The Last Word: Shelly Castaneda
The Last Word: Shelly Castaneda
Shelly Castaneda
Chief Deputy for the Kern County Sheriff’s Office
Favorite part of your job: Being in a position to have a positive impact on our county and the Sheriff’s Office through my daily decision-making. I also enjoy having the ability to be a mentor and an encourager to other hard-working people within the organization who have a true interest in the community and watching them succeed.
Greatest piece of advice: 1. A wise leader surrounds himself/herself with smart people. 2. No matter what your position in life, somebody looks up to you. The example you set and the even the smallest gestures of caring and kindness can have a great impact on the lives of others.
Something about you that few people know: My greatest stress relief is gourmet cooking for my family and friends. Some of my specialties include Thai, Mediterranean and Italian dishes.
What’s on your bookshelf: My primary nightly reading is my Bible. My collection also includes mystery, self-improvement and leadership books.
Your first job: Selling cookies at the San Francisco Cookie Co. in the Valley Plaza.
Favorite getaway: Short term, a quiet evening with my husband at Uricchio’s restaurant. However, my ultimate getaway is traveling with my husband to other major cities that offer rich history. Some of our favorites have been New York; Washington, D.C.; Rome; London; and Istanbul.
Your favorite law enforcement show on TV: “Law and Order: SVU”
What does Bakersfield need more of? More cultural events.
What does Bakersfield need less of? Store closures. With the loss of major stores such as Gottschalks, Robinsons-May and Circuit City, our purchasing options have become very limited in Bakersfield.
Place you could be found having lunch on the weekend: Cindy’s Restaurant on the east side.
Three things that define Bakersfield to you: As someone who was born and raised in Bakersfield, the city defines the things that are most important to me … family, friends and my job.