MAS Magazine - September 2010

� Free Concerts � BMX Pro Stunt Team � All-Alaskan Pig Races � Aerial Thrill Show � Community Exhibits � Wild Science � Imagination Gallery � Hypnotist Show � 4-H Exhibits � Hobbies � La Villa Festiva � Livestock Pavilion �Turkey Stampede � Dr. Solar � Picasso’s Drawing Pavilion �� Wildlife Exhibits � Baking Contests � Russell Brothers Circus � Mini-Tractor Races �

ALL THIS FOR $6 DISCOUNT

TICKET! PURCHASE DISCOUNT TICKETS NOW THROUGH 9/21 AT ALBERTSONS AND KERNCOUNTYFAIR.COM

Wed. 9/22 8pm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MORRIS DAY AND THE TIMEpresented by MAS Magazine

Thur. 9/23 8pm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BIG BAD VOODOO DADDYFri. 9/24 8pm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAM TILLIS

with special guests Williams and Ree

Sat. 9/25 8pm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AIR SUPPLYpresented by Bakersfield Family Medical Center/

Heritage Physican Network

Sun. 9/26 8pm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CLAY WALKERpresented by Total Comm/AT&T

Mon. 9/27 6 and 9:45 pm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HYPNOTIST – TINA MARIE 8 pm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EN VOGUETues. 9/28 8pm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . COLLECTIVE SOULWed. 9/29 8pm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TOWER OF POWER Thur. 9/30 8pm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . KUTLESSFri. 10/1 8pm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GUESS WHO

presented by Eagle Mountain Casino

Sat. 10/2 6 and 9:45 pm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HYPNOTIST – TINA MARIE 8pm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BEATLEMAJESTYSun. 10/3 7pm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NINEL CONDE

presented by Eagle Mountain CasinoMARK

YOU

R CA

LEND

ARS!

FR

EE S

HO

WS

at

the B

udw

eis

er P

avil

ion!

FOLLOW US ON:facebook/kcfair twitter/kcfair

SSeepptt.. 55,, 22001100 MÁS | 03

Rodriguez & Associates

(661) 323-1400 | 2020 Eye Street

When you need a REALLY good lawyer!!

SSuperuperLLawyerawyer

Daniel Rodriguez has been selected by Southern California Super Lawyers Magazine as one of the Top Attorneys in Southern California for 2010.

Only 5% of the lawyers in the state are named super lawyers!

I can just hear Earth, Wind & Fire’ssong, “September,” ringing in my ear asI write this column. September alwaysfeels like an exciting time for many ofus. The children are back into school,training for youth fall sports takesshape, the exciting Kern County Fairarrives, National Hispanic HeritageMonth takes spotlight, the great fallweather approaches and of course,Latination kicks it all off.

I hope many of you get a chance tocheck out the beautiful artwork on dis-play at Metro Galleries in downtownBaersfield this month. “Latination II” isthe second annual Latin-inspired juriedart exhibit created in partnership withMetro Galleries and MÁS Magazine.Many sponsors make the event possi-ble, and great folks like Luis Aguilar,owner of the much-loved El PuebloRestaurant in Lamont, and Matt Muñoz

and his band of Mento Buru, also playvery important roles. Read all about it— and discover the winners — insidethis issue.

We have plenty of other features andphotographs to entertain, educate andwow you. Dolores Huerta recently cele-brated her 80th birthday, and we get amoment to chat with her. One Book,One Bakersfield prepares for its com-munity reading project this month —this one focusing on Victor Villaseñor’smemoir, “Burro Genius.”

We got some great photos on ourgente pages, including a 50th anniver-sary dedication to Julian and RosaJimenez. Now that’s true love.

And if you are a pizza lover, then youmust read the feature about RichardMorales, the owner of Cataldo’s Pizzaon Niles Street. My family has tested thepizza there, and five estrellas!

O L I V I A G A R C I A

EDITOR’S NOTE

Arte, book reading y mas

04 | MÁS SSeepptt.. 55,, 22001100

Grimmway is always looking for qualified candidates to join our growing family. Visit our website to see available career opportunites:www.grimmway.com/careeropportunities 661-854-6205

1616 30TH STREET ON GARCES CIRCLE

Located in theBakersfield Elks Lodge

Call Today 661-865-0584Ask for Angie

Banquet room availablefor your next:

• Wedding Reception• Birthday Party • Reunion • Private Event• Christmas Party• Quinceañera

Banquet Seating Up To 400 People, Table & Chairs Included.Kitchen & Full Size Bar, Large Dance Floor, Stage. Catering Available.

Wedding Coordinator Available Upon Request

BANQUET BANQUET ROOMROOM

The

ANTLERANTLER

CONTENTSS E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 0

Olivia Garcia Editor [email protected] 395-7487

Matt Muñoz Staff Writer [email protected]

EDITORIAL

CONTRIBUTING WRITERSGABRIEL RAMIREZ, LUZ PEÑA, GENE GARAYGORDOBIL

NOE GARCIA, JAY TAMSI, DIANNE HARDISTY

LOUIS MEDINA, JENNIFER BALDWIN

CASEY CHRISTIE, JOSE TREVIÑO, HENRY BARRIOS,

TANYA X. LEONZO, FELIZ ADAMO, MARIA AHUMADA-

GARAYGORDOBIL, JOHN ORNELAS

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

STAFF

ADVERTISINGJaime de los Santos Sales Manager [email protected] 716-8632

ON THE COVER: Alberto Herrera’s

“Los Ninos de la Revolucion” was hon-

ored with the “Best of Show” for Lati-

nation II on display this month.

Photo by Henry A. Barrios

ART DIRECTIONGlenn Hammett Design Editor

[email protected]

OFFICE

Marisol Sorto Office Administrator [email protected] 716-8640

ADVERTISING ARTISTRoberto Nunez

Latination IIWinners named for Latin art exhibit ondisplay at Metro Galleries.

16

In the Mixx with NoeVillage Fest, ArtFest, the Fair and

Ralphie May are some of the can’t-misshappenings.

26

Nice homecomingEast High Principal Lee Vasquez leadsstudents to their academic future.

5

‘Burro Genius’One Book, One Bakersfield beginscommunity read, focusing on VictorVillaseñor’s memoir.

6

Latina icon turn 80Dolores Huerta celebrates herbirthday, victories

12

Pizza timeRichard Morales ‘living his dream’through his business, Cataldo’s Pizzaon Niles Street.

14

For the record: An article about Grupo Aztlan in the August issueincorrectly named one of Steve Ornelas’ guitars. Ornelas only hasone guitar with a name, and it's named Mary.

SSeepptt.. 55,, 22001100 MÁS | 05

EDUCATION

By DIANNE HARDISTYSpecial to MÁS

When Librado “Lee” Vasquez talksabout East Bakersfield HighSchool, he talks about “cominghome.”

Vasquez, who completed his first year as theschool’s principal in June, began his full-timeteaching career at East 24 years ago. He beganhis rise through the Kern High School Dis-trict’s administrative ranks at the school. Andnow he has returned to help steer East into achanging, new future.

East “is largely a school of diversity now,”said Vasquez, during a recent interview. “Youhave kids attending from the Country Club

area and others who live next to KMC. Butthey are all EB Blades. There is an openness toembrace each other for their uniqueness.”

Opened in the 1930s, East is the second old-est high school in Bakersfield.

Lee Vasquez, his sister, SuzAnne, and broth-er, Alex, grew up in an east Bakersfield neigh-borhood near Quantico and Potomacavenues. His father, Alex, was a house painter.His mother, Virginia, was mostly a stay-at-home-mom, who occasionally worked in anursing home.

“There were all colors of kids in my neigh-borhood. Socioeconomically, we didn’t have alot of money,” Vasquez recalled.

The family was active in their community.Vasquez’s mother and father served on theFair-

A principal’s guidance

East HighPrincipalLee Vasquezhas comehome again,but still hasthe fire toget the jobdone

CASEY CHRISTIE / THE CALIFORNIAN

Lee Vasquez, East Bakersfield High School Principal, talks with sophomore Ivanna Ibarra while she does research in the school library forher World History class.

Continued on page 15

By Jennifer BaldwinSpecial to MÁS

In celebration of Nation-al Hispanic HeritageMonth, the communityis invited to join the

next community readorganized by One Book,One Bakersfield, One Kern.

The book, “Burro Genius,”by Victor Villaseñor (“Rainof Gold,” “Macho!”) is amemoir of the author’sexperience as the child ofMexican immigrants grow-ing up in Southern Califor-nia during the 1940s and‘50s. It is as much a com-mentary on the educationsystem that discriminatedagainst Spanish speakers –and failed to recognize theauthor’s severe dyslexia thatmade him seem like a “stu-pid Mexican” – as it is a sto-ry of family, culture,heritage and coming of age.

Lead partners Kern Coun-

ty Library and CSU Bakers-field have organized twomonths of programmingrelated to the communityread, starting with a kickoffon Sept. 16 at the BealeMemorial Library and cul-minating with the authorhimself giving a free talk atCSUB on Nov. 9.

