Features: Bakersfield Life

Downtown Art Lover

Don Martin
By Cory Smith Photo by Greg Nichols

Downtown insiders certainly know Don Martin, even if he’s not a household name in Bakersfield.

Martin owns Metro Galleries Inc., a contemporary art gallery at 1604 19th St. in Downtown Bakersfield. He’s also a center-city advocate and a leader within the Downtown Business and Property Owner’s Association. He’s spearheaded the monthly First Friday downtown events for the last year and sponsors monthly downtown cleanup days.

“He’s been kind of a cheerleader for the area,” says DBA President Cathy Butler.
Martin, a 41-year-old Los Angeles native, moved to Bakersfield when he was in high school. He’s lived downtown for 14 years and has operated Metro Galleries for three years.

He says he enjoys downtown’s eclectic, unique lifestyle.

“It’s that ability to be able to walk outside at night and go to a bistro, go to an art gallery or go to a coffeehouse,” he says. “It’s that sense of community.”

Martin ended his first run as a business owner in 1993 when he took a gig as gallery director for the now-closed C.L. Clark Galleries. After two years, he decided to become self-employed again, this time opening his first art gallery – MOMAS, which stood for My Own Modern Art Studio.

MOMAS, which was on 20th Street, went belly-up after a year because downtown was “dead,” according to Martin.

“It was just too soon in Bakersfield for a small, contemporary art gallery,” he adds.
In early 2004, he decided to take on business ownership once again with Metro Galleries. Martin, of course, chose the vibrancy of downtown for his latest venture.
Metro Galleries, which relocated in January 2007 to its current 4,000-square-foot home, has roughly 300 pieces of exclusive artwork from 25 artists, some of whom live in Kern County. His pieces range from $60 to $10,000, he says.

Some months Martin sells a dozen pieces, while other months he doesn’t sell any. Overall, though, he says he’s pleased with sales volume.

“It’s an education process to get people to understand that it really isn’t about matching your furniture or your carpet or your walls,” he says, refering to a piece of art. “It’s about if it touches you.”

In the next few months, Martin plans to open a coffee and wine bar in adjoined space. He also rents his gallery space for special events, and he hopes to grow that part of his business.

One the side, he’s handling marketing for the 1612 City Lofts project above his gallery. Realtor Eydie Gibson is developing the condos and serves as Martin’s landlord for Metro Galleries. She also owns a small stake in Metro Galleries, as do six other hands-off investors.

“Wherever Don is, there’s a lot of activity,” Gibson says. “He’s a great friend, too.”

Names behind our local schools

Names behind our schools

When you show up in the morning to drop your children off at Theodore Roosevelt Middle School and Ronald Reagan Elementary School, you automatically know the prestige behind the person the school is named after. These were national leaders who gave to our country and have schools named after them from coast to coast. As a community, we look at these familiar names and immediately identify with the great leaders.

But what about other schools? Many children attend schools that are also named after people, but these people are not as well known. Giving back to a community is a heartwarming individual act and a person has done well when that community takes the time to honor that person with a lasting presence. That has happened in Bakersfield on many occasions as many of those who worked to build the community are given the opportunity to live on through our local schools.

But who are these people? What did they do for Bakersfield? Why do we remember them? Although there are more than the ones listed here, this is a glimpse at those who gave and continue to leave a legacy in Bakersfield by having a school named after them.

William B. Bimat Elementary School
529 Students   •   Northwest Bakersfield   •   Opened in 2001

William B. Bimat spent his career in Bakersfield at North High. His positions included a teacher, activities director, counselor, vice principal and ultimately principal in 1989. Bimat lost his battle with cancer in 1994. Dan Weirather is the current principal at Bimat School. Weirather acknowledges the impact that Bimat has on the school today. “Though Mr. Bimat is no longer with us, our school has the honor of having Mr. Bimat’s mother, Dorothy Bimat, attend several of our school events throughout the year. Recently, I had the privilege of having Dorothy by my side as the students made their way around the school track, raising money for cancer research,” said Weirather. He went on to say that Bimat truly cared about kids and what went on at local schools. Bimat’s motto was “no excuses” when it came to providing children with education. His legacy will live on at William B. Bimat Elementary School.

Earl Warren Junior High
722 Students   •   Southwest Bakersfield    •   Opened 1994

Earl Warren was born in Los Angeles but grew up in Bakersfield where he attended elementary school through high school. Warren went on to study law at University of California, Berkeley. In 1938, Warren was elected to the position of Attorney General for the state of California. He then became governor of California in 1942. Finally, President Dwight Eisenhower appointed Warren as a Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court in 1953. Warren died in Washington D.C. in 1974. Along with the school being named after Warren, he has received other recognitions for his achievements by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Garces Memorial High School
748 Students   •   Northeast Bakersfield   •   Opened 1947

The school dates back to the earliest days of Catholic education in Bakersfield. It all started on September 10, 1947 when Garces Memorial opened its doors to 150 students.
The name Garces comes from Padre Francisco Garces. Father Garces was a Franciscan missionary who traveled through the area in search of a shorter route from Mexico to the mission in San Francisco.
Father Garces was the first European to cross the Kern River and enter what is now known as Bakersfield. In 1776, when Garces made this journey, he was entering a bare land that now holds the school. The Garces community realizes the contributions that Father Garces made on the school. Lou Anne Durratt, director of alumni relations, said that if not for Father Garces, the location of Garces High School might be somewhere else and not on the beautiful hill where it sits today.

Leo B. Hart Elementary School
722 Students   •   Southwest Bakersfield   •   Opened 1988

Leo B. Hart is a former Shafter resident, but made a strong impact on the world. In May 1940, Hart leased a 10-acre site of land from the federal government for $10. On this land he conceived and developed Arvin Federal Emergency School, better known as Weedpatch School in those days. The school was primarily built with donations of both labor and materials, a great deal of it coming from the children and their parents.
He was considered one of the greatest humanitarians of his time. Hart built emergency schoolrooms for migrants in the 1930s during the Dust Bowl. The book, “Children of the Dust Bowl: The True Story of the School at Weedpatch Camp” pays tribute to Hart and the dedication he showed toward students. Leo B. Hart Elementary was dedicated in 1988.

Chipman Junior High School
748 Students   •   Northeast Bakersfield   •   Opened 1947

Bernice Harrell Chipman has deep roots in Bakersfield and most notably contributed to The Bakersfield Californian with a weekly article. She was born in 1887 to publisher of The Bakersfield Californian, Alfred Harrell, and his wife Virginia. Bernice Chipman made her home in San Francisco, but still kept strong ties with her hometown and especially the newspaper. She took a very active role in the paper until her death in 1977. She demonstrated leadership as well as editorial to the paper and her loyalty is well respected today. While living in San Francisco, Chipman served on the boards of groups serving the city’s needs through Family Welfare Agency and the League of Women Voters. She left a lasting impression at Pioneer Village by helping in the creation of a replica of the Havilah Courier.

Walter Stiern Middle School
1,400 Students    •    East Bakersfield    •    Opened in 1993

Walter W. Stiern graduated from Washington State University with a degree in veterinary medicine. After moving back to Bakersfield, he opened a veterinary practice. Stiern quickly became an active member of the agricultural community in Bakersfield. In 1957, Stiern went on to become a California state senator. His main policies included education, health and agricultural issues. Along with Walter Stiern Middle School, the library at CSU Bakersfield is also named after Stiern due to the fact that he played a large part in forming the state school. Stiern died in February 1988, but his strong values in education will continue on in the school.

