Bakersfield - It's the People and a Whole Lot More
A full-color, photography book showcasing Bakersfield, California, paired with the histories of companies, institutions, and organizations that have made the city great.
A full-color, photography book showcasing Bakersfield, California, paired with the histories of companies, institutions, and organizations that have made the city great.
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<strong>Bakersfield</strong><br />
Photography by Greg Iger<br />
Text by Mark Corum<br />
It’s The <strong>People</strong>,<br />
And A <strong>Whole</strong> <strong>Lot</strong> <strong>More</strong><br />
A publication of <strong>the</strong><br />
Office of <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Mayor Harvey L. Hall
Thank you for your interest in this HPNbooks publication. For more information about o<strong>the</strong>r HPNbooks publications, or<br />
information about producing your own book with us, please visit www.hpnbooks.com.
Photography by Greg Iger<br />
Text by Mark Corum<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong><br />
It’s The <strong>People</strong>, And A <strong>Whole</strong> <strong>Lot</strong> <strong>More</strong><br />
A publication of <strong>the</strong><br />
Office of <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Mayor Harvey L. Hall<br />
HPNbooks<br />
A division of Lammert Incorporated<br />
San Antonio, Texas
÷<br />
Previous page: The famous <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Arch welcomed travelers on <strong>the</strong> old U.S. Route 99 for fifty-years. After falling into disrepair, Caltrans feared it would collapse onto <strong>the</strong> road <strong>and</strong> wanted it removed. Buck Owens worked with Samson Steel<br />
to build a new arch supported by towers resembling <strong>the</strong> Beale Memorial Clock Tower. Located on Sillect Avenue, next to <strong>the</strong> Crystal Palace, <strong>the</strong> city’s most recognizable image once again remains visible to motorists traveling on State Route 99.<br />
Above: Left to right, a panoramic looking west from downtown shows <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Police Department, City Hall North, First Presbyterian Church, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Californian Newspaper <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Padre Hotel.<br />
First Edition<br />
Copyright © 2016 HPNbooks<br />
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, without permission in writing from <strong>the</strong> publisher.<br />
All inquiries should be addressed to HPNbooks, 11535 Galm Road, Suite 101, San Antonio, Texas, 78254. Phone (800) 749-9790, www.hpnbooks.com.<br />
ISBN: 978-1-944891-19-0<br />
Library of Congress: 2016955375<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong>: It’s The <strong>People</strong>, And A <strong>Whole</strong> <strong>Lot</strong> <strong>More</strong><br />
photographer: Greg Iger<br />
assistant photographer: Ryan Cunningham<br />
author: Mark Corum<br />
designer: Glenda Tarazon Krouse<br />
contributing writers for <strong>Bakersfield</strong> partners: Garnette Bane, Joe Goodpasture<br />
Credits <strong>and</strong> acknowledgements.<br />
County of Kern Department of Agriculture <strong>and</strong><br />
Measurement St<strong>and</strong>ards, 2014 Kern County Agricultural<br />
Crop Report; Kern Economic Development Corporation,<br />
2016 Kern County Market Overview & Investor Directory;<br />
David Lyman, manager, Visit <strong>Bakersfield</strong>; Kristie Onaindia,<br />
Kern County Basque Club; North American Basque<br />
Organizations; Michael Trihey, news director, KGET.<br />
HPNbooks<br />
president: Ron Lammert<br />
project manager: Daphne Fletcher<br />
assistant project managers: Anita Andersen, Jennifer Folkert<br />
administration: Donna M. Mata, Lori K. Smith, Melissa G. Quinn<br />
book sales: Joe Neely<br />
production: Colin Hart, Evelyn Hart, Tim Lippard, Tony Quinn, Christopher D. Sturdevant<br />
BAKERSFIELD—It’s The <strong>People</strong>, And A <strong>Whole</strong> <strong>Lot</strong> <strong>More</strong><br />
2
Contents<br />
Legacy Sponsors ...............................................................................................4<br />
Introduction by Mayor Harvey L. Hall ............................................................6<br />
City of <strong>Bakersfield</strong> City Council........................................................................8<br />
County of Kern Administrative Center ..........................................................10<br />
Chapter 1<br />
A Diversity of Interests, a Style All Its Own..........12<br />
Chapter 2 <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Life ...................................................................56<br />
Chapter 3 <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Works ...........................................................100<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> Partners .....................................................................................142<br />
Sponsors ......................................................................................................300<br />
About <strong>the</strong> Photographer ..............................................................................302<br />
About <strong>the</strong> Author..........................................................................................303<br />
CONTENTS<br />
3
LEGACY SPONSORS<br />
Through <strong>the</strong>ir generous support, <strong>the</strong>se companies<br />
helped to make this project possible.<br />
Metropolitan Recycling, LLC<br />
2601 South Mount Vernon Avenue<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong>, California 93307<br />
661-836-8380<br />
Dignity Health<br />
Mercy & Memorial Hospitals<br />
California State University <strong>Bakersfield</strong><br />
9001 Stockdale Highway<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong>, California 93311<br />
661-654-CSUB (2782)<br />
www.csub.edu<br />
Memorial Hospital<br />
420 34th Street<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong>, California 93301<br />
661-327-4647<br />
Mercy Hospital Downtown<br />
2215 Truxtun Avenue<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong>, California 93301<br />
661-632-5000<br />
Kern Federal Credit Union<br />
1717 Truxtun Avenue, <strong>Bakersfield</strong> 93301<br />
4180 Coffee Road, <strong>Bakersfield</strong> 93308<br />
661-327-9461<br />
www.kernfcu.org<br />
Mercy Hospital Southwest<br />
400 Old River Road<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong>, California 93311<br />
661-663-6000<br />
www.dignityhealth.org/bakersfield<br />
San Joaquin Community Hospital<br />
2615 Chester Avenue<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong>, California 93301<br />
661-395-3000<br />
www.sjch.us<br />
BAKERSFIELD—It’s The <strong>People</strong>, And A <strong>Whole</strong> <strong>Lot</strong> <strong>More</strong><br />
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Omni Family Health<br />
4900 California Avenue, Suite 400-B<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong>, California 93309<br />
1-800-300-OMNI (66 64)<br />
www.OmniFamilyHealth.org<br />
Chris Bertolucci Construction<br />
9721 Rosedale Highway<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong>, California 93312<br />
661-589-4567<br />
www.bertolucci-construction.com<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> Adult School<br />
501 South Mount Vernon Avenue<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong>, California 93307<br />
661-835-1855<br />
bas.kernhigh.org<br />
KS Industries, LP<br />
6205 District Boulevard<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong>, California 93313<br />
661-617-1700<br />
www.ksilp.com<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> Family Medical Center<br />
4570 California Avenue<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong>, California 93309<br />
661-327-4411<br />
www.bfmc.com<br />
San Joaquin Veterinary Hospital<br />
3441 Allen Road<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong>, California 93314<br />
661-588-3299<br />
www.sanjoaquinvet.com<br />
LEGACY SPONSORS<br />
5
Introduction Mayor Harvey L. Hall<br />
Much has been said, songs have been sung, <strong>and</strong> articles <strong>and</strong> books written<br />
about this city we call home. The obvious can be stated about us; that <strong>Bakersfield</strong><br />
is currently <strong>the</strong> ninth largest city in California, that agriculture <strong>and</strong> oil fuel <strong>the</strong><br />
local economy, <strong>and</strong> that music feeds our souls…but what is readily apparent<br />
cannot alone tell <strong>the</strong> story.<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong>: It’s <strong>the</strong> <strong>People</strong>, <strong>and</strong> a <strong>Whole</strong> <strong>Lot</strong> <strong>More</strong>, is a book about us, <strong>the</strong><br />
people who live here, in or near <strong>Bakersfield</strong>, in <strong>the</strong> sou<strong>the</strong>rn end of California’s<br />
Central Valley. The people in our part of <strong>the</strong> world identify with <strong>Bakersfield</strong>, even<br />
if <strong>the</strong>y are not technically within its city limits. Ask someone from Lamont, or<br />
Weedpatch, or Oildale where <strong>the</strong>y are from, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> response is very likely to be<br />
“close to <strong>Bakersfield</strong>.”<br />
Our forefa<strong>the</strong>rs arrived from o<strong>the</strong>r states <strong>and</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r countries. They may have<br />
come on horseback, in wagons, or in beaten up old vehicles that held all <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
worldly belongings. Some of our parents made <strong>the</strong> choice to make this home, <strong>and</strong><br />
some of us are here because we decided that this was a good place to plant our<br />
roots. What <strong>Bakersfield</strong> is not, is exclusive. We are a community of people taking<br />
care of family, work, <strong>and</strong> one ano<strong>the</strong>r.<br />
This book pays homage to how we live, how we earn a living, how we play, our<br />
natural resources, <strong>and</strong> it uniquely captures <strong>the</strong> variety of places in our community,<br />
from <strong>the</strong> rugged shores of <strong>the</strong> picturesque <strong>and</strong> infamous Kern River, to <strong>the</strong> roar<br />
of <strong>the</strong> Kern County Raceway; from <strong>the</strong> revitalized jewel of <strong>the</strong> Padre Hotel<br />
downtown, to <strong>the</strong> to <strong>the</strong> sprawling campus of our prized California State University<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong>. Tucked carefully between <strong>the</strong> pages is <strong>the</strong> essence of what transforms<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> from ordinary, to extraordinary: <strong>the</strong> folks that live here.<br />
In a state where cities tend to be ei<strong>the</strong>r very young or very old (at least by<br />
American st<strong>and</strong>ards), we are firmly middle-aged. The hospitable Colonel Baker<br />
arrived in 1863, <strong>and</strong> word soon spread that travelers would be welcome to rest at<br />
‘Baker’s field.’ A hundred <strong>and</strong> fifty-three years later we are a city of nearly 380,000<br />
people, over half a million if you count <strong>the</strong> unincorporated areas adjacent to <strong>the</strong><br />
city. And, we are still welcoming our visitors, <strong>the</strong> ones that come to hear <strong>the</strong> music<br />
made famous by Buck <strong>and</strong> Merle, <strong>the</strong> ones that come to learn about baby carrots<br />
<strong>and</strong> pump oil, <strong>the</strong> ones that come to race cars <strong>and</strong> boats, <strong>the</strong> ones that come to<br />
watch <strong>the</strong>ir boys wrestle <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> girls play basketball, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> ones that come<br />
<strong>and</strong> decide to stay.<br />
Over <strong>the</strong> last seventy-some years I have been a proud member of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong><br />
community, <strong>and</strong> for nearly sixteen years it has been my honor <strong>and</strong> pleasure to<br />
serve as its mayor. As I reflect on what has been, <strong>and</strong> on what lies ahead, I am<br />
confident that <strong>Bakersfield</strong> will rise to meet <strong>the</strong> future as she has dealt with <strong>the</strong> past,<br />
with innovation, optimism <strong>and</strong> unity. <strong>Bakersfield</strong>: It’s <strong>the</strong> <strong>People</strong> <strong>and</strong> a <strong>Whole</strong> <strong>Lot</strong><br />
<strong>More</strong> pays tribute to who we were, who we are, <strong>and</strong> what we have built toge<strong>the</strong>r.<br />
—Mayor Harvey L. Hall<br />
City of <strong>Bakersfield</strong><br />
2001-2016<br />
BAKERSFIELD—It’s The <strong>People</strong>, And A <strong>Whole</strong> <strong>Lot</strong> <strong>More</strong><br />
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Harvey L. Hall, <strong>Bakersfield</strong>’s twenty-fifth<br />
mayor, with a statue of Colonel Thomas Baker,<br />
from whom <strong>the</strong> city’s name was derived.<br />
INTRODUCTION<br />
7
City of <strong>Bakersfield</strong><br />
City Council<br />
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Left to right, <strong>Bakersfield</strong> City Council Members: Terry Maxwell (Ward 2), Ken Weir (Ward 3), Vice Mayor Harold Hanson (Ward 5),<br />
Mayor Harvey L. Hall, Jacquie Sullivan (Ward 6), Bob Smith (Ward 4), Chris Parlier (Ward 7), <strong>and</strong> Willie Rivera (Ward 1).
÷<br />
A downtown <strong>Bakersfield</strong> nightscape highlights <strong>the</strong> Old Church Plaza with its bell tower, which st<strong>and</strong>s seventy feet tall. Built in 1931 as <strong>the</strong> First Baptist Church, <strong>the</strong><br />
building is listed on <strong>the</strong> National Register of Historic Places <strong>and</strong> represents a “fusion of two historical styles of architecture...Romanesque <strong>and</strong> Mission Revival.”<br />
CITY OF BAKERSFIELD CITY COUNCIL<br />
9
County of Kern<br />
Administrative Center<br />
÷<br />
Right: Left to right, County of Kern Board of Supervisors, David Couch<br />
(District 4), Leticia Perez (District 5), Chairman Mick Gleason (District 1),<br />
Mike Maggard (District 3), <strong>and</strong> Zack Scrivner (District 2).<br />
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF THE COUNTY OF KERN PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT.<br />
Below: County of Kern Administrative Center.<br />
BAKERSFIELD—It’s The <strong>People</strong>, And A <strong>Whole</strong> <strong>Lot</strong> <strong>More</strong><br />
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÷<br />
The leaves of trees lining <strong>the</strong> banks of <strong>the</strong> Kern River change<br />
colors as <strong>the</strong> temperature cools going into late fall.<br />
COUNTY OF KERN ADMINISTRATIVE CENTER<br />
11
Chapter<br />
1<br />
A Diversity of Interests,<br />
a Style All Its Own<br />
Choose any weekend in <strong>Bakersfield</strong>, <strong>and</strong> chances are <strong>the</strong>re are any number of activities from which to choose—whe<strong>the</strong>r<br />
<strong>the</strong> arts, sporting events or live music.<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> people love to socialize <strong>and</strong> attend functions <strong>and</strong> events, particularly when <strong>the</strong>re is a good cause tied to it.<br />
Dozens of nonprofits host fundraising events that draw <strong>the</strong> masses.<br />
We work hard <strong>and</strong> play harder, <strong>and</strong> if by chance, you don’t find us out <strong>and</strong> about, we are likely at a park, or in our backyard<br />
grillin’ <strong>and</strong> chillin’ with friends <strong>and</strong> family. In fact, <strong>Bakersfield</strong> boasts fifty-nine parks throughout <strong>the</strong> city, each with unique<br />
amenities including water parks, skateboard parks, <strong>and</strong> outdoor amphi<strong>the</strong>aters.<br />
We embrace our central California lifestyle, keeping it casual, but we don’t mind dressing to <strong>the</strong> occasion, or donning our<br />
favorite pair of cowboy boots, <strong>and</strong> a cowboy hat to keep with our western heritage.<br />
BAKERSFIELD—It’s The <strong>People</strong>, And A <strong>Whole</strong> <strong>Lot</strong> <strong>More</strong><br />
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÷<br />
The <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Amazing Race includes a<br />
scavenger hunt through downtown, infused<br />
with trivia while clad as your favorite<br />
costume character. The event benefits<br />
disabled persons in our community.
CHAPTER 1<br />
13
÷<br />
Above: Using pavement as <strong>the</strong>ir canvas, artists converge each October for <strong>the</strong> Via Arte Italian Street Painting Festival.<br />
Crowds build throughout <strong>the</strong> weekend in anticipation as fine art emerges.<br />
COURTESY OF ART SHERWYN.<br />
Right: Renowned metal-sculpturist Betty Younger’s Sun Catcher is among her dramatic works of public art that can be<br />
seen throughout downtown <strong>Bakersfield</strong>.<br />
BAKERSFIELD—It’s The <strong>People</strong>, And A <strong>Whole</strong> <strong>Lot</strong> <strong>More</strong><br />
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÷<br />
Since receiving a complete renovation <strong>the</strong> Padre Hotel has become<br />
a destination boutique hotel, <strong>and</strong> is a top choice for musical artists,<br />
actors, <strong>and</strong> business people staying in <strong>the</strong> city. The Padre’s storied<br />
history is something of urban legend, yet most of it is true.<br />
CHAPTER 1<br />
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BAKERSFIELD—It’s The <strong>People</strong>, And A <strong>Whole</strong> <strong>Lot</strong> <strong>More</strong><br />
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÷<br />
Opposite: Gas-filled glass tubes in a full-spectrum of colors keep<br />
iconic <strong>Bakersfield</strong> establishments aglow. Neon signs reached <strong>the</strong>ir peak in<br />
<strong>the</strong> 1960s, but in recent years have transformed into a form of public art. The Kern County Museum<br />
has dedicated The Neon Courtyard to preserve <strong>and</strong> display <strong>the</strong>se hidden gems of businesses gone by.<br />
Above: Merle Haggard <strong>and</strong> Buck Owens.<br />
INSETS COURTESY OF BUCK OWENS PRODUCTION CO., INC.<br />
Left: Legend has it that Buck Owen’s might have acquired this 1973 Pontiac Gr<strong>and</strong> Ville, originally<br />
built for Elvis, in a poker game with <strong>the</strong> famed western tailor <strong>and</strong> car builder Nudie Cohn.<br />
The roots of our music is a reflection of <strong>the</strong> Okies, Arkies, <strong>and</strong> Texans who<br />
moved here in <strong>the</strong> ’30s <strong>and</strong> ’40s as Dust Bowl Immigrants. Our honky tonks<br />
became <strong>the</strong> proving grounds for not only Merle Haggard <strong>and</strong> Buck Owens,<br />
but a h<strong>and</strong>ful of talented performers including Cousin Herb Henson, Bill<br />
Woods, Billy Mize, Oscar Whittington, Red Simpson <strong>and</strong> Gene Moles—all<br />
who played a role in pioneering <strong>the</strong> genre of music that would eventually bear<br />
our city’s namesake—<strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Sound.<br />
CHAPTER 1<br />
17
÷<br />
Above: For fifty years, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Fiesta has kept<br />
square dancing, a form of American folk dance, alive with<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir annual event at <strong>the</strong> Kern County Fairgrounds.<br />
Inset: Carol <strong>and</strong> Fred Noel have participated in every<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> Fiesta since 1989.<br />
BAKERSFIELD—It’s The <strong>People</strong>, And A <strong>Whole</strong> <strong>Lot</strong> <strong>More</strong><br />
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Today, music aficionados can enjoy live music as varied as <strong>the</strong> venues <strong>the</strong>mselves. One of <strong>the</strong> last remaining honky<br />
tonks is Trout’s Bar in neighboring Oildale, which offers live music, line dancing <strong>and</strong> karaoke most nights of <strong>the</strong> week.<br />
Part museum, part concert hall, part restaurant, Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace is enshrined with memorabilia from<br />
<strong>the</strong> performer’s musical career, while hosting today’s hottest up <strong>and</strong> coming country acts.<br />
The <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Music Hall of Fame is a recent addition to concert venues, offering a more intimate setting with<br />
superb sound quality as it also serves as a state-of-<strong>the</strong>-art recording studio. The Hall of Fame often plays host to<br />
Rick Kreiser’s Guitar Masters @ Studio A Series, bringing top-notch talent to perform in a showcase atmosphere.<br />
÷<br />
Top, left: The John Jorgenson Quintet performs at <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Music Hall of Fame.<br />
Top, right: Raised in <strong>Bakersfield</strong>, Monty Byrom has never ventured far from his<br />
hometown sound, while fronting ’80s rock b<strong>and</strong>s Billy Satellite, <strong>and</strong> New Frontier.<br />
He penned several hits for Eddie Money, including I Wanna Go Back. He returned to<br />
his roots as <strong>the</strong> lead singer of Big House, earning <strong>the</strong> group an Academy of Country<br />
Music nomination for “Top New Vocal Group of <strong>the</strong> Year” in 1998. Byrom periodically<br />
performs with <strong>the</strong> Buckaroos. He is currently fronting Monty Byrom & <strong>the</strong> Road Pilots,<br />
an Americana-style five-piece that released 100 Miles South of Eden in 2015.<br />
Left: The festive sounds of Mariachi ring out at a Cinco De Mayo celebration at<br />
Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace.<br />
CHAPTER 1<br />
19
÷<br />
Left: CSU <strong>Bakersfield</strong>’s outdoor amphi<strong>the</strong>ater provides <strong>the</strong> perfect venue for <strong>the</strong><br />
annual <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Jazz Festival, featuring live music performed by local <strong>and</strong><br />
well-known performers from around <strong>the</strong> world.<br />
DRONE SHOT COURTESY OF RYAN CUNNINGHAM, IGER STUDIO.<br />
Opposite: <strong>Bakersfield</strong> changed <strong>the</strong> sound of music again, in <strong>the</strong> early 1990s when<br />
multi-platinum, Grammy Award winning artists KoRn forged its own distinct metal<br />
br<strong>and</strong> of rock <strong>and</strong> roll. The city has paid homage to <strong>the</strong> b<strong>and</strong> at Rabobank Arena with<br />
a KoRn Row street sign, off N Street, just north of <strong>the</strong> train tracks.<br />
COURTESY OF WARNER MUSIC INC.<br />
BAKERSFIELD—It’s The <strong>People</strong>, And A <strong>Whole</strong> <strong>Lot</strong> <strong>More</strong><br />
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However, <strong>the</strong> twangy-country emitted from a Fender Telecaster<br />
is not <strong>the</strong> only musical style originating from <strong>Bakersfield</strong>. In <strong>the</strong><br />
early 1990s, KoRn redefined heavy-metal by forging a new genre<br />
of post-grunge, alternative metal that was devoured by fans thirsty<br />
for something different <strong>and</strong> hard-hitting.<br />
CHAPTER 1<br />
21
÷<br />
Concert goers enjoy an outdoor concert on a perfect <strong>Bakersfield</strong><br />
early-summer evening at <strong>the</strong> Bright House Amphi<strong>the</strong>atre,<br />
located at The Park at River Walk.<br />
BAKERSFIELD—It’s The <strong>People</strong>, And A <strong>Whole</strong> <strong>Lot</strong> <strong>More</strong><br />
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÷<br />
Right: Banshee in <strong>the</strong> Kitchen performs at <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Sister City Gardens during World Friendship Day.<br />
The talented trio plays Celtic music infused with <strong>the</strong> fiddle, hammered dulcimer <strong>and</strong> accordion.<br />
Below: For eighty-four years, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Symphony Orchestra, comprised primarily of local musicians, has delivered<br />
an exceptional musical experience to its audiences. In 2015, Stilian Kirov, became <strong>the</strong> BSO’s youngest conductor.<br />
CHAPTER 1<br />
23
÷<br />
The 1,500 seat Fox Theater designed by famed Los Angeles architect S. Charles Lee, opened on<br />
Christmas Day in 1930, premiering <strong>the</strong> sci-fi tale Just Imagine. The <strong>the</strong>ater’s silver screen entertained<br />
scores of residents for forty-seven years before going dark in 1977. In 1994, <strong>the</strong> nonprofit Fox Theater<br />
Foundation was created to begin a massive restoration effort. Today, The Fox Theater is recognized as a<br />
community treasure for its fine acoustics <strong>and</strong> is <strong>the</strong> only remaining Fox with its rare Skouras signature<br />
interior intact. Beginning at <strong>the</strong> sidewalk on a rainbow of polished terrazzo <strong>and</strong> inside amid towering<br />
gold leaf, she is an exquisite blend of Spanish Colonial <strong>and</strong> Art Deco.<br />
BAKERSFIELD—It’s The <strong>People</strong>, And A <strong>Whole</strong> <strong>Lot</strong> <strong>More</strong><br />
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<strong>Bakersfield</strong> has an active performing arts community including <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong><br />
Community Theatre, California’s oldest continually operating community <strong>the</strong>atre.<br />
Stars Theatre Restaurant combines fine dining with exceptional musicals <strong>and</strong><br />
comedy performances, while The Empty Space is one of just a few donationbased<br />
<strong>the</strong>atres in <strong>the</strong> United States, fostering a creative environment for local<br />
actors, directors <strong>and</strong> designers to refine <strong>the</strong>ir craft.<br />
÷<br />
Top, left: West Side Story production at <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Music Theatre.<br />
Top, right: The Gaslight Melodrama offers live <strong>the</strong>atrical performance complemented by a piano player who<br />
sets <strong>the</strong> mood for <strong>the</strong> audience to boo <strong>the</strong> villain, cheer <strong>the</strong> hero <strong>and</strong> awww at <strong>the</strong> swee<strong>the</strong>art.<br />
Left: Nearly two-dozen acoustic <strong>and</strong> electric guitars are set up on <strong>the</strong> stage of <strong>the</strong> Fox Theater for a solo<br />
performance by Jackson Browne.<br />
CHAPTER ONE<br />
25
÷<br />
Hair, makeup, <strong>and</strong> costume collides<br />
with fantasy at Glamour Fatale:<br />
Battle of <strong>the</strong> Salons.<br />
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Keeping our city’s rich Scottish<br />
heritage <strong>and</strong> cultural traditions alive<br />
at <strong>the</strong> Scottish Games <strong>and</strong> Ga<strong>the</strong>ring.<br />
PHOTOS COURTESY OF RYAN CUNNINGHAM,<br />
IGER STUDIO.<br />
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Above: Members of <strong>the</strong> Kern County Basque Club pay homage to <strong>the</strong> traditions of <strong>the</strong> coastal fishing villages of <strong>the</strong> Basque Country who<br />
rely upon <strong>the</strong> generosity of <strong>the</strong> sea for <strong>the</strong>ir living. The ladies are performing <strong>the</strong> “Mateola” or Lapirdi’s fish basket dance to celebrate an<br />
abundant catch <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> return of <strong>the</strong>ir men from <strong>the</strong> sea. <strong>Bakersfield</strong> is host to <strong>the</strong> largest Basque Club in California <strong>and</strong> second in <strong>the</strong><br />
nation to Boise, Idaho. The annual Basque Festival celebrates <strong>the</strong> heritage of this unique culture.<br />
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Opposite: A young Klika drummer joins with his elders at <strong>the</strong> Basque Festival. According to North American<br />
Basque Association, <strong>the</strong> Klika tradition reaches back to <strong>the</strong> Napoleonic era two centuries ago, when young Basques<br />
were drafted into <strong>the</strong> French army. Their reputation as noted singers, dancers <strong>and</strong> musicians made <strong>the</strong>m almost<br />
automatic picks for <strong>the</strong> military brass b<strong>and</strong> in <strong>the</strong>ir respective units. After leaving <strong>the</strong> military, <strong>the</strong>y took <strong>the</strong>se<br />
talents <strong>and</strong> turned <strong>the</strong>m into a Basque celebration of music. The <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Klika was formed in 1975.
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Churchill Downs meets good ol’ <strong>Bakersfield</strong> roots<br />
with guests donning traditional Kentucky Derby wear with<br />
festive hats, or <strong>the</strong>ir country best for CASA’s Boot Scootin’ Derby,<br />
benefitting foster children’s rights to safe, permanent, <strong>and</strong> nurturing homes.<br />
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Over 2,400 Harris Ranch New York Steaks <strong>and</strong> 800 teriyaki chicken dinners are served at <strong>the</strong> annual CSU <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Spring BBQ by Gary <strong>and</strong><br />
Adam Icardo <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir crew. John Giumarra, Jr., has served as chairman of <strong>the</strong> event since its inaugural event was held at <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Police<br />
Pistol Range, in 1972. This rite of Spring benefits <strong>the</strong> Roadrunner Scholarship Fund by paying for education costs of CSUB student-athletes.<br />
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Left: Without a doubt, Luigi’s is <strong>Bakersfield</strong>’s ga<strong>the</strong>ring spot, where you always run<br />
into old friends <strong>and</strong> never meet a stranger. The walls are adorned with snapshots of<br />
high school athletes dating back to Kern County Union High School, <strong>and</strong> hometown<br />
heroes who made it to <strong>the</strong> big leagues.<br />
Below: You scream, I scream, we all scream for ice cream. Nothing beats a scoop of<br />
ice cream during <strong>Bakersfield</strong>’s scorching summer heat. Yet, you will find <strong>the</strong> more<br />
refined ice cream connoisseur opting for Dewar’s delectable Black & White—a scoop<br />
of vanilla ice cream topped with hot fudge, a scoop of chocolate ice-cream topped<br />
with whipped marshmallow topping <strong>and</strong> dressed with your choice of toasted almonds<br />
or walnuts, or George’s Special, an addictive blended concoction of vanilla ice cream,<br />
walnuts, bananas <strong>and</strong> chocolate syrup.<br />
÷<br />
Opposite: There are more Mexican-inspired restaurants in <strong>Bakersfield</strong> offering<br />
flavorful south of <strong>the</strong> border delicacies than any o<strong>the</strong>r cuisine. Most of <strong>the</strong> restaurants<br />
are family-owned <strong>and</strong> serve up entrees reflective of <strong>the</strong>ir family’s heritage from <strong>the</strong><br />
various regions of Mexico.<br />
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Above: The bounty of Kern County <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
San Joaquin Valley’s harvest is featured at <strong>the</strong><br />
Haggin Oaks Farmer’s Market. Seasonal fruit <strong>and</strong><br />
vegetables fill <strong>the</strong> tables, with <strong>the</strong> farmers eager to<br />
share samples that are <strong>the</strong> result of <strong>the</strong>ir hard work.<br />
Opposite: The aroma of fresh-baked sourdough bread emanates early each morning from Pyrenees French Bakery in Central <strong>Bakersfield</strong>. The bakery which was<br />
originally called <strong>the</strong> Kern City French Bakery, began in 1887 under <strong>the</strong> proprietorship of Marius M. Espitallier. In December 1944, Pierre <strong>and</strong> Juanita Laxague<br />
purchased <strong>the</strong> bakery <strong>and</strong> changed its name to Pyrenees in honor of <strong>the</strong>ir native province. The distinct flavor of Pyrenees French Bakery sourdough bread comes<br />
from its French sourdough style recipe based on a sourdough starter that has been maintained for almost seventy years. Their sourdough features a more<br />
subdued sour taste as compared to some typical San Francisco-style doughs, <strong>and</strong> is finished off with a hearty crust as a result of being baked in brick ovens.<br />
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Good food, brew <strong>and</strong> vibes are common underlying <strong>the</strong>mes of<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong>’s numerous beer festivals—each capitalizing<br />
on America’s fascination with craft beer brewing.<br />
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The shimmer of Mustang silver bounces<br />
off <strong>the</strong> helmets from <strong>the</strong> Friday Night Lights<br />
of high school football.<br />
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<strong>Bakersfield</strong> loves its hometown sports, starting with high school, college <strong>and</strong> professional teams. During<br />
<strong>the</strong> fall season, high school football dominates <strong>the</strong> conversation, with generations of alumni returning to<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir alma mater on Friday nights to cheer on <strong>the</strong>ir team. In <strong>Bakersfield</strong>, we do not care as much about where<br />
you obtained your college degree from, but if you are local, we want to know what high school you attended.<br />
÷<br />
The <strong>Bakersfield</strong> College Renegades.<br />
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF FRANCIS MAYER.<br />
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Above: CSU <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Basketball Coach Rod Barnes<br />
discusses strategy with <strong>the</strong> players of <strong>the</strong> Runners’ team.<br />
Left: CSU <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Runners’ Forward Kevin Mays<br />
sinks a basket against Portl<strong>and</strong> State.<br />
Following a five-year transition to NCAA Division I<br />
Status, CSU <strong>Bakersfield</strong> moved to full membership status<br />
in 2010-11. It has not taken long for CSUB Athletics<br />
to make a name for <strong>the</strong>mselves on a national level with<br />
four programs securing Western Athletics Conference<br />
Championships (Baseball: 2013-regular season, <strong>and</strong> 2015;<br />
Volleyball: 2014; Men’s Basketball: 2016; Softball: 2016<br />
(tournament championships).<br />
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<strong>Bakersfield</strong> has played host to <strong>the</strong> California Interscholastic Federation (CIF)<br />
State Boys Wrestling Championship since 2004. The annual event attracts 560 wrestlers from<br />
across <strong>the</strong> state to compete in fourteen weight classes in <strong>the</strong> double-elimination tournament.<br />
<strong>More</strong> than 1,100 matches take place during <strong>the</strong> two-day Championship.<br />
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The CSUB ‘Runners were <strong>the</strong> 2015 Western Athletic Conference (WAC) Tournament<br />
Champions advancing <strong>the</strong>m to <strong>the</strong>ir first NCAA Tournament Appearance.<br />
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<strong>Bakersfield</strong> is home to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Condors, who joined <strong>the</strong> American<br />
Hockey League in 2015/16, after becoming affiliated with <strong>the</strong> Edmonton<br />
Oilers. The organization has created a buzz for itself over <strong>the</strong> years through<br />
creative marketing <strong>and</strong> fan engagement opportunities.<br />
÷<br />
Condorstown fans go crazy with <strong>the</strong> annual Teddy Bear Toss 13:55 into <strong>the</strong> first period when<br />
Ryan Hamilton scores <strong>the</strong> first goal—7,908 stuffed animals hit <strong>the</strong> ice—it is a sight to behold.<br />
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF RABOBANK ARENA.<br />
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Above: The <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Triathlon makes good use of <strong>the</strong> environs nor<strong>the</strong>ast of <strong>Bakersfield</strong> earning a<br />
reputation as one of <strong>the</strong> most challenging triathlons in <strong>the</strong> U.S. The USA Triathlon Sanctioned Event<br />
features a 1.5k swim across Lake Ming, a 40k bike up <strong>the</strong> Panorama Bluffs <strong>and</strong> a 10k run up<br />
Rattlesnake Grade to Bastard Hill.<br />
Opposite, inset: Area high school leading golfer Madi Daniel (right)<br />
<strong>and</strong> her friend Rachel Levi, assistant pro at Stockdale Country Club,<br />
enjoying a day on <strong>the</strong> greens.<br />
Opposite: On <strong>the</strong> eighteenth green at Rio Bravo Country Club.<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong>’s climate is conducive to year-round golf at one of <strong>the</strong><br />
city’s private country clubs including Stockdale, <strong>Bakersfield</strong>, <strong>and</strong><br />
Seven Oaks, or public courses like The Links at RiverLakes Ranch.<br />
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Motorsports in <strong>Bakersfield</strong> remain a huge attraction whe<strong>the</strong>r on dirt, asphalt or<br />
on <strong>the</strong> water in <strong>the</strong> case of <strong>the</strong> boat drags at Lake Ming. Kern County is host to<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> Speedway, which locals call <strong>the</strong> “Okie Bowl” <strong>and</strong> is known as <strong>the</strong> West’s<br />
Fastest 1/3 Mile High Banked Clay Oval.<br />
Kern County Raceway Park offers dirt, moto-x, <strong>and</strong> is home to <strong>the</strong> NASCAR<br />
Whelen All-American Racing series as well as <strong>the</strong> season opener for <strong>the</strong> NASCAR<br />
K&N Pro Series West.<br />
Drag Racing enthusiasts consider Famoso Raceway hallowed ground, converging<br />
in <strong>the</strong> Fall for <strong>the</strong> Hotrod Reunion, <strong>and</strong> each Spring for <strong>the</strong> March Meet.<br />
÷<br />
Above: Racing runs deep in <strong>the</strong> roots of <strong>Bakersfield</strong>’s motorsports community, with multi-generations of family<br />
members competing. NASCAR Late Model driver Buddy Shepherd fist-bumps a pint-sized fan during <strong>the</strong> drivers<br />
autograph session at Kern County Raceway Park. His fa<strong>the</strong>r, Dick Shepherd, had a successful racing career on <strong>the</strong><br />
dirt at <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Speedway, <strong>and</strong> on <strong>the</strong> asphalt in <strong>the</strong> mid-1990s at <strong>the</strong> former Mesa Marin Raceway where he won<br />
two track championships.<br />
Right: The smell of nitro, burning rubber <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> roar of pure horsepower has drawn thous<strong>and</strong>s of spectators every March<br />
since 1959, when <strong>the</strong> Smokers Car Club hosted <strong>the</strong> inaugural U.S. Gas <strong>and</strong> Fuel Championships at Famoso Raceway.<br />
PHOTOGRAPH TOP OF THE PAGE AND RIGHT ARE COURTESY OF THE FAMOSO RACEWAY.<br />
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<strong>Bakersfield</strong>’s passion for racing is not just limited to asphalt. The roots of drag<br />
boat racing goes back to November 26, 1956, when <strong>the</strong> Kern County<br />
Boat <strong>and</strong> Ski Club held a race on a small lake in Hart Park.<br />
Sixty years later, <strong>the</strong> National Jet Boat Association<br />
hosts a series of races on <strong>the</strong> liquid<br />
quarter-mile at Lake Ming.<br />
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Below: For thirty years, <strong>Bakersfield</strong> has played host to <strong>the</strong> Western Street<br />
Rod Nationals. Chrome, flames <strong>and</strong> tuck <strong>and</strong> roll upholstery abounds as<br />
1,700 street rods, customs, <strong>and</strong> muscle cars converge on <strong>the</strong> Kern County<br />
Fairgrounds each Spring. Mayor Harvey L. Hall judges this ’32 roadster<br />
for consideration of <strong>the</strong> Mayor’s Trophy at <strong>the</strong> Western Street Rod Nationals.<br />
Inset: Mayor Harvey L. Hall is surrounded by a sea of hotrods <strong>and</strong><br />
muscle cars at <strong>the</strong> Western Street Rod Nationals.<br />
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Left: Welcome to <strong>the</strong> Kern County Fair.<br />
Below: Thrillseekers pack <strong>the</strong> midway of <strong>the</strong><br />
Great Kern County Fair. Beyond <strong>the</strong> carnival<br />
rides, <strong>the</strong> fair features great entertainment,<br />
blue-ribbon contests, <strong>and</strong> livestock events.<br />
The one-hundred-year-old Kern County Fair<br />
was originally located where <strong>the</strong> Kern County<br />
Museum resides on Chester Avenue.<br />
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Rodeo royalty parade <strong>the</strong>ir way around <strong>the</strong> arena at <strong>the</strong> annual<br />
Stampede Days Rodeo at <strong>the</strong> Kern County Fairgrounds.<br />
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Left: The Sikhs first came to California from <strong>the</strong> Punjab Region of India in 1899.<br />
The Pacific Coast Khalsa Diwan was formed in 1911 near Stockton. These<br />
non-violent, peace-loving people believe in <strong>the</strong> equality of all human<br />
beings while promoting gender equality. <strong>Bakersfield</strong> solidified<br />
its relationship with <strong>the</strong> Sikh community by forging a relationship<br />
through <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Sister City Project Corporation with<br />
Amritsar, India, which is considered <strong>the</strong> Holy City of <strong>the</strong> Sikh religion.<br />
Everybody loves a parade, <strong>and</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong> hosts a<br />
number of <strong>the</strong>m, including <strong>the</strong> Veterans Day Parade,<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> Christmas Parade, <strong>the</strong> Black American<br />
History Parade, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Peace Parade organized by<br />
<strong>the</strong> community’s Sikh population.<br />
÷<br />
Right: <strong>Bakersfield</strong>’s patriotism <strong>and</strong> appreciation for all who have served<br />
in <strong>the</strong> United States Armed Forces is visibly apparent at <strong>the</strong> annual<br />
Veteran’s Day Parade in downtown <strong>Bakersfield</strong>. The American Legion<br />
Post 26 has hosted <strong>the</strong> annual parade since 1919.<br />
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<strong>More</strong> than three million LED lights are used to create colorful<br />
animated displays during <strong>the</strong> Holiday Lights at <strong>the</strong> California<br />
Living Museum (CALM), complete with snowflakes. The event<br />
has become an annual <strong>Bakersfield</strong> tradition, with more than<br />
450,000 people experiencing <strong>the</strong> magic since 2002.<br />
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Inset: Mr. Christmas aka Mayor Harvey L. Hall<br />
brought back <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Christmas Parade<br />
<strong>and</strong> served as coordinator for twenty-years.<br />
Aglow in holiday lights, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Fire Department’s<br />
hook <strong>and</strong> ladder participates in <strong>the</strong> annual<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> Christmas Parade held<br />
in downtown <strong>Bakersfield</strong>.<br />
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Left: Plein Air artist Art Sherwyn gets inspiration along <strong>the</strong> banks of <strong>the</strong> Kern River.<br />
Below: Lone lupines st<strong>and</strong> out in a patch of poppies off of Highway 223, heading towards <strong>the</strong><br />
Tehachapi Mountains.<br />
If experiencing <strong>the</strong> great outdoors is more your style, <strong>Bakersfield</strong><br />
serves as a gateway for adventurers. The sou<strong>the</strong>rn end of <strong>the</strong> Sequoia<br />
National Forest is in our backyard offering hiking, mountain biking <strong>and</strong><br />
river rafting for adrenaline-seekers.<br />
The foothills of <strong>Bakersfield</strong> lends itself to some of <strong>the</strong> most spectacular<br />
arrays of wildflowers in <strong>the</strong> state. For a few short weeks in <strong>the</strong> spring,<br />
poppies, lupines, <strong>and</strong> owls clover transform <strong>the</strong> l<strong>and</strong>scape while <strong>the</strong><br />
grass turns from lush green to golden brown.<br />
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Chapter<br />
2<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> Life<br />
When it comes to quality of life amenities, our city draws from its roots <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> vision of Colonel Thomas Baker,<br />
who offered weary travelers a place to rest in his field. His generous hospitality seems to have been embraced by<br />
many who decided to stay <strong>and</strong> grow our city—to over a half million people today.<br />
÷<br />
Right: Colonel Thomas Baker’s statue at city hall keeps a watchful eye on downtown as night falls.<br />
Below: Artists Al Mendez <strong>and</strong> Sebastian Muralles pay homage to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Sound, <strong>and</strong> music's impact on <strong>the</strong> sou<strong>the</strong>rn San Joaquin Valley with<br />
this mural on <strong>the</strong> side of Front Porch Music. Of note are several Mosrite guitars manufactured by Semie <strong>and</strong> Andy Mosely in <strong>Bakersfield</strong>, <strong>and</strong><br />
played by artists ranging from <strong>the</strong> Ventures to <strong>the</strong> Ramones.<br />
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Reach, teach <strong>and</strong> empower—Agapel<strong>and</strong> is an urban private<br />
Christian School that provides a multi-cultural learning experience.<br />
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Left: The Beale Memorial Clock Tower was built in memory of Truxtun Beale’s mo<strong>the</strong>r, Mary Edwards Beale.<br />
Dedicated on April 2, 1904, <strong>the</strong> clock tower was located at <strong>the</strong> intersection of Chester Avenue <strong>and</strong> Seventeenth<br />
Street. It was demolished as a result of a series of earthquakes in 1952. A restoration committee was formed <strong>and</strong> a<br />
replica of <strong>the</strong> clock tower, including <strong>the</strong> original clock works, bell, <strong>and</strong> iron works, was reconstructed <strong>and</strong> dedicated<br />
at <strong>the</strong> Kern County Museum on December 13, 1964.<br />
Bottom, left: Downtown’s First Friday events provide a showcase for local artists, performers, <strong>and</strong> artisans to display<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir talents in a family friendly setting.<br />
Below: Artist Tom Zachary pays tribute to Lady Liberty <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> men <strong>and</strong> women who served in World War II with<br />
his patriotic mural located at Twentieth <strong>and</strong> Eye Streets.<br />
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Right: With a personality as big as her heart <strong>and</strong> passion for downtown <strong>Bakersfield</strong>, Cathy Butler has<br />
devoted a lifetime to invigorating our city center. Always <strong>the</strong> promoter, she works tirelessly with merchants,<br />
artists, restauranteurs, businesses <strong>and</strong> community groups for <strong>the</strong> benefit of downtown.<br />
Below: A festive performer dances at <strong>the</strong> Metro Galleries during a Latination exhibit.<br />
Bottom, right: The Mark Restaurant offers a unique dining experience pairing outdoor seating with<br />
live entertainment.<br />
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Opposite, top: Snow-capped Breckenridge Mountain peers over <strong>Bakersfield</strong> at<br />
a 7,548 foot elevation. This photograph, taken during a wet year, highlights<br />
<strong>the</strong> flow of <strong>the</strong> Kern River, Truxtun Lake <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Carrier Canal.<br />
RIGHT AND BOTTOM PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF MARK CORUM.<br />
Beautification of our city is something every resident can get behind,<br />
including Mayor Hall, who personally joined <strong>and</strong> encouraged residents,<br />
volunteers, <strong>and</strong> business leaders to pick up litter along <strong>the</strong> on <strong>and</strong><br />
off ramps running through <strong>Bakersfield</strong> as part of <strong>the</strong> Mayor’s Freeway<br />
Cleanup. Hall was also instrumental in creating <strong>the</strong> Great American<br />
Cleanup through Keep <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Beautiful, which celebrated its fifteenth<br />
anniversary in 2016. To celebrate, Keep America Beautiful President <strong>and</strong><br />
CEO Jennifer Jehn came to <strong>Bakersfield</strong> to honor Mayor Hall’s efforts of<br />
leading by example, which earned him <strong>the</strong> Iron Eyes Cody Award in 2011.<br />
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☺<br />
Opposite: Cancer survivors <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir family members participate in team challenges at <strong>the</strong> Campout Against Cancer event.<br />
Funds from <strong>the</strong> growing annual event stay right here in Kern County to help local cancer patients.<br />
Above: Mayor Harvey L. Hall addresses a sea of purple at <strong>the</strong> twenty-fifth anniversary opening festivities of <strong>the</strong> American<br />
Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. Since its inception, <strong>the</strong> event has raised nearly twenty-five million dollars as attendees<br />
celebrate, remember, <strong>and</strong> fight back against cancer.<br />
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF MARK CORUM.<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong>’s quality of life is very much driven by <strong>the</strong> people who call it home.<br />
Our sense of community shines when we pull toge<strong>the</strong>r to support a need, cause, or<br />
celebration. There are a countless number of organizations dedicated to improving<br />
<strong>the</strong> quality of life for our residents, each who do commendable work.<br />
For twenty-five years, families have come toge<strong>the</strong>r to celebrate <strong>and</strong> remember<br />
cancer victims <strong>and</strong> survivors through <strong>the</strong> American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life,<br />
raising more than $24 million dollars.<br />
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The health, wellness, <strong>and</strong> vitality of our people is of<br />
utmost importance. Our city offers a vast network of<br />
healthcare providers from urgent care centers <strong>and</strong> clinics,<br />
specialists, hospitals <strong>and</strong> a regional trauma center to care<br />
for your loved ones.<br />
Dignity Health’s Mercy <strong>and</strong> Memorial Hospitals specialize<br />
in cancer care, heart <strong>and</strong> vascular, neurology, orthopedics,<br />
pediatrics, surgery <strong>and</strong> women’s care. Memorial Hospital<br />
is home to <strong>the</strong> Grossman Burn Center, renowned for<br />
its pioneering techniques to assist burn survivors in<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir recovery.<br />
Adventist Health’s San Joaquin Community Hospital has<br />
been serving <strong>the</strong> community for more than 100 years <strong>and</strong><br />
offers specialized care through its Brain <strong>and</strong> Spine Institute,<br />
AIS Cancer Center, Quest Imaging, <strong>and</strong> The Burn Center.<br />
÷<br />
Opposite, clockwise starting from <strong>the</strong> top left:<br />
Clinica Sierra Vista.<br />
Kern Medical.<br />
Mercy Southwest.<br />
The Guild House serves gourmet lunches with proceeds benefiting <strong>the</strong> Henrietta Weill Child Guidance Clinic—200<br />
active members volunteer <strong>the</strong>ir time to cook, serve customers, or wash dishes. Established in 1958, <strong>the</strong> Guild has<br />
raised over $2 million for <strong>the</strong> clinic which provides outpatient mental health services for children <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir families.<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> Memorial Hospital.<br />
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Kern Medical is an acute care 222 bed teaching center<br />
affiliated with UCLA <strong>and</strong> serves as <strong>the</strong> area’s advanced<br />
trauma center.<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> Heart Hospital specializes in <strong>the</strong> diagnosis<br />
<strong>and</strong> treatment of heart <strong>and</strong> vascular disease, but also cares<br />
for a wide range of o<strong>the</strong>r medical <strong>and</strong> surgical patients.<br />
Part of <strong>the</strong> recovery of any major health episode is medical<br />
rehabilitation. HealthSouth offers comprehensive inpatient<br />
<strong>and</strong> outpatient rehabilitation services.<br />
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Honoring America’s “Greatest Generation’, is <strong>the</strong> goal of Honor Flight of Kern County, working to<br />
recognize <strong>the</strong> approximate 46,000 veterans in Kern County, including over 8,000 who served in<br />
World War II <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Korean War. This patriotic group sends veterans to Washington, D.C. to see <strong>the</strong><br />
memorials built in <strong>the</strong>ir honor for <strong>the</strong>ir service to our great country—at no cost to <strong>the</strong> veteran. They<br />
receive a hero’s send-off from Meadows Field, <strong>and</strong> during <strong>the</strong>ir flight receive cards <strong>and</strong> notes of appreciation<br />
from schoolchildren thanking <strong>the</strong>m for <strong>the</strong>ir dedication <strong>and</strong> sacrifice to protect our freedom.<br />
÷<br />
ABOVE: PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF KEVIN FAHEY.<br />
Right: For ten years, Ben Patten <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Armed Forces Support Riders have provided motorcycle escort for new recruits entering<br />
active duty.<br />
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF ART OCHOA PHOTOGRAPHY.<br />
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Ano<strong>the</strong>r uniquely <strong>Bakersfield</strong> effort is KGET TV 17’s<br />
Compassion Corner which started out twenty years ago<br />
as a collection point for people to donate money or<br />
items for a cause. Today, thirteen drives are organized<br />
each year benefitting <strong>the</strong> Alliance Against Family Violence,<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Homeless Center, canned food drives for<br />
<strong>the</strong> Golden Empire Gleaners <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> CAPK Food Bank,<br />
fans for senior citizens, <strong>and</strong> pet adoptions.<br />
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From early childhood education through graduate programs,<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> embraces local education opportunities.<br />
A number of private schools are prevalent in <strong>the</strong> area, including<br />
Garces Memorial High School, <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Christian,<br />
<strong>and</strong> Heritage Academy, which offer a faith-based curriculum.<br />
Gaining increased popularity with many parents <strong>and</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong>ir school age children are charter schools, such as<br />
Valley Oaks Charter School, which is ran through <strong>the</strong><br />
Kern County Superintendent of Schools. The tuition-free<br />
program provides greater choice <strong>and</strong> flexibility for students<br />
who do not thrive in a normal public school environment—<br />
where parents, teachers <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> community work toge<strong>the</strong>r<br />
to educate one student at a time.<br />
÷<br />
Above: The Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County offers several reasons to jump for joy, including outst<strong>and</strong>ing after school <strong>and</strong> day camp summer programs from its<br />
main location serving east <strong>Bakersfield</strong> <strong>and</strong> numerous satellite school-based locations throughout <strong>the</strong> community.<br />
Left: This little free library was created in remembrance of Wendy Wayne, a dedicated advocate for children <strong>and</strong> humanity. Neighborhood children can borrow a<br />
book from <strong>the</strong> tiny library for free.<br />
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Regional<br />
Occupational<br />
Center<br />
Meeting <strong>the</strong> dem<strong>and</strong> for a skilled <strong>and</strong> prepared workforce is of <strong>the</strong> highest<br />
priority for area learning institutions. The Kern High School District’s Regional<br />
Occupational Center is a public education/technical training facility offering a<br />
variety of programs to those interested in developing or improving job skills.<br />
Juniors <strong>and</strong> seniors can select from more than two-dozen program options,<br />
including, animal care, law enforcement, pharmacy tech <strong>and</strong> 3D animation<br />
<strong>and</strong> video game design.<br />
÷<br />
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF THE REGIONAL OCCUPATIONAL CENTER.<br />
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Top, left: <strong>Bakersfield</strong> High School.<br />
Top, right: Liberty High School.<br />
Left: The first grade flutophone b<strong>and</strong> performs at <strong>the</strong> Little Red<br />
School House’s kindergarten graduation.<br />
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF MARK CORUM.<br />
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<strong>Bakersfield</strong> College is one of <strong>the</strong> nation’s oldest continually<br />
operating community colleges <strong>and</strong> serves 20,000 students<br />
from its 153-acre campus in nor<strong>the</strong>ast <strong>Bakersfield</strong>, <strong>and</strong> two<br />
satellite locations.<br />
O<strong>the</strong>r four-year universities in <strong>Bakersfield</strong> include Fresno<br />
Pacific University <strong>and</strong> University of Phoenix, both of which<br />
offer teaching certification, undergraduate, <strong>and</strong> graduate<br />
degrees, <strong>and</strong> University of Laverne offering undergraduate<br />
<strong>and</strong> graduate degrees.<br />
÷<br />
Students from <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong> College Culinary program put <strong>the</strong>ir skills to work<br />
creating a savory entree at Garden Fest. The program emphasizes quality food<br />
production <strong>and</strong> service in commercial <strong>and</strong> institutional food service operations.<br />
Students gain real world experience working in <strong>the</strong> campus restaurant, <strong>the</strong><br />
Renegade Room.<br />
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Left: Located on a 375-acre site in southwest <strong>Bakersfield</strong>, CSU <strong>Bakersfield</strong><br />
serves more than 8,720 students <strong>and</strong> counts over 40,000 alumni from<br />
its programs: arts <strong>and</strong> humanities, business <strong>and</strong> public administration,<br />
natural sciences, ma<strong>the</strong>matics <strong>and</strong> engineering, <strong>and</strong> social sciences <strong>and</strong><br />
education. CSUB offers undergraduate, graduate, post-graduate <strong>and</strong><br />
credential programs. In addition, CSUB’s Extended University offers<br />
professional development, certificate, <strong>and</strong> degree programs.<br />
÷<br />
Right: Established in 1913, <strong>Bakersfield</strong> College is one of <strong>the</strong> oldest, continuallyoperating<br />
community colleges in <strong>the</strong> United States. Over 20,000 students are<br />
served from <strong>the</strong> 153 acre main campus, <strong>the</strong> Weill Institute in downtown<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong>, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Delano Center located thirty-five miles north of <strong>the</strong> city of<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong>. BC offers a number of associate degree <strong>and</strong> certificate programs<br />
from nearly fifty subjects.<br />
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The <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Police Department provides for <strong>the</strong> safety<br />
<strong>and</strong> welfare of <strong>the</strong> citizens of <strong>Bakersfield</strong> utilizing effective<br />
law enforcement systems, including crime prevention,<br />
patrol <strong>and</strong> traffic enforcement, criminal investigation<br />
follow-up, crime analysis, vice <strong>and</strong> narcotic engagement,<br />
gang suppression <strong>and</strong> community relations.<br />
÷<br />
Opposite: The <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Police Activities League helps keep kids on <strong>the</strong> right path by engaging <strong>the</strong>m in healthy<br />
activities, homework assistance, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> encouragement to be a leader <strong>and</strong> not a follower.<br />
Above: Old Glory flies high above Truxtun Avenue as residents <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> public safety community ga<strong>the</strong>r to honor<br />
<strong>the</strong> fallen officers of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Police Department. The <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Police Memorial was dedicated in May 1998,<br />
during National Law Enforcement Week. It features <strong>the</strong> names of those officers who lost <strong>the</strong>ir lives in <strong>the</strong> line of duty.<br />
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The <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Fire Department provides fire suppression,<br />
emergency medical services, heavy <strong>and</strong> technical<br />
rescue, hazmat mitigation, <strong>and</strong> water rescue to <strong>the</strong> people<br />
of <strong>Bakersfield</strong>. BFD is an insurance services office (ISO)<br />
rated class 2 fire department, placing <strong>the</strong>m in <strong>the</strong> top<br />
1.5 percent of departments in <strong>the</strong> United States.<br />
÷<br />
Above: The Firefighters Fishing Derby.<br />
Right: <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Fire Department’s Station 1 is located<br />
at <strong>the</strong> corner of Twenty-first <strong>and</strong> H Streets.<br />
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Hall Ambulance Service, Inc., is <strong>the</strong> 9-1-1 paramedic<br />
provider, which works collaboratively with its public safety<br />
partners to deliver medical aid when someone falls victim<br />
to sudden illness or injury. The company also provides<br />
air ambulance service for <strong>the</strong> most traumatic <strong>and</strong> lifethreatening<br />
calls where a time savings of ten minutes or<br />
greater exists; as well as critical care transport services<br />
between hospitals in our city <strong>and</strong> throughout <strong>the</strong> state.<br />
Within metropolitan <strong>Bakersfield</strong>, <strong>the</strong>re are several county<br />
pockets with fire <strong>and</strong> law enforcement services h<strong>and</strong>led by<br />
<strong>the</strong> Kern County Fire Department <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Kern County<br />
Sheriff’s Office.<br />
Keeping our highways safe are <strong>the</strong> officers of <strong>the</strong> California<br />
Highway Patrol.<br />
÷<br />
Above: CHiPs for Kids is one of several organized toy drives in <strong>Bakersfield</strong> to ensure no child goes without being remembered at Christmastime.<br />
Below: Harvey L. Hall commissioned artist Chuck Caplinger to produce this nine-foot by sixty-foot mural depicting his company’s forty-five year history as a pioneer in<br />
modern EMS.<br />
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF MARK CORUM.<br />
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÷<br />
The Shops at River Walk offers a variety of<br />
br<strong>and</strong> name stores, specialty boutiques, <strong>and</strong><br />
restaurants, in close proximity to <strong>the</strong> Kern<br />
River Bike Path <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Park at River Walk.<br />
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<strong>Bakersfield</strong> is a shoppers paradise whe<strong>the</strong>r your taste is to explore <strong>the</strong> small boutique<br />
stores of downtown, spending a day at Valley Plaza Mall which is anchored by JCPenney,<br />
Macy’s, Target, <strong>and</strong> Sears, or <strong>the</strong> upscale shops offered at <strong>the</strong> Marketplace <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Shops at<br />
River Walk in <strong>the</strong> southwest portion of town.<br />
If you cannot find something closer to home, The Outlets at Tejon are located twenty-five<br />
minutes south of town <strong>and</strong> offers upscale designer fashions <strong>and</strong> home good br<strong>and</strong>s at<br />
value savings from such well-known retailers as Brooks Bro<strong>the</strong>rs Factory Store, Calvin Klein,<br />
Coach Factory Store <strong>and</strong> Pottery Barn.<br />
÷<br />
A shopper’s paradise lies minutes away from <strong>Bakersfield</strong> at <strong>the</strong> Outlets at Tejon, featuring br<strong>and</strong> names at discounted prices.<br />
The area is also host to major distribution facilities including IKEA, Famous Footwear <strong>and</strong> Caterpillar.<br />
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÷<br />
Above: Monsignor Craig Harrison, pastor of St. Francis Parish<br />
takes time to visit with <strong>the</strong> Saint Francis Girls Basketball Team.<br />
Left: Pastor Oscar Anthony <strong>and</strong> Assistant Pastor Ralph Anthony<br />
lead a bible study group with community leaders at St. Peters.<br />
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Clockwise, starting from <strong>the</strong> top left:<br />
Dr. Roger Spradlin is co-pastor of Valley Baptist Church, which is affiliated with <strong>the</strong> Sou<strong>the</strong>rn<br />
Baptist Convention.<br />
Temple Beth El <strong>and</strong> Congregation B’nai Jacob created <strong>the</strong> Jewish Food Festival to share <strong>the</strong>ir culture<br />
<strong>and</strong> traditional cuisine such as falafel, rugelach, <strong>and</strong> kosher brisket s<strong>and</strong>wiches with <strong>the</strong> community.<br />
Our Lady of Perpetual Help (OLPH) serves <strong>the</strong> community with its parish <strong>and</strong> school offering an<br />
education based on Catholic principles.<br />
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÷<br />
÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷ ÷ ÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷<br />
Above: Sikhs ga<strong>the</strong>r for worship in a temporary Gurdwara prior to <strong>the</strong> start of <strong>the</strong>ir annual Peace Parade.<br />
Opposite: Members of <strong>the</strong> African Association of Kern County participate in <strong>the</strong> Black American History Parade.<br />
The parade promotes unity <strong>and</strong> integrates all aspects of black history, from culture <strong>and</strong> music to heritage <strong>and</strong> art.<br />
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The Marketplace in southwest <strong>Bakersfield</strong> transforms into <strong>the</strong> town square on<br />
most Friday <strong>and</strong> Saturday nights, with families catching dinner <strong>and</strong> a movie,<br />
shopping, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> popular Concerts by <strong>the</strong> Fountain summer series.<br />
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Above: The mighty Kern River with its North Fork originating in <strong>the</strong> Sequoia National Park,<br />
west of Mount Whitney, flows almost due south to Lake Isabella, eighty-three river miles away.<br />
Its flow runs through a glaciated valley that may be <strong>the</strong> longest such valley in <strong>the</strong> nation.<br />
The South Fork originates in <strong>the</strong> Golden Trout Wilderness, <strong>and</strong> parallels thirteen miles<br />
of <strong>the</strong> Pacific Crest Trail.<br />
Right: Water rushes through <strong>the</strong> Kern River Canyon making its way towards <strong>Bakersfield</strong>.<br />
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The Kern River Parkway runs from <strong>the</strong> mouth of <strong>the</strong> Kern River Canyon to Buena Vista Lake, <strong>and</strong> includes <strong>the</strong><br />
primary <strong>and</strong> secondary floodplains. This natural treasure features a 32-mile bike path <strong>and</strong> horse trail, 9 <strong>Bakersfield</strong> parks,<br />
<strong>and</strong> 4 Kern County parks encompassing 1,400 acres of wetl<strong>and</strong> preserves <strong>and</strong> natural riparian areas for a total of<br />
6,000 acres of public space.<br />
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Students ga<strong>the</strong>r at <strong>the</strong> Panorama Vista Preserve to learn about <strong>the</strong> revegetation of native plant species taking place to broaden <strong>the</strong> wildlife habitat along <strong>the</strong> banks of <strong>the</strong> Kern River.<br />
Native trees include <strong>the</strong> California Sycamore <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Cottonwood with <strong>the</strong> area roamed by coyote, beaver, jackrabbits, cottontail rabbits <strong>and</strong> bobcats. The preserve, which is private<br />
l<strong>and</strong> held in a trust for public use, runs from <strong>the</strong> Beardsley Canal <strong>and</strong> oilfields to <strong>the</strong> North, Oildale to <strong>the</strong> West, Godron’s Ferry to <strong>the</strong> East <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Panorama Bluffs to <strong>the</strong> South.<br />
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Clockwise, starting from <strong>the</strong> top left, a covey of quail, a roadrunner sits amongst<br />
<strong>the</strong> almond blossoms, a house finch peers from a wood plank, <strong>and</strong> a wild<br />
‘Hart Park’ parakeet.<br />
Opposite: In search of <strong>the</strong> Summer Tanager, a Willow Flycatcher, or <strong>the</strong> Yellow-billed Cuckoo, members of The Kern Audubon Society delight in <strong>the</strong> number of species<br />
that traverse through Kern County as part of <strong>the</strong>ir regular migration route. Kern County is home to 438 native bird species due to <strong>the</strong> area’s convergence of several<br />
bio-regions including great basin, wetl<strong>and</strong>, desert, montane, riparian, chaparral, <strong>and</strong> grassl<strong>and</strong> habitats.<br />
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Opposite, clockwise starting from <strong>the</strong> top:<br />
The Tule Elk State Natural Reserve works to grow <strong>the</strong> number of tule elk, once in danger of extinction. Today, nearly 4,000 tule elk are back roaming <strong>the</strong> foothills<br />
<strong>and</strong> grassl<strong>and</strong>s of California.<br />
Fiddleneck Fern.<br />
Springtime means abundant wildflowers attracting photographers like honeybees to capture <strong>the</strong> flowers for <strong>the</strong> brief moment of time that <strong>the</strong>y are at <strong>the</strong>ir gr<strong>and</strong>est.<br />
Top, left: Wild filaree.<br />
Above: Iva Fendrick helps a workshop participant refine <strong>the</strong>ir creative side during a watercolor class at <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Art Center.<br />
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Opposite, left: The trails on <strong>the</strong> hills of <strong>the</strong> Kern River Canyon provide numerous opportunities for recreation including<br />
hiking <strong>and</strong> mountain biking.<br />
Opposite, right: Stormy sunset on Shadow Hills <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Kern River.<br />
Right: Visitors to <strong>the</strong> California Living Museum (CALM) can view over eighty species of unreleasable animals including<br />
raptors, reptiles <strong>and</strong> black bear in natural exhibits.<br />
Below: Thrill-seekers test <strong>the</strong>ir mental <strong>and</strong> physical limits at <strong>the</strong> thirty-two foot climbing tower which is part of<br />
Condor Challenge, a recreational exhibit at <strong>the</strong> California Living Museum, featuring high <strong>and</strong> low obstacle elements.<br />
CALM,<br />
California<br />
Living Museum<br />
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Left: The Kern County Soccer Park offers twenty regulation-sized fields spread over eighty-six acres,<br />
<strong>and</strong> is home to a number of leagues including AYSO Region 181 <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Soccer League.<br />
Below: League of Dreams goes beyond, “take me out to <strong>the</strong> ball game” by placing young people with<br />
developmental disabilities in <strong>the</strong> game.<br />
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<strong>Bakersfield</strong> boasts fifty-nine parks each with unique amenities <strong>and</strong> character. The Park at River Walk offers visitors<br />
mountain retreat aes<strong>the</strong>tics featuring river rock wall buildings, foot bridges, two lakes <strong>and</strong> a stream. The cornerstone<br />
of <strong>the</strong> Park at River Walk is Bright House Amphi<strong>the</strong>ater, a 4,000-person outdoor venue which hosts a summer<br />
concert series attracting a variety of musical acts ranging from Ziggy Marley, <strong>the</strong> Beach Boys, <strong>and</strong> Lynyrd Skynyrd.<br />
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Sunset falls on <strong>the</strong> United States Federal Courthouse reflecting on <strong>the</strong> Kern Isl<strong>and</strong> Canal<br />
as it me<strong>and</strong>ers through Mill Creek Park, offering a respite of peaceful tranquility.<br />
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<strong>Bakersfield</strong> lends itself well to a diverse culture where we share an appreciation for what makes us unique. We celebrate<br />
this through community events, food <strong>and</strong> music festivals including <strong>the</strong> Black American History Parade, <strong>the</strong> Menudo Cook-off,<br />
<strong>the</strong> Scottish Ga<strong>the</strong>ring <strong>and</strong> Games, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Greek Food Festival.<br />
Our admiration for learning about o<strong>the</strong>r cultures is enhanced through <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Sister City Project Corporation, providing<br />
an opportunity for cultural, educational, municipal, business <strong>and</strong> technical exchanges between six sister city relationships. These<br />
include Wakayama, Japan (1961), Cixi, China (1996), Santiago de Queretaro, Mexico (2005), Bucheon, Republic of Korea (2006)<br />
<strong>and</strong> Amritsar, India (2011).<br />
To honor <strong>the</strong>se relationships, <strong>the</strong> City of <strong>Bakersfield</strong> created <strong>the</strong> Sister City Gardens where Mill Creek Linear Park crosses<br />
Eighteenth Street. Each garden showcases a variety of native trees, plants, <strong>and</strong> flowers to <strong>the</strong>ir country as well as <strong>the</strong>ir native flags.<br />
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Chapter<br />
3<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> Works<br />
The city seal for <strong>Bakersfield</strong> features a cornucopia filled with fruits, vegetables, <strong>and</strong> grains, <strong>and</strong> serves as a metaphor<br />
for our abundant economy. For decades, oil <strong>and</strong> ag have remained <strong>the</strong> mainstay commodities fueling <strong>and</strong> feeding <strong>the</strong> world.<br />
Kern County is <strong>the</strong> number two oil-producing county in <strong>the</strong> nation; yielding 145 million bbl of oil <strong>and</strong> 132 billion CF of gas<br />
annually, according to 2014 DOGGR data. These amounts represent 71 percent of California’s oil production <strong>and</strong> 10 percent<br />
of <strong>the</strong> total U.S. oil production.<br />
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Sprawling pumping jacks cover <strong>the</strong> Kern River Field, where in May 1899<br />
<strong>the</strong> discovery well was h<strong>and</strong>-dug. As of 2014, <strong>the</strong> Kern River Field is still<br />
going strong as <strong>the</strong> nation’s fifth largest oilfield, yielding 70,000 barrels a day.<br />
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Opposite: Kern County is <strong>the</strong> number two oil-producing county in <strong>the</strong> nation;<br />
yielding 145 million bbl of oil <strong>and</strong> 132 billion CF of gas annually.<br />
Source: DOGGR data, 2014.<br />
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Left: Our region’s commodities of ag <strong>and</strong> oil seemingly collide with a vintage<br />
wooden oil derrick in <strong>the</strong> middle of a cotton crop.<br />
Opposite: Fifty-five percent of all roses grown in <strong>the</strong> United States are grown in<br />
<strong>and</strong> around neighboring Wasco. The city celebrates each September with its<br />
Festival of Roses.<br />
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Opposite: The Pima <strong>and</strong> Upl<strong>and</strong> cotton varieties thrive in <strong>the</strong> sou<strong>the</strong>rn<br />
San Joaquin Valley due to <strong>the</strong> warm temperature <strong>and</strong> long growing season.<br />
The region produces a special Upl<strong>and</strong> variety known as San Joaquin Valley<br />
Acala, which is among <strong>the</strong> highest quality Upl<strong>and</strong> cottons in <strong>the</strong> world.<br />
As of 2014, cotton ranks number nine in Kern County agriculture<br />
commodities with a value of $117,568,000.<br />
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Ag commodities are equally impressive, as Kern County produced $7,552,323,690 in 2014.<br />
The top five commodities as of 2014 are grapes, almonds, milk, citrus, <strong>and</strong> cattle & calves<br />
which make up more than $5 billion or 66 percent of <strong>the</strong> total value.<br />
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Above: Processing grapes in <strong>the</strong> varietal development lab at<br />
Sun World International.<br />
Left: Grapes are king in <strong>the</strong> sou<strong>the</strong>rn San Joaquin Valley, where growers offer a<br />
number of varieties of this crisp sweet tasting treat that pops in your mouth.<br />
Opposite: The art of wine can be attributed to <strong>the</strong> propagation <strong>and</strong> grafting of<br />
grape nursery stock nurtured by Sunridge Nurseries a reputable grapestock<br />
supplier to California wineries.<br />
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With <strong>the</strong>ir early Spring arrival, almond blossoms are a symbol of new life.<br />
Kern County almonds ranked number two in 2014, at a value of $1,488,182,000.<br />
California growers provide <strong>the</strong> nutritious nut to some ninety countries worldwide.<br />
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Pistachios ranked number six in Kern County’s<br />
ag commodities in 2014 valued at $401,049,000.<br />
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The “baby carrot” is a phenomenon that was cultivated<br />
here in our region in 1986. Experimenting with an industrial<br />
potato peeler <strong>and</strong> green bean slicer, Bunny Luv Carrot<br />
Farmer Mike Yurosek is credited with producing <strong>the</strong> first<br />
versions of today’s baby carrot. He sold his company to<br />
rival Grimmway Farms in <strong>the</strong> early 1990s, which has since<br />
become one of <strong>the</strong> largest carrot producers in <strong>the</strong> world by<br />
positioning baby carrots as a healthful snack <strong>and</strong> packaging<br />
it in ways that make it easy to pack into lunch sacks for<br />
children <strong>and</strong> adults around <strong>the</strong> world.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> past decade, <strong>the</strong>re has been a movement afoot<br />
for local agribusiness producers to br<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> make<br />
fruits <strong>and</strong> vegetables cooler than <strong>the</strong>ir junk-food rivals.<br />
Marketing campaigns such as Bolthouse Farms 2010<br />
“Eat ‘Em Like Junk Food” thrust baby carrots into mainstream<br />
popularity. The same holds true for <strong>the</strong> company’s<br />
line of twenty-seven varieties of juices <strong>and</strong> smoothies, which<br />
<strong>the</strong>y make available in single-serve bottles.<br />
÷<br />
Left: Grimmway Farms is considered to be one of <strong>the</strong> largest carrot producers<br />
in <strong>the</strong> world. Baby carrots have become a popular anytime snack for young <strong>and</strong><br />
old alike. Carrots rank seventh in Kern County’s commodities with a total value<br />
of $288,063,000.<br />
Opposite: Rows of potato crops spread across fertile ag l<strong>and</strong>. Kern County<br />
growers have moved away from russets in recent years to focus on red, yellow,<br />
<strong>and</strong> white potatoes.<br />
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Left: Workers process plums harvested fresh from <strong>the</strong> field.<br />
Bottom, left: Farm laborers pick elongated red sweet peppers fresh from <strong>the</strong> field.<br />
Opposite: Just three seasons into production, <strong>the</strong> Wonderful Company’s Halos are<br />
<strong>the</strong> number one m<strong>and</strong>arin br<strong>and</strong> in <strong>the</strong> country. Tangerines marketed under <strong>the</strong> Halo<br />
br<strong>and</strong> have found popularity as an easy to peel treat for kids <strong>and</strong> adults alike.<br />
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The Wonderful Company did <strong>the</strong> same when it aired a commercial<br />
promoting its pistachios in Super Bowl XLVII, featuring<br />
South Korean rapper Psy of Gangnam Style fame.<br />
Wonderful next turned its attention to m<strong>and</strong>arin oranges by<br />
creating its Halo br<strong>and</strong> of <strong>the</strong> easy to peel, seedless citrus. By <strong>the</strong><br />
end of its third season, Halos remains <strong>the</strong> number one m<strong>and</strong>arin<br />
br<strong>and</strong> in <strong>the</strong> country with over fifty percent market share.