One Book, One Bakers-field, One Kern encourageseveryone to read the book,hold book discussions, andparticipate in the manyevents related to NationalHispanic Heritage Monththis fall. According towww.hispanicheritage-month.gov, this year’stheme “recognizes thestrength and hard work ofHispanic Americans, whosezeal for family and countryhas helped shape society” –a very fitting theme for acommunity read of “BurroGenius.”

‘Burro Genius’

06 | MÁS SSeepptt.. 55,, 22001100

From Our Wok… …to your block

PARTY TRAYS AVAILABLEDelivery or Takeout Available

Small:11.5” x 9”

x 2.25”

Large:19” x 11.5”

x 3”Open For Lunch And Dinner 7 Days A Week

HOME DELIVERY • BANQUET ROOMS • COCKTAIL LOUNGE • CATERING

1119 18th Street, Bakersfield

(661) 323-2901

FRIED RICE

Steamed Rice $15.00 $35.00

Pork $18.00 $45.00

Chicken $18.00 $45.00

Chicken Mushroom $18.00 $45.00

Shrimp $25.00 $55.00

Beef Steamed Rice $25.00 $55.00

Chef’s Special $25.00 $55.00

Boneless Chicken Steamed Rice $25.00 $55.00

Curried Shrimp Rice $25.00 $55.00

CHOW MEIN

With Pork $18.00 $45.00

Beef $18.00 $45.00

Pork (Cantonese Style) $18.00 $45.00

Beef Tomato $18.00 $45.00

Black or White Mushroom $18.00 $45.00

Chicken (Cantonese Style) $18.00 $45.00

Almond Chicken $18.00 $45.00

Rice Bowl Special $25.00 $55.00

Shrimp $25.00 $55.00

CHICKEN

Salted Pepper Chicken Wings $23.00 $55.00

Chinese Chicken Salad $23.00 $55.00

Chicken Stick with Pineapple S&S Sauce

$23.00 $55.00

Sweet & Sour Chicken $23.00 $55.00

Kung Pao Chicken $23.00 $55.00

Boneless Chicken Mushroom $23.00 $55.00

Chicken with Broccoli $23.00 $55.00

Almond Dice Chicken $23.00 $55.00

Sesame Chicken $23.00 $55.00

Chicken Chop Suey (with Bean Sprouts)

$23.00 $55.00

Chicken Chow Yoke $23.00 $55.00

Lemon Chicken $30.00 $70.00

Chicken with Snow Peas $30.00 $70.00

Chicken with Cashew Nuts $30.00 $70.00

Spicy Chicken $30.00 $70.00

Orange Chicken $30.00 $70.00

Teriyaki Chicken $30.00 $70.00

General Taos Chicken $30.00 $70.00

House Special Chicken $30.00 $70.00

BEEF

Beef Chop Suey (with Bean Sprouts)

$23.00 $55.00

Beef with Tomato $23.00 $55.00

Bell Pepper with Beef $23.00 $55.00

Spicy Beef $23.00 $55.00

Rice Bowl Special Beef $23.00 $55.00

Beef with Broccoli $23.00 $55.00

Chinese Green with Beef $23.00 $55.00

Ginger Beef $30.00 $70.00

Mongolian Beef $30.00 $70.00

Snow Peas with Beef $30.00 $70.00

Kung Pho Beef $30.00 $70.00

Steak Que Cube of Choice/ $40.00 $90.00

Top Sirloin Cooked with Whole Mushroom

SHRIMP

Shrimp with Black Bean Sauce $30.00 $70.00

Shrimp with Tomato Sauce $30.00 $70.00

Kung Pao Shrimp $30.00 $70.00

Shrimp Chow Yoke $30.00 $70.00

Shrimp Chop Suey (with Bean Sprouts)

$30.00 $70.00

Shrimp with Cashew Nuts $30.00 $70.00

Shrimp with Broccoli $30.00 $70.00

Shrimp with Snow Peas $30.00 $70.00

Shrimp with Lobster Sauce $30.00 $70.00

Honey Walnut Shrimp $50.00 $110.00

PORK

Sweet & Sour Pork $23.00 $55.00

Pork Dow Foo (Bean Cake) $23.00 $55.00

Ribs with Black Bean Sauce $23.00 $55.00

Pork Chop Suey (with Bean Sprouts)

$23.00 $55.00

Garlic Sauce with Pork $23.00 $55.00

Pork Chow Yoke $23.00 $55.00

VEGETABLE

Water Chestnut Chow Yoke $23.00 $55.00

Broccoli with Oyster Sauce $23.00 $55.00

Bean Sprout Sautéed $23.00 $55.00

Mushroom Chop Suey (with Bean Sprouts)

$23.00 $55.00

Vegetable Chop Suey (with Bean Sprouts)

$30.00 $70.00

Snow Peas Chow Yoke $30.00 $70.00

Black Mushroom w/Oyster Sauce $35.00 $80.00

PARTY TRAY PRICE

SMALL LARGE

PARTY TRAY PRICE

SMALL LARGE

PARTY TRAY PRICE

SMALL LARGE

WE DO NOT USE MSGGSM

hsidycipsasetacidnI

COMMUNITY

One Book, One Bakersfield tohighlight Victor Villaseñor’s

Sept. 10-25 BakersfieldCommunity Theatre presents“Bordertown,” 2400 SouthChester Ave., admissioncharged, call 831-8114

Sept. 16, 11 a.m. One Book,One Bakersfield, One Kernkickoff of “Burro Genius”community read and NationalHispanic Heritage Month withspeakers and entertainment,Beale Memorial Library, 701Truxtun Ave., free.

Sept. 18, 2 p.m. Pam MuñozRyan Day, with proclamationsby Mayor Harvey Hall andAssemblywoman Jean Fullercelebrating Bakersfield nativeand acclaimed children’s

author Pam Muñoz(“Esperanza Rising”),entertainment, reception andbook signing, Russo’s Books atThe Marketplace, free.

Sept. 24, 7:30 p.m. FLICSInternational Film Societypresents “Sin Nombre,” a filmmade in Mexico touching onthemes of immigration andgangs, Fox Theater, $5,flics.org

Oct. 1-2, CSUB’s ModernLanguages Department hoststhe first “Hispanic Americanand Spanish Literary andCultural Symposium,” 9001Stockdale Highway, free with$2 parking, call 661-654-2359.

Local events include:

©2010. M

onterey Bay A

quarium

Foundation. D

erechos reservados.

��

��

��

��

�� !" #$�� %��&

'��(�� )�

*�� +�� ,�� -�� . ��

/(�

��

�0��

� �

��

� 1

) �

� �

��

��

�2 3

")"

��

Existemagia en el agua.

Existemagia en el agua.

�� 4 ��

By Gabriel RamirezSpecial to MÁS

Mariachi musichas beendescribed as agenre that origi-

nated in Guadalajara, Mexi-co and is performed atspecial events.

But to the students of theKern County Youth MariachiFoundation (KCYMF), mari-achi music is a fun way ofconnection with their culture.

“Being in the group hasbeen fun. We are like a fami-ly,” said Jessie Maldonado.

The 19-year-old has beenplaying the guitar with Mari-achi Juvenil de Aztlán, theperforming group of KCYMF,for nine years.

She said the group helpskeep the young ones out oftrouble and for her it hashelped her stay in touch withher culture.

KCYMF is a nonprofitgroup, established in 1998,that is committed to provid-ing activities that encourageartistic creativity, mutualrespect, a focus on academicexcellence and the preserva-tion and promotion of therich tradition of Mariachiculture and its music.

“KCYMF strives to promotehealthy behaviors andlifestyles through all ouractivities. Our students,practice at least once a weekand students develop ameaningful connection withthe community by perform-ing at many communityevents including health fairs,trade shows, school carnivalsand dinner fundraisers,” saidLupe Quiñonez, parent rep-resentative.

Mariachi Juvenil de Aztlánis directed by Jorge Luis Larisand currently has 11 stu-dents in the performinggroup. Members of the grouprange from ages 11 to 21.

The group recently held afundraiser, a summer con-cert to raise money for pro-viding services for thestudents involved.

According to Quiñonez,the money raised in the pasthas helped provide scholar-ships, instruments, work-shops, and uniforms.

“The secondary purpose ofthe concert is to showcaseour students to the commu-nity, family and friends,”

Quiñonez said. “As membersof KCYMF, our students aregaining an educationaladvantage. By helping stu-dents succeed academically,we are helping them gainself-respect and self-esteemwhile providing them withtools to deny the negativeinfluences around them.”

Students agree.“The group has given me

the skills and attitude to besuccessful,” said QuintonFreeman.

Freeman, 15, has beenplaying the guitarrón withthe group for 10 years andrecently got to participate ina summer mariachi program

at UCLA. “The group has taught me

responsibility and has keptme focused on practicing,”Freeman said.

Guitar player MatthewCadena, 14, has been playingwith the group for sevenyears and said being part ofthe group is fun and a greatway to meet new people.

“I believe this group is veryimportant,” Quiñonez said.“We’re the only non-profitorganization that offers theseservices to our youth, and theonly youth organization thatcan turn around and offertheir youth and talent toserve our community.