Dr. Juliet Thorner Elementary School
790 Students   •    Northeast Bakersfield   •    Opened in 1990

Dr. Juliet Thorner was a native of Indianapolis, but became a member of the Bakersfield community when she opened a practice in pediatrics in 1939. She was most known for working in hyperkenetics, helping emotionally and physically impaired children. In the 1940s, she made a strong impact by leading sex education classes for students and parents of Kern County as well as teaching both children and adults of the danger of child abuse. Dr. Thorner retired from her private practice in 1975 and died in 1988 at the age of 77. For giving of herself and assisting the community of Bakersfield, it was only right for a school to be named in her honor. This decision was made with support from the Weill Memorial Child Guidance Clinic Board, the district’s teacher’s union, the Junior League of Bakersfield and the Theta Chapter, Alpha Delta Kappa.

Amy B. Seibert Elementary School
700 Students   •   South Bakersfield    •   Opened in 1963

Born in 1889, Amy B. Seibert began her career in education as early as she could. She started work with Panama School in 1908 and watched the district grow from a few students to more than 1,000 in 1963.
Seibert was a lifelong friend of school children as a librarian, teacher and a member of the Panama Union School District for more than half a century. Her devotion was rewarded by a reception in 1959, when she retired after serving 21 years as librarian for the Panama branch.
Her final honor came in the decision of school officals and patrons to name, in her honor, the next school to be built in the district. Seibert lived long enough to participate in the groundbreaking ceremony of this school in December 1962. Seibert died the next year, two weeks after her 74th birthday.

Sing Lum Elementary School
748 Students   •   Southwest Bakersfield   •   Opened in 1984

Sing Lum was one who did not care about his age to make a difference in the world of sports. At the age of 65, he became a competitive runner and set national and international records by the time he was 70.
A 1924 graduate of Bakersfield High School, Lum helped organize the Panama Union School District and was on the first school board in 1944.
Lum retired from farming in the Wasco area in 1970 and went back to school to obtain his real estate license. He started selling for ERA Goodin and even took his MLS booklet to the track meets.
Lum, who died at the age of 90 in 1994, wasn’t reluctant to talk about his achievements. He said proudly that his 13 grandchildren “think the world of me.”

The Top 32

TOP 32

Click here to vote for the Top 32

In our attempt to determine the greatest thing about Bakersfield, the field has been narrowed to 32 and we were absolutely shocked at the amount of votes that came in. We knew that Bakersfield Life has the most readers of any local magazine by a long shot, but your response to our first “The Greatest Thing About Bakersfield” bracket was astounding.

Some of these first-round match-ups were incredibly close. In fact, three of these were decided by less than 10 votes. In a high-profile match-up, Merle Haggard edged Valley Plaza by just six votes, as did downtown nightlife over local golf. And local eatery Jake’s Tex-Mex edged local airport Meadows Field by just eight votes.

This sets the scene for the next round of voting, which will narrow the field once again from 32 down to the Sweet 16. Look at some of these second-round match-ups that you will be voting on this month: Mexicali vs. Kern County Museum, Hart Park vs. Kern County Fair, Bakersfield College Football vs. Lake Ming, Smith’s Bakery vs. Trout’s, and the Bakersfield sign vs. Kevin Harvick. How will you decide?

Voting is open now at www.BakersfieldLife.com for three weeks and will close on Sept. 6.
Most of the numerous comments left after voting said that there weren’t too many difficult choices. But a small percentage – 30 individuals to be exact – seemed to have a problem with the way the pairings were put together. Even though it was a small percentage of comments, it seemed like enough to address here.

The typical comment went something like this: “I found it difficult on several as I don’t know why I’m choosing between such unrelated subjects.” Or like this: “Who paired these things up? Most of them have nothing to do with each other.”

The key to remember here is that we’re figuring out what is the greatest thing about Bakersfield. We actually thought of placing like items with like items for the first round, such as Dewar’s vs. Rosemary’s and Condors Hockey vs. CSUB Basketball, but in the end, we decided against it. The reason was simple: We knew the second round would still have a match-up like Dewar’s vs. CSUB Basketball – which are unrelated – and it would be interesting to see what the people of Bakersfield find more interesting from the start.

We compare apples to oranges every day. Think of it this way: What is your favorite thing about Las Vegas? The gambling? The lavish architecture of the Wynn Resort and Casino? The gondola rides at The Venetian? The shows? The Fremont Street Experience? These are apples and oranges, but it is something that people who love Las Vegas might debate in order to decide their favorite thing.

Of course, for every one comment left arguing that the items had nothing to do with each other, we had dozens of comments saying things like, “Very inventive pairings – great work!” and “I haven’t lived in Bako for a while, but miss it a lot … the choices to make were funny and brought back memories … that was FUN!”

One thing that was clear is that Bakersfield likes things that are local. Places like Starbucks didn’t stand a chance in round one despite its popularity. But Trader Joe’s still remains as the only top thing about Bakersfield that is not exclusively local. We’ll see how it farea this month against the Fox Theater.

Head to www.BakersfieldLife.com to vote and we’ll see you next month with the Sweet 16 on the way to deciding The Greatest Thing About Bakersfield.

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The field has been narrowed to 32 and we were absolutely surprised at the amount of votes that came in the first round. We knew that Bakersfield Life has the most readers of any local magazine by a long shot, but your response to our first “The Greatest Thing About Bakersfield bracket’ was astounding.

Some of these first-round match-ups were incredibly close. In fact, three of these were decided by less than 10 votes. This sets the scene for the next round of voting, which will narrow the field once again from 32 down to the Sweet 16. Look at some of these second-round match-ups that you will be voting on this month: Mexicali vs. Kern County Museum, Hart Park vs. Kern County Fair, Bakersfield College Football vs. Lake Ming, Smith’s Bakery vs. Trout’s, and the Bakersfield sign vs. Kevin Harvick. How will you decide?

The Park at River Walk
Local Bands

Kern County Museum
Mexicali

The Weather
Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace

Close to everything
Rosemary’s

Downtown nightlife
Wool Growers

Kern County Fair
Hart Park

Kern River
Buck Owens

Rabobank Arena
Bakersfield Museum of Art

Jake’s Tex-Mex
Dewar’s

Lake Ming
Bakersfield College Football

Trout’s
Smith’s Bakery

Relay for Life
Northwest Promenade

Brews in the Village
Luigi’s

Kevin Harvick
Bakersfield Sign

Merle Haggard
Condors Hockey

Fox Theater
Trader Joe’s

Click Here to Vote!

The Perfect Match

FOOD & WINE

For many, the enjoyment of wine is enough on its own. And why not? A fine cabernet sauvignon or Bordeaux can bring a level of pleasure that is simply unmatched by any other beverage. Few drinks can bring out the collector in a person as those who truly enjoy a glass of wine.

But then there are those who always want to take things to the next level, much like a person who sets out to perfect cooking a nice filet cut instead of settling for a tri-tip on the barbecue. For those, the pairing of fine wine with food transforms choosing the perfect wine into an art form.

An art form is exactly what local experts like Jeramy Brown, co-owner of Valentien Restaurant and Wine Bar, call the pairing of food with wine. “There’s no right or wrong with wine, it’s either you like it or you don’t,” Brown says. “Everyone’s opinion is their own, just like a piece of art, and I think that’s what everybody needs to understand, especially the beginner. Don’t let it intimidate you. If you like it, that’s all that matters.”

Brown would know. He is currently in the process of earning his master sommelier license, which, in short, would make him an expert in wine service, wine pairing and much more. To illustrate just how rare a master sommelier is, there are only 120 in the world and just a handful in California. None of the California master sommeliers work outside of Los Angeles or San Francisco.

