A family of Young Marines

At 16 years old, Elizabeth Schull is already in command.

She is a Young Marine and carries the rank of sergeant major, which puts her in charge of the Bakersfield unit — about 80 youth strong. They look to her for weekly training, educational activities, and community service commitments.

That’s a tall order for the approximate 5’5”, sweet-voiced teen who, by the way, is also Young Miss Kern County.

“I love to help, I love to give, and I love to be that role model for them,” said the Stockdale High 3.5 GPA junior. “The Young Marines changed me. I would not be the person that I am today.”

Not too bad for a teen who once hated the idea of joining the program when she was eight years old.

Just go through boot camp, her parents suggested, and if you still want to leave, then the choice is yours.

She never left.

Today, she is up for Young Marine of the Year for the division, which represents nine western states.

The Bakersfield Young Marines is a nonprofit group that relies on volunteers to help teach youngsters the values of honor, courage, and commitment.

They are introduced to leadership, character-building skills and expected to live health, drug-free lifestyles, said Pamela Schull, adjutant of the Bakersfield Young Marines and Elizabeth’s mother. Pamela Schull who works with foster youth in group homes began as a volunteer 10 years ago and saw firsthand how the program influenced youth in the positive way.

“We have kids of all socioeconomic levels — kids raised by grandparents, in foster care, from normal households,” Pamela Schull said. “But together, they’re not a certain class. Together, they’re one. This is their family.”

This family comes in the form of boys and girls, anywhere between the ages of 8 to 18. It’s the U.S. Marine Corps’ official youth program, but you don’t have to be military destined to join.

They must go through boot camp for a couple of weeks and are known as “recruits” before graduating and promoting through ranks over time.

Some Young Marines travel as far as Frazier Park, Maricopa and Delano to be a part of the program.

A huge part of the program’s focus is community service. Last year, they logged in more than 20,000 hours, supporting events such as the Great American Cleanup, Red Ribbon Week, Toys for Tots, and Veterans Appreciation Week.

And while the program appears to making a difference, it is need of help this holiday seasons.

Topping the list is more adult volunteers, said Young Marine First Sergeant Haylee Martin.

“We’re always looking for staff members,” said the West High junior and a six-year Young Marine. “It’s kinda hard with five members.”

Current staff members come from a variety of backgrounds, mainly military and law enforcement.

Martin said it’d be nice to have guest speakers in leadership or career roles to discuss their profession.

“All of us motivate each other,” she said. “We’re like a family.”

Young Marine Corporal James Terrazas it would be nice if someone could donate a computer to the program because right now, they only have one and it’s probably the “slowest computer ever.” As a result, staff volunteers conduct a lot of the classwork using their personal computers from home and running copies from home.

Other needs include a projector for class instruction. Additional computers for the Young Marines would also be nice. 

Terrazas joined the program, following his footsteps of his brother, Joe, who is now USMC lance corporal stationed at Camp Pendleton.

“If I didn’t have the Young Marines teaching me integrity, then I’d probably doing stupid stuff,” said the 14-year-old Ridgeview High student who grew up on the “south side” of town. “I really want to thank the staff for helping me.”

There’s value in supporting a program like this, said Young Marine Staff Sergeant Adrian Cabral who join the Marine Corps after graduating from East High. It’s a long-term investment that can change the direction of any youth.

Cabral who grew up on the “east side” said he remembers being that troubled kid in need of direction when his family signed him up at age 10. Respect for no one — that was his motto.

“I used to be a bad kid before I joined the Young Marines,” said Cabral, now 16  and one of the politest teenage boys I have ever met. He credits the staff and fellow Young Marines.

“It changed the way I see things in life. I learned about leadership, integrity, how to say no to friends. You become a better person.”

Sylvia Mendez hopes to inspire, creates group to help court-dependent children

There were innocent moments but enough to tremble the world of Sylvia Mendez.
The local businesswoman had put on an ice-skating benefit last December to raise money for abused and neglected children who were part of the CASA program and Jamison's Children Center. About 300 children, separated from their families during the holiday season, were able to spend time with each other and ice skate for a day.
But the turning moment came when Mendez saw an 8-year-old who spotted her brother in the crowd. She hadn't seen him in four months as they had been placed in different foster homes with no way to contact each other. Overwhelmed, the little girl rushed over to hug her brother tight, unsure when she would see him again.
Then in a follow-up moment, another child tried returning a jacket to Judge John Brownlee after he finished ice-skating. The boy thanked the judge for letting him borrow the coat.
No, it’s yours to keep, donated through the fund-raiser, Brownlee explained.

“Really? I’ve been praying for a jacket,” said the humble boy.

He hadn't had a jacket to call his own. Now he did.
And in a way, Mendez had something to call her own: It was a mission to expand this little ice-skating benefit into something bigger and grander this year, and come Dec. 12 at the Rabobank Arena, it’s Mendez’s hope that she will be able to reach about 2,800 court-dependent children and let them ice skate for a day, learn from mentors who have been through similar experiences, watch a Condors hockey game and mainly, forget about their troubles and appreciate the innocence, love and laughter of being child.

“When you look at it in the larger scheme of things, we only touched 300 kids last year. That’s not enough when there's almost 3,000 kids in the system,” Mendez said. “I had to raise the bar. (Me and my husband) believe in mentoring, in making a difference.

“You have to inspire.”

 
As part of her inspiration, she has formed the new nonprofit group, Children Joining Children for Success, which is organizing the Dec. 12 event, in partnership with the Condors.
She’s even “recruited” her husband, well-known criminal defense attorney H.A. (Beto) Sala (well, his free time, if he has any) and she has enlisted volunteer board members, Dr. Rebecca Rivera, Dr. Dennis Martinez, attorney Silva Lopez, Kern County Deputy District Attorney Wendy Avila and Dee Slade of the African-American Network.
The project has meant rising up at 2 a.m. to start her day:  planning the benefit, running her court-reporting business, and making time for her husband and daughters — but she knows the next three weeks are critical to make the event successful.
There are three things she needs to accomplish right away, she says, and she needs the community's help.
First, she is looking for 28 mentors who found ways to persevere past troubled childhood experiences and serve as role models.