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Opposite: Granite Station, Sou<strong>the</strong>rn San Joaquin Valley.<br />
Above: Cattle on Rancheria Road. Cattle rounds out <strong>the</strong> top five of Kern County’s ag commodities with a value of $428,854,000.<br />
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Sheep graze on a grassy plain at <strong>the</strong> mouth of <strong>the</strong> Kern River Canyon.<br />
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Opposite: A close-up study of California’s state flower, Eschscholzia californica.<br />
The poppy’s four petals close at night or in cold or windy wea<strong>the</strong>r.<br />
Above: Horses grazing in <strong>the</strong> meadow pasture at Rankin Ranch in Walker Basin.<br />
The 31,000-acre ranch has been family-owned <strong>and</strong> operated since 1863.<br />
They opened <strong>the</strong>ir picturesque property to <strong>the</strong> public in 1965 <strong>and</strong> have been<br />
warmly welcoming guests ever since. Today, <strong>the</strong> fourth, fifth, <strong>and</strong> sixth<br />
Rankin generations are <strong>the</strong> heart of <strong>the</strong> operation.<br />
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Our geographic location, places us at <strong>the</strong> center of <strong>the</strong> state’s population, making us prime<br />
real estate for major distribution centers. <strong>More</strong> than fifty distribution centers are in <strong>the</strong> region<br />
including Men’s Warehouse, IKEA, Caterpillar, Target, <strong>and</strong> Nestle/Dryers.<br />
÷<br />
Above: A crane lifts massive tilt-up panels during construction of <strong>the</strong> IKEA Distribution Center at Tejon Ranch.<br />
Left: A worker assembles Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream S<strong>and</strong>wiches on <strong>the</strong> assembly line at <strong>the</strong> Nestlé<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> Ice Cream Facility.<br />
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The bakers of <strong>Bakersfield</strong>:<br />
Left: Since 1945, Smith’s Bakeries has been putting smiles on cookies <strong>and</strong> customer’s<br />
faces alike with <strong>the</strong>ir signature cookies, cakes, donuts <strong>and</strong> pastries.<br />
Below: Sweet Surrender is ano<strong>the</strong>r locally-owned bakery <strong>and</strong> boutique, <strong>and</strong> is home<br />
of <strong>the</strong> Matterhorn Cake, featured on <strong>the</strong> Food Network’s, The Best Thing I Ever Ate,<br />
with Giada De Laurentiis.<br />
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Left: Clients of <strong>Bakersfield</strong> ARC (BARC) assemble parts for a manufacturing<br />
company. The organization provides essential job training, employment <strong>and</strong><br />
support services for <strong>the</strong> intellectually <strong>and</strong> developmentally disabled.<br />
Opposite: A technician checks <strong>the</strong> specs of a knee brace manufactured by<br />
Townsend Design. Located in southwest <strong>Bakersfield</strong>, <strong>the</strong> company produces a<br />
variety of knee brace <strong>and</strong> orthopedic solutions aimed at enhancing <strong>the</strong> quality of<br />
life for individuals, <strong>and</strong> keeping athletes in <strong>the</strong> game.<br />
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Left: A manufacturing facility uses an automated plasma cutting robot to supply<br />
pipelines for oil <strong>and</strong> agriculture.<br />
Opposite: A fabrication shop continues production late into <strong>the</strong> evening to satisfy<br />
dem<strong>and</strong> for a variety of industrial applications.<br />
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The <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Amtrak Station is <strong>the</strong> sou<strong>the</strong>rn terminus for <strong>the</strong> passenger train’s San Joaquin route,<br />
which extends to Stockton before splitting to Oakl<strong>and</strong> or Sacramento.Thruway motorcoach service<br />
provides connections to sou<strong>the</strong>rn California’s Union Station, <strong>the</strong> high desert <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Central Coast.<br />
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The downtown <strong>Bakersfield</strong> skyline meets <strong>the</strong> Kern River Oilfields<br />
leading to <strong>the</strong> Greenhorn Mountains, a part of <strong>the</strong> Sequoia National Forest.<br />
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Ano<strong>the</strong>r benefit is our multimodal transportation hub including ground, air,<br />
rail transportation. Within a two-hour drive are <strong>the</strong> ports of Los Angeles <strong>and</strong><br />
Long Beach, <strong>and</strong> within four hours are <strong>the</strong> ports of San Francisco <strong>and</strong> Oakl<strong>and</strong>.<br />
÷<br />
Opposite: The Grapevine is a forty-mile stretch connecting <strong>the</strong> sou<strong>the</strong>rn San Joaquin Valley to sou<strong>the</strong>rn California.<br />
According to Caltrans, 70,000 vehicles travel this section of <strong>the</strong> Golden State Freeway on a daily basis, with 19,000 being big-rigs.<br />
According to <strong>the</strong> Ridge Route Preservation Society, <strong>the</strong> grapevine got its name from <strong>the</strong> wild Cimarron grapevines that grew in <strong>the</strong> area.<br />
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In additional to Meadows Field (BFL), we are in close proximity to Los Angeles<br />
(LAX), Oakl<strong>and</strong> (OAK), San Francisco (SFO), Ontario (ONT), <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Sou<strong>the</strong>rn<br />
California Logistics Airport, located in Victorville.<br />
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Opposite, top: A winding line of freight trains make <strong>the</strong>ir way through a tunnel near Caliente.<br />
Opposite, bottom: The William H. Thomas Passenger Terminal at Meadows Field Airport (BFL) was<br />
opened on February 27, 2006. Located seven miles north of downtown <strong>Bakersfield</strong>, <strong>the</strong> airport features<br />
daily flights to Denver <strong>and</strong> San Francisco by United Airlines, <strong>and</strong> service to Phoenix via American Airlines.<br />
Right: The STEM class at Fruitvale Jr. High School.<br />
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF CHEVRON.<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> has a bright future when it comes to developing <strong>and</strong> exp<strong>and</strong>ing its workforce. The Bureau of Labor Statistics<br />
ranks <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong> MSA #1 for <strong>the</strong> fastest-growing workforce, <strong>and</strong> we are appealing to a new generation of workers.<br />
Millennials are finding <strong>the</strong> area offers <strong>the</strong> amenities <strong>the</strong>y most want, with Forbes ranking <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong>-Delano metropolitan<br />
area as <strong>the</strong> second fastest millennial job growth rate in <strong>the</strong> nation from 2007 to 2013, at 11 percent.<br />
<strong>More</strong> good news is that educators <strong>and</strong> employers are working toge<strong>the</strong>r to create relevant training in <strong>the</strong> areas of science,<br />
technology, engineering, <strong>and</strong> math (STEM), essential for global competitiveness. For example, since 2010, Chevron has<br />
invested more than $1 million in STEM funding resulting in more than 1,700 classroom projects, <strong>and</strong> reaching nearly 127,000<br />
students throughout <strong>the</strong> region. The Brookings Institution ranked <strong>the</strong> region #4 for STEM jobs.<br />
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Wind turbines dot <strong>the</strong> eastern side of <strong>the</strong> Tehachapi Mountains. As <strong>the</strong> valley heats up,<br />
it pulls <strong>the</strong> air across <strong>the</strong> mountain range driving <strong>the</strong> blades on <strong>the</strong> towering wind<br />
turbines which convert kinetic energy into mechanical power or electricity.<br />
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With 272 days of sunshine, it is no wonder <strong>Bakersfield</strong> is rising to prominence on California’s<br />
clean energy stage when it comes to harvesting <strong>the</strong> sun’s rays into solar energy. Multiple solar projects<br />
are popping up around <strong>the</strong> outskirts of <strong>the</strong> city, with several bordered by agricultural l<strong>and</strong>.<br />
÷<br />
Above: Fresh fallen snow covers Bear Mountain, which peaks at 6,916 ft., <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Tehachapi Mountain range dividing <strong>the</strong> sou<strong>the</strong>rn<br />
San Joaquin Valley <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Mojave Desert.<br />
Left: The Sun Edison Regulus Solar Project covers 660-acres, which is <strong>the</strong> equivalent of 500 football fields, incorporating 248,000<br />
individually produced panels generating enough electricity to power about 25,000 average California homes.<br />
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Helping local businesses thrive are <strong>the</strong> Greater <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Chamber of Commerce,<br />
<strong>the</strong> Kern County Black Chamber of Commerce, <strong>the</strong> Kern County Hispanic Chamber<br />
of Commerce, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> North of <strong>the</strong> River Chamber of Commerce. Each provides<br />
leadership <strong>and</strong> economic development opportunities to benefit small business owners<br />
in our community.<br />
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Above: Downtown <strong>Bakersfield</strong> is seeing a number of new infill construction<br />
projects including Mill Creek Village, a 63 unit apartment complex for seniors,<br />
<strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> luxury 44-unit 17th Place Townhomes, targeting millennials yearning<br />
walkability <strong>and</strong> proximity to <strong>the</strong> amenities downtown has to offer.<br />
Right: A construction worker concentrates on <strong>the</strong> exterior of a downtown<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> building whose facade was covered by stucco for decades.<br />
The building was slated for demolition before being purchased by an investor,<br />
who discovered <strong>the</strong> original architecture intact during a renovation process.<br />
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Light cascades through trees <strong>and</strong> foliage along <strong>the</strong> Kern River.<br />
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Top, left: A close-up study of California’s state flower, Eschscholzia californica. The poppy’s four petals close at night or in cold or windy wea<strong>the</strong>r.<br />
Top, right: The rush of water slows outside of <strong>the</strong> Kern River Canyon, creating a colorful pool where <strong>the</strong> river recedes in late Fall.<br />
Bottom: A carpeted mix of wildflowers covers <strong>the</strong> ground, leading to Bear Mountain.<br />
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<strong>Bakersfield</strong> Partners<br />
Profiles of businesses, organizations<br />
<strong>and</strong> families that have contributed to <strong>the</strong><br />
development <strong>and</strong> economic base of <strong>Bakersfield</strong><br />
Quality of Life ..................................145<br />
The Marketplace ...............................215<br />
Building a Greater <strong>Bakersfield</strong>................249<br />
Family Portraits ................................291<br />
BAKERSFIELD PARTNERS<br />
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Bottom: Wind swept clouds at sunset over Hart Park, reflect <strong>the</strong> delicacy of an artist’s brush.<br />
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Quality of Life<br />
Healthcare providers, school districts, universities<br />
<strong>and</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r institutions that contribute to <strong>the</strong> quality of life in <strong>Bakersfield</strong><br />
Dignity Health Mercy <strong>and</strong> Memorial Hospitals..........................................................146<br />
California State University, <strong>Bakersfield</strong> ..................................................................152<br />
Omni Family Health.............................................................................................156<br />
San Joaquin Community Hospital ...........................................................................160<br />
Kaiser Permanente...............................................................................................164<br />
Golden Empire Transit District ..............................................................................166<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> Christian High School ..........................................................................168<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> Pathology Medical Group ......................................................................170<br />
Hoffmann Hospice................................................................................................172<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> Family Medical Center<br />
Heritage Physician Network<br />
Heritage Provider Network .........................................................................174<br />
Kern Community College District ...........................................................................176<br />
Center for <strong>the</strong> Blind <strong>and</strong> Visually Impaired ..............................................................178<br />
Advanced Center for Eyecare (ACE)........................................................................179<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> College ..............................................................................................180<br />
Kern County Fair ................................................................................................182<br />
Kern County Superintendent of Schools ...................................................................184<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> Adult School .......................................................................................186<br />
Clinica Sierra Vista .............................................................................................188<br />
Historic Union Cemetery.......................................................................................190<br />
San Joaquin Veterinary Hospital ............................................................................192<br />
Centre for Neuro Skills.........................................................................................194<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> Fire Department..................................................................................196<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> Professional Firefighters Local 246.........................................................198<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> Heart Hospital ....................................................................................199<br />
GEMCare ...........................................................................................................200<br />
Greenlawn Funeral Homes-Cremations-Cemeteries ....................................................201<br />
Houchin Community Blood Bank.............................................................................202<br />
Alpha J. Anders, MD, FCCP ..................................................................................203<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> Music Hall of Fame..............................................................................204<br />
Kern Patriot Partnership ......................................................................................205<br />
Fox Theater Foundation........................................................................................206<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> Symphony Orchestra ............................................................................207<br />
Garces Memorial High School ................................................................................208<br />
Kern County Veterans Service Department ...............................................................209<br />
Petroleum Club of <strong>Bakersfield</strong>................................................................................210<br />
Hall Ambulance Service, Inc..................................................................................211<br />
Links for Life......................................................................................................212<br />
Boys & Girls Club of Kern County..........................................................................213<br />
QUALITY OF LIFE<br />
145
DIGNITY HEALTH MERCY<br />
AND MEMORIAL HOSPITALS<br />
÷<br />
Top, left: Construction of a new Mercy Hospital is made possible by a<br />
$45,000 donation from W. S. DeGana, who asks to remain anonymous until<br />
his death. Fundraising efforts led by William Howell, Sr., <strong>and</strong> Alfred Harrell<br />
finance additions. The new thirty-six room, three-story hospital officially<br />
opened on November 9, 1913. It was considered to be <strong>the</strong> most advanced<br />
hospital of its day <strong>and</strong> featured <strong>the</strong> city’s first passenger elevator. A seventyfoot<br />
dome tops <strong>the</strong> building with a gold leaf cross illuminated by a lantern at<br />
its apex. The hospital, which is visible from a distance of ten miles, was<br />
known as <strong>the</strong> “beacon of light.”<br />
Top, right: St<strong>and</strong>ing in front of <strong>the</strong> rubble of Mercy Hospital after <strong>the</strong> 1952<br />
earthquake, <strong>the</strong>se physicians, along with community leaders raised money<br />
to rebuild Mercy Hospital. Although <strong>the</strong> earthquake did not destroy it, <strong>the</strong><br />
hospital was so damaged it had to be taken down. Pictured from left to right<br />
(according to Dr. Robert Sheldon) are: Admiral Bill Hall (Navy),<br />
Dr. Lefty Osell, Dr. Romain Clerou, Dr. Rod Ogden, Dr. Carl Moore,<br />
Dr. Willis Semenger, Dr. Francis Gundry, Dr. Keith McKee <strong>and</strong><br />
Dr. Robert Sheldon.<br />
Right: Financial supporters <strong>and</strong> well-wishers ga<strong>the</strong>red for Greater <strong>Bakersfield</strong><br />
Memorial Hospital’s groundbreaking ceremony on August 25, 1954. The<br />
vision of transforming a dusty seventeen acre empty lot on Thirty-fourth<br />
Street near Union Avenue into a field of dreams where Kern County residents<br />
could benefit from <strong>the</strong> life-saving healthcare services of a community-owned<br />
hospital was realized on October 1, 1956 when GBMH opened its doors to<br />
<strong>the</strong> first patients.<br />
Dignity Health Mercy <strong>and</strong> Memorial Hospitals is Kern<br />
County’s premier healthcare system with three acute care<br />
hospitals in <strong>Bakersfield</strong> <strong>and</strong> a growing number of medical<br />
facilities to meet <strong>the</strong> needs of our community. With a reputation<br />
for providing award-winning care <strong>and</strong> state-of-<strong>the</strong>-art<br />
services in a compassionate, caring environment, citizens of<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> surrounding area know <strong>the</strong>y have access<br />
to some of <strong>the</strong> most advanced medical care available between<br />
Los Angeles <strong>and</strong> Fresno. Our family of services range from<br />
our beautiful birth <strong>and</strong> family care centers to specialized<br />
centers of excellence such as <strong>the</strong> Sarvan<strong>and</strong> Heart <strong>and</strong> Brain<br />
Center, Grossman Burn Center, <strong>the</strong> Lauren Small Children’s<br />
Center, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Orthopedic, Spine <strong>and</strong> H<strong>and</strong> Center.<br />
As <strong>the</strong> largest healthcare organization in <strong>the</strong> western<br />
United States, Dignity Health is committed to <strong>the</strong> health <strong>and</strong><br />
wellbeing of local residents. We also care for <strong>the</strong> thous<strong>and</strong>s<br />
of Mercy <strong>and</strong> Memorial Hospital employees who call Dignity<br />
Health home. As Kern County’s third largest employer,<br />
we have much to offer our more than 3,000 employees.<br />
Competitive wages <strong>and</strong> excellent benefits, along with a<br />
host of continuing education <strong>and</strong> career advancement<br />
opportunities, make Dignity Health one of <strong>Bakersfield</strong>’s<br />
most sought out workplaces. Delivering on our promise to<br />
provide quality, compassionate care is why more than 600<br />
affiliated physicians <strong>and</strong> specialists choose our care centers<br />
for <strong>the</strong>ir patients. In addition to our three hospitals, Dignity<br />
Health <strong>Bakersfield</strong> provides a growing number of healthcare<br />
facilities to meet <strong>the</strong> needs of <strong>the</strong> community, including<br />
Millennium Surgery Center, Dignity Health Infusion Center<br />
at <strong>the</strong> Comprehensive Blood <strong>and</strong> Cancer Center, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Dignity Health Medical Group in <strong>Bakersfield</strong>.<br />
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Mercy <strong>and</strong> Memorial’s Department of Special Needs &<br />
Community Outreach impact <strong>the</strong> lives of thous<strong>and</strong>s through<br />
wellness programs, health screenings, community events,<br />
educational programs <strong>and</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r services. Toge<strong>the</strong>r, this<br />
dedicated team operates more than seventy programs in<br />
Kern County including <strong>the</strong> Beyond <strong>the</strong> Walls Program,<br />
which received <strong>the</strong> 2015 Achievement Citation from <strong>the</strong><br />
Catholic Health Association of <strong>the</strong> United States (CHA) for<br />
remarkable contributions to our community.<br />
Mercy <strong>and</strong> Memorial Hospitals are also nationally <strong>and</strong><br />
locally recognized for excellence in healthcare <strong>and</strong> for<br />
our contributions to <strong>the</strong> improvement <strong>and</strong> enrichment of<br />
<strong>the</strong> communities we serve. Our nationally certified stroke<br />
centers are recognized by <strong>the</strong> American Heart Association/<br />
American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines<br />
Program, receiving <strong>the</strong> organizations top Achievement<br />
Awards for excellence in stroke care. Memorial Hospital is an<br />
accredited Chest Pain Center <strong>and</strong> a Mission Lifeline STEMI<br />
Receiving Center, meeting <strong>the</strong> nation’s highest st<strong>and</strong>ards<br />
of care for <strong>the</strong> most severe type of heart attack. Mercy <strong>and</strong><br />
Memorial Hospitals have also received many Healthgrades ®<br />
quality achievement awards including <strong>the</strong> Patient Safety<br />
Excellence Award two years in a row. Locally, Mercy Hospital<br />
Southwest is consistently voted as <strong>Bakersfield</strong>’s Best Hospital<br />
year after year in The <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Californian’s “Best Of” poll<br />
<strong>and</strong> we are honored to be <strong>the</strong> recipient of numerous Beautiful<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> Awards including <strong>the</strong> 2016 <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Chamber<br />
of Commerce Chairman’s Award for <strong>the</strong> Kern County Builders’<br />
Exchange’s Hope House at Memorial Hospital.<br />
Our three Dignity Health <strong>Bakersfield</strong> hospitals are<br />
nationally recognized centers for quality care <strong>and</strong> medical<br />
excellence with a human touch.<br />
Our services include <strong>the</strong> internationally-renowned<br />
Grossman Burn Center, <strong>the</strong> Sarvan<strong>and</strong> Heart <strong>and</strong> Brain<br />
Center, <strong>the</strong> Lauren Small Children’s Center, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Orthopedic, Spine <strong>and</strong> H<strong>and</strong> Center.<br />
Dignity Health Mercy <strong>and</strong> Memorial Hospitals are Kern<br />
County’s trusted leaders in comprehensive heart care. From<br />
education <strong>and</strong> rehabilitation, to innovative nonsurgical<br />
treatments <strong>and</strong> advanced cardiac procedures, our cardiac<br />
experts treat all stages of <strong>the</strong> disease.<br />
÷<br />
Above: Hospital leadership, donors <strong>and</strong> volunteers break ground on Mercy<br />
Hospital Southwest in 1990. Like its sister hospital downtown, <strong>the</strong> hospital<br />
has established a reputation for superior healthcare since opening in 1992.<br />
Mercy Hospital Southwest is <strong>the</strong> only hospital west of Highway 99 <strong>and</strong> is<br />
adjacent to California State University <strong>Bakersfield</strong>.<br />
Left: Rose Zey Dow is registered as <strong>the</strong> first patient at <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Memorial<br />
Hospital in 1956. Rose was also <strong>the</strong> hospital’s first surgery patient. According<br />
to <strong>the</strong> newspaper, Rose said being <strong>the</strong> first patient at Memorial was<br />
“as exciting as moving into a new home.”<br />
QUALITY OF LIFE<br />
147
÷<br />
Above: The Lauren Small Children’s Center at Memorial Hospital offers<br />
comprehensive, state-of-<strong>the</strong>-art pediatric care to our community’s children<br />
right here, close to home. The Lauren Small Children’s Center includes<br />
<strong>the</strong> Bolthouse Family Pediatric Department <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Helen Taylor Cobbs<br />
Children’s Healing Garden, <strong>the</strong> area’s only Pediatric Intensive Care Unit,<br />
a Level II NICU, pediatric burn care at <strong>the</strong> Grossman Burn Center, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Robert A. Grimm Children’s Pavilion for Emergency Care (opening 2017),<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong>’s first emergency department dedicated exclusively to treating<br />
pediatric patients.<br />
Right: <strong>Bakersfield</strong> cardiologist <strong>and</strong> director of <strong>the</strong> Sarvan<strong>and</strong> Heart <strong>and</strong> Brain<br />
Center at Memorial Hospital, Dr. Tommy Lee, with <strong>the</strong> area’s only Bi-plane<br />
Interventional Suite at Memorial’s Sarvan<strong>and</strong> Heart <strong>and</strong> Brain Center.<br />
Established in December 2012 <strong>the</strong> Sarvan<strong>and</strong> Heart <strong>and</strong> Brain Center was<br />
made possible in part by a $2 million donation from <strong>the</strong> Munger Family <strong>and</strong><br />
was used specifically for <strong>the</strong> expansion of cardiovascular services at<br />
Dignity Health Memorial Hospital.<br />
The Sarvan<strong>and</strong> Heart <strong>and</strong> Brain Center at Memorial<br />
Hospital is <strong>the</strong> premier facility located between Los Angeles<br />
<strong>and</strong> Fresno for <strong>the</strong> treatment of most heart <strong>and</strong> vascular<br />
conditions, including congenital heart defects, congestive<br />
heart failure, heart attack <strong>and</strong> stroke. The Center has <strong>the</strong><br />
area’s only Bi-Plane Interventional Suite <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Sou<strong>the</strong>rn<br />
Valley’s first fellowship-trained Neuro Endovascular<br />
Specialist. It is also home to <strong>the</strong> area’s first Transca<strong>the</strong>ter<br />
Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) program. The Central<br />
California Heart Institute (CCHI) at Memorial delivers <strong>the</strong><br />
highest caliber of cardiovascular care to cardiac patients.<br />
Through <strong>the</strong> Institute’s research programs, physicians are<br />
trained in leading-edge treatments utilizing <strong>the</strong> most<br />
advanced practices <strong>and</strong> technologies.<br />
The Lauren Small Children’s Center at Memorial Hospital<br />
is <strong>the</strong> only medical-surgical unit in <strong>the</strong> area dedicated<br />
exclusively to pediatrics. Dignity’s specially trained pediatric<br />
doctors, nurses <strong>and</strong> allied health<br />
professionals have devoted <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
careers to caring for children. This<br />
state-of-<strong>the</strong>-art medical facility offers<br />
superior technology in a child-friendly,<br />
healing environment close to home.<br />
The Lauren Small Children’s Center<br />
includes <strong>the</strong> area’s only Pediatric<br />
Intensive Care Unit, a Level II Neonatal<br />
Intensive Care Unit, <strong>the</strong> Bolthouse<br />
Family Pediatric Department, high-risk<br />
infant follow-up program, <strong>the</strong> Helen<br />
Taylor Cobbs Children’s Healing<br />
Garden, InQuicker online emergency<br />
room waiting service <strong>and</strong> pediatric<br />
home health programs. Opening in<br />
2017 <strong>the</strong> Robert A. Grimm Children’s<br />
Pavilion for Emergency Care will be<br />
Kern County’s only emergency department exclusively for<br />
pediatric patients with specially trained doctors <strong>and</strong> nurses.<br />
In May 2016, Memorial Hospital became Kern County’s<br />
first designated Baby-Friendly Hospital, <strong>the</strong> highest accreditation<br />
for birth centers. Baby-Friendly hospitals are recognized<br />
worldwide for being <strong>the</strong> gold st<strong>and</strong>ard concerning infant<br />
bonding <strong>and</strong> breastfeeding practices in <strong>the</strong>ir birthing units.<br />
Visitors in need of respite can visit <strong>the</strong> Helen Taylor Cobbs<br />
Children’s Healing Garden <strong>and</strong> families traveling more<br />
than twenty-five miles from home may request overnight<br />
accommodations at <strong>the</strong> Ronald McDonald House ® .<br />
Memorial Hospital is proud to partner with Children’s<br />
Miracle Network Hospitals ® (CMNH), which raises funds<br />
for 170 children’s hospitals across North America. Each<br />
donation helps support research <strong>and</strong> training, fund<br />
equipment purchases, <strong>and</strong> provide uncompensated care for<br />
local kids.<br />
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Dignity Health <strong>Bakersfield</strong> offers a comprehensive range<br />
of cancer treatments <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>rapy options close to home, so<br />
those facing cancer can focus on recovery with <strong>the</strong> support<br />
of friends <strong>and</strong> family.<br />
In 2012, Mercy <strong>and</strong> Memorial Hospitals partnered with<br />
Comprehensive Blood <strong>and</strong> Cancer Center (CBCC), <strong>the</strong> leader<br />
in cancer treatment <strong>and</strong> care in <strong>the</strong> Sou<strong>the</strong>rn San Joaquin<br />
Valley. Our partnership brings toge<strong>the</strong>r an experienced team<br />
of caregivers committed to providing high quality care for<br />
<strong>the</strong> mind, body, <strong>and</strong> spirit. Unique to our program, our<br />
Cancer Patient Navigator is <strong>the</strong>re to guide patients <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
families through every step of treatment.<br />
CBCC is one of <strong>the</strong> nation’s largest freest<strong>and</strong>ing cancer<br />
centers <strong>and</strong> is home to advanced options for <strong>the</strong> treatment of<br />
cancer. CBCC is one of only a few centers on <strong>the</strong> West Coast<br />
to offer CyberKnife, a revolutionary non-invasive alternative<br />
to surgery for <strong>the</strong> treatment of tumors anywhere in <strong>the</strong> body.<br />
CBCC is part of <strong>the</strong> UCLA<br />
Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer<br />
Center’s Translational Oncology<br />
Research International (TORI)<br />
network. This partnership allows<br />
our patients early access to <strong>the</strong><br />
latest clinical trials without<br />
having to travel to UCLA.<br />
Mercy Hospital Downtown is<br />
home to <strong>the</strong> area’s only inpatient<br />
oncology unit, which brings<br />
patients with cancer toge<strong>the</strong>r<br />
with specialized nursing care<br />
in a single dedicated space.<br />
This enhancement allows for<br />
improved coordination of care<br />
<strong>and</strong> a better overall experience<br />
for our patients <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
families. The inpatient oncology unit at Mercy Hospital<br />
Downtown has Oncology certified nurses who have<br />
knowledge <strong>and</strong> experience caring for patients experiencing<br />
<strong>the</strong> complex problems that can be associated with cancer.<br />
Memorial Hospital offers specialized surgical options for<br />
<strong>the</strong> treatment of cancer, including daVinci robotic-assisted<br />
surgery, pediatric cancer care, <strong>and</strong> The Infusion Center located<br />
at CBCC.<br />
The Grossman Burn Center at Memorial Hospital delivers<br />
<strong>the</strong> highest level of care for burn survivors available close to<br />
home. World renowned for its pioneering techniques that<br />
help burn survivors recover faster, <strong>the</strong> Grossman Burn<br />
Center at Memorial offers advanced, plastic surgery-based<br />
medical treatments from expert surgeons, combined with<br />
dedicated care from psychologists <strong>and</strong> child life specialists<br />
to meet emotional needs, leading to better outcomes for<br />
burn patients in Kern County.<br />
÷<br />
Left: Dignity Health <strong>and</strong> Comprehensive Blood <strong>and</strong> Cancer Center—<br />
toge<strong>the</strong>r, we are outsmarting cancer. In 2013, Dignity Health <strong>Bakersfield</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />
Comprehensive Blood & Cancer Center (CBCC) announced a partnership<br />
that has enhanced cancer care services throughout Kern County, aligning <strong>the</strong><br />
renowned cancer services of Dignity Health’s three hospitals with CBCC’s<br />
advanced technology, groundbreaking clinical trials <strong>and</strong> prominent cancer<br />
care specialists.<br />
Below: Opened in 2014, <strong>the</strong> inpatient oncology unit, located at Mercy<br />
Hospital Downtown, brings patients with cancer toge<strong>the</strong>r with specialized<br />
nursing care in a single dedicated space. This enhancement allows for<br />
improved coordination of care <strong>and</strong> a better overall experience for our<br />
patients <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir families. This special unit is <strong>Bakersfield</strong>’s only hospitalbased<br />
inpatient cancer unit.<br />
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149
÷<br />
Above: On March 17, 2016, Dr. Peter H. Grossman <strong>and</strong> a team of<br />
Grossman Burn Center physicians ga<strong>the</strong>r with hospital leadership <strong>and</strong> donors<br />
to announce <strong>the</strong> partnership between <strong>the</strong> internationally recognized center<br />
<strong>and</strong> Memorial Hospital. The new partnership was made possible by a<br />
$1 million donation from S. A. Camp Companies of <strong>Bakersfield</strong>. Left to right,<br />
Dr. Matt Young, Kurt Richards, Dr. Alex<strong>and</strong>er Majidian, Jim Camp, Beverly<br />
Camp, Jon Van Boening, Dr. Peter H. Grossman <strong>and</strong> Dr. Brian Evans.<br />
Below: In October 2015 <strong>the</strong> newly exp<strong>and</strong>ed Orthopedic, Spine <strong>and</strong><br />
H<strong>and</strong> Center at Mercy Hospital Southwest opened. This state-of-<strong>the</strong>-art<br />
facility offers patients leading expert care for diagnosing <strong>and</strong> treating bone,<br />
joint, <strong>and</strong> muscle injuries <strong>and</strong> conditions as well as musculoskeletal <strong>and</strong><br />
spinal disorders.<br />
Bringing <strong>the</strong> Grossman Burn Center to Memorial was<br />
made possible by a $1 million donation from S. A. Camp<br />
Companies. The new burn unit at Memorial includes a<br />
seven-bed intensive care unit, catastrophic burn care, pediatric<br />
intensive care burn services, hyperbaric oxygen <strong>the</strong>rapy,<br />
plastic surgery <strong>and</strong> reconstruction, a dedicated surgeon <strong>and</strong><br />
operating suite, psychological support services, in addition<br />
to an outpatient ambulatory clinic.<br />
Having a larger unit offering this level of comprehensive<br />
care in <strong>Bakersfield</strong> means more burn survivors can be treated<br />
locally, reducing <strong>the</strong> need to transfer to hospitals out of<br />
<strong>the</strong> area.<br />
Mercy <strong>and</strong> Memorial Hospitals have long been leaders in<br />
orthopedic care. Our hospitals feature renovated facilities for<br />
added patient comfort, as well as state-of-<strong>the</strong>-art surgical<br />
technology for enhanced accuracy <strong>and</strong> improved patient<br />
outcomes. Patients receive exceptional support throughout<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir care experience, including post-operative care from<br />
specialized orthopedic nurses <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>rapists.<br />
The Orthopedic, Spine <strong>and</strong> H<strong>and</strong> Center at Mercy<br />
Hospital Southwest is <strong>Bakersfield</strong>’s premier center for<br />
orthopedic care, offering patients expert care <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> latest<br />
in advanced technology to treat a full range of orthopedic<br />
conditions, trauma, <strong>and</strong> diseases.<br />
The new state-of-<strong>the</strong>-art 22,000 square foot center has<br />
forty exam rooms <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> most advanced diagnostic<br />
imaging equipment available, allowing physicians to see<br />
images immediately, <strong>and</strong> treat injuries <strong>and</strong> condition faster<br />
so patients can get back to <strong>the</strong>ir old selves.<br />
Established in 2009, orthopedic services at Mercy Hospital<br />
Southwest have rapidly grown. The group now has 7 surgeons:<br />
3 h<strong>and</strong>, 3 general/sports, <strong>and</strong> 1 spine. The new clinic allows<br />
enough space for three additional surgeons, <strong>and</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
specialized services such as physical <strong>the</strong>rapy.<br />
Caring for our community for more than a century, Mercy<br />
<strong>and</strong> Memorial Hospitals have a rich history rooted in<br />
kindness <strong>and</strong> founded on <strong>the</strong> belief that all people deserve<br />
medical care, regardless of <strong>the</strong>ir background, ethnicity, or<br />
circumstances. The mission <strong>and</strong> values are as alive today as<br />
<strong>the</strong>y were in 1910 when four Sisters of Mercy were sent to<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> to care for <strong>the</strong> sick at a new fifty-bed facility<br />
named Mercy Hospital. The most technologically advanced<br />
hospital in <strong>the</strong> state at <strong>the</strong> time, Mercy was <strong>the</strong> first to have<br />
call lights for patients to summon nurses. The facility even<br />
had <strong>the</strong> city’s first passenger elevator.<br />
In 1951 a group of dedicated community members decided<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> needed more medical services to keep up with<br />
<strong>the</strong> city’s sprawl. “The Victory Campaign” was launched to<br />
raise <strong>the</strong> $1 million dollars in private funds needed to build<br />
a new community hospital. In October 1956 <strong>the</strong> Greater<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> Memorial Hospital opened with 112 beds. From<br />
<strong>the</strong> moment <strong>the</strong> first patient registered, Memorial Hospital<br />
has been in a constant state of upgrading, improving <strong>and</strong><br />
exp<strong>and</strong>ing. Today, it is Kern County’s largest acute care medical<br />
center with over 400 beds <strong>and</strong> offering some of <strong>the</strong> most<br />
advanced medical services <strong>and</strong> treatment options available.<br />
As businesses grew <strong>and</strong> more industries moved into <strong>the</strong><br />
area, <strong>the</strong> need for a new hospital in <strong>Bakersfield</strong>’s busy southwest<br />
became imminent. In 1992, Mercy Hospital Southwest<br />
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opened, providing a modern high-tech facility for residents<br />
west of Highway 99. The Mercy Southwest expansion, expected<br />
to open in 2019, consists of a 108-bed patient care tower<br />
that will exp<strong>and</strong> medical services <strong>and</strong> specialties in neuroscience,<br />
cardiovascular, oncology <strong>and</strong> more.<br />
As members of <strong>the</strong> fifth largest health system in <strong>the</strong><br />
nation, our family of <strong>Bakersfield</strong> care facilities has streng<strong>the</strong>ned<br />
its commitment to keeping <strong>the</strong> human person at<br />
<strong>the</strong> forefront of modern medicine. Today, <strong>the</strong> mission <strong>and</strong><br />
values we were founded upon remain <strong>the</strong> same. Through<br />
teamwork <strong>and</strong> innovation, faith <strong>and</strong> compassion, advocacy<br />
<strong>and</strong> action, we endeavor every day to keep our patients<br />
happy, healthy, <strong>and</strong> whole.<br />
The <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Memorial Hospital Foundation was<br />
formed in 1981 to support <strong>the</strong> healing ministry of<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> Memorial Hospital. The Foundation’s mission<br />
is to contribute to <strong>the</strong> quality of life for people in our<br />
community by funding healthcare technology <strong>and</strong> services<br />
at Memorial Hospital.<br />
Generous community donors have contributed more than<br />
$30 million since 1981 to support outst<strong>and</strong>ing projects such<br />
as <strong>the</strong> West Tower construction, <strong>the</strong> Lauren Small Children’s<br />
Center, <strong>the</strong> Sarvan<strong>and</strong> Heart <strong>and</strong> Brain Center, <strong>the</strong> Robert A.<br />
Grimm Children’s Pavilion for Emergency Care, The Helen<br />
Taylor Cobbs Healing Garden, The Monsignor Craig<br />
Harrison Interfaith Chapel <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> S. A. Camp Companies<br />
Burn Unit at <strong>the</strong> Grossman Burn Center.<br />
Donors support <strong>the</strong> Foundation in many ways, including<br />
major gifts, planned gifts <strong>and</strong> annual giving. The Foundation<br />
also has two active donor societies; The President’s Circle<br />
<strong>and</strong> The Miracle Society, comprised of young community<br />
leaders, who focus <strong>the</strong>ir annual donations on support for<br />
children’s services at <strong>the</strong> Lauren Small Children’s Center.<br />
Since being established in 1988, <strong>the</strong> Friends of Mercy<br />
Foundation has raised $30 million in support of state-of-<strong>the</strong>-art<br />
equipment <strong>and</strong> technology as well as services that meet<br />
<strong>the</strong> needs of <strong>the</strong> underserved. Continuing <strong>the</strong> legacy of<br />
giving started by Mercy Hospital’s first benefactor, William<br />
Howell, Sr., generations of Kern County families support<br />
<strong>the</strong> Foundation’s fundraising efforts <strong>and</strong> 100 percent of<br />
every gift goes directly to <strong>the</strong> project being supported.<br />
Donors who have made gifts totaling $10,000 <strong>and</strong> above<br />
are members of <strong>the</strong> Founder’s Circle; those who have named<br />
Mercy in <strong>the</strong>ir estate plans become members of <strong>the</strong> Heritage<br />
Society. The Foundation’s annual giving program consists of:<br />
Ca<strong>the</strong>rine McAuley Society, a women’s philanthropic group;<br />
<strong>the</strong> William Howell Century Club, a men’s philanthropic<br />
group; The Legacy Circle at Mercy, a philanthropic group of<br />
young emerging community leaders; <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Spirit of Giving<br />
Club, an employee giving group. Each group chooses a<br />
hospital project to support using <strong>the</strong>ir annual cumulative gift.<br />
For over one hundred years, we have believed in <strong>the</strong> healing<br />
power of human connection, providing accessible, compassionate<br />
health services for our community. Our mission<br />
includes serving <strong>and</strong> advocating for <strong>the</strong> poor <strong>and</strong> disenfranchised,<br />
<strong>and</strong> partnering with o<strong>the</strong>rs in <strong>the</strong> community to<br />
improve quality of life. We put our mission into practice in<br />
part through community health <strong>and</strong> prevention programs,<br />
actionable health needs assessments <strong>and</strong> strategies, <strong>and</strong><br />
community grants, donating $3,562,678 to sixty<br />
different local not-for-profit agencies since 1990.<br />
Treating patients <strong>and</strong> each o<strong>the</strong>r with respect,<br />
dignity, <strong>and</strong> kindness is more than a marketing<br />
campaign or even a br<strong>and</strong>. It is a promise to our<br />
community that kindness is <strong>the</strong> best medicine.<br />
At Dignity Health, we hold <strong>the</strong> belief that<br />
kindness helps to heal <strong>the</strong> whole person—body,<br />
mind, <strong>and</strong> spirit. We strive to incorporate this<br />
into <strong>the</strong> care we provide our patients every day.<br />
Hello humankindness.<br />
÷<br />
Above: In June 2013, Country musician legend <strong>and</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong> native<br />
Merle Haggard dropped by <strong>the</strong> Ronald McDonald House at <strong>Bakersfield</strong><br />
Memorial Hospital to sign a few of his guitars for auction at <strong>the</strong> annual<br />
Larry Carr Memorial Golf Tournament.<br />
Below: In honor of <strong>the</strong> community kindness shown in helping rebuild Herbert<br />
Jackson’s home after a fire, Mayor Harvey Hall, Supervisor Leticia Perez <strong>and</strong><br />
Senator Andy Vidak’s office named August 13, 2014, “Humankindness Day”<br />
in <strong>Bakersfield</strong>. An appreciation lunch was hosted by Dignity Health Mercy<br />
<strong>and</strong> Memorial Hospitals in an effort to recognize all who donated time,<br />
resources, <strong>and</strong> services to this meaningful event.<br />
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÷<br />
CALIFORNIA STATE<br />
UNIVERSITY, BAKERSFIELD<br />
Bottom, left: CSU Chancellor Dr. Glenn Dumke (1962-1982);<br />
CSUB President Dr. Paul Romberg (1967-1973); Senator Walter Stiern;<br />
Governor Ronald Reagan at groundbreaking ceremony.<br />
Bottom, right: Sheep graze near Faculty Towers in <strong>the</strong> early years.<br />
Opposite, clockwise starting from <strong>the</strong> top, left:<br />
Science III Building.<br />
Antelope Valley Center.<br />
Flags fly at CSUB main entrance.<br />
California State University, <strong>Bakersfield</strong> is a fast-growing<br />
regional comprehensive public university committed to<br />
transforming <strong>the</strong> lives of its students <strong>and</strong> community<br />
through excellence in academics, diversity, service, <strong>and</strong><br />
community engagement.<br />
Strolling today’s beautiful <strong>and</strong> vibrant campus, it is<br />
difficult to imagine <strong>the</strong> campus was a beet field surrounded<br />
by undeveloped l<strong>and</strong> covered in brush less than fifty years<br />
ago. Senator Walter Stiern’s bill to establish a college in<br />
Kern County was approved by <strong>the</strong> state legislature on<br />
January 11, 1965, with a $20,000 appropriation from <strong>the</strong><br />
state general fund.<br />
When Dr. Paul Romberg, <strong>the</strong> school’s first president,<br />
arrived in <strong>Bakersfield</strong> in August 1967 all he had was a<br />
document from <strong>the</strong> chancellor’s office saying he was<br />
authorized to start a college. Assisted by Dr. Ken Secor,<br />
who became vice president for administrative services,<br />
Romberg had to locate office space, equipment <strong>and</strong> staff.<br />
At first, <strong>the</strong> small staff worked out of an old grocery store<br />
on Kentucky Street in Old Town Kern, <strong>the</strong>n relocated to<br />
state-leased offices on California Avenue.<br />
Kern County L<strong>and</strong> Company donated a 375-acre parcel<br />
of l<strong>and</strong> along Stockdale Highway for <strong>the</strong> new university<br />
campus. The board of trustees approved plans for <strong>the</strong> initial<br />
buildings in <strong>the</strong> spring of 1969, leaving only a year-<strong>and</strong>-ahalf<br />
for <strong>the</strong> first phase to be built in time for <strong>the</strong> anticipated<br />
opening in fall 1970. Skeptics scoffed at <strong>the</strong> time frame,<br />
insisting a campus could never be developed in such a short<br />
time. After much careful planning <strong>and</strong> hard work, California<br />
State College, <strong>Bakersfield</strong> welcomed its first class in 1970.<br />
Dr. Jacob Frankel became president in 1974 <strong>and</strong><br />
Dr. Tomás Arciniega came to <strong>the</strong> presidency in 1983. The<br />
college gained university status in 1987 to become<br />
California State University, <strong>Bakersfield</strong>.<br />
Dr. Horace Mitchell, <strong>the</strong>n vice chancellor for business<br />
<strong>and</strong> administrative services at UC Berkeley, was appointed<br />
president of CSU <strong>Bakersfield</strong> in 2004. Building on institutional<br />
values of excellence, partnerships, <strong>and</strong> community,<br />
President Mitchell has led <strong>the</strong> university to national recognition<br />
with a vision to extend <strong>the</strong> excellence <strong>and</strong> diversity<br />
of faculty <strong>and</strong> academic programs, enhance <strong>the</strong> quality of<br />
<strong>the</strong> student experience, <strong>and</strong> streng<strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong> university’s<br />
community engagement.<br />
With a strong tradition of working collaboratively to<br />
advance its vision for excellence, CSUB has been in a<br />
constant mode of transformation since 2004, reinventing<br />
itself to provide twenty-first century teaching <strong>and</strong> learning<br />
for student success in a global society. The university has<br />
reached significant milestones through collaboration<br />
among faculty, administrators, staff, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> engagement of<br />
students, alumni, community partners, <strong>and</strong> support groups.<br />
Today, CSUB serves more than 9,200 students at <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> campus <strong>and</strong> Antelope Valley Center in its four<br />
schools—arts <strong>and</strong> humanities; business <strong>and</strong> public administration;<br />
natural sciences, ma<strong>the</strong>matics <strong>and</strong> engineering;<br />
<strong>and</strong> social science <strong>and</strong> education. The university’s faculty is<br />
committed to providing a quality education to prepare<br />
students for success. Seventy-five percent of CSUB faculty<br />
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members hold <strong>the</strong> highest degree in <strong>the</strong>ir fields. The university<br />
offers more than sixty undergraduate <strong>and</strong> twenty-one<br />
graduate degree programs culminating in bachelor’s <strong>and</strong><br />
master’s degrees, teaching credentials, post-baccalaureate<br />
certificates, or <strong>the</strong> doctorate in educational leadership.<br />
CSUB’s Extended University serves students <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> community<br />
by offering professional development, certificate,<br />
degree, <strong>and</strong> international study abroad programs. With more<br />
than seventy percent of its 47,000 alumni remaining <strong>and</strong><br />
working within Kern County, CSUB supports ongoing social,<br />
cultural <strong>and</strong> economic development throughout <strong>the</strong> region.<br />
CSUB’s faculty <strong>and</strong> staff of more than 1,000 include<br />
respected academic experts, published researchers, <strong>and</strong><br />
engaged community leaders, as well as dedicated educators<br />
who genuinely care about <strong>the</strong>ir students’ success. The<br />
university’s excellent <strong>and</strong> diverse staff reflect <strong>the</strong> cultural<br />
richness of <strong>the</strong> community <strong>and</strong> students it serves. Students<br />
should be able to see <strong>the</strong>mselves reflected among <strong>the</strong> faculty<br />
who teach <strong>the</strong>m. As faculty members serve as role models<br />
<strong>and</strong> mentors, <strong>the</strong>y can have significant influence in how<br />
or whe<strong>the</strong>r students find <strong>and</strong> navigate <strong>the</strong> pathways to<br />
academic success.<br />
Responding to <strong>the</strong> needs of <strong>the</strong> community, <strong>the</strong> university<br />
added new degree programs such as computer engineering,<br />
electrical engineering, <strong>and</strong> engineering sciences (including<br />
emphases in biosystems <strong>and</strong> agricultural engineering; engineering<br />
management; <strong>and</strong> petroleum engineering); agribusiness,<br />
healthcare management, occupational safety<br />
<strong>and</strong> health management concentration, <strong>and</strong> a doctorate in<br />
educational leadership, among o<strong>the</strong>rs, including additional<br />
online classes.<br />
To position <strong>the</strong> university for <strong>the</strong> future <strong>and</strong> enhance<br />
student success, CSUB converted its academic calendar<br />
from quarters to semesters, with <strong>the</strong> semester calendar to<br />
begin in fall 2016. In so doing, faculty in almost seventy<br />
percent of <strong>the</strong> academic programs took a once-in-a-career<br />
opportunity to completely transform <strong>the</strong> goals <strong>and</strong> content<br />
of <strong>the</strong>ir curricula to ensure <strong>the</strong>y would address <strong>the</strong> twentyfirst<br />
century needs of our students <strong>and</strong> communities. At <strong>the</strong><br />
same time, faculty redesigned <strong>and</strong> streng<strong>the</strong>ned general<br />
education as a cross-disciplinary program to align it with<br />
university-wide student learning outcomes, integrating <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong>mes: quality of life, revolutionary ideas <strong>and</strong> innovations,<br />
<strong>and</strong> sustainability <strong>and</strong> justice.<br />
QUALITY OF LIFE<br />
153
÷<br />
Above: “Rowdy Run” welcomes new students at soccer game half-time.<br />
Right: Men’s basketball team wins 2015 Western Athletics<br />
Conference (WAC).<br />
CSUB’s academic programs have achieved national recognition<br />
through a series of quality accolades. The Economist<br />
listed <strong>the</strong> university #10 best economic value of degree;<br />
Top Nursing Schools College Atlas ranked CSUB <strong>the</strong> #5 nursing<br />
school in California; <strong>the</strong> Washington Monthly listed <strong>the</strong><br />
school’s master’s degree programs among <strong>the</strong> Top 25 in<br />
<strong>the</strong> nation; <strong>and</strong> Time magazine ranked CSUB #39 among<br />
top colleges <strong>and</strong> universities in <strong>the</strong> nation. In addition,<br />
<strong>the</strong> Carnegie Foundation has awarded CSUB its elective<br />
community engagement classification; Hispanic Outlook<br />
listed <strong>the</strong> university at #54 among <strong>the</strong> Top 100 colleges for<br />
degrees granted to Hispanics, <strong>and</strong> #8 on its Best Bang for<br />
<strong>the</strong> Buck Colleges; <strong>and</strong> Brookings Institute placed CSUB at<br />
<strong>the</strong> ninety-fifth percentile for expected student earnings. The<br />
university has even been named a bicycle friendly university<br />
by The League of American Bicyclists.<br />
CSUB added several new academic buildings with<br />
classrooms, labs <strong>and</strong> faculty offices, e.g. Science III, <strong>the</strong><br />
visual arts center, engineering complex with labs, <strong>and</strong> broke<br />
ground on a humanities complex <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> replacement of<br />
Faculty Towers. All classrooms have been converted to smart<br />
classrooms. The CSUB Fabrication Lab (“Fab Lab”) is an<br />
advanced digital fabrication laboratory with equipment<br />
protyping machinery that can be used to fabricate just about<br />
anything. The Fab Lab is a community resource open to<br />
<strong>the</strong> public as well as to <strong>the</strong> university community <strong>and</strong> is an<br />
important step forward for science, technology, engineering,<br />
<strong>and</strong> ma<strong>the</strong>matics (STEM) education in <strong>the</strong> Central Valley. A<br />
collaboration of <strong>the</strong> Fab Foundation, MIT, Chevron <strong>and</strong><br />
CSUB, it is <strong>the</strong> only Fab Lab among CSU <strong>and</strong> UC campuses.<br />
Several initiatives <strong>and</strong> programs were undertaken to<br />
advance student development, enhance <strong>the</strong> quality of<br />
student <strong>and</strong> campus life, <strong>and</strong> increase student retention,<br />
success, <strong>and</strong> graduation. As an outcome of a student fee<br />
referendum in 2005, CSUB transitioned its athletics<br />
program to NCAA Division I. Men’s sports include baseball,<br />
basketball, golf, soccer, swimming <strong>and</strong> diving, track <strong>and</strong><br />
field <strong>and</strong> wrestling. Women’s teams include basketball,<br />
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each volleyball, cross country, soccer, softball, track <strong>and</strong><br />
field, swimming <strong>and</strong> diving, volleyball, <strong>and</strong> water polo. The<br />
athletics program is a member of <strong>the</strong> Western Athletics<br />
Conference (WAC). In <strong>the</strong> last two years, four athletics<br />
teams have won WAC championships <strong>and</strong> participated in<br />
NCAA post-season tournaments.<br />
The school adopted its first-ever alma mater “Long Live<br />
CSUB” <strong>and</strong> fight song “CSUB Victory” in 2005. A 75,000<br />
square foot, state-of-<strong>the</strong>-art student recreation center helps<br />
promote physical health <strong>and</strong> wellness. Residential students<br />
moved into a newly constructed 500-bed student housing<br />
complex in January 2015. Students can become engaged<br />
in more than eighty-five student organizations <strong>and</strong> clubs<br />
<strong>and</strong> eleven fraternities <strong>and</strong> sororities.<br />
New students are formally welcomed into <strong>the</strong> community<br />
of higher learning at a new student convocation each fall.<br />
The ceremony expresses <strong>the</strong> university’s expectations for student<br />
learning, collective commitment to facilitating students’<br />
success, <strong>and</strong> inspires students to look toward graduation from<br />
<strong>the</strong> university <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> culminating commencement ceremony.<br />
The CSUB Alumni Association boasts more than 47,000<br />
alumni. The university’s most notable alumni include former<br />
heavyweight wrestler Stephen Neal (‘99), winner of two<br />
NCAA National Championships, a multiple gold medalist<br />
in <strong>the</strong> World Freestyle, USA Freestyle, <strong>and</strong> Pan American<br />
games. Neal played in <strong>the</strong> National Football League for <strong>the</strong><br />
New Engl<strong>and</strong> Patriots <strong>and</strong> helped win three Super Bowl<br />
titles. He was inducted into <strong>the</strong> Bob Elias Kern County<br />
Sports Hall of Fame. U.S. Congressman Kevin McCarthy<br />
(‘89, ‘94) was elected to <strong>the</strong> U.S. House of Representatives in<br />
2006 as representative for California’s 23nd Congressional<br />
District. He is a CSUB Alumni Hall of Fame inductee. Started<br />
in 2006, <strong>the</strong> hall of fame recognizes alumni who have made<br />
significant contributions in <strong>the</strong>ir chosen field of endeavor<br />
<strong>and</strong>/or community, <strong>and</strong> whose accomplishments <strong>and</strong> careers<br />
have brought honor <strong>and</strong> distinction to CSUB. Honorees are<br />
inducted at an annual black-tie gala.<br />
CSUB has a long <strong>and</strong> distinguished history of community<br />
engagement. The university collaborates with partners in<br />
<strong>the</strong> community to increase <strong>the</strong> region’s overall educational<br />
attainment, enhance its quality of life, <strong>and</strong> support its<br />
economic development. Students greatly benefit from<br />
<strong>the</strong> generosity of donors, alumni, industry partners, <strong>and</strong><br />
friends of <strong>the</strong> university who give to support student<br />
scholarships, research, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> enhancement of <strong>the</strong> school’s<br />
academic programs.<br />
Each year, CSUB contributes more than 2,000 new alumni<br />
to <strong>the</strong> community’s educated <strong>and</strong> skilled workforce. The university<br />
has a powerful $1.64 billion economic impact on Kern<br />
County’s economy annually, consisting of $505 million in local<br />
expenditures <strong>and</strong> $1.125 billion in economic enhancements.<br />
The <strong>Bakersfield</strong> community benefits from <strong>the</strong> energy,<br />
expertise, <strong>and</strong> enthusiasm of CSUB students, faculty <strong>and</strong><br />
staff. The university continues to help shape <strong>the</strong> future of<br />
Kern County through student internships, research, campus<br />
institutions, <strong>and</strong> community events.<br />
The university’s master plan builds out <strong>the</strong> entire campus<br />
to accommodate 18,000 students. Plans to develop <strong>the</strong><br />
remaining l<strong>and</strong> include additional student housing, <strong>and</strong><br />
public-private partnerships such as a children’s interactive<br />
educational museum <strong>and</strong> a hotel <strong>and</strong> conference center.<br />
The university also has approval from <strong>the</strong> board of trustees<br />
to develop a university office park on <strong>the</strong> south side of <strong>the</strong><br />
main campus. Tenants will be required to have an affiliation<br />
with <strong>the</strong> campus, such as providing student internships.<br />
CSUB will continue to provide access to quality <strong>and</strong><br />
affordable academic programs <strong>and</strong> cocurricular experiences<br />
that are transformative to make significant differences in<br />
<strong>the</strong> lives of its students, <strong>the</strong>ir families, <strong>and</strong> communities,<br />
<strong>and</strong> raise <strong>the</strong> level of educational attainment in <strong>the</strong> region.<br />
÷<br />
New graduates pose at commencement.<br />
QUALITY OF LIFE<br />
155
OMNI FAMILY HEALTH<br />
÷<br />
Right: In 1978, a staff member lays <strong>the</strong> foundation of Omni Family Health’s<br />
first health center in Buttonwillow, California.<br />
Below: Local television crews film <strong>the</strong> groundbreaking ceremony for<br />
Omni Family Health’s Buttonwillow Health Center on January 5, 1979.<br />
By <strong>the</strong> look of Omni Family Health today, one would<br />
never guess that this national award-winning network of<br />
state-of-<strong>the</strong>-art health centers began in <strong>the</strong> tiny town of<br />
Buttonwillow in rural Kern County, California. In 1978, a<br />
small but determined group of community leaders broke<br />
ground on <strong>the</strong> Buttonwillow Health Center, a small health<br />
facility that would later become known as Omni Family<br />
Health. At that time, <strong>the</strong> Buttonwillow Health Center was<br />
formed with <strong>the</strong> goal of providing a full range of primary,<br />
preventative care <strong>and</strong> support services to an area whose<br />
remoteness had previously made such services unavailable.<br />
The focus was to ensure quality medical services were accessible<br />
to rural agricultural workers—an overlooked segment<br />
of <strong>the</strong> population whose occupational contribution was central<br />
to <strong>the</strong> legacy of <strong>the</strong> San Joaquin Valley. Those involved in<br />
bringing Buttonwillow Health Center from a dream to reality<br />
rallied <strong>the</strong> community under a primary slogan that conveyed<br />
<strong>the</strong> vision of <strong>the</strong> founders in 1978—“Health for All.”<br />
At <strong>the</strong> time Buttonwillow Health Center began operations<br />
in <strong>the</strong> late 1970s, <strong>the</strong> innovative concept of communitybased<br />
healthcare had also taken root across <strong>the</strong> country<br />
in medically underserved inner<br />
city neighborhoods <strong>and</strong> rural<br />
areas. What became known as<br />
Community <strong>and</strong> Migrant Health<br />
Centers, or C/MHCs, targeted <strong>the</strong><br />
roots of an inadequate healthcare<br />
system by establishing easily<br />
accessible healthcare facilities in<br />
medically underserved areas,<br />
eliminating barriers <strong>and</strong> delivering<br />
health services for everyone<br />
in <strong>the</strong> community regardless of<br />
race, age, gender, socioeconomic<br />
status, or ability to pay.<br />
This emerging model of healthcare was greatly needed in<br />
rural Kern County. Much of <strong>the</strong> economic development driving<br />
Kern County into <strong>the</strong> twenty-first century was based<br />
around <strong>the</strong> agricultural industry that took advantage of <strong>the</strong><br />
fertile l<strong>and</strong>s throughout <strong>the</strong> San Joaquin Valley. As business<br />
boomed, <strong>the</strong> surrounding communities exp<strong>and</strong>ed to meet<br />
<strong>the</strong> needs of farmworkers <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir families but rural<br />
resources, especially healthcare, were scarce. Unfortunately,<br />
<strong>the</strong> late 1970s brought a widespread drought that lowered<br />
crop volumes in <strong>the</strong> face of rising production costs, leading<br />
to a historic decline in <strong>the</strong> value of cotton—a huge blow to<br />
a community that was nicknamed “Cotton Country” due to<br />
<strong>the</strong> abundance of <strong>the</strong> crop.<br />
Even in <strong>the</strong> face of mounting uncertainty surrounding <strong>the</strong><br />
agriculture industry, <strong>the</strong> small group of founders pushed<br />
forward in <strong>the</strong> quest for quality healthcare for agricultural<br />
workers in rural Kern County, making <strong>the</strong> decision to<br />
embrace <strong>the</strong> national community healthcare model. Among<br />
<strong>the</strong> many leaders responsible for launching <strong>the</strong> Buttonwillow<br />
Health Center was Clarence “Dutch” Houchin, a renowned<br />
community leader who aided <strong>the</strong> health center by leasing<br />
<strong>the</strong> property to <strong>the</strong> center for a token one dollar per year.<br />
The Houchin family later generously donated <strong>the</strong> l<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />
building to <strong>the</strong> organization.<br />
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The faith that had been placed in <strong>the</strong> Buttonwillow<br />
Health Center was quickly rewarded as <strong>the</strong> facility saw<br />
increases in <strong>the</strong> numbers of patients seeking healthcare.<br />
When a second facility nearby became necessary, <strong>the</strong><br />
community again sprang into action. The health center<br />
location at Lost Hills began in a temporary double-wide<br />
trailer in 1980—it was not glamorous, but <strong>the</strong> team believed<br />
in <strong>the</strong> mission of <strong>the</strong> organization despite tough challenges<br />
during <strong>the</strong> early years of operations. To this day, staff<br />
members still recall wading through thick mud to reach <strong>the</strong><br />
trailer to provide care to <strong>the</strong>ir patients!<br />
It was that level of dedication that allowed Omni to grow<br />
<strong>and</strong> open <strong>the</strong> third addition to <strong>the</strong> organization in <strong>the</strong> city of<br />
Wasco in 1990, followed in quick succession by health<br />
centers in Taft <strong>and</strong> Delano. The Taft location began in 1991<br />
as a Teen Clinic in <strong>the</strong> basement of a hospital, while <strong>the</strong><br />
origins of Omni’s Delano facility are entwined with <strong>the</strong><br />
history of <strong>the</strong> United Farmworkers of America (UFW), who<br />
graciously allowed <strong>the</strong> health center to operate from its<br />
headquarters known <strong>the</strong>n as <strong>the</strong> “40 acres.” Also during<br />
that time, <strong>the</strong> small network of health centers transitioned to<br />
<strong>the</strong> National Health Services, Inc., br<strong>and</strong> in <strong>the</strong> community.<br />
Between 1978 <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> early 2000s, Omni had grown<br />
from one small facility in Buttonwillow into eight health<br />
centers dedicated to serving <strong>the</strong> rural communities of Kern<br />
County. In 2002, Omni celebrated its first location in <strong>the</strong><br />
greater <strong>Bakersfield</strong> area when <strong>the</strong> Oildale Community Health<br />
Center opened its doors to <strong>the</strong> public. Since <strong>the</strong>n, new<br />
Omni facilities have opened in <strong>the</strong> rural towns of Ridgecrest<br />
<strong>and</strong> Tehachapi, along with many locations throughout<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong>. In all, Omni now operates eighteen state-of-<strong>the</strong>art<br />
health centers that provide medical <strong>and</strong> dental services<br />
along with behavioral health, chiropractic care, full-service<br />
pharmacies <strong>and</strong> a range of specialty care services.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> decades since <strong>the</strong> first Omni health center opened<br />
in 1978, a great deal of change has come <strong>and</strong> gone, but like<br />
<strong>the</strong> unchanging <strong>and</strong> steadfast mountain ranges that encircle<br />
<strong>the</strong> San Joaquin Valley, Omni’s mission-driven focus has<br />
never wavered. The success of <strong>the</strong> organization can be<br />
credited in large part to exceptional leadership that has<br />
found a natural balance between strategic business goals<br />
<strong>and</strong> a mission-driven culture of compassion.<br />
The continuity of <strong>the</strong> organization’s legacy in <strong>the</strong><br />
community was assured when Francisco L. Castillon, MPA,<br />
became Omni’s CEO in 2010, bringing more than twentyfive<br />
years of experience in C/MHCs. In addition to his<br />
professional acumen, Castillon was a key community figure<br />
÷<br />
Above: Today, Omni Family Health operates eighteen state-of-<strong>the</strong>-art health<br />
centers that provide medical, dental, behavioral health, chiropractic,<br />
pharmacy <strong>and</strong> specialty services to <strong>the</strong> community.<br />
Left: Left to right, community board members John Ogborn, Tommie Fowler,<br />
Gloria Selvidge, Rosie Watkins, Julien Parsons (back row), Pete Ramirez, Jr.,<br />
Aurelio Nunez <strong>and</strong> former CEO, Dr. Wagih H. Michael, ga<strong>the</strong>r at <strong>the</strong><br />
Buttonwillow Medical/Dental Center in early 1999.<br />
Below: Omni Family Health’s Chief Executive Officer Francisco L. Castillon<br />
addresses <strong>the</strong> crowd during <strong>the</strong> Brimhall Expansion Gr<strong>and</strong> Opening on<br />
December 8, 2015.<br />
QUALITY OF LIFE<br />
157
÷<br />
Right: Each year, Omni Family Health publishes its Community, Economic<br />
<strong>and</strong> Tax Impact Report which illustrates <strong>the</strong> positive outcomes Omni delivers<br />
to <strong>the</strong> communities it serves.<br />
Below: The National Association of Community Health Centers<br />
honored Omni Family Health with <strong>the</strong> 2015 Outst<strong>and</strong>ing Migrant Health<br />
Center award.<br />
who worked side-by-side with well-known figures Cesar<br />
Chavez <strong>and</strong> Dolores Huerta in <strong>the</strong> UFW <strong>and</strong> was responsible<br />
for negotiating <strong>the</strong> arrangement of Omni’s Delano facility<br />
on <strong>the</strong> “40 acres” property. With his personal knowledge of<br />
Omni’s history <strong>and</strong> a strong vision for <strong>the</strong> future, Castillon<br />
led <strong>the</strong> 2012 campaign to rebr<strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> organization from<br />
National Health Services, Inc., to <strong>the</strong> Omni identity of<br />
today. Consistent with <strong>the</strong> organization’s mission, <strong>the</strong> name<br />
“Omni” was selected for its meaning of “all” <strong>and</strong> “inclusive,”<br />
because of our philosophy of providing quality healthcare<br />
to all members of <strong>the</strong> family, from infants to <strong>the</strong> elderly, <strong>and</strong><br />
all residents of <strong>the</strong> community.<br />
In addition to this monumental rebr<strong>and</strong>ing, Omni continues<br />
to experience unprecedented growth in <strong>the</strong> community.<br />
Over <strong>the</strong> course of <strong>the</strong> 2012-2015 Strategic Plan, Omni<br />
opened 4 new health centers, exp<strong>and</strong>ed services at 4 health<br />
centers, <strong>and</strong> saw a fifty-two percent increase in exam rooms,<br />
significantly increasing patient access to high quality healthcare<br />
throughout Kern County. Omni also became certified<br />
as a Patient Centered Health Home in 2015 <strong>and</strong> renewed its<br />
accreditation by The Joint Commission.<br />
As a result of <strong>the</strong> board of directors <strong>and</strong> executive<br />
management team’s dedicated <strong>and</strong> visionary leadership,<br />
which has guided Omni’s successes <strong>and</strong> positive reputation<br />
at both <strong>the</strong> local, state <strong>and</strong> national levels, <strong>the</strong> organization<br />
has received, for <strong>the</strong> first time, two major national awards.<br />
Both <strong>the</strong> Migrant Health Center of <strong>the</strong> Year designation<br />
<strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Outst<strong>and</strong>ing Achievement Award were presented<br />
by <strong>the</strong> National Association of Community Health Centers<br />
(NACHC) in 2015.<br />
Omni’s network of health centers has a major impact on<br />
<strong>the</strong> populations <strong>the</strong>y serve. Annually, nearly 82,000 patients<br />
are seen at Omni health centers in <strong>the</strong> communities of<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong>, Buttonwillow, Delano, Lost Hills, Ridgecrest,<br />
Shafter, Taft, Tehachapi <strong>and</strong> Wasco. Overall, services<br />
provided by Omni represent over $100 million annual cost<br />
savings to <strong>the</strong> healthcare system in Kern County.<br />
Omni Family Health centers operate with annual budget<br />
of over $55 million, including over $8 million in federal<br />
funding. In 2015 alone, Omni was <strong>the</strong> recipient of numerous<br />
federal <strong>and</strong> local grants to aid <strong>the</strong> organization’s efforts to<br />
minimize barriers to healthcare services for <strong>the</strong> citizens of<br />
Kern County. Omni’s tremendous impact on local economies<br />
totals nearly $65 million annually, in addition to a total<br />
tax impact of nearly $8.5 million. The 450 (<strong>and</strong> growing)<br />
full-time jobs directly generated by Omni supports an<br />
additional 194 jobs in o<strong>the</strong>r industries. Fifteen employees<br />
currently working for Omni have been with <strong>the</strong> organization<br />
twenty years or longer. Looking ahead, Omni projects an<br />
increase of approximately 110,000 annual patient visits to<br />
its health centers in 2017, a nearly thirty-five percent<br />
increase in patient access to care.<br />
Omni Family Health has developed invaluable working<br />
relationships with local community-based organizations,<br />
private agencies <strong>and</strong> public institutions. By working toge<strong>the</strong>r,<br />
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158
<strong>the</strong> agencies mobilize combined energies <strong>and</strong> experience to<br />
better serve patients <strong>and</strong> support programs <strong>and</strong> initiatives<br />
that address healthcare <strong>and</strong> access problems. By focusing<br />
on community building, <strong>the</strong> organization helps to facilitate<br />
problem-solving for a wide range of difficult social <strong>and</strong><br />
health issues <strong>and</strong> removes barriers to care by serving<br />
communities that o<strong>the</strong>rwise confront geographic, language,<br />
cultural <strong>and</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r barriers. This results oriented approach<br />
goes beyond traditional methods <strong>and</strong> serves to maximize<br />
both resources <strong>and</strong> effectiveness.<br />
One of <strong>the</strong> many ways Omni gives back to <strong>the</strong> communities<br />
it serves is through a scholarship program for graduating<br />
high school seniors within its service area. Up to seven $1,000<br />
scholarship awards are distributed each year to qualified<br />
graduating seniors pursuing a career in <strong>the</strong> medical field.<br />
Additionally, <strong>the</strong> Omni mission promotes a deep sense of<br />
social responsibility to <strong>the</strong> local environment, <strong>and</strong> concerted<br />
effort to incorporate “green” best practices in <strong>the</strong> daily<br />
operations at every facility. In 2015, seventy-five percent of<br />
waste generated at Omni construction sites was diverted<br />
from l<strong>and</strong>fills <strong>and</strong> sent to a recycling center. Within <strong>the</strong><br />
existing facilities, conservation efforts resulted in a fifty-three<br />
to sixty percent decrease in energy consumption.<br />
At <strong>the</strong> grassroots level, Omni <strong>and</strong> its employees also<br />
participate in many community activities such as local<br />
Health Fairs, Affordable Care Act enrollment events, parades,<br />
health screenings <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Cuadrilla program, in which<br />
Omni employees go into <strong>the</strong> farming fields to provide<br />
agricultural workers with lunch <strong>and</strong> information on available<br />
health services. Employees also enjoy giving back to <strong>the</strong><br />
community during <strong>the</strong> holidays, providing food <strong>and</strong> gifts<br />
to health center patients.<br />
After nearly forty years of serving Kern County, Omni<br />
Family Health remains committed to being <strong>the</strong> leading<br />
provider of quality healthcare throughout Kern County <strong>and</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> Central Valley by improving health, one patient at a time,<br />
through compassion <strong>and</strong> individual attention to everyone.<br />
Omni’s mission statement is supported by its Core Values:<br />
• Helpful—We pride ourselves on being helpful to our<br />
patients, listening to <strong>the</strong>ir needs <strong>and</strong> doing everything<br />
we can to aid <strong>the</strong>ir concerns.<br />
• Excellence—We dem<strong>and</strong> more from ourselves than our<br />
patients do from us.<br />
• Accessibility—We provide access to quality healthcare<br />
for everyone who seeks it.<br />
• Leadership—We lead our patients, families, <strong>and</strong> community<br />
in being passionate about <strong>the</strong>ir health.<br />
• Teamwork—We work toge<strong>the</strong>r to meet common goals<br />
by encouraging <strong>and</strong> supporting one ano<strong>the</strong>r.<br />
• Honesty—we are committed to <strong>the</strong> highest ethical st<strong>and</strong>ards,<br />
demonstrating honesty <strong>and</strong> fairness in every action.<br />
Toge<strong>the</strong>r, <strong>the</strong>se core values spell H-E-A-L-T-H, <strong>the</strong> guiding<br />
principal for Omni Family Health from day one until present<br />
day, <strong>and</strong> for years to come.<br />
Our mission: Omni Family Health is committed to improving<br />
<strong>the</strong> health of our communities by providing <strong>the</strong> highest quality<br />
healthcare to everyone.<br />
÷<br />
Omni Family Health Board of Directors, CEO <strong>and</strong> executive management<br />
team is joined by <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Mayor Harvey Hall at <strong>the</strong> latest White Lane<br />
health center groundbreaking ceremony December 8, 2015, in recognition of<br />
Omni’s continued investment in Kern County <strong>and</strong> beyond.<br />
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SAN JOAQUIN<br />
COMMUNITY HOSPITAL<br />
÷<br />
Above: Two young nurses help provide needed healthcare services to <strong>the</strong><br />
booming community of <strong>Bakersfield</strong>.<br />
Right: San Joaquin Hospital, c. 1935.<br />
Ensuring <strong>the</strong> community receives <strong>the</strong> best healthcare<br />
possible has been <strong>the</strong> guiding spirit of San Joaquin<br />
Community Hospital throughout its history. This vision<br />
inspired <strong>the</strong> hospital’s founders more than a century ago,<br />
<strong>and</strong> this same commitment remains embedded in <strong>the</strong><br />
hospital’s mission today.<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> <strong>and</strong> Kern County were still considered<br />
“<strong>the</strong> Wild West” in <strong>the</strong> early part of <strong>the</strong> twentieth century,<br />
but farmers were beginning to realize that <strong>the</strong> county’s rich<br />
soil would produce bountiful crops, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> discovery of oil<br />
became a magnet for workers from throughout <strong>the</strong> nation.<br />
With a population of nearly 18,000, Kern County was<br />
booming in <strong>the</strong> early 1900s, bringing with it a growing need<br />
for adequate healthcare. This need attracted <strong>the</strong> attention of<br />
two young nurses—Margaret Quinn <strong>and</strong> Mary O’Donnell—<br />
who shared a passion for caring for <strong>the</strong> sick <strong>and</strong> injured.<br />
They became nurses at <strong>the</strong> small St. Clair Hospital at<br />
Sixteenth <strong>and</strong> H Streets in <strong>Bakersfield</strong>.<br />
Seeing firsth<strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> need for more adequate healthcare,<br />
<strong>the</strong> two nurses began shaping a vision for improved hospital<br />
facilities. Each woman had a nest egg of $500, but this was<br />
far short of <strong>the</strong> amount needed to build a new hospital.<br />
However, encouraged by friends <strong>and</strong> doctors, <strong>the</strong>y soon<br />
developed a plan to make <strong>the</strong>ir dream a reality.<br />
Mary persuaded her family to contribute $6,000 to <strong>the</strong><br />
project <strong>and</strong> Sol Mack, manager of <strong>the</strong> Bank of <strong>Bakersfield</strong>,<br />
took out a loan for $5,000. The note was co-signed by<br />
J. A. Hughes, owner of a drug store at Nineteenth <strong>and</strong><br />
Chester, <strong>and</strong> Cora St. Clair.<br />
Mary <strong>and</strong> Margaret purchased a quarter-block site at<br />
Twenty-Seventh <strong>and</strong> Eye Streets <strong>and</strong> began construction of<br />
a three-story building that would house twenty-six patients.<br />
They named <strong>the</strong> new institution San Joaquin Hospital.<br />
The first patient, thought to be a railroad or oil field worker,<br />
was received on October 6, 1910. The patient’s name has<br />
been lost in <strong>the</strong> mists of history, but <strong>the</strong> physician who<br />
treated him was Dr. Samuel Franklin Smith.<br />
Margaret, who had impressive business skills as well as<br />
boundless energy <strong>and</strong> determination, assumed <strong>the</strong> role of<br />
administrator, while Mary concentrated on patient care.<br />
Margaret developed a methodical plan to pay off <strong>the</strong><br />
hospital’s indebtedness, purchase additional l<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />
enlarge <strong>the</strong> hospital. In just a few short years, <strong>the</strong> hospital<br />
doubled in size, adding a new surgery room, men’s <strong>and</strong><br />
women’s wards, <strong>and</strong> a kitchen.<br />
In 1914, Margaret bought out her partner, Mary, <strong>and</strong><br />
assumed duties as business manager, nursing supervisor,<br />
anes<strong>the</strong>tist <strong>and</strong> laboratory technician. The hospital continued<br />
to grow <strong>and</strong> serve <strong>the</strong> Kern County community, <strong>and</strong><br />
was indispensable during <strong>the</strong> disastrous flu epidemic of<br />
1918-1919.<br />
By 1929, Margaret, aging <strong>and</strong> suffering from cataracts,<br />
realized it was time to sell <strong>the</strong> hospital. The hospital was incorporated<br />
<strong>and</strong> sold in equal shares to Doctors N. M. Brown,<br />
William P. Scott, George Buchner <strong>and</strong> F. A. Hamlin.<br />
The hospital was sold again in 1937 to Dr. Joseph Smith,<br />
who envisioned <strong>the</strong> hospital as a professional medical <strong>and</strong><br />
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160
surgical institution. The hospital continued to develop<br />
under his leadership. In 1964, Dr. Smith urged a group of<br />
public spirited citizens to take over management of <strong>the</strong><br />
hospital as a nonprofit entity. Impressed by <strong>the</strong> care he had<br />
personally received from an Adventist hospital, Dr. Smith<br />
specifically requested that members of <strong>the</strong> hospital board<br />
be members of <strong>the</strong> Seventh-day Adventist Church.<br />
The name of <strong>the</strong> hospital was changed to San Joaquin<br />
Community Hospital (SJCH) <strong>and</strong> a new age began. In 1987,<br />
SJCH became a member of Adventist Health; a not-for-profit<br />
healthcare system comprised of twenty-one acute care facilities<br />
<strong>and</strong> affiliated with <strong>the</strong> Seventh-day Adventist Church.<br />
The new board of directors surveyed <strong>the</strong> area’s health<br />
needs, looking for innovative ways in which to serve <strong>the</strong><br />
people of <strong>the</strong> Sou<strong>the</strong>rn San Joaquin Valley. One fact soon<br />
stood out: <strong>the</strong> single greatest health hazard in America in<br />
<strong>the</strong> 1960s was heart <strong>and</strong> vascular disease. Among males,<br />
two out of three would ultimately die from some sort of<br />
heart vessel disease; yet <strong>Bakersfield</strong> had no modern heart<br />
ca<strong>the</strong>terization laboratory. Nor was open heart surgery<br />
available in <strong>the</strong> area. Heart patients in <strong>the</strong> valley had to<br />
travel hundreds of miles to receive proper care.<br />
There was clearly a pressing need for cardiac care. In<br />
1972, SJCH opened <strong>the</strong> area’s first ca<strong>the</strong>terization laboratory,<br />
using a <strong>the</strong>n state-of-<strong>the</strong>-art 35mm film format. A month<br />
later, doctors at SJCH conducted <strong>Bakersfield</strong>’s first open<br />
heart surgery. The heart team was headed by Dr. Neil<br />
Arbegast, a surgeon who had trained under world-famous<br />
cardiac surgeon Dr. Michael DeBakey. Also practicing at<br />
<strong>the</strong> hospital were additional cardiovascular surgeons <strong>and</strong><br />
o<strong>the</strong>r specialized personnel capable of performing any heart<br />
or vascular procedure.<br />
The creation of a skilled heart surgery team required <strong>the</strong><br />
latest <strong>and</strong> most sophisticated equipment, which <strong>the</strong> hospital<br />
provided <strong>and</strong> has continued to provide to this day.<br />