08 | MÁS SSeepptt.. 55,, 22001100

CULTURA

Playing the right strings

PHOTO BY TANYA X. LEONZO

The students of the Kern County Youth Mariachi Foundation, standing, left to right: Jessie Maldona-do, Ariana Quiñonez, Elisa Quiñonez, and Nicolas Hernandez. Sitting, left to right: Mathew Cadena,Zach Guerra, Joseph Bermudez, and Quintin Freeman.


When David Balderasturned 18, he had noidea what would

become of him or where hewould be living.

Balderas was a foster childwho had aged-out of the Fos-ter Care program. He’d beenleft without a home, that isuntil a friend at his churchtold him about CovenantCommunity Services —designed to help aged-outfoster youth adjust to livingon their own.

“I got lucky,” Balderas said.“I really didn’t know where Iwas going to go.”

Now 21, Balderas is a Bak-ersfield College culinary artsstudent enrolled in a transi-tional-housing program. He is

planning to move out on hisown soon.

“I found a place,” he said.“Thanks to this program, Iwas able to get on my feet anda good record, which allowedme to qualify for my newplace. The program is gold.”

CEO and founder ofCovenant Community Ser-vices, Randy Martin, said theprogram is critical to the suc-cess of the community.

“The services Covenant pro-vides are all designed anddeveloped to help childrenbecome safe, secure and con-tributing adults,” Martin said.“The programs and servicesof Covenant are importantbecause we enlist the com-munity to respond to the direneeds of former foster youth.”

Covenant Community Ser-vices was founded in 1999 by

Martin and a group of Christ-ian leaders in response to theneeds of Kern County’s fosterchildren.

“Most foster children comeout of the ‘system’ negativelyaffected,” Martin said. “Stud-ies have shown that nearly 25percent of former foster youthhave post-traumatic stressdisorder.”

That’s twice the rate of for-mer Vietnam War veterans, hesaid. “Our system and safetynet is leaving children withfew options except mental-health issues, poverty, prisonand homelessness.”

A large number of the coun-ty’s foster care children areminorities. In 2009, about halfof them were Hispanic, Mar-tin said.

“The statistics tell us thatthe future is nothing but badfor former foster youth. Whatelse can we expect unless weget involved and make a dif-ference by serving today,” hesaid.

Covenant operates servicesfrom mentoring and jobplacement to foster care andadoption. In the area of for-mer foster youth, Covenant

serves more than 70 youtheach month through the tran-sitional housing plus program(THP Plus), Building Blockshousing, independent livingprogram and CARENET serv-ices.

Now, 20, Mercedes Licea,said if it wasn’t for Covenantshe would be doing nothingwith her life.

“The program has been veryimportant to me and hashelped me a lot,” Licea said.“The program has helpedkeep me on track of accom-plishing my goals.”

That included getting herdriver’s license, high schooldiploma and a training posi-tion with Covenant.

Martin said people can helpfoster care youth in manyways.

“The youth of Kern Countyneed people to stand up andhelp,” he said. “They needpeople to mentor, to give, toserve and to pray.

“The only way we changethe future for foster youth is toget involved,” Martin said.“We need to care and let themknow we care by helping themsucceed.”

SSeepptt.. 55,, 22001100 MÁS | 09

COMMUNITY

Critical linkCovenant helps foster care youthtransition into adulthood

PHOTO BY JOHN ORNELAS

Randy Martin and wife, Kim, with four former foster children: Precious Murphy, Jeremy Hendricks,Lajoy Gentry, and David Balderas.

HOW YOU CANHELP• Donate clothing, toys,

furniture and/or appliances

• Become a foster parent

• Become a mentor to afoster youth

• Speak once a month to ouremancipated youth aboutyour business/company andprofessional skills

• Help send a child to camp

• Become a monthly donor

• Become an annual donor

• Host a dinner to recruitfoster parents

• Purchase Covenant Coffeewww.covenantcoffee.org

10 | MÁS SSeepptt.. 55,, 22001100

margorPyaDhtlaeHssenlleW*stludArof)CHDA(

sdeeNlaicepShtiw (*Adult is 18 and over)

For More Information Visit our website

www.ChateauADHC.com 661-322-4085 P 323-1059 F

824 18th Street, Bakersfield, CA 93301 Funded by Medi-Cal, Kern Regional Center or Private Pay

:edulcnisecivresynamfoemoS• Medical Monitoring• Occupational and Physical Therapy • Weight loss• Life Skill Training• ADL Training• Nutritional Education• Fun social activities• Community Integration Program• Volunteer Program

5804-223gnillacybruotaeludehcS...plehnacewwoheesot

EERFAPOHSKROW

Saturday,October 9th

at 10 am until noon.Presented by Altogether-Kellie Tyndall

for families and adults with challenges on

the Autism Spectrum.

sepoRlaicoSehtgninraeL)msituAfoseyeehthguorht(

By Luz PeñaSpecial to MÁS

The Spotlight Theatreproduction of “HavestMoon” planted theseed of the Latino cul-

ture and heritage in its audi-ence’s hearts and mindsduring its August run.

The cast not only had todepict characters created byMexican-American play-wright Jose Cruz Gonzales,they had to change their por-trayals as the characters agedbefore the audiences’ eyes.

The play tells a story of ateenage boy’s journey oflearning his deceased Mexi-can-American mother’s fami-ly history through a talkingmural.

“I play Mariluz, a muralist. Ipaint and leave history for myson,” said Kayla Frayre. “Mar-iluz is an important character.I tie everyone together, sothere was a lot of pressure onme to play her.”

The play starts out with a17-year-old Cuauhtemoc,played by Nick Ono, in themiddle of the harvest field.There he finds his mother’spaint brush. As he remembershis mother, he hears voicesfrom the mural behind him.

Frayre, along with rest of thecast played their characters atdifferent ages and phases intheir lives.

Frayre, who’s only 17, hadthe tough task of playing Mar-

iluz as a child to a mother inher 30s.

Despite Cuauhtemoc’swhite father’s best efforts toteach him about his mother’sroots, he has rebelled againstit. Once he’s in the fields,Cuauhtemoc is confronted bythe past – the vivid lives of hisgrandparents and greatgrandparents and even hisown mother’s cultural-identi-ty struggle. During the lessthan 90-minute play,Cuauhtemoc learns and final-ly embraces his mother’s fam-ily’s rich Mexican cultura.

“The play is about theauthor’s personal experienceof finding out who he was.During the play, Cuauhtemocwill learn about his family his-tory and where he comesfrom,” said Maria-TaniaBecerra, director of the play.“The story is what many of us,Latinos living in the U.S. dealwith. ‘Who we are’ and whatmakes us, us.”

Gonzales grew up in Wat-sonville, the son of migrantfarmworkers. He’s currently aprofessor at the University ofCalifornia, Los Angeles.

Artistic Director Hal Fried-man said he chose the playbecause of its United FarmWorker ties and its message.

“We did ‘Zoot Suit’ a fewyears back, so I’ve been look-ing for another Hispanicplay... It has a Mexican-Ameri-can appeal (for this area),” hesaid. “It talks a lot about fami-ly and everyone can relate tothat.”

Some of the 10 cast mem-bers played multiple charac-ters staying true to the wayGonzales wrote the play. Themural used in the play waspainted by actors HeathMuller and Michael Mejia.

TEATRO

‘Harvest Moon’ Mexican-Americanplay tells plight ofmigrantfarmworkingfamily

SSeepptt.. 55,, 22001100 MÁS | 11

By Gene GaraygordobilSpecial to MÁS

DELANO — AlthoughDelano’s Our Lady ofGuadalupe Catholic Church isindeed God’s house, it willalways be known as the“Church that Father Alabartbuilt.”

Father Francis XavierAlabart not only pushed hissuperiors during the 1950s tobuild Delano’s “westside”Catholic Church, he rolled uphis sleeves to raise money,sometimes taking moneyfrom his own meager priestsalary to get the job done.

And what a job for one man,

leading a very money-poorcongregation, although it wasvery spiritually rich, whenparishioners took their owntools to help finish the churchthemselves. So it was fittingon July 23, that the priest’sfamily, friends and fellowparishioners crowded into thesmall westside church to sendAlabart, 94, to his next jour-ney — as relatives noted — “toperform his heavenly duties.”

Alabart passed away on July17, a surprise to those whoknew him well, becausedespite his age, he continuedto live on his own, and evendo readings during variousMasses. During his morning

funeral Mass, mournerspaused by his dark brownwooden casket, adorned witha beige cloth and a black hat,called a biretta and the bookof the Gospels, said Pat Lane,owner and funeral director ofLane Family Funeral Home.The hat was later passed on torelatives. Inside the casket,Alabart wore a peach-coloredpriest smock with gold cruci-fixes. The priest also wore hisfamiliar wire-rimmed glasses,and his hands clutched a sim-ple wooden Rosary and abrown scapular.

Bishop John T. Steinbock,the leader of the Diocese ofFresno, presided overAlabart’s funeral Mass, andmore than 40 priests also par-ticipated in the service.

“He was a great personwe’ve all lost, a great priest,”Steinbock told the more than800 mourners who attendedthe Mass.