“We want the children to meet successful professionals who went through similar hardships as a child and made it,” her husband said. “We are trying to instill in the children that they need to rely less on the government and more on hard work, creativity and helping others.”

The second item off Mendez’s checklist is tracking down the owners of the Rabobank Arena suites. Mendez said she’d like to ask if some or all of them could donate their space on Dec. 12 so the mentors can meet with the children in 20-minute sessions.
Mendez said her own childhood past — she grew up in a violent home with an alcoholic father who knew the penal system too well — has motivated her to hold this event.

“When I was 10, I used to drive my brothers and sister to the bus stop to get school, which was out in the country in Delano,” Mendez said. “My mother would leave early to go pick grapes at 5 a.m. and we would have to fend for ourselves.

“Our lives were nothing like the privileged life our children have today,” said Mendez, referring to her daughters. “My husband and I have made a pledge that our children will learn to have compassion, tolerance, and be there for children who need help.”

The third item is, of course, finding sponsors and selling tickets to the hockey game. Ticket prices are $10 and $16.
She is currently working with some schools, such as the Downtown Elementary School, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, and high school forensic teams, including Bakersfield Christian, Centennial, Bakersfield, East, Ridgeview, Garces Memorial, and South, that are participating in fund-raiser.

“Although the CASA program and Jamison Center stand to benefit, the participating schools and children’s organizations will receive a percentage of the proceeds they raise in ticket sales to help them support their own school programs, where widespread budget cuts in the school system have impacted their ability to operate,” Mendez said.

A junior board of the Children Joining Children for Success consisting of youth from the high school forensic teams, CASA and Jamison Center will be formed. The goal is to get the youth to mentor court-dependent children.

I’m hoping we can create “leadership among our academically successful youth,” Mendez said. “Our children will learn to have compassion, tolerance, and be leaders for children who need help.”

Meanwhile, Sala says he’s never seen his wife so determined and focused on helping children caught in our system.

“You just don't know when you impact a child,” Sala said.

But you do know when a child impacts you.
For Mendez, there’s no turning back.

For more information about the benefit, email Sylvia Mendez at sylviamendez@cjcfs.org or call 661-631-2904. The web site is www.cjcfs.org.

Crossing arms at railroad intersections become reality

It started with a tragic death, a motorist killed after her car collided with an oncoming train at a railroad intersection that had flashers, yes, but no crossing arms to temporarily block drivers. Since 2001, at least 10 people have died at railroad intersections with no crossing arms in parts of Kern County, in cities such as Bakersfield and Shafter.

The crashes prompted State Sen. Dean Florez, D-Shafter, and a railroad safety committee to propose the installation of crossing guards at the following locations along the Burlington Northern Santa Fe line: Kratzmeyer Road; Merced Avenue; Poplar Avenue; Peterson Road; and Blankenship Avenue. About $1.2 million was spent on this project, mainly from federal funds.

“There’s no excuse in today’s age to not have gates,” Florez said. “This is a big issue for rural communities.”

The last of the five intersections received gates this summer, and on Monday, Florez plans to recognize the groups — Caltrans’ rail division, the county roads department, the California Public Utilities Commission and Burlington Northern Santa Fe — that made the project possible. The event will be held at 2 p.m. at the Merced Avenue and Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad crossing.

“It was a team effort between (these groups) that we were able to ensure that the railroad safety improvements at each of these intersections came before another accident and prior to the foggy season,” said Rudy Salas, Florez’s district director.

The group effort was needed because the responsibility varies by agency.
The state Public Utilities Commission, for instance, determines what kind of improvements should be made at railroad crossings. In this case, the commission recommended that crossing arms be installed.
That shifted the responsibility to Caltrans, which sought funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation and searched for a contractor to take on the project. Meanwhile, the county roads department finished road work, such as widening, leading up to the railroad crossing.
Burlington Northern Santa Fe’s duty is to maintain the gates once installed. Caltrans officials, however, say improvements to railroads are the responsibility of the city or county that has jurisdiction over each roadway.
Regardless, the efforts to address the problem were in hopes of stemming any future accidents.
The deaths drive home just how important the crossing arms are for the community.
David Richard Woodruff, 65, died June 24, 2008, when a train hit his truck as he crossed the railroad intersection on Merced Avenue, near Shafter. Crossing lights were flashing, but there were no railroad guards. California Highway Patrol officials have said it appears Woodruff, a Bakersfield resident and school board member for more than 35 years, was trying to beat the train. His family, however, has said Woodruff was not a risk-taker.
In late November 2006, Rafael Marin Carrillo, 41, was killed when his Chevrolet sedan crashed with an oncoming Amtrak train at a railroad crossing at Kratzmeyer Road, Rudd Avenue and the Santa Fe Railroad tracks, northwest of Bakersfield. The railroad intersection did not have crossing arms, but CHP officials say Carrillo failed to yield to the oncoming train.
At the same Kratzmeyer location, Mary Young Williams, a 79-year-old Buttonwillow resident, died Feb. 17, 2005 when a train hit her 2003 Mercury after her car became stuck on the tracks as she crossed.
In December 2001, a van carrying seven men believed to be farmworkers crashed into an oncoming double-decker train while trying to cross a railroad intersection on Poplar Avenue in Shafter. The driver, Mario Andres Aguilar, did not have a license, but the issue of the crossing not having guards was raised. The crossing did have lights and bells.

“Crossing arms are one additional visual warning device. However, ultimately it is still up the crossing user to pay attention to their surroundings,” said Lena Kent, spokeswoman for Burlington Northern Santa Fe.

At times, driver distractions, intoxication or unfamiliarity with the area can play a role in train accidents, Caltrans officials said.
Railroad crossing improvements, however, are a priority for the U.S. Department of Transportation, which sets aside $15 million for California annually, said Ken Galt, chief of the railroad crossing safety branch, which is part of Caltrans rail division.