SJCH remains Kern County’s leader for heart care. In<br />
2016, Healthgrades ® , an online resource for information on<br />
physicians <strong>and</strong> hospitals, recognized SJCH as one of<br />
America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Cardiac Care <strong>and</strong> Coronary<br />
Intervention. SJCH was one of only two hospitals in <strong>the</strong><br />
entire state of California, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> first in Kern County, to<br />
receive both of <strong>the</strong>se recognitions. SJCH is now working to<br />
create a comprehensive Heart Institute that will provide<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> <strong>and</strong> Kern County with cutting-edge procedures<br />
<strong>and</strong> advanced technology in an environment that promotes<br />
healing <strong>and</strong> privacy.<br />
÷<br />
Above: San Joaquin Community Hospital pictured here in 2007, after <strong>the</strong><br />
completion of <strong>the</strong> new patient tower, which tripled <strong>the</strong> size of <strong>the</strong> emergency<br />
department, created a nine-bed NICU <strong>and</strong> all new surgical unit.<br />
Below: In 2015, San Joaquin Community Hospital became <strong>the</strong> first<br />
Kern County hospital to be named a Distinguished Hospital for Clinical<br />
Excellence. The award put SJCH in <strong>the</strong> top five percent of hospitals<br />
nationwide. SJCH achieved <strong>the</strong> recognition again in 2016.<br />
From left to right: <strong>Bakersfield</strong> City Councilman Terry Maxwell;<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> Mayor Harvey Hall; SJCH President <strong>and</strong> CEO Doug Duffield;<br />
<strong>and</strong> SJCH Chief Operating Officer Sharlet Briggs.<br />
QUALITY OF LIFE<br />
161
÷<br />
Above: Dr. Donald Cornforth was <strong>the</strong> co-founder of Quest Imaging,<br />
which was acquired by San Joaquin Community Hospital in 2010.<br />
In addition to serving as <strong>the</strong> chief medical officer for SJCH, Dr. Cornforth<br />
<strong>and</strong> his wife, Edna, donated $1 million towards <strong>the</strong> new AIS Cancer Center.<br />
Right: Dr. Br<strong>and</strong>on Freeman serves as <strong>the</strong> medical director <strong>and</strong> plastic<br />
surgeon for The Burn Center at SJCH. In just seven years, The Burn Center<br />
has treated more than 3,000 patients, with nearly forty percent<br />
being children.<br />
Heart care was not <strong>the</strong> only area in which SJCH made<br />
advances through <strong>the</strong> years. In 1973 a new 166-bed hospital<br />
was opened across <strong>the</strong> street from <strong>the</strong> original facility.<br />
The addition housed a new intensive care unit featuring<br />
<strong>the</strong> best available equipment, including telemetry units<br />
that monitored a variety of vital functions <strong>and</strong> provided<br />
instantaneous reporting of each patient’s condition.<br />
Then in May 2007, SJCH opened a much-needed<br />
130,000 square foot patient tower. The new five-story<br />
building exp<strong>and</strong>ed <strong>the</strong> Intensive Care Unit, Emergency<br />
Department <strong>and</strong> operating areas; provided a convenient<br />
patient drop-off <strong>and</strong> loading area; tripled <strong>the</strong> size of <strong>the</strong><br />
maternity care center; <strong>and</strong> added a nine-bed neonatal<br />
intensive care unit. Once <strong>the</strong> new tower was completed,<br />
<strong>the</strong> existing hospital building was retrofitted to meet new<br />
seismic regulations <strong>and</strong> renovated to create more private<br />
patient rooms.<br />
The new tower provided SJCH with <strong>the</strong> necessary<br />
resources to offer state-of-<strong>the</strong>-art services previously unavailable<br />
in Kern County including advanced stroke care. In<br />
2008 <strong>the</strong> hospital opened <strong>the</strong> county’s first nationallycertified<br />
stroke center. To become nationally certified, <strong>the</strong><br />
stroke center underwent a rigorous, on-site evaluation by<br />
The Joint Commission, which accredits <strong>and</strong> certifies healthcare<br />
organizations <strong>and</strong> programs throughout <strong>the</strong> United<br />
States. The Joint Commission assessed <strong>the</strong> stroke program’s<br />
processes, quality performance, <strong>and</strong> its ability to improve<br />
care. Healthgrades ® now ranks SJCH among <strong>the</strong> top five<br />
percent of hospitals nationwide for stroke care. The program<br />
has also earned <strong>the</strong> American Stroke Association’s Gold Plus<br />
Award—<strong>the</strong> highest award for stroke care—for multiple years.<br />
Ano<strong>the</strong>r way in which SJCH has met <strong>the</strong> needs of San<br />
Joaquin Valley residents is through creation of a nationally<br />
recognized burn center. Although hundreds of burns occur<br />
in <strong>the</strong> area each year, patients previously had to travel north<br />
to Fresno or south to Los Angeles to receive <strong>the</strong> specialized<br />
care required for serious burns. In 2008, SJCH announced<br />
its intention to bring a burn center to <strong>Bakersfield</strong>, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
center opened in 2009.<br />
In just <strong>the</strong> first six months of service, The Burn Center at<br />
SJCH treated three times <strong>the</strong> number of anticipated patients.<br />
The Center now treats 400 to 500 burn victims each year<br />
<strong>and</strong> has received enthusiastic support from local industries.<br />
This includes a $200,000 endowment fund established by<br />
Chevron <strong>and</strong> a $300,000 donation from Aera Energy.<br />
The Burn Center is a clear example of SJCH’s commitment<br />
to serving its community. Although The Burn Center operates<br />
at a financial loss each year, <strong>and</strong> is supported through<br />
philanthropy <strong>and</strong> hospital operations, SJCH recognizes that<br />
it is a vital service that is urgently needed.<br />
SJCH also serves <strong>the</strong> community through its mobile<br />
immunization program. Immunizations are one of <strong>the</strong> most<br />
important public health interventions in <strong>the</strong> United States.<br />
By immunizing children at an early age, SJCH Children’s<br />
Mobile Immunization Program decreases <strong>the</strong> occurrence of<br />
many dreaded childhood diseases.<br />
Since <strong>the</strong> program began in 1996, more than 55,000<br />
children have been immunized against dangerous diseases<br />
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162
such as polio, measles, mumps, rubella <strong>and</strong> Hepatitis A <strong>and</strong> B.<br />
When <strong>the</strong> program began, only 39 percent of Kern County’s<br />
children had up-to-date immunizations. Today, that figure is<br />
95 percent <strong>and</strong> continuing to grow.<br />
As healthcare has changed, so has <strong>the</strong> need to diversify<br />
services <strong>and</strong> programs. In 2010, SJCH began developing a<br />
robust network of outpatient services with <strong>the</strong> purchase of<br />
Quest Imaging. The most significant outpatient project to<br />
date has been <strong>the</strong> 60,000 square foot AIS Cancer Center,<br />
which opened in <strong>the</strong> spring of 2013.<br />
The AIS Cancer Center was made possible through <strong>the</strong><br />
largest fundraising effort in <strong>the</strong> hospital’s history. The SJCH<br />
Foundation raised more than $6 million for <strong>the</strong> building, led<br />
by a $2 million gift from Advanced Industrial Services (AIS),<br />
in whose honor <strong>the</strong> center was named. The center’s motto of<br />
“You Can. We Can. Beat Cancer.” emphasizes <strong>the</strong> community<br />
partnerships that have been so meaningful in developing this<br />
top-notch facility.<br />
As only <strong>the</strong> second cancer center in <strong>the</strong> community, The<br />
AIS Cancer Center helps ensure that most cancer patients<br />
receive treatment without leaving <strong>Bakersfield</strong>. The center<br />
features advanced technology in a soothing environment,<br />
exemplified by <strong>the</strong> beautiful water feature in The Cornforth<br />
Family Pavilion. Affiliated with <strong>the</strong> UC Davis Cancer Care<br />
Network, The AIS Cancer Center provides medical <strong>and</strong><br />
radiation treatment. Its teams include highly trained,<br />
board-certified oncologists, certified oncology nurses <strong>and</strong><br />
radiation <strong>the</strong>rapists.<br />
SJCH is one of <strong>the</strong> largest employers in Kern County.<br />
As of 2016, <strong>the</strong> hospital had nearly 2,100 employees <strong>and</strong><br />
651 affiliated physicians, in addition to approximately<br />
287 volunteers who contribute thous<strong>and</strong>s of hours of<br />
service each year.<br />
SJCH has seen many changes <strong>and</strong> enormous technological<br />
advancements since it admitted its first patient in 1910.<br />
What has remained constant is <strong>the</strong> hospital’s commitment to<br />
quality healthcare. This dedication is rooted in <strong>the</strong> hospital’s<br />
Christian heritage, which dates back to 1866, when <strong>the</strong> first<br />
Seventh-day Adventist healthcare facility opened in Battle<br />
Creek, Michigan. Today, inspired by a belief in <strong>the</strong> loving<br />
<strong>and</strong> healing power of Jesus Christ, SJCH <strong>and</strong> its clinics<br />
bring physical, mental <strong>and</strong> spiritual health <strong>and</strong> healing to<br />
people of all faiths.<br />
÷<br />
Left: Cutting-edge technology has been a hallmark of San Joaquin<br />
Community Hospital throughout its storied history. The Philips Ambient<br />
experience—located in The AIS Cancer Center—allows patients to choose<br />
colors <strong>and</strong> scenes of <strong>the</strong>ir choice during <strong>the</strong>ir imaging experience.<br />
Below: The Cornforth Family Pavilion showcases a two-story water feature<br />
that creates a healing environment for cancer patients <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir families from<br />
<strong>the</strong> moment <strong>the</strong>y walk in.<br />
QUALITY OF LIFE<br />
163
KAISER PERMANENTE<br />
÷<br />
Above: Kaiser Permanente’s first employees <strong>and</strong> physician hired in 1987.<br />
Below: Stockdale Medical Offices.<br />
Kaiser Permanente’s mission<br />
is to provide highquality,<br />
affordable healthcare<br />
services to improve <strong>the</strong><br />
health of its members <strong>and</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> communities it serves.<br />
This mission is accomplished<br />
through market-leading performance<br />
in quality, service<br />
<strong>and</strong> affordability.<br />
Kaiser Permanente provides<br />
healthcare services to<br />
more than 105,000 members<br />
in Kern County at thirteen locations with nearly<br />
1,000 employees <strong>and</strong> physicians. Since entering <strong>the</strong><br />
market in 1988 with one medical office building <strong>and</strong><br />
4,000 members, Kaiser Permanente has grown to be an<br />
anchor institution in <strong>the</strong> community.<br />
There are three very important<br />
factors that make Kaiser Permanente<br />
special—care <strong>and</strong> coverage toge<strong>the</strong>r,<br />
convenience <strong>and</strong> choice, <strong>and</strong> care<br />
you can trust. Kaiser Permanente<br />
brings toge<strong>the</strong>r healthcare <strong>and</strong> coverage<br />
with connected teams of doctors,<br />
nurses, pharmacists <strong>and</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
professionals. At Kaiser Permanente<br />
locations, everything is under one<br />
roof—visits, labs, radiology <strong>and</strong><br />
pharmacy—so it is easy to take care<br />
of several healthcare needs in a single<br />
visit. Patients may manage <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
health on-line, anytime, anywhere.<br />
Patients also have <strong>the</strong>ir choice of<br />
great doctors <strong>and</strong> may change <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
doctor at any time for any reason. With Kaiser Permanente,<br />
patients have <strong>the</strong> support of an entire care team who work<br />
toge<strong>the</strong>r <strong>and</strong> are closely connected through electronic health<br />
records, insuring <strong>the</strong> right care at <strong>the</strong> right time. From<br />
preventative screenings to specialty care <strong>and</strong> treatment<br />
for serious conditions, Kaiser Permanente members receive<br />
<strong>the</strong> top-rated care <strong>the</strong>y need to help <strong>the</strong>m be <strong>the</strong>ir healthiest.<br />
Kaiser Permanente is also known for its technology <strong>and</strong><br />
innovation, which are used to provide care to members via<br />
a Mobile Health Vehicle that brings a range of primary<br />
care services to outlying communities. Kaiser Permanente’s<br />
Care Corner is a retail-based program designed to provide<br />
convenient <strong>and</strong> affordable access to primary care services<br />
<strong>and</strong> wellness programs. In addition, Kaiser Permanente<br />
offers tele-health video <strong>and</strong> telephone appointments to meet<br />
<strong>the</strong> needs of its members in an easy <strong>and</strong> convenient manner.<br />
Kaiser Permanente also invests directly in improvements<br />
to community health by working to increase access for <strong>the</strong><br />
underserved, funding safety-net agencies, disseminating care<br />
improvements, conducting research, educating healthcare<br />
workers <strong>and</strong> consumers, <strong>and</strong> informing public policy.<br />
To support <strong>the</strong>se priorities, Kaiser Permanente operates a<br />
number of Community Benefit Programs in Kern County.<br />
Among <strong>the</strong>se are <strong>the</strong> award winning Educational Theatre,<br />
which uses live <strong>the</strong>atre, music, comedy, <strong>and</strong> drama to<br />
inspire children, teens, <strong>and</strong> adults to make better decisions<br />
about <strong>the</strong>ir well-being. Kaiser Permanente believes good<br />
health is a fundamental right shared by all <strong>and</strong> its work<br />
in <strong>the</strong> community brings toge<strong>the</strong>r financial resources, <strong>the</strong><br />
talent <strong>and</strong> commitment of its people, <strong>and</strong> more than seventy<br />
years of healthcare <strong>and</strong> health plan experience. In Kern<br />
County, Kaiser Permanente has contributed several million<br />
dollars through grants <strong>and</strong> sponsorships to support people<br />
in need through a wide range of community programs<br />
<strong>and</strong> organizations.<br />
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164
Henry J. Kaiser, an industrialist who was considered one<br />
of <strong>the</strong> nation’s greatest business leaders of <strong>the</strong> twentieth<br />
century, <strong>and</strong> Dr. Sidney R. Garfield, a noted surgeon, worked<br />
toge<strong>the</strong>r to pioneer <strong>the</strong> medical program that changed<br />
<strong>the</strong> face of U.S. healthcare. Under <strong>the</strong> leadership of <strong>the</strong>se<br />
visionaries, Kaiser Permanente was born out of <strong>the</strong> challenge<br />
of providing Americans with medical care during <strong>the</strong> Great<br />
Depression <strong>and</strong> World War II, when most people could not<br />
afford to visit a doctor. Kaiser Permanente applied a number<br />
of innovative ideas, including prepaid insurance to spread<br />
<strong>the</strong> cost <strong>and</strong> make it more affordable, <strong>and</strong> group medical<br />
practices where physicians could maximize <strong>the</strong>ir abilities to<br />
care for patients. This medical delivery system was organized<br />
to put as much care as possible under one roof.<br />
Kaiser <strong>and</strong> Garfield were bold, innovative individuals<br />
who made a dramatic impact on <strong>the</strong> contemporary shape<br />
of U.S. medicine <strong>and</strong> community health. Kaiser, who<br />
revolutionized shipbuilding during World War II, is<br />
remembered for his role in building <strong>the</strong> great dams of <strong>the</strong><br />
West—Hoover, Bonneville <strong>and</strong> Gr<strong>and</strong> Coulee. His global<br />
enterprises included automobiles, steel, cement, aluminum,<br />
engineering <strong>and</strong> mining. Garfield was both an acclaimed<br />
surgeon <strong>and</strong> a visionary. In 1933, Garfield opened his<br />
Contractor’s General Hospital in <strong>the</strong> Mojave Desert.<br />
This hospital was set up to provide medical care for<br />
<strong>the</strong> 5,000 workers on <strong>the</strong> Metropolitan Water District of<br />
Sou<strong>the</strong>rn California’s aqueduct, which was designed to<br />
bring water from <strong>the</strong> Colorado River to Los Angeles.<br />
His ideas helped define <strong>the</strong> basic principles of a healthcare<br />
system, focused as much on prevention of illness as<br />
caring for <strong>the</strong> sick. In <strong>the</strong> 1950s, his revolutionary<br />
hospital designs drew international praise for <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
innovations. And, in 1960, he was in <strong>the</strong> vanguard of<br />
physicians who embraced <strong>the</strong> computer as a tool that<br />
could radically improve <strong>the</strong> delivery of medical care.<br />
Today, Kaiser Permanente operates <strong>the</strong> largest private<br />
electronic medical record system in <strong>the</strong> United States.<br />
Garfield’s ideas resonated with Kaiser, who was<br />
‘greatly restless <strong>and</strong> restlessly great’ for a new healthcare<br />
system. Toge<strong>the</strong>r, <strong>the</strong>y founded Kaiser Permanente for<br />
<strong>the</strong> employees of Kaiser Industries<br />
in 1942 <strong>and</strong> opened <strong>the</strong> health<br />
plan to <strong>the</strong> public in July 1945.<br />
The guiding principles of<br />
Kaiser Permanente, developed<br />
over more than seven decades,<br />
include <strong>the</strong> belief that everyone<br />
should have <strong>the</strong> opportunity to<br />
be healthy, preventing illness is<br />
preferable to curing after <strong>the</strong> fact,<br />
quality drives cost down, <strong>and</strong><br />
partnership creates synergy. These<br />
principles will continue to guide<br />
Kaiser Permanente in <strong>the</strong> future as<br />
it continues its mission to improve<br />
<strong>the</strong> health of its members <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
communities it serves.<br />
÷<br />
Above: Discovery Plaza Medical Offices.<br />
Below: Chester Avenue Medical Offices.<br />
QUALITY OF LIFE<br />
165
GOLDEN EMPIRE<br />
TRANSIT DISTRICT<br />
The Golden Empire Transit District (GET) provides safe,<br />
accessible, reliable, courteous <strong>and</strong> affordable public transportation<br />
to diverse customers in <strong>the</strong> greater <strong>Bakersfield</strong> area.<br />
Although GET was officially created in 1973, <strong>Bakersfield</strong><br />
was served by public transit as early as 1874. That year,<br />
Sou<strong>the</strong>rn Pacific Railroad informed <strong>the</strong> city that <strong>the</strong> company<br />
would not serve <strong>Bakersfield</strong> unless it was granted two blocks<br />
of l<strong>and</strong> on ei<strong>the</strong>r side of <strong>the</strong> tracks. The city refused <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
train station was built two miles to <strong>the</strong> east of <strong>the</strong> city at<br />
what now is <strong>the</strong> corner of Baker <strong>and</strong> Sumner Streets.<br />
This situation created a problem for travelers <strong>and</strong> a profit<br />
for stage drivers who charged $1 per trip between <strong>Bakersfield</strong><br />
<strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> train station. Today, <strong>the</strong> fare for a single trip on a<br />
GET bus is $1.50, so $1 was a considerable fee for a single<br />
ride in 1874.<br />
Public transit was provided by private companies until<br />
<strong>the</strong> mid-1950s when <strong>the</strong> growing popularity of <strong>the</strong> automobile<br />
caused a significant drop in ridership <strong>and</strong> revenues. The city<br />
took over operation of <strong>the</strong> public transit system <strong>and</strong>, in 1965,<br />
created a transit authority.<br />
In 1972, voters within <strong>the</strong> proposed transit district borders<br />
approved <strong>the</strong> formation of <strong>the</strong> district by a two-to-one margin.<br />
GET’s boundaries include <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong> area. A five member<br />
board of directors was appointed in 1972, <strong>and</strong>, in 1973, <strong>the</strong><br />
district began operations <strong>and</strong> was named <strong>the</strong> Golden Empire<br />
Transit District.<br />
Over <strong>the</strong> next five years, GET acquired twenty-five air<br />
conditioned buses, established 300 stops <strong>and</strong> developed<br />
a new system of routes. Ridership increased 167 percent.<br />
The base fare was twenty-five cents.<br />
÷<br />
Top: Sou<strong>the</strong>rn Pacific Railroad Station located at <strong>the</strong> corner of Baker <strong>and</strong><br />
Sumner Streets, 1874.<br />
Above: One of twenty-five air conditioned buses to hit <strong>the</strong> streets in <strong>the</strong><br />
mid-1970s.<br />
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166
In 1979, GET initiated a curb-to-curb service called<br />
GET-A-Lift, which provides service to customers unable to<br />
use <strong>the</strong> fixed route services due to disabilities.<br />
In an effort to improve air quality, GET purchased <strong>the</strong> first<br />
compressed natural gas (CNG) buses in 1998. In addition, a<br />
CNG fueling station was built by GET. By March 2006, GET’s<br />
entire fleet of buses was converted to compressed natural gas.<br />
Today, GET has a fleet of eighty-eight compressed national<br />
gas buses equipped with wheelchair lifts <strong>and</strong> bike racks.<br />
GET services sixteen routes, most operating seven days a<br />
week. <strong>More</strong> than 6 million passengers are transported each<br />
year in <strong>the</strong> fixed route buses. In addition, GET operates<br />
nineteen compressed natural gas GET-A-Lift buses.<br />
In October 2012, GET implemented a new system of<br />
routes designed to provide faster, more efficient service. GET<br />
also added trip planning to its website at www.getbus.org.<br />
In 2013, Golden Empire Transit District began a study of<br />
its environmental policies <strong>and</strong> processes with <strong>the</strong> goal of integrating<br />
sustainability practices into all aspects of its operations<br />
through clean technologies, renewable resources <strong>and</strong> recycling.<br />
GET adopted an Environmental Sustainability <strong>and</strong><br />
Management System (EMS) as a formal commitment to mitigate<br />
environmental impacts, build <strong>and</strong> maintain a healthy <strong>and</strong><br />
safe workforce <strong>and</strong> ensure fiscal stability for years to come.<br />
In addition to helping reduce pollution, <strong>the</strong> EMS program<br />
has resulted in energy savings, fuel savings, <strong>and</strong> environmental<br />
disaster avoidance. All of <strong>the</strong>se things add up to<br />
reduced risk <strong>and</strong> increased financial savings.<br />
In 2015, GET added a Real Time Information System for<br />
customers. The new system provides arrival times if a bus for<br />
that route is due within thirty minutes. Each bus stop has a<br />
number <strong>and</strong> a QR code. Customers may use <strong>the</strong> QR code if<br />
<strong>the</strong>y have smart phones or use <strong>the</strong> automated voice system<br />
at 661-869-2438 if <strong>the</strong>y want to call in <strong>and</strong> give <strong>the</strong> bus stop<br />
number. Customers may also use computers <strong>and</strong> tablets to<br />
get arrival information by going to www.getbus.org.<br />
÷<br />
GET buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts <strong>and</strong> bike racks <strong>and</strong> are<br />
powered by compressed natural gas, <strong>the</strong>reby reducing pollution <strong>and</strong><br />
saving money.<br />
QUALITY OF LIFE<br />
167
BAKERSFIELD CHRISTIAN<br />
HIGH SCHOOL<br />
÷<br />
Above: Stephen Dinger (president 2011 to 2016), Mayor Harvey Hall<br />
<strong>and</strong> Jack P<strong>and</strong>ol (board chair) cut <strong>the</strong> ribbon to open <strong>the</strong> 8,506 square foot<br />
student union on May 6, 2016, while David Spalinger (board member) <strong>and</strong><br />
Bob Smith (city council member Ward 4) watch <strong>the</strong> momentous occasion.<br />
Founded in 1979, <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Christian High School is a<br />
dually accredited, nondenominational, college preparatory<br />
high school that seeks to develop each student’s mind, body<br />
<strong>and</strong> spirit to his or her fullest potential through challenging<br />
coursework, state-of-<strong>the</strong>-art technology, visual <strong>and</strong> performing<br />
arts, competitive athletics, <strong>and</strong> spiritual training.<br />
Four students made up <strong>the</strong> first graduating class <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
school turned out fourteen graduates by 1983. In contrast,<br />
today’s classes typically produce between 100 <strong>and</strong> 120<br />
graduates, <strong>and</strong> classes are expected to grow in coming years.<br />
Enrollment has more than doubled to about 500 students<br />
since moving in 2003 to <strong>the</strong> current forty-seven-acre campus<br />
located in <strong>the</strong> growing west side of <strong>Bakersfield</strong>. The facility<br />
features highlights such as a Library/Media Center, Student<br />
Union, Fine Arts Center <strong>and</strong> a Sports Center, which houses<br />
one of <strong>the</strong> largest high school gymnasiums in Kern County.<br />
BCHS has a wide range of curricular offerings, which<br />
challenge <strong>and</strong> nurture <strong>the</strong> intellectual life of each student.<br />
Students take a college preparatory curriculum designed to<br />
meet <strong>the</strong> subject requirements of <strong>the</strong> University of California<br />
<strong>and</strong> California State University systems.<br />
Most students, however, go beyond <strong>the</strong>se minimum<br />
entrance requirements, completing more than <strong>the</strong> required<br />
number of credits <strong>and</strong> taking advantage of <strong>the</strong> school’s<br />
Scholars Program <strong>and</strong>/or <strong>the</strong> numerous honors <strong>and</strong><br />
advanced placement courses. BCHS graduates are accepted<br />
to highly competitive universities such as UCLA, USC, UC<br />
Berkeley, Cal Poly, Pepperdine, Baylor, Georgetown, Georgia<br />
Tech, Johns Hopkins, Notre Dame, V<strong>and</strong>erbilt, Yale, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
U.S. Air Force <strong>and</strong> Naval Academies.<br />
BCHS is equally committed to bringing <strong>the</strong> knowledge<br />
of Jesus Christ <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> truth of scripture to prepare students<br />
to outthink <strong>the</strong>ir culture from a Christian worldview. It<br />
is out of this commitment to academic excellence, which<br />
honors God, that <strong>the</strong> individual character of <strong>the</strong> students<br />
develops, thus producing behaviors that nurture a healthy<br />
school culture where students can soar.<br />
Beyond <strong>the</strong> commitment to educate, engage, <strong>and</strong> equip<br />
students in <strong>the</strong> classroom, BCHS also places emphasis on its<br />
arts <strong>and</strong> athletic programs as well as through student life in<br />
<strong>the</strong> development of <strong>the</strong> whole student.<br />
Visual <strong>and</strong> performing arts are essential for students<br />
to receive a well-rounded education that covers more<br />
than <strong>the</strong> full spectrum of academics. All students need <strong>the</strong><br />
experience of producing in <strong>the</strong> arts. BCHS offers a variety<br />
of courses to not only meet <strong>the</strong> graduation requirement<br />
credit hours but to help students learn <strong>and</strong> demonstrate<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir God-given talents in music, art <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>ater.<br />
Athletics at BCHS is a vital part of <strong>the</strong> life of <strong>the</strong> school.<br />
One distinction that sets athletics at BCHS apart from o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
high schools is <strong>the</strong> fact that <strong>the</strong> foundation on which teams<br />
are built is Jesus Christ. The athletic field is approached<br />
as an extension <strong>and</strong> complement to <strong>the</strong> classroom,<br />
thus, student athletes are challenged to be outst<strong>and</strong>ing<br />
representatives of Christ in <strong>the</strong>ir work ethic, commitment<br />
<strong>and</strong> citizenship on <strong>and</strong> off <strong>the</strong> athletic courts <strong>and</strong> fields.<br />
This challenge has been met with great success including<br />
more than 130 titles in <strong>the</strong> South Sequoia League <strong>and</strong><br />
more than forty titles in <strong>the</strong> California Interscholastic<br />
Federation Central Section. Both <strong>the</strong> boys’ <strong>and</strong> girls’ tennis<br />
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168
teams combined have earned nearly fifty of <strong>the</strong>se league<br />
<strong>and</strong> section titles <strong>and</strong> tennis continues to be one of <strong>the</strong><br />
school’s most successful sports programs.<br />
In 2006, BCHS won <strong>the</strong> Division V State Volleyball<br />
Championship <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> volleyball team has made frequent<br />
return trips to state play-offs. In 2013 <strong>the</strong> football team won<br />
<strong>the</strong> Division IV Sou<strong>the</strong>rn Regional title. That game marked <strong>the</strong><br />
first state play-off game played in <strong>Bakersfield</strong> for any division.<br />
÷<br />
Far left: BCHS students show <strong>the</strong>ir Eagle pride as <strong>the</strong>y cheer on <strong>the</strong><br />
volleyball team.<br />
Above: Some BCHS alumni from <strong>the</strong> classes of 2008 to 2012 pose in<br />
sweatshirts from <strong>the</strong>ir respective colleges.<br />
Below: Lorryn Carter (class of 2018) prepares a sample to investigate <strong>the</strong><br />
various types of cells <strong>and</strong> vascular tissue of a starfish during her honors<br />
biology dissection lab. BCHS students log approximately twenty lab hours in<br />
each science class.<br />
In accordance with <strong>the</strong> school’s philosophy of education,<br />
<strong>the</strong> student life program seeks to provide opportunities for<br />
BCHS students to mature in, <strong>and</strong> take responsibility for<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir own intellectual, emotional, social <strong>and</strong> spiritual<br />
growth. Therefore, all aspects of <strong>the</strong> student life program<br />
are designed to foster a learning community.<br />
In seeking to create an environment fertile for spiritual<br />
growth, BCHS sets aside time throughout <strong>the</strong> year for<br />
prayer, fellowship, worship <strong>and</strong> service. With this in mind,<br />
<strong>the</strong> school has established various programs to help its<br />
students cultivate a life of discipleship, which will in turn,<br />
reflect <strong>the</strong> nature of God Himself.<br />
Complementing <strong>the</strong> emphasis on spiritual formation is<br />
<strong>the</strong> development of student activities that encourage a<br />
relationship among <strong>the</strong> student body as well as with<br />
teachers <strong>and</strong> administrators by creating avenues through<br />
group-centered activities <strong>and</strong> competitions. BCHS is a<br />
fun place. In addition to <strong>the</strong> activities like homecoming,<br />
powder-puff, spirit weeks, prom, winter formal <strong>and</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
quintessential high school milestones, BCHS is known for<br />
its unique activities such as <strong>the</strong> three-day Hume Lake retreat<br />
<strong>and</strong> a day filled with a series of crazy contests toward<br />
<strong>the</strong> end of each school year known as Boondog Olympics.<br />
The consistent <strong>the</strong>me throughout every decision, every<br />
class <strong>and</strong> every relationship at BCHS is to align with <strong>the</strong><br />
school’s motto of honoring God <strong>and</strong> helping students soar.<br />
For additional information about <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Christian<br />
High School, please visit www.<strong>Bakersfield</strong>Christian.com.<br />
QUALITY OF LIFE<br />
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BAKERSFIELD PATHOLOGY<br />
MEDICAL GROUP<br />
÷<br />
Right: Left to right, Dr. Ellen F. Bunyi-Teopengco, Dr. Steven P. Fogel,<br />
Dr. Lilibeth Guinto Mir<strong>and</strong>a <strong>and</strong> Dr. Steven R. Jacobs.<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> Pathology Medical Group provides pathology<br />
<strong>and</strong> clinical laboratory services to doctors <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir patients<br />
in office, surgery center, imaging service <strong>and</strong> hospital settings.<br />
Pathology is <strong>the</strong> branch of medicine that deals with <strong>the</strong><br />
laboratory examination of body tissue samples for diagnostic<br />
<strong>and</strong> forensic purposes. For example, if a skin cancer is<br />
removed, <strong>the</strong> report will describe <strong>the</strong> type of cancer, <strong>and</strong><br />
whe<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> cancer was completely removed or not.<br />
Although a patient does not have direct interaction with<br />
<strong>the</strong> pathologist, <strong>the</strong> information generated by a study of<br />
tissues <strong>and</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r specimens has a tremendous impact on<br />
patient management.<br />
The <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Pathology Medical Group was founded<br />
by Myron A. Fisher, M.D. in 1987 when he became director<br />
of <strong>the</strong> laboratory at Mercy Hospital. Dr. Fisher came from<br />
Valley Hospital in Fresno. He was soon joined by Lilibeth<br />
Guinto Mir<strong>and</strong>a, M.D., who was already in practice in<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong>. The two doctors developed a vision of pathology<br />
services for <strong>the</strong> community to include surgical pathology<br />
<strong>and</strong> gynecologic cytology. Frank Virgil, M.D. joined <strong>the</strong><br />
group shortly <strong>the</strong>reafter <strong>and</strong> Steven R. Jacobs, M.D. joined<br />
<strong>the</strong> group in 1989.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> early days, <strong>the</strong> pathology laboratory was located<br />
on <strong>the</strong> ground floor of <strong>the</strong> Mercy Medical Plaza building in<br />
a space about <strong>the</strong> size of a doctor’s office. “We jammed a<br />
lot of equipment into a small space but managed to process<br />
tissue specimens <strong>and</strong> generate reports in an efficient <strong>and</strong><br />
timely manner never<strong>the</strong>less,” recalls Dr. Jacobs. “When cancer<br />
specialists began to practice in town, we went to <strong>the</strong>ir offices<br />
<strong>and</strong> gave Tumor Board conferences onsite, which allowed<br />
<strong>the</strong>m to become accredited cancer programs.”<br />
In addition to <strong>the</strong> service work for Mercy Hospital, <strong>the</strong><br />
group established a thriving outpatient pathology practice,<br />
which involved serving most of <strong>the</strong> gastroenterologists in <strong>the</strong><br />
community; doctor’s offices, especially dermatologists; <strong>and</strong><br />
radiology (imaging) facilities. Additionally, <strong>the</strong> group was a<br />
key resource in graduate medical education for physicians<br />
training at Kern Medical Center by holding a joint Clinical<br />
Pathologic conference with KMC staff.<br />
The special skills <strong>and</strong> qualifications in cytopathology possessed<br />
by Drs. Mir<strong>and</strong>a <strong>and</strong> Jacobs resulted in an increase in<br />
<strong>the</strong> use of thin needle biopsies of internal organs such as<br />
lung, liver <strong>and</strong> kidney, as well as <strong>the</strong> introduction of stereotactic<br />
brain biopsies locally. The group also participated in<br />
<strong>the</strong> training <strong>and</strong> education of clinical laboratory scientists<br />
from <strong>the</strong> California State University, <strong>Bakersfield</strong> program.<br />
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When Mercy Hospital developed its own cancer program at<br />
<strong>the</strong> newly constructed Florence Wheeler Cancer Center, <strong>the</strong><br />
group was instrumental in providing direct support by charitable<br />
donations from its members. The group also participated<br />
in weekly Tumor Board conferences, which resulted in accreditation<br />
of <strong>the</strong> program by <strong>the</strong> American College of Surgeons.<br />
The group has provided pathology services to Mercy<br />
Southwest Hospital, as well as <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Memorial Hospital<br />
<strong>and</strong> West Side Hospital in Taft.<br />
Steven Fogel, M.D. joined <strong>the</strong> group in 1995 after serving<br />
as chief resident at USC, <strong>and</strong> Ellen F. Bunyi-Teopengco<br />
joined in 2001 after completing subspecialty training in<br />
hematopathology at <strong>the</strong> Medical College of Wisconsin. Her<br />
additional training became an invaluable asset for local<br />
patients with cancer <strong>and</strong> blood disorders. Dr. John W. Reyes,<br />
who formerly served as <strong>the</strong> director of pathology of Green<br />
County Memorial Hospital in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania,<br />
joined <strong>the</strong> practice in 2005. Dr. Jacques Dorce joined <strong>the</strong><br />
group in 2015 after serving a surgical pathology fellowship<br />
at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center.<br />
The group began to provide service to San Joaquin<br />
Community Hospital <strong>and</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Heart Hospital in 2002.<br />
The group was <strong>the</strong> first to provide liquid-based analysis of<br />
gynecologic cytology specimens in Kern County, <strong>and</strong> this<br />
technology was instrumental in study of HPV in patients.<br />
During this time, <strong>the</strong> group moved its operations to an old<br />
medical office building at 2828 H Street, but <strong>the</strong> group soon<br />
outgrew this space <strong>and</strong> a larger 6,400 square foot building<br />
was developed on Sillect Avenue across from <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Heart<br />
Hospital. The modern new facility was occupied in 2008.<br />
By providing outsourced pathology services to San Joaquin<br />
Community Hospital <strong>and</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Heart Hospital, those<br />
institutions do not have to operate <strong>the</strong>ir own pathology<br />
laboratories. The group is one of <strong>the</strong> few freest<strong>and</strong>ing<br />
independent laboratories in <strong>the</strong> country that provide<br />
outsourced anatomic pathology <strong>and</strong> clinical laboratory<br />
services <strong>and</strong> is wholly owned by local doctors.<br />
The <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Pathology Medical Group currently<br />
employs twenty-nine people, including six physician<br />
pathologists. The group supports a number of local charitable<br />
activities, including American Cancer Society, Relay for<br />
Life, San Joaquin Community Hospital Foundation, Friends<br />
of Mercy Foundation, Stockdale High School Medical<br />
Academy <strong>and</strong> o<strong>the</strong>rs.<br />
The group has grown consistently <strong>and</strong> has become <strong>the</strong><br />
largest pathology organization in Kern County in terms<br />
of size an activity. “These are challenging times,” Dr. Jacobs<br />
comments. “The number of private practitioners is decreasing<br />
but we intend to aggressively market to doctors new to <strong>the</strong><br />
area, as well as establishing <strong>and</strong> maintaining relationships<br />
with large HMOs such a Kaiser Permanente. Medicine is<br />
increasingly specialized <strong>and</strong> so is pathology. We hope to<br />
bring doctors with special board certification <strong>and</strong>/or training<br />
in gynecologic pathology, gastrointestinal pathology, <strong>and</strong><br />
blood banking to Kern County.”<br />
QUALITY OF LIFE<br />
171
HOFFMANN HOSPICE<br />
÷<br />
Top, left: In December 2015, Hoffmann Hospice completed construction<br />
on <strong>and</strong> opened Kern County’s first <strong>and</strong> only hospice home. The 25,000<br />
square foot home complete with eighteen private suites <strong>and</strong> patios is designed<br />
to provide a homelike setting to hospice patients requiring a higher level of<br />
care than what can be provided in <strong>the</strong>ir own residence.<br />
Top, right: The home also includes a beautiful chapel for quiet prayer time.<br />
Below: Hoffmann Hospice staff helps pediatric patient Ava Weeks celebrate<br />
her first birthday, complete with her very own cake <strong>and</strong> balloons.<br />
Tom <strong>and</strong> Beth Hoffmann were busy business owners in<br />
1990 when a young AIDS-stricken mo<strong>the</strong>r turned to <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
home-health agency for help. They referred her to what was<br />
<strong>the</strong>n <strong>Bakersfield</strong>’s only hospice agency, but she was denied.<br />
The Hoffmanns cared for <strong>the</strong> woman until her death in 1994.<br />
Deeply touched by <strong>the</strong> experience of caring for <strong>the</strong> mo<strong>the</strong>r<br />
<strong>and</strong> her two HIV-positive children, <strong>the</strong> Hoffmanns founded<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir nonprofit hospice agency <strong>the</strong> following year with a pledge<br />
that no hospice eligible patient would ever be turned away,<br />
regardless of <strong>the</strong>ir illness or ability to pay.<br />
The early years were a test of fortitude as <strong>the</strong> Hoffmanns<br />
labored to establish <strong>the</strong>ir agency in <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong> healthcare<br />
community. They opened an office in east <strong>Bakersfield</strong>, sharing<br />
space with Hoffmann Homecare, <strong>the</strong> family business.<br />
Now <strong>the</strong> oldest <strong>and</strong> most respected hospice agency in<br />
Kern County, Hoffmann Hospice offers <strong>the</strong> highest quality<br />
end-of-life care to hundreds of terminally ill patients each<br />
year <strong>and</strong> recently served its 20,000th patient. The agency<br />
strives for continued excellence in medical, bereavement<br />
<strong>and</strong> spiritual care, earning its accreditation through <strong>the</strong><br />
Community Health Accreditation Program (CHAP), <strong>the</strong><br />
highest accreditation in <strong>the</strong> healthcare community.<br />
“Hoffmann Hospice was born out of servicing a need that<br />
was not being met in <strong>the</strong> community, <strong>and</strong> it comes from <strong>the</strong><br />
core of Tom <strong>and</strong> Beth Hoffmann’s values <strong>and</strong> principles <strong>and</strong><br />
what <strong>the</strong>y wanted to provide <strong>the</strong> community,” explains<br />
Gretchen Daughtery, <strong>the</strong> organization’s director of marketing.<br />
Hospice patients are provided with physician services,<br />
pain <strong>and</strong> symptom control, medical equipment <strong>and</strong> medications,<br />
twenty-four-hour access to on-call hospice nurses,<br />
social services, spiritual care, home health aides, <strong>and</strong> specially<br />
trained volunteers.<br />
Patients are served by a staff of over 130 including doctors,<br />
nurses, licensed social workers, spiritual counselors, home<br />
health aides, administrative staff, <strong>and</strong> more than a hundred<br />
volunteers. The volunteers provide such direct patient<br />
needs as respite care, which allows caregivers time for<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir personal needs. Volunteers may also read to a patient<br />
or simply help <strong>the</strong>m talk about <strong>the</strong>ir lives. “One patient<br />
loved to watch old westerns on television <strong>and</strong> one of our<br />
volunteers spent hours watching <strong>the</strong> shows with him,” Beth<br />
says. O<strong>the</strong>r volunteers help with <strong>the</strong> behind-<strong>the</strong>-scenes<br />
office work such as filing <strong>and</strong> answering <strong>the</strong> phone.<br />
Feeling it is important to capture every moment, patients<br />
are encouraged to compile a ‘bucket list’ of things <strong>the</strong>y would<br />
like to do in <strong>the</strong> time remaining to <strong>the</strong>m. This list might<br />
include such wishes as watching a gr<strong>and</strong>child graduate or<br />
something as simple as sitting on <strong>the</strong> patio in <strong>the</strong> sun.<br />
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Patients are helped to celebrate such milestone events as an<br />
anniversary, birthday or o<strong>the</strong>r special occasion.<br />
Hoffmann Hospice also focuses on <strong>the</strong> special needs of<br />
veterans <strong>and</strong> is committed to enhancing its programs for<br />
veterans. Its ‘We Honor Veterans’ program has earned <strong>the</strong><br />
highest level of certification from <strong>the</strong> National Hospice <strong>and</strong><br />
Palliative Care Organization.<br />
O<strong>the</strong>r services include private transportation, pet <strong>the</strong>rapy<br />
that includes regular visits from <strong>the</strong> affectionate <strong>and</strong><br />
well-trained ‘Hoffmann Hounds’, a soothing massage from<br />
a licensed massage <strong>the</strong>rapist or home health aide <strong>and</strong>,<br />
most recently, a specialized ‘Starlight’ pediatric program<br />
that addresses <strong>the</strong> needs of critically ill children.<br />
One of Hoffmann Hospice’s long time volunteers, Claude<br />
Greenhaw, ended up enrolling for hospice services himself.<br />
The agency organized a Celebration of Life for Claude while<br />
he was still living <strong>and</strong> invited all his friends <strong>and</strong> family, as<br />
well as <strong>the</strong> hospice staff. “It was one of <strong>the</strong> most special<br />
moments we have shared as an agency,” says Beth. “It was<br />
like a memorial service, but before his passing.”<br />
Some hospice patients are referred by physicians when<br />
<strong>the</strong>re is a terminal diagnosis, whe<strong>the</strong>r it is <strong>the</strong> patient’s<br />
primary care physician or a physician caring for <strong>the</strong>m in <strong>the</strong><br />
hospital. O<strong>the</strong>rs are referred by family or friends.<br />
“In hospice care, we take care of <strong>the</strong> patient <strong>and</strong> family<br />
at <strong>the</strong> same time,” explains Daughtery. “We also have a<br />
bereavement program that helps families cope with <strong>the</strong><br />
death of <strong>the</strong>ir loved ones, including <strong>the</strong> only program in<br />
Kern County that serves <strong>the</strong> families of pediatric patients.”<br />
The programs provide support for up to thirteen months,<br />
or eighteen months for families of pediatric patients.<br />
The Hoffmanns <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir staff <strong>and</strong> volunteers continually<br />
seek new ways of serving Kern County. For many years, <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
vision for <strong>the</strong> future included a free-st<strong>and</strong>ing hospice home<br />
where patients would have a warm <strong>and</strong> comforting place in<br />
which to spend <strong>the</strong>ir final days. This vision became reality<br />
in 2014 when ground was broken for a 25,000 square foot,<br />
eighteen bed facility in <strong>the</strong> Seven Oaks Business Park. The<br />
new facility opened in December 2015.<br />
After more than twenty years of service, Hoffmann<br />
Hospice remains committed to its mission of celebrating <strong>the</strong><br />
sanctity of life, providing compassionate end-of-life care<br />
<strong>and</strong> comforting <strong>the</strong> grieving.<br />
For additional information about Hoffmann Hospice, see<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir website at hoffmannhospice.org.<br />
÷<br />
Above: Hoffmann Hospice Spiritual Counselor <strong>and</strong> Veteran Wayne Meade<br />
proudly salutes 104 year old patient <strong>and</strong> WWII U.S. Navy Veteran<br />
William A. Kehoe. Hoffmann Hospice collaborates with <strong>the</strong> U.S. Department<br />
of Veterans Affairs to serve <strong>the</strong> unique needs of our Veterans <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
families <strong>and</strong> help <strong>the</strong>m celebrate <strong>the</strong>ir finest military hours.<br />
Left: Hoffmann Hospice nurse accompanies patient Gilberto Hinojosa <strong>and</strong> his<br />
wife Rosa as <strong>the</strong>y fulfill a bucket list wish to see <strong>the</strong>ir daughter graduate from<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> High School.<br />
Below: Longtime Hoffmann volunteer Claude Greenhaw shares a hug with<br />
Co-Founder Beth Hoffmann during his Celebration of Life. Claude passed<br />
away while under <strong>the</strong> care of Hoffmann Hospice.<br />
QUALITY OF LIFE<br />
173
BAKERSFIELD FAMILY<br />
MEDICAL CENTER<br />
HERITAGE<br />
PHYSICIAN NETWORK<br />
an Affiliated Medical Group of<br />
HERITAGE<br />
PROVIDER NETWORK<br />
In today’s increasingly complex medical care system,<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> Family Medical Center/Heritage Physician Network<br />
has pioneered <strong>the</strong> future of medicine.<br />
Recognized regionally <strong>and</strong> nationally as an innovator of<br />
health delivery systems, <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Family Medical Center/<br />
Heritage Physician Network sets a st<strong>and</strong>ard for excellence in<br />
healthcare for its patients in settings that promote wellness<br />
<strong>and</strong> preventive medicine.<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> Family Medical Center was founded in 1984,<br />
but <strong>the</strong> Heritage Provider Network actually began in 1979<br />
when Dr. Richard Merkin was asked by a local health<br />
plan to start a medical group in an underserved area. The<br />
group succeeded far beyond expectations as Heritage’s<br />
comprehensive approach to care management proved to<br />
be exactly what was needed to provide top quality, cost<br />
effective healthcare for its membership.<br />
The success of <strong>the</strong> innovative medical group caught<br />
<strong>the</strong> attention of o<strong>the</strong>r health plans who requested that<br />
Heritage duplicate its success at o<strong>the</strong>r locations, including<br />
Kern County. <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Family Medical Center/Heritage<br />
Physician Network was <strong>the</strong> fourth medical group started<br />
under <strong>the</strong> umbrella of <strong>the</strong> Heritage Provider Network.<br />
BFMC has designed <strong>and</strong> implemented programs that<br />
provide members with <strong>the</strong> highest quality healthcare<br />
available anywhere. Dr. Merkin was <strong>the</strong> first to introduce<br />
such programs as Physician Hospitalists (physicians<br />
assigned to members while inpatient), Priority Care<br />
(high intensity case management for high-risk patients),<br />
<strong>and</strong> Choices (an end-of-life program). BFMC has brought<br />
more than 150 physicians <strong>and</strong> providers to <strong>the</strong> community<br />
<strong>and</strong> is currently contracted with over 225 primary care<br />
physicians <strong>and</strong> specialists in Kern County alone.<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> Family Medical Center was originally located<br />
at 515 Truxtun Avenue, but by 1986, Dr. Merkin realized<br />
<strong>the</strong> office did not provide <strong>the</strong> adequate space needed<br />
to accommodate patients <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> facility was moved to<br />
4580 California Avenue. At <strong>the</strong> time, BFMC had fewer than<br />
thirty employees.<br />
Dr. Merkin opened <strong>the</strong> first Urgent Care Center in Kern<br />
County within a couple of years after moving into <strong>the</strong><br />
4580 California Avenue location. As <strong>the</strong> managed care<br />
membership <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> dem<strong>and</strong> for medical care continued<br />
in Kern County, Dr. Merkin opened <strong>the</strong> current location at<br />
4570 California Avenue to accommodate <strong>the</strong> growing needs.<br />
In 1992, BFMC exp<strong>and</strong>ed into Tehachapi by opening<br />
Oak Tree Medical Group at 432 South Mill Street. In 2004<br />
<strong>the</strong> BFMC Northwest location was opened at 3400 Calloway<br />
Drive. BFMC exp<strong>and</strong>ed in 2006 into San Luis Obispo <strong>and</strong><br />
Tulare through its sister company, Coastal Communities<br />
Physician Network (CCPN). The BFMC Nor<strong>the</strong>ast facility<br />
was opened at 5601 Auburn Street in 2007.<br />
Heritage Physician Network is an Independent Physician<br />
Association (IPA) with locations throughout Kern County.<br />
These IPA physicians are contracted with BFMC to provide<br />
medical care to BFMC members, although <strong>the</strong>y maintain<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir own offices. Members who select Heritage Physician<br />
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174
Network physicians will see <strong>the</strong>ir doctors in <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
conveniently located private offices. All members of<br />
BFMC/HPN may access <strong>the</strong> full range of services, programs<br />
<strong>and</strong> specialists offered by <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Family Medical<br />
Center. <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Family Medical Center/Heritage<br />
Physician Network began with approximately thirty<br />
employees, including six physicians. Today, <strong>the</strong>re are<br />
more than 350 employees serving over 70,000 lives in Kern,<br />
SLO <strong>and</strong> Tulare Counties.<br />
BFMC/HPN is contracted with more than 75 primary<br />
care providers <strong>and</strong> 150 specialists. CCPN-SLO is contracted<br />
with over 70 primary care providers <strong>and</strong> 275 specialists,<br />
<strong>and</strong> CCPN-Tulare is contracted with more than 30 primary<br />
care providers <strong>and</strong> 30 specialists.<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> Family Medical Center/Heritage Physician<br />
Network takes great pride in <strong>the</strong> Kern County community<br />
<strong>and</strong> is involved with a number of charities, including <strong>the</strong><br />
American Heart Association, American Cancer Society <strong>and</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> American Red Cross. BFMC/HPN is a platinum sponsor<br />
of Kern County Christmas for Seniors, a program that<br />
provides gifts <strong>and</strong> hygiene items during <strong>the</strong> holiday season<br />
to low-income <strong>and</strong>/or isolated seniors in <strong>the</strong> community.<br />
For more information about <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Family<br />
Medical Center/Heritage Physician Network, visit <strong>the</strong> website<br />
at www.bfmc.com.<br />
QUALITY OF LIFE<br />
175
KERN COMMUNITY<br />
COLLEGE DISTRICT<br />
÷<br />
Right: Grace Van Dyke Bird (center front row) with faculty. This dynamo of a<br />
woman led <strong>Bakersfield</strong> College through remarkable development until 1950<br />
<strong>and</strong> helped to see that a new campus would be built.<br />
Bottom, right: <strong>Bakersfield</strong> College won <strong>the</strong> Junior Rose Bowl Championship<br />
<strong>and</strong> became <strong>the</strong> 1976 National Community College Football Champion.<br />
Below: This historic official Record of Junior College Students contained<br />
record cards for all students of what would eventually become <strong>Bakersfield</strong><br />
College. This card shows <strong>the</strong> record of <strong>the</strong> second year for <strong>the</strong> college’s first<br />
graduate, Josephine Chase. The card notes that she transferred to Berkeley.<br />
Kern County Community College District (KCCD) serves<br />
40,000 students each year from a district that spans nearly<br />
25,000 miles, geographically one of <strong>the</strong> largest community<br />
college districts in <strong>the</strong> nation.<br />
The community colleges in <strong>the</strong> district offer courses for<br />
associate’s degrees, certificates, <strong>and</strong> for transfer to four-year<br />
colleges <strong>and</strong> universities. In addition, <strong>the</strong> colleges provide<br />
workforce skills training, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>y partner with businesses<br />
<strong>and</strong> governmental entities to advance economic development.<br />
The roots of <strong>the</strong> Kern Community College District were<br />
firmly planted in 1913 with <strong>the</strong> creation of <strong>Bakersfield</strong><br />
College. Originally called <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Junior College, <strong>the</strong><br />
institution served fifteen students in an experimental program<br />
for those wanting to complete requirements for <strong>the</strong><br />
University of California. The program was conducted on <strong>the</strong><br />
campus of Kern County High School, later renamed<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> High School.<br />
As Kern County <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> number of students grew,<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> College became large enough to comm<strong>and</strong><br />
a campus of its own. Constructed <strong>and</strong> dedicated in<br />
1956, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong> College campus is located on<br />
Panorama Drive.<br />
Community growth also spawned change in secondary<br />
<strong>and</strong> post-secondary governance. The Board of Trustees<br />
jointly administering <strong>Bakersfield</strong> College <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> community’s<br />
high schools divided into separate boards for each level<br />
of education. The year 1968 saw <strong>the</strong> establishment of <strong>the</strong><br />
Kern Community College District. Eventually, two o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
colleges joined <strong>the</strong> district—Porterville College, founded<br />
in 1927, <strong>and</strong> Cerro Coso Community College, opened in<br />
1973 to serve residents of Ridgecrest <strong>and</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r areas of<br />
eastern Kern County.<br />
Grace Van Dyke Bird, perhaps <strong>the</strong> first woman to lead a<br />
public community college in California, served <strong>Bakersfield</strong><br />
College for twenty-three years. She joined <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Junior<br />
College as a teacher in 1927 <strong>and</strong> was appointed dean of <strong>the</strong><br />
college five years later. The title of dean evolved into college<br />
president. Bird was awarded <strong>the</strong> posthumous title of<br />
President Emeritus, granted by <strong>the</strong> Kern County Community<br />
College District Board of Trustees in 1976. <strong>Bakersfield</strong><br />
College’s Grace Van Dyke Bird Library is named in her honor.<br />
The district’s colleges host centers <strong>and</strong> outreach sites<br />
offering classes in Delano, downtown <strong>Bakersfield</strong>,<br />
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176
Tehachapi, <strong>the</strong> Mammoth <strong>and</strong> Bishop areas, Edwards<br />
Air Force Base <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Kern River Valley. These centers<br />
provide convenient, localized instruction for thous<strong>and</strong>s of<br />
residents. Kern Community College District’s commitment<br />
to distance learning <strong>and</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r technological advances creates<br />
increased opportunities for education through online<br />
instruction to individuals across <strong>the</strong> district’s service area<br />
<strong>and</strong> beyond. Additionally, <strong>the</strong> district’s partnerships with<br />
area high schools provide dual enrollment opportunities<br />
where high school students complete college courses on<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir high school campuses while simultaneously working<br />
toward <strong>the</strong>ir high school diploma.<br />
Fee-based community education provided by Kern<br />
Community College District delivers a broad spectrum<br />
of short-term, not-for-credit courses designed to teach<br />
a skill, grow a hobby, or fulfill a desire for learning.<br />
Community education courses afford local residents<br />
of <strong>Bakersfield</strong> College, Cerro Coso Community College<br />
<strong>and</strong> Porterville College service areas <strong>the</strong> opportunity to<br />
make friends <strong>and</strong> learn something new in a welcoming<br />
environment. Courses run <strong>the</strong> gamut from wine tasting to<br />
watercolor painting, from community choir to computer<br />
essentials <strong>and</strong> everything in between.<br />
The student headcount in <strong>the</strong> KCCD colleges for 2014-15<br />
was 28,910. In addition, 81,089 enrollments were logged<br />
in various training <strong>and</strong> community education programs.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> 2014-15 academic year, 1,063 students transferred<br />
to four-year colleges <strong>and</strong> universities, 1,854 earned associate<br />
degrees, 555 received achievement certificates, <strong>and</strong> 716<br />
were presented with job skills certificates.<br />
Kern Community College District operates with an<br />
annual budget of $188.5 million <strong>and</strong> is governed by a sevenmember<br />
Board of Trustees elected by constituents in five<br />
counties, including Kern, Tulare, Inyo, Mono <strong>and</strong> San<br />
Bernardino. The chancellor of KCCD is S<strong>and</strong>ra V. Serrano, J.D.,<br />
<strong>and</strong> current board members<br />
include Dennis Beebe, Kay<br />
Meek, Mark Storch, Romeo<br />
Agbalog, Kyle Carter, John<br />
Corkins <strong>and</strong> Richard Wright,<br />
Ed.D. Colleges in <strong>the</strong> district<br />
employ over 1,400 people,<br />
including more than 380<br />
full-time faculty members.<br />
The Kern Community<br />
College District Board of<br />
Trustees adopted a 2015-2018 five-point strategic plan to<br />
guide <strong>the</strong> district’s colleges in <strong>the</strong> future. Goal one is to maximize<br />
student success by increased completion, improved<br />
milestone achievements <strong>and</strong> increased student engagement.<br />
Goal two is to close achievement gaps. Goal three calls for<br />
ensuring student access by optimizing student enrollment<br />
<strong>and</strong> becoming a higher education option of first choice.<br />
Strategic goal number four calls for enhancing community<br />
connections by providing workforce <strong>and</strong> economic development<br />
programs that respond to local industry <strong>and</strong> reflect <strong>the</strong><br />
communities served by <strong>the</strong> district. Goal number five is to<br />
streng<strong>the</strong>n organizational effectiveness by providing effective<br />
professional development, meeting <strong>and</strong> exceeding internal<br />
<strong>and</strong> external st<strong>and</strong>ards <strong>and</strong> requirements, increasing trust<br />
<strong>and</strong> creating a collaborative culture, <strong>and</strong> improving facilities<br />
<strong>and</strong> maintenance.<br />
The Kern Community College District remains committed<br />
to its vision of being recognized as an exemplary educational<br />
leader, partnering with communities to develop potential <strong>and</strong><br />
create opportunities. The colleges in <strong>the</strong> district believe that<br />
successful students will streng<strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong>ir communities <strong>and</strong>,<br />
along with faculty <strong>and</strong> staff, become life-long learners.<br />
For additional information about Kern Community<br />
College District, check its website at www.kccd.edu.<br />
÷<br />
Left: S<strong>and</strong>ra V. Serrano is <strong>the</strong> first female <strong>and</strong> first Hispanic to become<br />
Chancellor of Kern Community College District. She is a former <strong>Bakersfield</strong><br />
College President.<br />
Below: This is <strong>the</strong> Renegade Knight mosaic pylon. It was designed <strong>and</strong><br />
constructed by art professor Clayton Rippey <strong>and</strong> became <strong>the</strong> official depiction<br />
of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong> College Renegade Knight. It is located at Haley <strong>and</strong><br />
Panorama on <strong>the</strong> Northwest corner of campus.<br />
QUALITY OF LIFE<br />
177
CENTER FOR THE BLIND<br />
AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED<br />
÷<br />
Above: Chief Executive Officer Justin L. Cave, MPA..<br />
For more than sixty-five years, <strong>the</strong> Center for <strong>the</strong> Blind<br />
<strong>and</strong> Visually Impaired (CBVI) has enhanced <strong>the</strong> lives of<br />
<strong>the</strong> blind <strong>and</strong> visually impaired citizens of Kern County. As<br />
<strong>the</strong> only public benefit blindness facility within 110 miles<br />
of Kern County, CBVI provides education, advocacy, peer<br />
counseling, assistive technology education, independent<br />
living skills education <strong>and</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r services for <strong>the</strong> blind <strong>and</strong><br />
visually impaired.<br />
CBVI, <strong>the</strong>n known as Kern County Braille Center, began<br />
in 1950 at <strong>the</strong> St. Mark’s Methodist Church. CBVI was<br />
founded as a volunteer-run organization to provide a<br />
place where blind <strong>and</strong> visually impaired individuals could<br />
enjoy fellowship <strong>and</strong> participate in educational <strong>and</strong> craft<br />
programs. The organization’s first permanent facility at<br />
1124 Baker Street was opened in 1982. Services were<br />
provided at this location for nearly thirty years.<br />
CBVI moved to its current location at 1721 Westwind<br />
Drive in 2010. At that time, <strong>the</strong> organization was about<br />
to close because of a lack of funding, but Justin L. Cave,<br />
MPA stepped in <strong>and</strong> took over <strong>the</strong> management so that <strong>the</strong><br />
center stayed open <strong>and</strong> continued to serve <strong>the</strong> community.<br />
Cave, who now serves as CEO, is focused on providing<br />
services to help clients regain independence <strong>and</strong> enjoy a<br />
better quality of life. CBVI also partnered with <strong>the</strong><br />
Advanced Center for Eyecare in <strong>the</strong> same year to streng<strong>the</strong>n<br />
<strong>the</strong> partnership <strong>and</strong> build up its capacity for serving<br />
<strong>the</strong> community.<br />
In 2015, CBVI provided top-notch services for its<br />
clients that included adjustment to vision loss training,<br />
independent living skills training, orientation <strong>and</strong> mobility<br />
training, Braille, job coaching <strong>and</strong> many o<strong>the</strong>r services.<br />
Five hundred seventy-one Kern County residents, many of<br />
whom have been employed or are enrolled in educational<br />
institutions, continue to live independently <strong>and</strong> have learned<br />
to manage <strong>the</strong>ir daily lives <strong>and</strong> gain independence because<br />
of CBVI’s training <strong>and</strong> services.<br />
Over <strong>the</strong> years, CBVI has hosted a variety of fundraising<br />
events, including Abalone Adventure, Monster March,<br />
Pancake Breakfasts, <strong>and</strong> a Holiday Bazaar. CBVI’s current<br />
fundraisers are Appetite for Sight <strong>and</strong> Tainted Love Concert<br />
that are well attended <strong>and</strong> exclusive fund raising events<br />
in Kern County. CBVI’s educational campaigns continue<br />
to raise awareness of <strong>the</strong> blind <strong>and</strong> visually impaired, eye<br />
disease, <strong>and</strong> its management in all of Kern County.<br />
The Center for <strong>the</strong> Blind <strong>and</strong> Visually Impaired is passionate<br />
about its commitment to raise <strong>the</strong> independence<br />
<strong>and</strong> quality of life for <strong>the</strong> blind <strong>and</strong> visually impaired <strong>and</strong><br />
looks forward to exp<strong>and</strong>ing its much needed services in<br />
satellite service areas <strong>and</strong> classrooms in <strong>the</strong> rural areas of<br />
Kern County.<br />
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Imagine waking up <strong>and</strong> finding that even though you<br />
open your eyes, you cannot see <strong>the</strong> wonderful world around<br />
you. Imagine what this would do to your ability to care<br />
for yourself or your loved ones. This is a scenario that may<br />
be easily avoided with <strong>the</strong> proper preventative eyecare.<br />
However, if you are one out of every five Kern County<br />
residents who live below <strong>the</strong> poverty line, eyecare is most<br />
likely an impossibility.<br />
Advanced Center for Eyecare (ACE) was founded in 2010<br />
by Daniel H. Chang, M.D. <strong>and</strong> Joseph H. Chang, M.D. as a<br />
way to provide high quality eyecare to <strong>the</strong> uninsured <strong>and</strong><br />
underinsured residents of Kern County. In 2011, <strong>the</strong> ACE<br />
Board of Directors hired Justin L. Cave, who has a graduate<br />
degree in Public Administration <strong>and</strong> Nonprofit Management,<br />
as <strong>the</strong> executive director who became <strong>the</strong> catalyst for <strong>the</strong><br />
efforts that have driven <strong>the</strong> organization’s growth from a zero<br />
operating budget to <strong>the</strong> abundance of eyecare services <strong>and</strong><br />
benefits for Kern’s underserved individuals today.<br />
One year later, ACE implemented its Kern 20/20 Vision<br />
Project, where <strong>the</strong>y were able to open <strong>the</strong>ir first location <strong>and</strong><br />
started seeing patients 5 days a week. The Kern 20/20 Vision<br />
Project continues to provide high quality eyecare services to<br />
<strong>the</strong> underprivileged today.<br />
In 2012, ACE Chief Executive Officer Justin L. Cave, MPA<br />
<strong>and</strong> Board Member Vin T. Dang, O.D. formed a relationship<br />
with OneSight, a nonprofit organization dedicated to<br />
improving vision for those in need through outreach,<br />
research <strong>and</strong> education. OneSight’s outreach programs<br />
include <strong>the</strong> delivery of vision care <strong>and</strong> eyewear to those<br />
most vulnerable <strong>and</strong> in need.<br />
Statistics from 2015 confirm <strong>the</strong> tremendous impact ACE<br />
has had on <strong>the</strong> community. During <strong>the</strong> year, ACE performed<br />
9,697 direct patient encounters <strong>and</strong> provided 1,777 school<br />
aged children with free eye screenings <strong>and</strong> free eye glasses<br />
through a partnership with OneSight.<br />
One of ACE’s annual fundraising events, Appetite for<br />
Sight, which began in <strong>the</strong> fall of 2011, has become one of<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong>’s most premier events. ACE’s spring fundraiser,<br />
Tainted Love Concert, began in <strong>the</strong> spring of 2015 <strong>and</strong> is<br />
also very well attended. ACE also receives generous private<br />
contributions notably from <strong>the</strong> Don C. <strong>and</strong> Diane Lake<br />
Family, Marjorie Nixon, Donald E. <strong>and</strong> Earlene Barnes <strong>and</strong><br />
corporate contributions from Dignity Health, Chevron,<br />
Kaiser Permanente <strong>and</strong> Mercedes-Benz of <strong>Bakersfield</strong>.<br />
The team at ACE treats each patient with uncompromising,<br />
top quality medical <strong>and</strong> surgical eyecare. Thanks to <strong>the</strong><br />
generosity of this community, ACE is able to continue its<br />
mission of serving all residents of Kern County, by building<br />
an optical dispensary for eye glasses as well as establishing<br />
satellite school based optometry clinics, beginning in 2016<br />
with three schools in <strong>the</strong> Greater <strong>Bakersfield</strong> area.<br />
ADVANCED CENTER FOR<br />
EYECARE (ACE)<br />
QUALITY OF LIFE<br />
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BAKERSFIELD COLLEGE<br />
For a community as steeped in pride <strong>and</strong> heritage as<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong>, <strong>the</strong>re may be no city institution more intensely<br />
connected with those decades of tradition as Kern County’s<br />
educational crown jewel: <strong>Bakersfield</strong> College.<br />
Perched on 153 acres atop <strong>the</strong> scenic<br />
Panorama Bluffs overlooking <strong>the</strong> Kern<br />
River in nor<strong>the</strong>ast <strong>Bakersfield</strong>, BC boasts<br />
a student body of more than 18,000<br />
students, earning two-year associate’s<br />
degrees in over 140 different career<br />
disciplines <strong>and</strong> training programs. In<br />
addition to <strong>the</strong> Panorama campus, BC<br />
Renegades also receive instruction at two<br />
BC satellite sites: Weill Institute in<br />
downtown <strong>Bakersfield</strong>, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Delano<br />
Campus in Delano, thirty-five miles north<br />
of <strong>Bakersfield</strong>.<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> College’s roots in Kern<br />
County stretch back nearly as far as <strong>the</strong><br />
city’s own origin. In 1913, shortly after<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong>’s own incorporation, <strong>the</strong> need<br />
for higher education options led <strong>the</strong><br />
forward-thinking Kern Union High School<br />
Board of Trustees to open <strong>Bakersfield</strong><br />
Junior College.<br />
Sharing a campus with <strong>the</strong> previously<br />
established <strong>Bakersfield</strong> High School <strong>and</strong><br />
sporting an inaugural class of thirteen<br />
students, <strong>the</strong> decision to open BC not<br />
only created Kern County’s first advanced<br />
learning opportunity, but <strong>the</strong> college<br />
was an immediate trailblazer among <strong>the</strong><br />
pioneering first wave of California’s<br />
community college explosion during<br />
<strong>the</strong> 1910s.<br />
By <strong>the</strong> 1950s, Kern County’s hunger for education swelled<br />
<strong>the</strong> booming junior college’s student body over 1,400,<br />
requiring major action be taken to accommodate <strong>the</strong><br />
continued growth. Economic depression <strong>and</strong> World War II<br />
stalled previous efforts to move <strong>the</strong> campus, but strangely<br />
enough, it was <strong>the</strong> deadly Kern County earthquake on<br />
July 21, 1952 that ultimately led to BC’s final relocation.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> wake of <strong>the</strong> 7.3-magnitude quake, voters approved<br />
a $17 million bond for earthquake reconstruction, which also<br />
included funds for a new <strong>Bakersfield</strong> College campus.<br />
Construction began at <strong>the</strong> Panorama Bluffs site in 1955; <strong>and</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> following year, students eager to receive degrees from <strong>the</strong><br />
new “college on <strong>the</strong> hill” returned from 1956 spring break<br />
to take <strong>the</strong>ir final courses in <strong>Bakersfield</strong> College’s glorious<br />
new facilities.<br />
<strong>More</strong> than 100 years after first opening its doors, <strong>Bakersfield</strong><br />
College remains one of <strong>the</strong> nation’s oldest continuallyoperating—<strong>and</strong><br />
most respected—community colleges. BC’s rich<br />
history has cemented <strong>the</strong> college’s place in <strong>the</strong> fabric of Kern<br />
County, contributing to generation after generation of county<br />
residents receiving degrees <strong>and</strong> fur<strong>the</strong>ring <strong>the</strong>ir professional<br />
opportunities as <strong>Bakersfield</strong> College graduates.<br />
Under <strong>the</strong> direction of current <strong>Bakersfield</strong> College President<br />
Sonya Christian, BC has reaffirmed its commitment to not<br />
only providing a premium educational experience to its<br />
large <strong>and</strong> diverse student body, but focusing heavily on<br />
addressing <strong>the</strong> educational needs of Kern County’s most<br />
under-represented population segments.<br />
With over sixty percent of <strong>Bakersfield</strong> College’s student<br />
body of Hispanic or Latino descent <strong>and</strong> more than half firstgeneration<br />
college students, BC’s highly skilled team of<br />
administrators, counselors, faculty <strong>and</strong> staffers have extensive<br />
experience addressing <strong>the</strong> specific educational issues faced by<br />
nontraditional students <strong>and</strong> crafting individual plans for<br />
seeing each student achieve <strong>the</strong>ir academic goals.<br />
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Just as it did 100 years ago, <strong>Bakersfield</strong> College’s low costhigh<br />
return approach to improving its community through<br />
education continues to be recognized today. In 2015 <strong>the</strong><br />
college was ranked first in California <strong>and</strong> sixth nationally<br />
among o<strong>the</strong>r two-year institutions in <strong>the</strong> mid-career earnings<br />
of its alumni, according to a study conducted by <strong>the</strong><br />
prestigious nonprofit Brookings Institute. Bottom line—no<br />
community college in <strong>the</strong> state did more to improve <strong>the</strong><br />
economic value of each graduate’s career throughout his or<br />
her lifetime than <strong>Bakersfield</strong> College.<br />
Heading boldly into its second century, BC continues to<br />
explore new methods in offering comprehensive education<br />
<strong>and</strong> career training opportunities to Kern County residents,<br />
in areas like exp<strong>and</strong>ed online courses as well as more<br />
dual enrollment opportunities allowing area high school<br />
students to receive college-level credit for high schoolbased<br />
coursework.<br />
As part of a state pilot program, <strong>Bakersfield</strong> College<br />
became one of <strong>the</strong> first California community colleges offering<br />
a full four-year degree program in 2015, allowing students<br />
in Science in Industrial Automation <strong>the</strong> chance to complete<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir Baccalaureate studies at BC.<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> College remains Kern County’s shining “college<br />
on <strong>the</strong> hill,” both a fully realized manifestation of <strong>the</strong> region’s<br />
thirst for top-flight academic opportunity <strong>and</strong> a fully<br />
attainable example of <strong>the</strong> brighter future available to any<br />
Kern County resident with <strong>the</strong> drive <strong>and</strong> determination to<br />
achieve it.<br />
QUALITY OF LIFE<br />
181
KERN COUNTY FAIR<br />
÷<br />
Below: “KC The Bull”.<br />
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF LORRIE ROBERTS.<br />
The Kern County Fair was officially born on August 5,<br />
1916. Although <strong>the</strong>re is record of county fairs dating<br />
back to 1892, <strong>the</strong> Kern County Agricultural Association is<br />
<strong>the</strong> only one that has lasted. Unlike o<strong>the</strong>r County Fairs, <strong>the</strong><br />
Kern County Fair is actually a part of <strong>the</strong> 15th District<br />
Agricultural Association that is governed by an official<br />
board. These board members are each appointed by<br />
<strong>the</strong> governor.<br />
If you attended <strong>the</strong> Kern County Fair in 1892, you had<br />
a much different view compared to our present day fair.<br />
Not only would <strong>the</strong> grounds be full of tents ra<strong>the</strong>r than<br />
buildings, you would be at a completely different location<br />
than where <strong>the</strong> Kern County Fair currently st<strong>and</strong>s.<br />
Originally, <strong>the</strong> Kern County Fair was located on 106 acres<br />
off of Chester Avenue, two block north of Thirty-Fourth<br />
Street <strong>and</strong> just south of <strong>the</strong> Kern River Bridge. This is<br />
where <strong>the</strong> Kern County Museum, <strong>the</strong> Clock Tower, <strong>and</strong><br />
Sam Lynn Ball Park now reside.<br />
Twenty thous<strong>and</strong> county school children accompanied<br />
by a total of 65,000 patrons passed through <strong>the</strong> gates<br />
during <strong>the</strong> six-day fair in October 1925. Throughout <strong>the</strong>se<br />
six days, <strong>the</strong> public enjoyed activities like parachute<br />
jumps, aerialists, balloon ascension, motorcycle races, <strong>and</strong><br />
a fifteen-mile sweepstakes horse race. Howard K. Dickson,<br />
also known as “Mr. Kern County Fair,” also spearheaded an<br />
effort to organize <strong>the</strong> first youth livestock auction at this fair.<br />
On September 24, 1930, <strong>the</strong> Sixth Annual Kern County<br />
Fair opened <strong>the</strong>ir gates to 14 community exhibits, 112 Kern<br />
County school exhibits, <strong>and</strong> 100 individual commercial<br />
exhibit buildings. However, during <strong>the</strong> depression in <strong>the</strong><br />
1930s, <strong>the</strong> fair closed <strong>the</strong>ir gates for two years. It was<br />
<strong>the</strong>n moved from <strong>the</strong> North Chester location to <strong>the</strong> current<br />
location in 1952. The first fair at <strong>the</strong> current location was<br />
only a five-day event. Never<strong>the</strong>less, throughout <strong>the</strong> years,<br />
<strong>the</strong> Kern County Fair continued to extend <strong>the</strong>ir event until<br />
<strong>the</strong>y reached <strong>the</strong>ir current twelve-day stint starting in 1983.<br />
Today, <strong>the</strong> Kern County Fair consists of 168 acres,<br />
five large exhibit buildings, auction barn, livestock show<br />
rings, gr<strong>and</strong>st<strong>and</strong>, horse arenas, outdoor <strong>the</strong>ater, several<br />
community stages, <strong>and</strong> a large, well-groomed outdoor area<br />
where <strong>the</strong>y host over 400,000 people throughout <strong>the</strong><br />
twelve-day event. <strong>People</strong> can still enjoy many of <strong>the</strong> same<br />
exhibitions, sales of food, livestock, <strong>and</strong> entertainment,<br />
just in a larger, more updated scale. The grounds stay<br />
maintained throughout <strong>the</strong> year with blooming flowers<br />
<strong>and</strong> various foliage to host over 120 private interim events<br />
with an estimated attendance over 700,000.<br />
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QUALITY OF LIFE<br />
183
KERN COUNTY<br />
SUPERINTENDENT<br />
OF SCHOOLS<br />
÷<br />
Below: Student leaders from Kern’s AVID program.<br />
Opposite, top: Kern County Superintendent of Schools Christine Lizardi<br />
Frazier (2009–present) visits a Ready to Start preschool classroom.<br />
Opposite, bottom: Fish Derby for Richardson Center students.<br />
As advocates for children, <strong>the</strong> Kern County Superintendent<br />
of Schools provides leadership, education <strong>and</strong> support for<br />
students, school districts, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> community through<br />
programs, services <strong>and</strong> fiscal accountability.<br />
California’s public education system consists of three<br />
levels—state, district, <strong>and</strong> county. Regulations, funding <strong>and</strong><br />
fundamental policies are established at <strong>the</strong> state level, while<br />
<strong>the</strong> day-to-day education of students is <strong>the</strong> responsibility of<br />
individual school districts. County offices of education<br />
are <strong>the</strong> third level <strong>and</strong> provide an important support system<br />
for local schools <strong>and</strong> districts. Kern County Superintendent<br />
of Schools (KCSOS), Kern County’s office of education,<br />
does not oversee or govern any one Kern County district,<br />
but ra<strong>the</strong>r serves <strong>and</strong> supports <strong>the</strong>m all.<br />
Specifically, KCSOS audits <strong>and</strong> approves district budgets,<br />
helps formulate new curricula, <strong>and</strong> assists with staff development<br />
<strong>and</strong> training programs in addition to a variety<br />
of o<strong>the</strong>r services. KCSOS also has <strong>the</strong> responsibility of<br />
monitoring districts for adequate textbooks, facilities <strong>and</strong><br />
teacher qualifications.<br />
KCSOS provides support to Kern County’s forty-seven<br />
local school districts in addition to serving students<br />
that o<strong>the</strong>r districts cannot serve, including students in State<br />
preschool, Alternative Education, <strong>and</strong> Special Education.<br />
Among its many o<strong>the</strong>r responsibilities, KCSOS transports<br />
students throughout <strong>the</strong> county <strong>and</strong> services vehicles for<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r districts. The Superintendent of Schools also operates<br />
KETN, Kern’s educational television station.<br />
KCSOS operates <strong>the</strong> California Living Museum, Kern<br />
County’s native zoo <strong>and</strong> wildlife rehabilitation center, <strong>and</strong><br />
Camp KEEP, which provides h<strong>and</strong>s-on learning in natural<br />
environments for students of all ages.<br />
The history of KCSOS dates from <strong>the</strong> very early days of<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong>. When Colonel Thomas Baker <strong>and</strong> his family<br />
moved to what would later become known as <strong>Bakersfield</strong> in<br />
1863, <strong>the</strong>re were only five houses within a mile of <strong>the</strong> city’s<br />
present day downtown. Soon after arriving at her new<br />
home, Baker’s wife, Ellen, started a school in her home <strong>and</strong><br />
education in Kern County was born. KCSOS was formally<br />
established on April 2, 1866, with <strong>the</strong> purpose of adopting<br />
textbooks <strong>and</strong> establishing rules <strong>and</strong> regulations governing<br />
<strong>the</strong> conduct of schools.<br />
Kern County’s first Superintendent of Schools was<br />
Joseph R. Riley, a twenty-seven-year-old physician who<br />
served only three months before moving on to a long <strong>and</strong><br />
successful medical career in <strong>Bakersfield</strong>. One of <strong>the</strong> most<br />
influential early superintendents was Lewis A. Beardsley, a<br />
former principal <strong>and</strong> teacher at <strong>Bakersfield</strong> School, who was<br />
elected to <strong>the</strong> post in 1874. Enrollment in county schools<br />
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184
grew under his leadership <strong>and</strong> a bond issue was approved<br />
to fund a new $5,500 schoolhouse. Sixty-five of seventy-six<br />
eligible voters approved of <strong>the</strong> bond issue.<br />
Perhaps <strong>the</strong> individual who had <strong>the</strong> most impact on<br />
education in <strong>the</strong> county’s early days was Alfred Harrell,<br />