In 1951, Alabart joined thethen-Diocese of Fresno andMonterey and was assigned toSt. Mary’s Catholic Church inDelano. It was in Delanowhere he noticed the need tobetter serve the poorer neigh-borhoods of the community,

made up mostly of Latino andFilipino residents. He receivedpermission to build the west-side church, which he did“with a whole lot of sacrifice,”Steinbock added.

The church was completedin 1957, and Alabart becamethe first pastor of Our Lady ofGuadalupe Catholic Church.He was there until 1968, whenhe was reassigned to othervalley parishes. Alabart wouldretire in Delano in 1994, buthe continued to performpriestly duties until his death.

“Imagine, the great gift hehas given us, 70 years of faith-ful service of the priesthood,”the Bishop said. “Thank youFrancis.”

BEAUTIFULCHURCH

The man behind the

COMMUNITY

PHOTO BY MARIA AHUMADA-GARAYGORDOBIL

Bishop John T. Steinbock, head of the Fresno Diocese, talks about Father Francis Xavier Alabart’s legacy during the funeral Mass.

A Delano woman pauses to touchFather Francis Alabart’s portraitbefore his funeral service.

12 | MÁS SSeepptt.. 55,, 22001100

MILESTONES


Her lifelong career as anactivist for civil rights hasmade Dolores Huerta nation-ally known and brought

many awards, honorary doctorates andother recognitions. So it is no wonderthat many big names in the Latinocommunity and in Hollywood gatheredAug. 13 at the Greek Theater in LosAngeles to celebrate Huerta’s 80thbirthday. Musician Carlos Santana,among others, played in her honor. LosAngeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosamade sure he was there.

Yet, those accomplishments and hercurrent status as a hero and iconic fig-ure came with much sweat, hard workand struggle.

“My greatest accomplishment washelping farmworkers gain the right toorganize, with the result of peoplestanding up for their own rights,” shesaid.

And her most recent accomplishmentis The Dolores Huerta Foundation.

“Our mission is to inspire and moti-vate people to organize sustainablecommunities to attain social justicewith an emphasis on women andyouth,” Huerta said.

For her work in the fight for farm-worker rights, Huerta has been honoredwith a plethora of awards. Huerta hasalso received six honorary doctoratesand has schools named after her in sev-en cities.

Through the foundation, Huerta has

helped fight for the maintaining of twopublic swimming pools in Arvin andLamont, the creation of a new gymnasi-um at Sunset/Vineland Middle Schoolin Weedpatch, passage of a one-cent taxincrease in Arvin to fund public safetyand recreation programs and the con-nection of 27 homes in Weedpatch to asewer-drainage system.

The foundation has also fought forsocial justice by helping defeat anti-choice initiatives — Propositions 73, 85and 4, campaigning for equality of mar-riage, defeating anti-immigration reso-lutions in the city of Bakersfield andoffering monthly educational meetingson topics such as civil rights, domesticviolence, childhood obesity, energyconservation, diabetes, health care andcitizenship campaigns.

“I am now 80 years old and celebrat-ing my birthday with fundraisers forThe Dolores Huerta Foundationthroughout the year. The biggestfundraiser was a concert themed‘Weaving Movements’,” Huerta said.

Huerta’s birthday celebration doubledas fundraiser for The Dolores HuertaFoundation and included attendantsand performers such as Ed Begley Jr.,Martin Sheen, Pete Escovedo, CarlosSantana, Zack de la Rocha, BenjaminBratt, Lila Downs and Culture Clash.

“My life is about grassroots organizingfor people to feel the sense of their ownpower, and over the past 50 years I havelinked to many activists and currentmovement,” Huerta said.

Looking toward the future

Huerta feels there is still work to bedone to expand and protect farmwork-er rights.

“Farmworkers should not be forced towork when their lives are in jeopardy.Many have been injured over the years,and there has been a loss of lives due tothe extreme heat and poor workingconditions,” Huerta said. “We need toimprove OSHA regulations and enforcethe current laws to protect workers.”

Huerta also has strong feelings towardthe current immigration climate in Ari-zona and the repealing of Proposition 8.

“The Arizona law is unjust and allowsracial profiling. We need to educate andnot tolerate this type of legislation,”Huerta said.

“As for the repealing of Proposition 8,let’s celebrate it being overturned. Mar-riage equality is a civil rights issue, andthe government should not be allowedto tells us who to marry.”

Huerta hopes to continue to build asocial justice network, work on anational volunteer and activists net-work and develop and inspire indige-nous/community resident leadershipinternationally.

Huerta also wanted to give advice tocurrent Latino youth activists.

“Make sure your are registered to votewhen you turn 18, keep the “Sí SePuede” attitude, don’t give up andremember that your education is aninvestment for family and community,”Huerta said. “Don’t waste money onmaterialistic items, but instead saveyour money for your future.”

DoloresHuerta at 80

Still fighting for the rights of thosewithout a voice

SSeepptt.. 55,, 22001100 MÁS | 13

14 | MÁS SSeepptt.. 55,, 22001100

BUSINESS

By Louis MedinaSpecial to MÁS

Richard Morales is a big guy liv-ing a big dream — an extralarge pizza-sized dream.

Last fall, Morales, 47, left acareer in concrete construction to openup what has come to be known as “theeast-side Cataldo’s” on Niles Street nearShalimar Drive.

“This was something I’d always want-ed to do,” he said.

With the help of most of the membersof his familia, the East Los Angelesnative launched into the new venturelast December.

“We’re family,” he said. “We have ourbacks. We support each other in every-thing we do. That makes us very lucky.”

Wife Elizabeth Morales keeps thebooks and makes sure the restaurantstays tidy. Son Ritchie Morales, 17, astudent at Garces Memorial High, anddaughter Celina Morales, 19, a Bakers-

field College student and the headcoach of the girls’ freshman softballteam at Miramonte High School, bothwork part time, while the eldest son,Evan Morales, 24, manages the restau-rant.

The littlest, 9-year-old VictoriaMorales, who attends St. FrancisSchool, comes up with pizza creationsshe likes. “Victoria’s Favorite” has pep-peroni, olives and bacon. It may be aMorales creation, but the great tasteand chewy texture are unquestionablyCataldo’s. Eldest daughter Crystal, 25, ateacher, is the only one not directlyinvolved in the business. “But she lovesto eat lunch here,” dad said.

Morales is an expert backyard cookwho loves to treat those around him todelicious tri-tip or deep-pit barbecue,brother-in-law Bob Ortiz said.

He extends this type of congeniality tohis clients —and his employees.

On a recent night, Morales, and someof his staff, took turns serving food and

singing karaoke with about 50 cus-tomers who kept the place rocking.That type of “owner involvement” islikely to ensure Morales’ success as afranchise, said Michael Regpala,founder of the Cataldo’s Pizzeria chain.

Regpala said he recognized the entre-preneurial spirit in Morales, who foryears was a regular customer at otherlocal Cataldo’s locations.

Regpala invited Morales to open aCataldo’s in Wasco but Morales wasn’tready. No hard feelings, said Regpala,who opened up the Wasco store him-self. Then he spotted an opportunity onNiles and approached Moralesagain.Morales loved that location.

“In the current economy, it’s a goodtime to take a chance at a small busi-ness,” Regpala said. “We got his storeopened up really fast, on budget, andstarted hitting good numbers rightaway.”

Added his wife, “I remind him everymorning, ‘You’re living your dream’.”

Businessman embarks on dream ofowning a pizzeria

PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE

Cataldo’s Pizza on Niles Street is fulfilling a dream for Richard Morales.

SSeepptt.. 55,, 22001100 MÁS | 15

Taft College Science, Technology, Engineering

and Math (STEM) education prepares and

inspires learners of all ages to contribute to the

advancement of the global community. The

Taft College STEM activities and resources are

aimed at supporting improvement in quality

STEM education.

Taft CollegeScience • Technology • Engineering • Mathmatics

29 Emmons Park DriveTaft, CA 93268661-763-7700

fax School Board. By the time Vasquez entered high school, Eastwas not the only one on that side of town. Vasquez graduatedfrom Foothill High School and attended Bakersfield College,before following in his brother’s footsteps and transferring toSan Francisco State University.

At San Francisco, he majored in political science, with theidea of pursuing a law degree. His brother, who already hadgraduated and returned to Bakersfield to teach high school,convinced him teaching was a better career choice. But thatwas in 1978, when voters passed tax-cutting Proposition 13 andteaching jobs were hard to find.

Vasquez moved back to east Bakersfield and hired on as aclerk with the Santa Fe Railroad, where he worked for the next10 years. Two years into his railroad career, Lee and TeriVasquez married. Teri got a job with Kern County – working firstin the Personnel Department, and then transferring to the Pro-bation Department, from which she recently retired as a proba-tion officer.

But Vasquez still had the teaching bug. In 1985, while stillworking for the railroad, he took a part-time job teaching inde-pendent studies in the afternoon at South High School. Thenext year, he joined East’s faculty as a full-time government andindependent studies teacher. He and his brother, who alsotaught at East, coached the school’s football teams – Alex, thevarsity team, and Lee, the sophomore-freshman team.