The tragic tale of Highway 46

Two recent crashes on Highway 46 that killed six adults and one infant within days of each other revived attention to the two-lane stretch famously dubbed “Blood Alley” for its horrendous accidents of the past.
Last Wednesday, three 19-year-olds, Steven Dub, Kayla Shepard and Hilary-Kendall Fix, who were from the Bay Area and Southern California, were killed on Highway 46 near Wasco when their Toyota Corolla collided head-on with a truck, according to county Deputy Coroner Annette Pinales. Days earlier, on Oct. 23, Shirlene Ann Soto, 62, and Walter Earl Elliott, 84, both of Los Osos, died when their Prius smashed head-on into a Chevy Cavalier that was passing two trucks in the opposite direction on 46 near Highway 33. In the Cavalier were Avenal residents Jose Alberto Sanchez, 25, and one-year-old Nathaniel Sanchez, who died at the scene while a woman passenger, was taken to Kern Medical Center.
The accidents arrive on the heels of a groundbreaking ceremony planned for Nov. 10, marking the beginning of expanding 46 from two to four lanes. The improvements will likely be done in segments and the first section calls for work to begin on an eighth-mile section.

“It's been a 10-year journey,” said State Sen. Dean Florez, referring to the planned expansion that became one of his first major projects as an assemblyman in the late 90s.

The journey was sparked by a high-profile crash in 1999 on Highway 46 that left a young woman dead and a Bakersfield family badly injured. The crash would set the stage for a public campaign to repair a road.
At the time, the Waski family - parents Michael and Eileen and sons, A.J. and Michael Jr. - were traveling on Highway 46 to the Central Coast to celebrate Independence Day with friends when they were struck by a car driven by 22-year-old Michelle Phillips, also of Bakersfield. She died at the scene, but the Waskis were hit hard. They were hospitalized and some members would later undergo weekly physical, speech and occupational therapy sessions to start over. The family would ultimately sue the state, alleging the road was in dangerous conditions. The state settled for $4 million in 2001.

“The one thing we like is that (Highway 46) is going to be turned into a four-lane highway,” Eileen Waski told The Californian after the settlement in 2001. “This family went through pure devastation, hell, hell … and I hope nobody has to go through that again.”

Soon after the Waski-Phillips crash, Florez and The Californian Editorial Board launched a highly-publicized “Fix 46” campaign, calling for public action to make 46 a state priority and bring needed dollars to repair the road.
Florez said his involvement did raise criticism from other officials who said he was just looking for media attention. But he said the plan was to fulfill his promise to the Waski family to fix the road that has long connected Bakersfield travelers to the Central Coast.

“This was our big campaign,” Florez said. “It caused a lot of ruckus.”

Securing the funding, completing a years-long Caltrans environmental study, and acquiring the additional land is what gobbled up the time before the road work, which is a planned expressway, could begin, Florez said. 

“We've been keeping track,” he said.

Tracking the list of fatal accidents that have occurred along the Kern County section of Highway 46, sparking the debate into how deadly the road really is.
In the past, law enforcement officials have said motorists are causing these crashes, not the road itself. Some travelers are risk taking unsafe passes that can result in injuries or death.

“We've had good years (no deaths) and bad years,” said Lt. Doyle Green, the CHP area commander for the Buttonwillow office. “There's really has nothing to do with the road. Some people are making unsafe passes when they shouldn't.”

As to the danger, Highway 46 is no different than any other two-land road, such as Highway 65, 119 or 166, Doyle said. The bigger issue is that motorists need to have patience and put safety first.

“It's basically people who are in a hurry,” Doyle said. “They are trying to get to the coast or home. They can't wait so they have to pass.”

The speed limit is 55 mph and there's been many times when the CHP has cited drivers for going 70.
Florez, however, says that the road is what makes people impatient, thus the need for four lanes.

“People's impatience is a function of the road, and it's not that people are impatient,” Florez said. “Accidents are going to continue to happen unless it's fixed, and this is the only way to get to the coast unless you go” way around.

The planned four-lane expressway will help, Doyle agrees, because it will allow trucks and other slower-moving vehicles to the right.
Of course, careful drivers can also make a difference.
A CHP tasks force in 2008 that focused on highways 46 and 41 allowed officers to devote additional time to those areas, Doyle said, and it resulted in 1,000 additional tickets being issued from the Buttonwillow office. That task force was made possible through federal grant monies that are not available for 2009.

But “we have funding for Highway 119 this year,” he added.

SWAT teams sharpen their skills

Survival of the fittest: Hats off to the Bakersfield Police Department SWAT Team for recently hosting a law enforcement event that involved their counterparts within the county Sheriff’s Department.

The first SWAT Challenge, a competition that pitted BPD’s SWAT unit against the Kern County Sheriff’s Department SWAT team, was held at the 5 Dogs Range Thursday.
Of course, it was a friendly competition, but it did hold both departments’ elite members to the fire.
“These are top-notch deputies and officers who train extensively to deploy to the most dangerous situations law enforcement responds to,” said Sgt. Bobby Woolard of the Bakersfield Police Department. “The citizens of Bakersfield and Kern County should be proud of these men and what they go through to stay on the top of their game.”
The teams competed in a few scenarios: citizen/officer down drill; active shooter; deliberate entry; sniper-initiated entry; hostage rescue; and breaching.
 “The idea for the ‘Annual SWAT Challenge’ was brought to me by several BPD SWAT team members back in June,” Woolard tells me. “The team members wanted to stage an event that would test their skills by having several ‘scenario-based’ shooting courses that SWAT members would encounter during actual operations.”