publisher of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Californian. Harrell was elected<br />
Secretary of <strong>the</strong> Board of <strong>the</strong> Kern County Superintendent of<br />
Schools in 1886. During his tenure, he developed a modern<br />
course of study, leng<strong>the</strong>ned <strong>the</strong> school year, <strong>and</strong> started<br />
personal visits to schools throughout <strong>the</strong> county. He was<br />
elected to three additional terms before retiring in 1898.<br />
By 1896 <strong>the</strong>re were fifty-six school districts in Kern<br />
County, serving 2,644 students. By 1918, due to <strong>the</strong> oil<br />
boom, <strong>the</strong>re were 108 school districts. Currently, <strong>the</strong>re are<br />
forty-seven school districts serving almost 180,000 students.<br />
Today, Kern High School District is California’s largest high<br />
school district, serving some 37,000 students. <strong>Bakersfield</strong><br />
City School district is California’s largest elementary school<br />
district, serving 30,000 students. Blake is one of California’s<br />
smallest school districts, serving only eight students.<br />
In more recent years, Kelly Blanton, who served as superintendent<br />
from 1986 to 1999, created statewide subsidiaries<br />
to serve hundreds of school districts throughout California<br />
today. For example, Self-Insured Schools of California (SISC)<br />
provides insurance services to districts, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Fiscal<br />
Crisis Management Team (FCMAT) helps California’s local<br />
educational agencies fulfill <strong>the</strong>ir financial <strong>and</strong> management<br />
responsibilities by providing fiscal advice, management<br />
services, <strong>and</strong> training.<br />
Larry Reider, superintendent from 1999 to 2009, helped<br />
create <strong>the</strong> Target Reading First Collaborative, Kern County’s<br />
first comprehensive approach to addressing illiteracy rates.<br />
He also helped organize <strong>the</strong> Ready to Start program, a public/private<br />
partnership that prepares children with little or<br />
no pre-school experience to be ready for kindergarten.<br />
Current Superintendent Christine Lizzardi Frazier,<br />
who began in 2009, is <strong>the</strong> first elected female County<br />
Superintendent of Schools. Dr. Frazier has reorganized<br />
Kern County’s Office of Education to meet <strong>the</strong> districts<br />
future needs <strong>and</strong> support <strong>the</strong> development <strong>and</strong> oversight<br />
of Local Control Accountability Plans (LCAPs) at each<br />
district to honor local stakeholder input <strong>and</strong> prioritize<br />
funding for targeted services. She has also created a countywide<br />
effort to approach a renewed focus on Career<br />
Technical Education strategically so <strong>the</strong> school districts<br />
can create meaningful partnerships with local industry to<br />
help student get real jobs in <strong>the</strong> community.<br />
Ever since state lawmakers created <strong>the</strong> office of County<br />
Superintendent of Schools nearly 165 years ago, <strong>the</strong> primary<br />
mission of <strong>the</strong> County Superintendent has been to tailor<br />
local solutions that best meet <strong>the</strong> needs of <strong>the</strong> students.<br />
This approach will continue to govern KCSOS as it meets<br />
<strong>the</strong> challenges of <strong>the</strong> future.<br />
QUALITY OF LIFE<br />
185
BAKERSFIELD<br />
ADULT SCHOOL<br />
Adults who are ready to open <strong>the</strong> door to <strong>the</strong>ir future<br />
turn to <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Adult School (BAS), where <strong>the</strong>y learn<br />
English, study <strong>the</strong> history <strong>and</strong> culture of <strong>the</strong> United States,<br />
streng<strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong>ir employability skills, or complete <strong>the</strong>ir high<br />
school diploma. To help students thrive in <strong>the</strong> new digital age,<br />
BAS also provides innovative technology to insure students<br />
achieve digital literacy. Adult students return to school<br />
because <strong>the</strong>y know education is <strong>the</strong> key to <strong>the</strong>ir success.<br />
BAS began operation in <strong>the</strong> basement of Kern Union High<br />
School in 1917. <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Adult School celebrates its<br />
centennial anniversary in <strong>the</strong> 2016-2017 school year. Since<br />
<strong>the</strong>n, more than 500,000 adult students have earned a<br />
bright future through classes at BAS, which is part of <strong>the</strong><br />
Kern High School District.<br />
BAS moved its main campus to its current site on South<br />
Mount Vernon Street in 1985. The forty-nine-acre main<br />
campus is adjacent to <strong>the</strong> Regional Occupational Center,<br />
Adult Based Life Experience (ABLE), <strong>and</strong> Tierra Del Sol<br />
Continuation High School. A satellite campus is located on<br />
‘F’ Street, <strong>and</strong> adult education classes are also held at <strong>the</strong><br />
Lerdo Correctional Facility, BARC, <strong>and</strong> throughout local<br />
school sites. In <strong>the</strong> fall of 2016, <strong>the</strong> school will open a<br />
Culinary Arts program <strong>and</strong> a working café in conjunction<br />
with Americans Job Center. In January 2017 a ‘One Stop Job<br />
Spot’ will open in South <strong>Bakersfield</strong> to help train <strong>and</strong> serve<br />
adult learners in that rapidly growing area.<br />
BAS has been blessed with strong leadership throughout<br />
its existence. Wallace Webster was named <strong>the</strong> first principal<br />
of <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Adult School in 1957. Webster was followed by<br />
Daniel Soelberg in 1982 through 1984. In 1984, Clint Osthimer<br />
became principal <strong>and</strong> oversaw <strong>the</strong> construction <strong>and</strong> move of<br />
<strong>the</strong> main campus to its current home on South Mount Vernon<br />
Street <strong>and</strong> Highway 58. Dr. Dennis Scott took <strong>the</strong> reins at BAS<br />
in 1994. At that time, <strong>the</strong> campus was serving more than 20,000<br />
adult students per year, making it one of <strong>the</strong> largest adult<br />
schools in California. Karen Christiansen became principal in<br />
<strong>the</strong> fall of 1996 <strong>and</strong> served until <strong>the</strong> spring of 1998. Boyce<br />
Caffee became principal in 1998 <strong>and</strong> grew enrollment to its<br />
all-time high of nearly 28,000 students. Susan H<strong>and</strong>y became<br />
principal in 2002 <strong>and</strong> developed <strong>the</strong> award-winning Health<br />
Careers program that is currently located on ‘F’ Street in<br />
downtown <strong>Bakersfield</strong>. Mark Wyatt was appointed principal in<br />
2010. The Adult School took a new direction under Wyatt,<br />
focusing on innovation, on-line learning <strong>and</strong> Career Technical<br />
Education for rapidly changing local job <strong>and</strong> industry sectors.<br />
The school has become a leader in tablet technology, not only<br />
within its own district, but throughout <strong>the</strong> state.<br />
The school currently serves approximately 12,000 students<br />
each year in <strong>and</strong> around greater <strong>Bakersfield</strong>. BAS currently<br />
grants about 300 high school diplomas each year, along with<br />
an additional 250 GEDs <strong>and</strong> certificates for approximately<br />
150 medical career students, including vocational nurses.<br />
During <strong>the</strong> economic downturn <strong>and</strong> recession of<br />
2006-2008, adult school funding was cut drastically <strong>and</strong><br />
many adult schools were forced to close or cut programs.<br />
The Kern High School District maintained funding <strong>and</strong><br />
showed incredible foresight in riding out <strong>the</strong> storm until<br />
<strong>the</strong> economic turnaround of 2014. Enrollment held steady<br />
from 2010 through 2016.<br />
BAS is part of Kern High School District (KHSD), <strong>the</strong><br />
nation’s largest 9 to 12 high school district, serving more than<br />
BAKERSFIELD—It’s The <strong>People</strong>, And A <strong>Whole</strong> <strong>Lot</strong> <strong>More</strong><br />
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35,000 students with 4,000 employees. KHSD campuses<br />
comprise nearly 3,500 square miles, about forty-three percent<br />
of <strong>the</strong> total area of Kern County.<br />
Founded in 1893, KHSD includes 18 comprehensive<br />
campuses, 5 alternative education campuses, 2 career<br />
technical education sites, 4 special education centers, <strong>and</strong><br />
2 adult education center.<br />
Through its students, faculty <strong>and</strong> staff, BAS is involved<br />
with a number of community organizations, including Kern<br />
Adult Literacy, Kern Economic Development, Kern County<br />
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Kern County Chamber of<br />
Commerce, Kern County Black Chamber of Commerce, <strong>and</strong><br />
Kern AEBG Consortium,<br />
The future looks bright for adult education in <strong>Bakersfield</strong>.<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> Adult School has evolved into an efficient<br />
educational institution with <strong>the</strong> ability to focus on <strong>the</strong> needs<br />
of <strong>the</strong> community <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> adult learners it serves. The<br />
school is prepared to give its twenty-first century students<br />
<strong>the</strong> very latest in technology <strong>and</strong> job readiness. BAS has built<br />
stronger relationships with its local business partners <strong>and</strong><br />
higher education institutions in order to focus on transitioning<br />
students to work <strong>and</strong> educational opportunities. <strong>Bakersfield</strong><br />
Adult School remains a critical factor in <strong>the</strong> economic<br />
development within <strong>the</strong> Sou<strong>the</strong>rn San Joaquin Valley.<br />
To learn more about <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Adult School, check <strong>the</strong><br />
website BAS@kenhigh.org or on Twitter @BAS4yourfuture.<br />
QUALITY OF LIFE<br />
187
CLINICA SIERRA VISTA<br />
÷<br />
Right: Migrant <strong>and</strong> seasonal workers at work in <strong>the</strong> fields.<br />
PHOTO COURTESY OF ISTOCK PHOTO.<br />
Below: Dr. Anuradha Rao with one of her many patients.<br />
Clinica Sierra Vista (originally called <strong>the</strong> Kern Liberation<br />
Movement, <strong>the</strong>n Clinica de los Campesinos), was established<br />
in 1971 to provide healthcare services to poor migrant <strong>and</strong><br />
seasonal farmworkers who harvest <strong>the</strong> lush agricultural fields<br />
in <strong>the</strong> sou<strong>the</strong>rn San Joaquin Valley. Clinica’s service area<br />
now encompasses several thous<strong>and</strong> square miles of rural<br />
farml<strong>and</strong>, urban centers, desert, <strong>and</strong> mountains in Kern,<br />
Fresno <strong>and</strong> Inyo Counties. Clinica serves a geographically<br />
dispersed, low-moderate-fixed income, ethnically diverse,<br />
frontier-rural-urban-migrant-homeless patient population.<br />
The service area is challenged by a host of unfavorable<br />
socio-economic conditions—poverty, high unemployment,<br />
increased high school dropout rates, low literacy rates, high<br />
teen pregnancy rates, high crime rates, lack of access to fresh<br />
quality foods, <strong>and</strong> serious environmental conditions. Among<br />
Clinica’s patient population, nearly 70 percent live below<br />
<strong>the</strong> federal poverty level; 90 percent live below 200 percent<br />
of <strong>the</strong> federal poverty level. The poor health indicators facing<br />
our communities include diabetes, hypertension, obesity,<br />
dental caries, tobacco <strong>and</strong> substance abuse, as well as many<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r conditions. The service area also suffers from a persistent<br />
shortage of primary care physicians, in comparison to<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r parts of California <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> nation. Clinica’s core mission<br />
is to provide healthcare access to <strong>the</strong> most medically<br />
vulnerable people <strong>and</strong> improve <strong>the</strong> quality of life for<br />
low-income, underserved community residents of all ages.<br />
Clinica Sierra Vista is a federally-qualified health center<br />
(FQHC), providing primary care, health education <strong>and</strong><br />
prevention services, perinatal care, social services, case management,<br />
WIC, <strong>and</strong> enrollment assistance to underserved<br />
populations <strong>and</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r marginalized <strong>and</strong> isolated groups. The<br />
organization provides its patients with high-quality services<br />
at <strong>the</strong> most efficient cost, regardless of a person’s ability<br />
to pay. In addition to primary medical services, Clinica<br />
provides comprehensive dental <strong>and</strong> behavioral healthcare<br />
services. Additionally, <strong>the</strong> organization operates two fortyfoot<br />
mobile units that are capable of providing both medical<br />
<strong>and</strong> dental services in a variety of locations. Clinica has been<br />
accredited by The Joint Commission, <strong>the</strong> st<strong>and</strong>ard-bearer<br />
of quality for healthcare facilities, since 1998. As of 2016,<br />
Clinica Sierra Vista provides its services in over seventy<br />
different sites throughout its service area.<br />
The organization has grown substantially since its inception—from<br />
one storefront clinic in Weedpatch, California, to<br />
one of <strong>the</strong> largest comprehensive community/migrant health<br />
center systems in <strong>the</strong> nation. Over <strong>the</strong> course of its history,<br />
Clinica has responded to emerging health needs by<br />
establishing services in impoverished <strong>and</strong> often isolated<br />
communities. As an example, one of <strong>the</strong> health centers, <strong>the</strong><br />
McFarl<strong>and</strong> Community Health Center, was established in<br />
direct response to a childhood cancer cluster that was<br />
identified in <strong>the</strong> 1980s. Clinica has been responsible for<br />
bringing much-needed healthcare services to communities<br />
that previously had no access to care, including Frazier Park/<br />
Lebec, Arvin, Delano, Lake Isabella, Wofford Heights, <strong>and</strong><br />
Shoshone. In 2008, Clinica absorbed a failing community<br />
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÷<br />
Left: Ribbon cutting at <strong>the</strong> Baker Street Village Community Health Center.<br />
Bottom, left: Adan Romero Lopez <strong>and</strong> Arlenis Barroso Perez,<br />
resident physicians.<br />
Below: The Elm Community Health Center.<br />
Bottom: The East Niles Community Health Center & Dental Center.<br />
health center (Sequoia Community Health Foundation)<br />
located in Fresno. Had Clinica not stepped up, more than<br />
40,000 low-income children <strong>and</strong> adults would have lost<br />
access to <strong>the</strong>ir medical <strong>and</strong> dental homes in <strong>the</strong> greater<br />
Fresno area.<br />
In addition to providing direct patient care services,<br />
Clinica Sierra Vista began <strong>the</strong> Rio Bravo Family Medicine<br />
Residency Program in 2014, in order to participate in <strong>the</strong><br />
training of new physicians to help meet <strong>the</strong> great need in<br />
<strong>the</strong> Valley for primary care providers. This “Teaching Health<br />
Center,” accredited by <strong>the</strong> ACGME, is affiliated with <strong>the</strong><br />
UCLA School of Medicine.<br />
Clinica Sierra Vista is a nonprofit organization, governed<br />
by a community, patient-based board of directors. The<br />
organization is consistently recognized locally <strong>and</strong> nationally<br />
as a model of excellence. Among its accolades, Clinica<br />
received <strong>the</strong> nation’s Migrant Health Center of <strong>the</strong> Year<br />
award in 2010.<br />
Clinica Sierra Vista has always embodied <strong>the</strong> characteristics<br />
of a medical home, providing accessible, continuous,<br />
coordinated, comprehensive, family-centered, compassionate,<br />
<strong>and</strong> culturally-appropriate services to its special patient<br />
populations. Clinica’s staff members are from <strong>the</strong> communities<br />
it serves, <strong>and</strong> we are deeply rooted in our mission that<br />
no one is denied services based on who <strong>the</strong>y are, where<br />
<strong>the</strong>y live, or what <strong>the</strong>y earn. Our high-performing team of<br />
professionals has built a sustainable system of care, serving<br />
as an anchor organization <strong>and</strong> a catalyst for making overall<br />
changes to <strong>the</strong> improving quality of life of both our patients<br />
<strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> greater community, becoming a bridge of opportunity<br />
<strong>and</strong> hope. Wherever our patients are, we speak your<br />
language, honor your traditions, value your experiences,<br />
<strong>and</strong> want you to be well.<br />
QUALITY OF LIFE<br />
189
HISTORIC UNION CEMETERY<br />
The oldest cemetery in <strong>Bakersfield</strong>, Historic Union<br />
Cemetery, was established in 1872 with <strong>the</strong> burial of Colonel<br />
Thomas Baker, <strong>the</strong> founder of <strong>Bakersfield</strong>. Colonel Baker<br />
moved to Kern County in <strong>the</strong> middle of <strong>the</strong> nineteenth<br />
century <strong>and</strong> ultimately settled in what was <strong>the</strong>n known<br />
as Kern Isl<strong>and</strong>. A prosperous lawyer, politician, <strong>and</strong><br />
businessman, Baker h<strong>and</strong>-selected <strong>the</strong> parcel of l<strong>and</strong> as<br />
<strong>the</strong> place he wanted to “Lay (his) bones.”<br />
Baker’s grave in 1872 marked <strong>the</strong> beginning of Union<br />
Cemetery, which for nearly 150 years, has been <strong>the</strong> resting<br />
place of thous<strong>and</strong>s of pioneers <strong>and</strong> settlers, Civil War<br />
soldiers, prominent local families, cowboys, farmers, bankers<br />
<strong>and</strong> builders—remarkable men <strong>and</strong> women who have<br />
shaped <strong>the</strong> community’s history.<br />
Union Cemetery is so named because, in <strong>the</strong> late 1800s,<br />
both <strong>the</strong> City of <strong>Bakersfield</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> City of Sumner had<br />
old, neglected <strong>and</strong> rundown cemeteries. The newspaper<br />
complained about <strong>the</strong>m so much that when Colonel Baker<br />
was buried at <strong>the</strong> present location, <strong>the</strong> townspeople wanted<br />
that area to become <strong>the</strong> new cemetery. The<br />
county bought <strong>the</strong> property <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> name<br />
of Union Cemetery was adopted when <strong>the</strong><br />
two cemeteries were united as one. The term<br />
‘Historic’ was added to <strong>the</strong> name in 2012<br />
in recognition of <strong>the</strong> history <strong>and</strong> heritage<br />
preserved here.<br />
Union Cemetery is owned <strong>and</strong> managed by<br />
<strong>the</strong> Union Cemetery Association, a nonprofit<br />
organization that has cared for <strong>the</strong> property<br />
continuously since 1904. Union Cemetery<br />
continues to serve area residents with a wide<br />
variety of burial <strong>and</strong> cremation properties at<br />
<strong>the</strong> eighty acre, one-of-a-kind memorial park.<br />
The most recent additions to <strong>the</strong> park are<br />
<strong>the</strong> new Heritage Pavilion featuring a beautiful<br />
selection of cremation niches <strong>and</strong> an outdoor all-faiths<br />
committal chapel, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Garden of Innocence, a moving<br />
<strong>and</strong> solemn burial place for unidentified infants that have<br />
been ab<strong>and</strong>oned.<br />
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PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF GREG IGER.<br />
QUALITY OF LIFE<br />
191
SAN JOAQUIN<br />
VETERINARY HOSPITAL<br />
Dr. Tom Willis grew up in <strong>the</strong> Lamont area of <strong>Bakersfield</strong><br />
<strong>and</strong> even after earning his veterinary degree <strong>and</strong> working<br />
in <strong>the</strong> nor<strong>the</strong>rn part of <strong>the</strong> Central Valley for fifteen years,<br />
he always dreamed of moving back home.<br />
Dr. Willis was raised on <strong>the</strong> family farm his fa<strong>the</strong>r<br />
established in Southwest <strong>Bakersfield</strong> after his return from<br />
World War II. In addition to farming, Stanley Willis served<br />
as president of <strong>the</strong> Kern-Delta Water Association as well<br />
as serving on <strong>the</strong> Arvin-Edison Water Board.<br />
Growing up on a farm exposed Dr. Willis to a variety of<br />
animals <strong>and</strong> by <strong>the</strong> age of thirteen, he had his mind made<br />
up—he wanted to become a veterinarian, although he was<br />
not exactly sure what a vet did.<br />
After graduation from UC Davis, Dr. Willis began<br />
practicing veterinary medicine in <strong>the</strong> nor<strong>the</strong>rn part of <strong>the</strong><br />
Central Valley. His main practice focused on large animals<br />
<strong>and</strong> dairy medicine.<br />
With deep roots <strong>and</strong> a long family history in <strong>the</strong> area,<br />
Dr. Willis <strong>and</strong> his wife, Linda, nurtured <strong>the</strong> idea of returning<br />
to <strong>Bakersfield</strong>. After fifteen years away from home, <strong>the</strong>y<br />
began traveling to <strong>Bakersfield</strong> at least twice a month to scope<br />
out <strong>the</strong> best location for starting a mixed animal practice.<br />
“The area had changed tremendously since Tom had lived in<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong>, but <strong>the</strong>re were still <strong>the</strong> familiar family spots—<br />
Luigi’s, Woolgrowers, <strong>and</strong>, of course, Dewars,” Linda says.<br />
“The first place <strong>the</strong> Lord led us to was a ten-acre parcel of<br />
l<strong>and</strong> far<strong>the</strong>st west of <strong>Bakersfield</strong>. It turned out to be <strong>the</strong> ideal<br />
location. The projected growth rate in <strong>the</strong> area was phenomenal<br />
<strong>and</strong> it certainly lived up to <strong>and</strong> beyond expectations.”<br />
Groundbreaking for <strong>the</strong> new veterinary hospital at<br />
3441 Allen Road took place at <strong>the</strong> beginning of 2000 <strong>and</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> building was ready for occupancy in June.<br />
“The first day we opened our doors, we had three client<br />
files on <strong>the</strong> shelf,” Linda recalls. “Each time <strong>the</strong> front door<br />
would open or <strong>the</strong> phone would ring, we answered in<br />
anticipation of greeting ano<strong>the</strong>r future client. We were in<br />
a ra<strong>the</strong>r remote area of Northwest <strong>Bakersfield</strong> that hadn’t<br />
seen its full growth yet, but as <strong>the</strong> years have passed <strong>the</strong><br />
area has become vibrant with homes <strong>and</strong> businesses <strong>and</strong> is<br />
still growing.<br />
“Upon arriving in <strong>Bakersfield</strong>, we discovered <strong>the</strong><br />
Marketplace on Ming Avenue. It was <strong>the</strong> ga<strong>the</strong>ring place for<br />
shopping, moving <strong>and</strong> eating. The Northwest Promenade,<br />
a wonderful asset to <strong>the</strong> area, had yet to be built, nor had<br />
<strong>the</strong> Shops at River Walk. We were so thrilled at <strong>the</strong> prospect<br />
of being in a new, thriving <strong>and</strong> growing area,” explains<br />
Linda, who now serves as <strong>the</strong> hospital’s practice manager.<br />
As with any new business, <strong>the</strong> early start-up times were<br />
dem<strong>and</strong>ing, frustrating <strong>and</strong> fretful. The new veterinary<br />
hospital would be empty one moment <strong>and</strong> full of clients<br />
<strong>the</strong> next. Through advertising, but especially through word<br />
of mouth, <strong>the</strong> practice grew steadily to its current status.<br />
“We feel truly blessed to serve <strong>the</strong> hardworking people<br />
of <strong>Bakersfield</strong> who have allowed us to be a part of <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
pet’s care,” Linda says.<br />
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San Joaquin Veterinary Hospital began in 2000 with<br />
three clients <strong>and</strong> currently serves more than 16,000. The<br />
facility provides full-service animal medicine <strong>and</strong> surgery,<br />
including routine care, sick <strong>and</strong> injured treatments, dentals,<br />
emergencies <strong>and</strong> orthopedics. The practice also cares for<br />
equine, pocket pets <strong>and</strong> farm animals <strong>and</strong> livestock.<br />
Boarding <strong>and</strong> grooming services are also available.<br />
When Dr. Willis learned Kern County had an unfortunate<br />
reputation for having a ‘high kill’ rate in its county animal<br />
shelters, he decided to do something about it. The practices’<br />
mobile veterinary hospital was utilized to provide spay<br />
<strong>and</strong> neuter surgeries in many outlying areas of Kern County.<br />
The mobile unit was set up in Maricopa, Buttonwillow,<br />
Arvin, Lake Isabella, Tehachapi, <strong>and</strong> Portersville. Kern County<br />
is now fast becoming a ‘No-Kill’ area.<br />
“We love working with <strong>the</strong> many nonprofits that promote<br />
animal welfare,” Linda says. “We have strong relationships<br />
with local shelters that also team with some of <strong>the</strong> nonprofits<br />
to provide spay <strong>and</strong> neuter services to dogs <strong>and</strong> cats, which<br />
are <strong>the</strong>n placed in ‘forever homes’. Through <strong>the</strong> years, we<br />
have been able to donate our time to spay or neuter more<br />
than 3,000 animals.”<br />
San Joaquin Veterinary Hospital has been <strong>the</strong> consulting<br />
veterinarian for <strong>the</strong> California Living Museum (CALM) for<br />
many years, working with <strong>the</strong> museum’s staff to provide care<br />
to <strong>the</strong>ir animals indigenous to California. This experience has<br />
included providing x-rays for a four-month-old mountain lion.<br />
Dr. Willis <strong>and</strong> Linda are proud of <strong>the</strong>ir fabulous<br />
staff, some of whom have been with <strong>the</strong> practice since it<br />
opened. “Our receptionists, technicians <strong>and</strong> kennel staff<br />
are exceptional in <strong>the</strong>ir care of <strong>the</strong> animals <strong>the</strong>y tend to.<br />
They go above <strong>and</strong> beyond—even after hours—to provide<br />
<strong>the</strong> best medicine possible,” Linda explains.<br />
The Willis’ two children have also been involved in caring<br />
for <strong>the</strong> animals. Their son, Tommy, is currently attending<br />
Kansas State University in <strong>the</strong> pre-vet program, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
daughter, Natalie, is a sophomore at <strong>the</strong> local high school.<br />
“We have found <strong>Bakersfield</strong> to be a great place to raise<br />
our children <strong>and</strong> grow our practice,” Linda says.<br />
QUALITY OF LIFE<br />
193
CENTRE FOR<br />
NEURO SKILLS<br />
÷<br />
Right: Dr. Mark J. Ashley, founder, president, <strong>and</strong> CEO of Centre for<br />
Neuro Skills.<br />
Below: The Centre for Neuro Skills flagship clinic is located on Ashe Road<br />
in <strong>Bakersfield</strong>.<br />
In 1980, when Dr.<br />
Mark J. Ashley founded<br />
Centre for Neuro Skills<br />
(CNS), he had just three<br />
patients. All people in<br />
need of care are vital to<br />
him, but one in particular<br />
was extraordinary. It was<br />
his older bro<strong>the</strong>r, Steve<br />
Ashley, who had suffered<br />
an aneurysm while serving<br />
in <strong>the</strong> military.<br />
The previously gregarious Steve could not speak, walk, or<br />
eat without assistance. He had lost control of his ability to<br />
move <strong>and</strong> respond to his environment. Stricken by a brain<br />
injury, he struggled to do <strong>the</strong> simple things most of us take<br />
for granted.<br />
In Steve’s hospital room, <strong>the</strong> Ashley family looked on in<br />
hopelessness. The only sign of life was his chest moving up<br />
<strong>and</strong> down as a machine kept him breathing. They knew that<br />
<strong>the</strong> life he once lived was over.<br />
“At <strong>the</strong> time, treatment for brain injury was very limited,”<br />
Dr. Ashley recalls.<br />
Steve’s stark disability triggered something in Dr. Ashley.<br />
That something has evolved into CNS, a world-renowned<br />
post-acute neurologic treatment facility that has provided<br />
intensive <strong>the</strong>rapy for thous<strong>and</strong>s of people with brain injury.<br />
“I’m not someone you say ‘No’ to,” Dr. Ashley says of his<br />
tenacity. “Conventional wisdom was that Steve’s brain would<br />
never send signals to <strong>the</strong> muscles of his body.”<br />
But Dr. Ashley defied conventional wisdom <strong>and</strong> opened<br />
CNS with a staff of ten. He was twenty-three years old at<br />
<strong>the</strong> time.<br />
Today, <strong>the</strong> corporate headquarters are in a state-of-<strong>the</strong>-art<br />
clinical facility in <strong>Bakersfield</strong>, a 28,000 square foot building<br />
that includes a <strong>the</strong>rapeutic pool with water current features,<br />
advanced <strong>the</strong>rapeutic technology, specialized research<br />
equipment, medical offices, counseling suites, a patient computer<br />
<strong>and</strong> education training center, <strong>and</strong> executive offices.<br />
The company has grown to 750 employees, <strong>and</strong> now<br />
has locations in Los Angeles, San Francisco, <strong>and</strong> Dallas.<br />
CNS provides medical <strong>and</strong> rehabilitative treatment to<br />
people who have sustained a brain injury from trauma,<br />
hemorrhagic <strong>and</strong> ischemic stroke, tumors, lack of oxygen,<br />
<strong>and</strong> infections.<br />
Dr. Ashley’s personal experience of caring for <strong>and</strong> treating<br />
his bro<strong>the</strong>r created a family culture at CNS that extends to<br />
staff, patients, <strong>and</strong> relatives of patients. In fact, his passion<br />
for treating people with brain injury has inspired many<br />
members of his family to join <strong>the</strong> company.<br />
Sue Ashley, Dr. Ashley’s wife, is <strong>the</strong> Executive Vice<br />
President of Clinical Services. Two of Dr. Ashley’s sons also<br />
work with <strong>the</strong> company. Mat<strong>the</strong>w J. Ashley, M.D., J.D., is a<br />
Consulting Neurologist <strong>and</strong> Nicholas A. Ashley, J.D., is <strong>the</strong><br />
General Counsel.<br />
O<strong>the</strong>r relatives serve in key roles as well. They include:<br />
Vice President Ellen Katomski, Clinical Services; National<br />
Project Manager Steve Katomski; Controller Lindsay Ashley;<br />
Neuroscientist Jessica Ashley, Ph.D; <strong>and</strong> Case Manager<br />
Assistant Victoria Katomski.<br />
Many employees have been with <strong>the</strong> company for more<br />
than thirty years.<br />
A crucial <strong>and</strong> unique aspect of CNS treatment focuses<br />
on neurobehavioral intervention for patients struggling<br />
to manage <strong>the</strong>ir emotions <strong>and</strong> behavior. This intensive<br />
treatment helps people develop appropriate responses, communication<br />
<strong>and</strong> skills that support successful community<br />
re-entry. Staff behavior analysts are specially trained <strong>and</strong><br />
licensed, <strong>and</strong> work with patients daily to correct aggression<br />
<strong>and</strong> difficulties that may impede a return to normalcy.<br />
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Brain injury impairs <strong>the</strong> ability to carry out simple<br />
duties, such as self-care, safety practices, cooking, shopping,<br />
cleaning, learning to budget, hygiene, managing medications,<br />
integrating into <strong>the</strong> community, <strong>and</strong> returning to work. Many<br />
patients participate in <strong>the</strong> CNS residential rehabilitation<br />
program, which helps individuals to regain mastery of <strong>the</strong>se<br />
meaningful skills in a home-like setting near each clinic.<br />
This emphasis on independence is a treatment philosophy<br />
as well as a driving force behind CNS’ success. It can<br />
be summarized in a core company ethic—“Patients Don’t<br />
Plateau.” All employees live by this credo.<br />
A highly skilled, trained, <strong>and</strong> educated clinical staff<br />
provide individualized treatment planning focused on<br />
skill-building, achieving patient goals, <strong>and</strong> independence<br />
post-injury. Treating <strong>the</strong> complexities of brain injury require<br />
an interdisciplinary team that specializes in <strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>rapy<br />
domains of cognition, physical, occupational, speech, education,<br />
counseling, <strong>and</strong> medicine.<br />
CNS also has a respected research department, led by<br />
neuroscientists whose work appears in such esteemed publications<br />
as <strong>the</strong> Journal of Neurotrauma. Their articles focus on cost<br />
effectiveness <strong>and</strong> traumatic brain injury care, growth hormone<br />
deficiency in patients, <strong>and</strong> neuropathology <strong>and</strong> exercise,<br />
among o<strong>the</strong>r topics that advance underst<strong>and</strong>ing of brain injury.<br />
In his thirty-five years as a thought leader <strong>and</strong> patient<br />
advocate, Dr. Ashley has become a noted expert in <strong>the</strong> field<br />
of neurotrauma, having lectured globally on treatment<br />
outcome, best practices, <strong>and</strong> neurodegenerative processes.<br />
He authored Traumatic Brain Injury: Rehabilitation, Treatment,<br />
<strong>and</strong> Case Management, now in its fourth edition.<br />
Both <strong>the</strong> Ashleys <strong>and</strong> CNS staff are clearly driven<br />
to accomplish great things. But as a family-owned <strong>and</strong><br />
operated company, CNS has never<br />
strayed from <strong>the</strong> memory of Steve<br />
Ashley. Having walked <strong>the</strong> path of<br />
devastation, <strong>the</strong> Ashleys make sure<br />
that patients’ loved ones are honored<br />
<strong>and</strong> cared for.<br />
“Brain injury is a shock to <strong>the</strong><br />
family,” Dr. Ashley says. “It disrupts<br />
<strong>the</strong> entire home structure. The oncecompetent<br />
parent, executive, student,<br />
or coed is now shattered—unrecognizable<br />
in some instances—<strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
entire family must heal.”<br />
CNS family counseling helps loved<br />
ones acknowledge <strong>the</strong> injury <strong>and</strong><br />
rebuild toge<strong>the</strong>r.<br />
“Every one of our patients is a<br />
Steve Ashley,” he observes. “We treat<br />
everyone as if <strong>the</strong>y are family.”<br />
÷<br />
Above: Two <strong>the</strong>rapists demonstrate use of <strong>the</strong> ZeroG Gait <strong>and</strong> Balance<br />
System, which helps patients to regain skills of walking <strong>and</strong> balancing.<br />
Left: CNS’ <strong>Bakersfield</strong> clinical facility has a state-of-<strong>the</strong>-art <strong>the</strong>rapeutic pool<br />
with water current features, which helps patients regain strength <strong>and</strong> agility.<br />
QUALITY OF LIFE<br />
195
BAKERSFIELD FIRE<br />
DEPARTMENT<br />
÷<br />
Below: BFD steam fire engine #2, c. 1900.<br />
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF THE BAKERSFIELD FIRE DEPARTMENT.<br />
Below: BFD Heavy Task Force #1.<br />
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF THE BAKERSFIELD FIRE DEPARTMENT.<br />
The <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Fire Department (BFD) is a multi-dimensional<br />
public safety organization, <strong>and</strong> includes an “all-risk”<br />
approach in its emergency service delivery system. The BFD<br />
provides fire suppression, emergency medical services,<br />
heavy <strong>and</strong> technical rescue, hazardous materials mitigation,<br />
water rescue, arson investigation, fire code enforcement,<br />
emergency medical dispatching, public service <strong>and</strong><br />
assistance, <strong>and</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r life safety services around-<strong>the</strong>-clock<br />
to a growing community of over 370,000 citizens.<br />
The <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Fire Department was formally established<br />
on May 13, 1877, as <strong>the</strong> official fire department of<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>n unincorporated City of <strong>Bakersfield</strong>. The department<br />
has been in continual operation since that inception<br />
date, <strong>and</strong> has been in operation longer than any o<strong>the</strong>r fire<br />
department in Kern County.<br />
After suffering several disastrous conflagrations in 1890,<br />
1898 <strong>and</strong> 1904, local leaders decided <strong>the</strong>y would never<br />
allow <strong>the</strong> community to be devastated by ano<strong>the</strong>r massive<br />
fire again. From that point forward, <strong>the</strong> BFD began its rise<br />
as a progressive <strong>and</strong> respected west coast fire department.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> early 1900s, <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> Fire Department<br />
served <strong>the</strong> community with a<br />
fleet of “steamer” fire engines,<br />
hook <strong>and</strong> ladder trucks, chemical<br />
fire engines, <strong>and</strong> hose wagons.<br />
These early firefighting machines<br />
were faithfully pulled by at least<br />
twenty-five noble BFD fire horses<br />
with names like Prince, Ned,<br />
King <strong>and</strong> Mike. The last BFD fire<br />
horse made its final alarm run<br />
<strong>and</strong> was sent out to pasture in<br />
1914, <strong>the</strong> year <strong>the</strong> department<br />
was completely motorized.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> 1920s <strong>and</strong> 1930s, <strong>the</strong> department grew to four<br />
central fire stations serving a commercial core <strong>and</strong> residential<br />
perimeter. The firefighting fleet consisted of many<br />
state-of-<strong>the</strong>-art apparatus, including early motorized fire<br />
engines that pumped thous<strong>and</strong>s of gallons of water through<br />
massive deck guns.<br />
City firefighters protected <strong>the</strong> young but urbanized<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong>, stopping major commercial blazes in <strong>the</strong><br />
downtown area through sheer will <strong>and</strong> a barrage of water<br />
from brass nozzles. BFD Firefighters routinely found<br />
<strong>the</strong>mselves in harm’s way due to exposure to clouds of<br />
noxious smoke <strong>and</strong> collapses of unreinforced masonry<br />
structures that were prevalent in <strong>the</strong> central district.<br />
Progressive chief fire officers began to rise through <strong>the</strong><br />
ranks <strong>and</strong> implement improvements to fire suppression<br />
<strong>and</strong> fire alarm systems that would set <strong>the</strong> st<strong>and</strong>ard for<br />
future fire protection in <strong>the</strong> City of <strong>Bakersfield</strong>. In 1956<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Fire Department was awarded <strong>the</strong> highest<br />
ISO rating in <strong>the</strong> United States—<strong>and</strong> a “class 1 fire department”<br />
designation.<br />
Today, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Fire Department operates with<br />
240 sworn, support, <strong>and</strong> reserve personnel deployed from<br />
fourteen fire stations located throughout <strong>the</strong> city ready to<br />
meet challenges within <strong>the</strong> community, region <strong>and</strong> state.<br />
The BFD is an insurance services office (ISO) rated class 2<br />
fire department, residing in <strong>the</strong> top 1.5 percent of fire<br />
departments nationwide.<br />
The men <strong>and</strong> women of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Fire Department<br />
are among <strong>the</strong> finest <strong>the</strong> community has to offer. Newly<br />
appointed BFD Recruit Firefighters attend <strong>the</strong> academically<br />
rigorous <strong>and</strong> physically challenging twenty-four week BFD<br />
Fire Academy. BFD Recruit Firefighters that are successful are<br />
<strong>the</strong>n assigned to BFD Probationary Firefighters status, <strong>and</strong><br />
spend a year working in <strong>the</strong> field under <strong>the</strong> guidance of<br />
tenured BFD Fire Officers.<br />
BAKERSFIELD—It’s The <strong>People</strong>, And A <strong>Whole</strong> <strong>Lot</strong> <strong>More</strong><br />
196
BFD Firefighters spend a significant amount of <strong>the</strong>ir career<br />
training for <strong>the</strong> complex, three-dimensional life safety problems<br />
<strong>the</strong>y will be called upon to deal with in <strong>the</strong> local urban environment.<br />
The department is proud to offer a diverse workforce<br />
of dedicated personnel possessing a variety of skills,<br />
talents, <strong>and</strong> abilities. BFD personnel are motivated public<br />
service professionals, dedicated to serving <strong>the</strong>ir community.<br />
The <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Fire Department participates in regionalized<br />
fire services <strong>and</strong> jointly operates <strong>the</strong> Emergency<br />
Communications Center (ECC) <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Olive Drive Fire<br />
Training Facility (ODFTF). Additionally, <strong>the</strong> BFD operates its<br />
own Sou<strong>the</strong>ast Live Fire Training Site with state-of-<strong>the</strong>-art,<br />
computerized, clean-burning, fire-fueled props that allow for<br />
environmentally friendly <strong>and</strong> safe firefighting training sessions.<br />
As a participating agency in <strong>the</strong> State Master Mutual Aid<br />
System, <strong>the</strong> BFD deploys firefighters to numerous largescale<br />
incidents across California every year. BFD Firefighters<br />
assist, along with many o<strong>the</strong>r agencies, in mitigating fires<br />
<strong>and</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r disasters threatening communities that require<br />
reinforced, statewide assistance.<br />
The BFD also provides a wide array of non-emergency<br />
services related to fire prevention, fire safety education, fire<br />
code inspections, <strong>and</strong> disaster preparedness. The department<br />
values community alliances <strong>and</strong> public participation as part<br />
of its service delivery process through collaborative mitigation<br />
efforts with <strong>the</strong> Salvation Army <strong>and</strong> Red Cross, partnerships<br />
with various community groups, nonprofit organizations<br />
<strong>and</strong> governmental agencies. The BFD Community Services<br />
Office assists with many media <strong>and</strong> public access requests,<br />
as well as providing <strong>the</strong> timely dissemination of public<br />
information <strong>and</strong> social media engagement.<br />
The <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Fire Department is <strong>the</strong> parent organization<br />
to numerous BFD nonprofit organizations that serve<br />
<strong>the</strong> community including <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Firefighters’<br />
Burn Foundation (BFBF), <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Firefighters’ Relief<br />
Association (BFRA), <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Firefighters’ Historical<br />
Society (BFHS), <strong>and</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Professional Firefighters’<br />
Local 246 (BPF).<br />
The <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Fire Department is a dedicated local public<br />
safety agency <strong>and</strong> widely respected fire service organization.<br />
The men <strong>and</strong> women of <strong>the</strong> BFD are proud <strong>and</strong> honored<br />
to be part of a tradition of city fire service that began over 140<br />
years ago, <strong>and</strong> look forward to carrying out <strong>the</strong>ir very important<br />
mission in this century as “<strong>Bakersfield</strong>’s Firefighters.”<br />
÷<br />
Above: BFD engine firefighters engage a brush fire.<br />
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF TREY SPOONER.<br />
Top, left: BFD truck firefighters deploy hoselines.<br />
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF DAN MILLER.<br />
Left: BFD engine firefighters in structural firefight.<br />
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF ROY PEÑA.<br />
Bottom: BFD truck firefighters ventilate.<br />
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF DAN MILLER.<br />
QUALITY OF LIFE<br />
197
BAKERSFIELD PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS LOCAL 246<br />
BPF is a nonprofit organization <strong>and</strong> collaborates with o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
nonprofit organizations that are affiliated with <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong><br />
Fire Department, including <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Firefighters Relief<br />
Association, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Firefighters Burn Foundation <strong>and</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Firefighters Historical Society. Collaboration<br />
with <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Fire Department affiliated nonprofit<br />
organizations has allowed BPF members to participate<br />
in numerous charitable events such as “Fill <strong>the</strong> Boot” for<br />
Muscular Dystrophy, Firefighters Creating Memories,<br />
“Fill <strong>the</strong> Helmet” for <strong>the</strong> Make-A-Wish Foundation, <strong>and</strong> a<br />
local “Trunk or Treat” event, just to name a few.<br />
÷<br />
Above: BPF Station tours.<br />
Right: BPF members support MDA Fill-<strong>the</strong>-Boot Drive.<br />
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF TBC MEDIA.<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> Professional Firefighters Local 246 (BPF)<br />
represents more than 170 uniformed personnel employed<br />
by <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Fire Department. BPF works in close<br />
coordination with both <strong>the</strong> staff of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Fire<br />
Department <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> city manager’s office to ensure that <strong>the</strong><br />
highest quality of service <strong>and</strong> protection are provided to<br />
<strong>the</strong> citizens of <strong>Bakersfield</strong>.<br />
A majority of firefighters enter <strong>the</strong> profession because<br />
<strong>the</strong>y have a profound desire to help o<strong>the</strong>rs <strong>and</strong> be a part of<br />
solutions to some of life’s greatest crises. This desire to help<br />
o<strong>the</strong>rs often transcends into <strong>the</strong> lives of many firefighters<br />
away from <strong>the</strong> job, compelling <strong>the</strong>m to continue with <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
sense of service. BPF members are a great example of <strong>the</strong><br />
civic minded, helpful people that many associate with being<br />
a firefighter.<br />
Information about <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Professional Firefighters<br />
may be found at www.bakersfieldfirefighters.com.<br />
BAKERSFIELD—It’s The <strong>People</strong>, And A <strong>Whole</strong> <strong>Lot</strong> <strong>More</strong><br />
198
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> Heart Hospital, Kern County’s heart <strong>and</strong><br />
vascular leader, is focused on providing <strong>the</strong> latest <strong>and</strong> most<br />
effective technologies <strong>and</strong> treatments for its patients. By specializing<br />
on <strong>the</strong> nation’s number one killer, <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Heart<br />
Hospital gives patients <strong>the</strong> benefits of advanced technology<br />
while also providing services to meet <strong>the</strong>ir individual needs.<br />
The concept for a specialized heart hospital began<br />
in 1995 when a group of local physicians organized an<br />
ambitious project to bring a new st<strong>and</strong>ard of heart <strong>and</strong><br />
vascular care to <strong>Bakersfield</strong>. A partnership was formed <strong>and</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> concept of a forty-seven-bed hospital dedicated to<br />
patient-focused care began to take shape.<br />
During construction of <strong>the</strong> center at 3001 Sillect Avenue<br />
many of <strong>the</strong> first employees were actually housed across<br />
<strong>the</strong> street in <strong>the</strong> Stevenson Building. Staff members created<br />
policies <strong>and</strong> procedures, ordered supplies <strong>and</strong> got everything<br />
ready to open as <strong>the</strong>y watched <strong>the</strong> facility being constructed.<br />
Staff members were used during ‘trial run’ exercises to<br />
be sure <strong>the</strong> staff, equipment <strong>and</strong> supplies were ready prior<br />
to opening. Some of <strong>the</strong> staff even served as mock patients<br />
during training exercises. <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Heart Hospital opened<br />
its doors to <strong>the</strong> community in 1999.<br />
BHH provides 47 private in-patient beds, 3 operating<br />
rooms with complete facilities for heart <strong>and</strong> vascular surgery,<br />
4 cardiac ca<strong>the</strong>terization labs with 1 lab equipped for<br />
electrophysiology, 11 outpatient surgery beds, an 8-bed<br />
emergency department, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> most technologically<br />
advanced cardiovascular equipment.<br />
The original focus of BHH was on cardiac care, but o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
services have been added through <strong>the</strong> years to meet<br />
<strong>the</strong> needs of <strong>the</strong> community. A Women’s Heart Center was<br />
added in 2012 to provide education about <strong>the</strong> unique<br />
symptoms of heart disease among women. The women’s<br />
center provides information about heart disease risk factors<br />
<strong>and</strong> early detection of heart disease.<br />
A Center for Wound Healing was added in 2014 because<br />
Kern County has a high incidence of diabetics who must<br />
contend with wounds that will not heal. The center has two<br />
hyperbaric chambers <strong>and</strong> podiatrists <strong>and</strong> plastic surgeons<br />
are available for consultation.<br />
BHH also has a Joint Replacement Program that provides<br />
a ‘Joint Camp’ where patients <strong>and</strong> family members learn<br />
about <strong>the</strong> procedures <strong>and</strong> hear first-h<strong>and</strong> from <strong>the</strong> care team<br />
what to expect before <strong>and</strong> after surgery.<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> Heart Hospital is very active in <strong>the</strong> community.<br />
Staff members participate in <strong>the</strong> Go Red for Women <strong>and</strong><br />
Heart Walk each year. The hospital partners with Central<br />
Cardiology physicians to present heart health topics to various<br />
groups, clubs <strong>and</strong> businesses. BHH also offers screenings<br />
for businesses <strong>and</strong> has partnered with Olivia’s Heart Project to<br />
screen teens <strong>and</strong> young adults for heart related abnormalities.<br />
BAKERSFIELD<br />
HEART HOSPITAL<br />
QUALITY OF LIFE<br />
199
GEMCARE<br />
÷<br />
Above: GEMCare’s Comprehensive Care Center.<br />
Below: The GEMCare main office on California Avenue.<br />
Today’s complicated <strong>and</strong> confusing medical care system<br />
makes it difficult for patients to choose <strong>the</strong> best medical care<br />
available for <strong>the</strong>ir particular need. Navigating today’s world of<br />
healthcare is not easy, but GEMCare Medical Group is providing<br />
an option for more <strong>and</strong> more individuals <strong>and</strong> businesses.<br />
GEMCare has served <strong>the</strong> community since 1992 <strong>and</strong> now<br />
offers a variety of plans <strong>and</strong> benefits, including more than<br />
130 highly rated primary care centers <strong>and</strong> 200 specialty care<br />
physicians. GEMCare serves members in <strong>Bakersfield</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> outlying communities of Arvin, Delano, Lake Isabella,<br />
Shafter, Taft, Tehachapi <strong>and</strong> Wasco. Members have access to<br />
Dignity Health, Mercy <strong>and</strong> Memorial Hospitals, as well as<br />
available treatment at five urgent care locations. Equally<br />
important is access to care management <strong>and</strong> wellness<br />
services to keep you <strong>and</strong> your family healthy year-round.<br />
GEMCare was first organized in 1991 when a group of<br />
physicians saw <strong>the</strong> need for ano<strong>the</strong>r healthcare option in<br />
Kern County <strong>and</strong> organized as an Independent Practice<br />
Association (IPA).<br />
In 2010, <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Memorial Hospital <strong>and</strong> Mercy<br />
Hospitals, in a joint venture with GEMCare physicians, created<br />
a new organization known as GEMCare Mercy Memorial<br />
Health System (GMMHS). This organization was formed to<br />
provide an integrated healthcare delivery system that would<br />
ensure a comprehensive approach to total patient care.<br />
A key component in <strong>the</strong> integrated system is <strong>the</strong><br />
Comprehensive Care Center (CCC). The CCC was formed to<br />
improve <strong>the</strong> quality of care for members through a holistic,<br />
patient-centered, team-based collaboration of medical <strong>and</strong><br />
allied professionals. This clinic for medically high-risk<br />
patients has received <strong>the</strong> highest level of national recognition<br />
as a NCQA Patient Centered Medical Home is located near<br />
downtown <strong>Bakersfield</strong>.<br />
The NCQA seal is a widely recognized symbol of quality.<br />
For consumers <strong>and</strong> employers, this seal is a reliable indicator<br />
that an organization is well-managed <strong>and</strong> delivers high<br />
quality care <strong>and</strong> service.<br />
GEMCare has ga<strong>the</strong>red <strong>the</strong> finest group of medical<br />
providers, including a Physician Board Certified in Internal<br />
Medicine <strong>and</strong> Geriatrics, Nurse Practitioners, RN Case<br />
Managers, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Clinical<br />
Pharmacists <strong>and</strong> health educators. All work toge<strong>the</strong>r to<br />
enhance delivery of member’s healthcare. CCC members<br />
have a thirty-five percent reduction in emergency room visits<br />
<strong>and</strong> a twenty percent reduction in admissions to <strong>the</strong> hospital.<br />
Patients are extremely satisfied with <strong>the</strong>ir healthcare,<br />
averaging 4.8 on a 5-point scale.<br />
GEMCare is leading <strong>the</strong> way to a new model of care delivery<br />
by remaining true to its core values of responsibility,<br />
compassion, education, <strong>and</strong> support.<br />
BAKERSFIELD—It’s The <strong>People</strong>, And A <strong>Whole</strong> <strong>Lot</strong> <strong>More</strong><br />
200
The historical documents of Greenlawn Memorial Park,<br />
founded in 1931 by Ed Helm (1891-1952), begin with<br />
this creed:<br />
“We believe in Life Eternal—a life supremely happy. We<br />
believe that those of us left behind should be glad in <strong>the</strong> true<br />
belief that those gone before have entered into that happier<br />
life. We believe most of all, in a God who smiles <strong>and</strong> loves<br />
you <strong>and</strong> me. We <strong>the</strong>refore know <strong>the</strong> cemeteries of yesterday<br />
are obsolete <strong>and</strong> that <strong>the</strong>y depict an end, not a beginning.<br />
They have consequently become antiquated places that do<br />
nothing for humanity save a practical act.<br />
“We <strong>the</strong>refore prayerfully resolve that we shall endeavor to<br />
build Greenlawn Memorial Park as different, as unlike o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
cemeteries as sunshine is unlike darkness, as Eternal Life<br />
is unlike Death. We shall endeavor to build at Greenlawn<br />
a great park, devoid of misshapen monuments <strong>and</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
customary signs of earthly Death, but filled with sweeping<br />
lawns, majestic trees, cheerful flowers, splashing fountains<br />
<strong>and</strong> beautiful, winding roads <strong>and</strong> pathways. We<br />
believe <strong>the</strong>se things add to <strong>the</strong> general betterment<br />
of <strong>the</strong> community.<br />
“Greenlawn shall become a place where lovers<br />
new <strong>and</strong> old will want to stroll <strong>and</strong> watch <strong>the</strong> setting<br />
sun, planning for <strong>the</strong> future <strong>and</strong> reminiscing<br />
of <strong>the</strong> past, where <strong>the</strong> sacred bonds of marriage<br />
are solemnized; a place where children romp <strong>and</strong><br />
play; where artists study <strong>and</strong> sketch; <strong>and</strong> where<br />
<strong>the</strong> sorrowing will be comforted because it will be<br />
God’s garden. A place that shall be protected by<br />
an adequate Perpetual Care Fund, <strong>the</strong> principal<br />
of which can never be expended.”<br />
With <strong>the</strong> Ed Helm Monument Company<br />
established in 1927, Ed forged ahead with his<br />
dream. After <strong>the</strong> opening of <strong>the</strong> cemetery<br />
overlooking <strong>the</strong> Bluffs in Nor<strong>the</strong>ast <strong>Bakersfield</strong>,<br />
construction began on a mortuary office in 1941, making<br />
Greenlawn <strong>the</strong> first in <strong>Bakersfield</strong> to provide both <strong>the</strong><br />
undertaking <strong>and</strong> cemetery services in one location. After<br />
Ed’s death, his son, Marshall Helm, carried on <strong>the</strong> vision.<br />
The business opened a location in Hemet, California, in<br />
1975, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> expansion continued on Panama Lane in<br />
<strong>the</strong> Southwest part of <strong>Bakersfield</strong> with Greenlawn Southwest<br />
Memorial Park opening in 1974 <strong>and</strong> Greenlawn Southwest<br />
Mortuary in 1978. The groundbreaking in 2011 of <strong>the</strong><br />
Celebration of Life Center fur<strong>the</strong>r exp<strong>and</strong>ed <strong>the</strong> Southwest<br />
location with a chapel that seats over 500, a flower shop, <strong>and</strong><br />
a reception area. Greenlawn acquired Wood Family Funeral<br />
Service in Tehachapi in 2007, <strong>and</strong> The Woods Pavilion, An<br />
Outdoor Event Center, was opened in <strong>the</strong> summer of 2014.<br />
Representing <strong>the</strong> third generation, Ed’s gr<strong>and</strong>children<br />
are involved in what is now known as Greenlawn Funeral<br />
Homes, Cremations <strong>and</strong> Cemeteries, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> dedication to<br />
<strong>the</strong> families of Kern County continues.<br />
÷<br />
Left: The Greenlawn Memorial Park Fountain of Chimes.<br />
Below: Ed <strong>and</strong> Lucille Helm.<br />
GREENLAWN<br />
FUNERAL HOMES-<br />
CREMATIONS-CEMETERIES<br />
QUALITY OF LIFE<br />
201
HOUCHIN COMMUNITY<br />
BLOOD BANK<br />
In times of illness or accident, a safe <strong>and</strong> adequate blood<br />
supply is essential to a patient’s treatment <strong>and</strong> recovery.<br />
Since 1953 <strong>the</strong> Houchin Community Blood Bank has<br />
collected <strong>and</strong> provided this precious supply of blood for<br />
residents of Kern County. Blood collected from volunteer<br />
donors is manufactured into multiple products, including<br />
red blood cells, platelets <strong>and</strong> plasma for human transfusion.<br />
The Blood Bank serves eleven hospitals, cancer, burn <strong>and</strong><br />
transfusion centers in Kern County.<br />
The organization’s history traces from <strong>the</strong> early 1940s<br />
when a group of local physicians <strong>and</strong> interested residents<br />
met at <strong>the</strong> offices of Doctors Coker, Crawley <strong>and</strong> Varney to<br />
discuss <strong>the</strong> need for a nonprofit community blood bank.<br />
Because of <strong>the</strong> lack of blood supply in Kern County, blood<br />
had to be shipped from Los Angeles or San Francisco <strong>and</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong>se deliveries could not meet <strong>the</strong> critical need for blood.<br />
At <strong>the</strong> time, Kern General Hospital—now Kern Medical—<br />
was <strong>the</strong> only facility equipped to draw <strong>and</strong> test blood.<br />
In 1951, members of <strong>the</strong> Kern County Medical Society<br />
called a meeting with C. Elmer Houchin, also a member of<br />
<strong>the</strong> group, to discuss a permanent location for a future<br />
community blood bank. Houchin donated a location on<br />
G Street in downtown <strong>Bakersfield</strong> in memory of his mo<strong>the</strong>r,<br />
Sarah Alice Houchin. Additional donations <strong>and</strong> endowment<br />
funds allowed <strong>the</strong> blood bank to open in April 1952.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> early days, <strong>the</strong>re were no mobile collection buses<br />
<strong>and</strong> blood drives were set up on tables at businesses,<br />
churches <strong>and</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r locations. Most blood was collected<br />
at one donor center in glass bottles, which did not provide<br />
a long shelf life. Donors were scarce <strong>and</strong> sometimes had<br />
to be called on in <strong>the</strong> middle of <strong>the</strong> night to meet urgent<br />
patient needs. A variety of ‘donation clubs’ such as <strong>the</strong><br />
‘10 Gallon Donor Club’ were used to increase interest<br />
in donations. Today, <strong>the</strong> Blood Bank has more than<br />
1,200 donors who have given ten gallons or more.<br />
A new donor center was constructed at 5901 Truxtun<br />
Avenue in May 1988. Followed by a new headquarters<br />
at 11515 Bolthouse Drive on l<strong>and</strong> donated by <strong>the</strong> William<br />
Bolthouse family in February 2013. <strong>More</strong> than a hundred<br />
people are employed at <strong>the</strong> two locations. Greg Gallion<br />
serves as president <strong>and</strong> CEO.<br />
<strong>More</strong> than 18,000 volunteer donors are greeted each<br />
year at <strong>the</strong> Truxtun <strong>and</strong> Bolthouse Donor Centers <strong>and</strong> at<br />
mobile drives held throughout Kern County. As a result of<br />
<strong>the</strong>se generous donations, Houchin Community Blood Bank<br />
is able to supply more than 8,000 platelets <strong>and</strong> 30,000 units<br />
of red cells for patient needs annually as it continues to live<br />
its motto: ‘<strong>People</strong> Live when <strong>People</strong> Give.’<br />
BAKERSFIELD—It’s The <strong>People</strong>, And A <strong>Whole</strong> <strong>Lot</strong> <strong>More</strong><br />
202
It takes a special kind<br />
of physician to treat patients<br />
with pulmonary (lung)<br />
diseases, <strong>and</strong> Alpha J.<br />
Anders MD, FCCP of<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong>, California, is<br />
that type of doctor. He<br />
opened his private practice,<br />
Comprehensive Pulmonary<br />
<strong>and</strong> Critical Care Associates,<br />
seventeen years ago. He<br />
takes pride in delivering state-of-<strong>the</strong> art personal care<br />
to patients with various pulmonary diseases along with<br />
Heidi He DNP, MSN, FNP-C. “We get to know our patients<br />
personally. We have <strong>the</strong> latest diagnostic, treatments, <strong>and</strong><br />
technology available; at our office a human being actually<br />
answers <strong>the</strong> telephone,” he says, smiling.<br />
Dr. Anders, a diplomat of <strong>the</strong> American Board of Internal<br />
Medicine in critical care, pulmonary <strong>and</strong> internal medicine,<br />
treats any lung disease from asthma to chronic obstructive<br />
pulmonary disease (COPD) <strong>and</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r lung disorders<br />
in between. Heidi He, a certified nurse-practitioner, who<br />
obtained her doctorate in <strong>the</strong> science of nursing, assists<br />
him with treating <strong>and</strong> educating pulmonary patients about<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir diseases. They adhere to <strong>the</strong> practice’s mission of<br />
“Where caring is an art <strong>and</strong> healing is a science.”<br />
Lung diseases make it hard for patients to brea<strong>the</strong>; <strong>the</strong>refore,<br />
Dr. Anders is a proponent of avoiding cigarettes <strong>and</strong><br />
o<strong>the</strong>r chemical irritants that can cause lung disease years<br />
following exposure. “Pulmonary patients should check local<br />
news outlets for poor air quality that can aggravate <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
conditions <strong>and</strong> make breathing more difficult.<br />
“Some patients aren’t aware <strong>the</strong>y have lung disease until<br />
<strong>the</strong>y develop a cough or feel out of breath walking, climbing<br />
stairs, or exercising. Still, exercise is a vital component for<br />
anyone suffering from lung disease. But, it takes a special,<br />
structured-type of exercise,” he adds. “With many chronic<br />
lung disorders, <strong>the</strong> airflow is disrupted in <strong>and</strong> out of<br />
patients’ lungs <strong>and</strong> reduces functionality. Many (but not all)<br />
patients use oxygen to brea<strong>the</strong>. My practice is centered<br />
on helping patients achieve optimal health <strong>and</strong> maintain a<br />
good quality of life.”<br />
Dr. Anders is triple board certified in pulmonology,<br />
critical care, <strong>and</strong> internal medicine. He is a member of<br />
Healthgrades’ Honor Roll, never having received board<br />
action, sanction, or adverse malpractice issues. He has been<br />
on <strong>the</strong> organization’s honor roll eighteen times, <strong>and</strong> received<br />
seven Healthgrades awards.<br />
He has served as chief of staff at both Mercy Hospitals,<br />
<strong>and</strong> president of <strong>the</strong> Kern County Medical Society. He has<br />
been a mentor to physicians in training. A graduate of<br />
Cornell Medical University, he served his residency in<br />
Denver, followed by a pulmonary fellowship at USC.<br />
Heidi obtained her nursing degree in <strong>Bakersfield</strong>. She<br />
holds a Master of Science degree from UCLA <strong>and</strong> a Doctor<br />
of Advanced Nursing Practice degree from San Jose State.<br />
She is <strong>the</strong> coordinator of <strong>the</strong> Nurse Practitioner program at<br />
California State University <strong>Bakersfield</strong>.<br />
÷<br />
ALPHA J. ANDERS, MD,<br />
FCCP<br />
Above: Dr. Alpha J. Anders, MD, doctor of pulmonary, critical care <strong>and</strong><br />
internal medicine.<br />
Below: Dr. Anders <strong>and</strong> his nursing staff.<br />
QUALITY OF LIFE<br />
203
BAKERSFIELD<br />
MUSIC HALL OF FAME<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> is a city full of music history <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> Music Hall of Fame is dedicated to promoting<br />
<strong>and</strong> cherishing it, from its Dust Bowl roots to its contemporary<br />
manifestations. The Hall of Fame, located in <strong>the</strong> city’s<br />
beautiful downtown arts district, celebrates legends like<br />
Buck Owens, Merle Haggard, Susan Raye, Billy Mize,<br />
Hank Thompson, Bonnie Owens, Tommy Collins <strong>and</strong> Red<br />
Simpson, to name a few. But <strong>Bakersfield</strong> is not just country.<br />
Artists such as Lawrence Tibbett, star of <strong>the</strong> New York<br />
Metropolitan Opera; blues great Lu<strong>the</strong>r Davis; jazz virtuoso<br />
Mary Osborne; <strong>and</strong> chart-topping thrash-metal-rap act<br />
Korn have also made <strong>the</strong>ir marks. Now <strong>Bakersfield</strong> has a<br />
place specifically dedicated to recognizing <strong>the</strong>m for <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
contributions to our musical city.<br />
The Hall of Fame is more than that, though. It is a<br />
musical venue built with great, detailed workmanship. It is<br />
a state-of-<strong>the</strong>-art performing arts <strong>the</strong>ater built with sound<br />
<strong>and</strong> lighting st<strong>and</strong>ards that will please <strong>the</strong> most discerning<br />
<strong>and</strong> adventurous listener. One of <strong>the</strong> Hall of Fame’s primary<br />
goals is to help nurture <strong>and</strong> establish up-<strong>and</strong>-coming<br />
hopefuls, much like what <strong>the</strong> Bluebird Café has done for<br />
musicians <strong>and</strong> songwriters in Nashville, Tennessee. Two<br />
fully equipped recording studios capable of producing<br />
top-caliber recordings are producing everything from<br />
commercial jingles to music in <strong>the</strong> finest tradition of <strong>the</strong><br />
true <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Sound. The Hall of Fame’s founders,<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> country singer Kim McAbee <strong>and</strong> her husb<strong>and</strong>,<br />
Kyle Carter, one of <strong>Bakersfield</strong>’s finest homebuilders,<br />
toge<strong>the</strong>r have brought a unique <strong>and</strong> heartfelt venue to <strong>the</strong><br />
music community of <strong>Bakersfield</strong>.<br />
The original building, once used by a shipping company,<br />
is over 100 years old. The original architecture of concrete<br />
walls, exposed ceiling trusses, exquisite hardwood floors<br />
<strong>and</strong> wood stained slats creates <strong>the</strong> right ambiance. The<br />
original charm is intact, but renovations have created an<br />
intimate, up-close concert setting. Each month <strong>the</strong> Hall of<br />
Fame hosts new performers <strong>and</strong> events; artists make <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
way into one of <strong>the</strong> studios; <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> gift shop bustles with<br />
local folks’ music, books <strong>and</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r merch<strong>and</strong>ise. Whatever<br />
<strong>the</strong> occasion—weddings, birthday parties, anniversaries,<br />
business conferences or social mixers—<strong>the</strong> Hall of Fame<br />
is equipped to host it. Memberships are available to all,<br />
whe<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong>y are musicians or music enthusiasts. This is<br />
an establishment that will surely continue to add to<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong>’s legacy of great music. Folks are already<br />
stopping by from all over <strong>the</strong> world <strong>and</strong> you will surely<br />
want to see <strong>the</strong> transformation as well. History is once<br />
again in <strong>the</strong> making! For more information, visit <strong>the</strong> Hall<br />
of Fame’s website at www.bakersfieldmusichalloffame.com.<br />
Or call (661) 864-1701.<br />
BAKERSFIELD—It’s The <strong>People</strong>, And A <strong>Whole</strong> <strong>Lot</strong> <strong>More</strong><br />
204
No one deserves to be hired more than our nation’s veterans.<br />
To help connect veterans with jobs, Chevron has partnered<br />
with <strong>the</strong> Kern County Veterans Service Department<br />
to design, develop, <strong>and</strong> implement <strong>the</strong> Kern Patriot<br />
Partnership. The partnership provides an online portal to<br />
match <strong>the</strong> skills, knowledge, <strong>and</strong> dedication of our veterans<br />
with high quality employers who are willing to give veterans<br />
a first look when <strong>the</strong>y are looking to hire good people.<br />
First discussed in an interview with The <strong>Bakersfield</strong><br />
Californian in December 2012, <strong>and</strong> again in <strong>the</strong> August<br />
2013 issue of <strong>the</strong> Kern Business Journal, <strong>the</strong> Kern Patriot<br />
Partnership is an idea that developed out of <strong>the</strong> Kern County<br />
Veterans Service Department to unite veterans <strong>and</strong> businesses.<br />
Businesses cite <strong>the</strong> strengths of veterans as very appealing<br />
to <strong>the</strong>m when seeking employees. Some of those strengths<br />
include a strong work ethic, a sense of duty, working<br />
well as a team, demonstrating self-confidence, <strong>and</strong> having<br />
<strong>the</strong> ability to follow through on assignments, even under<br />
difficult or stressful circumstances, to name a few.<br />
A common concern among business leaders <strong>and</strong> human<br />
resource managers is that <strong>the</strong> current process seems to be too<br />
cumbersome or even nonexistent. The goal of <strong>the</strong> Kern Patriot<br />
Partnership is to address those issues using innovation, technology,<br />
good old-fashioned hard work, <strong>and</strong> proven mentorship.<br />
Kern Patriot Partnership’s vision includes <strong>the</strong> goal of<br />
providing as many job opportunities as possible for veterans<br />
<strong>and</strong> transitioning military personnel. We provide personalized<br />
service to help translate military skills to civilian terms<br />
that hiring managers underst<strong>and</strong>. Our team empowers transitioning<br />
U.S. military members <strong>and</strong> veterans to succeed in<br />
<strong>the</strong> civilian workforce through personalized career coaching<br />
<strong>and</strong> employment preparation counseling. Our services are<br />
provided at no cost to <strong>the</strong> transitioning military member <strong>and</strong><br />
veteran. You will be individually partnered with a highlytrained<br />
program specialist who works collaboratively with<br />
you to: Create a tailored civilian resume that effectively highlights<br />
your skills <strong>and</strong> achievements; Translate military experience<br />
into civilian terminology; Learn effective job search,<br />
strategic networking <strong>and</strong> interviewing techniques; <strong>and</strong> get<br />
connected with companies who want to hire veterans.<br />
Our services are available to all honorably-discharged<br />
U.S. military veterans, regardless of separation date <strong>and</strong><br />
term of service. Whe<strong>the</strong>r you are looking for full-time or<br />
part-time work, internships, or training opportunities, our<br />
team is here to help you.<br />
We define success as helping transitioning military<br />
members <strong>and</strong> veterans meet or exceed <strong>the</strong>ir employment<br />
goals, one veteran at a time. Across America, employers are<br />
discovering <strong>the</strong> value of hiring veterans of <strong>the</strong> United States<br />
military who possess <strong>the</strong> training, leadership skills, <strong>and</strong><br />
strong work ethic <strong>the</strong>y require. Each of our veterans has<br />
made profound sacrifices to protect freedom <strong>and</strong> democracy<br />
<strong>and</strong> to keep us safe. Pledging support to veterans is one way<br />
to express heartfelt gratitude. We ask interested businesses<br />
to join our Kern Patriot Partnership, not to guarantee jobs<br />
for veterans, but to make a pledge to give veterans a first<br />
look when <strong>the</strong>ir businesses are preparing to hire.<br />
We encourage veterans seeking employment <strong>and</strong> businesses<br />
who would like to join our Partnership to visit our website<br />
at www.KernPatriot.org. You will find links for “Veterans”<br />
<strong>and</strong> “Employers” along with o<strong>the</strong>r useful information<br />
<strong>and</strong> resources.<br />
KERN PATRIOT<br />
PARTNERSHIP<br />
÷<br />
Above: As military members transition into civilian life, Kern Patriot<br />
Partnership st<strong>and</strong>s ready to assist our veterans seeking employment <strong>and</strong> to<br />
connect <strong>the</strong>m with employers seeking to hire <strong>and</strong> are willing to give veterans<br />
a first look when <strong>the</strong>y have job openings.<br />
QUALITY OF LIFE<br />
205
FOX THEATER FOUNDATION<br />
In <strong>the</strong> early days of <strong>the</strong> motion picture industry, magnificent<br />
<strong>the</strong>aters were built across <strong>the</strong> nation to reflect <strong>the</strong><br />
glamour <strong>and</strong> excitement of <strong>the</strong> movies. One of <strong>the</strong> most<br />
opulent of <strong>the</strong>se gr<strong>and</strong> movie houses was <strong>the</strong> Fox Theater in<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong>, where generations of movie goers enjoyed <strong>the</strong><br />
latest Hollywood movies <strong>and</strong> stars, from Humphrey Bogart<br />
<strong>and</strong> Lauren Bacall to Gone with <strong>the</strong> Wind, as well as stage<br />
performances by <strong>the</strong> most popular entertainers.<br />
The <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Fox Theater was constructed at 2001 H<br />
Street for Fox West Coast Theaters <strong>and</strong> opened on Christmas<br />
Day, 1930, with <strong>the</strong> feature film, Just Imagine. Designed by<br />
S. Charles Lee, <strong>the</strong> Fox was built as both a performing arts<br />
<strong>the</strong>ater <strong>and</strong> a movie <strong>the</strong>ater. The <strong>the</strong>ater featured an atmospheric<br />
Mediterranean interior with 1,575 seats. It was one<br />
of <strong>the</strong> most beautiful <strong>the</strong>aters of its type ever constructed.<br />
In 1953, as television began to bite into movie <strong>the</strong>ater<br />
attendance, <strong>the</strong> Fox was modernized in an effort to lure<br />
audiences back to <strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>ater. Renowned designer Charles<br />
Skouras was hired to create a new identity for <strong>the</strong> Fox <strong>and</strong><br />
designed <strong>the</strong> lavish Art Deco interior that still exists today.<br />
The new design featured ornate ceiling murals in <strong>the</strong> lobby<br />
<strong>and</strong> mezzanine, breathtaking gold leaf plumes <strong>and</strong> acoustic<br />
cloud in <strong>the</strong> auditorium, <strong>and</strong> a blue atmospheric ceiling<br />
with twinkling stars. The Art Deco makeover also included a<br />
one-of-a-kind marquee with hundreds of feet of flashing<br />
neon tubes announcing <strong>the</strong> latest attraction.<br />
The Fox continued to prosper into <strong>the</strong> 1970s but<br />
<strong>the</strong> arrival of multiplex <strong>the</strong>aters <strong>and</strong> continued growth of<br />
television—combined with a decline of <strong>the</strong> downtown<br />
area—led to <strong>the</strong> closing of <strong>the</strong> Fox in 1979.<br />
In an effort to preserve <strong>the</strong> historic l<strong>and</strong>mark, <strong>the</strong><br />
Fox Theater Foundation was formed in 1990 to purchase,<br />
restore <strong>and</strong> operate <strong>the</strong> Fox Theater for <strong>the</strong> benefit of <strong>the</strong><br />
citizens of <strong>Bakersfield</strong>. After many negotiations over price,<br />
<strong>the</strong> owners of <strong>the</strong> long ab<strong>and</strong>oned <strong>the</strong>ater finally agreed<br />
to sell it for $500,000. A huge ‘Save <strong>the</strong> Fox’ campaign<br />
helped raise <strong>the</strong> necessary funds <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> property was<br />
acquired in 1994. After extensive renovation to preserve<br />
<strong>the</strong> priceless Art Deco interior, <strong>the</strong> Fox Theater reopened<br />
in 1995.<br />
The Fox has become a vibrant part of a renewed<br />
downtown <strong>and</strong> is once again a magnet for children <strong>and</strong><br />
families wishing to enjoy popular movies, concerts, or<br />
entertainment that cannot be seen anywhere else. The<br />
eighty-five-year-old civic treasure also serves as a venue<br />
for graduations, weddings, <strong>and</strong> special events.<br />
The movies, shows <strong>and</strong> private events occurring year<br />
round at <strong>the</strong> Fox provide an economic stimulus for<br />
downtown, including opportunities for area businesses to<br />
provide services to Fox audiences. Thanks to community<br />
support, <strong>the</strong> historic Fox Theater continues to thrive,<br />
contributing to both <strong>the</strong> vitality <strong>and</strong> livability of <strong>Bakersfield</strong>.<br />
BAKERSFIELD—It’s The <strong>People</strong>, And A <strong>Whole</strong> <strong>Lot</strong> <strong>More</strong><br />
206
The <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Symphony Orchestra (BSO), long considered<br />
a ‘community treasure’, is now in its eighty-fifth season<br />
of performing some of <strong>the</strong> world’s greatest music for enthusiastic<br />
audiences in <strong>the</strong> Central Valley. In <strong>the</strong> 1930s, concert<br />
music in <strong>Bakersfield</strong> was found largely in churches, high<br />
school b<strong>and</strong>s, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> occasional group of touring artists.<br />
The seeds for what would become BSO were sown at a<br />
piano recital in January 1932 when it was announced <strong>the</strong><br />
High School Musician’s Club would sponsor a concert<br />
series by a symphony orchestra drawn from members of<br />
<strong>the</strong> community. The inaugural concert of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong><br />
Community Orchestra occurred on November 22, 1932.<br />
This was <strong>the</strong> beginning of a community’s love for wonderful<br />
music while engaging <strong>the</strong> local talent. As an example of this<br />
deep commitment to <strong>the</strong> BSO, one of our recently departed<br />
patrons, Margaret Urner, attended <strong>the</strong> first concert in 1932 <strong>and</strong><br />
virtually every performance until her passing in January 2016.<br />
With <strong>the</strong> exception of a hiatus during World War II, <strong>the</strong><br />
orchestra has filled <strong>the</strong> air with timeless <strong>and</strong> vibrant music.<br />
In 2012 <strong>the</strong> BSO Board of Directors hired Bryan Burrow<br />
as president/CEO to revitalize <strong>the</strong> organization. The next<br />
four years experienced increase in average attendance of<br />
sixty-seven percent, expansion of its student outreach,<br />
diversification of its patrons, broader visibility within <strong>the</strong><br />
community, <strong>and</strong> additional concerts to <strong>the</strong> lineup. During<br />
this exciting time, <strong>the</strong> BSO transitioned to a new conductor.<br />
Throughout <strong>the</strong> 2014-2015 season, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong> community<br />
participated in choosing <strong>the</strong> next conductor from<br />
<strong>the</strong> six finalists, which were <strong>the</strong> top c<strong>and</strong>idates from a<br />
pool of 160 worldwide applicants. As <strong>the</strong> youngest music<br />
director in <strong>the</strong> orchestra’s history, Stilian Kirov was appointed<br />
music director of BSO beginning in <strong>the</strong> 2015-2016 season.<br />
Kirov, a graduate of <strong>the</strong> Julliard School in orchestral<br />
conducting, has won numerous awards <strong>and</strong> prizes for<br />
outst<strong>and</strong>ing achievements. His electric style of conducting<br />
<strong>and</strong> strong connection with audiences propelled him as an<br />
immediate favorite within <strong>the</strong> community.<br />
The BSO performs an<br />
impressive six season concerts<br />
annually, as well as<br />
several Pops style concerts.<br />
These Pops concerts<br />
reach out to all demographics<br />
in <strong>the</strong> community.<br />
Examples of <strong>the</strong> BSO’s<br />
Pops concerts include:<br />
movie <strong>the</strong>mes, chamber<br />
programs, as well as concerts<br />
showcasing holiday<br />
<strong>and</strong> cultural favorites.<br />
Whe<strong>the</strong>r at our season<br />
concerts or Pops concerts,<br />
soloists have joined <strong>the</strong><br />
BSO from as far as <strong>the</strong> four corners of <strong>the</strong> globe to as close<br />
as Kern County.<br />
Outreach is an important part of <strong>the</strong> BSO’s mission.<br />
The Young <strong>People</strong>’s Concerts hosts over 12,000 students<br />
each year for fun <strong>and</strong> educational concerts as <strong>the</strong>y add<br />
culture <strong>and</strong> art to <strong>the</strong>ir curriculum. The most recent <strong>and</strong><br />
very successful program is called BSO Next. The BSO Next<br />
program provides Kern County students tickets to season<br />
concerts through <strong>the</strong> generosity of donors. This impacts over<br />
3,000 students annually. Ano<strong>the</strong>r program, Kid’s Discover<br />
Music, sends BSO musicians into classrooms for a close<br />
up interaction with <strong>the</strong> professional musicians. Finally,<br />
<strong>the</strong> Health <strong>and</strong> Healing program hosts musicians at local<br />
hospitals soothing <strong>the</strong> hearts of patients, families, <strong>and</strong> staff.<br />
To learn more about <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Symphony Orchestra<br />
<strong>and</strong> its upcoming schedule, please check <strong>the</strong> website at<br />
www.BSOnow.org.<br />
BAKERSFIELD<br />
SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA<br />
÷<br />
Left: Music Director Stilian Kirov with members of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong><br />
Symphony Orchestra.<br />
Below: NEXT Students attending <strong>the</strong> last concert of <strong>the</strong> season, May 2016.<br />
QUALITY OF LIFE<br />
207
GARCES MEMORIAL<br />
HIGH SCHOOL<br />
÷<br />
Above: The Padre Garces Statue. The Kern County Historical Society,<br />
chaired by Dr. P. N. Root, commissioned John Palo Kanga, a well-known<br />
sculptor, to create a statue of Fa<strong>the</strong>r Garces for <strong>the</strong> front of <strong>the</strong> school.<br />
On November 27, 1949, <strong>the</strong> statue was unveiled <strong>and</strong> dedicated. Sheriff<br />
John Loustalot presided as master of ceremonies <strong>and</strong> County Superintendent<br />
of Schools Jesse D. Stockton was <strong>the</strong> guest speaker. Dr. Root unveiled <strong>the</strong><br />
monument <strong>and</strong> Monsignor William MacLaughlin blessed <strong>the</strong> statue.<br />
Below: Fa<strong>the</strong>r Garces was moved from his street location to <strong>the</strong> current<br />
location, making him <strong>the</strong> focal point <strong>and</strong> l<strong>and</strong>mark at <strong>the</strong> main<br />
campus entrance.<br />
For <strong>the</strong> past sixty-nine years, Garces Memorial High School<br />
has fulfilled <strong>the</strong> mission of <strong>the</strong> church by developing students<br />
spiritually, academically <strong>and</strong> socially in Kern County.<br />
Garces Memorial traces its origins to <strong>the</strong> very early days<br />
of Catholic education in Kern County. In 1910 <strong>the</strong> Sisters<br />
of Mercy founded St. Frances Elementary School in <strong>the</strong><br />
basement of St. Francis Church on Truxton Avenue. In 1926<br />
a new two-story school building was built next to <strong>the</strong><br />
convent. As <strong>the</strong> years passed, Pastor Leo Beacon <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Sisters began planning a high school that would utilize a<br />
vacant second floor in <strong>the</strong> school building.<br />
A 9th grade was added in 1940, followed by 10th <strong>and</strong><br />
11th grades <strong>the</strong> following two years. The addition of a senior<br />
class for <strong>the</strong> 1943-44 school year marked <strong>the</strong> beginning of<br />
a fully functioning high school <strong>and</strong> generated tremendous<br />