To both Valentien’s Brown and Cafe Med owner Meir Brown (no relation), pairing wines with food doesn’t have to be a complicated process and both give different tips on how exactly to start. Both acknowledge the old maxim that says to pair red wines with red meat and white wines with white meat, but both say that pairing wine with food can – and probably should – be taken a step further.

“The preparation will make a lot of difference,” Meir Brown says. “For instance, if you prepare chicken with a heavy red sauce, you definitely can start getting into the light and moderately heavy reds. Salmon, although it’s a seafood, is considered a classic match to pinot noir which is a light red wine.”

To look at it in a different way, imagine a fish dish that is made with a red-wine butter sauce. It would be difficult to match that fish with a white wine because the preparation of the sauce has changed the pairing. At the same time, it is difficult to go the other direction – matching a red meat with a white wine. But it is possible to pair lighter red meats like pork and veal to more heavy white wines like a robust chardonnay.
Jeramy Brown takes a different approach. “What do you like, red or white? You need to break it down on the color spectrum first, and then you can do it one of two ways. You can make the wine the focal point or the food the focal point, then try to get the other to compliment.”

The key to accomplishing this is to look at either complimenting or reinforcing what is already there. In the first example, Jeramy Brown explains, think of the four tastes of the tongue – salty, sweet, bitter and sour – and use one of the tastes to compliment the other. For example, sweet and spicy work well by balancing each other out.

Or try to reinforce what is already on the plate. “If you’re eating a melon salad, it goes really good with a dry, tropical sauvignon blanc,” says Meir Brown.

Both Browns have examples of what pairs well with what, and then it is up to the individual wine lover to try different combinations and figure out what works for them. Meir Brown explains that light white wines and rosés are great summer wines that pair well with summer-type fare such as salads and fruits. Light-sauce seafood goes with wines like sauvignon blanc and pinot grigio. Red wines such as cabernet sauvignon, merlots and syrahs match well with red meat and chocolate.

Then there are wines that Meir Brown describes as being crossover wines, like chardonnay and pinot noir, that can swing back and forth between traditional pairings.

Jeramy Brown explains that a little research will go a long way in deciding what foods to pair with wines. “The Internet is a great thing,” he says. “You can just look up any wine and ask what pairs well with it. Every winery, magazine or local guy doing his blog will tell you all you need to know about what they think goes well, then try it and make mistakes. That’s how you’re going to learn.”

He also encourages wine enthusiasts to simply grab a bottle of wine and look at the label. Many times the winemaker will give suggestions of what foods to pair it with.
But in the end, Jeramy Brown reinforces the idea that it really just comes down to what the wine lover enjoys the most. In fact, while there are guidelines to help a person make decisions, there’s really never a right or a wrong pairing.

“If you like a Riesling with a steak and blue cheese, then you love it and that’s all that matters,” Jeramy Brown says. “It’s not usually what works best on the consensus. If I stuck that dish with a great Bordeaux, I’d bet 70 out of the 100 people are going to like it. But those 30 people who don’t aren’t wrong, they’re just different and that’s fine.
“It’s important to get what you want; what you like. That’s what I tell people: Go crazy, experiment. You’re going to find what you like and that’s the beauty of it.”

The 2008 Best of Kern County Results

The results of The Bakersfield Californian’s Best of Kern County poll.

The tension builds every year as the month of May arrives. Will Mexicali continue to dominate the best margarita, salsa and Mexican restaurant categories? Who will win the best overall restaurant category this year? Can anyone knock off Kern Schools Federal Credit Union as top bank? Will Doubletree win again for best hotel or will Holiday Inn Select take its top spot back?

The answers to those questions (which are, by the way: yes; Tahoe Joe’s; no; and Holiday Inn Select) and more will be answered as you, the public, have voted and made your voice heard. The results of The Bakersfield Californian’s Best of Kern County poll are in and the number of votes for residents’ favorite businesses and individuals set records. The popularity of this poll is clear as more votes came in this year than any time in the 15-year history of the poll.

Speaking of the 15-year anniversary, special notoriety goes out to businesses such as Today Cleaners, Watson Touchstone Realty, Wool Growers and, of course, Mexicali. These four are a sort of the best of the best among Kern County businesses. They have all swept their respective categories all 15 years of this poll, and such dominance only shows their top-of-the-line service and products they offer our community.

Simply browse through what has developed into the most anticipated poll in Kern County every year.

So without further ado, Bakersfield Life magazine presents the 2008 Best of Kern County awards.

Antiques

Great American Antiques
Great American wins this award for the second consecutive year. It boasts what many customers consider to be the most diverse inventory of any antique store in the country.
625 19th St. (661) 322-1776

Favorites

Five & Dime Antique Mall
1400 19th St. (661) 323-8048

Golden Carousel
1407 19th St. (661) 326-8252

Auto Service
3-Way Chevrolet
A five-time winner this year, 3-Way continues to be Kern County’s favorite choice for a variety of automotive needs. This is the fourth straight year that 3-Way has taken this honor.
3800 California Ave.
4501 Wible Road (888) 231-4621

Favorites

Jim Burke Ford
2001 Oak St. (661) 328-3600

Motor City
3101 Pacheco Road (866) 492-0236

Bank
Kern Schools Federal Credit Union
Once again, Kern Schools is Kern County’s choice as its top bank. Winning for the 14th year in a row, Kern Schools also has more branches than any other bank in the county.
14 branches including 2424 Chester Ave. (661) 833-7900

Favorites

Wells Fargo
Eight branches including 1300 22nd St. (661) 861-9971

Washington Mutual
10 branches including 1515 17th St.
(661) 395-7795

Bike Shop
Snider’s Cyclery
When Kern County finds a favorite, it is loyal to that favorite. Snider’s has used quality inventory and service to win this award 10 consecutive years.
2700 New Stine Road (661) 833-2700
2700 Union Ave. (661) 324-4759

Favorites

Finish Line
600 Coffee Road Suite W (661) 833-6268

Action Sports
9500 Brimhall Road Suite 400
(661) 833-4000

Book Store
Barnes and Noble
The first of Bakersfield’s big book stores remains its favorite. Barnes and Noble, the perennial winner of this honor, has a great selection in a comfortable atmosphere.
4001 California Ave. (661) 631-2575

Favorites
Borders
4980 Stockdale Highway (661) 328-9800

Russo’s
Three locations including 1416 17th St. (661) 323-READ

Bridal / Formal Shop
David’s Bridal
When it comes to finding a bride’s attire, Kern County chooses David’s Bridal as its favorite for the sixth year in a row. David’s Bridal has more than 280 locations nationwide.
1210 Wible Road (661) 831-5400

Favorites
AJ’s Tuxedo Junction
2527 F St. (661) 325-2044
3699 Ming Ave. (661) 831-4114

Ladies and Gents Bridal Gallery
124 Oak St. (661) 325-7911

Camera Store
Henley’s Photo
Locally owned Henley’s Photo has been in business for more than 50 years, and that longevity has led to Henley’s earning Kern County’s vote as top camera store once again.
2000 H St. (661) 324-9484

Favorites
Southside Camera
3504 Ming Ave. (661) 835-0280

Best Buy
8300 Rosedale Highway (661) 587-0675

Carpet / Flooring
Carpet Outlet Plus
Is it the jingle? “Carpet Outlet Pluuus, every day is sale day.” Jingle or not, Carpet Outlet Plus is Kern County’s favorite carpet and flooring business for the third consecutive year.
4301 Rosedale Highway (661) 302-4283

Favorites
All American Carpet
2718 Chester Ave. (661) 325-3767

Jost Carpet One
320 Oak St. (661) 327-7701

Cellular Phone
AT&T
Kern County’s choice for cellular phone service is AT&T Wireless. AT&T was already Kern County’s choice before the iPhone, and Apple’s super-phone has solidified AT&T’s hold at the top.
Many locations in Kern County
(800) 331-0500