Of course, another thought behind the competition was to offer a different kind of training that didn’t require a major expense (out-of-town private training, for example). These days, many departments’ training budgets are a bit tighter.
The team with the best time overall took top honors.
In this case, BPD SWAT landed No. 1, beating the county SWAT unit by 1 minute and 14 seconds, Woolard says.
The BPD SWAT team was presented with a perpetual “sword” award.
That award, however, will be passed between the two departments; whichever is the winner that year.
The scenarios went pretty smoothly, except for a minor mishap on the sheriff’s side, in which Deputy Randall Meyer broke his pinkie finger in one of the last sets. (You can imagine the nickname he earned afterwards, but good thing, he was fine, thanks to a visit with the doctor).
After the event, BPD took the time to honor a few of their SWAT team members who recently left the unit. They were Sgt. Jorge Gomez, 16 years on SWAT; Sgt. Matt Pflugh, 11 years on SWAT; Detective Mike Hale, six years with SWAT; and Detective Mark Herman, five years with the special unit.
Meanwhile, on Saturday, the Kern County Sheriff’s Department SWAT team also recognized two of their guys who were leaving their unit. They were: Senior Deputy Juan Trevino and Deputy Christopher Martin.
Woolard tells me that he hopes the SWAT Challenge will be the first of hopefully many years for this event. The Kern County Sheriff’s Department SWAT team will host next year’s event in October.
Congrats to BPD. I’m sure the county SWAT team is anxious for next year.

Take me out to the ballgame: Speaking of competitions, I had the opportunity to see the Los Angeles Dodgers take on the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 2 of the National League Championship Series Friday. (No, not the unfortunate Game 3).
Of course, I was pretty close to canceling out — even told my husband to find a buddy of his to replace me.
The night before, I felt pretty ill and, given all the heightened attention to swine flu, I assumed my number had been called. I was coming down with the swine flu all right. That morning, things seemed to be looking worse, I thought to myself, lying in bed, moving around like I had approached the end of my time.
Meanwhile, my husband, Julio, who had taken Friday off from his busy work schedule with the Sheriff’s Department so we could attend the game, woke up bright and early ready for our planned escapade.
“C’mon, Olivia, I know how much this means to you. It’s gonna be great. You’ll feel better. Trust me.”
But I just couldn’t move.
Just think back to the 1986 John Hughes’ hit “Ferris Bueller's Day Off.”
I was Cameron Frye — Ferris’ hapless best friend who was sick in bed, feeling sorry for himself.
Of course, Ferris somehow convinces Cameron to snap out of it and go with him on an unforgettable day’s adventure.
In this case, Ferris, my husband, somehow figured out a way to get me out of bed to go to Dodgertown.
Sometimes, it’s good to listen to our spouses or best friends even when we think there’s no hope in sight for us.
It turned out that I was just sick from something I ate the day before. I felt fine by the third inning. I even found myself dancing, chanting and clapping away when the eighth inning began showing some action on the Dodgers’ side.

And by the time, the game ended, the sellout crowd was overwhelmed with happiness. Strangers gave high-fives, patted each other on the back. People smiled and look at each other with pride. Friends I had never known before surrounded me. You were right, Ferris.
Thank you for making my Friday a memorable one.

It takes a community to raise kids

It all starts in the home. That’s what I often hear when people talk about the best place to prepare our children for success.
Yes, they are right to a certain degree.
But I also believe it takes a bigger circle to guide our children, including extended relatives, our kids’ teachers, and community groups.

One great local example is the Hispanic Excellence Scholarship Fund, or HESF. A Cal State Bakersfield initiative, HESF began 25 years ago as a way to increase enrollment of Latino students at the campus and provide financial support to high-performing talent.
Their board membership is impressive: Ed Herrera, owner of Herrera Insurance Agency; Cal State President Dr. Horace Mitchell; and Arvin High School Principal Blanca Cavazos, to name a few.

I attended the recent 2009 HESF scholarship award dinner at the DoubleTree Hotel. Kern County Superintendent of Schools Christine Lizardi Frazier was the keynote speaker and shared a sincere personal story of success and handy advice for the succeeding in college.
Nearly 70 CSUB students were recognized as HESF recipients. In all, HESF awarded approximately $130,000 in scholarships this year. That deserves a special thanks to local businesses that, even in this tough economic year, found ways to support this worthy cause.
Cal State’s HESF has given more than $2 million during its span.
Wow.

People help youth in different ways. Businesses donate needed dollars. People volunteer to mentor and kids, well, help each other.

When I think about that, I think of people like Kern County Sheriff’s Department Senior Deputy Derek Brannan.
Brannan helps run the East Bakersfield Sheriff’s Activities League, which reaches children living in the surrounding neighborhoods. He gets strong volunteer support from his wife, April, and their four children, Baylee, Breaker, Beau and Birdy.

Right now, they are spreading the word about a car-wash fundraiser to be held this weekend that would benefit the East Bakersfield SAL Stars football program.
The football program is made up of three teams and reaches about 60 children, third- through seventh-graders. About eight of the players are girls.

There’s Frances, one of the sweetest girls I’ve ever met, and then there’s chatty, always happy twin girls Zulma and Cynthia. The three girls can be fierce on the playing field.
There’s also the funny and friendly Josh who, with his quiet and hard-working brother, Jaelyne, are powerful forces with the ball. And did I mention Daisjahn and Adam? Talk about talent, both on offensive and defensive lines.

I could go on since I’ve had the opportunity to meet these amazing kids. My husband, Julio, and other deputies, including Sgt. Danny Edgerly, are part of the team of coaches. My oldest two boys, Diego and Mateo, play with these youngsters, some whom they consider their good friends.
Brannan tells me the car wash money will go toward football gear (mouth pieces, socks and such), snacks, transportation (he usually transports the players to and from practice and games), laundry (washing the kids’ uniforms), and more.

The car wash will be held 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at two locations: the East Bakersfield Sheriff’s Substation, 1700 Flower St., just west of Kern Medical Center, and the Kern County Sheriff’s Department’s headquarters, 1350 Norris Road, just west of Airport Drive.
Tickets are being sold in advance. The cost is $3, cars and $5, trucks. If you want to purchase one, call Brannan at 978-6388.

Right now, two of the teams are undefeated while the oldest group has lost one game. Talk about drive, passion and inspiration.
Brannan teaches them about DRT (discipline, respect, and teamwork) and the kids respond.