excitement in <strong>the</strong> community. Students made <strong>the</strong>ir first<br />
strides in competitive athletics <strong>and</strong> mounted a successful<br />
comedy production. A new science lab was outfitted <strong>and</strong><br />
biology was added to <strong>the</strong> curriculum. A business department<br />
was started with classes in typewriting, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> students<br />
enjoyed several dances.<br />
The need for a central Catholic high school serving all of<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> soon became evident <strong>and</strong> a decision was made to<br />
build <strong>and</strong> conduct a high school modeled on <strong>the</strong> success<br />
of San Joaquin Memorial High School in Fresno. The Sisters<br />
would teach <strong>the</strong> girls <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rs of <strong>the</strong> Christian<br />
Schools would teach <strong>the</strong> boys.<br />
In 1945 <strong>the</strong> Kern County L<strong>and</strong> Company sold <strong>the</strong><br />
diocese a forty-acre plot in a new residential area called<br />
La Cresta for <strong>the</strong> sum of five dollars. Ground was broken<br />
for a new central Catholic high school <strong>and</strong>, in 1947,<br />
Garces Memorial High School opened as a co-educational,<br />
interparochial high school with an enrollment of 150<br />
students. The new school was named for Padre Francisco<br />
Garces, a Franciscan missionary who was <strong>the</strong> first European<br />
to enter <strong>the</strong> area known today as <strong>Bakersfield</strong>.<br />
The high school continued to grow <strong>and</strong> develop for a<br />
number of years until a major crisis developed in 1970.<br />
Because of a drastic decrease in vocations, <strong>the</strong> Christian<br />
Bro<strong>the</strong>rs announced <strong>the</strong>y could no longer staff <strong>the</strong> school.<br />
Due to <strong>the</strong> anticipated cost of filling this void with lay<br />
staff, it appeared that <strong>the</strong> school would be forced to close.<br />
However, a committee of concerned parents <strong>and</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
members of <strong>the</strong> Catholic community committed <strong>the</strong>mselves<br />
to keeping <strong>the</strong> school open.<br />
The school has continued to advance in recent years, both<br />
academically <strong>and</strong> by exp<strong>and</strong>ing <strong>and</strong> modernizing its facilities.<br />
Garces Memorial High Schools remains committed to its<br />
mission of instilling in every student <strong>the</strong> courage to act with<br />
faith, knowledge, compassion <strong>and</strong> justice.<br />
BAKERSFIELD—It’s The <strong>People</strong>, And A <strong>Whole</strong> <strong>Lot</strong> <strong>More</strong><br />
208
Getting veterans what <strong>the</strong>y have earned is <strong>the</strong> mission<br />
of <strong>the</strong> Kern County Veterans Service Department. The<br />
Department provides no-cost services to veterans, <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
dependents <strong>and</strong> survivors. These services include counseling,<br />
advice, <strong>and</strong> assistance regarding rights, benefits, <strong>and</strong><br />
privileges available to veterans under federal, state, <strong>and</strong> local<br />
laws, regulations <strong>and</strong> policies.<br />
The Kern County Board of Supervisors established<br />
<strong>the</strong> Veterans Service Department in 1944, during World<br />
War II. The goal remains <strong>the</strong> same today as when it<br />
was established—assist veterans, <strong>the</strong>ir dependents, <strong>and</strong><br />
survivors in obtaining <strong>the</strong> benefits <strong>the</strong>y earned through <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
military service.<br />
“Because we see about 1,000 to 1,500 clients a month, we<br />
know what strategies work <strong>and</strong> what strategies don’t work<br />
when it comes to helping a veteran,” explains Dick Taylor,<br />
<strong>the</strong> county’s Veterans Services Officer, who serves as director<br />
for <strong>the</strong> Department. Taylor, a <strong>Bakersfield</strong> native who served<br />
in <strong>the</strong> U.S. Marine Corps, adds that with <strong>the</strong> help of his<br />
department, veterans can reduce <strong>the</strong> likelihood of having<br />
to redo a claim.<br />
Ano<strong>the</strong>r service offered by <strong>the</strong> Kern County Veterans<br />
Service Department is help with education for <strong>the</strong> families<br />
of veterans. The California College Fee Waiver Program<br />
benefits <strong>the</strong> children of U.S. veterans who have a service<br />
connected disability. Students meeting <strong>the</strong> eligibility criteria<br />
may get <strong>the</strong>ir college tuition-type fees waived if <strong>the</strong>y attend<br />
a California community college, a California State University,<br />
or a University of California campus.<br />
The Department can also provide information about<br />
nonservice-connected ‘Pension with Aid <strong>and</strong> Attendance’,<br />
a needs-based benefit for war-era veterans or <strong>the</strong>ir surviving<br />
spouses. This benefit provides income for those in need<br />
of assistance with <strong>the</strong> activities of daily life, whe<strong>the</strong>r through<br />
in-home care or an assisted living facility. Not all will qualify,<br />
but for those who do, it can be a life changing benefit.<br />
The Department also assists veterans with many o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
issues, including compensation for <strong>the</strong> veteran <strong>and</strong> family,<br />
pensions for war-era veterans, death benefits for survivors,<br />
dependent allowances, requests for military records <strong>and</strong><br />
decorations <strong>and</strong> much more.<br />
Veterans, by nature, grow accustomed to moving through<br />
life without complaints. Duty, sacrifice <strong>and</strong> suffering in<br />
silence are all heroic qualities, yet also can keep veterans<br />
from receiving support <strong>the</strong>y need, deserve <strong>and</strong> earn. The<br />
Kern County Veterans Service Department reaches out<br />
with open arms to <strong>the</strong> distinguished veterans in our area.<br />
“Everyone that works in this office truly has a servant’s<br />
heart <strong>and</strong> wants to help veterans,” Taylor says. “We really<br />
love to serve in that capacity; it’s really a joy <strong>and</strong> an honor.”<br />
The Kern County Veterans Service Department is located<br />
at 1120 Golden State Avenue in <strong>Bakersfield</strong>. For additional<br />
information, visit <strong>the</strong> website at www.co.kern.ca.us/veterans.<br />
KERN COUNTY VETERANS<br />
SERVICE DEPARTMENT<br />
÷<br />
Left: Ceremonies commemorating significant events are held at <strong>the</strong> Kern<br />
County Veterans Service Department. Our community is very supportive of<br />
our veterans as shown in this photo from our November 10, 2015,<br />
commemoration of <strong>the</strong> Marine Corps birthday.<br />
Below: The Kern County Veterans Service Department was established in<br />
1944 during World War II to serve our veteran community. The office sits<br />
on <strong>the</strong> same parcel of l<strong>and</strong> as <strong>the</strong> original building, <strong>and</strong> now occupies <strong>the</strong><br />
structure which was once <strong>the</strong> Kern County Personnel Office in <strong>the</strong> 1970s.<br />
QUALITY OF LIFE<br />
209
PETROLEUM CLUB<br />
OF BAKERSFIELD<br />
÷<br />
Above: The Stockdale Tower, in <strong>Bakersfield</strong>, California.<br />
Below: Thomas J. Fitzgerald was <strong>the</strong> Petroleum Club’s first president.<br />
The Petroleum Club of <strong>Bakersfield</strong> has a<br />
rich history with ties not only to <strong>the</strong> oil<br />
industry, but <strong>the</strong> agricultural, financial, <strong>and</strong><br />
legal community as well. The club is <strong>the</strong><br />
ga<strong>the</strong>ring place of leaders from young to<br />
mature, with a philosophy that reflects a<br />
commitment to excellence in all facets. The<br />
Petroleum Club is a group that gets things<br />
done—with people you can count on.<br />
The club was formed in 1952 by founding<br />
board members George L. Bradford, a l<strong>and</strong>man<br />
<strong>and</strong> real estate developer; geologists<br />
William D. ‘Bill’ Kleinpell, John H. Beach,<br />
<strong>and</strong> Everett W. Pease. Thomas J. Fitzgerald,<br />
a geologist <strong>and</strong> engineer with Gene Reid<br />
Drilling, was <strong>the</strong> club’s first president.<br />
The primary purpose of <strong>the</strong> club was to aid in <strong>the</strong><br />
association <strong>and</strong> fellowship of men connected with<br />
<strong>the</strong> petroleum industry <strong>and</strong> to encourage <strong>and</strong> sponsor<br />
new ideas, which would benefit <strong>the</strong> oil industry as<br />
a whole <strong>and</strong> provide men possessing special talents<br />
with recognition.<br />
The club originally held its meetings at <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong><br />
Inn from 1952 to 1969. The club <strong>the</strong>n moved to <strong>the</strong><br />
Elk’s Lodge at 1600 Thirtieth Street next to <strong>the</strong> Garces<br />
Circle, meeting <strong>the</strong>re from 1970 to 1985. From 1985 to<br />
1993 <strong>the</strong> club was located downtown in <strong>the</strong> Bell Tower,<br />
a converted church in Old Church Plaza. From 1993 to<br />
2002 <strong>the</strong> club was located in <strong>the</strong> old Cask & Cleaver<br />
Restaurant on Truxtun Avenue. In 2003 <strong>the</strong> move was made<br />
to <strong>the</strong> current location on <strong>the</strong> top floor of <strong>the</strong> Stockdale<br />
Tower, <strong>the</strong> tallest building in <strong>Bakersfield</strong>.<br />
“The club truly is a point of light for <strong>the</strong> city,”<br />
comments current President Dave Plivelich. “I’ve lived in<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> since 1981 <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> one thing that always<br />
amazes me about this community is how connected <strong>the</strong><br />
people are here, <strong>and</strong> how down to earth it is.”<br />
Prior to <strong>the</strong> move to <strong>the</strong> Stockdale Tower, club membership<br />
totaled around 200. By 2014, membership had risen to<br />
1,140. Weakness in <strong>the</strong> oil economy dropped membership<br />
to around 950 in 2015, but <strong>the</strong> club has begun to see<br />
an increase because of a wider variety of associations in<br />
its membership.<br />
Under <strong>the</strong> leadership of Plivelich, <strong>the</strong> club has become<br />
<strong>the</strong> center point for all community leaders <strong>and</strong> represents<br />
not only <strong>the</strong> oil industry but a wider variety of associations,<br />
people <strong>and</strong> businesses. The Petroleum Club is extremely<br />
supportive of local nonprofits <strong>and</strong> also hosts an annual<br />
golf tournament, which provides scholarships for future<br />
petroleum engineers. The club hosts many civic service<br />
clubs’ meetings, including Rotary, Kiwanis, <strong>and</strong> Petroleum<br />
Wives of <strong>Bakersfield</strong>, as well as serving as a premier location<br />
for wedding receptions, class reunions, celebrations <strong>and</strong><br />
business presentations.<br />
BAKERSFIELD—It’s The <strong>People</strong>, And A <strong>Whole</strong> <strong>Lot</strong> <strong>More</strong><br />
210
The prologue leading to Hall Ambulance Service’s fortyfive-year<br />
history started on a dare—literally. Working as an<br />
orderly at Mercy Hospital in 1960, Harvey L. Hall ran into a<br />
friend employed as an ambulance attendant. A conversation<br />
ensued <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> acquaintance dared Hall to go for a ride<br />
along. The experience was so exhilarating; he changed his<br />
career path <strong>and</strong> for <strong>the</strong> next ten years learned every facet of<br />
<strong>the</strong> ambulance industry.<br />
Hall yearned to establish his own service based on his<br />
expectations <strong>and</strong> vision for building <strong>the</strong> best ambulance company<br />
in America. This included how a customer should be<br />
treated; why it is important to present yourself in proper uniform;<br />
arriving at <strong>the</strong> medical aid request in an ambulance that<br />
is showroom clean; <strong>and</strong> how you can make your customer’s<br />
day better by exhibiting compassion for <strong>the</strong>ir situation.<br />
With a $15,000 bank loan, two ambulances, <strong>and</strong> his<br />
personal residence serving as headquarters, Hall Ambulance<br />
Service commenced business on February 10, 1971.<br />
As a <strong>Bakersfield</strong>-based company, Hall Ambulance has<br />
purposely limited expansion to Kern County, so that <strong>the</strong>y<br />
may fully serve those in <strong>the</strong>ir immediate community. For<br />
Hall, it comes down to a commitment that <strong>the</strong>re never be an<br />
unmet need for emergency medical transportation services<br />
in <strong>the</strong> communities served by his company.<br />
This philosophy has worked well for Hall Ambulance<br />
Service, with several communities inviting him to become<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir 911 paramedic provider, often times, when <strong>the</strong> previous<br />
company would cease operations. O<strong>the</strong>r opportunities<br />
came through acquisitions.<br />
Looking back at forty-five years of EMS milestones,<br />
you can see <strong>the</strong> progress of <strong>the</strong> company split across<br />
<strong>the</strong> decades. The 1970s brought an elevated level of care<br />
when Hall launched <strong>the</strong> first mobile intensive care paramedic<br />
program in Kern County. His first expansions took place<br />
in Arvin (1975), Lamont (1976), Frazier Park (1978), <strong>and</strong><br />
Tehachapi (1979).<br />
The 1980s saw <strong>the</strong> implementation of specially<br />
configured EMS vehicles to support ambulance<br />
operations. This included <strong>the</strong> deployment of <strong>the</strong><br />
first paramedic field supervisor units (1984), <strong>and</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> county’s first private mobile medical communications<br />
unit (1985).<br />
During <strong>the</strong> 1990s, Hall Ambulance exp<strong>and</strong>ed its<br />
footprint across Kern County, with service to <strong>the</strong> east<br />
Kern communities of Mojave, Rosamond, California<br />
City, <strong>and</strong> Boron (1994). Hall purchased Taft<br />
Ambulance (1995), followed by Shafter Ambulance<br />
(1999) when <strong>the</strong>ir respective owners retired.<br />
Perhaps <strong>the</strong> key milestone for <strong>the</strong> company<br />
occurred in <strong>the</strong> summer of 1999 when Hall<br />
Ambulance became <strong>Bakersfield</strong>’s sole 911 paramedic provider<br />
after purchasing Golden Empire Ambulance’s EOA 5 permit.<br />
As Hall entered <strong>the</strong> twenty-first century, <strong>the</strong> company<br />
focused its efforts on embracing technology to save lives,<br />
<strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> addition of air ambulance (2001) <strong>and</strong> critical care<br />
transport services (2009).<br />
In 2014, Hall Ambulance exp<strong>and</strong>ed service towards <strong>the</strong><br />
northwest portion of Kern County, with <strong>the</strong> acquisition of<br />
Kern Ambulance, serving <strong>the</strong> city of Wasco.<br />
To commemorate Hall Ambulance’s forty-fifth anniversary,<br />
artist Chuck Caplinger produced a nine by sixty-foot<br />
mural depicting highlights of <strong>the</strong> company’s history, which<br />
celebrates <strong>the</strong> accomplishments of Harvey L. Hall, widely<br />
respected as a pioneer of modern EMS in California.<br />
÷<br />
HALL AMBULANCE<br />
SERVICE, INC.<br />
Top, left: The forty-fifth anniversary paramedic ambulances feature a<br />
commemorative paint scheme that includes each of <strong>the</strong> company’s service<br />
areas featured in <strong>the</strong> checkerboard design.<br />
Above: Founder <strong>and</strong> President Harvey L. Hall, <strong>and</strong> his wife, Lavonne,<br />
celebrate forty-five years of providing exemplary paramedic ambulance<br />
service to <strong>Bakersfield</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> majority of Kern County.<br />
QUALITY OF LIFE<br />
211
LINKS FOR LIFE<br />
÷<br />
Right: Sharyn Woods, founder <strong>and</strong> volunteer CEO from 1992 til 2010.<br />
Below: Lace’n It Up for Links for Life to kick-off Breast Cancer<br />
Awareness month.<br />
What began with<br />
a golf tournament to<br />
raise funds for mammograms<br />
has grown into<br />
a solid organization,<br />
which assists thous<strong>and</strong>s<br />
of Kern County women<br />
<strong>and</strong> men with breast<br />
cancer issues each year.<br />
Links for Life was<br />
established in 1992 by<br />
a group of ten local<br />
women who wanted to<br />
create an organization<br />
catering to <strong>the</strong> specific<br />
breast health needs of<br />
women (<strong>and</strong> men) in Kern County. The driving forces<br />
behind creation of Links for Life were Sharyn Woods <strong>and</strong><br />
co-founder Carol Barraza. Sharyn served as <strong>the</strong> unpaid,<br />
volunteer CEO of <strong>the</strong> organization for eighteen years before<br />
passing away from pancreatic cancer.<br />
Links for Life provides funding for clinical breast services<br />
for any underinsured or uninsured person under <strong>the</strong> age<br />
of forty. Additional support programs include a wig<br />
boutique, breast cancer support groups, <strong>and</strong> a cancer<br />
resource library. Links for Life also provides breast cancer<br />
health education <strong>and</strong> outreach throughout Kern County.<br />
Many of <strong>the</strong>se programs target rural areas <strong>and</strong> minority<br />
populations in order to provide early detection, treatment,<br />
<strong>and</strong> general breast health information.<br />
Links for Life has provided more than 3,500 wigs, funded<br />
3,600 mammograms <strong>and</strong> 5,600 ultrasounds, <strong>and</strong> 442 needle<br />
biopsies for underinsured <strong>and</strong> uninsured women in Kern<br />
County, diagnosing thirty-seven women with breast cancer<br />
who would o<strong>the</strong>rwise had gone without treatment.<br />
When state health officials made significant cuts to<br />
breast screening services for low income women in 2009,<br />
changing <strong>the</strong> coverage for breast screening from <strong>the</strong> age<br />
of forty to fifty, Links for Life Executive Director Jennifer<br />
Henry decided to do something about it. She urged <strong>the</strong><br />
board of directors to dedicate an additional $100,000<br />
toward mammograms ultrasounds, <strong>and</strong> needle biopsies for<br />
Kern County women.<br />
Eleven months later, “The state reinstated <strong>the</strong> ‘Every<br />
Woman Counts’ program to provide diagnostic screening<br />
for women over forty,” Henry says. “That means Links for<br />
Life is able to use our funds to pay for mammograms<br />
for women under forty.” While <strong>the</strong> funding was frozen for<br />
women in <strong>the</strong>ir forties, Links for Life diagnosed eleven<br />
women with breast cancer. With <strong>the</strong> diagnosis <strong>the</strong>y were able<br />
to receive treatment.<br />
Education <strong>and</strong> awareness of breast health <strong>and</strong> early<br />
detection of breast cancer are key to improving survival rates<br />
from breast cancer. Links for Life’s education <strong>and</strong> outreach<br />
volunteers are passionate about educating <strong>the</strong> community<br />
about <strong>the</strong> importance of breast health <strong>and</strong> go throughout<br />
<strong>the</strong> community speaking <strong>and</strong> educating <strong>the</strong> public.<br />
A breast cancer support group which meets on <strong>the</strong> first<br />
Tuesday of each month averages twenty-five women who range<br />
from those newly diagnosed to twenty-plus year survivors.<br />
Links for Life is supported by contributions <strong>and</strong> revenue<br />
from <strong>the</strong> Sharyn Woods Memorial Pro-Am Golf Tournament<br />
<strong>and</strong> Gala, Lace’n It Up walks, <strong>the</strong> Paint <strong>the</strong> Town Pink fashion<br />
show, grants, <strong>and</strong> donations from many philanthropic<br />
local businesses. Links for Life is <strong>the</strong> only breast cancer<br />
organization located in Kern County, where 100 percent<br />
of funds raised stay in Kern County to assist women <strong>and</strong><br />
families facing this dreaded disease.<br />
For more information about Links for Life, check <strong>the</strong><br />
website at www.linksforlife.org.<br />
BAKERSFIELD—It’s The <strong>People</strong>, And A <strong>Whole</strong> <strong>Lot</strong> <strong>More</strong><br />
212
The Boys & Girls Club of Kern County provides academic<br />
support, enrichment, <strong>and</strong> social bonding activities through<br />
after-school programs <strong>and</strong> summer camps. The club is<br />
focused on an established youth development strategy<br />
based on five core programming areas: character <strong>and</strong><br />
leadership, education <strong>and</strong> career development, health <strong>and</strong><br />
life skills, <strong>the</strong> arts, <strong>and</strong> sports, fitness <strong>and</strong> recreation.<br />
<strong>More</strong> than 600 youth development professionals work<br />
with over 7,000 school age club members on a daily basis.<br />
Participants come from a broad socio-economic level; from<br />
children living in homelessness to affluence.<br />
The organization was initially established in 1966 by<br />
local community leaders as <strong>the</strong> Boys Club of <strong>Bakersfield</strong> to<br />
serve young men in <strong>the</strong> community. The activities were<br />
hosted in a small warehouse <strong>and</strong> served twenty-five boys<br />
with such activities as pool, ping-pong, <strong>and</strong> craft classes.<br />
As <strong>the</strong> program evolved <strong>and</strong> served more young men, <strong>the</strong><br />
activities moved several times, finally settling down in a<br />
small church in East <strong>Bakersfield</strong> in <strong>the</strong> late 1970s.<br />
Recognizing <strong>the</strong> club also served <strong>the</strong> sisters of many of <strong>the</strong><br />
young men, <strong>the</strong> name was formally changed to <strong>the</strong> Boys<br />
& Girls Club of <strong>Bakersfield</strong> in <strong>the</strong> mid-1980s.<br />
The club was initially operated with a ‘gym <strong>and</strong> swim’ for<br />
boys philosophy. In fifty years, it has transformed to be <strong>the</strong><br />
largest Boys & Girls Club in <strong>the</strong> nation with programs that<br />
enrich, educate, <strong>and</strong> sustain lives. Statistics demonstrate that<br />
‘Club Kids’ score higher than <strong>the</strong>ir peers in both<br />
reading <strong>and</strong> math, <strong>and</strong> 100 percent of <strong>the</strong> teens<br />
graduate from high school with a plan for <strong>the</strong> future.<br />
In 1995 <strong>the</strong> club secured a $1 million grant<br />
from <strong>the</strong> California Youth Authority <strong>and</strong> raised<br />
ano<strong>the</strong>r $650,000 to build a new facility to house<br />
its growing membership. A local couple—Jack<br />
<strong>and</strong> Monica Armstrong—invested thous<strong>and</strong>s of<br />
dollars of <strong>the</strong>ir own money to purchase l<strong>and</strong> for<br />
<strong>the</strong> club to ensure members had access to such amenities<br />
as computer lab, art studio, library <strong>and</strong> teen center.<br />
The Jack <strong>and</strong> Monica Armstrong Youth Center opened in<br />
1997 <strong>and</strong> continues to be <strong>the</strong> hub of <strong>the</strong> club’s operations,<br />
serving more than 200 children daily.<br />
In 2000 a partnership was established with <strong>Bakersfield</strong><br />
City School District to deliver programs on school campuses<br />
when school is not in session. The programs grew exponentially<br />
over <strong>the</strong> next years <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Lamont Boys & Girls<br />
Club was established with seed money from Kern County.<br />
The next club established was <strong>the</strong> Boys &<br />
Girls Club of Frazier Mountain. The club<br />
was <strong>the</strong>n asked to organize programs with<br />
<strong>the</strong> Delano School District <strong>and</strong>, at this point,<br />
<strong>the</strong> name was officially changed to Boys &<br />
Girls Clubs of Kern County.<br />
As of 2016 <strong>the</strong> Boys & Girls Club facilitates<br />
sixty-two after-school programs at separate<br />
locations in partnership with <strong>Bakersfield</strong><br />
City School District, Lamont School District,<br />
Arvin School District, DiGeorgio School<br />
District, Vinel<strong>and</strong>, General Shafter, Beardsley<br />
<strong>and</strong> St<strong>and</strong>ard School Districts.<br />
The main headquarters is at 801 Niles<br />
Street. The club also hosts freest<strong>and</strong>ing club<br />
houses in Southwest <strong>Bakersfield</strong> <strong>and</strong> Lamont.<br />
BOYS & GIRLS CLUB<br />
OF KERN COUNTY<br />
QUALITY OF LIFE<br />
213
÷<br />
It is not a fiesta without a mariachi b<strong>and</strong> to fill <strong>the</strong> air with <strong>the</strong> folkloric sounds of Mexico.<br />
Performers dress in traditional Charro attire <strong>and</strong> in place of a bolo tie, wear a large red bow on <strong>the</strong>ir chest.<br />
BAKERSFIELD—It’s The <strong>People</strong>, And A <strong>Whole</strong> <strong>Lot</strong> <strong>More</strong><br />
214
The Marketplace<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong>’s retail <strong>and</strong> commercial establishments offer an impressive variety of choices<br />
Kern Federal Credit Union...................................................................................216<br />
Tel-Tec Security Systems, Inc. ..............................................................................220<br />
Luigi’s Restaurant & Old World Delicatessen ..........................................................222<br />
Canteen of Coastal California, Inc. .......................................................................224<br />
Galbraith Van & Storage .....................................................................................226<br />
Young Wooldridge, LLP ........................................................................................228<br />
Greater <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Chamber of Commerce .............................................................230<br />
Kern County Black Chamber of Commerce ..............................................................231<br />
North of <strong>the</strong> River Chamber of Commerce ...............................................................232<br />
Visit <strong>Bakersfield</strong>.................................................................................................233<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> Downtown Business Association.............................................................234<br />
Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace .................................................................................235<br />
Carney’s Business Technology Center .....................................................................236<br />
Kern Schools Federal Credit Union ........................................................................237<br />
Guitar Masters ..................................................................................................238<br />
Hodel’s Country Dining .......................................................................................239<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> Condors ............................................................................................240<br />
Valley Gun, Inc. .................................................................................................241<br />
Dewar’s Soda Fountain <strong>and</strong> Fine C<strong>and</strong>ies................................................................242<br />
Emporium Western Store......................................................................................243<br />
Valley Republic Bank...........................................................................................244<br />
KGET, Telemundo <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> CW <strong>Bakersfield</strong> ..............................................................245<br />
Smith’s Bakeries .................................................................................................246<br />
Gregory Iger’s Photographic Art, Inc.<br />
dba Iger Studio .............................................................................................247<br />
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KERN FEDERAL<br />
CREDIT UNION<br />
Kern Federal Credit Union was organized in February<br />
1949 by a small group of county employees looking for a<br />
better way to save, borrow <strong>and</strong> invest <strong>the</strong>ir money.<br />
The effort to establish a credit union was led by Howard<br />
Delamore, who had recently retired as a Kern County<br />
firefighter. Two years earlier, Delamore had successfully<br />
organized <strong>the</strong> first Firefighters Union in Kern County,<br />
a forerunner of <strong>the</strong> IAFF Local 1301. He was recruited by<br />
several of his colleagues to investigate <strong>the</strong> possibility of a<br />
credit union.<br />
The first ‘vault’ for <strong>the</strong> credit union was <strong>the</strong> trunk of a<br />
Kern County Sheriff’s Department cruiser <strong>and</strong> all operations<br />
were done by volunteers on weekends around a kitchen<br />
table. Deposits were taken <strong>and</strong> loan decisions were made by<br />
county employees for county employees <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir families.<br />
Formation of KFCU provided employees of Kern County<br />
with a strong financial foundation <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> ability to borrow<br />
for such large ticket items as homes <strong>and</strong> automobiles. It also<br />
provided a safe place for <strong>the</strong>m to save for <strong>the</strong>ir future.<br />
KFCU was founded on <strong>the</strong> core principle of people<br />
helping people, following <strong>the</strong> lead of a network of grass<br />
roots financial institutions across <strong>the</strong> county, giving buying<br />
<strong>and</strong> saving power to <strong>the</strong> common individual.<br />
A credit union is similar to a bank in that it offers<br />
financial services <strong>and</strong> savings that are federally insured.<br />
However, <strong>the</strong>re are a few key differences: credit unions<br />
are owned by <strong>the</strong>ir members, like a co-operative, while<br />
bank customers do not own any shares in <strong>the</strong> financial<br />
institution. Credit unions are run by a volunteer board of<br />
directors. Credit unions also are not-for-profit, which<br />
means KFCU works to put profits back in <strong>the</strong> pockets<br />
of its members—in <strong>the</strong> form of low rates on loans <strong>and</strong><br />
special discounts.<br />
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In February 1980, KFCU moved into a building at<br />
1717 Truxtun Avenue, <strong>the</strong> current home of <strong>the</strong> credit<br />
union’s downtown branch <strong>and</strong> administrative operations.<br />
KFCU’s first <strong>and</strong>—so far—only female CEO, DeAnn Straub,<br />
began as a teller in 1972 <strong>and</strong> was one of only thirteen<br />
employees at <strong>the</strong> time. She took over as CEO in 1994<br />
after <strong>the</strong>n CEO Fred Doering’s battle with cancer forced<br />
him to leave <strong>the</strong> credit union. Straub retired in July 2015<br />
after forty-three years of continuous service.<br />
KFCU offers a wide array of checking <strong>and</strong> savings<br />
options for its members, including basic, plus, <strong>and</strong> fresh<br />
start checking, savings accounts, money market accounts,<br />
share certificates <strong>and</strong> IRA accounts. Loans are available for<br />
homes <strong>and</strong> autos, along with lines of credit, MasterCard<br />
credit cards, home equity loans, <strong>and</strong> home equity lines<br />
of credit.<br />
Kern Federal now has $232 million in assets. It has<br />
20,000 members <strong>and</strong> employs sixty-five people. In addition<br />
to <strong>the</strong> main location on Truxtun Avenue, <strong>the</strong>re is a<br />
Riverlakes branch at 4180 Coffee Road.<br />
KFCU is governed by a board of directors composed of<br />
a volunteer group of members elected by <strong>the</strong> membership<br />
to determine basic policies <strong>and</strong> plan for <strong>the</strong> credit union’s<br />
future direction. The current board is comprised of Chairman<br />
Steve Long; Vice Chairman Margo Raison; Treasurer John<br />
Devlin; Secretary Jackie Denney; <strong>and</strong> Directors Guy Greenlee,<br />
Glenn Basconcillo, <strong>and</strong> Debbie Stevenson.<br />
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217
A supervisory committee—also a volunteer group—is<br />
responsible for ensuring that government regulations <strong>and</strong><br />
Board polices, as well as good business <strong>and</strong> accounting<br />
practices, are followed by <strong>the</strong> credit union. Lito Morillo is<br />
chairman of <strong>the</strong> supervisory committee <strong>and</strong> Bret Black <strong>and</strong><br />
Ginny Krebs are members of <strong>the</strong> committee.<br />
The CEO of Kern Federal is Br<strong>and</strong>on Ivie, who assumed<br />
<strong>the</strong> position in 2015. Ivie is a graduate of <strong>the</strong> University of<br />
Oregon <strong>and</strong> has worked in credit unions for twenty-five<br />
years, starting as a part-time teller while in college. “I never<br />
believed I would stay in credit unions once I graduated from<br />
college, but I was offered a position in <strong>the</strong> accounting<br />
department while still in school <strong>and</strong> since I was a starving<br />
college student <strong>and</strong> it was more money, I jumped at it,”<br />
he recalls. “I soon realized that I loved <strong>the</strong> family atmosphere<br />
of credit unions <strong>and</strong> had found my calling.”<br />
Ivie worked for three of <strong>the</strong> largest credit unions in<br />
Eugene, Oregon, <strong>and</strong> later in Sacramento as he moved up<br />
in his career. He joined Kern Federal in 2013 as CFO.<br />
Ivie <strong>and</strong> his wife, Mercedes, have two children, Mercedes<br />
(named for her mom) <strong>and</strong> Daniel.<br />
Kern Federal Credit Union takes pride in its commitment<br />
to Kern County. With strong alliances with <strong>the</strong> Kern County<br />
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, <strong>the</strong> North of River<br />
Chamber of Commerce, <strong>the</strong> Greater <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Chamber of<br />
Commerce, <strong>the</strong> Kern County Black Chamber of Commerce<br />
<strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Downtown Business Association, KFCU is prepared<br />
to support business owners in <strong>the</strong> area <strong>and</strong> improve <strong>the</strong><br />
financial wellbeing of <strong>the</strong> consumers who make <strong>the</strong> local<br />
economy run.<br />
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KFCU is also dedicated to financial literacy <strong>and</strong> devotes<br />
countless hours each year to teaching high school students<br />
<strong>and</strong> young parents <strong>the</strong> ins-<strong>and</strong>-outs of household finance.<br />
The credit union has donated hundreds of thous<strong>and</strong>s of<br />
dollars to local charitable institutions whose missions are<br />
to improve <strong>the</strong> welfare of Kern County residents. The credit<br />
union is a strong supporter of CASA, <strong>the</strong> Kern County<br />
Museum, Dress for Success, Cal State University<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong>, Community Action Partnership of Kern County,<br />
<strong>the</strong> Dolores Huerta Foundation, CARE, Relay for Life <strong>and</strong><br />
dozens of o<strong>the</strong>rs. The mission is to improve <strong>the</strong> county<br />
<strong>and</strong> to support charities <strong>and</strong> organizations that do <strong>the</strong><br />
most good.<br />
KFCU is passionate about serving Kern County <strong>and</strong> all its<br />
residents <strong>and</strong> feels it is imperative that its membership reflect<br />
<strong>the</strong> county’s diverse <strong>and</strong> growing population. Kern Federal<br />
will not let language, socio-economic status or city of residence<br />
be a barrier between potential members <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
ability to receive low cost financial services, education, <strong>and</strong><br />
counseling. Through community outreach, financial education,<br />
a strong online presence, <strong>and</strong> a diverse <strong>and</strong> welcoming staff,<br />
KFCU pledges to be a financial haven for every resident of<br />
Kern County. Kern Federal Credit Union is truly here to serve.<br />
To learn more about <strong>the</strong> Kern Federal Credit Union <strong>and</strong><br />
details of <strong>the</strong> many programs it offers, check <strong>the</strong> website at<br />
www.kernfcu.org.<br />
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TEL-TEC SECURITY<br />
SYSTEMS, INC.<br />
÷<br />
Above: Tel-Tec Security Systems' executive team (left to right): Vice President<br />
of Technology, Owen Freeman; Vice President of Operations <strong>and</strong> Finance,<br />
Patrick Bergin; President Morgan Clayton; <strong>and</strong> Director of Operations,<br />
Brian Humes.<br />
Below: Morgan Clayton in <strong>the</strong> beginning years.<br />
A passion for design <strong>and</strong> determination to do more was<br />
<strong>the</strong> driving force behind <strong>the</strong> vision for Tel-Tec Security<br />
Systems, Inc., a <strong>Bakersfield</strong> security firm specializing in<br />
custom security designs <strong>and</strong> integrating systems.<br />
Tel-Tec Security Systems, Inc., was founded in 1982 by<br />
Morgan E. Clayton, who possessed <strong>the</strong> energy <strong>and</strong> dedication<br />
to make his vision a reality. Several key individuals joined<br />
in Clayton’s journey, including Virgil Correl, Steve Park,<br />
Bruce Clayton, Pat Bergin, Chris Taylor <strong>and</strong> Owen Freeman.<br />
“An action plan with a mission <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> right people was<br />
a requirement for survival during <strong>the</strong> inception of <strong>the</strong><br />
business,” Clayton explains. “Failure was not an option <strong>and</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> key words were ‘follow through’. The development of <strong>the</strong><br />
br<strong>and</strong> was essential <strong>and</strong> it was imperative a good impression<br />
was left with each customer. Customer development was<br />
accomplished by referrals, which had to be earned. I’ve<br />
always believed that people do business with people <strong>the</strong>y<br />
know, <strong>the</strong>y like <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>y trust.”<br />
Today, Tel-Tec is an independent security firm, which<br />
provides security solutions for thous<strong>and</strong>s of clients. Tel-Tec<br />
designs, installs, services <strong>and</strong> maintains enterprise level<br />
security <strong>and</strong> life safety solutions. All products sold in relation<br />
to fire, burglary, access control <strong>and</strong> cameras are installed with<br />
<strong>the</strong> discretion of certified <strong>and</strong> experienced designers.<br />
“Our goal is providing quality security, service <strong>and</strong> peace<br />
of mind,” Clayton says. “We are a full service company <strong>and</strong><br />
we monitor <strong>the</strong> products we install through our 24/7 UL<br />
listed monitoring center. With more than thirty-four years in<br />
<strong>the</strong> security business, we have <strong>the</strong> competency <strong>and</strong> proven<br />
past performance to manage various security projects.<br />
“Our streamlined organization provides efficiency through<br />
clean, simple <strong>and</strong> effective processes <strong>and</strong> communication,”<br />
Clayton continues. “We have flexibility <strong>and</strong> adjust quickly<br />
<strong>and</strong> dynamically to unanticipated requirements. We are a<br />
local business with capabilities <strong>and</strong> experience that rivals <strong>the</strong><br />
performance of much larger firms.”<br />
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Tel-Tec has never been a job for Clayton; it is a lifestyle.<br />
Putting his vision into action was never something that could<br />
be evaluated by calculating <strong>the</strong> number of hours he invested.<br />
Clayton showed up daily to live <strong>and</strong> share his passion with<br />
o<strong>the</strong>rs. He believes “<strong>the</strong>re is no such thing as retirement when<br />
you are passionate <strong>and</strong> love what you do each day.”<br />
The success of his security business has allowed Clayton<br />
to have greater involvement in <strong>the</strong> community <strong>and</strong> he serves<br />
on a number of local boards <strong>and</strong> sponsors events to aide local<br />
nonprofits that serve youth <strong>and</strong> families.<br />
In 1998, Clayton attended <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Business<br />
Conference, an annual conference where nationally known<br />
speakers discuss <strong>the</strong> business <strong>and</strong> political issues that<br />
affect our world. After hearing General Colin L. Powell speak<br />
on <strong>the</strong> story of America’s promise, Clayton developed<br />
<strong>the</strong> visionary idea of founding a local youth conference<br />
planned by young people for youth to give <strong>the</strong>m a<br />
voice <strong>and</strong> provide a forum in which to discuss issues<br />
that impact teens. Planning for <strong>the</strong> Leaders in Life Youth<br />
Conference began in 1999 with about fifty students<br />
<strong>and</strong> adults. In 2000 <strong>the</strong> first conference was held with<br />
approximately 500 students. The sixteenth annual Leaders<br />
in Life Youth Conference was held in 2015, with more than<br />
2,000 students attending.<br />
Conference participants are educated about issues that are<br />
important to <strong>the</strong>m so <strong>the</strong>y can make healthy <strong>and</strong> informed<br />
decisions regarding drug <strong>and</strong> alcohol use, future career<br />
exploration, <strong>and</strong> youth advocacy. The students are motivated<br />
to help o<strong>the</strong>rs make positive decisions.<br />
Looking to <strong>the</strong> future, Tel-Tec Security Systems will<br />
continue to reinvest in <strong>the</strong> community while building upon<br />
its vision to exp<strong>and</strong> with <strong>the</strong> dem<strong>and</strong>s of <strong>the</strong> industry. Its<br />
creative <strong>and</strong> talented team of security experts who are<br />
dedicated to <strong>the</strong> mission of providing peace of mind will<br />
continue to propel <strong>the</strong> vision of a quality product backed by<br />
quality service.<br />
÷<br />
Above: President of Tel-Tec Security Systems, Inc., Morgan Clayton.<br />
Below: Morgan Clayton with his family.<br />
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LUIGI’S RESTAURANT &<br />
OLD WORLD DELICATESSEN<br />
Luigi’s <strong>and</strong> Lemucchi Grocery has been at its present<br />
location since 1910 <strong>and</strong> is one of <strong>Bakersfield</strong>’s oldest<br />
continuously family-operated businesses. Joe Lemucchi, <strong>the</strong><br />
founder of <strong>the</strong> business, came to California from Lucca,<br />
Italy, <strong>and</strong> started his original café on Summer Street in<br />
1905. Joe’s nickname was ‘Biondo’ or Curley, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
business was first named Curley’s Café.<br />
Joe married Emelia Deguili, also an Italian immigrant,<br />
<strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> couple moved in 1910 to <strong>the</strong> present location of<br />
<strong>the</strong> business at 725 East Nineteenth Street. The original<br />
store had family quarters in <strong>the</strong> rear where <strong>the</strong> couple’s four<br />
children; Louis, Lena, Harry <strong>and</strong> Helen were born.<br />
The early business featured a grocery, café, bakery, <strong>and</strong><br />
gasoline station. Nineteenth Street was <strong>the</strong> main thoroughfare<br />
between <strong>Bakersfield</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>n town of Sumner. The<br />
streetcar line from <strong>Bakersfield</strong> extended east on Nineteenth<br />
Street <strong>and</strong> terminated at <strong>the</strong> Sou<strong>the</strong>rn Pacific Depot on<br />
Baker Street. East Nineteenth Street also ended at <strong>the</strong><br />
Lemucchi Store, merging into Edison Highway, which<br />
became <strong>the</strong> main highway exiting <strong>and</strong> entering <strong>Bakersfield</strong><br />
on <strong>the</strong> east side. Joe catered to <strong>the</strong> many Italian immigrant<br />
families who came to Kern County in <strong>the</strong> early 1900s.<br />
Some lived in <strong>the</strong> immediate neighborhood while many<br />
were engaged in farming <strong>and</strong> drove in for <strong>the</strong>ir groceries.<br />
The grocery store featured domestic <strong>and</strong> imported goods.<br />
At <strong>the</strong> rear of his store, Joe constructed several small<br />
cottages or apartments, which were rented by bachelor<br />
Italian immigrants. Late afternoon <strong>and</strong> weekends would<br />
find groups of immigrants out back of <strong>the</strong> store under<br />
<strong>the</strong> grape arbor discussing <strong>the</strong> latest news <strong>and</strong> world events<br />
in Italian.<br />
The café <strong>and</strong> grocery store were always lively places<br />
with visiting <strong>and</strong> shopping being conducted in several<br />
languages. The now famous Luigi s<strong>and</strong>wich originated in<br />
<strong>the</strong> café where Joe <strong>and</strong> Emelia always had fresh stew, pasta,<br />
<strong>and</strong> minestrone for hungry customers. Small, but intimate<br />
in <strong>the</strong> back corner of <strong>the</strong> grocery, <strong>the</strong> café was always a<br />
popular ga<strong>the</strong>ring spot.<br />
After Joe’s death, Emelia <strong>and</strong> her son, Louis (Luigi) continued<br />
<strong>the</strong> business. The bar was added next to <strong>the</strong> old store<br />
<strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> restaurant exp<strong>and</strong>ed into a building to <strong>the</strong> east.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> 1920s <strong>and</strong> 1930s, <strong>the</strong> concrete <strong>and</strong> steel structure now<br />
housing <strong>the</strong> restaurant was rented by Shell Oil Company<br />
<strong>and</strong> at one time was <strong>the</strong>ir Kern County headquarters.<br />
The newly exp<strong>and</strong>ed bar <strong>and</strong> restaurant were name<br />
‘Luigi’s. Luigi was an incessant collector of photos <strong>and</strong><br />
sports memorabilia <strong>and</strong> he covered <strong>the</strong> walls of his business<br />
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with photos of local athletes spanning more than eight<br />
decades. The photos displayed on <strong>the</strong> walls constitute<br />
only a small portion of Luigi’s pictorial collection. The<br />
pictures in Luigi’s are a constant attraction to multiple<br />
generations of Kern County patrons who return frequently<br />
to view favored photos with a friend, relative or member of<br />
a new generation.<br />
Since <strong>the</strong> death of Luigi in 1989, Luigi’s has been operated<br />
by a new generation of <strong>the</strong> Lemucchi family: Tonia<br />
Valpredo; Monte Valpredo; daughters, Monica <strong>and</strong> Lanette;<br />
<strong>and</strong> son, Gino are <strong>the</strong> third <strong>and</strong> fourth generations of <strong>the</strong><br />
family to operate <strong>the</strong> popular East <strong>Bakersfield</strong> establishment.<br />
“We’ve tried to continue <strong>the</strong> atmosphere <strong>and</strong> delicious<br />
food that have made Luigi’s so popular over <strong>the</strong> years,” says<br />
Gino. “We’ve tried to update <strong>the</strong> facilities but keep <strong>the</strong><br />
traditional feel of <strong>the</strong> family restaurant.”<br />
A walk-in wine cellar was added in 2001, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Wine Shop at Luigi’s has become a popular destination for<br />
knowledgeable wine enthusiasts. Lanette Valpredo Caratan,<br />
a certified sommelier, runs <strong>the</strong> Wine Shop <strong>and</strong> is always<br />
available to help customers select just <strong>the</strong> right wine to pair<br />
with various menus. Lanette’s passion is old-world Italian<br />
wines, but she is also an expert on <strong>the</strong> many fine California<br />
wines produced in <strong>the</strong> region. Wine dinners <strong>and</strong> weekend<br />
wine tastings are a popular feature of <strong>the</strong> Wine Shop.<br />
Ano<strong>the</strong>r popular section of Luigi’s is an au<strong>the</strong>ntic,<br />
old-world delicatessen reminiscent of <strong>the</strong> store operated<br />
by Joe a century ago. The deli features genuine Italian<br />
prosciutto <strong>and</strong> salami, along with<br />
dozens of o<strong>the</strong>r selections <strong>and</strong> seventyfive<br />
different types of cheese. “All <strong>the</strong><br />
food is fresh <strong>and</strong> never pre-packaged,”<br />
Gino explains. “We try to emulate <strong>the</strong><br />
great delicatessens you would find in<br />
San Francisco or New York.”<br />
Luigi’s is open for lunch Tuesday<br />
through Saturday, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Deli <strong>and</strong><br />
Wine Shop are open <strong>the</strong> same days<br />
from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. In <strong>the</strong><br />
evening <strong>the</strong> restaurant is available for<br />
special events or private parties, with<br />
delicious food <strong>and</strong> drink catered by<br />
Luigi’s chef <strong>and</strong> staff. Off-premises<br />
catering is also available.<br />
Luigi’s currently employs forty-five<br />
people including five descendants of<br />
Joe <strong>and</strong> Emelia. Several members of<br />
<strong>the</strong> staff have been with <strong>the</strong> restaurant<br />
for twenty-five years or longer.<br />
Gino <strong>and</strong> o<strong>the</strong>rs members of <strong>the</strong><br />
family feel an obligation to continue <strong>the</strong><br />
tradition established by <strong>the</strong>ir ancestors<br />
110 years ago. “We preach consistency<br />
in <strong>the</strong> kitchen <strong>and</strong> we are all focused<br />
on customer service,” comments Gino.<br />
“We take pride in keeping Luigi’s among<br />
<strong>the</strong> most popular restaurants, delis <strong>and</strong><br />
wine stores in <strong>Bakersfield</strong>.”<br />
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CANTEEN OF COASTAL<br />
CALIFORNIA, INC.<br />
Canteen of Coastal California, Inc., a full-line vending<br />
service company, is a family operated business with an<br />
emphasis on excellent customer service.<br />
The company was founded by<br />
Gerald A. ‘Scotty’ Scott, a native<br />
of Nebraska. He served on a mine<br />
sweeper in <strong>the</strong> North Atlantic<br />
during World War II. After <strong>the</strong><br />
war, he met <strong>and</strong> married Dorothy<br />
Blizzard in Maryl<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>y<br />
moved to California.<br />
In 1951, Scotty began working<br />
for a vending machine company<br />
called Canteen <strong>and</strong> this<br />
job led to his life-long career.<br />
Although he was not highly educated, he was able to work<br />
his way through <strong>the</strong> ranks of Canteen Corporation through<br />
his work habits, attitude, honesty, <strong>and</strong> integrity, eventually<br />
becoming <strong>the</strong> general manager of <strong>the</strong> Bay Area operation<br />
in nor<strong>the</strong>rn California.<br />
In 1972, Scotty bought a small vending franchise, moved<br />
his family to Oxnard <strong>and</strong> named his fledgling business<br />
Canteen of Coastal California, Inc. The operation began in<br />
one-half of a two-car garage with only thirteen accounts,<br />
but Scotty enlisted his family’s support <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> business<br />
began to grow <strong>and</strong> moved to a warehouse in Ventura.<br />
As a full-service vending service company, Canteen of<br />
Coastal California, Inc., can meet all its customer’s requirements<br />
including soft drink vending machines, vending machines for<br />
coffee, c<strong>and</strong>y <strong>and</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r snacks, as well as vending machines<br />
with healthy food <strong>and</strong> beverage alternatives. Micro Markets are<br />
<strong>the</strong> newest innovation in refreshment services <strong>and</strong> provide a<br />
convenience store environment right in your place of business.<br />
Canteen of Coastal California, Inc., with more than 1,300<br />
accounts, 4,700 vending machines <strong>and</strong> nearly 100 Micro<br />
Markets, has grown to become <strong>the</strong> largest vending operation in<br />
Kern, Ventura, Santa Barbara, <strong>and</strong> San Luis Obispo Counties.<br />
The success of <strong>the</strong> canteen company has allowed <strong>the</strong><br />
Scott family to become very active in local philanthropies<br />
<strong>and</strong> civic organizations. Long before <strong>the</strong>re was a campus—<br />
or even a name—for Ventura County’s four-year public university,<br />
<strong>the</strong> Scott family was championing it. Early supporters<br />
of <strong>the</strong> university since <strong>the</strong> 1970s, Scotty <strong>and</strong> Dotty passed<br />
that zeal on to <strong>the</strong>ir children; Jerry, Mark, <strong>and</strong> Andrea.<br />
Today, <strong>the</strong> family is a major sponsor of scholarships, events<br />
<strong>and</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r gifts, providing assistance personally <strong>and</strong> through<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir business. “Cal State Channel Isl<strong>and</strong>s is an asset to <strong>the</strong><br />
community,” says Dotty. “When you support <strong>the</strong> university,<br />
you’re supporting <strong>the</strong> entire community.”<br />
“As business owners, we have a stake in creating a<br />
healthy community <strong>and</strong> business environment in Ventura<br />
County,” adds Vice President <strong>and</strong> General Manager Jerry<br />
Scott. “By investing in CI, we can be part of <strong>the</strong> effort to<br />
create a more highly skilled, educated workforce <strong>and</strong> to<br />
attract <strong>and</strong> retain businesses to our region.”<br />
The Scotts <strong>and</strong> Canteen of Coastal California, Inc. are<br />
keen contributors to CI, providing everything from scholarships<br />
<strong>and</strong> sponsorship funds to water, sodas <strong>and</strong> snacks for<br />
campus relays <strong>and</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r events. They also recently became<br />
<strong>the</strong> lead donors for <strong>the</strong> Founder’s Court, CI’s newest<br />
fundraising initiative to launch an intercollegiate athletics<br />
program. Avid golf <strong>and</strong> sports enthusiasts, <strong>the</strong> family looks<br />
forward to contributing to ano<strong>the</strong>r significant step in<br />
CI’s advancement.<br />
“An athletic program is something that will really promote<br />
health <strong>and</strong> wellness <strong>and</strong> build on CI’s culture of camaraderie<br />
<strong>and</strong> community partnership,” Jerry says. “We love<br />
seeing how beautifully <strong>the</strong> campus has transformed <strong>and</strong><br />
knowing that something tangible is happening as a result of<br />
our involvement.”<br />
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Along with <strong>the</strong>ir three children, Scotty <strong>and</strong> Dotty established<br />
<strong>the</strong> Scott Family Endowed Scholarship, which<br />
sponsors students in <strong>the</strong>ir studies at CI.<br />
The Scott family supports causes ranging from children’s<br />
charities <strong>and</strong> food banks to cancer research, cultural institutions<br />
<strong>and</strong> education. The Scotts want to make educational<br />
opportunities available to deserving students in <strong>the</strong> community.<br />
Among <strong>the</strong> organizations supported by <strong>the</strong> Scotts are<br />
AAKP, American Cancer Society, Big Bro<strong>the</strong>rs & Big Sisters,<br />
Boys & Girls Clubs, Channel Isl<strong>and</strong>s, Camarillo Healthcare<br />
District, Camarillo Family YMCA, Carnegie Art Museum,<br />
Casa Pacifica, Cato Institute, Dave & Bob’s Foster Children’s<br />
Fund, Dogs for <strong>the</strong> Deaf, Easter Seals, Food Share,<br />
Foundation for Retarded Citizens, Hospice, Intercollegiate<br />
Studies Institute, Interface Family Services, Katrina Relief<br />
Fund, KCET-TV, La Rena High School, Meals on Wheels,<br />
Military World Games, Moorpark College Baseball Team,<br />
Mount Vernon <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Rotary Club of Camarillo.<br />
Jerry is a committed member of <strong>the</strong> Camarillo Rotary<br />
Club <strong>and</strong> served as its president. The Scott family<br />
established <strong>the</strong> Rotary Vocational Scholarship in Scotty’s<br />
honor to help o<strong>the</strong>rs who share <strong>the</strong> same desire to prove<br />
that through perseverance, hard work <strong>and</strong> dedication,<br />
<strong>the</strong>y also can become successful.<br />
Scotty passed away in 2006 after a long illness but <strong>the</strong><br />
business is still family-owned <strong>and</strong> operated. His wife, Dotty,<br />
is still involved in daily operations, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir sons Jerry<br />
<strong>and</strong> Mark, daughter, Andrea, <strong>and</strong> daughter-in-law, Loretta<br />
are all involved in <strong>the</strong> business. Their gr<strong>and</strong>mo<strong>the</strong>r, Nellie<br />
Blizzard, worked in <strong>the</strong> office until she was ninety-seven.<br />
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225
GALBRAITH<br />
VAN & STORAGE<br />
÷<br />
Right: A vintage horse-drawn wagon used by Bekins Moving <strong>and</strong><br />
Storage Company.<br />
Below: The original building of Galbraith Van & Storage.<br />
Galbraith Van & Storage was founded in 1912, <strong>the</strong> same<br />
year New Mexico <strong>and</strong> Arizona were admitted to <strong>the</strong> Union,<br />
<strong>the</strong> first streetcars took to <strong>the</strong> streets of San Francisco,<br />
<strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Titanic set sail on its maiden—<strong>and</strong> final—voyage.<br />
Galbraith Van & Storage has been family owned <strong>and</strong> operated<br />
for over 100 years <strong>and</strong> is now in its fourth generation.<br />
Things were far different in 1912 when George H.<br />
Galbraith started his moving company with horses <strong>and</strong><br />
wagons <strong>and</strong> two ‘auto trucks’. “George used to move<br />
commodities to <strong>the</strong> railroads with a team of horses <strong>and</strong><br />
wagons when everything began,” explains <strong>the</strong> company’s<br />
current owner, Ben Geissel.<br />
Much of <strong>the</strong> company’s early business involved transporting<br />
agricultural products but Galbraith was soon ready to<br />
branch out into o<strong>the</strong>r areas <strong>and</strong> decided to get into moving<br />
<strong>and</strong> storage. Galbraith became <strong>the</strong> first company to sign on<br />
as agents for Bekins Van Lines, which became <strong>the</strong> industry<br />
leader for several decades.<br />
George managed <strong>the</strong> business for some time before passing<br />
it on to his son, Jack, following World War II. Jack had<br />
been a prisoner of <strong>the</strong> Japanese during <strong>the</strong> war <strong>and</strong> somehow<br />
managed to survive <strong>the</strong> infamous Bataan Death March.<br />
During <strong>the</strong> time Jack was running <strong>the</strong> company, <strong>the</strong> first<br />
Geissel family member entered <strong>the</strong> picture—Ken Geissel,<br />
who was married to Jack’s niece, Sue. Ken was working<br />
as a draftsman for St<strong>and</strong>ard Oil when he decided to take<br />
some time off to investigate <strong>the</strong> opportunities in <strong>the</strong> moving<br />
<strong>and</strong> storage business. Ken liked what he saw <strong>and</strong> never<br />
returned to St<strong>and</strong>ard Oil. Ken eventually became a partner<br />
in <strong>the</strong> company. Sue also joined <strong>the</strong> company, serving as<br />
bookkeeper for many years.<br />
“She was <strong>the</strong> bookkeeper, but basically did anything that<br />
needed to be done,” Ben recalls. “The same thing went for<br />
my dad. He was president <strong>and</strong> head of operations, but he<br />
was also <strong>the</strong> truck maintenance guy when <strong>the</strong>y needed it,<br />
<strong>the</strong> broom pusher, you name it. At one point, <strong>the</strong>y were <strong>the</strong><br />
two people holding <strong>the</strong> business toge<strong>the</strong>r.”<br />
Over time, Ken <strong>and</strong> Sue managed to build a strong staff<br />
of dedicated employees <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> company developed a<br />
family-like atmosphere that continues today. Debbie<br />
Fullerton has been with <strong>the</strong> company more than thirty<br />
years. An integral part of <strong>the</strong> company, Ben has seen a lot of<br />
changes over <strong>the</strong> years.<br />
“When I started, <strong>the</strong>re were only two warehouses <strong>and</strong><br />
now we have three,” Ben remembers. “One of <strong>the</strong> traditions<br />
that will always hold true for Galbraith Van & Storage is<br />
that everyone is treated like family. If anyone is struggling,<br />
we try to get everyone to chip in <strong>and</strong> help out. Holidays<br />
<strong>and</strong> birthdays are always celebrated; we know each o<strong>the</strong>r’s<br />
children <strong>and</strong> have watched <strong>the</strong>m grow up toge<strong>the</strong>r. We are<br />
definitely more like family than co-workers,” Ben remarks.<br />
Galbraith Van & Storage was <strong>the</strong> agent for Bekins Van<br />
Lines nearly seventy-two years, but became North American<br />
Van Lines agents twenty years ago in 1995.<br />
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Galbraith Van & Storage is a professional, full service<br />
moving company, offering relocations from any point in<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong>, Kern County, <strong>the</strong> U.S., or anywhere in <strong>the</strong><br />
world. Over <strong>the</strong> years, Galbraith has helped thous<strong>and</strong>s of<br />
families <strong>and</strong> businesses move to a new home or relocate to<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong>. The firm was one of <strong>the</strong> major movers for State<br />
Farm Insurance when <strong>the</strong> company opened a regional office<br />
in <strong>Bakersfield</strong>. Galbraith was <strong>the</strong> firm entrusted with moving<br />
<strong>the</strong> Kern County Hall of Records, <strong>and</strong> Galbraith moved <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> National Cemetery administrative offices on <strong>the</strong><br />
day of its dedication by <strong>the</strong> Secretary of <strong>the</strong> Interior in 2011.<br />
Galbraith also stores sensitive documents for doctors,<br />
lawyers or anyone who needs reliable, safe keeping of<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir records.<br />
Galbraith Van & Storage has Pro Mover status with <strong>the</strong><br />
American Moving <strong>and</strong> Storage Association (AMSA) <strong>and</strong> is an<br />
accredited business with <strong>the</strong> BBB, enjoying an A+ rating.<br />
Galbraith is deeply involved in <strong>the</strong> community <strong>and</strong> takes<br />
its responsibilities very seriously. The company has<br />
partnered with United Way of Kern County <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> Condors for fifteen years to collect <strong>and</strong> transport<br />
<strong>the</strong> stuffed animals that are donated at <strong>the</strong> annual<br />
‘Teddy Bear Toss’. The company also partners with Habitat<br />
for Humanity to move Habitat families into <strong>the</strong>ir new homes<br />
<strong>and</strong> hauled truckloads of Ikea goods from <strong>the</strong> distribution<br />
center to Habitat’s Restore facility.<br />
Galbraith has also partnered with Guarantee Shoe Center<br />
for twenty years, helping with <strong>the</strong> annual shoe drive that<br />
helps <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Homeless Center. For twenty years,<br />
<strong>the</strong> firm has donated cartons <strong>and</strong> material annually to <strong>the</strong><br />
American Legion for <strong>the</strong>ir holiday food baskets <strong>and</strong> has<br />
delivered 26,000 pounds of clothing <strong>and</strong> supplies donated<br />
by <strong>the</strong> city of <strong>Bakersfield</strong> for <strong>the</strong> victims of hurricane<br />
Katrina in Louisiana. Galbraith has also moved veterans of<br />
Kern County gratis in partnership with <strong>the</strong> Wounded<br />
Heroes of Kern County.<br />
Sue was chairman of <strong>the</strong> board of <strong>the</strong> California Moving<br />
<strong>and</strong> Storage Association (CMSA) in 1996. Ken <strong>and</strong> Ben<br />
both served on <strong>the</strong> board of directors of <strong>the</strong> CMSA for<br />
many years <strong>and</strong> through this association <strong>the</strong> company has<br />
supported <strong>the</strong> Special Olympics of Sou<strong>the</strong>rn California.<br />
After more than a century of business, <strong>the</strong> success<br />
of Galbraith Van & Storage is clearly explained in <strong>the</strong><br />
company’s motto: “<strong>People</strong> Make <strong>the</strong> Difference.”<br />
÷<br />
Left: A Large Galbraith Van & Storage moving truck parked outside of a<br />
home in a residential neighborhood.<br />
Bottom, left: A side view of a Galbraith Van & Storage small moving van.<br />
Below: Ken <strong>and</strong> Sue Geissel.<br />
THE MARKETPLACE<br />
227
YOUNG WOOLDRIDGE, LLP<br />
÷<br />
Clockwise, starting from <strong>the</strong> top left:<br />
Co-founder John Young in <strong>the</strong> late 1950s. Young, with a farming background,<br />
represented a number of local agricultural clients <strong>and</strong> played a key role in<br />
establishing <strong>the</strong> firm’s water department that now represents over twenty-five<br />
water districts <strong>and</strong> public agencies throughout California.<br />
Co-founder Joe Wooldridge working in his office in <strong>the</strong> late 1950s.<br />
Wooldridge’s practice focused on representing Kern County businesses.<br />
Young Wooldridge, LLP has been located on <strong>the</strong> fourth floor at<br />
1800 Thirtieth Street since 1993. The firm has been practicing law in<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong>, California, since 1939.<br />
Left to right, Business Attorneys Chris W. Hamilton, Jerry W. Pearson,<br />
Jefferson X. Eberhardt, Robert J. Noriega <strong>and</strong> Michael A. Kaia in 2016.<br />
The business department h<strong>and</strong>les a wide range of legal matters on behalf of<br />
Kern County businesses including formation, transactions, litigation,<br />
employment <strong>and</strong> labor law, taxation <strong>and</strong> more.<br />
In 1939, newcomer Joseph Wooldridge had just passed <strong>the</strong><br />
California State Bar examination <strong>and</strong> was working downtown<br />
in <strong>the</strong> Haberfelde Building as an insurance adjuster. When<br />
Wooldridge arrived, <strong>Bakersfield</strong> was a typical small town, rich<br />
in family values <strong>and</strong> community pride. Agriculture <strong>and</strong> oil<br />
created many jobs <strong>and</strong> offered a solid economic foundation<br />
for <strong>the</strong> city <strong>and</strong> Kern County.<br />
Kern County native John Young, an attorney, had an office<br />
down <strong>the</strong> hall from Wooldridge <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> two met while<br />
pursuing a claim for an injured client. The two men quickly<br />
discovered <strong>the</strong>y shared one powerful idea about <strong>the</strong> practice<br />
of law—that it should be, first <strong>and</strong> foremost, a public service.<br />
When <strong>the</strong> case was settled, Young <strong>and</strong> Wooldridge became<br />
partners <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir vision of <strong>the</strong> legal profession <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
friendship became <strong>the</strong> foundation for one of Kern County’s<br />
oldest <strong>and</strong> largest legal institutions.<br />
Young, born <strong>and</strong> raised on a farm just south of <strong>Bakersfield</strong>,<br />
developed a circle of agricultural clients while Wooldridge<br />
represented businesses in Kern County. Their efforts reflected<br />
a deep underst<strong>and</strong>ing of <strong>the</strong> county’s economic base in<br />
agriculture <strong>and</strong> oil <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> legal needs of its residents.<br />
For more than seventy-five years, Young Wooldridge has<br />
represented business <strong>and</strong> corporate clients, public agencies,<br />
families, <strong>and</strong> individuals in a broad range of legal matters.<br />
The firm’s services include water, special districts <strong>and</strong><br />
public agency law, business transactions, business <strong>and</strong><br />
civil litigation, employment <strong>and</strong> labor law, oil <strong>and</strong> gas law,<br />
real estate law, complex tax matters, estate planning <strong>and</strong><br />
probate, personal injury <strong>and</strong> wrongful death.<br />
As <strong>the</strong> firm began to exp<strong>and</strong> following World War II,<br />
several additional attorneys joined <strong>the</strong> firm. A. Cam Paulden,<br />
known as ‘Cam’ joined <strong>the</strong> firm in <strong>the</strong> mid-1950s <strong>and</strong><br />
became a partner by 1959. Robert Self joined in 1961 <strong>and</strong><br />
became partner within a year, <strong>and</strong> G. Neil Farr joined <strong>the</strong><br />
firm in 1970 <strong>and</strong> became partner in 1971.<br />
Paulden, Self, <strong>and</strong> Farr added balance, additional expertise,<br />
<strong>and</strong> even more energy to an already motivated <strong>and</strong><br />
growing organization. The firm’s practice continued to be<br />
based on <strong>the</strong> belief that clients deserve service above <strong>and</strong><br />
beyond what is required.<br />
Young <strong>and</strong> Paulden played a key role in establishing<br />
<strong>and</strong> developing an expertise in <strong>the</strong> complex areas of water,<br />
public agency, <strong>and</strong> l<strong>and</strong> use law when State <strong>and</strong> Federal<br />
water projects were being constructed in Kern County in<br />
<strong>the</strong> late 1940s through <strong>the</strong> 1960s.<br />
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The Water Department at Young Wooldridge continues<br />
to build on <strong>the</strong> knowledge of Young <strong>and</strong> Paulden <strong>and</strong> has<br />
assisted—among o<strong>the</strong>r things—with <strong>the</strong> development <strong>and</strong><br />
formation of several state water banking programs. Currently,<br />
Young Wooldridge is general counsel to more than twentyfive<br />
water districts <strong>and</strong> public agencies throughout California.<br />
By <strong>the</strong> mid-1970s, <strong>the</strong> firm was known as Young,<br />
Wooldridge, Paulden, Self <strong>and</strong> Farr. The practice continued<br />
to evolve with new attorneys <strong>and</strong> partners throughout <strong>the</strong><br />
1980s <strong>and</strong> early 1990s. In 1993 <strong>the</strong> firm moved to its<br />
current location at 1800 Thirtieth Street <strong>and</strong> reverted to its<br />
original name, Young Wooldridge.<br />
Today, Young Wooldridge, LLP is a mid-sized law firm<br />
with vast experience, extensive legal expertise, <strong>and</strong> a warm<br />
personal approach to working with clients. Though services<br />
have exp<strong>and</strong>ed, <strong>the</strong> firm’s basic values remain unchanged.<br />
The personal touch that <strong>the</strong> firm’s founders brought to<br />
<strong>the</strong> practice of law is still part of <strong>the</strong> everyday operation.<br />
Many of <strong>the</strong> firm’s clients are third <strong>and</strong> fourth generation,<br />
a testament to <strong>the</strong> quality, integrity, <strong>and</strong> warmth of <strong>the</strong><br />
attorneys <strong>and</strong> staff.<br />
The firm has been voted as a Favorite Law Firm in <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> Californian’s ‘Best of Readers’ Choice Poll’ for four<br />
consecutive years, each year since <strong>the</strong> category’s inception.<br />
As of summer 2016, Young Wooldridge is home to thirtyeight<br />
employees <strong>and</strong> fourteen attorneys who practice across<br />
a variety of areas. The eight partners are Larry R. Cox,<br />
Ernest A. Conant, Scott K. Kuney, Michael A. Kaia,<br />
Steven M. Torigiani, Gregory A. Muir, Jerry W. Pearson <strong>and</strong><br />
Ned Dunphy.<br />
Young Wooldridge is actively involved in supporting Kern<br />
County businesses <strong>and</strong> industries. The firm supports local<br />
chambers <strong>and</strong> organizations throughout <strong>the</strong> area including,<br />
but not limited to: Kern County Bar Association, Greater<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> Chamber of Commerce, Kern County Hispanic<br />
Chamber of Commerce, NOR Chamber of Commerce, Society<br />
of Human Resources Management, Water Association of Kern<br />
County, Kern County Farm Bureau, Kern County Builders<br />
Exchange <strong>and</strong> Taft College Foundation Petroleum Partners.<br />
In addition to supporting our local industries, Young<br />
Wooldridge believes in giving back to <strong>the</strong> community in<br />
which it serves. The firm supports numerous local efforts<br />
benefitting education <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> arts, health <strong>and</strong> humanitarian<br />
services, public safety <strong>and</strong> community development.<br />
Attorneys <strong>and</strong> staff have worked on various community<br />
boards in leadership positions including: Rotary Club of<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong>–Downtown, South <strong>and</strong> Breakfast, Friends of<br />
Mercy Hospital Foundation, <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Memorial Hospital<br />
President’s Circle, San Joaquin Community Hospital<br />
Foundation, board of directors of <strong>the</strong> Kern County Fair<br />
Board, <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Symphony Orchestra, Henrietta Weill<br />
Child Guidance Clinic Board of Directors, Brain Injury<br />
Association of California, Kern Citizens for Sustainable<br />
Government <strong>and</strong> Kern County Historical Society.<br />
Young Wooldridge’s commitment to education is demonstrated<br />
in a number of ways. Attorneys at <strong>the</strong> firm have<br />
participated as coaches <strong>and</strong> judges in local mock trial programs<br />
<strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> firm has sponsored <strong>the</strong> annual Hometown<br />
Sports Scholar Athlete of <strong>the</strong> Year scholarship, in partnership<br />
with television station KBAK, for over twenty years.<br />
One of <strong>the</strong> firm’s favorite annual events supports <strong>the</strong><br />
American Red Cross—Kern Chapter. Each year, Young<br />
Wooldridge hosts a reception to introduce <strong>the</strong> Heroes of<br />
<strong>the</strong> American Red Cross, recognizing local citizens for<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir heroic acts of kindness, selfless action, <strong>and</strong> exemplary<br />
behavior in <strong>the</strong> community. The heroes go on to be<br />
recognized at a dinner <strong>and</strong> award presentation hosted by<br />
<strong>the</strong> American Red Cross.<br />
For more information about <strong>the</strong> attorneys <strong>and</strong> services at<br />
Young Wooldridge, LLP, visit www.youngwooldridge.com.<br />
÷<br />
Above: Left to right, <strong>the</strong> firm’s personal injury department in 2016<br />
includes Attorney Thomas A. Brill, Investigator Frank Wooldridge, Attorney<br />
Scott D. Howry, Attorney Gregory A. Muir <strong>and</strong> Attorney Ned Dunphy.<br />
Below: Estate planning Attorney Larry R. Cox <strong>and</strong> Paralegal Dee Fringer.<br />
Fringer has assisted Cox in <strong>the</strong> estate planning department for over<br />
thirty-five years.<br />
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229
GREATER BAKERSFIELD<br />
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE<br />
The Greater <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Chamber of Commerce has<br />
been a strong advocate for local business since 1920.<br />
The chamber works to engage, enhance <strong>and</strong> empower<br />
its members by providing programs, services, <strong>and</strong> events<br />
that will help take member’s businesses to <strong>the</strong> next level.<br />
Whe<strong>the</strong>r it is meeting with lawmakers about issues that<br />
impact local businesses, providing<br />
opportunities for members<br />
to connect, or working tirelessly<br />
to keep members up-to-date<br />
about <strong>the</strong> latest business trends,<br />
<strong>the</strong> chamber prides itself on<br />
being a lobbying firm, publicist<br />
<strong>and</strong> HR department for all<br />
its members, all rolled into<br />
one package.<br />
The chamber, <strong>the</strong>n called <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> Civic Commercial<br />
Association, held its first meeting<br />
on November 26, 1920. The<br />
association’s main goals were,<br />
“The appropriations of funds<br />
to alleviate flood conditions,<br />
housing needs, taxation to effect<br />
a more efficient government,<br />
highways, parks, education,<br />
economic development <strong>and</strong><br />
transportation.” The chamber’s<br />
first officials were President<br />
Louis Oclese, Vice President<br />
C. W. Newberry, <strong>and</strong> Treasurer<br />
Arthur S. Crites.<br />
The chamber has been at<br />
<strong>the</strong> forefront of a number of<br />
civic improvements over <strong>the</strong><br />
years. According to a history of <strong>Bakersfield</strong> by author<br />
Richard Bailey, <strong>the</strong> chamber organized <strong>the</strong> campaign<br />
that established a city manager form of government during<br />
<strong>the</strong> early 1940s. During <strong>the</strong> 1960s, <strong>the</strong> chamber strongly<br />
supported construction of <strong>the</strong> Civic Auditorium, which<br />
brought conventions, trade shows, sporting events <strong>and</strong><br />
o<strong>the</strong>r activities to <strong>the</strong> city.<br />
Currently, <strong>the</strong> chamber is known for its strong advocacy<br />
efforts to ensure a healthy business climate for everyone.<br />
The Government Review Council (GRC) meets weekly<br />
to discuss <strong>and</strong> debate issues affecting <strong>the</strong> local business<br />
community. Members may also support important political<br />
campaigns <strong>and</strong> issues by contributing to <strong>the</strong> chamber’s<br />
Political Action Committee.<br />
The chamber provides several professional development<br />
opportunities for its members, including <strong>the</strong> Leadership<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> program that provides key business <strong>and</strong><br />
community leaders a different perspective on what makes<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> tick. In addition, <strong>the</strong> chamber has sponsored<br />
<strong>the</strong> Beautiful <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Awards since 1990. These awards<br />
honor individuals <strong>and</strong> businesses that help <strong>Bakersfield</strong><br />
realize its slogan of ‘Life as it should be.’ The chamber<br />
also sponsors After Hours Mixers to provide opportunities<br />
for networking <strong>and</strong> hosts <strong>the</strong> annual Business Expo, <strong>the</strong><br />
region’s largest business-to-business trade show.<br />
The chamber has more than 1,100 members, representing<br />
nearly 3,000 member representatives. The chamber has<br />
seven staff members who work to provide high-caliber<br />
programs, events <strong>and</strong> services for its members. President<br />
<strong>and</strong> CEO of <strong>the</strong> chamber is Nicholas Ortiz.<br />
The Greater <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Chamber of Commerce is located<br />
at 1725 Eye Street in <strong>the</strong> heart of downtown. The chamber’s<br />
former home on Truxtum Avenue is now home to <strong>the</strong><br />
Rabobank Arena, built in 1998 as an addition to <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> Convention Center.<br />
BAKERSFIELD—It’s The <strong>People</strong>, And A <strong>Whole</strong> <strong>Lot</strong> <strong>More</strong><br />
230
Kern County Black Chamber of Commerce provides unique<br />
opportunities for small <strong>and</strong> African American businesses in<br />
low <strong>and</strong> moderate income communities to grow <strong>the</strong>ir business<br />
<strong>and</strong> fulfill <strong>the</strong>ir business diversity, advocacy, access, <strong>and</strong><br />
socialization needs. The services provided by <strong>the</strong> chamber<br />
are designed to guide small businesses to <strong>the</strong> next level of<br />
potential wealth building through economic development.<br />
The need for a chamber of commerce to address <strong>the</strong><br />
specific needs of African American businesses in Kern<br />
County became evident in <strong>the</strong> early 2000s. Although efforts<br />
were being made to organize a chamber in <strong>the</strong> nor<strong>the</strong>rn<br />
part of <strong>the</strong> valley, it was felt that a focus on Kern County<br />
was needed. Ali <strong>and</strong> Earlena Morris <strong>and</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r officers of<br />
<strong>the</strong> San Joaquin Valley Black Chamber of Commerce, based<br />
in <strong>the</strong> Fresno area, worked with interested business owners<br />
in <strong>Bakersfield</strong> to establish <strong>the</strong> local organization.<br />
KBCC was founded by Ali <strong>and</strong> Earlena on July 11, 2002.<br />
O<strong>the</strong>r important leaders in <strong>the</strong> effort were Albert Prince,<br />
Art Powell, Jeffery Palmer, Jerry Johnson, J. R. Hester,<br />
Mary Palmer, Nate Williams <strong>and</strong> Vivienne Stanford.<br />
Early meetings of <strong>the</strong> chamber were held in <strong>the</strong> dining<br />
hall of St. John Missionary Baptist Church. After meeting<br />
in several o<strong>the</strong>r locations, <strong>the</strong> chamber moved into its<br />
own offices at 1222 California Avenue in <strong>the</strong> fall of 2005.<br />
The organization’s ‘coming out’ was <strong>the</strong> first annual<br />
Black History Luncheon.<br />
KCBCC, currently located at 1309 L Street, has a<br />
membership of 200 <strong>and</strong> operates with a team of five staff<br />
<strong>and</strong> dedicated volunteers. In addition, <strong>the</strong> chamber has<br />
an Ambassador program composed of twenty community<br />
individuals who promote <strong>and</strong> advocate <strong>the</strong> work of <strong>the</strong><br />
chamber. The Board of Directors is comprised of fifteen<br />
professionals from different industry sectors.<br />
The California Junior Black Chamber of Commerce–Kern<br />
County Chapter was organized in 2008 <strong>and</strong> soon began <strong>the</strong><br />
first Junior Black Apprentice competition. The Junior<br />
Chamber also hosted a radio show entitled ‘Real Talk:<br />
The Urban Life’, which played on 95.3FM Roots Radio.<br />
O<strong>the</strong>r activities of <strong>the</strong> junior chamber included <strong>the</strong> Young<br />
Entrepreneur program as well as a series of youth forums.<br />
In 2012, Ali retired as president of <strong>the</strong> organization <strong>and</strong><br />
Nick Hill took over as interim executive director. Fred Prince<br />
became <strong>the</strong> new board chair. In June 2015, Tomeka Powell<br />
became <strong>the</strong> new president/CEO of <strong>the</strong> organization.<br />
The KCBCC Development Foundation, founded in 2006,<br />
serves as <strong>the</strong> chamber’s charitable arm. The Foundation provides<br />
a number of youth development programs including<br />
<strong>the</strong> Junior Chamber, STEM education for kids, financial<br />
literacy, small business development, self-esteem programs<br />
<strong>and</strong> Leadership Empowerment for Girls.<br />
For more information about <strong>the</strong> Kern County Black<br />
Chamber of Commerce, please check <strong>the</strong>ir website at<br />
www.kcbcc.net.<br />
KERN COUNTY BLACK<br />
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE<br />
÷<br />
Below: Junior Chamber Advisory Board.<br />
Bottom: Kern County Black Chamber of Commerce Board installation.<br />
THE MARKETPLACE<br />
231
NORTH OF THE RIVER<br />
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE<br />
For more than eighty-eight years, <strong>the</strong> North of <strong>the</strong> River<br />
Chamber of Commerce has worked to advance <strong>the</strong> general<br />
welfare <strong>and</strong> prosperity of <strong>the</strong> North of <strong>the</strong> River area. The<br />
members share a mutual dedication, passion <strong>and</strong> enthusiasm<br />
for exp<strong>and</strong>ing business <strong>and</strong> employment opportunities for<br />
residents of Kern County.<br />
North of <strong>the</strong> River Chamber of Commerce was founded<br />
on October 17, 1928, as <strong>the</strong> North of <strong>the</strong> River Club <strong>and</strong><br />
was responsible for many public utilities <strong>and</strong> institutions<br />
in <strong>the</strong> area. The organization eventually evolved into <strong>the</strong><br />
chamber of commerce it is today.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> early days, membership in <strong>the</strong> club was limited<br />
to men only. Among <strong>the</strong> prominent members were<br />
Ralph Gifford, head of <strong>the</strong> Oildale Mutual Water Board;<br />
Don Silvus, teacher <strong>and</strong> counselor at St<strong>and</strong>ard School;<br />
Dock Hatcher, Realtor ® <strong>and</strong> member of <strong>the</strong> water board;<br />
<strong>and</strong> Jack Scoles, secretary/treasurer of <strong>the</strong> Retail Clerk’s<br />
Union <strong>and</strong> member of <strong>the</strong> NOR Municipal Water Board.<br />
Judy Scoles, a retired aide in <strong>the</strong> St<strong>and</strong>ard School<br />
District, often attended meetings with her husb<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />
notes that she was always <strong>the</strong> only woman in attendance.<br />
She recalls asking several questions during one of <strong>the</strong><br />
meetings in <strong>the</strong> early-1970s <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> members, impressed by<br />
her questions, asked her to join <strong>the</strong> club. The next meeting,<br />
two more women attended <strong>and</strong> joined <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> organization<br />
has been open to both men <strong>and</strong> women since that time.<br />
The ‘Oildale Men’s Club’ as <strong>the</strong> organization was sometimes<br />