Favorites
Verizon
Many locations in Kern County (800) 922-0204

Sprint
Many locations in Kern County (888) 211-4727

Children’s Apparel
JM’s
JM’s is just another example of Kern County residents preferring to shop at local stores. This business knows babies and it shows after earning this honor 15 straight years.
930 Wible Road (661) 834-7277

Favorites
Babies R Us
9280 Rosedale Highway (661) 587-0423

Children’s Place
2701 Ming Ave. (661) 397-5377

Customer Service
3-Way Chevrolet
One of five Best of Kern County awards in 2008, customers love the service that 3-Way offers. The Bakersfield Chevrolet dealer has now won this award four years in a row.
3800 California Ave. and 4501 Wible Road (888) 231-4621

Favorites
Motor City
3101 Pacheco Road (866) 492-0236

AT&T
Many locations in Kern County (800) 331-0500

Department Store
Macy’s
Macy’s has been a local favorite for everything from clothing to wedding registries since coming to town. Macy’s is building a powerhouse, taking the honor for the fifth straight year.
2601 Ming Ave. (661) 832-5550

Favorites
Urner’s
4110 Wible Road (661) 396-8400

Best Buy
8300 Rosedale Highway (661) 587-0675

Dentist
Dr. Thomas Berry DDS
Unlike many other categories, the top dental honor has changed hands each of the past four years. Dr. Thomas Berry DDS has kept the most Kern County mouths happy this year.
500 Old River Road Suite 255
(661) 663-4451

Favorites
Dr. James Sullivan DDS
210 S. Montclair St. (661) 398-1539

Dr. Thomas Hall DDS
3612 Coffee Road #C (661) 587-6453

Doctor / Medical Group
Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente’s “Thrive” campaign continues to be well received after earning its seventh Best of Kern County honor for top Doctor / Medical Group in the past eight years.
Six Locations in Bakersfield (661) 328-9831

Favorites
Dr. Calvin J. Kubo
9500 Stockdale Highway Suite 203
(661) 664-0252

Dr. Vincent Maddela
2701 Chester Ave. (661) 716-1070

Dry Cleaner
Today Cleaners
Taking in dry cleaning by 11 a.m. and having it ready at 4 p.m. gives Today Cleaners the edge over the competition in Kern County. It has earned this honor 15 years in a row.
10 locations including 8200 Stockdale Highway (661) 634-1130

Favorites
Sparkle Cleaners
121 Monterey St. (661) 634-1130

New City Cleaners
Four locations including 1201 24th St. (888) 381-9414

Electronics Store
Best Buy
When Bakersfield’s Best Buy store opened in 2005, it immediately took over as Kern County’s favorite electronics store and has now won three years in a row.
8300 Rosedale Highway (661) 587-0675

Favorites
Urner’s
4110 Wible Road (661) 396-8400

Circuit City
4230 California Ave. (661) 327-9977

Fitness / Health Club
24 Hour Fitness
Being able to work out at night has become a demand of many local residents, and night-and-day accessibility earns 24 Hour Fitness this award for more than a decade straight.
Three locations including 4302 Gosford Road (661) 398-1111

Favorites
Body Xchange Fitness Spa
Seven Locations in Bakersfield (661) 837-2639

Total Woman
5329 Truxtun Ave. (661) 325-0208
9815 Hageman Rd. (661) 588-8931

Florist
Log Cabin
Log Cabin has consistently been Kern County’s choice for best florist. The unique building on 19th Street is easy to recognize and the fresh flowers inside are beautiful.
800 19th St. (661) 327-8646

Favorites
Garden District
8200 Stockdale Highway #H1 (661) 834-9200

Conroys
3310 Truxtun Ave. #100 (661) 325-8565

Funeral Home
Greenlawn
A family member passing is clearly a trying time, and Kern County has found once again that Greenlawn is best at assisting a family’s needs. Greenlawn has two Bakersfield locations.
2739 Panama Lane (661) 834-8820
3700 River Blvd. (661) 324-9701

Favorites
Mish
120 Minner Ave. (661) 399-9391

Basham Funeral Care (tie)
3312 Niles St. (661) 873-8200

Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery (tie)
9101 Kern Canyon Road (661) 366-5766

Furniture Store
Weatherby’s
National chains might come to town, but local Weatherby’s continued quality products and service have made it Kern County’s top choice for furniture for the sixth year in a row.
620 Chester Ave. (661) 327-2747

Favorites
Mor
2204 Wible Road (661) 833-4774

Ashley
8915 Rosedale Highway (661) 395-3400

Hair Salon
Paragon
For the third year in a row, Paragon has been picked as the top spot in Kern County for hair. In addition to stylish hair, Paragon handles nails, pedicures, massage and more.
4865 Truxtun Ave. (661) 323-1861

Favorites
Serenity
3900 Coffee Road (661) 587-9222

Cutting Edge
9000 Ming Ave. #E5 (661) 665-2882

Home Appliance Store
Urner’s
Here’s another case of a local beating out the national chains. One of Bakersfield’s oldest and most respected local businesses, Urner’s has won this award 13 straight years.
4110 Wible Road (661) 396-8400

Favorites
Sears
2701 Ming Ave. (661) 833-5300

Best Buy
8300 Rosedale Highway (661) 587-0675

Jewelry Store
Rogers Jewelers
This superstore has become Kern County’s answer for its jewelry needs. Earning its third straight top honor, Rogers’ huge showroom on Rosedale Highway has quality gems throughout.
9500 Rosedale Highway (661) 834-6920

Favorites
Wickersham Jewelers
6521 Truxtun Ave. (661) 324-6521

American Jewelry Company
3200 21st St. (661) 325-5023

Men’s Apparel
Men’s Wearhouse
After a two-year hiatus, Men’s Wearhouse has returned as the Best of Kern County for men’s apparel. For suits and accessories, Men’s Wearhouse guarantees it quality.
3006 Ming Ave. (661) 835-9378

Favorites
Snead’s Apparel For Men
5127 Ming Ave. (661) 832-4270

Macy’s
2601 Ming Ave. (661) 832-5550

Motorcycle / Off Road
Bakersfield Harley-Davidson
Quickly becoming the standard for quality in the local motorcycle scene, Bakersfield Harley-Davidson’s spectacular showroom is key to its winning for the fifth straight year.
35088 7th Standard Road (661) 325-3644

Favorites
Valley Cycle and Motor Sports
3917 Buck Owens Blvd. (661) 324-0768

Lusaak Motorsports
2305 Chester Ave. (661) 327-4340

Mortgage Company
GMAC
Still a newcomer as the Best of Kern County mortgage company, GMAC sits atop the rest for the second straight year for its quality in an otherwise tough housing market.
Numerous locations in Kern County

Favorites
Kern Schools
14 branches including 2424 Chester Ave. (661) 833-7900

Washington Mutual
10 branches including 1515 17th St.
(661) 395-7795

Music Store
Stockdale Music
Most anything regarding music can be found at Stockdale Music. Amazingly, Stockdale Music is a first-time winner in this category despite its wide selection and quality service.
4903 Stockdale Highway (661) 836-1236

Favorites
California Keyboards
100 Oak St. (661) 327-5397

World Records
1824 G St. (661) 831-3100

New Car Dealership
3-Way Chevrolet
With its beautiful new showroom at the Bakersfield Auto Mall, high-volume dealer 3-Way is now Kern County’s top new car dealer for the fourth straight year.
3800 California Ave.
4501 Wible Road (888) 231-4621

