One of my favorite things about Bakersfield is the time between the summer and the winter. Fall is just cool enough to enjoy the outdoors without a heavy coat or sunscreen. The temps are right for just about any activity. However, to the disappointment of many residents, fall in Bakersfield seems to be one of the shortest seasons. We ask that you not worry, as our new issue of Bakersfield Life will bring you a look at great events in Bakersfield that are community staples of the season. 
    Bakersfield is full of arts and entertainment activities and no shortage of weekend events. One of the most exciting events in the fall is the annual Showcase House of Design organized by Club Zion.    
    If you have never been to the Showcase House, I highly recommend that you take the tour this year. Many different interior designers have worked hard to dress up rooms of this masterpiece. It’s a dream home open for anyone who is looking to gather great decorating ideas. The best part of this event is that all the proceeds go to a local nonprofit that works year round to help area youth.
    As many people know, I am a huge fan of Bakersfield Condors hockey. The team kicks off their 10th anniversary season and Bakersfield Life brings you a different look at the team. We spoke to Matt Riley, the president of the Condors to get the perspective of the season from the front office. We all know about the training that players go through but we forget about the silent workers that put in countless hours and receive very little recognition.  The front office staff of the Bakersfield Condors is taking it to the extreme right along with the players on the ice.
    With the holidays about to begin with the Halloween festivities, we couldn’t think of a better local venue to visit better than Calico Ghost Town. This western-themed community is full of shows and spooks for the little ones this season all while taking you back in history. A desert breeze and tumbleweeds will greet you as you head out to wander the streets of this ghostly city this fall.
    I hope you enjoy your issue of Bakersfield Life this month. Our staff has been working hard to make sure we bring you interesting, inspiring editorial month after month. If you have any questions, suggestions or comments, feel free to contact me direct at cthompson@bakersfield.com.
    Enjoy the Bakersfield fall. As we all know, it won’t last long.

Chris Thompson
Managing Editor
Bakersfield Life magazine

I made it a whole week without checking my e-mail or looking at a fax machine. Vacation is fun but never as fun as getting back into the swing of things. Yes, while I was sitting on the beach, sipping the Caribbean wonders served daily, I knew when I returned to work I was going to have to go through 400 e-mails. Out of 400 electronic messages, I only needed 28.
    I did learn a few things on vacation. I learned that service is the key to keeping clients happy. OK, I knew this, but it rang true in this southern Mexico tourist trap. The people made sure that I was going to come see them again. I have promised to do so in the next few years.
    The doorman of our hotel told us that he and the staff give 110% most of the time. He said they always give 100% but only give the extra 10% to those who really mattered. I know he used this line with everyone that he spoke to, but it felt good that he was saying it to us. It really made us feel special even thought we knew it was a rehearsed line. He said it with a smile and we bought it hook, line and sinker.
    It may have just been the fact that he was speaking to us. He wasn’t e-mailing, he wasn’t faxing, he wasn’t giving us a discount for using his website. He was using old-fashioned communication. The spoken word brought more service than any coupon he could have e-mail us. Back to the basics.
    So I am going to try my best to say it in person as much as I can. I know I can’t completely get away from e-mail, but I am going to try to have as many conversations in person as time will allow. Hopefully I can work on giving better service and add a big smile with every in person chat.