known in its early years, supported <strong>the</strong> recreation<br />
<strong>and</strong> parks department efforts to organize <strong>the</strong> annual<br />
Christmas Parade. The club worked with such organizations<br />
as <strong>the</strong> Lions, Kiwanis, Optimist, <strong>and</strong> Rotary Clubs to support<br />
<strong>the</strong> needs of residents <strong>and</strong> businesses in <strong>the</strong> Oildale area;<br />
helping to raise funds for <strong>the</strong> North Chester Bridge, street<br />
lighting, street numbering <strong>and</strong> creation of <strong>the</strong> entrance sign<br />
to Oildale in 1985.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> early 1990s, one of <strong>the</strong> NOR Chamber’s fundraisers<br />
were to host an annual Honorary Oildale Mayoral<br />
Race. Votes cost $1 <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> organization raised an average<br />
of $4,000 annually.<br />
The NOR Chamber cosponsored <strong>the</strong> Graffiti Removal<br />
Project with <strong>the</strong> Optimist <strong>and</strong> Beardsley Junior Optimist,<br />
North High students <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Interact Club, along with <strong>the</strong><br />
Department of Housing <strong>and</strong> Urban Development.<br />
The North of <strong>the</strong> River Chamber kept offices in director’s<br />
homes for many years. It now operates from a small office<br />
within one of <strong>the</strong> member’s office.<br />
The chamber is currently run by one part-time employee<br />
who serves as executive director/office manager, a sixmember<br />
board of directors <strong>and</strong> nine board members.<br />
There are 150 members who include local businesses, nonprofits,<br />
schools, o<strong>the</strong>r local chambers <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> downtown<br />
business association.<br />
The North of <strong>the</strong> River Chamber’s annual fundraising<br />
projects now include a business expo, golf tournament, economic<br />
conference, football booklet <strong>and</strong> Oktoberfest. These<br />
annual events support local students through a scholarship<br />
program for graduates of North, Liberty, Centennial <strong>and</strong><br />
Frontier High Schools.<br />
BAKERSFIELD—It’s The <strong>People</strong>, And A <strong>Whole</strong> <strong>Lot</strong> <strong>More</strong><br />
232
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> was founded on hospitality. In <strong>the</strong> mideighteenth<br />
century, Colonel Thomas Baker was known for<br />
offering travelers a place to rest in <strong>the</strong> area he settled. It<br />
was called “Baker’s Field.” From <strong>the</strong> town he plotted in 1869<br />
to <strong>the</strong> city of more than 150 square miles today, Visit<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong>, formerly <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Convention <strong>and</strong> Visitors<br />
Bureau, welcomes visitors to do as much—or as little—as<br />
<strong>the</strong>y would like: explore <strong>the</strong> city’s world-renowned music,<br />
unique food, dynamic agricultural products, museums <strong>and</strong><br />
arts community, <strong>and</strong> exciting outdoor activities.<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> is a city of festivals, where <strong>the</strong>re always seems<br />
to be one going on—from mac <strong>and</strong> cheese to nut, bluegrass<br />
to jazz, Greek to Scottish, Celtic to Basque, <strong>and</strong> craft beer<br />
to wine. <strong>Bakersfield</strong> also is a city of music. While “The<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> Sound” is popular worldwide, <strong>the</strong> city’s association<br />
with various o<strong>the</strong>r types of music means <strong>the</strong>re are actually<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> Sounds (plural), all waiting for you to explore.<br />
This sou<strong>the</strong>rn gateway to California’s fertile Central Valley<br />
is perfect for a weekend trip or week-long stay. Explore<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Museum Trail, a driving route that connects<br />
four unique <strong>and</strong> family-friendly museums: <strong>Bakersfield</strong><br />
Museum of Art, Buena Vista Museum of Natural History <strong>and</strong><br />
Science, California Living Museum (CALM), <strong>and</strong> Kern<br />
County Museum. Check out <strong>Bakersfield</strong>’s thriving arts scene<br />
<strong>and</strong> First Friday ArtWalk downtown. With more Basque<br />
restaurants than any o<strong>the</strong>r city in <strong>the</strong><br />
nation, indulge yourself with <strong>Bakersfield</strong>’s<br />
unique <strong>and</strong> memorable food experiences.<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> has countless ways to<br />
enjoy <strong>the</strong> outdoors. These include <strong>the</strong><br />
Kern River Parkway, <strong>the</strong> Panorama Vista<br />
Preserve, <strong>the</strong> Panorama bluffs walking<br />
trail, Lake Ming, <strong>and</strong> Wind Wolves<br />
Preserve. With “‘field” in its name,<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> <strong>and</strong> sports are synonymous:<br />
catch <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Condors AHL hockey, <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Blaze<br />
baseball, Cal State <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Roadrunners (now competing<br />
at <strong>the</strong> NCAA Division I level), <strong>and</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong> College<br />
Renegades. Racing fans can watch <strong>the</strong> action at <strong>Bakersfield</strong><br />
Speedway, Auto Club Famoso Raceway, <strong>and</strong> Kern County<br />
Raceway Park.<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> is in <strong>the</strong> middle of one of<br />
<strong>the</strong> largest agricultural producing areas<br />
in <strong>the</strong> world, <strong>and</strong> what is grown here<br />
finds its way to points all around <strong>the</strong><br />
globe. For example, did you know that<br />
almost ninety percent of California’s<br />
carrot crop is grown around <strong>Bakersfield</strong>?<br />
The friendly staff at Visit <strong>Bakersfield</strong><br />
is ready to make your stay enjoyable<br />
with free maps, personal assistance, <strong>and</strong><br />
coupons for some family-friendly local<br />
attractions. The visitor center is in<br />
downtown <strong>Bakersfield</strong>, in front of <strong>the</strong><br />
Amtrak station, next to <strong>the</strong> Kern<br />
Veterans Memorial, <strong>and</strong> just a few blocks<br />
from <strong>the</strong> Convention Center.<br />
One thing is certain: <strong>Bakersfield</strong> continues to deliver<br />
more than visitors expect. That is why we say that in<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> <strong>the</strong>re really is…“<strong>More</strong> to Explore!”<br />
VISIT BAKERSFIELD<br />
÷<br />
Left: Visit <strong>Bakersfield</strong> is ready to welcome visitors at 515 Truxtun Avenue in<br />
downtown <strong>Bakersfield</strong>.<br />
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF SCOTT HISLOP.<br />
Below: Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Boulevard,<br />
is <strong>Bakersfield</strong>’s premier live entertainment venue <strong>and</strong> top tourist attraction.<br />
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF VISIT BAKERSFIELD.<br />
THE MARKETPLACE<br />
233
BAKERSFIELD DOWNTOWN<br />
BUSINESS ASSOCIATION<br />
÷<br />
Below: Concerts at <strong>the</strong> creek, b<strong>and</strong> performs at Third Thursday.<br />
While <strong>Bakersfield</strong> has gone through an unprecedented<br />
period of growth <strong>and</strong> expansion over <strong>the</strong> last two decades, <strong>the</strong>re<br />
is a renewed focus inward, toward developing <strong>the</strong> city’s center.<br />
Some of <strong>the</strong> city’s most noteworthy historical structures<br />
call downtown home, as do several financial institutions, city<br />
<strong>and</strong> county government offices <strong>and</strong> two hospitals—Mercy<br />
Hospital <strong>and</strong> San Joaquin Community Hospital—which<br />
contribute so much to our community as well.<br />
But when <strong>the</strong> office buildings close, an entire o<strong>the</strong>r side<br />
of Downtown is just getting warmed up.<br />
Downtown is <strong>the</strong> heart of <strong>Bakersfield</strong>’s dining scene. From<br />
fine dining <strong>and</strong> steakhouses, to diners, food trucks <strong>and</strong> burger<br />
joints. Local award-winning food from Chinese, Sushi, <strong>and</strong><br />
Thai cuisine, to Caribbean, Latin American, <strong>and</strong> Italian,<br />
not to mention an assortment of pizza parlors, s<strong>and</strong>wich<br />
shops, juice bars, BBQ <strong>and</strong> more. They are scattered all over<br />
<strong>the</strong> downtown map, with around fifty<br />
restaurants to choose from on any given day.<br />
The museum, arts <strong>and</strong> entertainment<br />
scene flourishes as well with <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong><br />
Museum of Art, which includes not only<br />
rotating exhibitions but a botanical garden.<br />
The Buena Vista Museum of Natural History<br />
houses an impressive collection of fossils<br />
<strong>and</strong> displays highlighting <strong>Bakersfield</strong> distant<br />
past. The new <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Music Museum<br />
aims to capture <strong>the</strong> past <strong>and</strong> present music<br />
scene. Downtown also features several galleries<br />
<strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>aters both intimate <strong>and</strong> large.<br />
The Rabobank Theater is home to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong><br />
Symphony, off-Broadway performances <strong>and</strong> concerts. The<br />
9,000 seat Rabobank Arena houses concerts, conventions<br />
<strong>and</strong> sporting events, including <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Condors<br />
hockey team. The two venues combine to bring hundreds<br />
of thous<strong>and</strong>s of people into downtown each year.<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong>’s history comes alive in <strong>the</strong> heart of <strong>the</strong> city<br />
as well with <strong>the</strong> Fox Theater, a Spanish Colonial Revivalstyled<br />
<strong>the</strong>ater built that opened in 1930. The DBA played a<br />
major role in re-opening <strong>the</strong> Fox in <strong>the</strong> mid-1990s, <strong>and</strong><br />
today is one of <strong>the</strong> primary venues for live entertainment<br />
in <strong>the</strong> city. The Padre Hotel, built in 1928, dominates <strong>the</strong><br />
downtown skyline <strong>and</strong> is one of <strong>the</strong> epicenters of social<br />
activity in <strong>the</strong> city.<br />
Central Park at Mill Creek sits as an oasis on <strong>the</strong> edge<br />
of downtown, lined by palm trees <strong>and</strong> an expansive lawn,<br />
it includes a fountain-filled waterway <strong>and</strong> hosts events<br />
such as <strong>the</strong> DBA’s Third Thursday, with live entertainment,<br />
art, vendors <strong>and</strong> more. It is also flanked by <strong>the</strong> beautiful<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> Federal Courthouse.<br />
The DBA has recently launched a 501(c)(3) nonprofit<br />
arm, <strong>the</strong> Downtown <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Development Corporation,<br />
to help attend to <strong>the</strong> city’s redevelopment needs. By focusing<br />
on <strong>the</strong> community’s desires to create a safe, secure <strong>and</strong> welcoming<br />
city center, <strong>the</strong> DBDC will help take downtown <strong>and</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> DBA forward into a new generation of growth. Turning<br />
its sights on an urban design plan, <strong>and</strong> effecting change in<br />
<strong>the</strong> lives of those in need among <strong>the</strong> downtown community<br />
by fostering partnerships within <strong>the</strong> nonprofit sector.<br />
BAKERSFIELD—It’s The <strong>People</strong>, And A <strong>Whole</strong> <strong>Lot</strong> <strong>More</strong><br />
234
In <strong>the</strong> summer of 1969, Buck became co-host of Hee Haw,<br />
which became one of <strong>the</strong> top syndicated television successes<br />
of all time. In 1989, Buck had a resurgence in popularity<br />
with a new younger group of fans <strong>and</strong> scored a number one<br />
hit with Streets of <strong>Bakersfield</strong> a duet with his friend, Dwight<br />
Yoakam. Subsequent generations rediscovered his music <strong>and</strong><br />
now keep his name shining as one of <strong>the</strong> great innovators<br />
<strong>and</strong> true legends of country music.<br />
BUCK OWENS’<br />
CRYSTAL PALACE<br />
÷<br />
Top, left: The Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace in <strong>Bakersfield</strong>.<br />
Left <strong>and</strong> below: Buck Owens.<br />
Born in Sherman, Texas in 1929, Buck Owens came West<br />
with his family in <strong>the</strong> great “Grapes of Wrath” migration of<br />
<strong>the</strong> 1930s. By 1951, he settled into <strong>Bakersfield</strong>, California,<br />
<strong>and</strong> found himself playing guitar <strong>and</strong> singing in <strong>the</strong> local<br />
honky-tonks. He quickly became a local favorite <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>n in<br />
1953, Buck got a break by playing for <strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>n hot Tommy<br />
Collins. He started playing lead guitar on Tommy’s records,<br />
<strong>and</strong> during <strong>the</strong> next few years became a popular session<br />
player for Capitol Records in Hollywood. After making a few<br />
records of his own on <strong>the</strong> Pep label, Buck signed as a solo act<br />
with Capitol in 1957. For <strong>the</strong> next five years his hits were<br />
steady <strong>and</strong> his star was rising, but in 1963 his career really<br />
took off. Buck Owens & His Buckaroos had seventeen<br />
number one hit singles over <strong>the</strong> next six years, including<br />
Act Naturally, Toge<strong>the</strong>r Again, Tiger By The Tail, Crying Time,<br />
<strong>and</strong> Love’s Gonna Live Here, which stayed in <strong>the</strong> number one<br />
slot on Billboard for sixteen weeks straight! By <strong>the</strong> late 1960s,<br />
Buck led a huge organization based in <strong>Bakersfield</strong>, including<br />
publishing companies, several radio stations (KUZZ AM/FM,<br />
KCWR, <strong>and</strong> KRJK FM), television, newspapers, <strong>and</strong> more.<br />
In 1996, Buck opened <strong>the</strong> Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace<br />
in <strong>Bakersfield</strong>. Since <strong>the</strong>n it has become famous worldwide<br />
as an important venue of country music. Buck & His<br />
Buckaroos played <strong>the</strong>re Friday <strong>and</strong> Saturday nights until his<br />
passing in March of 2006, <strong>and</strong> hundreds of country music<br />
stars have graced <strong>the</strong> stage of <strong>the</strong> Crystal Palace including <strong>the</strong><br />
Dixie Chicks, Garth Brooks, Brad Paisley, <strong>and</strong> Taylor Swift.<br />
An all-in-one restaurant, museum <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>ater focusing<br />
on <strong>the</strong> rich history <strong>and</strong> sounds of West Coast Country<br />
Music, <strong>the</strong> Crystal Palace has been on national television<br />
specials, <strong>and</strong> honored as night club of <strong>the</strong> year multiple<br />
times by <strong>the</strong> Academy of Country Music. It features outst<strong>and</strong>ing<br />
food, fascinating memorabilia <strong>and</strong> great live<br />
music...an amazing place to visit!<br />
THE MARKETPLACE<br />
235
CARNEY’S BUSINESS<br />
TECHNOLOGY CENTER<br />
÷<br />
Right: From left to right, Rick, Chris <strong>and</strong> Jeff Kreiser.<br />
Below: Our first office in 1978, from left to right, Red LeCain, Kris <strong>and</strong><br />
Rick Kreiser <strong>and</strong> Bob Carney.<br />
Building on a successful career in office equipment sales<br />
<strong>and</strong> management for o<strong>the</strong>r Kern-based businesses,<br />
Bob Carney made <strong>the</strong> decision to go out on his own in<br />
December of 1977. In a spare bedroom of his nor<strong>the</strong>ast<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> home, <strong>and</strong> armed with little more than a strong<br />
reputation for providing superior customer service, Bob<br />
realized his entrepreneurial vision <strong>and</strong> Carney’s Office<br />
Equipment was born.<br />
With <strong>the</strong> support of his family <strong>and</strong> loyal customers, sales<br />
grew steadily during <strong>the</strong> fledgling company’s first few<br />
months. In July 1978, Bob was joined by his son-in-law,<br />
Rick Kreiser, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir first official showroom was opened<br />
on Easton Drive. Quality products <strong>and</strong> reliable service<br />
attracted new customers <strong>and</strong>, within two years, additional<br />
space was needed. The company moved just across <strong>the</strong><br />
parking lot to larger space to accommodate <strong>the</strong>ir growing<br />
business. That location served <strong>the</strong> company well until it<br />
moved to its current home at 2001 Westwind Drive.<br />
As <strong>the</strong> growth of technology exploded <strong>and</strong> businesses<br />
increasingly relied on IT services, Carney’s official name was<br />
changed to Carney’s Business Technology Center to reflect<br />
<strong>the</strong> new direction.<br />
“If you are like most business owners, technology is<br />
something that you obviously need, but don’t necessarily<br />
want to have to think about. After all, you have a company<br />
to run,” says Rick. “Chances are, if you are thinking about<br />
your IT infrastructure it’s because something is not working<br />
as it should, or it’s holding your company back. We help our<br />
clients protect <strong>the</strong>ir assets <strong>and</strong> improve effectiveness, efficiency,<br />
productivity <strong>and</strong> profitability by using technology.”<br />
Over <strong>the</strong> past nearly four decades, Carney’s has represented<br />
best-in-class products <strong>and</strong> services from a range of top<br />
technology partners. <strong>More</strong> than simply ‘vendors,’ Carney’s<br />
works hard to identify <strong>the</strong> right products <strong>and</strong> solutions for<br />
<strong>the</strong> markets it serves. Once <strong>the</strong> solution has been engineered<br />
<strong>and</strong> installed, <strong>the</strong> effective support programs made possible<br />
through Carney’s partner relationships keep <strong>the</strong> project<br />
delivering results well beyond client’s expectations.<br />
Carney’s leadership is transitioning to a third generation<br />
as Rick’s sons, Chris <strong>and</strong> Jeff, continue to chart <strong>the</strong> company’s<br />
direction with a keen eye on future trends while keeping<br />
true to <strong>the</strong> values upon which <strong>the</strong> business was built.<br />
Kern County is a great place to live <strong>and</strong> work <strong>and</strong><br />
Carney’s believes that giving back to <strong>the</strong> community helps<br />
streng<strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong> business environment while achieving a sense<br />
of personal fulfillment. To this end, Carney’s leadership<br />
<strong>and</strong> team members support business, professional, <strong>and</strong><br />
community service organizations at a variety of levels.<br />
Among <strong>the</strong>se organizations are <strong>the</strong> Greater <strong>Bakersfield</strong><br />
Chamber of Commerce, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong> College Foundation,<br />
Kern Economic Development Corporation, <strong>Bakersfield</strong> West<br />
Rotary, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Friends of Mercy Foundation.<br />
Over <strong>the</strong> years, Kern County has experienced explosive<br />
growth <strong>and</strong> technology has changed every aspect of <strong>the</strong> way<br />
we live <strong>and</strong> do business. But one thing remains <strong>the</strong> same as<br />
it did on that winter day some forty years ago—Carney’s<br />
commitment to <strong>the</strong> Kern County business community.<br />
BAKERSFIELD—It’s The <strong>People</strong>, And A <strong>Whole</strong> <strong>Lot</strong> <strong>More</strong><br />
236
Kern Schools Federal Credit Union has served <strong>the</strong> needs<br />
of its Members <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> entire Kern County community for<br />
nearly eighty years. Since its humble beginnings in 1938,<br />
when a small group of dedicated <strong>and</strong> concerned teachers met<br />
to form a financial cooperative for school employees <strong>and</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong>ir families, Kern Schools has embodied <strong>the</strong> credit union<br />
philosophy of, “<strong>People</strong> Helping <strong>People</strong>.”<br />
Originally known as Kern County School Employees<br />
Federal Credit Union, Kern Schools was granted a federal<br />
charter in 1940. The first Kern Schools “office” was actually<br />
a small room located in <strong>the</strong> library of <strong>Bakersfield</strong> High School.<br />
A single volunteer conducted all <strong>the</strong> operations for <strong>the</strong> Credit<br />
Union, with Member transaction receipts kept in a shoe box<br />
<strong>and</strong> locked in a desk drawer after hours. By <strong>the</strong> end of its<br />
first year, Kern Schools had 141 Members, approximately<br />
$1,300 in assets, <strong>and</strong> was well on its way to serving <strong>the</strong> school<br />
employees of Kern County with a lifetime partnership through<br />
quality financial products <strong>and</strong> services.<br />
Although <strong>the</strong> name was shortened to Kern Schools Federal<br />
Credit Union in 1969, <strong>the</strong> goals of <strong>the</strong> organization remain<br />
<strong>the</strong> same: helping people throughout <strong>the</strong> community achieve<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir dreams.<br />
Membership does make a difference! Unlike a conventional<br />
bank, which is driven by shareholders <strong>and</strong> profit, a credit<br />
union is a not-for-profit entity designed to assist <strong>the</strong> financial<br />
needs of its members through smaller fees, higher dividends,<br />
<strong>and</strong> lower loan rates. Similarly, a credit union board of<br />
directors consists of unpaid volunteers, as opposed to large<br />
shareholders, who are elected by <strong>the</strong> membership to lead<br />
<strong>the</strong> organization.<br />
Today, Kern Schools is <strong>the</strong> largest member-owned financial<br />
institution headquartered in Kern County, with more than<br />
150,000 Members <strong>and</strong> $1.3 billion in assets. The Credit<br />
Union is open to all Kern County residents.<br />
From a single volunteer, <strong>the</strong> Credit Union has grown to<br />
more than 400 team members whose sole purpose is to<br />
provide <strong>the</strong> best Member service possible. With ten branch<br />
offices <strong>and</strong> more than seventy ATMs, Kern Schools provides<br />
a wide array of products <strong>and</strong> services, including extensive<br />
home <strong>and</strong> auto loan programs, <strong>the</strong> latest in online <strong>and</strong><br />
mobile technology, as well as wealth management services.<br />
Kern Schools is ready to serve Kern County for ano<strong>the</strong>r<br />
seventy-eight years <strong>and</strong> beyond.<br />
Come find out why Kern Schools has been voted “Best<br />
Financial Institution in Kern County” for more than twenty<br />
years in a row. Members of Kern Schools experience personal<br />
service <strong>and</strong> attention each day <strong>and</strong> every time <strong>the</strong>y visit<br />
because, “Toge<strong>the</strong>r, we have something special.”<br />
To learn more about becoming a Member of Kern Schools,<br />
please visit our website at www.ksfcu.org.<br />
KERN SCHOOLS<br />
FEDERAL CREDIT UNION<br />
÷<br />
Left: Warren Hall located on <strong>the</strong> campus of <strong>Bakersfield</strong> High School.<br />
Below: Kern Schools Federal Credit Union’s administration building located<br />
at 11500 Bolthouse Drive.<br />
THE MARKETPLACE<br />
237
GUITAR MASTERS<br />
÷<br />
Above: Tommy Emmanuel.<br />
Right: Frank Vignola <strong>and</strong> Vinny Raniolo.<br />
Guitar Masters, LLC, an ongoing community concert<br />
series, was born of a simple desire to present <strong>the</strong> finest musicians<br />
in <strong>the</strong> world—primarily guitarists—in an intimate ‘listening<br />
room’ environment.<br />
Guitar Masters began in 2011 <strong>and</strong> grew out of local<br />
businessman Rick Kreiser’s love for guitar music <strong>and</strong><br />
performances. “In <strong>the</strong> summer of 2010, my wife Lorie <strong>and</strong><br />
I decided to take in something called a ‘house concert’ in<br />
Los Angeles featuring an exceptionally talented musician,<br />
Paul McCartney’s former lead guitarist, Laurence Juber,”<br />
Rick explains. “I looked around <strong>the</strong> room, counted <strong>the</strong><br />
number of seats (forty-six), did some simple math (door<br />
donations times <strong>the</strong> number of people) <strong>and</strong> thought—<br />
we could do this! So I asked <strong>the</strong> artist if he would consider<br />
performing in <strong>Bakersfield</strong>. He said he’d love to.”<br />
Rick soon realized <strong>the</strong>re was no way he could fit fifty<br />
people into his house for a concert, so he started looking for<br />
a private, music-friendly venue <strong>and</strong> settled on an old church<br />
turned social club called The Bell Tower.<br />
There was no budget for publicity, so <strong>the</strong>y tapped<br />
<strong>the</strong> power of social media—<strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> phone—to contact<br />
everybody <strong>the</strong>y could think of, <strong>and</strong> nearly 150 people<br />
turned out for <strong>the</strong> very first Guitar Masters show. Today,<br />
most of <strong>the</strong> shows are sellouts in <strong>the</strong> beautifully reimagined<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> Music Hall of Fame.<br />
“We’ve learned a few things along <strong>the</strong> way,” Rick says.<br />
“Key among <strong>the</strong>m is <strong>the</strong> fact that almost all musicians live<br />
to play for appreciative audiences. I don’t know of a single<br />
artist who wouldn’t jump at <strong>the</strong> chance to return to<br />
<strong>the</strong> Guitar Masters stage. They know <strong>the</strong>y will be well taken<br />
care of <strong>and</strong> every detail of <strong>the</strong>ir show will be h<strong>and</strong>led<br />
with professionalism.”<br />
Rick emphasizes that <strong>the</strong> success of <strong>the</strong> Guitar Masters<br />
concerts has been possible only through <strong>the</strong> faithful support<br />
of sponsors, patrons <strong>and</strong> guest musicians. He also credits<br />
<strong>the</strong> encouragement of his family. “My sons, Chris <strong>and</strong><br />
Jeff, capably operate <strong>the</strong> family business so I can pursue<br />
this passion, <strong>and</strong> my daughter, Katie, captures each show<br />
with her beautiful photography. And, Lorie’s friendly smile<br />
greets visitors at each performance.”<br />
The mission of Guitar Masters goes deeper than just<br />
providing outst<strong>and</strong>ing <strong>and</strong> unique musical offerings to <strong>the</strong><br />
community. Whenever possible, <strong>the</strong> artists are invited to<br />
give a short lecture or guest clinic at one of <strong>the</strong> high schools<br />
or colleges during <strong>the</strong>ir stay.<br />
“Perhaps <strong>the</strong> most important measure for us is <strong>the</strong><br />
increasing number of dedicated patrons <strong>and</strong> sponsors,”<br />
Rick says. “Over <strong>the</strong> past five seasons, we have provided<br />
<strong>the</strong> highest quality live performances for more than<br />
7,000 fans.<br />
“Guitar Masters will live on as long as artists want to<br />
play for us <strong>and</strong> patrons want to be <strong>the</strong>re to hear <strong>the</strong>m.<br />
We keep our ticket prices reasonable by design, allowing<br />
guitar fans from around <strong>the</strong> central valley (<strong>and</strong> beyond)<br />
to gain an appreciation for world-class music.”<br />
For more information about Guitar Masters, check <strong>the</strong><br />
website at www.guitarmasters.org.<br />
BAKERSFIELD—It’s The <strong>People</strong>, And A <strong>Whole</strong> <strong>Lot</strong> <strong>More</strong><br />
238
a <strong>Bakersfield</strong> institution for fifty<br />
years, is a story of achieving success through perseverance,<br />
hard work, <strong>and</strong> a strong faith in God.<br />
Today, Hodel’s is a multifaceted operation on Olive Drive<br />
in <strong>Bakersfield</strong> where people up <strong>and</strong> down <strong>the</strong> state enjoy<br />
<strong>the</strong> savory flavors of Hodel’s fine food. With banquet rooms<br />
seating ten to 400 people, Hodel’s restaurant provides many<br />
organizations <strong>and</strong> groups a quiet <strong>and</strong> pleasant atmosphere<br />
with exceptional service <strong>and</strong> delicious food. Hodel’s also<br />
caters many large local events, receiving high marks for <strong>the</strong><br />
quality of food <strong>and</strong> creative presentation.<br />
The story of Hodel’s begins with Lydia Bartel Hodel,<br />
whose determination to persevere despite enormous obstacles<br />
created <strong>the</strong> culture that still guides <strong>the</strong> organization<br />
today. Lydia’s life began in hardship when she lost her mo<strong>the</strong>r<br />
during <strong>the</strong> flu epidemic of 1917. Lydia was only eleven<br />
years old but had to take over <strong>the</strong> cooking, cleaning <strong>and</strong><br />
bottle washing for her family, which included nine children.<br />
Beginning with this experience, ‘Mom Hodel’ lived a life of<br />
service to o<strong>the</strong>rs.<br />
Her family escaped <strong>the</strong> dust bowl of Oklahoma <strong>and</strong><br />
moved to California in 1921 <strong>and</strong> Lydia found a job cooking<br />
for hay harvesting crews. In <strong>the</strong> late 1920s, she <strong>and</strong> her<br />
sisters became domestic help in <strong>Bakersfield</strong>. One of her<br />
employers was property investor Arthur Crites, an accomplished<br />
amateur chef, who sensed Lydia’s natural abilities as<br />
a cook <strong>and</strong> taught her many helpful teaching techniques<br />
including sharing recipes from <strong>the</strong> White House.<br />
Lydia married Sam Hodel in 1928. The couple settled in<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> just in time for <strong>the</strong> Great Depression of <strong>the</strong><br />
1930s, when jobs were hard to come by. Lydia found a job<br />
with <strong>the</strong> Gettle family <strong>and</strong> when <strong>the</strong>y decided to move to<br />
Beverly Hills <strong>the</strong>y offered Sam a job as chauffeur if Mom<br />
Hodel would continue as cook <strong>and</strong> nanny. Mom Hodel<br />
prepared many fine meals for <strong>the</strong> Gettle family <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
distinguished guests, who included department store founder<br />
JCPenney. Their three children, daughters Beverly <strong>and</strong> Darlene<br />
<strong>and</strong> son Bob were born during <strong>the</strong>ir stay in Beverly Hills.<br />
The family returned to <strong>Bakersfield</strong> in 1942, where<br />
Sam earned <strong>the</strong> reputation as a quality custom hay bailer.<br />
Mom Hodel went to work as manager of <strong>the</strong> new Greeley<br />
School cafeteria, a position she held for twenty-one years.<br />
At <strong>the</strong> school, she produced such delicious <strong>and</strong> nutritious<br />
meals that <strong>the</strong> federal government investigated to determine<br />
how she could meet <strong>the</strong> dietary requirements at a cost<br />
of only fifteen cents per student. Upon her retirement,<br />
she received a lifetime membership in <strong>the</strong> PTA with <strong>the</strong><br />
statement: “We are glad you are retiring because we are<br />
tired of <strong>the</strong> children asking why <strong>the</strong> food is better at school<br />
than it is at home.”<br />
Mom Hodel retired in May 1967, but when her son<br />
Bob opened Hodel’s Valley Plaza Restaurant in September,<br />
she joined <strong>the</strong> family business <strong>and</strong><br />
worked for ano<strong>the</strong>r twenty-one years.<br />
During <strong>the</strong> 1970s, several o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
Hodel’s Restaurants were developed,<br />
including <strong>the</strong> very popular Hodel’s<br />
at Northridge Fashion Center Mall<br />
for a nineteen year run.<br />
There is much more to <strong>the</strong> story<br />
<strong>and</strong> heritage of Hodel’s but it<br />
is important to underst<strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
values <strong>and</strong> st<strong>and</strong>ards of <strong>the</strong> original<br />
staff <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> example set by<br />
Lydia <strong>and</strong> Sam. The Hodel family<br />
is thankful for its heritage <strong>and</strong><br />
firmly believes that its blessings<br />
have come from God’s grace. They<br />
continue to seek His blessings in<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir future endeavors.<br />
HODEL’S COUNTRY DINING<br />
THE MARKETPLACE<br />
239
BAKERSFIELD CONDORS<br />
This is Condorstown. For nearly two decades, <strong>the</strong> top<br />
sports draw in <strong>Bakersfield</strong>, <strong>and</strong> one of <strong>the</strong> best outlets for<br />
FUN in all of Kern County, has been <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Condors.<br />
The Condors began play in 1998 <strong>and</strong> have earned a<br />
reputation in Kern County as one of <strong>the</strong> top draws for<br />
family friendly entertainment, <strong>and</strong> nationwide for <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
attention-grabbing promotions.<br />
Nearly 4 million fans have passed through <strong>the</strong> turnstiles<br />
to see <strong>the</strong> Condors since 1998. The team’s commitment to<br />
<strong>the</strong> community is at its core, contributing nearly $5 million<br />
in cash, goods <strong>and</strong> services to local schools <strong>and</strong> nonprofits<br />
during <strong>the</strong>ir history. Annual events, such as Tip-A-Condor,<br />
golf tournaments, <strong>and</strong> Jersey Off Our Backs auctions inject<br />
needed funding into <strong>the</strong> coffers of local charities <strong>and</strong> connect<br />
<strong>the</strong> players to <strong>the</strong> fans.<br />
No event embodies both Condors community involvement<br />
<strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> passion of <strong>the</strong> Condorstown fans like <strong>the</strong> annual<br />
Teddy Bear Toss. Held each year on <strong>the</strong> Saturday after<br />
Thanksgiving, fans are invited to bring stuffed animals to <strong>the</strong><br />
game <strong>and</strong> when <strong>the</strong> Condors score <strong>the</strong>ir first goal, throw <strong>the</strong>m<br />
onto <strong>the</strong> ice. The teddy bears are collected by <strong>the</strong> United Way<br />
<strong>and</strong> distributed throughout <strong>the</strong> county to dozens of agencies<br />
in need throughout <strong>the</strong> holidays <strong>and</strong> beyond. Teddy Bear Toss<br />
is annually <strong>the</strong> biggest game of <strong>the</strong> season, <strong>and</strong> over 100,000<br />
stuffed animals have been collected in <strong>the</strong> event’s history.<br />
Meanwhile, <strong>the</strong> Condors have proven to be second to<br />
none in generating nationwide—or even global—attention<br />
for <strong>the</strong>ir promotions. Famous for offering Canadian-born<br />
pop star Justin Bieber a contract, bringing out a live condor<br />
on <strong>the</strong> ice (<strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> bird getting loose from her h<strong>and</strong>ler),<br />
hosting a Charlie Sheen Night, or sporting a slew of<br />
extraordinary specialty jerseys, <strong>the</strong> Condors have never<br />
taken <strong>the</strong>mselves too seriously, nor missed an opportunity<br />
to steal a moment of <strong>the</strong> spotlight.<br />
It was just that international recognition, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> team’s<br />
support from <strong>the</strong> community, which led to <strong>the</strong> purchase of<br />
<strong>the</strong> team in 2014 by <strong>the</strong> five-time Stanley Cup Champion<br />
Edmonton Oilers of <strong>the</strong> National Hockey League. Already<br />
having graduated a dozen players to <strong>the</strong> NHL from <strong>the</strong><br />
“AA” level, <strong>the</strong> Condors on-ice product was about to receive<br />
an unexpected boost from <strong>the</strong> top of <strong>the</strong> sports world.<br />
In October 2015 <strong>the</strong> Oilers made <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong><br />
Condors part of a newly-created Pacific Division of <strong>the</strong><br />
American Hockey League—<strong>the</strong> primary development<br />
grounds for <strong>the</strong> NHL. The new division included five<br />
teams from California, <strong>and</strong> brought <strong>the</strong> AHL right into <strong>the</strong><br />
backyard of <strong>the</strong> West Coast NHL teams.<br />
The AHL is <strong>the</strong> proving ground for hockey’s future stars,<br />
with nearly ninety percent of players in <strong>the</strong> NHL first<br />
learning <strong>the</strong> ropes in <strong>the</strong> AHL. The role <strong>Bakersfield</strong> is to<br />
play in building hockey’s future was evident immediately,<br />
with nearly twenty players moved back <strong>and</strong> forth between<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> NHL in <strong>the</strong> team’s first AHL campaign.<br />
The reception from <strong>the</strong> fans followed suit, with <strong>the</strong> Condors<br />
posting <strong>the</strong>ir highest attendance in five years.<br />
Keeping <strong>the</strong>ir eyes on <strong>the</strong> prize on <strong>the</strong> ice, combined with<br />
a spirited connection to <strong>the</strong> community off <strong>the</strong> ice, is sure<br />
to make <strong>Bakersfield</strong> remain Condorstown for years to come.<br />
BAKERSFIELD—It’s The <strong>People</strong>, And A <strong>Whole</strong> <strong>Lot</strong> <strong>More</strong><br />
240
A gun shop that began in a little shack more fifty-three<br />
years ago has grown to become <strong>the</strong> favorite destination for<br />
Kern County shooters. Valley Gun, Inc., Kern County’s only<br />
existing second generation, family-owned gun shop, has<br />
become successful by providing services o<strong>the</strong>rs do not <strong>and</strong><br />
by treating clients <strong>the</strong> way <strong>the</strong>y would want to be treated.<br />
Valley Gun, known originally as Valley Gun Shop,<br />
opened for business in 1963 in a small, wooden building at<br />
301½ East California Avenue. The business was organized<br />
by Gene Wamble, an accomplished gunsmith, <strong>and</strong> Maylon<br />
Quarnberg, who had a love <strong>and</strong> fascination for firearms.<br />
“My dad only worked in <strong>the</strong> business part-time at first,<br />
because he had ano<strong>the</strong>r full-time job. So, Gene ran <strong>the</strong> store<br />
until it was able to support both men,” explains Maylon’s<br />
son, Ken Quarnberg. After about a year in business, <strong>the</strong><br />
shop moved to a building at South Chester <strong>and</strong> Ming,<br />
where it shared space with a coin shop. Soon after, Valley<br />
Gun moved into its own building at 1614 South Chester.<br />
In 1971, Gene <strong>and</strong> Maylon opened a second location at<br />
2728 Chester Avenue <strong>and</strong> for several years, <strong>the</strong> partners<br />
operated two stores with Gene running <strong>the</strong> South Chester<br />
store <strong>and</strong> Maylon operating <strong>the</strong> downtown location.<br />
The partnership between Maylon <strong>and</strong> Gene was eventually<br />
dissolved, although <strong>the</strong> two remained friends.<br />
When Maylon retired in 1999, his son, Ken, took over<br />
<strong>the</strong> operation.<br />
Ken, who says he ‘grew up in <strong>the</strong> business’, starting working<br />
at <strong>the</strong> shop part-time while still in high school <strong>and</strong><br />
learned <strong>the</strong> business alongside his dad. His sister, Jan, also<br />
joined <strong>the</strong> staff <strong>and</strong> still works at <strong>the</strong> shop.<br />
Since taking over <strong>the</strong> shop, Ken has channeled his energy<br />
into providing superior customer service, providing a<br />
large selection of quality firearms <strong>and</strong> accessories <strong>and</strong><br />
hiring an experienced staff dedicated to <strong>the</strong> best customer<br />
service possible.<br />
Valley Gun’s wide selection of new <strong>and</strong> previously owned<br />
firearms fulfills a variety of needs for all types of sportsmen,<br />
collectors, law enforcement, military <strong>and</strong> general firearms<br />
enthusiasts. In addition to its extensive stock of new <strong>and</strong><br />
used firearms from some <strong>the</strong> most respected manufacturers<br />
in <strong>the</strong> industry, Valley Gun carries a large selection of ammunition,<br />
optics, gun safes, cases, holsters, knives <strong>and</strong> hunting<br />
<strong>and</strong> shooting accessories. The shop also carries vintage <strong>and</strong><br />
antique firearms.<br />
As a certified arms appraiser, Ken is able to help clients<br />
with firearms appraisals for estates, firearms sales <strong>and</strong><br />
insurance purposes.<br />
Valley Gun <strong>and</strong> its eight employees are involved in<br />
a number of organizations, including Friends of NRA,<br />
California Deer Association, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation,<br />
California Waterfowl Association, Tulare Basin Wetl<strong>and</strong>s<br />
Association, Breakfast Rotary Club of <strong>Bakersfield</strong>, Kern<br />
County Fair Junior Livestock, Wounded Heroes Fund,<br />
Small Miracles Foundation, SJCH’s Cancer Center, Honor<br />
Flight <strong>and</strong> Sportsman’s Night.<br />
VALLEY GUN, INC.<br />
÷<br />
Left: A vintage shot (left to right) of Maylon Quarnberg <strong>and</strong> his business<br />
partner, Gene Wamble, in front of <strong>the</strong> 1614 South Chester Avenue location.<br />
c. mid-1960s.<br />
Below: Ken Quarnberg, his sister, Jan Koch <strong>and</strong> Buddy <strong>the</strong> labrador. Buddy is<br />
often seen in <strong>the</strong> store <strong>and</strong> has become one of Valley Gun’s attractions.<br />
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF BILLY SIMKINS.<br />
THE MARKETPLACE<br />
241
DEWAR’S SODA FOUNTAIN<br />
AND FINE CANDIES<br />
÷<br />
Right: In 2009 Dewar’s celebrated <strong>the</strong>ir 100th year anniversary.<br />
Below: J. H. Dewar behind <strong>the</strong> counter at <strong>the</strong> Chester Avenue location.<br />
Bottom: Baker Street location.<br />
George, Michael <strong>and</strong> Hea<strong>the</strong>r Dewar are dedicated to<br />
preserving a <strong>Bakersfield</strong> institution—<strong>the</strong> delicious, delectable<br />
c<strong>and</strong>ies <strong>and</strong> ice cream produced by <strong>the</strong>ir family for more<br />
than a hundred years.<br />
Dewar’s Soda Fountain <strong>and</strong> Fine C<strong>and</strong>ies is one of <strong>the</strong><br />
very few family businesses still being run by <strong>the</strong> third<br />
<strong>and</strong> fourth generations. It all began in 1909 when James H.<br />
Dewar <strong>and</strong> his bro<strong>the</strong>r, George, opened The Chocolate Shop<br />
located at 1665 Chester Avenue, <strong>the</strong> first door north of <strong>the</strong><br />
Hall of Records.<br />
Dewar’s world famous taffy chews were first introduced<br />
in 1909. The tasty one-inch long chews were h<strong>and</strong> rolled,<br />
cut, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>n h<strong>and</strong> wrapped. Ice cream <strong>and</strong> chocolates were<br />
introduced in 1930. The ice cream was h<strong>and</strong> cranked with<br />
salt brine <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> chocolates were h<strong>and</strong> dipped.<br />
Locations changed frequently as <strong>the</strong> first generation built<br />
<strong>the</strong> business from <strong>the</strong> ground up. The business finally ended<br />
up at 1120 Eye Street in 1930, where it still operates today.<br />
James A. Dewar, <strong>the</strong> son of James H., took over <strong>the</strong><br />
business in 1947 <strong>and</strong> exp<strong>and</strong>ed <strong>the</strong> sales market share in<br />
fountain, ice cream, chocolates <strong>and</strong> c<strong>and</strong>y, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Dewar’s<br />
chew became even more popular.<br />
George C. Dewar joined <strong>the</strong> family after college in 1965,<br />
working alongside his fa<strong>the</strong>r. Working toge<strong>the</strong>r, <strong>the</strong>y<br />
mechanized <strong>the</strong> production of chews, increasing chew<br />
production from individually h<strong>and</strong> cut <strong>and</strong> wrapped, to<br />
two machines that produced 180 chews per minute.<br />
The company continued<br />
to grow <strong>and</strong> gift items<br />
were introduced to <strong>the</strong><br />
product list sold at Dewar’s<br />
C<strong>and</strong>y Shop in 1986. A<br />
faster <strong>and</strong> more efficient<br />
machine was purchased to<br />
keep up with <strong>the</strong> dem<strong>and</strong><br />
for Dewar’s chews <strong>and</strong> production per minute soared from<br />
180 per minute to 450 per minute.<br />
With <strong>the</strong> addition of Michael, <strong>the</strong> fourth generation,<br />
<strong>the</strong> chew production was moved to a much larger facility<br />
<strong>and</strong> chew production was doubled. Chocolate production<br />
was also moved to <strong>the</strong> manufacturing facility, with <strong>the</strong><br />
exception of h<strong>and</strong> dipped chocolates that were made<br />
by second generation daughter, Rosie. Dewar’s became<br />
computerized in 1994 <strong>and</strong> a wholesale market was<br />
launched in 1995. With <strong>the</strong> anticipation of future locations,<br />
ice cream production was fully renovated in 1999 to allow<br />
for <strong>the</strong> production <strong>and</strong> storage of more ice cream.<br />
Hea<strong>the</strong>r Dewar joined <strong>the</strong> business in 1999 as <strong>the</strong> company<br />
continued to grow. A new warehouse was constructed,<br />
<strong>the</strong> first satellite retail location was opened in Riverlakes <strong>and</strong><br />
Sugar Free chews were introduced, along with ten new<br />
flavors. A new 6,400 square foot retail facility was opened on<br />
Calloway Drive in 2012 <strong>and</strong> won <strong>the</strong> Beautiful <strong>Bakersfield</strong><br />
award for architecture. <strong>More</strong> recently, a Dewar’s Express<br />
drive-thru was opened <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> company joined <strong>the</strong> food<br />
court at The Outlets at Tejon.<br />
Dewar’s provides nearly 115 jobs for <strong>the</strong> community <strong>and</strong><br />
donates products to many causes <strong>and</strong> fundraisers.<br />
Dewar’s goals for <strong>the</strong> future are to produce <strong>the</strong> best<br />
product possible, serve its customers with <strong>the</strong> best service<br />
possible, <strong>and</strong> continue to appreciate <strong>the</strong> team of professionals<br />
that make all <strong>the</strong>se things happen.<br />
BAKERSFIELD—It’s The <strong>People</strong>, And A <strong>Whole</strong> <strong>Lot</strong> <strong>More</strong><br />
242
The Emporium Western Store, a familiar local l<strong>and</strong>mark<br />
now located at 1031 Nineteenth Street in <strong>Bakersfield</strong>, was<br />
founded in 1909, although <strong>the</strong> name of <strong>the</strong> original owner<br />
is lost to history. The store started as a true ‘emporium’<br />
or general store in <strong>the</strong> heart of downtown <strong>Bakersfield</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />
has serve valued customers ever since.<br />
In 1928 <strong>the</strong> store was purchased by Isaac Rubin, gr<strong>and</strong>fa<strong>the</strong>r<br />
of <strong>the</strong> current owners, <strong>and</strong> has remained in <strong>the</strong><br />
family through three generations. In 1946 operation of <strong>the</strong><br />
store passed to Rubin’s daughter <strong>and</strong> son-in-law, Rose <strong>and</strong><br />
Al Goldwater.<br />
It was in 1948 when Al began to convert <strong>the</strong> store<br />
into a specialty western clothing store, one of <strong>the</strong> first in<br />
California, <strong>and</strong> changed <strong>the</strong> name from ‘Emporium’ to<br />
‘Emporium Western Store.’ Currently, <strong>the</strong> store is owned<br />
by <strong>the</strong> Goldwater’s two children, Stephen Goldwater <strong>and</strong><br />
Carol Goldwater Durst.<br />
Over <strong>the</strong> decades, hundreds of wonderful employees<br />
have worked at Emporium Western Store. Besides family<br />
members, including <strong>the</strong> fourth-generation children, notable<br />
long-time employees include: Juanita Clark (credited with<br />
being <strong>the</strong> one to convince Al to go western in <strong>the</strong> late 1940s),<br />
Charley Brown, Herman Sohl, Louis <strong>and</strong> Jessie Barraza,<br />
‘Big Al’ Gonzales, Danny Lipco, Deborah Baker, Micky Moya<br />
<strong>and</strong> Fred Mungia.<br />
Emporium Western Store is a well-known institution in<br />
Kern County as well as in <strong>the</strong> Western industry. In fact, it has<br />
been recognized frequently by manufacturers <strong>and</strong> o<strong>the</strong>rs<br />
as being <strong>the</strong> best in <strong>the</strong> country. The store has won awards<br />
such as <strong>the</strong> Wrangler PRCA Dealer of <strong>the</strong> Year, Justin<br />
Boot Company Dealer of <strong>the</strong> Year, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Resistol Hat<br />
Windy Ryan Award. In 1995 <strong>the</strong> Emporium Western Store<br />
was <strong>the</strong> first Western store outside <strong>the</strong> State of Texas to<br />
win <strong>the</strong> Western Image Award ‘Retailer of <strong>the</strong> Year’ for a<br />
single-location store. Locally, it has been voted <strong>the</strong> Best<br />
Western Store in Kern County every year since 1908 when<br />
The <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Californian started its annual reader’s poll.<br />
The strengths of <strong>the</strong> Emporium Western Store over <strong>the</strong><br />
years have been its service, selection <strong>and</strong> value. You can find<br />
a wide selection of boots, hats, jeans, shirts <strong>and</strong> belts, as<br />
well as all <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r favorite Western accessories <strong>and</strong> gift<br />
items. Customer service is old fashioned at <strong>the</strong> Emporium<br />
Western Store, where many customers are welcomed by<br />
name as <strong>the</strong>y enter <strong>the</strong> store. Longtime local families have<br />
shopped at <strong>the</strong> store for three or four generations <strong>and</strong><br />
friends are always running into each o<strong>the</strong>r while shopping.<br />
The Emporium Western Store prides itself in being <strong>the</strong><br />
oldest <strong>and</strong> largest locally owned, full-service Western store<br />
in Kern County, <strong>the</strong> store where <strong>the</strong> real cowboys shop.<br />
EMPORIUM WESTERN STORE<br />
÷<br />
Left: The second location of <strong>the</strong> Emporium, at 1316 Nineteenth Street,<br />
during <strong>the</strong> 1930s.<br />
Right: Second generation owners, Al <strong>and</strong> Rose Goldwater, taken in <strong>the</strong><br />
early 1950s in front of <strong>the</strong> third location of <strong>the</strong> store after it moved to<br />
1219 Nineteenth Street.<br />
THE MARKETPLACE<br />
243
VALLEY REPUBLIC BANK<br />
÷<br />
Above: Valley Republic Bank’s corporate headquarters is located on<br />
California Avenue in <strong>Bakersfield</strong>.<br />
Below: Board Member Greg Bynum; Chairman of <strong>the</strong> Board Eugene Voil<strong>and</strong>;<br />
President <strong>and</strong> CEO Bruce Jay; Vice President, Loans Janet Hepp <strong>and</strong><br />
Executive Vice President Philip McLaughlin..<br />
In 2009, <strong>the</strong> right people came toge<strong>the</strong>r at <strong>the</strong> right time,<br />
at <strong>the</strong> right place, <strong>and</strong> established Valley Republic Bank. The<br />
twenty-four founders believed bank customers deserved a<br />
local financial institution that could respond to <strong>the</strong>m quickly,<br />
efficiently, consistently <strong>and</strong> personally.<br />
Valley Republic became profitable after only eighteen<br />
months of operation <strong>and</strong> has recorded unprecedented<br />
growth quarter after quarter. By early 2016 <strong>the</strong> bank’s total<br />
assets exceeded $500 million.<br />
Valley Republic officials credit <strong>the</strong> bank’s phenomenal<br />
success to providing a high level of confidence <strong>and</strong> service<br />
to local professionals <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> business community. The<br />
entire team at Valley Republic lives in <strong>Bakersfield</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />
has raised <strong>the</strong>ir families here. The bank’s board, under <strong>the</strong><br />
leadership of Eugene Voil<strong>and</strong>, is composed of successful<br />
local business people who have a finger on <strong>the</strong> pulse of <strong>the</strong><br />
community <strong>and</strong> know <strong>the</strong> needs of Kern County customers.<br />
The management of Valley Republic has assembled one<br />
of <strong>the</strong> highest quality teams around. The bank consciously<br />
selects <strong>Bakersfield</strong>’s ‘best <strong>and</strong> brightest’ with every new hire.<br />
As a result, customers can count on an experienced, focused<br />
group of professionals who provide uncommon service that<br />
is second to none.<br />
Customers say <strong>the</strong>y appreciate <strong>the</strong> bank’s ‘local flavor,’ its<br />
quick loan decisions, personal meetings, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> policy of<br />
‘no 800 numbers’. When customers<br />
visit a Valley Republic Bank branch,<br />
<strong>the</strong> employees know <strong>the</strong>m by name.<br />
Managers underst<strong>and</strong> that banking is<br />
a people business <strong>and</strong> are committed<br />
to a community that values relationships.<br />
Valley Republic is fully invested<br />
in <strong>the</strong> success of its client’s businesses<br />
<strong>and</strong> considers itself a partner in <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
future growth.<br />
This ‘relationship banking’ approach provides customers<br />
with competitive products <strong>and</strong> services, <strong>the</strong> latest technological<br />
conveniences <strong>and</strong> a sincere appreciation for <strong>the</strong> customer’s<br />
business. Valley Republic tries harder than anyone else to<br />
stay one step ahead—in every regard.<br />
Valley Republic’s main branch is located at 5000 California<br />
Street. In 2012, a second branch was opened in <strong>the</strong> Gr<strong>and</strong><br />
Isl<strong>and</strong> Village at <strong>the</strong> corner of Ming Avenue <strong>and</strong> Buena Vista<br />
Road. Located in <strong>the</strong> heart of <strong>the</strong> Seven Oaks area, this<br />
branch provides convenience for businesses <strong>and</strong> professional<br />
customers in <strong>the</strong> surrounding neighborhoods. In 2016 <strong>the</strong><br />
Riverlakes branch was opened in Northwest <strong>Bakersfield</strong>.<br />
Valley Republic posted its ninth consecutive quarter of<br />
record earnings for <strong>the</strong> quarter ending March 31, 2016.<br />
Quarterly earnings exceeded $1 million, with net income up<br />
34 percent, net loans up 26 percent, deposits up 7 percent,<br />
<strong>and</strong> total assets up 9 percent.<br />
“At Valley Republic Bank, we recognize that our business<br />
is critical to <strong>the</strong> economic fabric of Kern County,” says Bruce<br />
Jay, president <strong>and</strong> CEO. “We believe we have a responsibility<br />
to do what we can do to make our community a better place<br />
in which to live <strong>and</strong> work. As an organization, we financially<br />
support numerous organizations <strong>and</strong> our staff is involved<br />
in various nonprofit organizations. We are committed to<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> <strong>and</strong> Kern County. It is our home.”<br />
BAKERSFIELD—It’s The <strong>People</strong>, And A <strong>Whole</strong> <strong>Lot</strong> <strong>More</strong><br />
244
For news, entertainment <strong>and</strong> public service, residents of<br />
<strong>the</strong> Central Valley have relied on KGET, Telemundo, <strong>and</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> CW for nearly six decades. Nexstar Broadcasting Group<br />
operates <strong>the</strong> three television stations from a single broadcast<br />
center in downtown <strong>Bakersfield</strong>.<br />
The three stations, under <strong>the</strong> leadership of Nexstar Vice<br />
President <strong>and</strong> station General Manager Derek Jeffery, offer a<br />
mix of news <strong>and</strong> entertainment in English <strong>and</strong> Spanish on<br />
broadcast frequencies, online, <strong>and</strong> on social media.<br />
As <strong>the</strong> local NBC affiliate, KGET is home to dozens of<br />
popular drama, reality <strong>and</strong> sports shows. Telemundo offers<br />
a similar lineup in Spanish, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> CW network offers a<br />
variety of first-run <strong>and</strong> syndicated programs.<br />
The stations’ mottoes—in both English <strong>and</strong> Spanish—are,<br />
“In <strong>the</strong> Spirit of <strong>the</strong> Golden Empire,” which reflects <strong>the</strong><br />
company’s commitment to <strong>the</strong> community it serves. That<br />
commitment is demonstrated through <strong>the</strong> dozens of<br />
nonprofits aided each year through no-cost public service<br />
announcements <strong>and</strong> by providing emcees for events. The<br />
stations have conducted so many fundraising drives that<br />
nonprofits have nicknamed <strong>the</strong> station’s parking lot,<br />
‘Compassion Corner’. The stations’ fundraisers brought in<br />
more than $300,000 in monetary donations in 2015 alone.<br />
For more than a decade, KGET has been <strong>the</strong> number one<br />
local news station in all time slots in Kern County. The<br />
morning newscasts anchored by Maddie Johnson <strong>and</strong> Jason<br />
Galvin <strong>and</strong> evening newscasts anchored by Jim Scott <strong>and</strong><br />
Tami Mlcoch have become traditions in thous<strong>and</strong>s of Kern<br />
County households. Kevin Charette provides dependable<br />
Pinpoint forecast to morning viewers, <strong>and</strong> Chief Meteorologist<br />
Alissa Carlson does <strong>the</strong> same in afternoon <strong>and</strong> evenings.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> last three years, KGET has won eight Edward R.<br />
Murrow Awards for investigative <strong>and</strong> breaking news<br />
reporting. In 2014 <strong>and</strong> again in 2016, <strong>the</strong> station received<br />
<strong>the</strong> Edward R. Murrow Overall Excellence Award, <strong>the</strong> top<br />
honor among stations in California, Nevada, <strong>and</strong> Hawaii.<br />
KGET news has also been honored with seven Emmy<br />
Awards since 2013.<br />
Telemundo/Valle Central offers <strong>the</strong> fastest growing <strong>and</strong><br />
only Spanish language newscast in <strong>the</strong> county, providing<br />
information <strong>and</strong> community service for a formerly underserved<br />
community.<br />
The success of both stations<br />
is built on a culture of honest,<br />
honorable reporting on topics<br />
that affect <strong>the</strong> county’s nearly<br />
one million residents.<br />
KGET’s predecessor station—<br />
KLYD—was founded as an ABC<br />
affiliate by local businessman<br />
Ed Urner in 1959. The original<br />
studios were on Eye Street<br />
near <strong>the</strong> present-day San Joaquin<br />
Community Hospital. Call letters,<br />
network affiliations <strong>and</strong> corporate ownership<br />
changed several times over <strong>the</strong> years<br />
until 1984 when <strong>the</strong> station became<br />
KGET, led by Vice President <strong>and</strong> General<br />
Manager Ray Watson who coined it<br />
Kern Golden Empire Television. Since<br />
<strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong> stations have been owned by<br />
<strong>the</strong> Ackerley Group (1984-2002), Clear<br />
Channel Communications (2002-2007),<br />
Newport Television, LLC (2008-2012) <strong>and</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> current owner, Nexstar Broadcasting<br />
Group, Inc. (2013-current).<br />
Telemundo/<strong>Bakersfield</strong> went on <strong>the</strong><br />
air in 2004 <strong>and</strong> exp<strong>and</strong>ed to Telemundo Valle Central in<br />
2015. The CW station was added in 2006 as a joint venture<br />
between Warner Bros. <strong>and</strong> CBS Corporation.<br />
KGET, TELEMUNDO AND<br />
THE CW BAKERSFIELD<br />
THE MARKETPLACE<br />
245
SMITH’S BAKERIES<br />
Loyal customers have made Smith’s Bakeries<br />
a <strong>Bakersfield</strong> tradition since 1945. Customers<br />
rave about Smith’s baked goods, particularly its<br />
mouth-watering champagne birthday cake <strong>and</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> famous ‘smile face’ cookies. One customer<br />
said, “We have come to rely on <strong>the</strong> quality <strong>and</strong><br />
consistency that Smith’s Bakery offers.” A happy<br />
newlywed wrote to say, “The wedding cake<br />
designed for our special day was a work of art.<br />
We loved it!”<br />
Smith’s Bakeries has been a well-known<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> l<strong>and</strong>mark since it was founded as a market/bakery<br />
at <strong>the</strong> corner of Third Street <strong>and</strong> Chester Avenue in October<br />
1945 by Howard Smith <strong>and</strong> Roy Balmain. Their goal was to<br />
produce <strong>the</strong> best possible baked goods for <strong>the</strong> community. In<br />
1985 <strong>the</strong> business was sold to Roy’s son, Jim, <strong>and</strong> his wife,<br />
Jacque, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>y have continued to build on <strong>the</strong> bakeries<br />
reputation for unique products <strong>and</strong> exceptional quality.<br />
Jim has now worked for Smith’s more than fifty-eight years.<br />
Generations of <strong>Bakersfield</strong> families have grown up<br />
munching on Smith’s cookies, doughnuts, <strong>and</strong> cupcakes.<br />
The bakery is famous for its delicious <strong>and</strong> unusual wedding<br />
cakes, some of which have been at tall as ten feet. Smith’s also<br />
makes unique cakes to celebrate such special occasions<br />
as birthdays <strong>and</strong> anniversaries. The popularity of Smith’s<br />
baked goods is based on <strong>the</strong> tradition of making all its<br />
products by h<strong>and</strong>, <strong>the</strong> old-fashioned way. Jim <strong>and</strong> Jacque<br />
are committed to carrying on <strong>the</strong> high st<strong>and</strong>ards set by<br />
<strong>the</strong> company founders.<br />
Smith’s Bakeries still operates from its location at<br />
2808 Union Avenue, founded in 1956. Satellite bakeries are<br />
located in Gr<strong>and</strong> Isl<strong>and</strong> Village at 11400 Ming Avenue;<br />
Brookside Market at 4700 Coffee Road; Brookside at <strong>the</strong><br />
Marketplace, 8803 Camino Media Boulevard; <strong>and</strong> White<br />
Oaks Plaza at 6401 White Lane.<br />
Currently, Smith’s Bakeries has forty-seven employees<br />
who serve a customer base that reflects all aspects of<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong> community. The bakery is very active in<br />
supporting civic organizations <strong>and</strong> numerous charities.<br />
After more than seventy years in business, Smith’s<br />
Bakeries remains committed to producing <strong>the</strong> finest breads,<br />
pies, cookies, cakes, cupcakes, Danish, coffee cakes <strong>and</strong> its<br />
legendary wedding cakes.<br />
To learn more about Smith’s Bakeries, check <strong>the</strong>ir website<br />
at www.smithsbakeries.com.<br />
BAKERSFIELD—It’s The <strong>People</strong>, And A <strong>Whole</strong> <strong>Lot</strong> <strong>More</strong><br />
246
In 1971, Greg Iger<br />
returned to <strong>Bakersfield</strong> from<br />
service in <strong>the</strong> U.S. Army,<br />
<strong>and</strong> a stint in Los Angeles<br />
as a news photographer for<br />
United Press International.<br />
Hollywood was home <strong>and</strong><br />
his career took him to<br />
shooting movie set publicity,<br />
“red carpet” openings <strong>and</strong><br />
models’ portfolios.<br />
His training was at<br />
Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara. He<br />
started “Photographic Art” on a shirt-tail budget, but soon<br />
became one of <strong>the</strong> best-known photographers in <strong>the</strong> area.<br />
He specialized in commercial photography <strong>and</strong> created a<br />
new look for portraiture in his outdoor studio. Some of his<br />
clients were large oil companies like Shell, Aera, Occidental,<br />
Chevron, <strong>and</strong> Tenneco. O<strong>the</strong>r large farming, l<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> produce<br />
corporations like Grimmway <strong>and</strong> Bolthouse Carrots,<br />
Tenneco West, Dole <strong>and</strong> Castle & Cooke were staples for<br />
<strong>the</strong> business, as well as many local entities.<br />
During his many years in Kern County, Iger spent a lot of<br />
time honing his l<strong>and</strong>scape photography skills which<br />
spawned two books on Kern County, Buena Vista—a pictorial<br />
view of Kern County <strong>and</strong> Buena Vista II—L<strong>and</strong>scapes of<br />
Kern County. Iger Studio is now located at 211 H Street near<br />
downtown <strong>Bakersfield</strong>. Large photographic images for<br />
wall décor are now <strong>the</strong> mainstay of <strong>the</strong> studio, with clients<br />
at offices, hospitals <strong>and</strong> doctors’ lobbies, as well as peoples<br />
homes <strong>and</strong> art galleries.<br />
Iger Studio continues to be a popular favorite for business,<br />
personal <strong>and</strong> family portraits, as well as product, aerial, architectural,<br />
construction, oilfield <strong>and</strong> agricultural photography.<br />
Come in for a visit or call 661-327-2768. Iger Studio is<br />
also located on <strong>the</strong> Internet at www.igerstudio.com.<br />
÷<br />
GREGORY IGER’S<br />
PHOTOGRAPHIC ART, INC.<br />
Left: Greg Iger.<br />
DBA IGER STUDIO<br />
THE MARKETPLACE<br />
247
BAKERSFIELD—It’s The <strong>People</strong>, And A <strong>Whole</strong> <strong>Lot</strong> <strong>More</strong><br />
248
Building a Greater <strong>Bakersfield</strong><br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong>’s real estate developers, construction companies, heavy industries,<br />
<strong>and</strong> manufacturers provide <strong>the</strong> economic foundation of <strong>the</strong> region<br />
Varner Bro<strong>the</strong>rs, Inc. ..........................................................................................250<br />
Varner & Son.....................................................................................................251<br />
Metropolitan Recycling, LLC ................................................................................252<br />
Superior Sanitation.............................................................................................253<br />
Price Disposal....................................................................................................254<br />
Howard’s Garbage Service, Inc..............................................................................255<br />
Ray Scott ..........................................................................................................256<br />
California Water Service .....................................................................................258<br />
Chris Bertolucci Construction ...............................................................................262<br />
The Towery Companies ........................................................................................264<br />
Hall Letter Shop, Inc. .........................................................................................266<br />
Griffith Company ...............................................................................................268<br />
Kern Asphalt Paving & Sealing Co., Inc. ................................................................270<br />
Castle & Cooke California, Inc. ............................................................................272<br />
KS Industries, LP ...............................................................................................274<br />
Bowman Asphalt, Inc...........................................................................................276<br />
Mazzei Injector Company, LLC .............................................................................278<br />
Townsend Design ................................................................................................280<br />
M.D. Atkinson Company, Inc. ...............................................................................282<br />
DB & Company ..................................................................................................283<br />
Malouf Family ...................................................................................................284<br />
Loyd’s Aviation dba <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Jet Center & Loyd’s Aircraft Maintenance ...................285<br />
All American Glass .............................................................................................286<br />
Martha Johnson Team..........................................................................................287<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> Association of Realtors ® /Golden Empire Multiple Listing Service, Inc./<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> Association of Realtors ® Charitable Foundation..................................288<br />
B&B Surplus, Inc................................................................................................289<br />
BUILDING A GREATER BAKERSFIELD<br />
249
VARNER BROTHERS, INC.<br />
The Varner Bro<strong>the</strong>rs, Inc., story began in 1939 when <strong>the</strong><br />
eighth Varner child, Bill, bought a garbage truck after<br />
working for James Clyde “Pat” on his garbage route. The<br />
company was originally named “Independent Sanitation” <strong>and</strong><br />
when Pearl Harbor was attacked, Bill enlisted in <strong>the</strong> Navy,<br />
along with bro<strong>the</strong>r John. Bro<strong>the</strong>r <strong>and</strong> world-class boxer,<br />
Claude was left to run <strong>the</strong> business, with <strong>the</strong> youngest bro<strong>the</strong>r<br />
E. L. “Skeet”, before Skeet also, went to war.<br />
After <strong>the</strong> Allied Victory, Bill <strong>and</strong> Skeet re-joined Claude in<br />
<strong>the</strong> operation, <strong>and</strong> soon <strong>the</strong>y were all married <strong>and</strong> having<br />
children. John joined <strong>the</strong> operation in 1952. Garbage collection<br />
was tough business <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> family could not survive on just<br />
that work. To make ends meet, <strong>the</strong> family hauled sulfur from<br />
mines, raised hogs, took odd-jobs, ran <strong>the</strong> L. A. Byproducts<br />
recycling facility <strong>and</strong> collected tin cans with self-built magnet<br />
cranes at <strong>the</strong> burn dumps. Skeet even had a muffler shop.<br />
In 1957, Kern County came to <strong>the</strong> decision that in <strong>the</strong><br />
best interest of public health <strong>and</strong> safety, <strong>the</strong>y would establish<br />
non-exclusive rubbish hauling franchises with expiring terms.<br />
In conjunction with this system <strong>and</strong> under <strong>the</strong> oversight of<br />
attorney <strong>and</strong> judge Roy Gargano, <strong>the</strong> bro<strong>the</strong>rs helped form <strong>the</strong><br />
Kern County Rubbish Association, with Claude serving as <strong>the</strong><br />
first president. Also, in 1957, <strong>the</strong> operation moved to its current<br />
site on <strong>the</strong> 1800 block of Roberts. Also around this time, VBI<br />
wrapped its contract with <strong>the</strong> City of <strong>Bakersfield</strong> on Pierce<br />
Road into <strong>the</strong> newly formed Kern Refuse Disposal partnership.<br />
In 1963, tragedy struck when Claude perished after his<br />
vehicle was hit by a train at Snow Road.<br />
In 1970, Varner Bros. was incorporated when bro<strong>the</strong>r<br />
Bob brought his own hauling operation into <strong>the</strong> group with<br />
Bill, John <strong>and</strong> Skeet. Bob retired in 1977, <strong>and</strong> Bill <strong>and</strong> John<br />
retired a few years after.<br />
Skeet’s responsibilities shifted in 1986 when Governor<br />
Deukmejian appointed him to <strong>the</strong> California Waste Board,<br />
where he was instrumental in helping craft AB 939 (Sher),<br />
California’s l<strong>and</strong>mark fifty percent recycling bill. At <strong>the</strong> same<br />
time, Skeet’s sons Rick <strong>and</strong> Vernon <strong>and</strong> son-in-law Dan Panero,<br />
assumed management of VBI.<br />
With <strong>the</strong> dedication <strong>and</strong> hard work of <strong>the</strong> staff, <strong>the</strong> second<br />
generation has sustained VBI’s valued place in <strong>the</strong> community.<br />
In addition to helping spearhead many new programs in<br />
recycling, mechanical automation <strong>and</strong> drastic growth of<br />
Metro-<strong>Bakersfield</strong>, Dan <strong>and</strong> Vernon both were presidents<br />
of <strong>the</strong>ir respective Rotary Clubs <strong>and</strong> Dan was a two-time<br />
president of <strong>the</strong> state’s rubbish <strong>and</strong> recycling industry board,<br />
<strong>the</strong> California Refuse Recycling Council (CRRC). Now into<br />
<strong>the</strong> third generation of leadership, Dan’s son Jacob completed<br />
a term as <strong>the</strong> youngest CRRC President in <strong>the</strong> organization’s<br />
fifty plus year history <strong>and</strong> is president of his Rotary Club.<br />
The Varner Bro<strong>the</strong>rs Family is so thankful for all of <strong>the</strong><br />
hard work <strong>and</strong> loyalty from our co-workers. And, we have<br />
been so blessed by <strong>the</strong> wonderful opportunities we have been<br />
allowed by <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong> <strong>and</strong> Kern County communities.<br />
We take pride in being supporters of many wonderful civic,<br />
nonprofit, <strong>and</strong> faith-based causes that help promote <strong>and</strong><br />
restore this terrific place.<br />
God Bless Kern County <strong>and</strong> God Bless America.<br />
BAKERSFIELD—It’s The <strong>People</strong>, And A <strong>Whole</strong> <strong>Lot</strong> <strong>More</strong><br />
250
In 1932, during <strong>the</strong> Great Depression, Pat Varner rode a<br />
box car with two of his bro<strong>the</strong>rs from Texas to California.<br />
They ended up working in <strong>the</strong> produce fields north of<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> <strong>and</strong> Pat became a professional boxer. His wife,<br />
Archilene Keown, was not fond of his boxing so he quit<br />
fighting <strong>and</strong> started a small garbage route using one old<br />
1930s vintage truck.<br />
As <strong>the</strong> business evolved, Pat was instrumental in helping<br />
family <strong>and</strong> friends start businesses. Once Varner Bro<strong>the</strong>rs<br />
was established, Pat branched out with his son, Jack,<br />
<strong>and</strong> became Varner’s Garbage Service. In <strong>the</strong> 1970s,Varner’s<br />
Garbage Service became<br />
Varner <strong>and</strong> Sons, Inc.<br />
<strong>and</strong> Pat retired.<br />
Jack continued to<br />
build <strong>the</strong> business,<br />
eventually acquiring<br />
Lamont Sanitation, Inc.<br />
before retiring in 1986.<br />
By <strong>the</strong>n, <strong>the</strong> third generation—headed by Vint Varner—was<br />
h<strong>and</strong>ling <strong>the</strong> companies, <strong>and</strong> today <strong>the</strong> fourth generation—<br />
headed by Dane Varner—is involved in <strong>the</strong> companies.<br />
VARNER & SON<br />
BUILDING A GREATER BAKERSFIELD<br />
251
METROPOLITAN<br />
RECYCLING, LLC<br />
Metropolitan Recycling, LLC was formed in 1999 by five<br />
privately owned <strong>Bakersfield</strong> area collection companies—<br />
Price Disposal, Varner <strong>and</strong> Son/Lamont Sanitation, Howard’s<br />
Garbage, Superior Sanitation, <strong>and</strong> Varner Bro<strong>the</strong>rs, Inc. This<br />
collaborative entity at <strong>the</strong> South Mount Vernon recycling<br />
complex is <strong>the</strong> companies’ response to <strong>the</strong> need of helping<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> <strong>and</strong> Kern County stay ahead of <strong>the</strong> curve in sustainability<br />
<strong>and</strong> recycling in an ever-changing global marketplace.<br />
MRC is proud to have recently completed construction of<br />
a state-of-art, twenty tons-per-hour Single Stream Material<br />
Recovery Facility (MRF) in Sou<strong>the</strong>ast <strong>Bakersfield</strong>. This MRF<br />
was developed in response to increasing state recycling m<strong>and</strong>ates<br />
<strong>and</strong> visionary collection program collaboration with<br />
<strong>the</strong> City of <strong>Bakersfield</strong> <strong>and</strong> Kern County. The 50,000 square<br />
foot building is able to accept, house, process, bale <strong>and</strong> ship<br />
all of <strong>the</strong> residential <strong>and</strong> commercial Blue Cart material in<br />
<strong>the</strong> City of <strong>Bakersfield</strong> <strong>and</strong> much of unincorporated areas of<br />
Kern County for many years to come. The purpose-designed<br />
MRF is a fully adjustable <strong>and</strong> automated recycling system<br />
of 13 conveyers, 4 screens, a Dings magnate, 5 container<br />
bunkers, 2 live floors/in-feeds, <strong>and</strong> a high capacity IPS tworam<br />
baler. Keeping all <strong>the</strong>se materials directed are 1 forklift,<br />
2 Bobcats, a 950 Cat loader, a Tabarelli excavator, 5 equipment<br />
operators, <strong>and</strong> 22 quality control specialists.<br />
In addition to <strong>the</strong> Blue Cart MRF, MRC also has <strong>the</strong> only<br />
fully permitted Construction <strong>and</strong> Demolition (C&D) MRF<br />
in metro <strong>Bakersfield</strong>. This facility has accepted more than<br />
45,000 tons per year of material <strong>and</strong> diverts over seventy<br />
percent of that material from local l<strong>and</strong>fills.<br />
Continuing with <strong>the</strong> sustainable model, MRC invested <strong>and</strong><br />
installed 580 solar panels for power generation on <strong>the</strong> roof of<br />
<strong>the</strong> MRF in 2016. This 162.4 KW DC system is designed with<br />
<strong>the</strong> capacity to power all of <strong>the</strong> sorting equipment throughout<br />
<strong>the</strong> majority of <strong>the</strong> year from <strong>the</strong> rays of <strong>the</strong> sun.<br />
Ano<strong>the</strong>r successful long-term program is <strong>the</strong> Curbside<br />
Large Item Collection program. MRC collaborates with<br />
Goodwill Industries, Salvation Army, <strong>and</strong> St. Vincent DePaul<br />
to collect large household items at <strong>the</strong> curb. Then, <strong>the</strong><br />
nonprofit partners rehab <strong>and</strong> sell what <strong>the</strong>y can, recycle<br />
what <strong>the</strong>y can, <strong>and</strong> efficiently dispose of <strong>the</strong> last of <strong>the</strong><br />
materials residents no longer need.<br />
MRC would like to thank <strong>the</strong> City of <strong>Bakersfield</strong>, County<br />
of Kern, <strong>the</strong> local residents, <strong>the</strong>ir partners in business,<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir vendors <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir loyal staff for <strong>the</strong> continued<br />
opportunity to serve this wonderful area. MRC is also<br />
happy to support many projects in <strong>the</strong> area that give back<br />
to <strong>the</strong> community, including Relay for Life, Keep <strong>Bakersfield</strong><br />
Beautiful, Greater <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Green Expo, rotary, many<br />
local churches <strong>and</strong> Christian causes, local chambers of<br />
commerce, <strong>and</strong> numerous o<strong>the</strong>rs.<br />
BAKERSFIELD—It’s The <strong>People</strong>, And A <strong>Whole</strong> <strong>Lot</strong> <strong>More</strong><br />
252
In 1956, Elvis recorded <strong>the</strong> first of his 170 hit singles,<br />
Heartbreak Hotel; portable black <strong>and</strong> white televisions<br />
hit <strong>the</strong> market; <strong>and</strong> My Fair Lady debuted on Broadway.<br />
1956 was also <strong>the</strong> year Jack <strong>and</strong> Mary Ann Keown opened<br />
a business called Superior Sanitation.<br />
Jack drove <strong>the</strong> original trash truck as he made his way<br />
through <strong>the</strong> neighborhoods selling his collection service<br />
door-to-door. Mary Ann h<strong>and</strong>led <strong>the</strong> billing <strong>and</strong> books.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> early days, cost of collection was $1.50 per month<br />
for twice a week curbside collection. Residents paid an<br />
extra fifty cents if <strong>the</strong>y wanted <strong>the</strong>ir trash picked up from<br />
<strong>the</strong> backyard. Curbside grass collection added a dollar<br />
to <strong>the</strong> bill. Sideboards were added to <strong>the</strong> old Ford trash<br />
truck so it could hold both refuse <strong>and</strong> grass.<br />
A h<strong>and</strong>s-on owner, Jack packed <strong>and</strong> stomped <strong>the</strong> trash<br />
himself to ensure <strong>the</strong> greatest compaction rate. Although<br />
today’s trucks are much larger <strong>and</strong> automated, <strong>the</strong> concept<br />
of trash collection <strong>and</strong> compaction remains <strong>the</strong> same.<br />
Jack <strong>and</strong> Mary Ann made quite a team, working hard<br />
to build a business based on honesty, integrity, <strong>and</strong> superior<br />
customer service. The team added more homes <strong>and</strong><br />
businesses to <strong>the</strong> original 100 collection stops <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
business prospered.<br />
A founding member of Kern Refuse, <strong>the</strong> business remains<br />
a strong, viable company <strong>and</strong> has grown on <strong>the</strong> foundation<br />
of treating o<strong>the</strong>rs as <strong>the</strong>y would want to be treated.<br />
Although Jack <strong>and</strong> Mary Ann retired in 1993, <strong>the</strong><br />
organization remains a family operation. Their son, Bruce,<br />
has taken over as vice president; <strong>and</strong> his sister, Nancy,<br />
works in <strong>the</strong> front office. Bruce’s son, Russell, <strong>and</strong> his<br />
nephew, Vincent Young are supervisors. Russell is also<br />
active in customer service. The family tradition of quality<br />
service is carried on.<br />
Superior’s fleet now includes twenty trash trucks<br />
collecting both residential <strong>and</strong> commercial refuse, as well<br />
as roll-off trucks for special collections. The company has<br />
twenty-six employees.<br />
The company contracts with <strong>the</strong> City of <strong>Bakersfield</strong><br />
<strong>and</strong> Kern County to provide refuse collection service for<br />
residents <strong>and</strong> commercial businesses within <strong>the</strong> franchise<br />
area. With 14,000 residential accounts <strong>and</strong> 700 commercial<br />
stops, Superior Sanitation runs trucks six days each week.<br />
Although <strong>the</strong> business of trash collection has changed<br />
greatly, Superior Sanitation’s commitment to quality <strong>and</strong><br />
service still permeate <strong>the</strong> organization. Monthly safety<br />
meetings <strong>and</strong> daily vehicle safety inspections keep <strong>the</strong> fleet<br />
running smoothly.<br />
The company is heavily involved in <strong>the</strong> community,<br />
financially supporting <strong>the</strong> D.A.R.E Program, City <strong>and</strong> County<br />
Fire, <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Police, Kern County Sheriff, California<br />
Highway Patrol, Veterans of Foreign Wars <strong>and</strong> Hospice.<br />
Superior Sanitation is a great example of a well-run<br />
small business with a big commitment to <strong>the</strong> customers<br />
it serves.<br />
SUPERIOR SANITATION<br />
BUILDING A GREATER BAKERSFIELD<br />
253
PRICE DISPOSAL<br />
÷<br />
Above: Elmer <strong>and</strong> Virgina Price.<br />
Right: The Price family.<br />
Elmer, Sr., <strong>and</strong> Virginia started <strong>the</strong> Price family legacy of<br />
public service in 1947 with one man—Elmer, one truck—a<br />
1929 Model A Ford, <strong>and</strong> one route—located in <strong>the</strong> sou<strong>the</strong>rn<br />
portion of <strong>Bakersfield</strong> <strong>and</strong> Kern County. Elmer said he simply<br />
wanted to work hard <strong>and</strong> provide for his family.<br />
Elmer’s st<strong>and</strong>ards of integrity <strong>and</strong> customer<br />
service are at <strong>the</strong> core of how <strong>the</strong> Price family<br />
continues to operate today. Walter, Elmer, Jr.,<br />
W<strong>and</strong>a Price-Engl<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> now third-generation<br />
Jon Price continue to uphold Elmer, Sr.’s st<strong>and</strong>ards.<br />
Today, <strong>the</strong> one-truck, one-man, one-route business<br />
has grown into a fleet of sixty collection<br />
trucks servicing seven franchise areas with more<br />
than 36,000 residential, commercial <strong>and</strong> industrial<br />
customers. The service area covers more than<br />
1,200 square miles, which includes Kern County,<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong>, City of Arvin, Los Angeles County<br />
<strong>and</strong> Ventura County.<br />
Being innovative is at <strong>the</strong> core of <strong>the</strong> Price business<br />
strategy. The Price family was <strong>the</strong> first local<br />
hauler to purchase a packer truck (1959), roll-off<br />
truck (1972), <strong>and</strong> fully-automated side loader<br />
truck (1992). In 2006 <strong>the</strong> ‘Classroom Recycling<br />
Container Program” began with <strong>the</strong> Arvin Union<br />
School District. This has resulted in 2010 <strong>and</strong><br />
2011 ‘Waste Minimization’ trophies from Keep<br />
California Beautiful. In 2009 <strong>the</strong> first Recycled Materials Arts<br />
Festival in California—<strong>the</strong> Arvin Green Arts Festival—was<br />
created. Companies like Nestles (Dreyers) have utilized<br />
Price’s specially fabricated equipment to help compost/recycle<br />
millions of pounds of material each month.<br />
The Price family’s community service has always been<br />
focused on <strong>the</strong> local youth. They feel that giving back to <strong>the</strong><br />
youth will help <strong>the</strong> whole community benefit in <strong>the</strong> future.<br />
In 2008 <strong>the</strong> Price family started donating towards <strong>the</strong> AVID<br />
Scholarships for Arvin School District students. The AVID<br />
program helps finance, prepare <strong>and</strong> encourage students for<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir college experience. These ongoing community programs<br />