Favorites
Motor City
3101 Pacheco Road (866) 492-0236

Bill Wright Toyota
5100 Gasoline Alley Dr. (661) 398-8697

New Home Builder
Lennar Homes
With new home communities throughout Bakersfield, Lennar has turned into Kern County’s favorite new home builder. It is the second consecutive such award for Lennar.
8700 Stockdale Highway (866) 670-8381

Favorites
Castle and Cooke
10000 Stockdale Highway #350 (661) 664-6500

McMillin Homes
5351 Olive Dr. (661) 399-0239

Nursery
Las Palmas
Las Palmas is Kern County’s favorite nursery for the second straight year. The northwest Bakersfield nursery offers everything from trees and plants to landscaping and even koi ponds.
1100 Coffee Road (661) 588-1790

Favorites
White Forest
300 Morning Dr. (661) 366-6291

Robby’s
13129 Hageman Road (661) 588-0859

Office Supply Store
O’Leary’s
For the second straight year, O’Leary’s is Kern County’s choice for office supplies. O’Leary’s local service places it above the big national chain stores among consumers.
4550 Easton Dr. (661) 325-6677

Favorites
Stinson’s
1108 Baker St. (661) 323-7611

Office Depot
5600 Stockdale Highway (661) 324-5457
8800 Rosedale Highway (661) 588-7909

Optometrist
Dr. Stephen Ratty
For the fifth year in a row, Dr. Stephen Ratty and his team take the top honor for thier dedication to Kern County’s vision care.
2222 E St. (661) 327-2681

Favorites
Dr. John Hawley
8150 Hageman Road (661) 588-8222

Dr. Gregory Stainer
4649 Planz Road (661) 825-2199

Pediatrician
Dr. Hitesh Shah
A kind staff and short waits are key to busy parents, and that – along, of course, with quality care – are what have given Dr. Hitesh Shah the honor for best pediatrician in Kern County.
6001 Truxtun Ave. #180 (661) 322-8687

Favorites
Dr. Suresh Kumari
1524 27th St. #305 (661) 322-7337

Dr. Sue Poh
1524 27th St. #305 (661) 322-7337

Physical Therapist
Glinn & Giordano
Recovering from injury is never pleasant, but when it happens, Kern County chooses Glinn & Giordano to get back to health. It is the third straight year that it has won top honors.
Six locations including 1201 23rd St.
(661) 327-4357

Favorites
Terrio Therapy-Fitness
11 locations including 6001C Truxtun Ave. Suite 280 (661) 638-0643

Pair & Marotta
Five locations including 5337 Truxtun Ave. (661) 324-0122

Place to Buy a Pool / Spa
Cal Spas
Cal Spas takes this award for the fourth straight year not only for its exceptional spa selection but also for the ability to make every backyard a more enjoyable place.
2700 Auto Mall Dr. (661) 396-0811

Favorites
W.W. Harper Pools
2400 K St. (661) 327-0245

Rock Bottom Inc.
2724 Landco Dr. (661) 859-1702

Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Darshan Shah
With offices in Bakersfield and Beverly Hills, Dr. Darshan Shah has proven himself to be at the top of his game making national television appearances on “Today” and “Dr. Phil.”
4850 Commerce Dr. (661) 327-3800

Favorites
Dr. Gordon Mitts
2525 H St. (661) 324-7208

Dr. Vipul Dev
9300 Stockdale Highway #300 (661) 665-0505

Real Estate Agent
Jon Busby
It really comes as no surprise to see Jon Busby at the top of this category. Team Busby’s front man has been named Kern County’s top real estate agent 10 of the past 11 years.
10000 Stockdale Highway #250 (661) 410-7355

Favorites
Diana Williams
9101 Camino Media (661) 632-6190

Andrea Cruz
5701 Truxtun Ave. Suite 100 (661) 327-5161

Real Estate Company
Watson | Touchstone Realty
It’s a clean sweep! Or actually, it continues to be a clean sweep for Watson | Touchstone Realty. The real estate company has won top honors in this category all 15 years of this reader’s poll.
Various locations around Kern County

Favorites
Bakersfield Premier Realty
10000 Stockdale Highway Suite 250
(661) 847-8000

Coldwell Banker
Various locations around Kern County

Shoe Store
Guarantee Shoe Center
When it comes to shoes, Kern County has a clear favorite. Still in its long-time downtown location, Guarantee Shoe Center has won this award 13 straight years.
2101 Chester Ave. (661) 325-8751

Favorites
Famous Footwear
8920 Rosedale Highway (661) 589-7650

Shoe Pavillion
4310 California Ave. (661) 336-0332

Sporting Goods Store
Big 5
For quality sporting goods at quality prices, Kern County trusts Big 5 for golf and hunting and everything between. This is Big 5’s third straight year to win this award.
3214 Ming Ave. (661) 832-4161
3203 Mall View Road (661) 872-5272

Favorites
Sports Authority
4821 Ming Ave. (661) 397-7373

Sport Chalet
5200 Stockdale Highway (661) 335-7780

Tile Store
Bill Ray Ceramic Tile Center
After a three-year absence from the top of this list, Bill Ray Ceramic Tile Center returns in 2008 as Kern County’s favorite tile store. Bill Ray last won this award in 2004.
6301 E. Brundage Lane (661) 366-3255

Favorites
Stockdale Tile
6301 District Blvd. (661) 398-6000

Carpet Outlet Plus
4301 Rosedale Highway (661) 302-4283

Tire / Accessories
3-Way Chevrolet
Seemingly always at the top of other car categories, 3-Way has now reached the pinnacle of the Tire/Accessories department. This is 3-Way’s second straight honor in this category.
3800 California Ave.
4501 Wible Road (888) 231-4621

Favorites
Motor City
3101 Pacheco Road (866) 492-0236

Big O Tires
Five Locations including 2502 Ming Ave. (661) 831-3349

Travel Agency
Cloud 9 Travel
This newcomer to the top spot of the travel agency category certainly isn’t a newcomer to Bakersfield. Cloud 9 Travel’s top-notch service has been in Bakersfield for 20 years.
8200 Stockdale Highway #H3
(661) 836-8181

Favorites
Kern Travel East Hills
3501 Mall View Road #104 (661) 872-3940

Uniglobe Golden Empire Travel
1820 Chester Ave. (661) 323-1213

Veterinarian
Four Paws Pet Hospital
Four Paws combines superior care with quality service and it shows, earning best vet for the second straight year. It is the first repeat winner in this category since 2004.
4201 Mexicali Dr. (661) 397-3767

Favorites
Mount Vernon Veterinary Hospital
2120 E. California Ave. (661) 327-7536

Coffee Road Animal Hospital
3534 Coffee Road (661) 587-1976

Western Store
Emporium Western Store
As Emporium Western Store nears its 100-year anniversary, this place “Where Real Cowboys Shop” will celebrate its 11th straight victory as best western store in Kern County.
1031 19th St. (661) 325-8476

Favorites
Boot Barn
3913 Buck Owens Blvd. (661) 327-6770

Western Warehouse
2701 Ming Ave. #53 (661) 837-9744

Women’s Apparel
Macy’s
With plenty of smaller, high-end boutiques around, Kern County residents have chosen the large selection of Macy’s as their top pick. It is Macy’s first win in this category.
2601 Ming Ave. (661) 832-5550

Favorites
Gap
2701 Ming Ave. #B1 (661) 396-8451

Kohls
5385 Gosford Rd. (661) 664-7410
9400 Rosedale Highway (661) 588-4535

Breakfast
IHOP
For the first time in the history of this reader’s poll, IHOP takes over as Kern County’s favorite place for breakfast; maybe because it is just so rooty tooty fresh ‘n fruity.
Five locations including 9220 Rosedale Highway (661) 587-7090