I often wonder, if it were not for the football program (that requires hours of practice and game time), what would these kids be doing?
Growing up on the east side, I know it’s not the perfect place.
The sounds of drive-by shootings, the presence of gangs, and the access to drugs are part of the harsh realities. That’s not even counting living on little income and facing challenges that may exist in the homes.

So if you are looking to making a difference, here’s one program that could use some help.
Get your car washed. Volunteer for a day. Or sponsor a player.

The difference we can make in young people’s lives, well, it’s priceless.

Kern SWAT honors, new Chavez School playground

What began at 6 a.m. with a sniper briefing and ended somewhere around 6 p.m. with a precision handgun shoot had finally paid off for one group of local SWAT guys.

Among the group was my husband, Julio Garcia, a deputy with the Kern County Sheriff's Department who had been a bit worn and challenged to a new level, thanks to the recent Ventura Police Department’s 15th annual SWAT competition.
At the Ventura competition, he and our good friend, Deputy Jay Heisey, landed first place in the “Sniper Team challenge.” It was a two-man SWAT team event where both had to shoot different targets at a distance of 100 yards. The targets were about an inch in size, and each team was timed.
But they weren’t the only local winners.
The Kern County Sheriff’s SWAT team received second place in the overall team competition — the main category of the event. First place went to Ventura County Sheriff’s Department. Other competing agencies were: Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo county sheriff’s departments; as well as Oxnard, Redondo Beach, Simi Valley, and Pasadena police departments.
Kern’s SWAT competition team featured my husband, and his comrades, Sgt. Drake Massey; senior deputies Dustin Downey and Larry McCurtain; and deputies Jay Heisey, Pat McIrvin and Jesse Alvarez. Alvarez was the team’s alternate.

 “I was so proud of our guys and the effort they put forth,” said Massey, who also serves as the department’s SWAT Team Leader. “The team was ecstatic with the second place finish because all the teams were extremely competitive, and it was so hard to place in the top three.”

To place in the overall team honors, SWAT teams had their scores tallied from the different categories they entered. The categories were Team/Sniper Shoot; Precision Handgun; Entry Weapon Shoot; Team Physical Fitness Course; Team Obstacle Course; and Team-building Exercise.

“It’s nice to know that KCSO SWAT can hold their own against some quality law enforcement agencies from Southern California,” added Massey. 

All eight categories required intense running and some other physically demanding event, like dragging a 165-body dummy, climbing a mountain, climbing numerous fights of stairs, shooting with gas mask, and shooting from awkward positions.

“The team had to tactically plan, strategize and stay focused for 12 hours,” Massey said. “We were beat up and totally exhausted at the end of the day.”

I guess I can forgive my husband for devoting higher-than-usual hours for SWAT training exercises in preparation for this competition.
And it was no easy feat.
Talk about being surrounded by rows of SWAT teams, all who were focused, physically fit, and shot well under extreme conditions.
But gotta give credit to Ventura Police Department for putting on a fine event.

“They put on a quality competition that was very challenging and fair,” Massey tells me. “We have developed a good relationship with Ventura and many of the proctors told us they were pulling for us to do well.”

The SWAT team is now thinking about participating in the Police Olympics next summer.

“We will be selective on entering numerous competitions during the year,” he said. “One, maybe two a year is plenty due to the fact that we do not want competitions to interfere with our numerous SWAT missions and  regular training with the remainder of our team.”

He added, “As I mentioned before, it did not matter where we finished, as long as we were professional, humble and gave 100 percent in the field of competition. Our SWAT troops did exactly that, and as their team leader, I was very proud of them.”

We all should be.

On other matters, I wanted to give special recognition to a local woman who has generously given to Cesar E. Chavez School in northeast Bakersfield.

On Monday, Chavez School is going to dedicate the new kindergarten playground equipment to Nema Traynor, and her husband, Joe.
School Principal Ruscel Reader (talk about another amazing woman) tells me that Traynor has been a major contributor since her granddaughter, Cosette, was a student of the Chavez Challengers. Cosette is now a 7th grader and on to another school.

“The current playground equipment was old,” Reader said. “Nema was out there one day, looked at the playground and says, ‘Our kids deserve more. They're good kids. They need more.’ ”

Traynor recently donated $16,000 for a new kinder playground. It features several slides, decks, climbing latter, and benches. The Chavez Booster Club also helped with installation costs.

“She’s a very humble person,” said Reader of Nema Traynor, who worked as a teacher at Mt Vernon School for many years. “She’s a good kind, generous woman. Unassuming.”

Traynor was also involved in the active Chavez Booster Club and the former Chess Club. In the past, the Traynors have given money in the past for chess scholarships, science materials and other programs.

“They’re just so giving,” Reader says. “They love kids. Just good people.”

Kern Sheriff's SWAT readies for competition

It’s 7 a.m. on a Sunday, and do you know where your Kern County Sheriff’s Department SWAT team members are?

More specifically, do I know where my husband, Deputy Garcia, is.

Actually, I do.

He and his fellow SWAT comrades — Sgt. Drake Massey; senior deputies Dustin Downey and Larry McCurtain; and deputies Jay Heisey and Pat McIrvin — have been spending their Sunday mornings, as well as many other morning and evenings, preparing for the Ventura Police Department’s 14th annual SWAT Competition to be held Monday.

They’ll be testing their skills against fellow SWAT competitors from through Southern California.
Among the participating SWAT teams: Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo county sheriff’s departments; as well as Oxnard, Redondo Beach, Torrance, Santa Monica, and Pasadena police departments.

So what’s the big deal behind this event? I decided to ask Massey, SWAT team leader for the county sheriff’s department, to fill us in:

Q: Tell us about this event.
A: This competition is an “invitation-only” situation, and it is a very popular event among SWAT teams in California. Interested SWAT teams submit an application, and Ventura PD will randomly select which teams can participate. A small amount of teams are asked back by the host agency. This was the case with our department.
Part of the “ask back” process is based on good sportsmanship in previous competitions.