helped <strong>the</strong> Price family to be recognized as <strong>the</strong> 2013<br />
Arvin Business of <strong>the</strong> Year.<br />
The Price family, along with <strong>the</strong> local haulers of metro<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> area <strong>and</strong> Keep <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Beautiful, has created<br />
<strong>the</strong> Greater <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Green Expo. The Expo is <strong>the</strong> only<br />
high school recycled materials arts competition in <strong>the</strong> state.<br />
The collaborative group also developed recycling events that<br />
benefit <strong>Bakersfield</strong>’s Ronald McDonald House Charities,<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> Relay for Life, Campout Against Cancer, Make a<br />
Difference Day, <strong>and</strong> America Recycles Day for <strong>the</strong> City of<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> <strong>and</strong> Kern County.<br />
BAKERSFIELD—It’s The <strong>People</strong>, And A <strong>Whole</strong> <strong>Lot</strong> <strong>More</strong><br />
254
÷<br />
Below: Founders, Larry <strong>and</strong> Peggy Sewell.<br />
HOWARD’S GARBAGE<br />
SERVICE, INC.<br />
Bottom: Current owners, Nancy <strong>and</strong> Steve Sewell.<br />
Howard’s Garbage Service in East <strong>Bakersfield</strong> began in<br />
1952 when Pat Varner, a close family friend of Larry Sewell,<br />
urged Larry to buy a truck <strong>and</strong> start his own refuse business.<br />
Larry <strong>and</strong> his wife, Peggy, decided to give it a try <strong>and</strong> started<br />
collecting <strong>and</strong> hauling residential <strong>and</strong> commercial waste.<br />
During <strong>the</strong> early days, both Larry <strong>and</strong> Peggy held down<br />
full-time jobs while operating <strong>and</strong> exp<strong>and</strong>ing <strong>the</strong> business.<br />
Before he was able to devote full time to <strong>the</strong> business, Larry<br />
had to jockey trucks back-<strong>and</strong>-forth until <strong>the</strong> late evening.<br />
Meanwhile, Peggy served as bookkeeper for <strong>the</strong> company,<br />
working from home while raising <strong>the</strong>ir family.<br />
Larry eventually bought a small, open-top truck route<br />
from <strong>the</strong> Howard Benge family. He consolidated <strong>the</strong> route<br />
into his existing routes <strong>and</strong> continued to run <strong>the</strong> new<br />
business without o<strong>the</strong>r drivers. The business exp<strong>and</strong>ed,<br />
slowly but surely, <strong>and</strong> during his ownership of <strong>the</strong> company,<br />
Larry added ano<strong>the</strong>r truck <strong>and</strong> four drivers.<br />
Larry was forced to retire early because of health reasons,<br />
<strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> company was purchased in 1975 by Steve <strong>and</strong><br />
Nancy Sewell, who continue to operate <strong>the</strong> firm today. Steve<br />
added a commercial side to <strong>the</strong> business <strong>and</strong> recently added<br />
roll-off <strong>and</strong> recycling divisions.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> sixty-four years since it was founded, Howard’s<br />
Garbage Service has grown from a one truck, one-man<br />
manual operation—residential only—to a five completely<br />
automated truck operation with seven employees.<br />
Steve <strong>and</strong> Nancy continue to be involved in <strong>the</strong> business<br />
while relying on <strong>the</strong>ir great field <strong>and</strong> office staff to carry<br />
out <strong>the</strong> daily operations. They continue to be grateful that<br />
<strong>the</strong>y were given <strong>the</strong> opportunity to buy <strong>the</strong> business from<br />
Larry <strong>and</strong> Peggy.<br />
Howard’s Garbage Service is a regular contributor to a<br />
number of public charities <strong>and</strong> service groups. In addition,<br />
<strong>the</strong> company participates in private ventures to help advance<br />
<strong>the</strong> st<strong>and</strong>ard of living for local families in need.<br />
Looking to <strong>the</strong> future, <strong>the</strong> company plans to continue<br />
working with community leaders to provide solutions for<br />
m<strong>and</strong>ates affecting solid waste generation <strong>and</strong> disposal.<br />
BUILDING A GREATER BAKERSFIELD<br />
255
RAY SCOTT<br />
÷<br />
Right: <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Centennial Gospel Night.<br />
Below: Ray <strong>and</strong> Deann Scott, Veterans Day 2015.<br />
“Because God Loved Me Through <strong>Bakersfield</strong>.”<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> is a loving community that has a tradition of<br />
giving to those who are in need due to illness. It is hard to<br />
find a weekend in <strong>Bakersfield</strong> when <strong>the</strong>re is not a charity<br />
event happening. From June 7, 1992, to November 16, 1994,<br />
<strong>the</strong> people of <strong>Bakersfield</strong> encouraged me from moment to<br />
moment, until I was at <strong>the</strong> right place <strong>and</strong> time for God to<br />
perform His miracle in my life, which had been critically<br />
impacted by stage four colon cancer. On October 31, 1994,<br />
I was told I had no chance of remission, no chance of<br />
recovery <strong>and</strong> we could only discuss what short time was<br />
left. Please visit www.extraordinarygod.com for <strong>the</strong> details.<br />
Whe<strong>the</strong>r it was family, church, Olive Garden <strong>and</strong> employees,<br />
Comprehensive Blood <strong>and</strong> Cancer Center, Alcoholic<br />
Anonymous, American Cancer Society or Mercy Hospitals of<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong>, <strong>the</strong>y all contributed to why I am here today. So,<br />
when a dear friend asked me to help with <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong><br />
Centennial Celebration <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> gr<strong>and</strong> opening of <strong>the</strong><br />
plaza <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Spiritual Heritage Foundation Committees,<br />
I said “My pleasure.” This bir<strong>the</strong>d <strong>the</strong> Centennial <strong>Bakersfield</strong><br />
Gospel Night <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> start of my position on <strong>the</strong> executive<br />
board for <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Christian High School unto 2004.<br />
In 2001, after fourteen years in <strong>the</strong> food industry, God<br />
placed me with <strong>the</strong> Price family, one of <strong>the</strong> local refuse <strong>and</strong><br />
recycling haulers in <strong>the</strong> Metro-<strong>Bakersfield</strong> area. This is a local<br />
family business that believes in community service <strong>and</strong> was<br />
one of <strong>the</strong> founding sponsors of <strong>the</strong> Arvin Green Arts Festival<br />
in 2009. This transformed into <strong>the</strong> Greater <strong>Bakersfield</strong><br />
Green Expo in 2010. The only high school Recycled Material<br />
Arts Competition in <strong>the</strong> State of California was immediately<br />
a success by collaborating with <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Great American<br />
Cleanup. In 2011, I was given <strong>the</strong> opportunity to serve on<br />
<strong>the</strong> Keep <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Beautiful Board <strong>and</strong> Mayor Hall’s<br />
Great American Cleanup Committee, <strong>and</strong> additionally as<br />
chair of <strong>the</strong> recycling committee, which was supported by <strong>the</strong><br />
fellow haulers recycling events such as McDonald’s E Waste,<br />
Relay for Life, Kern Green, Area Energy Employee Expo,<br />
Make a Difference Day <strong>and</strong> America Recycles Day.<br />
BAKERSFIELD—It’s The <strong>People</strong>, And A <strong>Whole</strong> <strong>Lot</strong> <strong>More</strong><br />
256
÷<br />
Left: Greater <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Green Expo tent, 2011.<br />
Below: Relay for Life Kern County Fairgrounds.<br />
In 2012, I was invited to serve on <strong>the</strong> Keep California<br />
Beautiful Board to represent <strong>the</strong> Haulers of Metro Kern<br />
County <strong>and</strong> worked on <strong>the</strong> statewide K-12 Recycling<br />
Challenge, which became <strong>the</strong> key program for Keep<br />
California Beautiful. In December 2013, I was asked to<br />
become board president of Keep California Beautiful. In<br />
November 2015, I received from President Obama a Lifetime<br />
Achievement Award for Community Volunteer Service.<br />
In all of this, I have been deeply blessed with <strong>the</strong><br />
opportunity to help provide a greater platform to <strong>the</strong><br />
gracious people of <strong>Bakersfield</strong>, Kern County <strong>and</strong><br />
California on both <strong>the</strong> state <strong>and</strong> national levels. My focus<br />
was <strong>and</strong> is to honor God <strong>and</strong> bless His children. The<br />
scripture that is in <strong>the</strong> center of my desk at work is<br />
James 3:18 (Message Bible): ‘You can develop a healthy,<br />
robust community that lives right with God <strong>and</strong> enjoy its<br />
results only if you do <strong>the</strong> hard work of getting along with<br />
each o<strong>the</strong>r, treating each o<strong>the</strong>r with dignity <strong>and</strong> honor.’<br />
“Because God Loved Me Through <strong>Bakersfield</strong>.”<br />
BUILDING A GREATER BAKERSFIELD<br />
257
CALIFORNIA<br />
WATER SERVICE<br />
÷<br />
Above: <strong>Bakersfield</strong> District employees ready <strong>the</strong> company entry in <strong>the</strong> city’s<br />
1930s Western Day Parade. Carl Stahlecker (foreground) served early in his<br />
career as president of <strong>the</strong> company’s Utility Workers Union Council.<br />
Right: Christopher Chenery was <strong>the</strong> chief executive officer of <strong>the</strong> company<br />
until 1939. Chenery was also president of Federal Water Service Company,<br />
<strong>the</strong> parent company of California Water Service.<br />
By living up to its promise of quality, service <strong>and</strong> value,<br />
California Water Service—known as Cal Water—has supplied<br />
water utility services for customers in its <strong>Bakersfield</strong><br />
District for ninety years. Cal Water serves more than<br />
278,500 people daily through 70,800 customer connections<br />
in its <strong>Bakersfield</strong> District, as well as 141,100 people through<br />
50,700 connections under an operations <strong>and</strong> maintenance<br />
contract (O&M) with <strong>the</strong> City of <strong>Bakersfield</strong>.<br />
To deliver water to its thous<strong>and</strong>s of customers, Cal Water<br />
collects water from its source, treats it to meet stringent federal<br />
<strong>and</strong> state water quality <strong>and</strong> environmental st<strong>and</strong>ards,<br />
tests it for safety, <strong>and</strong> stores it for delivery to customers<br />
24/7. Cal Water’s vast network of pipelines, booster pumps<br />
<strong>and</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r infrastructure includes 960 miles of pipelines in<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong>, all underground.<br />
Christopher F. Chenery,<br />
along with Thomas H. Wiggin<br />
<strong>and</strong> George Lewis Ohrstrom,<br />
created California Water<br />
Service Company in <strong>the</strong> fall<br />
of 1926.<br />
Chenery, who studied<br />
Engineering at Washington &<br />
Lee University <strong>and</strong> became a<br />
major in <strong>the</strong> Army Corps of<br />
Engineers, met Lieutenant<br />
Wiggin when <strong>the</strong>y served<br />
toge<strong>the</strong>r at Camp Humphries,<br />
Virginia. Wiggin, a graduate<br />
of Massachusetts Institute of Technology, later became a<br />
well-respected civil engineer <strong>and</strong> was a consultant to more<br />
than 100 water companies. Ohrstrom, an Army fighter pilot<br />
credited with shooting down <strong>the</strong> last German Aircraft in<br />
World War I, became a New York investment banker after<br />
graduating from <strong>the</strong> University of Michigan.<br />
In 1926, <strong>the</strong> three men combined <strong>the</strong>ir talents to organize<br />
<strong>the</strong> Federal Water Service <strong>and</strong> its subsidiary, California<br />
Water Service Company. Chenery <strong>and</strong> Wiggin supplied<br />
<strong>the</strong> technical expertise for <strong>the</strong> venture, while Ohrstrom’s<br />
experience in investment banking helped secure <strong>the</strong> capital<br />
needed for <strong>the</strong> new utility.<br />
The nation was enjoying <strong>the</strong> economic boom times of <strong>the</strong><br />
‘Roaring ’20s’ as Chenery began his efforts to build a water<br />
utility base in California. Fueling <strong>the</strong> era’s dynamic growth<br />
was <strong>the</strong> fast-moving pace of industrialization, technological<br />
advances <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> billions of dollars being invested in a<br />
spiraling stock market that investors believed would keep<br />
rising forever. Amid this prosperity, entrepreneurs such<br />
as Chenery <strong>and</strong> his associates recognized <strong>the</strong> potential lay in<br />
offering <strong>the</strong> public an opportunity to invest in <strong>the</strong> booming<br />
utilities industry. The stock market provided <strong>the</strong> vehicle for<br />
capitalizing on <strong>the</strong> nation’s insatiable desire for potential<br />
gains through securities speculation.<br />
Chenery established a foothold on <strong>the</strong> West Coast in<br />
several California communities during <strong>the</strong> fall of 1926.<br />
Two of his acquisitions were <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Water Works<br />
<strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Electric Water Co. of <strong>Bakersfield</strong> in 1926.<br />
When <strong>the</strong> stock market collapsed in 1929 <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> nation<br />
slowly slid into <strong>the</strong> economic depression of <strong>the</strong> 1930s,<br />
Cal Water was able to survive because of its solid financial<br />
base <strong>and</strong> strong leadership.<br />
In 1941, Cal Water’s <strong>Bakersfield</strong> District was <strong>the</strong> first to<br />
have a union contract, paving <strong>the</strong> way for workers in seven<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r districts to become union members by <strong>the</strong> end of 1942.<br />
Ralph Elsman, CEO at <strong>the</strong> time, encouraged his employees<br />
to never forget <strong>the</strong> importance of maintaining customer<br />
service, insisting that <strong>the</strong> paramount rule in <strong>the</strong> public<br />
utility business was that “dependable service to <strong>the</strong> customer<br />
always comes first.” This commitment to customer<br />
service became a core value of <strong>the</strong> company, <strong>and</strong> this<br />
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÷<br />
Left: Employees of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong> District ga<strong>the</strong>r for an equipment training<br />
session, c. 1931.<br />
Below: The <strong>Bakersfield</strong> District has fifty-one storage tanks that can hold up<br />
to 43 million gallons of water at any given time. The tanks ensure <strong>the</strong> district<br />
has enough water to meet peak dem<strong>and</strong> times <strong>and</strong> that <strong>the</strong>re is always an<br />
emergency supply on h<strong>and</strong>. The pictured tank can hold 5 million gallons of<br />
water <strong>and</strong> is known in <strong>the</strong> district as <strong>the</strong> “panorama station.”<br />
long-st<strong>and</strong>ing emphasis on quality <strong>and</strong> service continues to<br />
guide Cal Water today.<br />
In May 1945, an initial public offering of all company-held<br />
stock was issued at thirty-nine dollars per share. The sale of<br />
stock brought wide distribution of ownership in thirty-eight<br />
states. In April 1994, Cal Water common stock began trading<br />
on <strong>the</strong> New York Stock Exchange under <strong>the</strong> symbol ‘CWT’.<br />
The company previously traded on <strong>the</strong> NASDAQ market.<br />
A major event in <strong>the</strong> company’s history occurred in 1961<br />
when <strong>the</strong> State of California began construction of <strong>the</strong> $1.6<br />
billion state water project, designed to capture <strong>and</strong> transport<br />
water from <strong>the</strong> state’s nor<strong>the</strong>rn area to more arid regions of<br />
central <strong>and</strong> sou<strong>the</strong>rn California. This project delivered a major<br />
supply of surface water to Cal Water districts in Los Altos,<br />
Livermore, Oroville, <strong>Bakersfield</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Los Angeles area.<br />
Cal Water engineers worked closely on this project <strong>and</strong><br />
were able to work with local water agencies to negotiate<br />
contracts to meet <strong>the</strong> water needs of its customers.<br />
Cal Water acquired <strong>the</strong> Crest Water Company of<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> in 1965. This system added 1,650 customers,<br />
bringing <strong>the</strong> statewide total to 238,841. Garden Water<br />
System of <strong>Bakersfield</strong> was acquired in 1975, adding an<br />
additional 2,600 customers.<br />
In 1977, Cal Water first ventured into a management<br />
opportunity involving <strong>the</strong> operation of a city-owned<br />
water system. A contract was signed with <strong>the</strong> City of<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> authorizing <strong>the</strong> company to assume management<br />
of <strong>the</strong> new city-owned water system serving<br />
4,100 customers. (The city had purchased <strong>the</strong> water<br />
operations of Tenneco West, a major l<strong>and</strong> developer in<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong> area.)<br />
The company was forced to deal with <strong>the</strong> first major<br />
drought in its history during 1976-1977 when California<br />
experienced <strong>the</strong> lowest two-year rainfall recorded in<br />
modern times. To meet <strong>the</strong> state emergency, stringent water<br />
conservation rules were imposed on all customers.<br />
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259
÷<br />
Above: Cal Water holds a groundbreaking ceremony for <strong>the</strong> Nor<strong>the</strong>ast<br />
Treatment Plant on November 16, 2001.<br />
Right: Cal Water processes water for <strong>Bakersfield</strong> customers through<br />
two treatment plants that utilize advanced microfiltration membranes.<br />
Toge<strong>the</strong>r, <strong>the</strong> two plants can treat nearly thirty million gallons per day for<br />
local customers.<br />
During <strong>the</strong> five-<strong>and</strong>-a-half-year drought that began in<br />
1987, Cal Water was an active participant in <strong>the</strong> state’s call<br />
for a ‘memor<strong>and</strong>um of underst<strong>and</strong>ing’ among 123 water<br />
agencies throughout California. Water purveyors were asked<br />
to support ‘best management practices’ designed to promote<br />
efficient use of water. This memor<strong>and</strong>um was signed by all<br />
participating agencies in 1991.<br />
This enabled Cal Water to be well-prepared when <strong>the</strong><br />
state experienced ano<strong>the</strong>r historic drought that it is still<br />
enduring. To help cope with <strong>the</strong> current drought conditions<br />
in California, Cal Water’s <strong>Bakersfield</strong> system—<strong>and</strong> customers—reduced<br />
water use cumulatively by thirty-one<br />
percent from June 2015 through May 2016, compared to<br />
2013. Through a combination of <strong>the</strong> company’s long-term<br />
water supply planning <strong>and</strong> robust conservation programs<br />
<strong>and</strong> efforts, <strong>the</strong> reduction surpassed <strong>the</strong> requirements set<br />
for <strong>the</strong> system by <strong>the</strong> State Water Resources Control Board.<br />
Going forward, Cal Water is asking its <strong>Bakersfield</strong> customers<br />
to reduce consumption by nine percent until <strong>the</strong><br />
state establishes its framework for permanent conservation<br />
st<strong>and</strong>ards in early 2017.<br />
In 1996, Cal Water directors took a dramatic first<br />
step toward developing new growth opportunities for <strong>the</strong><br />
company when <strong>the</strong>y passed a resolution for <strong>the</strong> formation<br />
of a holding company, California Water Service Group.<br />
The group, established on December 21, 1997, was<br />
comprised of California Water Service (Cal Water), which<br />
h<strong>and</strong>led regulated utility operations, <strong>and</strong> CWS Utility<br />
Services, which h<strong>and</strong>led non-regulated services such as <strong>the</strong><br />
City of <strong>Bakersfield</strong> O&M contract.<br />
In 1999, Cal Water was given governmental authority to<br />
build, own <strong>and</strong> operate a surface water treatment facility<br />
in a new <strong>and</strong> growing area of <strong>Bakersfield</strong>. The Northwest<br />
Water Supply Project would eventually serve 15,000 new<br />
customers with a surface water supply being allocated by<br />
<strong>the</strong> City of <strong>Bakersfield</strong> from <strong>the</strong> Kern River.<br />
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Also in 1999, <strong>the</strong> company purchased <strong>Bakersfield</strong>’s<br />
Olcese Water District, adding 176 customers. This deal also<br />
included a surface water treatment plant <strong>and</strong> approximately<br />
42,000 acre feet of water deposited in <strong>the</strong> City of <strong>Bakersfield</strong><br />
water bank.<br />
In 2003, Cal Water’s $49 million state-of-<strong>the</strong>-art water<br />
treatment plant opened in Nor<strong>the</strong>ast <strong>Bakersfield</strong>. This was <strong>the</strong><br />
largest capital project in <strong>the</strong> company’s history <strong>and</strong> has become<br />
an integral part of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong> operations, meeting <strong>the</strong><br />
quality <strong>and</strong> supply needs of 95,000 customers. The new<br />
plant allowed <strong>the</strong> City of <strong>Bakersfield</strong> to increase population<br />
in <strong>the</strong> city’s dynamic growth area to <strong>the</strong> Nor<strong>the</strong>ast. Even<br />
at one-third of its capacity, <strong>the</strong> new plant could provide a<br />
glass of water each day to every person in North America.<br />
Currently, Cal Water <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Tejon-Castac Water District<br />
are working toge<strong>the</strong>r to improve water quality by adding<br />
ano<strong>the</strong>r stage of filtration, which will reduce byproducts that<br />
form during disinfection. The company is also making<br />
pipeline modifications <strong>and</strong> operational changes, such as frequently<br />
refilling <strong>the</strong> storage tanks <strong>and</strong> flushing, to improve<br />
water quality. Cal Water, whose sister subsidiaries provide<br />
extensive wastewater utility services, also provides wastewater<br />
utility service to customers in <strong>the</strong> Tejon-Castac system.<br />
Cal Water now has about 480,300 customer connections<br />
statewide. The group has more than 509,000 customer<br />
connections total, with more than $400 million in annual<br />
revenue <strong>and</strong> more than $1.5 billion in gross utility plant<br />
assets. Across all subsidiaries, <strong>the</strong> group employs about<br />
1,125 people, including 129 in <strong>Bakersfield</strong>. Corporate<br />
headquarters are located in San Jose <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> local Cal Water<br />
office is at 3725 South H Street. The company operates<br />
twenty-eight Cal Water Customer <strong>and</strong> Operations Centers<br />
throughout <strong>the</strong> state.<br />
As part of its continuing effort to improve <strong>the</strong> quality of<br />
life in <strong>the</strong> communities it serves, Cal Water has numerous<br />
community outreach <strong>and</strong> charitable giving programs that<br />
are funded by <strong>the</strong> company <strong>and</strong> not paid for by ratepayers.<br />
“It is important to us to be a good neighbor <strong>and</strong> support<br />
organizations that make our communities better places<br />
to live. This means investing in worthwhile organizations<br />
such as food banks, economic assistance organizations,<br />
<strong>and</strong> services for at-risk youth, among many o<strong>the</strong>rs,” says<br />
Martin A. Kropelnicki, president <strong>and</strong> CEO of Cal Water.<br />
Cal Water has made contributions to <strong>the</strong> Elite Service-<br />
Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Network, which seeks to<br />
assist service-disabled veterans by helping <strong>the</strong>m successfully<br />
establish <strong>and</strong> grow <strong>the</strong>ir own businesses. The company has<br />
also made donations to more than a hundred local charities<br />
through Operation Gobble to help provide Thanksgiving<br />
meals to families in need. Additionally, Cal Water supports<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Police Activity League (PAL), Boys <strong>and</strong> Girls<br />
Clubs, City Chamber of Commerce, Hispanic Chamber<br />
of Commerce, <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Homeless Shelter, BARC, <strong>and</strong><br />
various local sponsorships such as little league baseball <strong>and</strong><br />
soccer leagues.<br />
By utilizing its core values of integrity, service, value,<br />
health <strong>and</strong> safety, corporate citizenship, <strong>and</strong> respect <strong>and</strong><br />
collaboration, Cal Water is able to provide affordable,<br />
high-quality water <strong>and</strong> wastewater services to its customers<br />
while enhancing stockholder value.<br />
For <strong>the</strong> future, California Water Service Group will<br />
continue exploring appropriate opportunities to exp<strong>and</strong><br />
its regulated <strong>and</strong> non-regulated water <strong>and</strong> wastewater<br />
activities in <strong>the</strong> western United States. These opportunities<br />
could include system acquisitions, lease arraignments,<br />
full-service system operation <strong>and</strong> maintenance agreements,<br />
meter reading, billing contracts, <strong>and</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r utility-related<br />
services. The company will remain true to its mission:<br />
“To be <strong>the</strong> leading provider of water <strong>and</strong> wastewater services.<br />
Our promise is quality, service, <strong>and</strong> value.”<br />
÷<br />
Above: A class of sixth-grade students at Downtown Elementary School was<br />
named <strong>the</strong> winners of Cal Water’s second annual H20 Challenge, a statewide<br />
water conservation competition. The students designed <strong>and</strong> conducted an<br />
experiment to test <strong>the</strong> impact of greywater on lawns versus freshwater.<br />
Below: <strong>Bakersfield</strong> District employees provided a “green makeover” on <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> Police Activities League’s center for at-risk youth. The makeover<br />
included replacing low-efficiency devices, planting drought-tolerant<br />
l<strong>and</strong>scaping, <strong>and</strong> cleaning up <strong>the</strong> site.<br />
BUILDING A GREATER BAKERSFIELD<br />
261
CHRIS BERTOLUCCI CONSTRUCTION<br />
“Shortly after we started our company we were<br />
approached by a client who wanted a complete home<br />
remodel. That project took on a life of its own <strong>and</strong> after<br />
about three years of construction work we transformed<br />
<strong>the</strong> home into a masterpiece. That project demonstrated<br />
our capabilities to <strong>Bakersfield</strong> residents <strong>and</strong> propelled us to<br />
where we are today. It was truly a fea<strong>the</strong>r in our cap.”<br />
Chris Bertolucci Construction quickly became known as<br />
a firm that goes over-<strong>and</strong>-beyond <strong>the</strong> ordinary. Chris explains<br />
on one of <strong>the</strong> company’s first large projects, a client wanted<br />
some large sliding French doors that would pocket into <strong>the</strong><br />
wall when opened. “These doors were on each end of an<br />
indoor BBQ/bar room, which would allow guests to go from<br />
<strong>the</strong> backyard to <strong>the</strong> side yard where <strong>the</strong> pool was located,”<br />
Chris explains. “We found a company in Los Angeles that<br />
made exactly what we needed <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> client wanted to<br />
visit <strong>the</strong> factory in Los Angeles. Two days later, we were on<br />
a private jet heading to Los Angeles. Our client ended up<br />
purchasing two units from <strong>the</strong> manufacturer.”<br />
New construction or remodeling is a significant investment<br />
of time <strong>and</strong> money <strong>and</strong> needs to be done right <strong>the</strong> first<br />
÷<br />
Above: Chris <strong>and</strong> Tonja Bertolucci, founders of <strong>the</strong> company.<br />
Right: Kitchen remodel.<br />
Construction has been a part of <strong>the</strong> Bertolucci family for<br />
more than sixty years. It all started with Andy Bertolucci,<br />
who taught <strong>the</strong> trade to his sons, Dan <strong>and</strong> Chris.<br />
Chris <strong>and</strong> Dan worked side-by-side in construction for<br />
twenty-three years before Dan moved to Oregon in 1993.<br />
Chris continued to operate <strong>the</strong> family business until<br />
deciding to open his own company in 2004, offering<br />
commercial <strong>and</strong> residential construction <strong>and</strong> remodeling,<br />
tenant improvements <strong>and</strong> design-build services.<br />
“In <strong>the</strong> early days, my wife, Tonja, <strong>and</strong> I put in countless<br />
hours of hard work <strong>and</strong> put off vacations to build <strong>the</strong><br />
company”, Chris recalls. “We worked very hard to build a<br />
reputation for quality craftsmanship.<br />
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time. After serving <strong>the</strong> greater Central Valley for more than<br />
thirty years, Chris Bertolucci Construction can h<strong>and</strong>le<br />
everything from a simple shower replacement to a complete<br />
luxury renovation. The company provides all phases of<br />
new home <strong>and</strong> commercial building construction as well<br />
as interior construction, remodeling, kitchen, bath, flooring<br />
<strong>and</strong> HVAC, as well as exterior construction, remodeling,<br />
roofing, windows <strong>and</strong> siding.<br />
In-house labor allows Chris Bertolucci Construction to<br />
maintain strict quality control for all its work. The company<br />
utilizes a comprehensive design-build process where<br />
one entity performs both design <strong>and</strong> construction. In a<br />
‘traditional’ contracting approach, a client seeks out an<br />
architect or engineer to prepare drawings <strong>and</strong> specifications<br />
<strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>n selects a contractor through negotiation or<br />
competitive bidding. Chris Bertolucci Construction’s design/<br />
build team works closely with each client to establish<br />
construction goals, priorities <strong>and</strong> budget, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>n develops<br />
<strong>the</strong> specifications <strong>and</strong> plans to meet <strong>the</strong> client’s needs. This<br />
approach provides a single point of accountability, which<br />
eliminates many of <strong>the</strong> common problems, frustrations <strong>and</strong><br />
delays associated with <strong>the</strong> ‘traditional’ approach.<br />
In 2010 <strong>the</strong> company added solar power installation to<br />
<strong>the</strong> list of services it provides. Chris partnered with Kenny<br />
Salcido Electric, Inc., <strong>and</strong> started a fullservice<br />
solar company called All Seasons<br />
Solar, Inc. The solar company installs<br />
commercial, residential, industrial <strong>and</strong><br />
agricultural projects of all sizes <strong>and</strong> complexities.<br />
All-Seasons Solar also provides<br />
installation of high efficiency lighting,<br />
energy efficient lighting, energy efficient<br />
windows, insulation, wea<strong>the</strong>r stripping<br />
<strong>and</strong> many o<strong>the</strong>r energy upgrades to<br />
lower power usage <strong>and</strong> reduce cost.<br />
Chris Bertolucci Construction is located at 9721 Rosedale<br />
Highway, which is <strong>the</strong> same location where Chris’ bro<strong>the</strong>r,<br />
Dan, operated until his move to Oregon.<br />
Continuing <strong>the</strong> family tradition, Chris’ son, Andrew, joined<br />
<strong>the</strong> company in 2013. “We are truly a family business,”<br />
says Chris. “We all were born <strong>and</strong> raised here <strong>and</strong> love<br />
<strong>the</strong> people.”<br />
The company employs ten people <strong>and</strong> its client base<br />
ranges from middle class to <strong>the</strong> very wealthy. Many clients<br />
are repeat customers <strong>and</strong> most new clients are referrals.<br />
The company <strong>and</strong> its employees are very involved in <strong>the</strong><br />
community, sponsoring several Little League baseball <strong>and</strong><br />
soccer teams. The Bertolucci family also support Four-H<br />
students, <strong>the</strong> Junior League of <strong>Bakersfield</strong>, <strong>and</strong> a number of<br />
outreach organizations through <strong>the</strong>ir church.<br />
“We are a small business <strong>and</strong> don’t want to grow beyond<br />
our ability to provide <strong>the</strong> workmanship our clients expect,”<br />
Chris says. “Our plan for <strong>the</strong> future is to continue <strong>the</strong><br />
traditions of quality <strong>and</strong> craftsmanship our customers<br />
expect. We stay up with current trends <strong>and</strong> educate our<br />
employees so can always provide <strong>the</strong> very best products.”<br />
To visit Chris Bertolucci Construction’s showcase of finished<br />
projects or for more information about <strong>the</strong> company,<br />
check <strong>the</strong>ir website at www.bertolucci-construction.com.<br />
÷<br />
Left: Outdoor kitchen <strong>and</strong> sitting area.<br />
Below: Family room ceiling <strong>and</strong> walls.<br />
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263
THE TOWERY COMPANIES<br />
In 1981, Matt Towery began designing, estimating, <strong>and</strong><br />
overseeing projects for Towery Air Conditioning with his<br />
fa<strong>the</strong>r, Jerry Towery, who owned <strong>the</strong> company. Matt’s dad’s<br />
influence on his son’s approach to business is clearly evident<br />
today. According to Matt, “You would be hard-pressed to<br />
find anyone in town who didn’t like <strong>and</strong> respect my dad.<br />
He treated everyone fairly. He worked hard <strong>and</strong> felt if<br />
someone had entrusted him with <strong>the</strong>ir business, he owed<br />
it to <strong>the</strong>m to do <strong>the</strong> best job he could for <strong>the</strong>m. I’ve never<br />
forgotten what made my dad successful.”<br />
In 2007, when Matt’s fa<strong>the</strong>r passed away, Matt purchased<br />
Towery Air Conditioning. Matt recounts, “My dad’s reputation<br />
in this community motivated me to carry on his legacy,<br />
<strong>and</strong> I bought his company. My son, Dan, later joined me<br />
<strong>and</strong> is now Towery Air Conditioning’s general manager.”<br />
Today, Towery Air Conditioning serves clients in Nor<strong>the</strong>rn<br />
California <strong>and</strong> Arizona as well as in <strong>Bakersfield</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> Central Valley. “I’m happy that Dan is here to help<br />
me carry on what my dad started,” says Matt. “I like that<br />
we’re three generations strong.”<br />
After several years working with his dad, Matt yearned<br />
to branch out, <strong>and</strong> focused on commercial construction as<br />
a project manager for Wallace <strong>and</strong> Smith Construction. In<br />
1994, he broadened his scope again <strong>and</strong> joined Kyle Carter<br />
Homes as vice president. During Matt’s tenure, Kyle Carter<br />
Homes became <strong>the</strong> largest homebuilder in <strong>Bakersfield</strong>.<br />
In 1998, Matt was presented with <strong>the</strong> opportunity to start<br />
up Castle <strong>and</strong> Cooke’s homebuilding division. Four years<br />
later, with <strong>the</strong> loving support <strong>and</strong> encouragement from his<br />
wife Kassy, Matt started his own residential construction<br />
business. Matt recalls, “Bruce Freeman, Castle <strong>and</strong> Cooke’s<br />
president, gave me <strong>the</strong> opportunity to build on sixty-one<br />
lots. I started Towery Homes by drawing up five house<br />
plans.” Most of <strong>the</strong> subcontractors knew Matt from working<br />
with him while he was with <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r companies. “I had very<br />
little money, a few h<strong>and</strong> drawn plans <strong>and</strong> big hopes that<br />
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264
I could make a go of my own company,” says Matt. “The<br />
subcontractors had a good laugh at my h<strong>and</strong> drawn plans,<br />
but knew me well enough to know that <strong>the</strong> plans would<br />
be accurate. A large part of my success has come because<br />
I’ve surrounded myself with many great people.”<br />
Mentors, colleagues—including architects, engineers, <strong>and</strong><br />
subcontractors, friends <strong>and</strong> family—have all played vital<br />
roles in Matt’s success. “I was very fortunate to have key<br />
people in my life at <strong>the</strong> right time. Their support <strong>and</strong> help,<br />
along with my dad’s rule of life <strong>and</strong> way of doing business,<br />
have influenced my success, my work ethic, <strong>and</strong> my desire<br />
to contribute to <strong>the</strong> life of <strong>the</strong> city I love, in more ways<br />
than I could think of. I feel a gratitude that’s often hard to<br />
express,” says Matt. “Bart Wallace, Bud Wallace, Earl Smith,<br />
Kyle Carter, <strong>and</strong> Bruce Freeman—<strong>and</strong> so many more, taught<br />
me, mentored me, <strong>and</strong> befriended me. I’m a very lucky man.”<br />
Matt’s gratitude <strong>and</strong> commitment to offering something<br />
really valuable <strong>and</strong> beautiful to his customers is evident<br />
in <strong>the</strong> way he designs <strong>and</strong> builds homes. To Matt, a home<br />
is more than a house; it is where people raise <strong>the</strong>ir families.<br />
That is why he builds <strong>the</strong> kind of home for his customers<br />
<strong>the</strong> same way he would build for his own family. “A<br />
home is a place where people’s lives take shape,” says Matt.<br />
“I want to build <strong>the</strong>m something beautiful <strong>and</strong> affordable<br />
<strong>and</strong> durable. I want <strong>the</strong>m to live comfortably <strong>and</strong> safely.<br />
I think we all deserve that.”<br />
Towery Homes are affordably priced, <strong>and</strong> in premier<br />
locations. Impeccable construction, superior materials, fit<br />
<strong>and</strong> finish, <strong>and</strong> attention to every detail are <strong>the</strong> hallmark<br />
of Towery Homes. Matt’s agent, Lavaundia Clark, remarked<br />
that, “He will ask <strong>the</strong>m over <strong>and</strong> over, ‘Is this right for<br />
you…do you need to change that…are you sure?’” It seems<br />
Matt is as particular as he is passionate.<br />
Several years ago—in <strong>the</strong> midst of <strong>the</strong> recession—a real<br />
estate broker shared an opportunity with Matt to purchase<br />
ninety-five finished lots at an<br />
incredibly low price. Matt saw a<br />
chance to build at <strong>the</strong> lowest prices<br />
possible, <strong>and</strong> to be in a position of<br />
growth when <strong>the</strong> economy finally<br />
turned around.<br />
Matt found an investor who was<br />
looking for a good opportunity<br />
in Tim Lewy, a local oil company<br />
owner. Tim was impressed with<br />
Matt’s vision <strong>and</strong> strategy <strong>and</strong> came<br />
in as <strong>the</strong> investor for <strong>the</strong> project.<br />
“Tim <strong>and</strong> I continued to find <strong>and</strong><br />
build in o<strong>the</strong>r subdivisions,” says<br />
Matt. “Our partnership has been<br />
a profitable investment for him, <strong>and</strong><br />
a great opportunity for Towery<br />
Homes to exp<strong>and</strong>.”<br />
Recently, Tim acquired <strong>the</strong><br />
commercial property on California<br />
Avenue <strong>and</strong> Easton Drive, formerly<br />
<strong>the</strong> Three Way Chevrolet site, <strong>and</strong><br />
offered Matt <strong>the</strong> opportunity to<br />
develop <strong>and</strong> build on <strong>the</strong> site.<br />
Currently, Towery Commercial is<br />
completing phase one of <strong>the</strong> threephase<br />
California Pavilion project.<br />
“California Pavilion’s instant success<br />
has provided Towery Commercial<br />
<strong>the</strong> impetus it needed for expansion,”<br />
says Matt.<br />
No doubt, <strong>the</strong> future is bright<br />
for <strong>the</strong> Towery Companies. A legacy<br />
of opportunity, exceptional service,<br />
<strong>and</strong> innovation ensure its success.<br />
BUILDING A GREATER BAKERSFIELD<br />
265
HALL LETTER SHOP, INC.<br />
÷<br />
Above: Clockwise, starting from top left, Rita, Greg, Celine, Therese,<br />
Ca<strong>the</strong>rine <strong>and</strong> Don Dounies.<br />
Top right: Current location of Hall Letter Shop, Inc., 5200 Rosedale Highway,<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong>, California, 661-327-3228.<br />
For over fifty-three years, Hall Letter Shop has been<br />
serving businesses <strong>and</strong> organizations in <strong>Bakersfield</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />
surrounding communities. What began as a small typing<br />
<strong>and</strong> mimeograph shop has grown to be one of <strong>the</strong> largest<br />
printing <strong>and</strong> mailing companies in Kern County.<br />
The owner of Hall Letter Shop, Ca<strong>the</strong>rine Dounies, began<br />
her long business career in 1940. Fresh out of Wasco High<br />
School, she l<strong>and</strong>ed a job as a bookkeeper at Hopper Machine<br />
Works, an oilfield hoist manufacturer. Hopper would soon<br />
become a defense contractor during World War II turning<br />
ship shafts for WWII troop transports.<br />
After <strong>the</strong> war, she went to work for KERO Radio in<br />
<strong>the</strong> Hotel El Tejon building as office manager for five years.<br />
For <strong>the</strong> next eight years, Ca<strong>the</strong>rine worked as an accountant<br />
for various CPA firms. These experiences gave her vital<br />
insights into <strong>the</strong> operation of large firms, <strong>the</strong> importance of<br />
advertising, accounting practices <strong>and</strong> public relations.<br />
In 1959, Ca<strong>the</strong>rine decided to strike out on her own<br />
in <strong>the</strong> business world. She bought some used typewriters<br />
<strong>and</strong> mimeograph equipment <strong>and</strong> started a small typing<br />
<strong>and</strong> printing service at home; serving grocery stores,<br />
local farmers, restaurants <strong>and</strong> anybody who needed quick<br />
inexpensive flyers <strong>and</strong> printing. She recalls that each flyer<br />
had to be h<strong>and</strong>-drawn or typed on a stencil <strong>the</strong>n placed<br />
on <strong>the</strong> mimeograph machine for duplication.<br />
In 1963, Ca<strong>the</strong>rine purchased Hall Letter Shop, a small<br />
printing <strong>and</strong> mailing office on <strong>the</strong> second floor of <strong>the</strong><br />
Haberfelde Building. She combined her mimeograph business<br />
with offset printing <strong>and</strong> added a part-time employee.<br />
She could now print a wider array of materials <strong>and</strong> with <strong>the</strong><br />
addressograph machine, she could mail out flyers <strong>and</strong><br />
newsletters for local organizations.<br />
The firm soon outgrew its 400 square foot location <strong>and</strong><br />
moved to a 1,000 square foot office in <strong>the</strong> Hotel El Tejon<br />
(<strong>the</strong> current site of <strong>the</strong> Bank of America building) in 1965<br />
<strong>and</strong> added three employees. When <strong>the</strong> Hotel El Tejon was<br />
scheduled for demolition in 1969, <strong>the</strong> business moved to a<br />
larger facility at 1221 Eighteenth Street, doubling <strong>the</strong> working<br />
space. For <strong>the</strong> next twenty-four years, Hall Letter Shop<br />
kept growing <strong>and</strong> introducing new technology in <strong>the</strong> printing<br />
<strong>and</strong> mailing business, such as cold composition typesetting,<br />
direct to plate imaging, web offset printing, computerized<br />
mail list services, inserting <strong>and</strong> address labeling capabilities.<br />
Ca<strong>the</strong>rine’s husb<strong>and</strong>, Don Dounies, was instrumental in<br />
helping <strong>the</strong> business succeed during its first thirty years. A<br />
cabinet maker by trade, Don built <strong>the</strong> counters <strong>and</strong> offices<br />
during those early years <strong>and</strong> later joined <strong>the</strong> company<br />
full time to manage <strong>the</strong> printing/mailing departments. Don<br />
passed away May 21, 1993.<br />
Her son, Greg, <strong>and</strong> daughters, Celine, Rita <strong>and</strong> Therese<br />
worked part-time throughout <strong>the</strong>ir educational years at<br />
Garces Memorial High School. Greg went on to earn a<br />
Graphic Arts degree at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo <strong>and</strong> after<br />
graduation returned to Hall Letter Shop full time in 1976.<br />
“Being a family business is what made this endeavor<br />
possible,” Ca<strong>the</strong>rine explains. “No person is an isl<strong>and</strong>.<br />
In whatever you do, you need help <strong>and</strong> my family brought<br />
that help to me when <strong>the</strong> business needed it.”<br />
By 1980 <strong>the</strong> business had grown to occupy <strong>the</strong> entire<br />
8,250 square foot building on Eighteenth Street <strong>and</strong> employed<br />
twelve people. By 1990, more space was needed for <strong>the</strong><br />
printing department <strong>and</strong> ano<strong>the</strong>r building was leased at<br />
1300 South Street to accommodate <strong>the</strong> expansion.<br />
BAKERSFIELD—It’s The <strong>People</strong>, And A <strong>Whole</strong> <strong>Lot</strong> <strong>More</strong><br />
266
The final move came in 1994 when Hall Letter Shop<br />
constructed its own 18,000 square foot building on a<br />
1.75-acre lot at <strong>the</strong> corner of Rosedale Highway <strong>and</strong><br />
L<strong>and</strong>co Drive.<br />
The new building would now accommodate <strong>the</strong> entire<br />
design, print <strong>and</strong> mailing operations of <strong>the</strong> company in one<br />
location. In <strong>the</strong> course of one week, nearly 100 tons of<br />
machinery, office furniture, files <strong>and</strong> paper were moved <strong>and</strong><br />
production was resumed.<br />
Hall Letter Shop’s capabilities have changed dramatically<br />
since <strong>the</strong> days of a stencil <strong>and</strong> mimeograph machines. Using<br />
advanced software, high-tech equipment <strong>and</strong> dedicated,<br />
highly trained employees, <strong>the</strong> company has continually<br />
met <strong>the</strong> needs of local business with specialized services<br />
such as variable data printing, direct mail marketing <strong>and</strong><br />
a constantly evolving mix of printed products. Hall Letter<br />
Shop, Inc., now employs sixteen people.<br />
In 2008, HallPrintMail.com was launched <strong>and</strong> is primarily<br />
used for transacting commercial printing business <strong>and</strong><br />
receiving customer files <strong>and</strong> artwork for printing <strong>and</strong> mailing.<br />
In January 2016, a br<strong>and</strong> new site, BestTicketPrinting.com,<br />
was launched after three years of design. It offers complete<br />
online design <strong>and</strong> purchase of event related printing such as<br />
tickets, posters, banners <strong>and</strong> flyers. Utilizing hundreds of<br />
professionally designed templates, customers may select a<br />
design, customize it to <strong>the</strong>ir needs or simply upload <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
completed art <strong>and</strong> place <strong>the</strong> order online without leaving<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir home or office.<br />
Through six decades of faith, determination <strong>and</strong> hard<br />
work, Ca<strong>the</strong>rine, toge<strong>the</strong>r with her son, Greg have grown<br />
<strong>the</strong> business from a one-woman typing <strong>and</strong> mimeograph<br />
shop into a large successful full-color printing business.<br />
Ca<strong>the</strong>rine holds <strong>the</strong> honor of being <strong>the</strong> only woman on<br />
<strong>the</strong> west coast to own <strong>and</strong> operate a printing <strong>and</strong> mailing<br />
business continuously for more than fifty-three years.<br />
Over <strong>the</strong> years, she was active in or contributed her time<br />
to many business organizations including <strong>the</strong> Greater<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> Chamber of Commerce, <strong>the</strong> North of <strong>the</strong> River<br />
Chamber of Commerce, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Downtown Business<br />
Association. In 2004, Ca<strong>the</strong>rine received <strong>the</strong> Governor’s<br />
Older Worker <strong>and</strong> Exemplary Employer Awards from<br />
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.<br />
Ca<strong>the</strong>rine was married to Don for forty-eight years <strong>and</strong><br />
raised a family of four children while running a business.<br />
She has been a devout member of St. Francis Catholic<br />
Church for seventy-six years <strong>and</strong> has been part of many<br />
church <strong>and</strong> charitable organizations. Her commitment<br />
<strong>and</strong> service to <strong>the</strong> Catholic church was recognized with<br />
“The Benemerenti Medal” bestowed on her by Pope Saint<br />
John Paul II in 2002.<br />
At ninety-five years of age, Ca<strong>the</strong>rine continues to watch<br />
over <strong>the</strong> business.<br />
To learn more about Hall Letter Shop, visit <strong>the</strong>ir websites<br />
at www.hallprintmail.com <strong>and</strong> www.bestticketprinting.com.<br />
÷<br />
Above: Ca<strong>the</strong>rine <strong>and</strong> Greg Dounies.<br />
Below: Aerial view of Hall Letter Shop, Inc.<br />
BUILDING A GREATER BAKERSFIELD<br />
267
GRIFFITH COMPANY<br />
÷<br />
Right: Highway 166, near Interstate 5.<br />
Below: Road construction in <strong>Bakersfield</strong>, 1939.<br />
For more than a hundred years, <strong>the</strong> Griffith Company<br />
has developed a solid reputation for delivering challenging<br />
projects on time <strong>and</strong> on budget. From <strong>the</strong> Central Valley<br />
to <strong>the</strong> Los Angeles Basin to Orange County <strong>and</strong> San Diego,<br />
Griffith Company has left a lasting mark on Sou<strong>the</strong>rn<br />
California. The firm’s work includes highways <strong>and</strong> bridges,<br />
airports, drainage structures, parks, ports, street rehabilitations<br />
<strong>and</strong> major dams. When <strong>the</strong> first city streets were<br />
graded, when <strong>the</strong> mighty Colorado River was tapped,<br />
when <strong>the</strong> first paved runways beckoned commercial jets—<br />
Griffith Company was <strong>the</strong>re.<br />
The company began in 1902 when J. A. Fairfield, E. W.<br />
Gilmore <strong>and</strong> George Wilton incorporated as Fairchild-<br />
Gilmore-Wilton Company, a general contracting firm.<br />
Fairchild was president, Wilton was vice president.<br />
George P. Griffith joined <strong>the</strong> firm in 1906, followed<br />
quickly by his cousin, Stephen, in 1908. When Fairchild<br />
retired in 1911, Wilton became <strong>the</strong> president<br />
<strong>and</strong> George Griffith was named vice president. By 1920<br />
<strong>the</strong> Griffith family had purchased all <strong>the</strong> company stock<br />
<strong>and</strong>, in 1920, George was elected president. In December<br />
1922 <strong>the</strong> company was reorganized <strong>and</strong> renamed<br />
Griffith Company.<br />
The automobile was beginning to transform <strong>the</strong> nation<br />
during that era, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> company’s early years were spent<br />
converting gravel roads to all-season paved roads in <strong>and</strong><br />
around Los Angeles County. The job of widening, grading<br />
<strong>and</strong> paving roads was extremely strenuous, labor-intensive<br />
work, using not much more than shovels, wheelbarrows<br />
<strong>and</strong> a team of mules. At one time, <strong>the</strong> company had more<br />
than 200 mules working on various projects.<br />
Stephen served as company president from 1928 to<br />
1956, a period that saw amazing growth in revenues as well<br />
as capabilities. Under his leadership, <strong>the</strong> company was<br />
involved in a diverse list of large projects such as Shasta <strong>and</strong><br />
Friant Dams, <strong>the</strong> Santa Ana Freeway, Hollywood Freeway,<br />
Highway 99 through <strong>the</strong> Central Valley <strong>and</strong> over <strong>the</strong><br />
Grapevine to <strong>the</strong> Colorado River Aqueduct, Lemoore Naval<br />
Air Base <strong>and</strong> Point Mugu Naval Air Base.<br />
In 1929, Griffith Company built Lido Isle Improvements,<br />
a project that included sea walls, <strong>the</strong> bridge from <strong>the</strong><br />
peninsula, underground utilities <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> road around <strong>the</strong><br />
isl<strong>and</strong>. When <strong>the</strong> economy collapsed at <strong>the</strong> beginning of<br />
<strong>the</strong> Great Depression, <strong>the</strong> city could not pay back <strong>the</strong> bond,<br />
so ownership of <strong>the</strong> l<strong>and</strong> reverted to Griffith Company. It took<br />
more than thirty years to develop <strong>and</strong> sell all <strong>the</strong> properties.<br />
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Griffith has been in <strong>Bakersfield</strong> since <strong>the</strong> early 1930s<br />
<strong>and</strong> company crews have helped improve streets <strong>and</strong><br />
highways for <strong>the</strong> City, Kern County <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> State of<br />
California. Every major thoroughfare, SR-99, SR-58, SR-166,<br />
SR-46 <strong>and</strong> I-5, to name but a few, have <strong>the</strong> Griffith stamp<br />
on <strong>the</strong>m. In addition, Griffith has graded, paved or<br />
resurfaced airfields across <strong>the</strong> San Joaquin Valley. The long<br />
list includes Wasco Airport, Meadows Field, Minter Field,<br />
Techachapi Airport, Delano Airport, <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Municipal<br />
Airport, California City Airport, Edwards Air Force Base,<br />
Mojave Airport, Inyokern Airport <strong>and</strong> China Lake Naval<br />
Weapons Center.<br />
For many decades, Griffith Company was one of <strong>the</strong><br />
largest contractors in <strong>the</strong> west, but in <strong>the</strong> 1970s <strong>the</strong> family<br />
began to sell off assets <strong>and</strong> shrink <strong>the</strong> company. In 1983,<br />
George Griffith, gr<strong>and</strong>son of <strong>the</strong> founder, began <strong>the</strong><br />
process of turning <strong>the</strong> company into an ESOP—Employee<br />
Stock Ownership Plan. During <strong>the</strong> company’s centennial<br />
celebration in 2002, Griffith employees purchased <strong>the</strong> last<br />
family stock. Since <strong>the</strong>n, stock value <strong>and</strong> annual revenues<br />
have more than tripled.<br />
Griffith Company currently has 125 management<br />
employees <strong>and</strong> more than 500 trade workers who generate<br />
around $300 million in revenue annually. In <strong>Bakersfield</strong>,<br />
fifteen management employees <strong>and</strong> over eighty trade<br />
workers put an average of $55 million of infrastructure<br />
improvements into service each year. While Griffith Company<br />
completes a staggering list of capital improvement projects<br />
annually—one of <strong>the</strong> very best things you can build at<br />
Griffith Company is an amazingly rewarding career. A<br />
remarkable number of Griffith employees join <strong>the</strong> team as<br />
young interns or apprentices <strong>and</strong> choose to remain engaged<br />
in <strong>the</strong> industry <strong>and</strong> with <strong>the</strong> company for <strong>the</strong>ir entire career.<br />
Griffith Company is actively engaged in supporting<br />
<strong>the</strong> local community. From sponsoring local youth sports<br />
teams, to adopting families needing assistance during <strong>the</strong><br />
holidays to supporting <strong>and</strong> participating in events such as<br />
<strong>the</strong> Volkslaugh, Griffith employees enjoy taking an active<br />
role in serving <strong>the</strong>ir local community. At Griffith Company,<br />
we take pride in working hard, playing hard, honoring our<br />
fellow employees <strong>and</strong> respecting our families.<br />
Griffith Company plans to continue operations throughout<br />
California, building our infrastructure <strong>and</strong> bettering<br />
local communities by improving trade efficiencies, shortening<br />
commutes, <strong>and</strong> providing recreational opportunities for<br />
millions of people for many centuries to come.<br />
÷<br />
Above: Two views of grading <strong>and</strong> paving on Mohawk Street, a City of<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> Project.<br />
Below: The future generation of Griffith Company, Zachary Weishaar at six<br />
days old, beginning his training <strong>and</strong> orientation.<br />
BUILDING A GREATER BAKERSFIELD<br />
269
KERN ASPHALT PAVING & SEALING CO., INC.<br />
÷<br />
Top, left: Left to right, Deedra, Tatum, Bryan, Wendy, Blake, Breana <strong>and</strong><br />
C. Jay Watson.<br />
Top, right: Established in 1985.<br />
C. Jay Watson, president <strong>and</strong> founder of Kern Asphalt<br />
Paving & Sealing Co., Inc., was born <strong>and</strong> raised in Oildale,<br />
California; he grew up on Willow Drive, next to <strong>the</strong> Kern<br />
River. When C. Jay was ten years old, his fa<strong>the</strong>r passed away,<br />
leaving his mo<strong>the</strong>r to work two jobs to support <strong>the</strong>ir family.<br />
Living a very poor life with his two sisters <strong>and</strong> bro<strong>the</strong>r,<br />
C. Jay learned a great work ethic <strong>and</strong> a love for animals from<br />
his gr<strong>and</strong>parents. They had a small farm with plenty of<br />
animals: horses, cows, <strong>and</strong> chickens.<br />
As a teen, C. Jay attended North High School. He married<br />
at young age <strong>and</strong> had a son, Jayson. In order to provide for<br />
his family <strong>and</strong> ensure <strong>the</strong>y were never without, he always<br />
worked two jobs. First, he worked in <strong>the</strong> oilfields until<br />
<strong>the</strong> boom ceased. C. Jay soon was employed at an asphalt<br />
company, which he later purchased with a partner. In 1984,<br />
C. Jay began his life as an independent entrepreneur, starting<br />
his own company, Kern Asphalt Paving & Sealing Co., Inc.<br />
Kern Asphalt Paving began with a crew of four: C. Jay,<br />
his bro<strong>the</strong>r, Jimmy Tatman, <strong>and</strong> best friends, Larry Stevens<br />
<strong>and</strong> Dale Huddleston. For years, <strong>the</strong> four of <strong>the</strong>m worked<br />
side-by-side, twelve to fifteen-hour work days to ensure<br />
quality work <strong>and</strong> happy customers. Not having <strong>the</strong> modern<br />
<strong>and</strong> convenient tools of today, <strong>the</strong>y worked long, arduous<br />
days but never complained, just kept on working to complete<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir jobs.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> early nineties, Kern Asphalt continued to grow <strong>and</strong><br />
service Kern County. During this time, C. Jay met Wendy <strong>and</strong><br />
her young son, Bryan. Wendy <strong>and</strong> C. Jay were married in<br />
1994. In 1997, <strong>the</strong>y welcomed <strong>the</strong>ir daughter Breana. As <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
family continued to grow, so did <strong>the</strong>ir company.<br />
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Venturing into o<strong>the</strong>r aspects of <strong>the</strong> industry, C. Jay <strong>and</strong><br />
Wendy purchased a new Recycling/Crushing Plant in 1999.<br />
This was <strong>the</strong> first plant of its kind to enter Kern County.<br />
Currently, <strong>the</strong> company runs three portable plants in <strong>and</strong><br />
around <strong>the</strong> county.<br />
In 2003, Kern Asphalt purchased <strong>the</strong>ir permanent yard<br />
located at 2000 Norris Road in <strong>Bakersfield</strong>.<br />
Over <strong>the</strong> years, Bryan worked, watched <strong>and</strong> learned<br />
alongside his parents <strong>and</strong> gained years of first-h<strong>and</strong><br />
experience. He continued his education from a different<br />
perspective, graduating from <strong>the</strong> University of California,<br />
Santa Barbara, with a master’s degree in economics. He<br />
joined <strong>the</strong> company permanently in 2008 as <strong>the</strong> vice<br />
president. Kern Asphalt has continued to exp<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />
grow under Bryan’s leadership.<br />
Although Bryan is now running Kern Asphalt, C. Jay <strong>and</strong><br />
Wendy are still involved in <strong>the</strong> company’s daily operations.<br />
They attribute <strong>the</strong> success of <strong>the</strong> company to hard work,<br />
determination, employee dedication, <strong>and</strong> customer loyalty.<br />
Kern Asphalt has become <strong>the</strong> ‘one call solution’ for all<br />
asphalt <strong>and</strong> concrete projects. Their fleet includes three<br />
portable crushing plants, multiple paving machines, oil<br />
distributing trucks, semi-trucks, belly dumps, <strong>and</strong> low beds<br />
to haul all equipment. The company has a variety of faithful<br />
customers up <strong>and</strong> down <strong>the</strong> San Joaquin Valley, Palm<br />
Springs, Santa Clarita <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Central Coast. From potholes<br />
<strong>and</strong> crack filling, to complete parking lot construction, Kern<br />
Asphalt provides new construction, restoration, paving,<br />
patching, seal coating, slurry seal surfacing <strong>and</strong> striping. The<br />
company’s goal is to deliver quality workmanship—on<br />
schedule—with fair <strong>and</strong> competitive pricing.<br />
Kern Asphalt is very involved in <strong>the</strong> community <strong>and</strong><br />
contributes to a number of programs, especially those<br />
that benefit children <strong>and</strong> agriculture scholarships. These<br />
include: Small Miracles Foundation, a Children’s medical<br />
research, Kern County Fair, 4-H <strong>and</strong> FFA Agriculture<br />
projects, Thomas Midnight Ranch Rodeo <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Kern<br />
County Cattlewomen.<br />
Kern Asphalt doesn’t necessarily strive to be <strong>the</strong> biggest,<br />
just <strong>the</strong> best!<br />
÷<br />
Above: Parking lot restoration to include patching, sealing <strong>and</strong> striping.<br />
Below: Kern Asphalt’s mobile concrete <strong>and</strong> asphalt recycling/<br />
crushing plant.<br />
BUILDING A GREATER BAKERSFIELD<br />
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CASTLE & COOKE<br />
CALIFORNIA, INC.<br />
For more than 165 years, Castle & Cooke California, Inc.,<br />
has been deeply involved in <strong>the</strong> development <strong>and</strong> growth<br />
of <strong>Bakersfield</strong> <strong>and</strong> Kern County. The company’s singular<br />
goal has been to make <strong>Bakersfield</strong> one of <strong>the</strong> states’ most<br />
desirable places to live.<br />
Castle & Cooke was founded in 1851 through a business<br />
relationship between Samuel Northrup Castle <strong>and</strong> Amos<br />
Starr Cooke, who first met as missionaries on <strong>the</strong> isl<strong>and</strong><br />
of Oahu. A partnership between <strong>the</strong> two men grew from a<br />
general store <strong>and</strong> exp<strong>and</strong>ed to include sugar, pineapples,<br />
<strong>and</strong> shipping, making <strong>the</strong> firm a worldwide leader in <strong>the</strong><br />
food industry.<br />
The roots of Castle & Cooke in Kern County began<br />
with <strong>the</strong> gold fever of <strong>the</strong> late 1800s that lured Kentucky<br />
attorneys James Haggin <strong>and</strong> Lloyd Tevis out west. Their<br />
partnership yielded enormous wealth, which <strong>the</strong>y converted<br />
in vast l<strong>and</strong> holdings of nearly half-a-million acres north<br />
of <strong>the</strong> Kern River. Seeing <strong>the</strong> potential in providing homes<br />
for <strong>the</strong> area’s growing population, <strong>the</strong> enterprising duo<br />
incorporated <strong>the</strong>ir l<strong>and</strong> holdings into <strong>the</strong> Kern County<br />
L<strong>and</strong> Company <strong>and</strong> shifted <strong>the</strong>ir focus from agriculture to<br />
real estate.<br />
The partnership prospered as <strong>Bakersfield</strong> <strong>and</strong> Kern<br />
County grew in population <strong>and</strong> influence. The company<br />
was acquired by Tenneco West in 1968 <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> emphasis<br />
turned to residential development. Communities such as<br />
Stockdale Estates, Amberton, Haggin Oaks, The Oaks,<br />
Campus Park <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> commercial buildings north of<br />
Stockdale Highway were all developed by Tenneco West.<br />
Two decades later, Tenneco West was acquired by<br />
Castle & Cooke, an entrepreneurial company headed by<br />
David Murdock. Castle & Cooke brought a passion for<br />
keeping alive <strong>the</strong> dream of Haggin <strong>and</strong> Tevis to create<br />
something special in California’s Great Valley.<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> has been home for Castle & Cooke for nearly<br />
thirty years <strong>and</strong> during that time <strong>the</strong> company has sold<br />
approximately 11,000 lots <strong>and</strong> homes in Southwest<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong>. Add that to <strong>the</strong> thous<strong>and</strong>s of lots <strong>and</strong> homes<br />
sold over two decades by Tenneco <strong>and</strong> it is easy to see how<br />
much <strong>the</strong> l<strong>and</strong>scape of Southwest <strong>Bakersfield</strong> has been<br />
changed by Tenneco <strong>and</strong> Castle & Cooke.<br />
Today, Castle & Cooke is well known for its masterplanned<br />
residential empire known as Seven Oaks, a<br />
collection of residential communities that includes Seven<br />
Oaks, Gr<strong>and</strong> Isl<strong>and</strong> at Seven Oaks, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Villas at Seven<br />
Oaks. Castle & Cooke is also responsible for some of <strong>the</strong><br />
most prestigious private gated communities in Westside,<br />
including <strong>the</strong> Brighton master-planned community, along<br />
with Village Green <strong>and</strong> University Park.<br />
Not surprisingly, Westside’s most popular retail destinations<br />
also bear <strong>the</strong> Castle & Cooke touch. The developer<br />
is <strong>the</strong> visionary behind The Shops at River Walk, The<br />
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Marketplace Shopping Center <strong>and</strong> Gosford Village.<br />
Each is a beautifully designed mixed-use venue<br />
offering shopping, dining <strong>and</strong> an engaging dayto-night<br />
atmosphere. Castle & Cooke also developed<br />
many office complexes including <strong>the</strong> River<br />
Walk area.<br />
Castle & Cooke is <strong>the</strong> only master-plan developer<br />
with a portfolio that includes developing <strong>the</strong> prestigious<br />
Seven Oaks Country Club, office complexes<br />
<strong>and</strong> commercial retail centers, along with residential<br />
development with an active homebuilding<br />
department that includes some of <strong>Bakersfield</strong>’s most<br />
acclaimed custom builders as premiere partners.<br />
With an eye to <strong>the</strong> future, Tenneco West donated<br />
370 acres for construction of California State<br />
University, <strong>Bakersfield</strong>. This marked <strong>the</strong> start of<br />
what is now commonly known as <strong>the</strong> new Westside<br />
of <strong>Bakersfield</strong>. Castle & Cooke has focused its<br />
efforts on elevating <strong>the</strong> image of <strong>Bakersfield</strong> by<br />
building neighborhoods with <strong>the</strong> guiding principles of<br />
friendly neighborhood design, such as narrower streets to<br />
calm traffic, privacy gates, tree-line streets <strong>and</strong> ga<strong>the</strong>ring<br />
places such as community parks, greenbelts, <strong>and</strong> resort<br />
amenities, which include pools, spas, <strong>and</strong> children’s water<br />
spray parks. While developing shopping centers in <strong>the</strong><br />
neighborhood, Castle & Cooke has focused on attracting<br />
new name-br<strong>and</strong> retailers who underst<strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> community.<br />
These new centers include <strong>the</strong> first Edward’s Theater,<br />
Nordstrom Rack, national chain restaurants <strong>and</strong> many<br />
unique homegrown establishments.<br />
Castle & Cooke has partnered with hundreds of<br />
charitable organizations, with a focus on health <strong>and</strong> human<br />
services, arts <strong>and</strong> culture, <strong>and</strong> youth <strong>and</strong> education. The<br />
firm partners with its employees to ensure contributions<br />
are going to organizations that are near <strong>and</strong> dear to <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
hearts. Over <strong>the</strong> past several years, Castle & Cooke has<br />
been active with <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Homeless Center, Honor<br />
Flight Kern County, Links for Life, <strong>the</strong> Alliance Against<br />
Family Violence, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Greater <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Chamber<br />
of Commerce.<br />
Over <strong>the</strong> next decade, Castle & Cooke will focus its<br />
efforts on finishing Shops at River Walk <strong>and</strong> Gosford<br />
Village Shopping Centers. The firm will also focus on <strong>the</strong><br />
Seven Oaks empire with a new edition of Highgate at<br />
Seven Oaks. This 443-acre community will be a West<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> original—an inviting new home community<br />
that presents a welcome <strong>and</strong> private gated community<br />
built upon <strong>the</strong> concept of Friendly Neighborhood Design ® .<br />
All homes will be built with Castle & Cooke’s focus on<br />
sustainability, diverse architecture, <strong>and</strong> a deep reverence for<br />
<strong>the</strong> natural environment.<br />
BUILDING A GREATER BAKERSFIELD<br />
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KS INDUSTRIES, LP<br />
KS Industries, LP of <strong>Bakersfield</strong> is a leading integrated<br />
service company, providing engineering, fabrication, construction,<br />
maintenance, <strong>and</strong> electrical services to many<br />
industries, ranging from oil <strong>and</strong> gas providers to heavy<br />
industrial <strong>and</strong> civil projects.<br />
The company was founded in 1981 by Ken Small <strong>and</strong> his<br />
wife, Susie. Ken had started his career at <strong>the</strong> age of nineteen,<br />
welding for a large industrial fabrication company. Within<br />
seven years, Ken had enough experience to venture off<br />
on his own. He purchased a welding truck <strong>and</strong> became a<br />
subcontracted rig welder in Getty Oil’s Kern River Field. It<br />
was not long before customers noticed Ken’s attention to<br />
detail <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> quality of his work <strong>and</strong> he began fabricating<br />
pipe spools in his garage after work. The pipe spools were<br />
later installed by oil company construction crews.<br />
Ken’s production soon outpaced <strong>the</strong> resources of <strong>the</strong><br />
construction crews <strong>and</strong> he was asked to hire a couple of<br />
employees to assist in installation of <strong>the</strong> prefabricated<br />
spools. This request moved Ken from a self-employed<br />
contractor to an employer <strong>and</strong> led to formation of Ken Small<br />
Construction, Inc.<br />
Ken Small Construction, Inc., provided maintenance<br />
<strong>and</strong> construction services to <strong>the</strong> upstream oil <strong>and</strong> gas<br />
industry throughout <strong>the</strong> 1980s. As <strong>the</strong> oil companies<br />
moved away from company-provided construction <strong>and</strong><br />
maintenance crews to subcontracted crews, Ken was well<br />
positioned to fill this need. The company had earned a<br />
reputation for providing safe, quality services for a fair price,<br />
<strong>and</strong> as <strong>the</strong> oilfields moved towards creating a safer working<br />
environment, Ken Small Construction embraced <strong>the</strong> change.<br />
Having all employees return home safely each day is <strong>the</strong><br />
company’s expectation <strong>and</strong> working safe is a condition for<br />
employment at <strong>the</strong> company. While many o<strong>the</strong>r service<br />
providers’ considered safety an added cost, Ken saw it as an<br />
added advantage.<br />
In 1995 <strong>the</strong> company acquired a local machine company<br />
adding custom machining <strong>and</strong> repair of wellhead<br />
components to <strong>the</strong> company’s portfolio. As dem<strong>and</strong> for <strong>the</strong>se<br />
services grew, <strong>the</strong> need for a larger facility became obvious.<br />
The company purchased a large fabrication facility at its current<br />
location on District Boulevard in 1996. All fabrication<br />
<strong>and</strong> machining processes were moved to <strong>the</strong> new facility<br />
<strong>and</strong> KS Fabrication <strong>and</strong> Machine (KSFM) was formed <strong>and</strong><br />
incorporated in 1999.<br />
After several o<strong>the</strong>r expansions, KSFM has grown to<br />
become one of <strong>the</strong> largest fabrication <strong>and</strong> machine facilities<br />
on <strong>the</strong> West Coast. Services include structural steel fabrication,<br />
pipe spooling, process equipment fabrication, pressure<br />
vessel fabrication <strong>and</strong> repair, s<strong>and</strong> blasting <strong>and</strong> industrial<br />
coating, UL approved panel fabrication <strong>and</strong> a machine shop.<br />
The expansion of Ken Small Construction led to <strong>the</strong> need<br />
for more leadership support <strong>and</strong> Ken’s son, Kevin, was<br />
<strong>the</strong> most logical choice to fill <strong>the</strong> need. Kevin grew up in <strong>the</strong><br />
company <strong>and</strong> followed closely in Ken’s footsteps as a<br />
rig welder, learning <strong>the</strong> trade was <strong>the</strong> catalyst for <strong>the</strong><br />
formation of <strong>the</strong> company. Kevin quickly progressed from<br />
welder to project manager <strong>and</strong> his tenure in <strong>the</strong> field proved<br />
BAKERSFIELD—It’s The <strong>People</strong>, And A <strong>Whole</strong> <strong>Lot</strong> <strong>More</strong><br />
274
invaluable to his overall leadership development. He truly<br />
has ‘been <strong>the</strong>re, done that’ just like his fa<strong>the</strong>r.<br />
In 2001, under Kevin’s leadership, Ken Small<br />
Construction, Inc., acquired a local engineering firm that<br />
specialized in upstream oil <strong>and</strong> gas engineering <strong>and</strong> design.<br />
The acquisition provided <strong>the</strong> services needed to be a<br />
‘One-Stop Shop’ for <strong>the</strong> upstream oil <strong>and</strong> gas industry.<br />
Ken Small Construction was developing into an industry<br />
leading service provider, growing from a single welding<br />
truck to <strong>the</strong> large, multifaceted corporation it is today.<br />
Ken Small Construction, Inc., rebr<strong>and</strong>ed itself as KS<br />
Industries, LP (KSI) in 2002. The company is now much<br />
more than a construction company. With offices in<br />
California, Colorado, North Dakota, Texas, <strong>and</strong> Wyoming,<br />
KS Industries is a fully integrated company that can<br />
engineer, procure, fabricate, construct, maintain, <strong>and</strong><br />
reclaim projects throughout <strong>the</strong> United States.<br />
KSI is one of <strong>the</strong> largest private employers in Kern<br />
County, with more than 2,400 employees locally <strong>and</strong> a total<br />
of 3,000 employees across <strong>the</strong> nation at peak.<br />
KSI embraces its responsibility to achieve ‘World Class<br />
Operations Excellence’ <strong>and</strong> delivers only <strong>the</strong> highest value,<br />
quality services to its customers, <strong>and</strong> to reach out to<br />
its vision to be <strong>the</strong> best relationship-based, single-source<br />
service provider in <strong>the</strong> energy sector. From <strong>the</strong> owners to<br />
each employee, KSI is responsible <strong>and</strong> accountable for each<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r’s safety as productivity, quality, efficiency, reliability<br />
<strong>and</strong> delivery.<br />
Company owners <strong>and</strong> employees believe that creating<br />
an atmosphere—or way of working—within <strong>the</strong> company<br />
is what influences safe behavior. KSI’s corporate culture<br />
consists of shared beliefs, practices, <strong>and</strong> attitudes. This<br />
culture is a powerful invisible force that shapes <strong>the</strong><br />
employees’ behavior <strong>and</strong> shared sense of responsibility.<br />
The culture of KSI starts with a belief by owners, leaders<br />
<strong>and</strong> managers that employees well-being <strong>and</strong> safety is<br />
<strong>the</strong> ultimate achievement. Leading by example is <strong>the</strong><br />
only acceptable behavior for its leaders. KSI considers it a<br />
corporate responsibility to make a positive impact in <strong>the</strong><br />
community <strong>and</strong> this involvement keeps <strong>the</strong> company<br />
connected with its employees, customers, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> needs<br />
of <strong>the</strong> communities it serves.<br />
Ken, Susie, Kevin, <strong>and</strong> Tuesdy Small continually invest in<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong> community. Susie serves on <strong>the</strong> Memorial<br />
Hospital Board of Directors <strong>and</strong> Kevin <strong>and</strong> Tuesdy founded<br />
<strong>the</strong> Lauren Small Children’s Hospital, built in 2012 to serve<br />
<strong>the</strong> needs of local children suffering from illness.<br />
BUILDING A GREATER BAKERSFIELD<br />
275
BOWMAN ASPHALT, INC.<br />
Gary Bowman was working for Toste<br />
Paving in <strong>the</strong> late 1980s when his employer<br />
encouraged him to branch out <strong>and</strong> start<br />
his own company. Gary founded Bowman<br />
Asphalt, Inc., in 1990 with little more than<br />
a pickup truck <strong>and</strong> a taste for hard work.<br />
His early jobs involved stripping <strong>and</strong><br />
filling potholes, but he soon branched out<br />
to paving parking lots, city streets, <strong>and</strong><br />
federal highways.<br />
Meeting <strong>the</strong> customer’s expectations<br />
allowed Bowman Asphalt to construct its<br />
first large private development <strong>and</strong> its first public works<br />
project. As <strong>the</strong> company grew, it added its own asphalt<br />
plant, <strong>the</strong>n a second.<br />
Gary’s visions of where he wanted to take Bowman<br />
Asphalt <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> hard work to reach his goals have been <strong>the</strong><br />
framework for <strong>the</strong> company’s success. Providing quality<br />
products <strong>and</strong> service that consistently meets <strong>the</strong> customer’s<br />
expectations <strong>and</strong> being a responsible steward with respect<br />
to safety <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> environmental<br />
impact of its operations have<br />
always guided <strong>the</strong> company.<br />
Bowman’s commitment to deliver<br />
on its promises is what drives<br />
<strong>the</strong> company today.<br />
A major breakthrough for<br />
<strong>the</strong> company came in 2004<br />
when Gary attended Con Expo<br />
<strong>and</strong> met with representatives<br />
from A1Mix. This led to <strong>the</strong><br />
company purchasing its first<br />
asphalt plant, which allowed<br />
Bowman to exp<strong>and</strong> its core business.<br />
Bowman now produces<br />
anywhere from 100,000 to 200,000 tons of asphalt annually<br />
both for its internal business <strong>and</strong> for retail customers.<br />
Today, Bowman Asphalt is involved in construction,<br />
asphalt <strong>and</strong> material sales <strong>and</strong> concrete recycling.<br />
As a full service construction company <strong>and</strong> materials<br />
producer, Bowman services include site development, private<br />
<strong>and</strong> commercial developments, public works projects,<br />
concrete, paving, grading, seal coating, oil spreader truck,<br />
production of asphalt <strong>and</strong> aggregates, <strong>and</strong> portable crushing<br />
<strong>and</strong> recycling.<br />
Bowman is a full service construction company <strong>and</strong> materials<br />
producer. The company produces asphalt material for its<br />
own paving operations, as well as for o<strong>the</strong>r contractors who<br />
build state, county, <strong>and</strong> city public works projects. Gary points<br />
out that finding a dependable contractor to take care of your<br />
project needs <strong>the</strong>se days can be difficult. Many fly-by-night<br />
contractors prove to be downright unreliable. Meanwhile,<br />
Bowman Asphalt has proven its integrity <strong>and</strong> leadership in<br />
<strong>the</strong> paving industry for more than a quarter century.<br />
When Bowman takes on a project, <strong>the</strong> customer’s satisfaction<br />
becomes <strong>the</strong> absolute priority. No matter <strong>the</strong> size of <strong>the</strong><br />
endeavor, Bowman will h<strong>and</strong>le it with professionalism,<br />
accountability <strong>and</strong> a commitment to excellence. The company<br />
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276
is committed to providing its customers with quality products<br />
<strong>and</strong> services that consistently meet <strong>the</strong> customer’s needs.<br />
Bowman is also involved in concrete demolition <strong>and</strong><br />
recycling. The company accepts clean concrete <strong>and</strong> clean<br />
asphalt <strong>and</strong> 100 percent of <strong>the</strong> concrete <strong>and</strong> asphalt is<br />
recycled into aggregates. The recycling of concrete has<br />
grown dramatically throughout <strong>the</strong> country because it<br />
protects natural resources <strong>and</strong> eliminates <strong>the</strong> unnecessary<br />
depletion of important l<strong>and</strong>fill space.<br />
Bowman employs 100 craft/salary employees <strong>and</strong> takes<br />
pride in taking care of its employees. Several of <strong>the</strong> original<br />
employees who started with <strong>the</strong> firm in <strong>the</strong> early 1990s<br />
are still with <strong>the</strong> company. The experience of its employees<br />
is what distinguishes Bowman <strong>and</strong> allows it to fulfill its<br />
customer’s needs.<br />
Bowman Asphalt is an active member<br />
of <strong>the</strong> community <strong>and</strong> participates in<br />
various charitable activities throughout<br />
<strong>the</strong> year. The company is also active in <strong>the</strong><br />
California Asphalt Pavement Association.<br />
Bowman Asphalt’s plans for <strong>the</strong> future<br />
include <strong>the</strong> expansion of its core business<br />
in <strong>the</strong> San Joaquin Valley, retaining<br />
<strong>and</strong> attracting quality employees to <strong>the</strong><br />
company, <strong>and</strong> continuing to bring value<br />
to all its customers. Quality sustainable<br />
growth is <strong>the</strong> company’s goal.<br />
For more information about Bowman<br />
Asphalt, please check <strong>the</strong> website at<br />
www.bowmanasphalt.com.<br />
BUILDING A GREATER BAKERSFIELD<br />
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÷<br />
MAZZEI INJECTOR<br />
COMPANY, LLC<br />
Above: Mazzei Injector Company, LLC Board of Directors: Mary Mazzei,<br />
Celia Mazzei Cobar <strong>and</strong> Angelo Mazzei.<br />
Right: Mazzei produces high-efficiency Venturi Injectors in various sizes <strong>and</strong><br />
materials of construction to meet <strong>the</strong> needs for each customer’s specific project.<br />
When you really believe in something, you go for it! In<br />
1978, Angelo Mazzei <strong>and</strong> his wife, Mary, put <strong>the</strong>ir life savings<br />
into Angelo’s ingenious invention to help farmers add liquid<br />
fertilizer to <strong>the</strong>ir irrigation water. Angelo saw <strong>the</strong> need after<br />
moving to Arvin to manage <strong>the</strong> equipment on his uncle’s<br />
10,000-acre farm (Mazzie Farms). Working out of his garage,<br />
Angelo developed his first prototype of a Mazzei ® Injector.<br />
His inspiration came from a class he had taken while getting<br />
his BS Degree in Industrial Technology at Fresno State<br />
College. There he learned about <strong>the</strong> Venturi effect—a 200-<br />
year-old principle, which utilizes <strong>the</strong> increase in velocity of<br />
a fluid through a constricted section of pipe to lower <strong>the</strong><br />
pressure to a vacuum. By changing <strong>the</strong> internal configuration<br />
of <strong>the</strong> Venturi, Angelo made a highly efficient Venturi <strong>and</strong><br />
thus <strong>the</strong> first Mazzei Injector was born.<br />
After his Uncle Bill Mazzie’s death in 1972, Angelo had a<br />
short stint at Tejon Ag Partners <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>n moved to selling<br />
John Deere tractors for South Kern Machinery. “I met<br />
many farmers which had <strong>the</strong> same need: a better way to add<br />
liquid fertilizer during irrigation,” Angelo says. “Back <strong>the</strong>n,<br />
<strong>the</strong>y were using <strong>the</strong> suction side of a booster pump or<br />
pressurized pumps, both of which were dangerous as well<br />
as unreliable. The problem became more acute when <strong>the</strong><br />
California Aqueduct was built because <strong>the</strong> water was now<br />
being delivered with pressure. The old system of getting<br />
water <strong>and</strong> fertilizer to <strong>the</strong> crops simply wouldn’t work<br />
anymore. They needed a solution.”<br />
Going back to his garage, Angelo started perfecting his<br />
injector to solve <strong>the</strong> farmers’ problem. Angelo experimented<br />
with a number of versions, turning <strong>the</strong>m on his own garage<br />
la<strong>the</strong>, <strong>and</strong> in 1978 <strong>the</strong> now famous Mazzei Injector was<br />
patented. Because of both Angelo <strong>and</strong> Mary’s passion <strong>and</strong><br />
belief in this product, when <strong>the</strong> patent came through <strong>the</strong>y<br />
formed <strong>the</strong>ir own company to make <strong>and</strong> sell <strong>the</strong> injector<br />
instead of selling <strong>the</strong> patent to ano<strong>the</strong>r business. “We went for<br />