Favorites
Donna Kaye’s Cafe
212 Oak St. (661) 322-1875

24th Street Cafe
1415 24th St. (661) 323-8801

Bakery
Smith’s
Who can resist one of Smith’s happy-face cookies? Apparently no one locally, because for the 15th straight year, Smith’s has been named Kern County’s best bakery.
Seven Locations in Bakersfield (661) 325-3411

Favorites
Rasmussen’s Danish Bakery
5470 California Ave. (661) 323-9449

Pyrenees French Bakery
717 E. 21st St. (661) 322-7159

Barbecue
Champs BBQ
Champs made its debut at the top of the list last year and repeats in 2008. Champs’ unique flavor comes from its secret recipe of apple and citrus woods in its smoker.
35315 7th Standard Road #130 (661) 391-9455

Favorites
Fabious’ Corner
13061 Rosedale Highway #I (661) 587-7302

Mr. Tibb’s Ribs
3508 New Stine Road (661) 397-4030

Basque
Wool Growers
Wool Growers is one of just a handful of businesses to sweep all 15 years of this reader’s poll. The unique environment, tasty entrees and pickled tongue keep people coming back.
620 E. 19th St. (661) 327-9584

Favorites
Maitia’s Basque Café
4420 Coffee Road #A (661) 587-9055

Benji’s
4001 Stockdale Highway (661) 328-0400

Business Lunch
Luigi’s
Luigi’s is clearly the place to go in Kern County at noon after taking both best lunch and business lunch categories this year. For finalizing a deal over great food, there’s no place better.
725 E. 19th St. (661) 322-0926

Favorites
Coconut Joe’s
4158 California Ave. (661) 496-7945

Jake’s Original Tex-Mex Cafe
1710 Oak St. (661) 322-6380

Burger
John’s Burgers
Kern County loves John’s Burgers, which has earned top honors in this category for nine straight years. The delicious burgers and unique menu keep this a local treasure.
Three locations including 1000 Oak St. (661) 324-8131

Favorites
In-N-Out Burger
5100 Stockdale Highway (800) 786-1000 2310 Panama Lane (800) 786-1000

Happy Jack’s Hamburger and Pie
1800 20th St. (661) 323-1661

Catering
Curtis’ Catering Affairs
Curtis’ Catering Affairs has been around for decades and it has been a staple in local catering for just as long. As always, it reminds us that “every event is an affair to remember.”
916 18th St. (661) 326-4800

Favorites
Champs BBQ & Catering
35135 7th Standard Road #130
(661) 391-9455

Coconut Joe’s
4158 California Ave. (661) 496-7945

Chinese
PF Chang’s
For the first time in this poll, Bill Lee’s is not at the top in this category. The unique blend of classic Chinese and modern preparations make PF Chang’s a fresh addition to local cuisine.
10700 Stockdale Highway (661) 663-8689

Favorites
Bill Lee’s Bamboo Chopsticks
1203 18th St. (661) 324-9441

Rice Bowl
1119 18th St. (661) 323-2901

Coffee
Starbucks
Kern County isn’t different from the rest of the country when it comes to the popularity of Starbucks. The Seattle-based chain has claimed this award 10 of the past 11 years.
27 locations including 9000 Ming Ave. (661) 665-8065

Favorites
Supreme Bean
10 locations including 4108 California Ave. (661) 326-1634

Java Detour
3623 California Ave. (661) 322-5388

Deli
Caesar’s Italian Delicatessen
Since 1970, Kern County residents have enjoyed Caesar’s Specials and other specialties from the local deli. This is the fourth straight year that Caesar’s has won this award. 2828 Niles St. (661) 873-0270 9500 Brimhall Rd. Suite 304
(661) 588-7004

Favorites
Sequoia Sandwich Company
Three locations including 1231 18th St. (661) 323-2500

Subway
47 locations including 2681 Calloway Dr. (661) 588-8030

Delivery
Bill Lee’s Bamboo Chopsticks
Bill Lee’s returns as the top delivery for the second straight year. Hot Chinese food delivered to home is great, but the fact that it is some of the best local Chinese food is even better.
1203 18th St. (661) 324-9441

Favorites
Rusty’s Pizza Parlor
Seven locations including 6675 Ming Ave. (661) 835-5555

Pizza Hut
10 locations including 4708 Planz Road (661) 836-2800

Desserts
Dewar’s
There are few in Bakersfield who haven’t been to local legend Dewar’s, and even fewer walk away disappointed. Let’s face it, who can say no to a George’s Special?
1120 Eye St. (661) 322-0933
9530 Hageman Rd. #K (661) 587-2056

Favorites
Rosemary’s
2733 F St. (661) 395-0555

Cold Stone Creamery
9000 Ming Ave. #H2 (661) 664-4950
9160 Rosedale Highway (661) 588-5707
2625 Mount Vernon Ave. (661) 871-6402

Happy Hour
Chuy’s
Happy hour? At Chuy’s, it should be called festive hour. This happy hour runs weekdays from 2 to 7 p.m. and coupled with good weather and fish tacos, it just can’t be beat.
8660 Rosedale Highway (661) 587-5750
2500 New Stine Road #102 (661) 833-3469

Favorites
Amigo’s Mexican Grill and Cantina
8020 District Blvd. (661) 398-1300

Mauricio’s Grill & Cantina
10700 Rosedale Highway (661) 589-5292
6401 White Lane #106 (661) 837-9570

Health Food Store
Cone’s
Kern County loves its local businesses and Cone’s is no exception. For nearly a decade, Cone’s has been named top health food store for its wide selection and knowledgeable staff.
1002 Wible Road (661) 832-5669

Favorites
Lassen’s
5408 California Ave. (661) 324-1264

Trader Joe’s
8200 Stockdale Highway #C21 (661) 837-8863

Italian
Rosa’s
Rosa’s has been an eastside favorite since it opened its doors 35 years ago, and now it is Kern County’s pick for best Italian restaurant for the first time. It’s certainly worth the drive.
2400 Columbus St. (661) 872-1606

Favorites
Olive Garden
1701 New Stine Road (661) 832-1278

Urrichio’s Trattoria
1400 17th St. (661) 326-8870

Lunch
Luigi’s
When it comes to lunch, there is no place like Luigi’s. The pictures on the walls read like a history of Bakersfield and great food and the always-packed bar are second-to-none.
725 E. 19th St. (661) 322-0926

Favorites
Sequoia Sandwich Company
1231 18th St. (661) 323-2500
9160 Rosedale Highway (661) 587-1600
9500 Ming Ave. (661) 665-9990

Coconut Joe’s
4158 California Ave. (661) 496-7945

Mexican
Mexicali
Mexicali’s being named best Mexican restaurant for 15 straight years is impressive enough, but even more so when considering the abundance of Mexican eateries in Kern County.
631 18th St. (661) 327-3861
5601 California Ave. (661) 327-5201

Favorites
Mauricio’s Grill & Cantina
10700 Rosedale Highway (661) 589-5292 6401 White Lane #106 (661) 837-9570

Don Perico
Three locations including 2660 Oswell St. (866) 386-7566

Microbrew Selection
Lengthwise
Make it six years in a row for Lengthwise in this category. The clear choice for microbrews in Kern County, Lengthwise offers selections such as its Triple Hop Red Ale.
6720 Schirra Ct. (661) 836-2537

Favorites
BJ’s Brewhouse
10750 Stockdale Highway (661) 241-5115

Chuy’s
8660 Rosedale Highway (661) 587-5750
2500 New Stine Road #102 (661) 833-3469