Vasquez’s interest soon shifted to counseling and administra-tion. He earned degrees in both fields from the University of LaVerne, qualifying him to become East’s dean of students in1990. Three years later, he was assigned to help open the newCentennial High School as its dean of students. He laterbecame Centennial’s assistant principal.

In 2000, he was named the district’s director of pupil person-nel services and in 2005, he was named principal of SouthHigh, a job he held until his recent East appointment.

Surrounded by modest neighborhoods, where police battlepockets of gang infestation, Vasquez concedes East struggleswith an image problem that makes students bristle andprompts Vasquez to rattle off many school accomplishments.

Whether it’s East’s sports achievements, the performance ofits specialty Health Careers or Multi-Media academies, or themany students who have qualified for admission to some of thenation’s top universities, Vasquez shines with pride.

“This campus gives kids hope,” said Vasquez, whose resi-dence has remained in East’s attendance area.

“When kids come into education, they are fired up, they wantto learn. But along the way, they are labeled and they begin todefine themselves by those labels,” said Vasquez. “When theycome to us, we tell them they can redefine themselves in highschool. We tell them to look at themselves in a different light.

“It sometimes takes a lot of strength for them to do that. Theyhave to walk the street home at night. We don’t see what theyreturn to. The miracle is that these kids show up every day.Junior may have to walk the gauntlet to get here. So we mustmake sure we are giving him the very best that we can.”

With 80 percent of its student population Latino, Vasquezsaid students come from a variety of socialeconominc and cul-tural backgrounds, from first generations to third. But his goalis the same for all of them: Graduating and finding their dream.

“I have five to seven years before I retire,” said the 55-year-oldVasquez. “But I still come to school every day fired up. So domost teachers. If they feel they have a possibility of making achange, a difference, it ignites their spirit.”

Continued from page 05

16 | MÁS SSeepptt.. 55,, 22001100

COVER STORY

By Dianne HardistySpecial to MAS

Don Martin tells the story of a burly manin work clothes who showed up for anexhibit at the Metro Galleries in down-town Bakersfield.

The man stood in front of a painting for thelongest time, seeming to be absorbed in his study.Finally, he turned to gallery owner Martin and said,“I don’t know nothing about art, but that’s a prettypicture.”

In some ways, that story embraces the secondannual “Latination” show that will open Friday,Sept. 3, at the Metro Galleries, 1604 19th St. Thejuried art show will remain on display through themonth of September.

The show is a celebration of Latino art, culture,heritage and history. And the definition of “Latino”is found in the eyes of the artist and art patron.

To Martin, “Latination” is defined by the brilliantcolors. “I look to the col-or in all aspects – food,dress, ceremony. I amdrawn to the colors,”said Martin. Othersmight define “Latina-tion” by themes, historyand political struggle.

It is like the burlygallery visitor in Martin’sstory who recognized a“pretty picture” when hesaw it. “Latination” is apersonal response. Visi-tors to the Metro Gal-leries – and those

include the diverse group of community peopleinvited to judge the entries – recognize and reward“Latination” when they see it.

Martin, who grew up in Kern County, graduatingfrom Arvin High School and earning a fine artsdegree from Cal State Bakersfield, said he was longinterested in having a “Latino inspired” show at hisgallery.

Brainstorming with Olivia Garcia, editor of TheBakersfield Californian’s MAS Magazine, led to thecreation of the first “Latination” show last year.“Day of the Dead is one of my favorite holidays. Iwanted to meld ‘Latin’ and ‘nation’ together in a

Don Martin

LATINATION II

SSeepptt.. 55,, 22001100 MÁS | 17

show that would celebrate a culture, not pushan agenda.

“I asked [artists] to give me their interpreta-tion of what the Latino culture is. I wasn’t surewhat we were going to get,” Martin recalledduring a recent interview. “We got amazingwork.”

More than 100 pieces of art – mostly paint-ings, with some photography, sculpture andpottery included – were entered into last year’sshow.

“There were many young artists, 19- and 20-year-olds, who were just starting their careers,”Martin said.

Alberto Herrera, an art teacher at FruitvaleJunior High School in northwest Bakersfield,won “best of show” with his painting that paidtribute to his recently deceased mother, Maria.

“Last year’s show was great. I saw work thatwas just fabulous,” he said. “I was surprised byits quality. It was good work, not amateurish.”

Calling it a “people’s show,” Martin explainedthe opening of “Latination II” will be morethan just an art exhibit. It will be a community

party held inconjunctionwith thedowntown’sFirst Fridaycelebration.Again, entrieshave pouredinto theMetro Gal-leries for theshow.

Sponsorsinclude MASmagazine,the Bakers-field HeartHospital,GrimmwayFarms, Dr.Luis Cousin

of Premier Medical, attorney David Torres,Westamerica Bank, The Padre Hotel andattorney David Leon.

Food will be provided by Lamont’s El Pueblorestaurant, with live entertainment and bands,including a Mariachi band, adding to the fes-tivities.

Martin said last year’s September First Fridayevent, which featured the first “Latination”show, was the most successful in 2009. TheBakersfield Police Department estimateddowntown party-goers exceeded 4,000.

Other downtown galleries, stores and restau-rants, including The Padre Hotel, will havespecial events during First Friday and “Latina-tion II.”

LATINATION II Where: Metro Galleries

1604 19th St. Bakersfield

Hours: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The juried art show, whichopens on Sept. 3, will be ondisplay at the MetroGalleries through the monthof September.

LATINATION II WINNERS

Best of Show:

Alberto Herrera “Los Niñosde la Revolucíon.”

First Place:

Perry Hoffman “Latin”

Second Place:

Jorge Guillen “Untitled”

Alberto Herrera says it is easy forhim to define “Latination.” It’s hislife. Everything about his artembraces the concept. That isbecause he is Latino – born in southTexas, but reared in Bakersfield.

Herrera’s acrylic painting, “LaIndia Maria,” won “best of show” inlast year’s first annual “Latination”show at the Metro Galleries. Heentered three paintings in this year’sevent.

“My mother had passed away twomonths prior to me painting ‘LaIndia Maria,’” recalled Herrera dur-ing a recent interview. “I was notpainting. I just did not feel up to it.”

But family and friends encour-aged Herrera to paint a tribute tohis mother, Maria, who died at theage of 79 from complications ofheart disease and diabetes.

“I was crying all the time I waspainting,” said Herrera, adding thathe was surprised and pleased thathis painting was named “best of theshow” and was depicted on the cov-er of MAS magazine.

An art teacher at Fruitvale JuniorHigh School in northwest Bakers-field, Herrera entered the following

three paintings in this year’s “Lati-nation” show:

“Las Tamboreras,” or drummergirls. “When I was little, my familywould go to Juarez, Mexico, wheremy mother’s family moved from.”Herrera said he has vivid memoriesof visits to the area, and its festivalsand “drummer girls” playing in theplazas.

“Baile de los Viejitos,” or dance ofthe old men. Herrera explained thathe was asked by the MECHA club atCal State Bakersfield to design alogo and other illustrations to pub-licize a performance by a dancegroup from Mexico scheduled toperform in Bakersfield. Herrera hadseen the group perform severalyears earlier. His painting “Baile delos Viejitos” is a spinoff from hisMECHA assignment.

“Los Ninos de las Revolucion,” orchildren of the revolution. “The rev-olution in Mexico is generallyviewed as men fighting,” Herreraexplained. “Women and maybeeven children fought, too.”

The three paintings Herrera hasentered in “Latination II” embracethe Bakersfield artist’s interpreta-tion of “Latination,” which hedefines as the culture, history, food,dance and music of Latinos. “Every-thing I paint is Latino. It is my style.”

—Dianne Hardisty

Herrera’s paintingsshow his Latinationinterpretation

18 | MÁS SSeepptt.. 55,, 22001100

Criminal DefenseTrial Lawyer

Over 22 years Trial Experience

326-0857326-08571318 “K” Street

Bakersfield, CA 93301Fax: (661) 326-0936Cell: (661) 301-0123

Visa, MasterCard accepted

State Bar #135059

David A. TorresDavid A. TorresATTORNEY AT LAWATTORNEY AT LAW

Graduate of The National Criminal Defense College And Institute for Criminal Defense AdvocacyAmerican Trial Lawyers, Top 100 Lawyers

Proud Sponsor of Latination

Federal Cases:Narcotics Distribution

Internet Crimes White Collar Crimes

And All Others

State Cases:Homicide

Major Narcotics Theft Charges And All Others

w w w . l a w t o r r e s . c o m

Latination is “all about color” for San-ta Barbara artist Perry Michael Hoff-man, who is entering two mosaics inthe show that will open Sept. 3 at theMetro Galleries in downtown Bakers-field.

“I have always felt a strong connec-tion to the Latino community,” Hoff-man said during a recent interview.“And color is a big part of my work.”

Born in Los Angeles, Hoffman migrat-ed to San Francisco in 1975, where hedeveloped his work in color Xerox col-lage and mail art, photography, clay andsmall backyard gardens. Hoffman latermoved to Santa Barbara, where his “lifeand job” is his art. His “current andthriving passion” is building mosaicaltars. He also conducts classes in work-ing with tile.