Q: So it must be nice to return and show what your team can do.
A: SWAT competitions are a good thing to enter because, as with any competition, there is a level of stress, tactical planning, physical and emotional challenges.
All of these categories translate to what we have to deal with during an actual SWAT operation. Essentially, competitions are another way to practice for real life SWAT events.
In addition, there is a level of bragging rights that go along with winning.

Q: Winning is always great. Have you guys placed before?

A: I believe our best finish was second place in a 20-team event the Bakersfield Police Department hosted about five years ago. We are hoping for gold in this one.

Q:  Gold would be nice.
A: I think we are very prepared, as most of the teams will be. I have found that the team that makes the fewest mistakes is usually the winner. Unfortunately,  these events are designed for you make a lot of mistakes. I know our guys will give 100 percent effort and be totally professional. That’s all that really counts.

Q: What events are lined up for Kern’s SWAT team?
A: Team/Sniper Shoot; Precision Handgun; Entry Weapon Shoot; Team Physical Fitness Course; Team Obstacle Course; and Team-building Exercise.

Q: Sounds like a lot of tough categories. What are some scenarios?
A: It’s not standing before a target and shooting.
Every event will require of some type of physical exertion, such as running, push ups, pull ups, or going over some walls, before you can shoot.
And when you take on physical exertions, and you are rushing to beat the clock, there’s a good chance that your blood pressure will rise, your heart rate will increase, and your  adrenaline will be going. You can make a mistake if you are rushing and not focused.
For instance, one scenario may require you to shoot a (fake) hostage who has his arms around a (fake) hostage, and you’re given a small portion of the suspect’s area to shoot. If you miss, you can hit the hostage.
Another example they can put you through is, first, the physical exertion portion, followed by “shoot-and-don’t-shoot” targets. You have to think critical or you risk shooting a target that you weren’t supposed to hit.
In addition, some events will require you to use multiple guns, such as a handgun, entry rifle, and sniper rifle.

Q: So how do you train for that?
A: In our training sessions, we set up different scenarios, some where we’ve used multiple guns and shields. We’ve implemented physical exertion activities into our training, and we’ve always been in full gear, which can weigh up to 50 pounds alone.

Q: That’s dedication! You must be looking forward to the big day.
A: We are looking forward to the satisfaction of good clean competition and sportsmanship. We are hoping this competition can further sharpen some of our skill sets and make us a better team for the citizens of Kern County.
Wish us luck!

Keeping score on our local youth, adult sports

The fall season arrives in a matter of days, but I am always reminded of it much sooner when my boys begin practicing for tackle football.

Of course, I have plenty of friends and relatives who are feeling the same fall sports euphoria as their kids gear up for football, volleyball, soccer or they, themselves, play in an adult sports league.
 

There’s a strong, loyal following behind many community youth and adult sports leagues in town.
 
And I am hoping a newly created Bakersfield web site will help support that following by allowing local sports teams, coaches, parents and players to share their accomplishments — scores, standings, highlights and more — with each other.
 
The web site, www.mybakersfieldsports.com, is being sponsored by Mercado Nuevo, a subsidiary of The Bakersfield Californian, and operated by Community Sports Desk, a national sports software and service company headquartered in Kenosha, Wis. We are one of about 50 newspapers nationally that has partnered with Community Sports Desk.
 
There is no cost to join, just a desire to promote your athlete or league in a positive way. Advertising will support the site.
 
The hope is to spotlight our local adult and youth athletes through the web site, with a possibility of running many of these contributions in our citizen journalism publication, The Bakersfield Voice, or on The Bakersfield Californian’s community sports page.
 
The Voice, which is a part of Mercado Nuevo, is published weekly and delivered to approximately 70,000 homes in the west side of town. In addition, there are a number of Voice rack locations, and it is also delivered to some elementary schools.
 
Meanwhile, The Californian currently runs a community sports page on Tuesdays.
On that page, we run announcements of upcoming team or league tryouts, registration information, results, calendar events and/or team and individual accomplishments from the community.
 
The local sports information posted on MyBakersfieldSports.com will mainly come from coaches or team representatives.

That brings me to my next point.
 
Currently, we are looking for coaches, leagues, sports groups, parents or players who would like to participate in My Bakersfield Sports. The site is designed for a variety of sports.
 
Community Sports Desk, along with some of our help, will host meetings to train interested groups and individuals on how to submit stories, photos, stats and more.
 

Those interested are being asked to call Marisol Sorto at 661-716-8640 to be added to the community participant list. You can also email her at msorto@bakersfield.com and indicate “My Bakersfield Sports” in the subject line.
 
Whether you are in part of an adult track group, a youth soccer league, or a community rec group, this site could be a great way to share your team’s information.

Bakersfield's Daisy Sanchez and her Latin singing dream

There's nothing like seeing local talent on the right path to fulfill their dreams.

Such is the case with Daisy Sanchez, Bakersfield's Latin singing sensation who will be performing 8 p.m. Saturday Sept. 5th at the Fox Theatre. The opening act will be romantic trio, Los Dandy's.


The 24-year-old who lives in Bakersfield but has spent a couple of months this year in Guadalajara, Mexico will be performing songs from her upcoming album. She recorded that album with a team of producers and musicians who work with the legendary Latin romantic and heartbreak crooner, Vicente Fernandez.

I recently caught up with Sanchez and asked her to share a bit about her for readers. Here's what she had to say:

Q: What inspired you to pursue a singing career?

A: I remember growing up and listening to my mom sing while she cooked and did house chores.  I was always intrigued when she sang rancheras since she sings very well.  Some of my favorite artists growing up were Vicente Fernandez, Whitney Houston, Marisela and Selena.  Their voices really impressed me, and I found myself singing along to their music all the time. When I was 8, I started performing in front of large crowds, and it was then I knew I wanted to do that for the rest of my life.


Q: Describe your music.