New Restaurant
PF Chang’s
Don’t be surprised that PF Chang’s has been named Best New Restaurant in Kern County for the second straight year. The previous winner took the honor five years in a row.
10700 Stockdale Highway (661) 663-8689

Favorites
BJ’s Brewhouse
10750 Stockdale Highway (661) 241-5115

Elephant Bar
10100 Stockdale Highway (661) 663-3020

Overall Restaurant
Tahoe Joe’s
This southwest Bakersfield restaurant is typically packed because of its mouth-watering steaks and enjoyable patio. Tahoe Joe’s returns to the top spot here for the first time in three years.
9000 Ming Ave. #P (661) 664-7750

Favorites
Elephant Bar
10100 Stockdale Highway (661) 663-3020

BJ’s Brewhouse
10750 Stockdale Highway (661) 241-5115

Pizza
Rusty’s Pizza Parlor
For the second year in a row, Rusty’s has been named Kern County’s favorite pizza. All fresh ingredients combined with hot and fresh delivery make for the best pies in the county.
Seven locations including 6675 Ming Ave. (661) 835-5555

Favorites
Pizza Hut
10 locations including 4708 Planz Road (661) 836-2800

Plumberry’s
13001 Stockdale Highway #E (661) 589-8889

Restaurant for Kids
John’s Incredible Pizza
This category has been no contest since its inception in 2000 with John’s winning each year. All you can eat pizza and video games all under one roof make John’s heaven for kids.
3709 Rosedale Highway (661) 859-1111

Favorites
Hodel’s
5917 Knudsen Dr. (661) 399-3341

Chuck E. Cheese’s
3760 Ming Ave. (661) 397-7855

Romantic Restaurant
Sorella
Dim lights, tasty Italian food and live vocals have made Sorella this year’s pick for top romantic restaurant in Kern County. Its hidden location might even make it more romantic.
7800 McNair Lane (661) 396-8603

Favorites
Hungry Hunter
3580 Rosedale Highway (661) 328-0580

Cafe Med
4809 Stockdale Highway (661) 834-4433

Salsa
Mexicali
They did it again! It’s almost getting to the point where the votes in this category don’t even need to be counted with Mexicali taking top honors year after year.
631 18th St. (661) 327-3861
5601 California Ave. (661) 327-5201

Favorites
Mauricio’s Grill & Cantina
10700 Rosedale Highway (661) 589-5292 6401 White Lane #106 (661) 837-9570

Que Pasa
Five locations including 2701 Ming Ave. (661) 832-5011

Seafood
Red Lobster
This massive seafood chain has taken top honors once again, making it five out of five since opening. Delicious seafood and a perfect location makes Red Lobster irresistible.
8180 Rosedale Highway (661) 589-9956

Favorites
La Costa Mariscos
716 21st St. (661) 322-2655

Sea Breeze
2500 New Stine Road (661) 832-5261
2311 R St. (661) 323-7936

Senior Special
Carrows
Seniors know that when it comes to senior specials in Kern County, there is simply no beating Carrows. Any one of Carrows’ three locations can help any senior to a great meal.
Three locations including 1300 Easton Dr. (661) 322-4644

Favorites
Denny’s
12 locations including 2627 Buck Owens Blvd. (661) 395-3014

IHOP
Five locations including 9220 Rosedale Highway (661) 587-7090

Steak
Outback Steakhouse
The best steak in Kern County comes from Outback. The thick, juicy steaks have obviously been popular in the area, earning this honor now for the third time in four years.
5051 Stockdale Highway (661) 834-7850

Favorites
Tahoe Joe’s
9000 Ming Ave. (661) 664-8723

Hungry Hunter
3580 Rosedale Highway (661) 328-0580

Sushi / Japanese
Akira
After a one-year hiatus, this category returns and Akira comes directly back to the top. This previous nine-year winner offers fresh sushi and thrilling teppanyaki dining.
4154 California Ave. (661) 326-1860

Favorites
Shogun
5498 California Ave. (661) 325-0007

Tokyo Garden
4149 Ming Ave. (661) 835-7874

Wine Selection
Trader Joe’s
While a restaurant might be the obvious choice, grocery store Trader Joe’s takes the honor this year. The huge selection of wine has something for every palate and budget.
8200 Stockdale Highway #C21 (661) 837-8863

Favorites
Café Med
4809 Stockdale Highway (661) 834-4433

Tahoe Joe’s
9000 Ming Ave. (661) 664-8723

Community Theater
Stars Theatre
Stars offers dinner theater and the combination of live theater and gourmet dining has made it Kern County’s favorite. It marks Stars’ eighth straight win in this category.
1931 Chester Ave. (661) 325-6100

Favorites
Gaslight Melodrama Theater
12748 Jomani Dr. (661) 587-3377

Spotlight Theatre
1622 19th St. (661) 634-0692

Family Attraction
Kern County Fair
The best place to take a family is the Kern County Fair according to our readers. Winning for the second straight year, the fair offers entertainment, animals and art for the whole family.
1142 S. P St. (661) 833-4900

Favorites
Condors Hockey
1001 Truxtun Ave. (661) 324-PUCK

CALM
10500 Alfred Harrell Highway (661) 872-2256

Free Entertainment
Marketplace Concerts
There’s nothing close in Kern County when it comes to free entertainment. Live music on a warm summer night in a beautiful setting combine for a great evening at an even better price.
9000 Ming Ave.

Favorites
Park at River Walk
11200 Stockdale Highway

Local Parks
(Bakersfield Parks and Recreation) 1600 Truxtun Ave.

Annual Event
Kern County Fair
This category has only been in existence for four years, but the Kern County Fair has run away with it each time. The county’s September classic is just around the corner this year.
1142 S. P St. (661) 833-4900

Favorites
Brews in the Village
(at Kern County Museum) 3801 Chester Ave. (661) 323-BREW

Relay for Life
(at Cal State Bakersfield) 9001 Stockdale Highway (661) 327-2424

Radio Personality
Scott Cox
Scott Cox is never one to hold back on his opinions, and he wouldn’t disagree with this poll. The local talk-show host is outspoken and has built his popularity from it.
On KERN Newstalk 1410

Favorites
Dirty Sanchez
On HOT 94.1

Christina Martinez
On Groove 99.3

TV News Anchor
Jim Scott
Now a five-year winner of this award, Jim Scott has built his reputation as a trusted local newsman over the years which has resulted in being named Kern County’s favorite once again.
On KGET 17

Favorites
Kurt Rivera
On KBAK 29 and FOX 58

Kiyoshi Tomono
On KGET 17

Place to Dance
Club Odyssey
The hot spot in Kern County for dancing is Club Odyssey. Despite being a first-time winner in this category, Club Odyssey has been a popular dancing destination for years.
At Doubletree Hotel, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court (661) 323-7111

Favorites
Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace
2800 Buck Owens Blvd. (661) 328-7560

Replay Sports Lounge and Grill
4500 Buck Owens Blvd. (661) 324-3300

Place to Listen to Live Music
Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace
There shouldn’t be any surprise that the Crystal Palace won this award again. Any place that has been named best country music nightclub in the U.S. should clearly earn this award.
2800 Buck Owens Blvd. (661) 328-7560

Favorites
Rabobank Arena
1001 Truxtun Ave. (661) 852-7777

Fishlips
1517 18th St. (661) 324-2557

Weekend Getaway
Pismo
Sometimes referred to as Bakersfield West, Pismo has now won this honor for eight consecutive years. The cool ocean breezes make Pismo irresistible for local residents.