broke with a passion <strong>and</strong> a belief,” Angelo says. “Once <strong>the</strong><br />
farmers accepted this technology—<strong>the</strong> business took off.”<br />
Although <strong>the</strong> business continued to grow as farmers learned<br />
of <strong>the</strong> injector, Angelo realized he needed to appeal to a wider<br />
market. “Our customers were 100 percent agricultural, <strong>and</strong><br />
that market was cyclical. We needed to find new markets for<br />
our technology.” The Mazzei Injector was modified <strong>and</strong> new<br />
models were introduced in 1983 for injecting ozone into spas<br />
just at <strong>the</strong> time ozone was being introduced for disinfection.<br />
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“We literally took over this market, <strong>and</strong> it helped level out<br />
<strong>the</strong> ups-<strong>and</strong>-downs of <strong>the</strong> agriculture market.”<br />
By 1994, Mazzei Injector outgrew <strong>the</strong> family office/<br />
warehouse at <strong>the</strong> twenty-acre family homestead, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
operation was moved to its current location, an industrial<br />
park off of Highway 58 in <strong>Bakersfield</strong>. Mazzei <strong>the</strong>n branched<br />
out to water <strong>and</strong> wastewater treatment. Today Mazzei offers<br />
a broad line of high-efficiency injectors, specialized nozzles,<br />
degassing separators, flash mixers <strong>and</strong> water <strong>and</strong> wastewater<br />
systems for industrial <strong>and</strong> municipal customers. Angelo holds<br />
seventeen U.S. patents <strong>and</strong> numerous international patents.<br />
The company continues to focus on innovation <strong>and</strong> research<br />
<strong>and</strong> development to solve <strong>the</strong> needs of customers around<br />
<strong>the</strong> world. Today about twenty-five percent of Mazzei’s<br />
business is in <strong>the</strong> agricultural market, including <strong>the</strong> wine<br />
industry <strong>and</strong> food processing—<strong>the</strong> bulk of <strong>the</strong> business<br />
is in <strong>the</strong> municipal <strong>and</strong> industrial water <strong>and</strong> wastewater<br />
markets. Mazzei Injectors can h<strong>and</strong>le a lot of downstream<br />
pressure, <strong>and</strong> by putting gas under pressure, it makes it more<br />
soluble. The core of <strong>the</strong> business relies on <strong>the</strong> knowledge<br />
of math, chemistry <strong>and</strong> physics. Mazzei works closely<br />
with Fresno State <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir International Center for Water<br />
Technology, in addition to <strong>the</strong> University of Alberta,<br />
Edmonton, Canada, on Mazzei research. Mazzei also uses<br />
multiphase computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to help<br />
design <strong>and</strong> optimize <strong>the</strong>ir systems <strong>and</strong> products.<br />
Mazzei’s quest is to preserve our precious resources—<br />
water, energy <strong>and</strong> soil. Once again new injectors have<br />
been developed—this time to inject air into <strong>the</strong> root zones<br />
of crops to increase yield <strong>and</strong> improve soil health all while<br />
conserving water—AirJection ® . Tru-Blend , a proportional<br />
fertigation system, is currently patent pending <strong>and</strong> being<br />
field tested. Tru-Blend allows an irrigation system to<br />
incorporate <strong>the</strong> precise balance of nutrients during all stages<br />
of <strong>the</strong> plant growth cycle accurately, reliably <strong>and</strong> simply.<br />
Over-fertilization will be reduced, preventing chemicals<br />
from seeping into tomorrow’s water supply.<br />
“It’s <strong>the</strong> people who make our business, that’s really <strong>the</strong><br />
key,” Angelo believes. Today many of <strong>the</strong> employees at<br />
Mazzei have been with <strong>the</strong> company for an extended period<br />
of time—one for over 30 years. “In addition, we are constantly<br />
improving our products <strong>and</strong> systems <strong>and</strong> providing<br />
customers with excellent service <strong>and</strong> advice. The vendors<br />
that we use have to meet <strong>the</strong> same high st<strong>and</strong>ards that<br />
people have come to expect from Mazzei.”<br />
Angelo <strong>and</strong> Mary’s daughter, Celia (Cece) Mazzei Cobar,<br />
joined <strong>the</strong> company in 2005, making Mazzei a second-generation<br />
family company. Cece received a degree in ma<strong>the</strong>matics<br />
from Pepperdine University <strong>and</strong> taught high school math<br />
before joining <strong>the</strong> family business. “She has been instrumental<br />
in steering <strong>the</strong> business into using new technologies, including<br />
CFD,” Angelo notes. In 2013, Cece’s husb<strong>and</strong>, Ken Cobar,<br />
a mechanical engineer, also joined <strong>the</strong> business.<br />
“Our Mission Statement <strong>and</strong> Core Values exemplify who<br />
we are—<strong>the</strong>y are not just words,” says Angelo. “The Mazzei<br />
family name is on our products, <strong>and</strong> customers can count<br />
on our honesty, integrity, dependability, <strong>and</strong> responsiveness.”<br />
÷<br />
Angelo Mazzei in front of a large Mazzei Pipeline Flash Reactor (PFR)<br />
installed as part of an expansion project at Castaic Lake (California)<br />
Water Agency. The PFR uses high-velocity nozzles that ensure optimum gas<br />
mixing under all plant flow conditions. PFRs can be sized down for more<br />
modest projects.<br />
BUILDING A GREATER BAKERSFIELD<br />
279
TOWNSEND DESIGN<br />
Since 1984, <strong>the</strong> employees of Townsend Design have<br />
helped optimize quality of life for hundreds of thous<strong>and</strong>s of<br />
people who experience mobility <strong>and</strong> functional challenges.<br />
One of <strong>Bakersfield</strong>’s hidden gems, Townsend manufactures<br />
orthopedic braces for injured athletes, older adults<br />
who have muscle <strong>and</strong> joint degeneration, <strong>and</strong> patients who<br />
have congenital defects or anatomical<br />
abnormalities. Townsend’s innovative<br />
technology is respected by medical professionals<br />
around <strong>the</strong> world—yet <strong>the</strong><br />
company is not as widely recognized<br />
by local residents as o<strong>the</strong>r iconic<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> br<strong>and</strong>s. The elaborate fabrication<br />
processes are a blend of art <strong>and</strong><br />
science, producing h<strong>and</strong>crafted custom<br />
<strong>and</strong> st<strong>and</strong>ard size braces for patients of<br />
all ages <strong>and</strong> sizes.<br />
Townsend operates nearly twenty-four<br />
hours a day, employing engineers,<br />
machinists, fabrication technicians, customer<br />
service representatives, logistics<br />
experts <strong>and</strong> business professionals.<br />
Among <strong>the</strong> 150 local employees, nearly<br />
fifty percent have worked at <strong>the</strong> company<br />
for over a decade. The longevity <strong>and</strong><br />
legacy knowledge of its workforce is a<br />
significant advantage for Townsend in<br />
terms of <strong>the</strong> consistency <strong>and</strong> quality of its<br />
braces <strong>and</strong> mobility-enhancing devices.<br />
While virtually all of Townsend’s primary<br />
competitors have relocated <strong>the</strong>ir manufacturing<br />
to Mexico, <strong>the</strong> company’s management<br />
team is committed to making<br />
Townsend’s signature products in <strong>the</strong><br />
USA. Right here in <strong>Bakersfield</strong>.<br />
Townsend was owned by a local family until 2011,<br />
when one of Europe’s oldest <strong>and</strong> most respected medical<br />
textile companies acquired <strong>the</strong> company to establish a<br />
base of operations in <strong>the</strong> United States. Townsend’s parent<br />
company, Thuasne (pronounced Two Ann), was founded<br />
in 1847 <strong>and</strong> has been continuously owned <strong>and</strong> operated<br />
BAKERSFIELD—It’s The <strong>People</strong>, And A <strong>Whole</strong> <strong>Lot</strong> <strong>More</strong><br />
280
y <strong>the</strong> same family for six generations. Thuasne has<br />
made substantial investments in Townsend’s operations,<br />
product development <strong>and</strong> sales organization. The company<br />
doubled <strong>the</strong> size of its manufacturing <strong>and</strong> warehousing<br />
facilities in 2015, <strong>and</strong> now occupies two large facilities<br />
in Southwest <strong>Bakersfield</strong> encompassing nearly 90,000<br />
square feet.<br />
Townsend has a national salesforce that promotes<br />
<strong>the</strong> company’s products to orthopedic surgeons, pain<br />
management specialists, podiatrists, certified orthotists,<br />
physical <strong>the</strong>rapists, athletic trainers, <strong>and</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r medical<br />
professionals. Townsend products are also sold by<br />
Thuasne’s subsidiary companies throughout Europe,<br />
<strong>and</strong> by medical distribution companies in o<strong>the</strong>r international<br />
countries.<br />
Many famous United States athletes have worn a<br />
Townsend knee brace, including NFL, NHL <strong>and</strong> NBA<br />
professionals, as well as Olympians <strong>and</strong> collegiate players.<br />
As a result, employees at Townsend have contributed to<br />
<strong>the</strong> success of Super Bowl champions, Stanley Cup winners,<br />
<strong>and</strong> Olympic medalists.<br />
But it is <strong>the</strong> satisfaction that comes from helping<br />
people be able to work, enjoy <strong>the</strong>ir family, participate<br />
in recreational activities <strong>and</strong> live a normal or nearnormal<br />
life that motivates Townsend’s employees. While<br />
Townsend does not treat patients or sell directly to<br />
consumers, <strong>the</strong> medical professionals who purchase<br />
braces often share success stories about how a Townsend<br />
product positively impacted a patient’s health <strong>and</strong> lifestyle.<br />
Helping people around <strong>the</strong> United States, or around<br />
<strong>the</strong> world, is a great feeling. It is equally rewarding<br />
when employees encounter someone at <strong>the</strong> store, park or<br />
restaurant who is wearing a product <strong>the</strong>y helped to make.<br />
For more information about Townsend, please visit<br />
www.townsenddesign.com.<br />
BUILDING A GREATER BAKERSFIELD<br />
281
÷<br />
Right: President <strong>and</strong> CEO Melvin D. Atkinson.<br />
M.D. ATKINSON<br />
COMPANY, INC.<br />
Below: Corporate office located at 1401 19th Street in <strong>the</strong><br />
historical Kress Building.<br />
M.D. Atkinson Company, Inc., provides professional<br />
property <strong>and</strong> asset management, strategic planning, <strong>and</strong><br />
financial services for commercial real estate ventures<br />
throughout California.<br />
Headquartered in <strong>Bakersfield</strong>, <strong>the</strong> firm was established in<br />
1982, by Melvin D. Atkinson. As commercial real estate<br />
began to develop in <strong>Bakersfield</strong>, Mel realized <strong>the</strong>re was<br />
a need for a commercial property management company<br />
to work on behalf of developers <strong>and</strong> investors to manage<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir holdings in Kern County. As a result of Mel’s vision,<br />
M.D. Atkinson Company, Inc., opened for business on<br />
September 1, 1982, managing 2 office<br />
buildings, an apartment community,<br />
<strong>and</strong> an shopping center. M.D. Atkinson<br />
Company, Inc., continues to manage all<br />
classes of commercial <strong>and</strong> residential<br />
properties. The growth of <strong>the</strong> company is<br />
<strong>the</strong> result of excellent client <strong>and</strong> customer<br />
service <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> core belief that our client’s<br />
success is our success. M.D. Atkinson<br />
Company, Inc., is today, <strong>the</strong> largest commercial<br />
property management company<br />
in <strong>Bakersfield</strong>/Kern County.<br />
Mel, who serves as president <strong>and</strong> chief<br />
executive officer, began his career in<br />
property management in 1977. Mel has<br />
years of extensive experience in property<br />
management <strong>and</strong> underst<strong>and</strong>s <strong>the</strong> needs<br />
of both private <strong>and</strong> institutional<br />
investors. John Shaw joined <strong>the</strong> company<br />
in 1983, as vice president with Greg<br />
Butler joining in 1985, as chief financial<br />
officer. Mel, John, <strong>and</strong> Greg’s successful<br />
collaboration was integral in <strong>the</strong> development<br />
<strong>and</strong> growth of <strong>the</strong> company.<br />
After years of dedicated<br />
service to <strong>the</strong> company,<br />
John retired in 2015.<br />
In 1991, M.D. Atkinson<br />
Company, Inc., earned <strong>the</strong><br />
Accredited Management<br />
Organization (AMO ® ) designation,<br />
which is a mark<br />
of distinction among real<br />
estate management firms.<br />
The AMO ® designation<br />
is bestowed only on property<br />
management firms<br />
that have demonstrated<br />
<strong>the</strong> highest st<strong>and</strong>ards in management expertise, professional<br />
competence, financial responsibility, integrity, <strong>and</strong> ethics<br />
through compliance with <strong>the</strong> strict st<strong>and</strong>ards of <strong>the</strong> Institute<br />
of Real Estate Management ® .<br />
M.D. Atkinson Company, Inc., encourages <strong>the</strong> professional<br />
development of our team members. As a result many Property<br />
Managers hold designations including Certified Property<br />
Manager, Certified Community Association Manager, <strong>and</strong><br />
Accredited Residential Manager. The company maintains a<br />
General Contractors License in <strong>the</strong> State of California.<br />
It is <strong>the</strong> company’s culture to promote independent<br />
thinking within a team environment. Our success is<br />
driven by <strong>the</strong> talent <strong>and</strong> dedication of our employees.<br />
M.D. Atkinson Company, Inc., maintains involvement<br />
within <strong>the</strong> community by supporting charitable causes<br />
that are important to its clients <strong>and</strong> team members.<br />
The M.D. Atkinson Company, Inc., corporate office is<br />
located in <strong>the</strong> Historic Kress Building at 1401 19th Street<br />
in downtown <strong>Bakersfield</strong>.<br />
For more information about M.D. Atkinson Company<br />
Inc., visit <strong>the</strong>ir website at www.mdatkinson.com.<br />
BAKERSFIELD—It’s The <strong>People</strong>, And A <strong>Whole</strong> <strong>Lot</strong> <strong>More</strong><br />
282
DB & COMPANY<br />
The goal of DB & Company is to be <strong>the</strong> premier<br />
provider of <strong>the</strong> finest printing in <strong>Bakersfield</strong>, while<br />
maintaining <strong>the</strong> uncompromising principles of good service<br />
<strong>and</strong> community development.<br />
David Bass established DB & Company in 1981 after<br />
working for a large international business forms manufacturer<br />
for several years. Bass actually started <strong>the</strong> business<br />
in his home before moving to a downtown location.<br />
The company is now located at 2001 G Street, one block<br />
west of <strong>the</strong> historic Fox Theater.<br />
DB & Company prides itself on providing excellent customer<br />
service <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> highest quality commercial printing.<br />
As a full service commercial printer, DB & Company<br />
offers h<strong>and</strong>crafted offset <strong>and</strong> digital printing, specialty<br />
advertising products, <strong>and</strong> Internet services such as web<br />
design <strong>and</strong> search engine optimization to help customers<br />
grow <strong>the</strong>ir businesses <strong>and</strong> reach more potential clients.<br />
The staff at DB & Company underst<strong>and</strong>s <strong>the</strong> importance<br />
of meeting deadlines <strong>and</strong> works to meet its customer’s<br />
needs on time. The production schedule is flexible so if<br />
customers have an emergency, DB & Company is able to<br />
help meet <strong>the</strong>ir deadline.<br />
DB & Company uses <strong>the</strong> latest professional design<br />
software from Adobe, so customers are assured that files<br />
will print correctly. When DB & Company designs a<br />
product, it has <strong>the</strong> professional look customers want so<br />
it will appeal to <strong>the</strong>ir target audience.<br />
The last thing a customer needs to worry about is its<br />
printing needs. By depending on DB & Company, customers<br />
may rest assured that <strong>the</strong>y will get <strong>the</strong> biggest ‘bang for <strong>the</strong><br />
buck’ when it comes to <strong>the</strong>ir printed marketing materials.<br />
DB & Company makes sure its customers get <strong>the</strong> professional<br />
look <strong>the</strong>y desire. They take imaging seriously <strong>and</strong> make sure<br />
photos <strong>and</strong> colors look exactly as <strong>the</strong>y should.<br />
“DB & Company is a unique <strong>and</strong><br />
special place <strong>and</strong> I feel privileged to be<br />
<strong>the</strong> owner of this company,” says Dave.<br />
“We are 100 percent locally owned<br />
<strong>and</strong> operated <strong>and</strong> are proud of <strong>the</strong> fact<br />
that over 85 percent of all <strong>the</strong> labor,<br />
supplies, raw materials <strong>and</strong> resources<br />
we use to create <strong>and</strong> manufacture<br />
printing are purchased from o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
locally owned companies that support<br />
our local economy. DB & Company<br />
has been in business for thirty-five<br />
years <strong>and</strong> during that time we have<br />
printed business forms <strong>and</strong> sales <strong>and</strong><br />
marketing materials for hundreds of<br />
businesses in <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong> area.”<br />
DB & Company <strong>and</strong> its employees are involved in a number<br />
of community activities including <strong>Bakersfield</strong> East Rotary<br />
Club, Executives’ Association of Kern County, Fellowship of<br />
Christian Athletes <strong>and</strong> Make-a-Wish Foundation.<br />
BUILDING A GREATER BAKERSFIELD<br />
283
MALOUF FAMILY<br />
÷<br />
Right: Gail Malouf, <strong>Bakersfield</strong> native.<br />
Below: Richard Harger <strong>and</strong> Gail Malouf in a Model A touring <strong>the</strong> blossoms<br />
of <strong>Bakersfield</strong>.<br />
Gail Malouf, a prominent Realtor ® in <strong>Bakersfield</strong> for nearly<br />
forty years, is carrying on a family tradition of business<br />
<strong>and</strong> professional success <strong>and</strong> community involvement that<br />
began with her ancestors a century ago.<br />
“Our families, <strong>the</strong> Maloufs’ <strong>and</strong> Spalingers’ have been<br />
in this area for 100 years <strong>and</strong> have always given back to<br />
<strong>the</strong> community we all love,” Gail says. “All had businesses<br />
or important jobs in <strong>Bakersfield</strong> <strong>and</strong> contributed to <strong>the</strong><br />
development of <strong>the</strong> community.”<br />
Gail’s gr<strong>and</strong>parents, Arthur <strong>and</strong> Clara Spalinger, came<br />
to <strong>Bakersfield</strong> from Kansas in <strong>the</strong> 1920s. Arthur worked as<br />
a guard for Sou<strong>the</strong>rn Pacific Railroad <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> family lived<br />
on a five-acre parcel of l<strong>and</strong> where he raised turkeys <strong>and</strong><br />
chickens. “Our gr<strong>and</strong>fa<strong>the</strong>r built a baseball field on his l<strong>and</strong><br />
where we spent many happy hours with <strong>the</strong> neighborhood<br />
kids,” Gail recalls.<br />
Ano<strong>the</strong>r gr<strong>and</strong>mo<strong>the</strong>r, Labiba Malouf Littlefield, came to<br />
<strong>the</strong> U.S. from Lebanon as a young married mo<strong>the</strong>r. She <strong>and</strong><br />
Gail’s gr<strong>and</strong>fa<strong>the</strong>r, George Malouf, lived in Utah, where her<br />
fa<strong>the</strong>r was born. Labiba moved to <strong>Bakersfield</strong> in 1920 where<br />
she raised five children on her own, working in retail sales.<br />
She was a member of <strong>the</strong> Order of <strong>the</strong> Amaranth<br />
<strong>and</strong> Eastern Star.<br />
Gail’s fa<strong>the</strong>r, Albert Malouf, was <strong>the</strong> owner<br />
of Edison S<strong>and</strong> Company <strong>and</strong> her mo<strong>the</strong>r,<br />
Lenore Malouf, was a homemaker. Her fa<strong>the</strong>r<br />
was very involved in DeMolays, Shriners,<br />
<strong>and</strong> Masonic Temple, Justice of <strong>the</strong> Peace in<br />
McKittrick, as well as a charter member of <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> East Rotary Club. Her mo<strong>the</strong>r was a<br />
den mo<strong>the</strong>r for her sons in Cub Scouts <strong>and</strong> Boy<br />
Scouts <strong>and</strong> a leader in her daughter’s Blue Bird<br />
<strong>and</strong> Campfire Girls group. Her parents hosted<br />
many lively school parties in <strong>the</strong>ir backyards.<br />
One of Gail’s bro<strong>the</strong>rs, Gerald Malouf,<br />
operated Edison S<strong>and</strong> after <strong>the</strong> death of his parents.<br />
Ano<strong>the</strong>r bro<strong>the</strong>r, James Malouf, was a highway patrolman<br />
<strong>and</strong> served as <strong>the</strong> chief deputy coroner under Sheriff Sparks.<br />
Jim was well known <strong>and</strong> respected throughout California<br />
for his wealth of knowledge in that field.<br />
Gail graduated from Foothill High School <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Graduate Realtors Institute (GRI). She is both a Certified<br />
Residential Specialist (CRS) <strong>and</strong> Certified Relocation<br />
Professional (CRP). Gail has been a Realtor since 1977<br />
<strong>and</strong> served as president of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Association of<br />
Realtors in 2010. She was named Salesperson of <strong>the</strong> Year<br />
by <strong>the</strong> association in 2002.<br />
Gail’s husb<strong>and</strong>, Richard Harger, is retired from <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> City Fire Department where he served as captain<br />
<strong>and</strong> was <strong>the</strong> arson investigator for several years.<br />
“<strong>Bakersfield</strong> is a great place to live <strong>and</strong> raise a family,”<br />
Gail believes. “Being a Realtor has given me an opportunity<br />
to show off <strong>Bakersfield</strong>. I have so many wonderful memories<br />
from growing up in this community. It is my job to sell<br />
newcomers on all <strong>the</strong> opportunities available here. Once<br />
<strong>the</strong>y get here, most don’t want to leave.”<br />
BAKERSFIELD—It’s The <strong>People</strong>, And A <strong>Whole</strong> <strong>Lot</strong> <strong>More</strong><br />
284
Loyd’s Aviation is dedicated to maintaining <strong>the</strong> highest<br />
level of safety <strong>and</strong> customer service in <strong>the</strong> aviation industry.<br />
The company offers an array of aircraft services, including<br />
fueling, charter, sales, aircraft management, maintenance,<br />
storage, <strong>and</strong> parts sales. Loyd’s Aviation also operates a<br />
recreational vehicle storage facility.<br />
Loyd’s Aviation was founded in 1958 when Byron Loyd’s<br />
carwash business was taken out by a new freeway. Byron had<br />
always loved flying <strong>and</strong> decided to turn his hobby into a<br />
business. In <strong>the</strong> early days, he rented a small office at <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> Meadows Field Airport, sold aircraft parts <strong>and</strong><br />
taught new pilots how to fly. In 1970, Byron decided to invest<br />
in <strong>the</strong> airport by renting l<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> building twenty hangers.<br />
Loyd’s Flying Service was a one-man operation until<br />
1973 when Byron’s son, Steven, who also caught <strong>the</strong> aviation<br />
bug, joined <strong>the</strong> family business after completing college at<br />
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. The business has enjoyed steady<br />
growth over <strong>the</strong> years <strong>and</strong> now employs forty people.<br />
Loyd’s Aviation is <strong>the</strong> only full-service fixed base<br />
operation (FBO) at Meadows Field in <strong>Bakersfield</strong>. In 2009,<br />
Loyd’s opened a new front-line facility, <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Jet<br />
Center, which includes a 3.5 acres’ aircraft parking ramp as<br />
well as state-of-<strong>the</strong>-art customer facilities.<br />
Backed by its outst<strong>and</strong>ing reputation <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Jet<br />
Center offers <strong>the</strong> best customer service experience at<br />
Meadows Field. The operation is known for old-fashioned<br />
customer service <strong>and</strong> believes in providing <strong>the</strong> same level of<br />
service whe<strong>the</strong>r a customer arrives in a light-sport aircraft<br />
or a Gulfstream jet. The facility provides <strong>the</strong> finest amenities<br />
for both passengers <strong>and</strong> pilots <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> 3.5 acres’ aircraft<br />
ramp can accommodate aircraft as large as a Boeing 737.<br />
Loyd’s Aviation provides on-dem<strong>and</strong> aircraft charter service<br />
utilizing a variety of aircraft, from single-engine piston<br />
planes to business jets. Access to a large aircraft network<br />
allows Loyd’s to determine <strong>the</strong> aircraft best fitted for each<br />
customer’s travel needs <strong>and</strong> desires. Loyd’s serves any national<br />
or international destination.<br />
Aircraft owners from<br />
throughout <strong>the</strong> west fly to<br />
Loyd’s Aircraft Maintenance<br />
because of its reputation for<br />
quality work <strong>and</strong> service.<br />
Services provided include<br />
inspections, piston <strong>and</strong> turbine<br />
airframe <strong>and</strong> engine maintenance,<br />
pre-purchase evaluations,<br />
routine maintenance,<br />
structural repairs, <strong>and</strong> aircraft<br />
modifications. Each technician<br />
is factory trained <strong>and</strong> FAA<br />
certified, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> team of technicians<br />
boasts more than 200<br />
years of combined experience.<br />
The Loyd’s companies are<br />
deeply involved in community affairs. Steve Loyd is a<br />
member of <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Rotary <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Memorial Hospital<br />
Foundation. Continued contributions to <strong>the</strong> community are<br />
important to <strong>the</strong> Loyd’s companies <strong>and</strong> its employees.<br />
LOYD’S AVIATION<br />
DBA BAKERSFIELD<br />
JET CENTER & LOYD’S<br />
AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE<br />
BUILDING A GREATER BAKERSFIELD<br />
285
÷<br />
Buddy <strong>and</strong> Greta Pretzer.<br />
ALL AMERICAN GLASS<br />
Buddy Pretzer came to <strong>Bakersfield</strong>, California in 1986<br />
with <strong>the</strong> prospect of getting a job in <strong>the</strong> construction<br />
industry. He had worked in construction in North Dakota,<br />
his home state, but found himself unemployed most of <strong>the</strong><br />
year due to wea<strong>the</strong>r conditions. His bro<strong>the</strong>r, David, lived in<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong>, so Buddy followed his urging to try a new life<br />
in California. He worked in construction for one-<strong>and</strong>-a-half<br />
years until finding himself unemployed again.<br />
In 1986, Buddy met a girl,<br />
Greta Perttula, who later became<br />
his wife. Her fa<strong>the</strong>r, Rueben<br />
Perttula, owned <strong>and</strong> operated<br />
American Glass Company. Greta<br />
talked to her dad <strong>and</strong> Buddy<br />
went to work for him in 1987.<br />
He had no experience as a<br />
glazier working with glass. Over<br />
<strong>the</strong> sixteen years of working for<br />
American Glass, Buddy was able<br />
to learn <strong>the</strong> ins-<strong>and</strong>-outs of <strong>the</strong><br />
glazing trade. Rueben retired; <strong>the</strong><br />
company was sold <strong>and</strong> eventually<br />
closed its doors. Buddy found<br />
himself unemployed again. He<br />
started a ‘Board-Em-Up’ business,<br />
boarding up emergency glass<br />
breakages to keep himself busy<br />
<strong>and</strong> making money.<br />
In 2004, Buddy <strong>and</strong> Greta<br />
found a building for rent on<br />
East Nineteenth Street <strong>and</strong> started<br />
All American Glass Company.<br />
Buddy worked under Rueben’s<br />
glazier license until obtaining his own license in 2006.<br />
The business was built on Buddy’s knowledge of <strong>the</strong> glass<br />
industry, recognition by <strong>the</strong> community because of his<br />
work at American Glass, honesty <strong>and</strong> integrity. Greta<br />
managed <strong>the</strong> office work at home while raising <strong>the</strong>ir son,<br />
Adam, <strong>and</strong> teaching Special Education. Buddy did all <strong>the</strong><br />
work at All American Glass himself—taking calls, installing<br />
<strong>the</strong> glass by himself until he hired his first employee<br />
in 2005. The business continued to grow <strong>and</strong> eventually<br />
ano<strong>the</strong>r glazier was hired.<br />
All American Glass Company now employs three<br />
secretaries <strong>and</strong> five glaziers. It has a fleet of six trucks<br />
that service <strong>the</strong> Kern County area for all commercial <strong>and</strong><br />
residential glass needs during <strong>the</strong> day <strong>and</strong> still has <strong>the</strong><br />
board-up service for any after hour emergencies.<br />
Buddy has been married to Greta for twenty-nine years.<br />
They have one son, Adam, twenty-six. Greta has been<br />
a Special Education teacher with <strong>the</strong> Kern County<br />
Superintendent of Schools for twenty years. Adam works<br />
for <strong>the</strong> Kern County Fire Department. Both Greta <strong>and</strong><br />
Buddy are involved as volunteers with various organizations,<br />
mainly <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong> College Drum Line <strong>and</strong><br />
Golden Empire Drum Corps. They helped to form both<br />
<strong>the</strong>se organizations <strong>and</strong> are passionate to see <strong>the</strong>m grow.<br />
They enjoy travelling around <strong>the</strong> United States with family<br />
<strong>and</strong> friends. Cruises has become one of <strong>the</strong>ir favorite ways<br />
to travel; <strong>the</strong>y have been to Alaska, Mexico, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Virgin<br />
Isl<strong>and</strong>s on cruises.<br />
Buddy <strong>and</strong> Greta continue to manage <strong>and</strong> operate<br />
All American Glass Company. They see this business as a<br />
life adventure, challenge <strong>and</strong> essential resource for this<br />
community. They are proud of <strong>the</strong> business <strong>the</strong>y have built,<br />
<strong>the</strong> support given to <strong>the</strong>m by <strong>the</strong> community <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> family<br />
atmosphere that exists at All American Glass.<br />
Today, All American Glass is located at 527 East<br />
Nineteenth Street in <strong>Bakersfield</strong> <strong>and</strong> on <strong>the</strong> Internet at<br />
www.all-americanglassco.com.<br />
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MARTHA JOHNSON TEAM<br />
Martha, Kelli <strong>and</strong> Sarah of <strong>the</strong> Martha Johnson Team of<br />
Keller Williams Realty have a vision. They want to create a<br />
lasting smile on <strong>the</strong>ir client’s faces when <strong>the</strong>y think of <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
house <strong>and</strong> how <strong>the</strong>y were treated, <strong>and</strong> want o<strong>the</strong>rs to have<br />
<strong>the</strong> same experience.<br />
Martha Johnson, who leads <strong>the</strong> team, has more than<br />
twelve years of experience in <strong>the</strong> real estate industry, guiding<br />
both buyers <strong>and</strong> sellers through <strong>the</strong> process of purchasing or<br />
selling <strong>the</strong>ir home. She takes her job seriously, underst<strong>and</strong>ing<br />
that many aspects of <strong>the</strong> home buying/selling process can<br />
be mind boggling. She regards <strong>the</strong> process of building a team<br />
in much <strong>the</strong> same way as helping her clients, <strong>and</strong> quality<br />
associates were brought on board to help smooth <strong>the</strong> real<br />
estate transactions.<br />
Kelli Schoell, <strong>the</strong> team’s lead buyer’s specialist, has served<br />
<strong>the</strong> needs of buyers for more than five years <strong>and</strong> takes <strong>the</strong><br />
process very seriously. From start to finish, her clients always<br />
feel as if <strong>the</strong>y have been her only priority. Kelli’s care <strong>and</strong><br />
concern for her clients does not stop with <strong>the</strong> closing, she<br />
continues to answer questions <strong>and</strong> is available for help long<br />
after <strong>the</strong> sale is completed.<br />
Sarah Hogue, <strong>the</strong> team’s administrative/transaction coordinator,<br />
h<strong>and</strong>les all <strong>the</strong> real estate transaction paperwork<br />
from beginning to end. Organizing inspections <strong>and</strong> paperwork<br />
<strong>and</strong> keeping <strong>the</strong> rest of <strong>the</strong> team on track can seem<br />
impossible at times, but Sarah h<strong>and</strong>les it all with ease. Her<br />
title hardly defines all <strong>the</strong> little details she h<strong>and</strong>les <strong>and</strong> if<br />
clients have any questions she is only a phone call away.<br />
“<strong>Bakersfield</strong> has been my home for over thirteen years<br />
<strong>and</strong> in that time I have seen some tremendous changes, but<br />
one thing remains constant, <strong>the</strong> neighborly feel you get from<br />
people who live here,” Martha says. “Living in <strong>Bakersfield</strong> has<br />
so much to offer. We have a helping <strong>and</strong><br />
caring community. Real estate has proved to<br />
be an extraordinarily crazy, yet satisfying<br />
direction for me, providing opportunities to<br />
not only help people find a home, but to<br />
help <strong>the</strong>m feel comfortable in <strong>the</strong>ir new city.”<br />
The Martha Johnson Team takes its values<br />
of honesty, integrity <strong>and</strong> character seriously.<br />
They feel that honesty means taking <strong>the</strong><br />
blame if need be; integrity means being<br />
honorable in all things; <strong>and</strong> character<br />
means, ‘Who I am is all I have’. The team<br />
puts God first, family second, <strong>and</strong> business<br />
third...but not least.<br />
To learn more about <strong>the</strong> Martha Johnson<br />
Team <strong>and</strong> to see a collection of homes<br />
<strong>the</strong>y have available, check <strong>the</strong>ir website at<br />
www.marthajohnsonteam.com.<br />
÷<br />
Above: left to right, Kelli Schoell, Martha Johnson <strong>and</strong> Sarah Hogue.<br />
Below: Kelli, Sarah <strong>and</strong> Martha out for a bike ride on a beautiful sunny day.<br />
BUILDING A GREATER BAKERSFIELD<br />
287
BAKERSFIELD ASSOCIATION<br />
OF REALTORS ® /<br />
GOLDEN EMPIRE MULTIPLE<br />
LISTING SERVICE, INC./<br />
BAKERSFIELD ASSOCIATION<br />
OF REALTORS ®<br />
÷<br />
CHARITABLE FOUNDATION<br />
Above: H. G. Parsons, Founding President of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Realty<br />
Board, 1905.<br />
Below: <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Association of REALTORS ® , fa<strong>the</strong>r son group, 1955.<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> was a<br />
booming town of 12,000<br />
residents in 1905, as <strong>the</strong><br />
rich oil fields attracted<br />
fortune seekers from<br />
throughout <strong>the</strong> nation.<br />
In many ways, however,<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> was a wideopen,<br />
old west town filled<br />
with saloons, casinos <strong>and</strong><br />
houses of ill repute.<br />
Despite <strong>the</strong> town’s<br />
raw reputation, a group<br />
of local businessmen<br />
envisioned <strong>Bakersfield</strong> as a family community, built on <strong>the</strong><br />
agricultural opportunities provided by <strong>the</strong> valley’s fertile soil.<br />
These families, of course, would require housing <strong>and</strong> this<br />
anticipation led to <strong>the</strong> formation of what is now <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> Association of REALTORS ® .<br />
On November 28, 1905, a group of leading businessmen<br />
held a meeting to discuss <strong>the</strong> establishment of a realty board.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> following weeks, fifteen men would join toge<strong>the</strong>r<br />
to form <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Realty Board, now known as Kern<br />
County’s largest trade association.<br />
The association was organized during a period when<br />
consumer protection laws <strong>and</strong> licensing were nonexistent,<br />
<strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> organization became a means of self-regulation, as<br />
well as an engine for increasing business <strong>and</strong> development.<br />
A number of prominent builders <strong>and</strong> developers<br />
have been involved with <strong>the</strong> association during its 111-year<br />
history, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir energy <strong>and</strong> vision shaped <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong><br />
of today.<br />
Throughout its history, <strong>the</strong> association’s goals have<br />
included <strong>the</strong> education of its members, encouragement<br />
of high ethical st<strong>and</strong>ards, community service <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
promotion of business success. The association takes an active<br />
role in lobbying against local, state or federal legislation that<br />
might adversely affect property owners.<br />
The Multiple Listing Service, which began in 1947,<br />
started with <strong>the</strong> sharing of property data sheets printed<br />
on a mimeograph machine. The computer-based multiple<br />
listing service of today instantly connects buyers <strong>and</strong> sellers<br />
from throughout <strong>the</strong> nation <strong>and</strong> around <strong>the</strong> world.<br />
“Technology has changed our industry dramatically over<br />
<strong>the</strong> past decade,” says CEO Linda Jay. “While our business<br />
continues to grow more <strong>and</strong> more complex, our mission<br />
<strong>and</strong> commitment to our members <strong>and</strong> community remain<br />
steadfast: To improve <strong>the</strong> real estate industry through<br />
professionalism <strong>and</strong> service <strong>and</strong> grow a stronger community<br />
by consistently striving to retain <strong>the</strong> same dynamic relevant<br />
presence we have exemplified for more than a century.”<br />
Association members are often <strong>the</strong> first to serve community<br />
causes <strong>and</strong> numerous <strong>Bakersfield</strong> charities have benefitted<br />
from <strong>the</strong>se efforts. Among <strong>the</strong> activities supported by <strong>the</strong><br />
association are fundraisers for Relay for Life <strong>and</strong> Campout<br />
Against Cancer, an annual golf tournament <strong>and</strong> black tie<br />
event in support of <strong>the</strong> Ronald McDonald House, Real<br />
Estate Professionals Family Relief Fund, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong><br />
Association of REALTORS ® Charitable Foundation, Golden<br />
Empire Gleaners, <strong>and</strong> community partnerships with Boys<br />
<strong>and</strong> Girls Club. The association has also formed <strong>the</strong> Real<br />
Estate Anti-Fraud Advisory Coalition (REAAC) to prevent,<br />
detect <strong>and</strong> report real estate fraud.<br />
Today, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Association of REALTORS ® is an<br />
1,800-member organization under <strong>the</strong> leadership of current<br />
President Bill Redmond <strong>and</strong> CEO Jay. The association<br />
continues to fur<strong>the</strong>r educate <strong>and</strong> keep members abreast<br />
of legislation, lobby on issues concerning <strong>the</strong> real estate<br />
industry <strong>and</strong> private property rights, <strong>and</strong> promote professional<br />
st<strong>and</strong>ards within <strong>the</strong> industry.<br />
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288
B&B SURPLUS, INC.<br />
For more than fifty-three years, B&B Surplus has embodied<br />
<strong>the</strong> principles <strong>and</strong> vision of its founders, Ronald <strong>and</strong><br />
Donice Boylan, who started <strong>the</strong> business from <strong>the</strong>ir home<br />
on Rosedale Highway.<br />
Ronald <strong>and</strong> Donice established <strong>the</strong> firm in June 1963<br />
<strong>and</strong> business was first conducted off <strong>the</strong> back of a bobtail<br />
truck that Ron drove up <strong>and</strong> down <strong>the</strong> valley each day.<br />
Over time, B&B Surplus has exp<strong>and</strong>ed to more than<br />
thirty-eight acres between Fruitville <strong>and</strong> Coffee, <strong>and</strong> is still<br />
headquartered at <strong>the</strong> original location.<br />
The business was founded on family values <strong>and</strong> management<br />
still believes that each employee is an intricate asset to<br />
<strong>the</strong> business <strong>and</strong> part of <strong>the</strong> family.<br />
Business grew gradually over <strong>the</strong> years. In addition to<br />
<strong>the</strong> headquarters in <strong>Bakersfield</strong>, <strong>the</strong> company exp<strong>and</strong>ed to<br />
Santa Maria in 1992 <strong>and</strong> established B&B Steel <strong>and</strong> Supply<br />
of Santa Maria. B&B Metals of Santa Ana was opened in<br />
1998. The firm moved into <strong>the</strong> nonferrous market in 1994<br />
with B&B Specialties Metals in <strong>Bakersfield</strong>, <strong>and</strong> opened<br />
Ventura Steel in Ventura in 2007.<br />
The company’s employees have grown from <strong>the</strong> original two<br />
in 1963 to <strong>the</strong> current count of 150. B&B Surplus is proud of<br />
<strong>the</strong> fact that even during <strong>the</strong> most recent economic recession,<br />
<strong>the</strong> company was able to withst<strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> challenges without<br />
laying off a single employee or cutting back on overtime.<br />
Ron died in 2004 <strong>and</strong> Terry Boylan retired in 2009<br />
but <strong>the</strong> company remains very much a family enterprise.<br />
Today, Donice serves as president, Michael Georgino as vice<br />
president, <strong>and</strong> Michelle Boylan-Pisano as secretary-treasurer.<br />
With great leadership <strong>and</strong> a strong group of people<br />
who have been meticulously put into place over <strong>the</strong><br />
decades, <strong>the</strong> business has continued to carry out Ron’s<br />
vision. B&B Surplus was founded on Ron’s strong belief in<br />
<strong>the</strong> basic concepts of diversification of sales territories,<br />
strong control over spending, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> highest of work<br />
ethics. Although <strong>the</strong> business has changed <strong>and</strong> adapted<br />
to <strong>the</strong> changing needs of <strong>the</strong> marketplace, it still operates<br />
with <strong>the</strong> same business principles on which <strong>the</strong> business<br />
was founded fifty-three years ago.<br />
B&B surplus believes strongly in supporting local<br />
charities, schools, <strong>and</strong> community projects. The company<br />
makes every effort to do business with local vendors <strong>and</strong><br />
professional services.<br />
B&B Surplus always strives to become more efficient,<br />
with a goal of being <strong>the</strong> best steel distributor possible. The<br />
company management feels its reward is greater customer<br />
satisfaction. The company believes in <strong>the</strong> old saying,<br />
“Shoemaker—stay with your stitch,” <strong>and</strong> plans to continue<br />
doing business <strong>the</strong> same way that has made it successful for<br />
more than half-a-century.<br />
÷<br />
Above: B&B Surplus, Inc., headquarters located at 7020 Rosedale Highway<br />
in <strong>Bakersfield</strong>.<br />
Below: One of <strong>the</strong> 18-wheeler freight trucks used for delivery of materials.<br />
PHOTOS COURTESY OF DAPHNE FLETCHER.<br />
BUILDING A GREATER BAKERSFIELD<br />
289
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290
Family Portraits<br />
Families <strong>and</strong> individuals whose legacies continue to shape <strong>the</strong> future of <strong>Bakersfield</strong><br />
Tejon Ranch.......................................................................................................292<br />
Nickel Family, LLC .............................................................................................294<br />
Rankin Ranch ....................................................................................................296<br />
Bolthouse Properties, LLC ....................................................................................298<br />
Watson & Watson Cattle, LLC ..............................................................................299<br />
FAMILY PORTRAITS<br />
291
TEJON RANCH<br />
Tejon Ranch is classic California, a l<strong>and</strong> of legacy—bigger<br />
than life, rich in history, blessed by nature. Established<br />
in 1843 as a Mexican l<strong>and</strong> grant, this gr<strong>and</strong> sweep of<br />
l<strong>and</strong> has been home to some of <strong>the</strong> Old West’s most<br />
illustrious exploits.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> 1860s, General Edward Fitzgerald Beale, hero of<br />
<strong>the</strong> Mexican/American War, consolidated four Mexican<br />
l<strong>and</strong> grants into what is now <strong>the</strong> modern-day Tejon<br />
Ranch. Following Beale’s death in 1892, his son, Truxtun,<br />
maintained <strong>the</strong> ranch until selling it in 1912 to a group<br />
of Sou<strong>the</strong>rn California businessmen led by <strong>the</strong> Ch<strong>and</strong>ler<br />
family, <strong>the</strong> publishers of <strong>the</strong> Los Angeles Times, <strong>and</strong> a<br />
number of o<strong>the</strong>r prominent businessmen who were<br />
instrumental in <strong>the</strong> development of Sou<strong>the</strong>rn California.<br />
Those owners incorporated <strong>the</strong> ranch in 1936, <strong>and</strong> in<br />
1973 <strong>the</strong> company’s stock began trading on <strong>the</strong> American<br />
Stock Exchange. In 1999, it moved to <strong>the</strong> New York Stock<br />
Exchange, where its stock trades under <strong>the</strong> symbol TRC.<br />
Now a fully diversified real estate development <strong>and</strong><br />
agribusiness company, Tejon Ranch Co. is <strong>the</strong> only public<br />
company headquartered in Kern County.<br />
With 270,000 acres, Tejon Ranch remains <strong>the</strong> largest<br />
contiguous expanse of private property in California.<br />
Comprised of 422 square miles of rugged mountains, steep<br />
canyons, oak-covered rolling hills, <strong>and</strong> broad valleys, Tejon<br />
Ranch is almost as large as <strong>the</strong> City of Los Angeles <strong>and</strong><br />
about forty percent <strong>the</strong> size of Rhode Isl<strong>and</strong>.<br />
Tejon Ranch’s commitment to conservation is unsurpassed.<br />
Through its 2008 Conservation <strong>and</strong> L<strong>and</strong> Use<br />
Agreement, which was hailed by <strong>the</strong>n-Governor Arnold<br />
Schwarzenneger as an “historic agreement to protect a<br />
California treasure,” <strong>the</strong> ranch agreed to never develop<br />
some 240,000 acres of its l<strong>and</strong>holdings, representing ninety<br />
percent of <strong>the</strong> ranch. The l<strong>and</strong> will continue to be used as<br />
it has historically, as farming <strong>and</strong> ranching l<strong>and</strong>.<br />
The agreement also created <strong>the</strong> nonprofit Tejon Ranch<br />
Conservancy to oversee stewardship of <strong>the</strong> conserved l<strong>and</strong>.<br />
What Tejon Ranch established is nothing less than a new<br />
model for l<strong>and</strong> management <strong>and</strong> planned developments,<br />
one that balances human needs with that of <strong>the</strong> natural<br />
environment. In 2009 <strong>the</strong> agreement was recognized<br />
with California’s most prestigious honor, <strong>the</strong> Governor’s<br />
Environmental <strong>and</strong> Economic Leadership Award.<br />
As California continues to grow, Tejon Ranch recognizes<br />
<strong>the</strong> necessity to wisely <strong>and</strong> responsibly plan for that growth.<br />
Current <strong>and</strong> future generations of Californians need homes<br />
<strong>and</strong> jobs <strong>and</strong> opportunities to build a future. Tejon Ranch<br />
is leading <strong>the</strong> way by creating high-quality, sustainably<br />
planned real estate developments <strong>and</strong> employment centers.<br />
Tejon Ranch Co.’s developments include <strong>the</strong> world-class<br />
Tejon Ranch Commerce Center (TRCC), a 1,450 acre commercial/industrial<br />
center located at <strong>the</strong> junction of I-5 <strong>and</strong><br />
Highway 99. In addition to major distribution centers for<br />
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292
IKEA, Caterpillar, Famous Footwear <strong>and</strong> Dollar General,<br />
you will find <strong>the</strong> award-winning Outlets at Tejon, an upscale<br />
outlet center, as well a great collection of some of <strong>the</strong> most<br />
popular travel-oriented retail establishments in <strong>the</strong> country.<br />
Several thous<strong>and</strong> jobs have already been created at TRCC.<br />
Tejon Ranch is also developing several master planned<br />
residential communities. With an entrance just off of<br />
Interstate 5, near <strong>the</strong> summit of <strong>the</strong> grade over <strong>the</strong> mountains,<br />
Mountain Village at Tejon Ranch will be a conservationminded<br />
enclave that will serve as a retreat from <strong>the</strong> city.<br />
Mountain Village will feature a mix of housing <strong>and</strong> hospitality<br />
options, with world class resort hotels <strong>and</strong> restaurants,<br />
spas, outdoor experiences, <strong>and</strong> hiking <strong>and</strong> equestrian trails.<br />
Grapevine at Tejon Ranch, located at <strong>the</strong> base of <strong>the</strong><br />
foothills in <strong>the</strong> San Joaquin Valley portion of <strong>the</strong> ranch,<br />
adjacent to <strong>the</strong> Tejon Ranch Commerce Center, will be<br />
a community of close-knit neighborhoods, uniquely<br />
positioned as a magnet for those who want to live with<br />
unbridled access to Tejon Ranch, as well as a complete,<br />
connected community whose lifestyle is aligned to <strong>the</strong><br />
interests <strong>and</strong> values of <strong>the</strong> region’s rich agricultural heritage.<br />
The company’s third large-scale mixed-use residential<br />
community is Centennial at Tejon Ranch. Located in <strong>the</strong><br />
Los Angeles County portion of <strong>the</strong> ranch, Centennial will be<br />
a l<strong>and</strong>mark new community designed to serve as a model of<br />
sustainable development for twenty-first century California.<br />
In addition to its real estate, Tejon Ranch has extensive<br />
agriculture <strong>and</strong> ranching operations. The property also<br />
includes significant oil, gas <strong>and</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r mineral resources.<br />
Tejon also offers a full outdoors program, with exclusive<br />
hunting clubs, membership opportunities, <strong>and</strong> multiple<br />
equestrian operations. The ranch is also a favorite<br />
location for <strong>the</strong> filming of movies, television programs<br />
<strong>and</strong> commercials.<br />
Nearly 175 years after <strong>the</strong> dream of Tejon Ranch took<br />
root; its promise is as gr<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> inspiring as <strong>the</strong> Western<br />
horizon. Guided by its core values of Legacy, Stewardship,<br />
Quality <strong>and</strong> Vision, Tejon’s tradition of ranching <strong>and</strong><br />
farming will continue to flourish on <strong>the</strong> open ranges.<br />
Thous<strong>and</strong>s of acres of wild, natural splendor will be forever<br />
protected <strong>and</strong> cared for. A new generation of families will<br />
have <strong>the</strong> opportunity to live in this remarkable place <strong>and</strong><br />
call Tejon Ranch ‘home’.<br />
Tejon Ranch invites you to join us as a shareholder,<br />
partner, visitor, business or homeowner, as we partner<br />
toge<strong>the</strong>r in “Building <strong>the</strong> Legacy” of this California l<strong>and</strong>mark.<br />
For more information about Tejon Ranch, please visit<br />
www.TejonRanch.com.<br />
FAMILY PORTRAITS<br />
293
NICKEL FAMILY, LLC<br />
In <strong>the</strong> mid-1700s, explorer Francisco Garces, led by<br />
Indian guides, discovered a shorter route between<br />
Sonora, Mexico <strong>and</strong> Monterey, California. Part of <strong>the</strong> trail<br />
followed Cottonwood Creek Canyon down to an Indian<br />
Rancheria near <strong>the</strong> crossing of <strong>the</strong> Kern River. The route<br />
was already well traveled when Solomon Jewett <strong>and</strong> his<br />
two sons—Solomon, Jr., <strong>and</strong> Phillip—built a home near<br />
<strong>the</strong> river crossing, raising sheep in <strong>the</strong> valley.<br />
The old trail passed through <strong>the</strong> Jewett’s sheep ranch,<br />
where many travelers stopped to visit <strong>and</strong> rest. The Mexican<br />
settler’s called <strong>the</strong> Kern River ‘Rio Bravo’ so <strong>the</strong> Jewett<br />
property became known as Rio Bravo Ranch. Settling on<br />
this l<strong>and</strong> in 1861, <strong>the</strong> Jewett family was among <strong>the</strong> earliest<br />
settlers of <strong>Bakersfield</strong>, making <strong>the</strong> ranch one of <strong>the</strong> oldest<br />
in <strong>the</strong> region.<br />
O<strong>the</strong>r families began settling in <strong>the</strong> adjacent areas within<br />
<strong>the</strong> area downstream from <strong>the</strong> Kern River Canyon, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
l<strong>and</strong> was consolidated as separate ranches were bought <strong>and</strong><br />
sold. Eventually, a 32,000 acre ranch was put toge<strong>the</strong>r by<br />
Louis Olcese <strong>and</strong> that property was acquired from his estate<br />
by George W. Nickel, Jr., who was a descendant of Henry<br />
Miller, of <strong>the</strong> famed Miller & Lux, Inc. His descendants still<br />
own <strong>the</strong> Rio Bravo Ranch today.<br />
Miller made his way to California in a round-about way.<br />
Born Heinrich Alfred Kreiser, <strong>the</strong> young butcher, who had<br />
emigrated from Germany in 1847 was living in New York<br />
when a friend, Henry Miller, had to cancel a journey west<br />
<strong>and</strong> offered Kreiser <strong>the</strong> use of his ticket. Kreiser accepted <strong>the</strong><br />
offer, but when he realized that <strong>the</strong> ticket was in <strong>the</strong> name of<br />
Henry Miller <strong>and</strong> was non-transferable, he ‘borrowed’ his<br />
friend’s name <strong>and</strong> became ‘Henry Miller’ throughout <strong>the</strong><br />
journey to California.<br />
Once he arrived in California in 1850, Heinrich Kreiser<br />
was already so well known as ‘Henry Miller’ that he had his<br />
name changed legally.<br />
Miller acquired his first property in 1857 in Merced<br />
County. Miller joined with Charles Lux, ano<strong>the</strong>r German<br />
immigrant <strong>and</strong> fellow butcher in 1858 <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>y formed<br />
Miller & Lux, Inc. In Kern County, Miller acquired l<strong>and</strong><br />
through <strong>the</strong> use of an ingenious process provided by <strong>the</strong><br />
Swamp Act. In an effort to increase <strong>the</strong> population of<br />
<strong>the</strong> west during this period, <strong>the</strong> federal government was<br />
encouraging people to claim property <strong>and</strong> homestead it.<br />
After working <strong>the</strong> l<strong>and</strong> for a specified period, <strong>the</strong> early<br />
settlers were awarded title to <strong>the</strong> l<strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>y had homesteaded.<br />
California rivers were not damned in those days,<br />
resulting in vast acres of swamp l<strong>and</strong>. To encourage settlers<br />
to drain <strong>and</strong> develop <strong>the</strong> wet l<strong>and</strong>s, <strong>the</strong> government agreed<br />
to award homesteads to all <strong>the</strong> property a person could<br />
row around in one day. This provision was known as <strong>the</strong><br />
“Swamp Act <strong>and</strong> Overflow L<strong>and</strong>s Act of 1850.”<br />
According to family lore, Miller placed a boat on a<br />
buckboard <strong>and</strong> rowed while a man drove a horse <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
buckboard around <strong>the</strong> large tract of l<strong>and</strong>. At <strong>the</strong> end of<br />
<strong>the</strong> day, Miller had rowed around a huge tract of l<strong>and</strong><br />
estimated at 40,000 to 50,000 acres. Lux died in 1887<br />
<strong>and</strong> Miller died in 1916. Miller & Lux, Inc. continued in<br />
business until 1965, when <strong>the</strong> firm was dissolved.<br />
Miller’s daughter, Nellie Miller married James Leroy<br />
Nickel, Sr. They had three children who produced seven<br />
children (<strong>the</strong> third generation) <strong>and</strong> when Miller died his<br />
vast estate passed to <strong>the</strong> third generation, one of whom<br />
was George W. Nickel, Jr.<br />
In 1965, George acquired an option to purchase <strong>the</strong><br />
Rio Bravo Ranch with <strong>the</strong> intent to gift a portion for<br />
California State <strong>Bakersfield</strong>. Even though that did not<br />
occur, he decided to purchase <strong>the</strong> property anyway. George<br />
developed a golf <strong>and</strong> tennis resort on <strong>the</strong> property that<br />
he had annexed into <strong>the</strong> City of <strong>Bakersfield</strong> for residential<br />
development. Today, <strong>the</strong> Nickel family, under <strong>the</strong> leadership<br />
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of James Leroy Nickel, III, operates over 16,000 acres<br />
in Kern, Merced <strong>and</strong> Fresno Counties <strong>and</strong> raise citrus,<br />
almonds, tomatoes, melons, olives, cotton <strong>and</strong> corn. The<br />
l<strong>and</strong>’s pastures are leased for cattle grazing.<br />
Water has always played a huge role in <strong>the</strong> lives of<br />
Henry Miller, George W. Nickel, Jr., <strong>and</strong> James L. Nickel.<br />
The Miller-Haggin agreement of 1888, which was a<br />
legal battle between appropriative water rights <strong>and</strong> riparian<br />
water rights, established <strong>the</strong> principal of riparian water<br />
rights in California. In 1962, George was able to have<br />
<strong>the</strong> Kern River Water Rights <strong>and</strong> Storage agreed to. This<br />
recognized <strong>the</strong> Downstream Group’s water rights, known<br />
as <strong>the</strong> Hacienda Water rights, which accrued on a property<br />
he owned in Kings County. This gave George high flow<br />
rights on <strong>the</strong> Kern River toge<strong>the</strong>r with <strong>the</strong> right to rent<br />
twenty percent of <strong>the</strong> storage in Lake Isabella. Subsequently,<br />
George transferred those rights to <strong>the</strong> Rio Bravo Ranch,<br />
<strong>and</strong> retained <strong>the</strong> right to utilize any water excess to <strong>the</strong><br />
ranch’s needs for his own use. Since <strong>the</strong> high flow rights<br />
came infrequently <strong>and</strong> in very large quantities, James Nickel<br />
negotiated in 2001 <strong>the</strong> Contract to Transfer <strong>the</strong> Kern River<br />
Lower River Water Rights with <strong>the</strong> Kern County Water<br />
Agency in which Nickel transferred to Kern <strong>the</strong> Lower River<br />
Rights, toge<strong>the</strong>r with <strong>the</strong> Isabella storage rights, in exchange<br />
for 10,000 acre feet per year delivered on <strong>the</strong> California<br />
Aqueduct <strong>and</strong> $10,000,000. Most of <strong>the</strong> 10,000 acre feet<br />
has been leased to Tejon Ranch Company for its industrial<br />
<strong>and</strong> residential developments in Kern County.<br />
Environmental stewardship is evident by <strong>the</strong> pristine<br />
state in which <strong>the</strong> Rio Bravo Ranch is maintained. The<br />
Nickels strive to use environmentally sensitive agricultural<br />
practices, such as no-till farming <strong>and</strong> drip irrigation. The<br />
family’s commitment to sustaining harmony with nature is<br />
its legacy.<br />
FAMILY PORTRAITS<br />
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RANKIN RANCH<br />
The Rankin Ranch was founded by Walker Rankin, Sr.,<br />
in 1863, three years before Kern County was organized.<br />
Today, fourth, fifth, <strong>and</strong> sixth generation family members<br />
still raise White Face Hereford cattle on 31,000 acres just as<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir ancestors did in <strong>the</strong> early 1860s. Work at <strong>the</strong> ranch is<br />
much <strong>the</strong> same today where <strong>the</strong> cowboys ga<strong>the</strong>r cattle by<br />
horseback <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> family continues to raise hay, oats, barley,<br />
rye <strong>and</strong> alfalfa for <strong>the</strong>ir cattle <strong>and</strong> horses. Over <strong>the</strong> past few<br />
years, <strong>the</strong> Rankins have also grown commercial vegetables<br />
for <strong>the</strong> Kern Ridge <strong>and</strong> Grimmway br<strong>and</strong>s.<br />
÷<br />
ABOVE: PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF GREG IGER.<br />
Below: Rankin Ranch stage stop, c. 1870.<br />
For more than 150 years, dating back to our nation’s<br />
Civil War, <strong>the</strong> Rankins have ranched in California’s<br />
Tehachapi Mountains. Ranch headquarters are located at<br />
<strong>the</strong> eastern border of <strong>the</strong> ranch, about an hour drive from<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> in <strong>the</strong> little mountain valley of Walker Basin,<br />
earlier known as ‘The Park’. Rankin Ranch spans an area of<br />
forty-eight square miles <strong>and</strong> ranges in elevation from 1,200<br />
feet in <strong>the</strong> rolling hills outside <strong>Bakersfield</strong> to 6,800 feet<br />
on Breckenridge Mountain. The basin experiences mild<br />
summers with light snows during <strong>the</strong> winter months.<br />
The original Rankin home was built from a plan in<br />
Godey’s Lady Book in <strong>the</strong> mid 1870s, <strong>and</strong> it still houses<br />
Rankins today. In <strong>the</strong> early years, Rankin Ranch was a<br />
‘stage stop’ for folks heading from Los Angeles to Havilah<br />
<strong>and</strong> Kernville by wagon <strong>and</strong> horseback over dirt roads,<br />
some still in search of gold in <strong>the</strong> Kern River Valley. Walker<br />
tended to <strong>the</strong>ir horses while his wife, Lavinia, cooked for<br />
<strong>the</strong> travelers. The old stage barn still st<strong>and</strong>s.<br />
Today, <strong>the</strong> Rankin family welcomes guests from around<br />
<strong>the</strong> world to experience ranch life on a real working cattle<br />
ranch. Many families from <strong>Bakersfield</strong> find it <strong>the</strong> perfect<br />
retreat from <strong>the</strong> valley’s summertime heat. It is a great<br />
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296
mountain getaway for adults <strong>and</strong> children, with lots of fun<br />
activities—horseback riding, fishing, hiking, swimming,<br />
hay wagon rides with barbeques, <strong>and</strong> much more.<br />
Everybody loves Rudy’s home-cooked meals, <strong>and</strong> ‘Rankin<br />
Beef’ is always a favorite. Cozy mountain cabins surrounded<br />
by majestic oaks <strong>and</strong> pines provide comfortable evenings<br />
after fun-filled days in <strong>the</strong> fresh mountain air.<br />
It was 1965 when third generation, Helen Rankin,<br />
opened her doors to guests, <strong>and</strong> now her son, Bill, <strong>and</strong><br />
his wife, Glenda, with <strong>the</strong>ir children <strong>and</strong> gr<strong>and</strong>children<br />
continue to operate <strong>the</strong> family cattle <strong>and</strong> guest ranch. Each<br />
year many second <strong>and</strong> third generation guests enjoy<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir ‘Rankin Ranch Tradition’ while creating ano<strong>the</strong>r page<br />
of memories.<br />
÷<br />
The Rankin Ranch family, 2013.<br />
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF GREG IGER.<br />
FAMILY PORTRAITS<br />
297
÷<br />
BOLTHOUSE<br />
PROPERTIES, LLC<br />
Top: Members of <strong>the</strong> Bolthouse family tour <strong>the</strong> completed Houchin<br />
Community Blood Bank at Seven Oaks Business Park.<br />
Above: Seven Oaks Business Park continues <strong>the</strong> tradition of Seven Oaks.<br />
The tradition of excellence that began with Wm. Bolthouse<br />
Farms in 1915 continues in Kern County today. Once one<br />
of <strong>the</strong> Valley’s largest agricultural producers, in 2005 <strong>the</strong><br />
family sold its carrot <strong>and</strong> juice processing operations while<br />
retaining more than 20,000 acres of farml<strong>and</strong>. Bolthouse<br />
Properties, LLC was formed to carry out <strong>the</strong> family’s mission<br />
of being good stewards of <strong>the</strong> l<strong>and</strong>.<br />
The transformation of Wm. Bolthouse Farms to Bolthouse<br />
Properties, LLC really began when Bolthouse Farms purchased<br />
l<strong>and</strong> in southwest <strong>Bakersfield</strong> from Castle & Cooke<br />
for expansion of <strong>the</strong> company’s farming operation. This l<strong>and</strong><br />
included what is now <strong>the</strong> remainder of <strong>the</strong> master planned<br />
Seven Oaks community.<br />
Bolthouse <strong>the</strong>n worked with Castle & Cooke to implement<br />
<strong>the</strong> master plan insuring <strong>the</strong> same Seven Oaks quality<br />
would continue for <strong>the</strong> future phases. The master plan<br />
includes a unique multi-use zoning plan, which includes<br />
residential, office <strong>and</strong> commercial uses.<br />
Today, Bolthouse Properties is a diversified real estate<br />
company with a portfolio of agricultural <strong>and</strong> commercial<br />
real estate, along with entitled residential master planned<br />
community properties such as Seven Oaks <strong>and</strong> Stockdale<br />
River Ranch. In addition, Bolthouse owns retail centers in<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong>, such as Gr<strong>and</strong> Isl<strong>and</strong> Village in Seven<br />
Oaks, Mustang Square, Bolthouse Commerce Center<br />
<strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> commercial/office property in Seven Oaks<br />
Business Park, offering l<strong>and</strong> for sale <strong>and</strong> office<br />
space for lease.<br />
Two o<strong>the</strong>r Bolthouse entities formed after 2005<br />
are Bolthouse Investments, LLC, an investment<br />
management subsidiary serving <strong>the</strong> investment <strong>and</strong><br />
philanthropic needs of its clients <strong>and</strong> Bolthouse<br />
Development Company, LLC, whose primary<br />
operation is a real estate development company. All<br />
<strong>the</strong> Bolthouse entities strive to carry on <strong>the</strong> superb<br />
reputation that has been a legacy of <strong>the</strong> Bolthouse family.<br />
The organization which began with four employees <strong>and</strong><br />
20,000 acres of farml<strong>and</strong> has grown over <strong>the</strong> last ten years.<br />
The company now has eighteen employees <strong>and</strong> continues to<br />
add additional acres of farml<strong>and</strong>, prime entitled property for<br />
residential <strong>and</strong> commercial development as well as retail<br />
investment properties in <strong>Bakersfield</strong>.<br />
The company’s desire to better <strong>the</strong>ir community has been<br />
demonstrated throughout its existence. In 2007, Bolthouse<br />
Properties donated l<strong>and</strong> in sou<strong>the</strong>rn Kern County to <strong>the</strong> Kern<br />
Community College District to aid in <strong>the</strong> development of<br />
ano<strong>the</strong>r campus. Then in 2009, <strong>the</strong> company donated l<strong>and</strong><br />
to Houchin Community Blood Bank for a new facility in<br />
southwest <strong>Bakersfield</strong>, becoming <strong>the</strong> first occupant of Seven<br />
Oaks Business Park. The Bolthouse family also donated to<br />
Dignity Health, Memorial Hospital for <strong>the</strong> Lauren Small<br />
Children’s Medical Center pediatric department.<br />
The foundation of Bolthouse Properties, LLC will remain<br />
rooted in farml<strong>and</strong>, but <strong>the</strong> company looks forward to<br />
enhancing <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong> community by executing <strong>the</strong><br />
Seven Oaks Master Plan <strong>and</strong> by developing Stockdale River<br />
Ranch with similar st<strong>and</strong>ards, assuring that <strong>the</strong> ‘live, work,<br />
play’ lifestyle will continue to flourish.<br />
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What started as a weekend hobby has grown into a<br />
full-time cow/calf operation for C. Jay <strong>and</strong> Wendy Watson.<br />
C. Jay has always enjoyed working with animals. At ten<br />
years old, he purchased orphan calves <strong>and</strong> fed <strong>the</strong>m with<br />
powdered milk from his family’s government assistance<br />
program. He quickly learned he could make a decent<br />
wage doing something he loved. Continuing his passion for<br />
livestock as an adult, he leased a little grazing l<strong>and</strong> at<br />
Jack Ranch just above Glennville, California.<br />
Throughout his twenties, C. Jay ran cattle throughout<br />
Kern County. He ran a small herd of cows. Keeping it<br />
small, he enjoyed spending hours on <strong>the</strong> weekends out with<br />
<strong>the</strong> cattle.<br />
In 1984, C. Jay founded Kern Asphalt Paving & Sealing,<br />
Co., Inc. Building his new business consumed a majority of<br />
his time, but he maintained a passion for ranching. In 1987,<br />
he purchased a ranch in <strong>the</strong> heart of Woody, California.<br />
The ranch, originally named Nash Ranch, had a quaint<br />
ranch house <strong>and</strong> large barn. Adding his own touch—fixing<br />
fences, updating <strong>the</strong> house, <strong>and</strong> repairing water troughs—<br />
Watson’s cows had a new place to call home.<br />
A few years later, C. Jay met Wendy <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>y married in<br />
1994. They, along with Wendy’s son Bryan, worked <strong>and</strong><br />
played on <strong>the</strong> Woody Ranch most weekends. Sharing his<br />
passion for horses, C. Jay taught <strong>the</strong>m both to ride. Toge<strong>the</strong>r<br />
<strong>the</strong>y spent endless days ga<strong>the</strong>ring, br<strong>and</strong>ing, weaning calves,<br />
or repairing fences.<br />
“Every spring we would ga<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> ‘girls’, br<strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> calves<br />
<strong>and</strong> haul all of <strong>the</strong>m to <strong>the</strong> Jack Ranch lease. We would <strong>the</strong>n<br />
bring <strong>the</strong>m back down to Woody in late fall. We’re both<br />
workaholics, so we continued to lease more l<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> buy<br />
more cows. Pretty soon we had cattle all over Kern County,”<br />
says Wendy.<br />
C. Jay <strong>and</strong> Wendy welcomed a daughter, Breana, in<br />
1997. As <strong>the</strong>ir family grew, so did <strong>the</strong>ir cattle company.<br />
Later that year, <strong>the</strong> Watson’s purchased property<br />
between Breckenridge Road <strong>and</strong> Highway 178, on<br />
Cottonwood Creek. After laborious days of fencing,<br />
digging water lines, building corrals <strong>and</strong> installing<br />
troughs, hay barns, a<br />
hydraulic shoot <strong>and</strong> an<br />
animal scale, Breckenridge<br />
Ranch was established. Due<br />
to its size <strong>and</strong> proximity to<br />
town, Breckenridge became<br />
<strong>the</strong> cattle headquarters for<br />
Watson & Watson Cattle, LLC.<br />
The Watsons currently raise<br />
a herd of Black Angus cattle<br />
<strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> weekend hobby has<br />
become a business known as<br />
Watson & Watson Cattle, LLC.<br />
A boy’s passion for animals<br />
has turned into a fruitful<br />
business endeavor.<br />
WATSON & WATSON CATTLE, LLC<br />
÷<br />
Above: Lush meadow at Jack Ranch, California.<br />
Below: Left to right, Deedra, Tatum, Bryan, Breana, Wendy, Blake <strong>and</strong> C. Jay.<br />
FAMILY PORTRAITS<br />
299
÷<br />
The painted hills leading to <strong>the</strong> Kern River Canyon demonstrate <strong>the</strong> dramatic change in l<strong>and</strong>scape as <strong>the</strong> seasons change from Spring to Summer.<br />
Sponsors<br />
Advanced Center for Eyecare (ACE)........................................179<br />
All American Glass ..............................................................286<br />
Alpha J. Anders, MD, FCCP ..................................................203<br />
B&B Surplus, Inc.................................................................289<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> Adult School .......................................................186<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> Association of Realtors ® /<br />
Golden Empire Multiple Listing Service, Inc./<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> Association of Realtors ® /<br />
Charitable Foundation ......................................................288<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> Christian High School ..........................................168<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> College ..............................................................180<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> Condors .............................................................240<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> Downtown Business Association..............................234<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> Family Medical Center/<br />
Heritage Physician Network/ Heritage Provider Network..........174<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> Fire Department..................................................196<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> Heart Hospital ....................................................199<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> Music Hall of Fame .............................................204<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> Pathology Medical Group ......................................170<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> Professional Firefighters Local 246.........................198<br />
<strong>Bakersfield</strong> Symphony Orchestra ............................................207<br />
Bolthouse Properties, LLC .....................................................298<br />
Bowman Asphalt, Inc............................................................276<br />
Boys & Girls Club of Kern County..........................................213<br />
Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace ..................................................235<br />
California State University, <strong>Bakersfield</strong> ..................................152<br />
California Water Service ......................................................258<br />
Canteen of Coastal California, Inc. ........................................224<br />
Carney’s Business Technology Center ......................................236<br />
Castle & Cooke California, Inc. .............................................272<br />
BAKERSFIELD—It’s The <strong>People</strong>, And A <strong>Whole</strong> <strong>Lot</strong> <strong>More</strong><br />
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Center for <strong>the</strong> Blind <strong>and</strong> Visually Impaired..............................178<br />
Centre for Neuro Skills.........................................................194<br />
Chris Bertolucci Construction ................................................262<br />
Clinica Sierra Vista .............................................................188<br />
DB & Company ...................................................................283<br />
Dewar’s Soda Fountain <strong>and</strong> Fine C<strong>and</strong>ies.................................242<br />
Dignity Health Mercy <strong>and</strong> Memorial Hospitals..........................146<br />
Emporium Western Store.......................................................243<br />
Fox Theater Foundation........................................................206<br />
Galbraith Van & Storage ......................................................226<br />
Garces Memorial High School ................................................208<br />
GEMCare ...........................................................................200<br />
Golden Empire Transit District ..............................................166<br />
Greater <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Chamber of Commerce ..............................230<br />
Greenlawn Funeral Homes-Cremations-Cemeteries ....................201<br />
Gregory Iger’s Photographic Art, Inc., dba Iger Studio ...............247<br />
Griffith Company ................................................................268<br />
Guitar Masters....................................................................238<br />
Hall Ambulance Service, Inc..................................................211<br />
Hall Letter Shop, Inc. ..........................................................266<br />
Historic Union Cemetery ......................................................190<br />
Hodel’s Country Dining ........................................................239<br />
Hoffmann Hospice................................................................172<br />
Houchin Community Blood Bank.............................................202<br />
Howard’s Garbage Service, Inc...............................................255<br />
Kaiser Permanente...............................................................164<br />
Kern Community College District ...........................................176<br />
Kern County Black Chamber of Commerce ...............................231<br />
Kern County Fair ................................................................182<br />
Kern County Superintendent of Schools ...................................184<br />
Kern County Veterans Service Department ...............................209<br />
Kern Federal Credit Union....................................................216<br />
Kern Schools Federal Credit Union .........................................237<br />
Kern Patriot Partnership ......................................................205<br />
Kern Asphalt Paving & Sealing Co., Inc. .................................270<br />
KGET, Telemundo <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> CW <strong>Bakersfield</strong> ...............................245<br />
KS Industries, LP ................................................................274<br />
Links for Life......................................................................212<br />
Loyd’s Aviation dba <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Jet Center &<br />
Loyd’s Aircraft Maintenance...............................................285<br />
Luigi’s Restaurant & Old World Delicatessen ...........................222<br />
M.D. Atkinson Company, Inc. ................................................282<br />
Malouf Family ....................................................................284<br />
Martha Johnson Team...........................................................287<br />
Mazzei Injector Company, LLC ..............................................278<br />
Metropolitan Recycling, LLC .................................................252<br />
Nickel Family, LLC ..............................................................294<br />
North of <strong>the</strong> River Chamber of Commerce ................................232<br />
Omni Family Health ............................................................156<br />
Petroleum Club of <strong>Bakersfield</strong>................................................210<br />
Price Disposal.....................................................................254<br />
Rankin Ranch .....................................................................296<br />
Ray Scott ...........................................................................256<br />
San Joaquin Community Hospital ...........................................160<br />
San Joaquin Veterinary Hospital ............................................192<br />
Smith’s Bakeries ..................................................................246<br />
Superior Sanitation..............................................................253<br />
Tel-Tec Security Systems, Inc. ...............................................220<br />
Tejon Ranch........................................................................292<br />
The Towery Companies .........................................................264<br />
Townsend Design .................................................................280<br />
Valley Gun, Inc. ..................................................................241<br />
Valley Republic Bank............................................................244<br />
Varner Bro<strong>the</strong>rs, Inc. ...........................................................250<br />
Varner & Son......................................................................251<br />
Visit <strong>Bakersfield</strong>..................................................................233<br />
Watson & Watson Cattle, LLC ...............................................299<br />
Young Wooldridge, LLP .........................................................228<br />
SPONSORS<br />
301
About <strong>the</strong> Photographer<br />
G REG<br />
I GER<br />
In 1971, Greg Iger returned to <strong>Bakersfield</strong> from service in <strong>the</strong> U.S. Army, <strong>and</strong><br />
a stint in Los Angeles as a news photographer for United Press International.<br />
Hollywood was home <strong>and</strong> his career took him to shooting movie set publicity,<br />
“red carpet” openings <strong>and</strong> models’ portfolios.<br />
His training was at Brooks Institute of<br />
Photography in Santa Barbara. He started<br />
“Photographic Art” on a shirt-tail budget, but<br />
soon became one of <strong>the</strong> best-known photographers<br />
in <strong>the</strong> area. He specialized in commercial<br />
photography <strong>and</strong> created a new look for<br />
portraiture in his outdoor studio. Some of his<br />
clients were large oil companies like Shell,<br />
Aera, Occidental, Chevron, <strong>and</strong> Tenneco. O<strong>the</strong>r<br />
large farming, l<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> produce corporations<br />
like Grimmway <strong>and</strong> Bolthouse Carrots, Tenneco<br />
West, Dole <strong>and</strong> Castle & Cooke were staples for<br />
<strong>the</strong> business, as well as many local entities.<br />
During his many years in Kern County,<br />
Iger spent a lot of time honing his l<strong>and</strong>scape photography skills which spawned<br />
two books on Kern County, Buena Vista—a pictorial view of Kern County <strong>and</strong><br />
Buena Vista II—L<strong>and</strong>scapes of Kern County. Iger Studio is now located at<br />
211 H Street near downtown <strong>Bakersfield</strong>. Large photographic images for wall<br />
décor are now <strong>the</strong> mainstay of <strong>the</strong> studio, with clients at offices, hospitals <strong>and</strong><br />
doctors’ lobbies, as well as peoples homes <strong>and</strong> art galleries.<br />
Iger Studio continues to be a popular favorite for business, personal <strong>and</strong> family<br />
portraits, as well as product, aerial, architectural, construction, oilfield <strong>and</strong><br />
agricultural photography.<br />
Come in for a visit or call 661-327-2768. Iger Studio is also located on <strong>the</strong><br />
Internet at www.igerstudio.com.<br />
BAKERSFIELD—It’s The <strong>People</strong>, And A <strong>Whole</strong> <strong>Lot</strong> <strong>More</strong><br />
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About <strong>the</strong> Author<br />
M ARK<br />
C ORUM<br />
A dedicated family man, those who know Mark Corum appreciate how his<br />
life revolves around <strong>the</strong> family that he <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> love of his life, Trisha, have created.<br />
The two met in 1988 when she came to watch a friend play drums in a b<strong>and</strong> that<br />
Corum played guitar.<br />
Twenty-seven years later, <strong>the</strong>y have built a remarkable family, consisting of <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
oldest son, Br<strong>and</strong>on, who is currently serving as a Cavalry Scout in <strong>the</strong> U.S. Army.<br />
He recently married his high-school swee<strong>the</strong>art, Alyssa, who is a mental health<br />
technician in <strong>the</strong> U.S. Air Force. The two met as recruits in <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bakersfield</strong> Police<br />
Department’s Explorer Program.<br />
Their daughter Baylee, has a tremendous talent for writing <strong>and</strong> illustration.<br />
She is currently working towards auditioning to be a face character at Disneyl<strong>and</strong>.<br />
Their youngest child Spencer is gifted with a scientific mind that is well beyond<br />
his years. He is as comfortable in <strong>the</strong> kitchen preparing a culinary delight as he is<br />
studying <strong>the</strong> periodic table for fun.<br />
In 2014, <strong>the</strong>y made <strong>the</strong> decision to join Trisha’s fa<strong>the</strong>r, Terry Persinger, on <strong>the</strong><br />
family’s ranch in Twin Oaks, at <strong>the</strong> sou<strong>the</strong>rn end of <strong>the</strong> Sequoia National Forest.<br />
The ranch was established in 1943, by Trisha’s gr<strong>and</strong>parents on her mo<strong>the</strong>r<br />
Linda’s side, Frank <strong>and</strong> Evelyn Bauer. Frank, or “Poppy” as he was known, built<br />
<strong>the</strong> homestead himself, making his own adobe bricks.<br />
This California ranch lifestyle has suited <strong>the</strong> Corum family well. Perhaps <strong>the</strong><br />
greatest benefit is <strong>the</strong> special bond between Terry “Papa”, a retired captain from<br />
<strong>the</strong> Kern County Fire Department, <strong>and</strong> his gr<strong>and</strong>kids.<br />
Weekends are reserved for projects, but <strong>the</strong>re is always time to barbecue <strong>and</strong><br />
play guitars.<br />
Mark would like to extend his appreciation to Mayor Hall for allowing him to<br />
be a part of this legacy project celebrating <strong>the</strong> people of <strong>Bakersfield</strong>.<br />
The Corum family at home on T&L Ranch in Twin Oaks. Pictured from left: Mark, Trisha, Alyssa, Br<strong>and</strong>on, Baylee, Spencer, <strong>and</strong> Terry Persinger.<br />
COURTESY OF SHAWNA LAWSON PHOTOGRAPHY.<br />
ABOUT THE AUTHOR<br />
303
KERN COUNTY SIERRAS, PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF MICHAEL CUFFE.<br />
BAKERSFIELD—It’s The <strong>People</strong>, And A <strong>Whole</strong> <strong>Lot</strong> <strong>More</strong><br />
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ISBN: 978-1-944891-19-0<br />
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