For nearly a decade, Hoffman hasbeen working on his “tile house” nearJoshua Tree National Park in the desert,about 140 miles east of Los Angeles.Calling the project his “labor of love,”Hoffman is methodically installing tile

and mosaics that will eventually coverthe entire inside and outside of thehouse.

“The stark and open, hard and hot,sometimes freezing desert embracedme in 2000,” Hoffman explained on hisblogwww.magentaraves.workpress.com. Helight-heartedly describes his mosaicwork: “If I can touch it and break it, Ican make art out of it.”

In Joshua Tree, Hoffman said he“explored an even more in depth studyof life and my surroundings with cam-era in hand and embarked on a mosaicproject taking on an entire house.” The“tile house” is a work in progress thatcan be viewed on Hoffman’s blogwww.tilehouse.wordpress.com.

Hoffman, 57, said he makes frequenttrips to Mexico, where his art has beeninfluenced by the Latino culture and itsdominant use of bright colors. “That fitsnaturally with tile.”

Hoffman said he learned about theMetro Galleries’ Latination II show

through Santa Barbara friends who areacquainted with the Bakersfield galleryowner Don Martin. The mosaics Hoff-man is entering in the show are domi-nated by rich color and Latin themes.

“One of my favorite holidays it the‘Day of the Dead,’” said Hoffman, indi-cating this is one of the themes includ-ed in his entries.

—Dianne Hardisty

Hoffman uses Latino Connection for his artistictheme in Latination entries

WE’RE ALWAYS THINKING ABOUT YOU

Keeping a community happy and healthy isn’t easy. We know that.

And we know it takes more than a hospital to do it. It takes partners who care as much about the welfare of Kern County as we do.

That’s why Bakersfield Memorial Hospital seeks out great organizations that help us help you. Like Children’s Miracle Network, which raises millions for the kids who come to us for medical care. Kohl’s Cares for Kids, which donates profits from merchandise to programs that help young people avoid injuries,

diabetes, asthma and obesity. And Ronald McDonald House Charities, which offers families a nice place to stay on campus when their children are hospitalized.

This community built our hospital back in the 1950s—and you can rest assured that we’ll always be here for you. Building partnerships to help us serve the community we all live in….every minute, every day.

So, if you’ve got concerns, ideas, or plans for the well-being of the community we all love...It’s OK. We want to hear from you.

KNOW GOOD HEALTH? Play the “Memorial Game of Life” at www.ItsOKBakersfield.com You could win some great prizes!

420 34th Street Bakersfield, CA 93301(661) 327- 4647 | www.BakersfieldMemorial.org Become a fan on Facebook

? f Life” at

rizes!

20 | MÁS SSeepptt.. 55,, 22001100

Susan Reep of Bakersfield has beensurrounded by art all her life.

Her father, Ed Reep, is a nationallyrecognized watercolorist. Her mother,Pat Reep, has quilts on permanent dis-play on public walls, including those inlocal libraries.

But it has only been since SusanReep’s retirement from teaching threeyears ago that she has focused on herown artistic expression.

“I am not a professionally trainedartist,” she said during a recent inter-view. But she has been taking photo-graphs since she was 7 years old, whenshe asked her parents for a camera andbegan documenting family vacations,celebrations and other events. As herinterest in photography grew, so did herskills, and sense of composition anddesign.

She now focuses her photography asan art form, combining it with collagesand paintings to tell her unique storiesand share her life experiences.

Whether she is taking a trip to CostaRica, or a drive along a country road inAlta Sierra, in the foothills east of Bak-ersfield, Reep is capturing images onher camera and using her mind’s eye to

begin assembling her “photo stories.”Reep entered two such “stories” in the

“Latination II” show at the Metro Gal-leries. Entitled “Festival” and “Going tothe Festival,” they feature the bright col-ors Reep associates with Latination.They incorporate the “astonishingbright colors” Reep says she embracedduring a trip to Costa Rica a few yearsago. “All the houses were painted withthese stunning, bright colors.”

She notes the same bright colors arefound in the flowers sold on Los Ange-les’ famed Olvera Street and in typicaldepictions of the sun and the moon.

“I am not pretending to be an experton Latin culture or Latination,” saysReep. “It is whatever you see it as being.Others may see it differently. I canexpress what I think it is. I don’t have tobe right.”

Reep’s entries into the “Lationation II”show combine painted backgrounds,vintage fruit crate labels and photo-graphs of a colorful feathered roosteronto canvass panels that are hung aninch apart.

“It’s hard to say where my ideas comefrom,” says Reep. “They often just cometo me all of a sudden.”

—Dianne Hardisty

Reep uses photographyto show her love ofbright colors

CROSS INTO THE BLUECROSS INTO THE BLUE

RESPECT.

IT’S JUST PARTOF WHATYOU’LL EARNFOR A LIVING. Working for the U.S. Air Force has its

rewards. Respect, for one. Not to

mention a good salary, great benefits,

a quality lifestyle and the chance to

do something important with your

life. All in all it adds up to quite a

benefits package. To find out more, call

1-800-423-USAF or visit airforce.com.

Delano Surgical Group1205 Garces Hwy, Suite 303, Delano CA 93215

Call 661.725.4847 for a Complimentary Consultation

�� Laser Hair Removal Physician Supervised and Preformed by Registered Nurses, Certified in Laser Hair removal

Also Providing Laser Treatments for:

�� Facial Skin Treatments �� Pigmented Skin Lesions

Ask about our refer a friend program

Prices per treatmentUpper Lip $30.00 Chin $35.00 Underarms $35.00 Forearms $60.00 Lower Leg $85.00 Bikini Line $43.00

Also available Laser Facials, treatments for skin pigmentation, Non-Surgical Laser

Treatment for Varicose Vein

SSeepptt.. 55,, 22001100 MÁS | 21

22 | MÁS SSeepptt.. 55,, 22001100

The

NetworkKern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce September 2010www.kchcc.org

Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

More than 200 members and guestsattended the Kern County HispanicChamber of Commerce grand openingfor the Padre Hotel Aug. 12.

The ribbon-cutting event was attend-ed by many, including Mayor HarveyHall, Superior Court Judge RobertTafoya, representatives from Congress-man Jim Costa’s Office, state SenatorsRoy Ashburn and Dean Flores offices,Kern County Supervisor Ray Watson’soffice, and many other communityleaders.

Presentations were made to ownerBrett Miller, General Manager DrewHall, and Padre Staff for their opening ofthe hotel. Guests were treated to appe-tizers, champagne and refreshments,hotel tours, and music by Paul Perezand Jazz-trio in the prospect lounge andDJ Noe G in the Prairie Fire patio bar.

The rooms and suites at the PadreHotel offer fresh design schemes, high-end amenities, and teak furnishings cre-ating the perfect balance between styleand substance.

You can start your day off with break-fast and coffee at Farmacy Cafe. Atlunch, enjoy food, drinks, and billiardsin the Brimstone Bar. Join us for happyhour with signature cocktails and spec-tacular sunsets at Prairie Fire. Then it’son to dinner in our fine dining restau-rant, Belvedere.

Finish the night (or just get it started)with dancing and drinks at Bakersfield’shippest nightspot, Prospect.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KCHCC

The Padre Hotel ribbon-cutting ceremony was a huge success, attracting local digni-taries, including Mayor Harvey Hall.

Hundreds turn out for grandopening of Padre Hotel on Aug. 12

THE PADRE HOTEL • Located at 1702 18th St.

• For more information contact (661) 427-4900 or visit their Web site atwww.thepadrehotel.com.

Belvedere

• Lunch: Monday - Friday 11:30 a.m. to 2p.m.

• Dinner: Sunday - Thursday 5 to 9 p.m.,Friday - Saturday 5 to 10 p.m.

Farmacy

• Breakfast: Monday - Friday 6 to 10 a.m.,

Saturday - Sunday 6 to 10:30 a.m.

• Grab ‘n Go Sandwiches, Salads &Pastries: Sunday - Thursday 6 a.m. – 10p.m., Friday - Saturday 6 a.m. – 2 a.m.

BrimstoneSunday - Thursday 11 a.m. to midnight,

Friday - Saturday 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Prospect

Friday- Saturday 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Prairie Fire (Seasonal)

Wednesday - Thursday 6 to 11 p.m.,

Friday - Saturday 6 to 2 a.m.

SSeepptt.. 55,, 22001100 MÁS | 23

SAVE THE DATE

Wednesday, Sept. 8Business Mixer hosted by

Valley Medical Group Inc

5401 White Lane

5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

For information, contact 836-4000

Tuesday, Sept. 28KCHCC & Employer Advisory Council Employer Seminar –Advantages to HiringVeterans

Career Services Center

1600 E. Belle Terrace

Bakersfield, CA 93307

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.


Thursday, Oct. 14Business Mixer hosted by

Wells Fargo Bank

1300 22nd St.

5:30 – 7:30 p.m.


October 2010KCHCC Golf Tournament


Wednesday, Nov. 10Business Mixer hosted by

Double Tree Hotel

3001 Camino Del Rio Court

5:30 – 7:30 p.m.