Favorites
Santa Barbara

Morro Bay

Day Care Facility
Little Red School House
The winner for 11 years running, Little Red School House is a quality academic-based facility. The structured environment motivates children with positive reinforcement and love.
4601 California Ave. (661) 324-5774
4601 Fruitvale Ave. (661) 588-2227

Favorites
Childtime Learning Center
9903 Camino Media (661) 244-5384

Child Life Learning Center
2515 Church Ave. (661) 871-0868

Hospital
Bakersfield Heart Hospital
In just 10 years, the Heart Hospital has gone from brand new to Kern County’s favorite. The state of the art facility provides technologically advanced care for its patients.
3001 Sillect Ave. (661) 316-6000

Favorites
Mercy Southwest
400 Old River Road (661) 663-6000

Bakersfield Memorial
420 34th St. (661) 327-4647

Local Web Site
Bakersfield.com
Make it nine in a row for Bakersfield.com. Averaging about one million hits a week, the Web site gives its readers everything it wants to know about the county’s biggest city.

Favorites
3-Way Chevrolet
www.3waychevrolet.com

Motor City West
www.motorcitywest.com

Park
The Park at Riverwalk
Kern County’s favorite park has been moved west. The Park at Riverwalk’s general youth combined with its location, a pond and more have made it the new favorite for local parks.
11200 Stockdale Highway

Favorites
Yokuts
Empire and Bahamas drives

Hart
Alfred Harrell Highway

Place to Have a Birthday
John’s Incredible Pizza
It makes sense that the best place to take kids would also be the best place to have a birthday, and that’s the case here. John’s Incredible Pizza takes both honors again this year.
3709 Rosedale Highway (661) 859-1111

Favorites
Chuck E. Cheese’s
3760 Ming Ave. (661) 397-7855

Pump It Up
2841 Unicorn Road #103 (661) 392-8800

Private School
Garces High School
Since 1947, Garces has been Kern County’s lone Catholic high school and has developed into the area’s favorite private school. Quality education helps Garces sweep this award year after year.
2800 Loma Linda Dr. (661) 327-2578

Favorites
Stockdale Christian School
4901 California Ave. (661) 327-3927

Bakersfield Christian High School
12775 Stockdale Highway (661) 410-7000

Retirement Community
Glenwood Gardens
This retirement community has now won its third straight award. From resort-style amenities to a full schedule of activities, Glenwood Gardens is senior living at its best.
350 Calloway Dr. (661) 587-0221

Favorites
Rosewood
1301 New Stine Road (661) 834-0620

Columbus Estates
3201 Columbus St. #A (661) 872-5855

Place to Worship
Valley Bible Fellowship
Valley is a first-time winner in this category. The church’s hope is that everyone enjoys the great music, encouraging messages, friendly people and casual atmosphere that is Valley.
2300 E. Brundage Lane (661) 325-2251

Favorites
Canyon Hills Assembly of God
7001 Auburn St. (661) 871-1150

St. Francis
900 H St. (661) 327-4734

On The Red Couch - July

Getting Away

Summer means many things – heat, kids out of school, and most of all, vacations. Bakersfield Life gathered four local women who know how to vacation in style to ask them about their summer gatherings. These women have been around the world and their responses are fascinating.

Q: If money were no object, what would be your dream vacation?

Colleen McGauley – I’d return to the Amalfi Coast of Italy, rent a large villa for several months and have family and friends visit as they could. We’d cook local foods, explore, work on relaxing, take cooking classes and enjoy the local regions.

Joanne Briones – I’d like to rent a villa in Tuscany for a month. I love the romance, food and culture of Italy. I like the idea of taking a month because my ideal vacation includes immersing myself in the culture and understanding the people.

Debrah Dutton – A European shopping trip would be a great vacation. As an interior designer, my clients often travel with me to buy furnishings and to gather architectural details and design ideas for their projects. This allows me to travel and work and at the same time do what I love.

Mary Christenson – I’m so boring! I love Santa Barbara, check in at the most luxurious spa for a couple of weeks of exercise, pampering, golf, romantic dining with my hubby, shopping – all with no cell phone.

Q: What’s the best trip you’ve been on in your life?

Colleen McGauley – I was blessed with a two-week vacation aboard a sailing yacht. Athens to Rome … for my 50th birthday, no less!

Joanne Briones – My favorite trip was when my husband and I took a cruise through Tahiti. The islands are gorgeous, the water and beaches are unbelievably spectacular and our yacht for the cruise was something like you’d see in a James Bond movie. Everything was first class, but my favorite experience was in Bora Bora. We went to church in a simple open-air sanctuary on lush grounds where we experienced the most moving service. I still remember the singing from that congregation, it sounded like angels.

Debrah Dutton – A few years ago, I spent a month in France and Italy where we explored the gastronomic regions of Lyon and Dijon, France. The experience of fine French cooking and wine tasting in this Burgundy district made this area of France unforgettable. My favorite place to vacation in Italy was at Lake Como near Milan. The landscape of the Swiss Alps as a backdrop to the shimmering lake is something I will never forget. The lake is surrounded by many villas that house beautiful gardens, art and architecture that are unforgettable. I would go back in a minute.

Mary Christenson – A Carribean cruise with my closest girlfriends when I was much younger! What fun! Good memories of all of us working so hard to be in great shape. Also a family trip to Europe – Paris, Scotland, London – three years ago.

Q: Are you more of an adventurer or a homebody?

Colleen McGauley – Adventurer – without a doubt!

Joanne Briones – This may sound odd for someone in my business, but I’m a homebody. I’ve lived in Bakersfield my whole life and I have a fantastic (and large) family and great friends. I like to work on my house.

Debrah Dutton – I am definitely an adventurer.

Mary Christenson – A little of both. I love to scout out villages, museums, fabric and trim shops, local sites and shop! I also like pool time, relaxing with good books, a little golf, just unwinding as well as dinners with my hubby and friends.

Q: Where are you going on
your next vacation?

Colleen McGauley – I leave next week for seven days at the Mendocino Farmhouse. A lovely Bed and Breakfast owned by a friend. Lots of great golf, relaxation and connecting with a dear friend.

Joanne Briones – This fall I’ll go to San Francisco for the USC vs. Stanford game and my husband will fit in golf at Pebble Beach. Next spring we’ll go to Hawaii and I’m excited about staying at the Four Seasons in Maui. My main focus, though, is a group cruise I’m working on for the fall of 2009 to the Western Mediterranean.

Debrah Dutton – I am going to Las Vegas in a few weeks for a furniture marketing vacation.

Mary Christenson – I’m going to Atlantis, Paradise Island in The Bahamas in July for a national real estate awards conference and I’m taking my family.

Q: Do you vacation every summer?

Colleen McGauley – Not necessarily. I squeeze vacations in and around my annual schedule. I prefer traveling at off-peak times when the crowds are a bit diminished. I don’t mind weather changes, so that’s a plus. It doesn’t ruin my world if it rains or even snows!

Joanne Briones – Yes, I do get to travel extensively. But like most people I don’t take a long, expensive trip all the time. I like to visit the coast and take some long weekends closer to home. I do think it’s important to get away, get refreshed and come home re-energized.

Debrah Dutton – Not necessarily. I travel all through the year and some locations are so overcrowded in the summer months that I prefer smaller trips within California as destinations each summer. Favorite summer locations are Laguna Beach, Santa Barbara, Ventura and San Francisco.

Mary Christenson – Yes! We’ve always done a family vacation to Door County Wisconsin – Sturgeon Bay – every year to visit my husband’s parents and family. I love the long walks around the island, sailing, sunbathing, reading, enjoying homemade cherry pie, rich cherry fudge, fresh salmon, corn on the cob and watching the gorgeous sunsets over the water.