A:  My first CD at the age of 14 was a mariachi traditional album.  Later on, I recorded other genres, like Latin pop, ballads, and other popular sounds.  This upcoming album took me back to my mariachi roots but with a twist. It is a great combination of my musical influences and has allowed me to be versatile.  Some of the tracks have fusions of mariachi mixed with pop, jazz, Latin percussion, norteño, as well as the traditional ranchera.


Q: Being that the traditional Latin music world is lead by great male musicians, was it hard for a young Latina, especially American born, to jump into the Spanish music
scene?

A. It is hard to jump into the music industry period, but being that I am a woman in a male-dominated industry only gives me more motivation to continue working hard and represent the Latinas and sing songs they can relate to.  Being an American-born Latina in the Spanish industry has been a bit difficult in the sense that we can be misunderstood and like Abraham (Edward James Olmos) says in the movie, 'Selena', "We have to be more Mexican than the Mexicans and more American than the Americans, both at the same time!  It's exhausting!" Either way, I embrace who I am and where I come from and proudly sing my Spanish regional music.


Q: What's it like to sing with Latin artists, such as Juan Gabriel, Pedro Fernandez and Vicente Fernandez?

A: It is such an honor to have shared the stage with greats like Juan Gabriel, Pedro Fernandez, and Vicente Fernandez.  I respect them all but I am forever grateful with Vicente for surprising me and inviting me to sing duet songs with him.  I was so emotional and could not contain myself from crying.  Just the thought that I grew up singing his songs in my living room to my family to being on stage singing with him in front of thousands of people.  I knew at that point I had succeded. It is an experience I will take with me for the rest of my life.


Q: What's your family think about your career?

A: My family and friends are very supportive of my singing! They truly believe in me and help me in so many ways to further my career. I am fortunate to grow up in a unique family of seven girls and two wonderful, loving parents who have been by far the biggest Daisy fan club.  We have created the "Daisy Dream Team" and they have contributed with their own skills from makeup/hair stylist to public relations.... My brother-in-law even offered to be my bus driver.


Q: What advice do you have for young artists?

A:  Go for your dreams and don't wait for someone to come knocking at your door.  Develop your talent and always put extra effort in everything you do, from rehearsing to performing to seeking opportunities in the music business.  But, most importantly, have faith in God!


Q: Where do you see yourself 10 to 20 years from now?
 

A: I see myself with several hit records, working on new recording projects in my own studio, touring countries from all over the world, including all the Latin countries, the U.S., Europe, Japan, etc. Perhaps some Grammy's and other awards.  By then, I would have been involved in several foundations helping people from all over the world who suffer from poverty and diseases.  Hopefully, by then, I would have found Mr. Right and looking into marriage, then having babies, adopting some children.... OK, my imagination has officially ran wild, but, hey, positive thinking leads to a positive outcome!


Q: What do your love about your hometown?


A:  I was born and raised in Bakersfield, and I love so many people in this community! I love the fact that we are tight-knit community that comes together and supports each other, and I must say we have the best Mexican restaurants!! 


If you haven't heard Sanchez's music, then give it a try. You can find Sanchez's first mariachi album on iTunes.  You also can find her independant production that featured Latin pop and ballads on www.cdbaby.com/Daisysings.

Sanchez also says to check out her music page at www.myspace.com/DaisySanchezMusic

Junior high marks new beginning

My 12-year-old son joined the world of junior high today.
Diego is an official seventh grader.
For him, it’s a sign he's becoming older, no longer an elementary kid. Junior high is one step closer to high school.
But for me, Diego’s new grade is a reminder that my firstborn is growing up, becoming his own young man.
I think the last time I felt this way, I was walking him to his first day of kindergarten.
There I was, hiding my motherly worries.Would he make friends quickly? Would he feel OK when he looked around and I wasn’t there? Would his teacher see the potential that his proud parents did?
On that day, I squeezed him tightly, kissed his cheek and turned my then-5-year-old over to Mr. Chapa, whom I’d just met but to this day, remains a distant friend to our family.
I remember waving good-bye, smiling and confident as my little guy did the same. Then I turned away, crying to myself, knowing that my baby was growing up.
He’s had some amazing elementary school years, thank to awesome teachers, including Mrs. Quinonez, Mrs. McKee, and Ms. Holden.
Now it’s a new ball game.
I realize I can’t cuddle him today like I did at kindergarten. That wouldn’t be cool.
And the thought of mom volunteering in his class as I suggested doesn’t sit too well in his mind. Do school activities at a distance, mom. OK, got it.
Over the weekend, I asked him if he was nervous about junior high.
“Nah,” he says then shrugs his shoulder.
“I’m used to going from period to period,” referring to his magnet days at Chavez School.
I wish I had an inch of that confidence when I started my 7th grade. But I was that insecure kid, wondering how to fit in.
Junior high turned out not too bad as I’d imagined. But it was a time where many of us searched for the right identity as we awaited high school.
Boy, did we jump on the trends bandwagon. I’m not sure if I’ll ever safety pin the pantleg of my jeans again. And pretty sure I’ll pass on shaving the side of my head for that 80s new wave/punk style. Finding ourselves in the midst of youth.
Diego seems to have figured it out. He’s sure of himself, smart in academics and deft in athletics.
But I’ll be there — at a “cool” distance, of course — waiting on him, whenever he needs me. And when I can, I’ll squeeze in a hug and kiss or two. We mothers can’t help that.

Ready for The Californian's weekday tab

We’re a couple of hours away from debuting The Bakersfield Californian’s new weekday tab, and I can’t help but think of the song, “Don’t Stop,” by Fleetwood Mac.

It had been playing earlier in the day off my Pandora playlist. I was at home at the time, folding clothes when the song caught my attention.

“Don’t stop thinking about tomorrow.
Don’t Stop. It’ll soon be here.”

Yup, Fleetwood’s Christine McVie and Lindsey Buckingham were right. Tomorrow will be here soon.

Tomorrow will be a new moment in the history books for The Californian, a family-owned newspaper that began when Alfred Harrell, the Kern County superintendent of schools, purchased it in 1897. Harrell is the great-grandfather of our publisher, Ginger Moorhouse.