Dear Members and Friends,I would like to thank Donna

Hollingsworth and the entirestaff at AltaOne Federal CreditUnion for hosting our Augustmixer as they did afabulous job wel-coming our cham-ber members andguests to theiroffice. Great job!

On Aug. 12th, wehosted a successfulribbon-cutting andgrand opening forthe beautiful PadreHotel. Thank you toBrett Miller, DrewHall, and the Padrestaff for the won-derful hotel tours,appetizers andrefreshments. Itwas a remarkableevent. Well done! On Aug. 15th,we had our 16th annual Con-sumer Trade Show at the KernCounty Fairgrounds. We hadmore than 50 vendors, great liveentertainment, food court, andkids’ area. Thank you to all whoattended.

It is with great pleasure toannounce Maggie Ortega hasjoined out chamber as our newexecutive director. We are excit-ed to have her. Please feel free to

stop by the cham-ber office to sayhello. WelcomeMaggie!

A warm welcometo our new cham-ber members andwe thank ourrenewing mem-bers. We appreciateyour continuedsupport.

For further infor-mation, please callthe Chamber officeat (661) 633-5495or visit our Web siteat www.kchcc.org.Wishing all of you

continued success until nexttime.

Sincerely,

Ramona Herrera ChairKern County HispanicChamber of CommerceState Farm Insurance

A letter fromChair Herrera

KERN COUNTY HISPANICCHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Thank you to our membership renewals andwelcome to our newest members. Weappreciate your support.

H.A. Sala, Attorney at Law

Michael Rubio for State Senate

General Tree Service

Little Caesars

Walker Lewis Rents

RENEWALSFor renewing their memberships, the KCHCC thanks:

WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST MEMBERS

For more informationvisit: www.kchcc.org or call

the Kern County Hispanic

Chamber of Commerce office

at 633-5495.

KCHCC BOARD

Mission Statement:

To create, promote and enhance business opportunities for

our membership and provide business, cultural and resource

linkages with emphasis on the Hispanic community.

2010 Executive BoardCHAIR- Ramona Herrera

CHAIR-ELECT - Jay Tamsi

VICE-CHAIR - Donna Hermann

SECRETARY- David Alanis

TREASURER - Jan Bans

Adam AlvidrezChris BernalDonna HollingsworthFran TrevinoJoe SerranoMichael UriosteRuben GonzalesRisto Rubio

Executive Director Maggie Ortega

Office AdministratorCyndi Imperial

Board of Directors

El ClassificadoContact: Martha C. de laTorre

11205 Imperial Hwy

Norwalk, CA 90650

(323) 837-4058

The Bail Guy

Contact: Joe Serrano

1211 Chester Avenue


(661) 809-9342

Health Net

www.healthnet.com

Sprint Extreme Wireless

8120 Rosedale Hwy Ste 200


(661) 587-7070

Synergy BandContact: Denise & Joey ZazaChavira

(661) 717-7043

Elite ChiropracticContact: Dr. Carlos Reyes

2612 F Street


(661) 873-4151

For more information, visit: www.kchcc.org or call Kern

County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce office at 633-5495.

24 | MÁS SSeepptt.. 55,, 22001100


Contributed by KCHCC

AltaOne Federal Credit Union hostedthe Kern County Hispanic Chamber ofCommerce August Business Mixer.

The business mixer at the bank, at6501 Ming Ave., was a huge success,complete with great networking, and awarm welcome by DonnaHollingsworth, branch manager.

Also in attendance were RobertAslanian, business development man-ager; and AltaOne Federal Credit Unionstaff members.

More than 100 chamber membersand guests enjoyed a delicious array ofappetizers and refreshments catered bySi Senor Restaurant.

AltaOne is a community-based creditunion established in 1947 servicingKern, Inyo and Mono counties. Theyhave 14 member service centers toserve you including one in Bakersfield,Tehachapi, California City, Boron,Kernville, Lake Isabella, Ridgecrest,Bishop, Lone Pine and Mammoth.

The credit union can assist you withbusiness loans, secured and unsecuredlines of credit, business term loans, SBAloans, equipment loans, constructionloans, as well as real estate purchase orrefinance for income properties-bothresidential and commercial.

AltaOne provides business depositaccounts with free and interest earningas well, business saving and certificatesof deposits, visa cards for business withreward points, and online banking andbill pay. AltaOne also offers personaldeposit accounts, and home, automo-bile and truck Loans.

"As the provider of choice for finan-cial services in its communities,AltaOne Federal Credit Union is dedi-cated to the credit union spirit ofneighbor helping neighbor," statesAltaOne's vision statement. The origi-nal sense of neighborly responsibility

that initiated the credit union at ChinaLake has been melded to a professionalorganization capable of meeting thevariety of needs facing their members.

AltaOne is always ready to work withmembers on individual, personal

needs. AltaOne’s strength and profes-sionalism during the past 60 years hasled to growth of assets of more than$500 million and more than 46,000members.

AltaOne Federal Credit Unionhosts August Mixer


AltaOne Federal Credit Union celebrates an excellent mixer with KCHCC members.

For more information on AltaOneFederal Credit Union, go towww.AltaOne.org or visit one oftheir Bakersfield branches:

Ming Member Service Center

6501 Ming Avenue


397-2555

Lobby Hours:

M-Th 9-5

Friday 9-6

Saturday 9-2

Drive-thru Hours:

M-Th 8:30-5:30

Friday 8:30-6:30

Saturday 8:30-2:30

ALTAONE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

SSeepptt.. 55,, 22001100 MÁS | 25

Kern County Hispanic Chamber of CommerceSpecial to MAS

Guests were treated to deliciousfood during the grand opening ofthe newest Tony’s Pizza location.

Kern County Hispanic Cham-ber of Commerce hosted the rib-bon cutting for the new Tony’sPizza location, at 4750 CoffeeRoad.

The business provided theirdelicious pizza and an assort-ment of appetizers and refresh-ments for everyone in atten-dance.

Tony Martinez Sr. and his fami-ly own and operate various Tony’sPizza location in Kern and Tularecounties, including two in Bak-ersfield, one Delano and Porter-ville, among other locations.

The pizza place is famous for itsspecial “Chile Verde” pizza. Thechamber is pleased to have themas new members, please stop byand try their delicious food.

KCHCC holds grand opening, ribbon-cuttingfor Tony’s Pizza Coffee Road location

Hispanic Chamber selects Maggie Ortegaas new Executive DirectorKern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

The Kern County Hispanic Chamber ofCommerce is pleased to announce newExecutive Director Maggie Ortega.

Ortega is a Kern County native, raised inthe small town of Richgrove, just 10 min-utes northeast of Delano.

She is a graduate of Delano High Schooland earned a bachelor’s degree in publicadministration and policy from CaliforniaState University, Bakersfield.

She contributes much of her academicand career success to her parents, who atone time worked in the agricultural fieldsand instilled the importance of higher edu-

cation.“My parents are my role models,” Ortega

said. “Their examples of responsibility andcommitment have guided me in my career.

“My background provides me with afamiliarity of the diversity of our communi-ty as well as the needs of business owners,”she said. “And I plan to carry out the valuesand examples my parents have taught meas the executive director.”

A Bakersfield resident, Ortega brings 18years of combined experience and a back-ground in marketing, advertising, and busi-ness services to her new role as thechamber’s executive director.



Tony’s Pizza welcomes a new location on Coffee Road with the help of KCHCC members.


Maggie Ortega

DELANO LOCATION:• 1806 Cecil Ave.

(661) 725-6678

BAKERSFIELD LOCATIONS:• 4130 California Avenue

(661) 325-4717

• 4750 Coffee Road

(661) 588-4700

Welcome backgente, anothermonth gone, canyou smell the

fair? It’s coming, so think ofwho owes you money andcatch them at the fair lol!Because that’s where you runinto all the people you haven’tseen in a long time.

Shouts to the homie H.A.Sala , Sylvia Mendez andJudge Robert Tafoya, whowere in attendance at theKCHCC ribbon-cutting cere-mony for The Padre Hotel.Always good to see you guys.

Lowrider Nationals CarShow and Concert came intotown, showing the best inlowriders along with a coolconcert featuring Baby Bash,DJ Quik and local up-in-com-ing artist Geek’d Up, who mayI say rocked the stage. Lookout for these kids. They’regonna be big someday!Recording group The Far EastMovement performed theirhit song “Like A G6” at TheNile and rocked it. Local Website 66one.com has nowlaunched a cool Internet radioshow, which features local DJsmixing a variety of music,Spanish to hip hop and every-thing in between. Check it outat thecorelive.com.

Birthday shouts to RistoRios over at Mission Funeral,Alexis Romero, and also mihermano y mi hermana NoraDeDios and Libe Garcia, mayyou have a cool birthday day!Love, the Garcia Family.

OK now let’s get into themixx and see what’s up forthis month.

Viva La Cerveza & Vino Village Fest 2010 is coming

to the Kern County Museum,3801 Chester Ave., Sept. 11.Come out and get a taste ofover 100 different brews ,unlimited food samples fromover 30 of Bakersfield’s finestrestaurants and the best winebeing served. Also over fivestages of live music by local

bands. Tickets are $65 at Valli-tix.com or by calling (661)322-5200. You can also buythem at Lenthwise BrewingCo. and Frugatti’s Eatery.Don’t wait till the last minute.This event will sell outbecause there are a lot of bor-rachos out there.

