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Maryann & Greg McBee
Monique Jones & Gabriel PerezBryan Guyron
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www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Fall 2010 137
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welcome service
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We would like to present you with a FREE Welcome Packet!
the Bhs Band Boosters knew the perfect way to cool down at the end of summer. in an attempt to break the world record for participants in a water balloon fight and to raise money for the BHS band program, they asked folks to get a little wet for a good cause (and afternoon of great entertainment, too).
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Water Balloon Fight
moonlight and miraclesAffected families and supporters gathered for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s annual event held under a starry sky at the kern county museum. the buf-fet-style dinner was a great hit as were the fabulous prizes featured in the silent auction and raffles. As guests mingled and bid on items, they were entertained by the country tunes of tammy cochran.
Nirginia, Peyton, Paul, Klaryssa & Heather Herrera Amy, Juliann, Brad Hunter, Berrigan Hunter & Dalton Bethell
Alex Sangster, Lauren Rivera & Ashley Rodriguez Aurielle Morey, Adrianna Munoz & Sarah Rios
Trace, Troy & Tim Nickell Celia, Tyler & Cris Ames
Tammy Cochran & Scott Whitehead Mike & Vicki Schooter
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Sara Chaffin, Nhan Phan, & Amanda, Kyler & Dustin Wiltshire Heather Nusz & Mckenzie Davis
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Emily & Catherine Gritchen, Christine & Elizabeth Deeths, & Alex Gritchen
Brenda Mayer & Marissa Wood
Ashley & Julia Roberts
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138 Bakersfield Magazine
the story of bakersfield is all around us, you just have to look — and listen.
bakersfield’s sound d
phot
o co
urte
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kers
FieLD
coLL
eGe a
rchi
ves
f you’re wondering why you feel the intense desire to put on a cable-knit sweater, even
though it’s not technically sweater-weather here in bakersfield, it’s because you sense
that ever-elusive phenomenon known as “fall” approaching. but fall is a big deal in
our town and it always has been...for one reason, in particular. fall means football—
we’re suckers for football. bakersfieldians love the sound of a crisp snap, the sight of
a soaring 60-yard pass, and the smell of victory in the air.
Take memorial stadium on the bakersfield college campus as example of just how
much we love our pigskin. When the college was relocating to its present location in
1955, the first thing built was the stadium. In fact, during that first term, students
had to gather at the stadium (which was constructed at a cost of $1,161,000) to buy
concessions for lunch as the cafeteria wasn’t completed yet. That’s right—we put
football over food.
memorial stadium has gone on to play host to a number of bakersfield’s most time-
honored traditions and events including the shriner’s potato bowl and the red, White,
and boom fireworks display, not to mention being featured as one of few locations for
a mcdonald’s commercial promoting the 2008 olympic games in beijing. It was also
the stadium where the cowboys and the 49ers met to play an nfl charity game called
The children’s bowl in 1963. perhaps more importantly, it’s also been the place where
young athletes’ dreams have come true. It’s a place where rivalries are both created
and put aside for the love of the game.
still, no other city college team can boast numbers like ours. on numerous occasions,
more than 20,000 rabid fans have packed the stands (and the grounds) to watch not only
the ‘gades, but local high school teams trample the grass with passion and fury.
because when red and White fever grips you, it grips you hard. and it doesn’t let go.
bakersfield memorial stadiumseptember 1955
140 Bakersfield Magazine
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