Laughing is good forthe Heart!

Comedian Ralphie Mayreturns for a second time tothe Fox Theater, 2001 H St.You’ve seen this funny guy onComedy Central, and youwon’t be disappointed whenhe rolls into town Sept. 23.

Tickets are $29.50 at Valli-tix.com or call (661) 322-5200.Doors open at 7 p.m., andshow starts at 8 p.m. So grabthe homies and come out andlaugh your nalgas off!

ArtFest 2010 San Joaquin Community

Hospital presents Art Fest2010, benefiting the YoungArtist of the Boys and GirlsClub. Save the Date SaturdaySept. 25, 6 to 10 p.m. insidethe Moorea Banquet Centre.Come out and enjoy delec-table delights, a little wine-tasting, exciting silent and liveauction and some of thecoolest artwork from the stars

of the night, the children ofthe Boys and Girls Club. Tick-ets are $60, for more info con-tact Ricki Foster at661-325-3730. See you there!

Sunday Funday Ill Rah productionz presents

Session Sundayz inside AgaveGrill and Cantina, 250 Oak St.It goes down every Sunday 5p.m. to closing with Dj Dam-age and DJ Editt mixing up allthe Latin house and Top 40shakers. There’s no covercharge at this party, but youdo have to be 21 with ID tokick it! More info: (661) 322-4283. Make it a fun day everySunday!

Alright people, that’s it forme. Make it a great month,and support all your localevents. Remember party safe,and don’t drink and drive.Peace out and don’t hate. —– Much love, Noe G!

Shouts to Irma at CBCC,Mayor Harvey Hall (nowyou’re in MAS, lol), HappyBirfsday Jay Tamsi, BartenderBrandon at Marriott, Drew atThe Padre Hotel and Holly-wood actor Danny Trejo (Lookout for the exclusive Noe Ginterview with Danny nextmonth). Machete the Moviecoming soon.

NO E G.

IN THE MIXX

By NOE G.Contributing ColumnistHave an event you want to

share with MÁS?

E-mail: [email protected]

‘Mixx’ it up with Noe G

HAPPY 50THANNIVERSARY!Right: Ruben, Julian, Joey, Bernice & Becky, with theirparents, Rosa & Julian Jimenez, married for 50 years.

Below: Alyssa, Jacqueline, Destiny, Anna, Julianna,with their dad, Julian, and grandfather Julian.

26 | MÁS SSeepptt.. 55,, 22001100

By Matt Muñoz, MÁS Staff

Two years ago, the Bak-ersfield Latin rockquintet was beingwatched on interna-

tional TV after winning SiTV’s‘Jammin’ online band battleand making it to the finalsbroadcast.

Although the band lost to agroup described as another“future pop music casualty,” itwas probably better that Velo-rio took home the consolationprize. After all, most realityshow competition winnersfall into obscurity sooner thanlater.

Not Velorio. Like most new bands mak-

ing a big impression in high-profile places early in theircareers, Velorio took the expe-rience and immediatelyplanned their next moves —writing new music and tour-ing across the country.

“We’ve been expanding,”said Velorio lead-vocalist andguitarist Alvaro Caceres of theband’s continued mission.“And preparing ourselves forthe next step.”

Carefully plotting their nextcareer move, fellow bandmembers Ben Gomez, bass;Eric Powers, keys; AdrianNevarez, percussion; JasonBlakely, drums, bass, havealready scored some choicegigs for an unsigned band.Headlining the HollywoodHouse of Blues this past year,the band has also performedat L.A.’s Conga Room andbeen a featured band at vari-ous artist showcases, thanksto their manager and bookingagent Claudia Guerrero ofSouthern California-based,

Chicle Atomico Promotions. “To survive in this game,

everything has to be stream-lined so we don’t step on eachother’s toes. Claudia beganbooking us more than the LAbands because we wanted towork,” Gomez said. “She’sbeen an immense help to us.”

Building their fanbase viatheir MySpace and Facebookpages, the group’s “brick bybrick” approach has also putthem on the road in someinteresting travel arrange-ments from California to Ore-gon, even as far as Chicago.Making their recent trekaboard a tour bus that runsentirely on used kitchengrease, the band venturedthrough city alleys requestingcontributions from variousrestaurants.

“We refer to it as our envi-ronmentally conscious tour,”Caceres laughed. “The Asianmom and pop restaurants

had the best grease.”Percussionist Nevarez, also

a recent CSUB graduate,added his own description forfilling the 120 gallon convert-ed fuel tank that included asimple hose and battery-operated pump.

“We put on the rubbergloves and went for it. We’djump out and just go, go,go…”

In addition to thinking out-side of the box when it comesto touring, the band has alsosteered their music in a differ-ent direction. Originally ajam-based band with extend-ed solos and multi-layeredpercussion, Powers explainedtheir new course to keepthings light.

“We’ve been concentratingon simplicity. When we firststarted out we had a home stu-dio we used to record as muchas we can. Things becamemuddled,” explained Powers.

Hit tracks like “Entregate,”and “Lights, Camera, Dissatis-faction” from their latest ses-sions are radio-friendly jamswith the right blend of theband’s strongest musical ele-ments. Catch the band liveand there’s no resisting theirinvitation pa’ bailar.

“The dance game is addict-ing, and we love making peo-ple dance,” said Caceres.

So, as the world’s 'Roc enEspanol' scene seems to betaking a creative siesta by try-ing to imitate their U.S. idols,Velorio’s music reminds youof why you still wear your oldCaifanes T-shirt. You can’tbring back the dead, but youcan rest assured that withinthe armies of bands spinningtheir wheels – there is hope inthe Valle Central.

“It’s only going to get bet-ter,” said Powers.On the Web:www. veloriomusic.com

SSeepptt.. 55,, 22001100 MÁS | 27

ENTERTAINMENT

Viva Velorio! Velorio continuesto blaze musictrails

PHOTO BY ALEX OMEGA/COURTESY OF VELORIO

Velorio, from left, Adrian Nevarez, Jason Blakely, Alvaro Caceres, Ben Gomez, and Eric Powers.

28 | MÁS SSeepptt.. 55,, 22001100

•Access – 24 Hours a day, 7 Days aweek365 Days a Year•State-of-the art24 Hour Security

661-615-1010USA MAXISTORAGE

3023 Unicorn Road • Bakersfield, Ca 93308[freeway 99 and Hwy 65 exit]

GENTE GALLERY

Los Lonely Boys concertAug. 4, 2010

Held at Fox Theater

Photos by José Treviño

David Lugan, Beanna Diaz, Yasmin Sanchez and Nick WilleyMateo and Nancy Gallegos

David Hernandez and Mona Urquizo

Jesse Gonzales and Joey Medina

Xavier Ruiz and Otis King

Oscar Iniego and MaryAnn Narvaez

Horacio and Ruth Fernandez

Jose Luis and Maricela Ocampo

Noelia and Joe Garcia, Sandra Poh and Leticia Garza

SSeepptt.. 55,, 22001100 MÁS | 29

Hundreds of surplus windows.

• Large in-stock selection of aluminum and vinyl framed windows.

• Custom retro-fit orders available.

728 S. Union Ave. • Bakersfieldph (661) 633-1926 • fax (661) 633-1164

BUILDERSSURPLUSBUILDERSSURPLUS

GENTE GALLERY

MAOF & State Farm EventJuly 7, 2010. Held at Career Services Center

in Bakersfield.

Photos by Tanya X. Leonzo

Greg Sherlock, Carlos Cruz, Megan Person and Alicia KolbusLydia Rogers and David Alaniz

Bay Hilborn and Ramona Herrera Nicole Soto-Garcia and Sylvia Walker Jose Jimenez and Alan Barajas

Jorge Solis Jr., Angelica Almaguer and David Alaniz Victor Portillo and Carlos Cruz

Martin Castro, Mercedes Ortiz andChristopher C. Ward

30 | MÁS SSeepptt.. 55,, 22001100

GENTE GALLERY

CSUB save wrestling MMA eventAugust 14, 2010 at Icardo Sports Center

Photos by José Treviño

Jakquelynn Soto, Mandy Muniz, Makaila Gonzales and Genesis CerveraIsiah Miranda, Poncho Miranda, andSamuel Loera

Marty Williamson and Mayor Harvey Hall

Steve Hernandez and Roberto Vargas

JR Flores and Matt Moreno

Jenna Jameson and Tito Ortiz

Carlos Rivera and David Mancha

Ring girls

Joey Maya, Jeff Guess and Billy Moore Chris, Ashley and Joe Aguilar

SSeepptt.. 55,, 22001100 MÁS | 31

delivered to you,

24 hours a day wherever you may be.

• Happenings • History • Dining Divas • Entertainment • Pastimes • On The Red Couch • Community • Guys On The Green • Home & Garden • Health & Fitness • Snap! Bakersfield Life

www.bakersfieldlife.com

Bakersfield’s Premier City Magazine

TM

TM

Documents

MAS Magazine - September 2010