Our transformation into a weekday tab also coincides with the paradigm shifts facing our industry.
Years before, newspapers enjoyed profit margins that department stores would envy. These days, changing media habits of the consumer and our advertisers tightening their advertising budgets in this depressing recession have prompted some newspapers to close their doors or jump to web only.

So where does that leave us? As George Lopez would say, "I'm still here, ain't I?"

The Californian’s weekday format change arrives with hopes that the economy could finally turn the corner. That would be good news to our advertisers who provide us with the bread and butter. When our advertisers thrive so do we.

For now, our thriving on the editorial side is taking another form: giving our paper a new look, inside and out.

It’s been pretty intense in the newsroom as we considered different designs and formats, what elements wowed us, which ones didn’t. We decided what kind of stories to put in, what to pull out. Classic of newsroom, there was plenty room for debate and questions.

For those unfamiliar to a newsroom, the thought of changing their newspaper in any way is like asking them to wear those popular acid-washed jeans of the 80s on a date.

But they came through. So now some details:

The first couple of pages will be dedicated to local news. Our top stories will lead off the first pages, followed by our columnist page (featuring the likes of firebrand Lois Henry, the analytical Richard Beene and the warm-hearted Herb Benham).

Then you’ll see a variety of news stories of the day to will follow, along with nuggets of information, brought to you by our team of news editors (Christine Bedell, Christine Peterson, Davin McHenry, and Jennifer Self). No longer holding down just the “typical” duty of an editor (that is, to manage reporters and edit stories), these editors are also studying the digital and print world of community content and digging for the right information to include in our paper.
They are reviewing, sometimes coaching, contributors who submit stories. And when it’s necessary they are throwing on their investigative hats and producing stories that need to be told.

Aside from the local stories, we have a new section called Bakosphere. It will highlight worth-reading stories from our family of publications as well as snippets of Bakersfield happenings from the digital world.
And yes, we’ll still have the Opinion section, Eye Street section (Thursdays although we hope for other days); Sports every day as usual. We also feature a health and weather pages daily.
These are just some of the elements that will fill our new tab.

Call me the optimist but I am feeling like that Fleetwood Mac song right now.

“Why not think about times to come,
And not about the things that you’ve done,
If your life was bad to you,
Just think what tomorrow will do.”

Maybe it’s because I know I am not alone. We have some fighters in the newsroom.
Plus, we have advertisers and readers who are behind us. They want us to succeed.
Yes, they will criticize, question and debate about any change we do, but that’s because they feel the paper is theirs just as much as it is ours.
At the end of the day, when all the noise is gone, they’ll be rooting for us.
So we can't stop thinking about tomorrow.

Latinas leading the way

I am going to tell you a story about three Latinas in Kern County.
One brings truth to tale of surrounding yourselves with mentors who will
teach you more about yourself, your abilities and drive.

The second shows how working hard and dedicating to your field will take you
to a greater path of success.

The third, well, she is an example that dreams, no matter how big or distant
they may seem at the time, they will come true if you don’t give up.

It’s likely these three women hardly cross each other’s paths on an everyday
basis, but that doesn’t matter.

What matters is that each one was equally honored Saturday July 18 for their
own story, their own trailblazing and setting a high standard for other
Latinas to follow.

My congratulations to these strong women: Chief Deputy RoseMary Ramirez Wahl
of the Kern County Sheriff’s Department; new Kern County Superintendent of
Schools Christine Lizardi Frazier; and Laura Arredondo, co-owner of Delano
Family Motors and local philanthropist.

Admirers nominated Wahl, Frazier, and Arredondo for the recognition, which
was presented at the 11th annual Latina Leaders of Kern County awards
dinner, in conjunction with Hispanas Organized for Political Equality.

“What really helps you overcome barriers in life are your dreams,” Arredondo
recently told The Californian.

At a little girl, living in poverty in Mexico, that’s all she had. Then, her
parents set out to bring their 11 children to the States, the land where
dreams and opportunities will cross paths, as long as you stay on track.

Meanwhile, Christine Lizardi Frazier has spent the past 30 years of her
educational career taking on a variety of posts, including teacher,
principal, and school district superintendent. She was recently appointed as
the new county superintendent, making her the first woman and Latina to hold
the post.

“This year's Latina Leaders honorees are women who hold key positions of
power and influence,” said Norma Rojas, president of group, whose membership
includes top local Hispanic women professionals to young aspiring college
students. Rojas is also special projects and supportive services Manager for
the Housing Authority of the County of Kern. “What better role models for
the young women who participate in our youth leadership program? In our
honorees, they can see themselves and the possibilities before them.”

Funds from the event benefit young Latinas who are part of the group’s
mentoring program, says Kathryn Lomely, Latina Leaders past-president.
Lomely who works, by day, as an academic advisor for the Bakersfield campus
of the University of LaVerne, is chair of the group’s Latina youth mentoring
program.

“We take 35 young Latinas through a series of leadership workshops … and be
inspired to find solutions,” Lomely said.

Inspiration is the impression Wahl hopes to leave behind for the young
Latinas as well as the young ladies who are part of the Junior League of
Bakersfield, an organization dear to Wahl’s heart.

“Giving back to the community is so important to me,” says Wahl, the
highest-ranking Latina within the sheriff’s dept. “It's more important that
you're out and giving your time. It's easy to write a check.”

Throughout the span of her 28-year law enforcement career, Wahl has sought
mentors who have placed her under their wings.

Among them are: Cal State Bakersfield Police Chief Claudia Neal; Sheriff’s
Department Detentions Lt. Vetrice Mitchell; and of course, her husband,
Willy, also a Chief Deputy with the county agency.

“It's so important they have positive role models,” Wahl says of the youth
leadership participants. “Hopefully, I can empower them and let them now
that if they stay in school, surround themselves with good influences, they
can also be successful.”

No Average Joe

There are times when we run across people who are always busy finding ways to improve the world around us.
They don't seek glory. Their payoff is knowing they made a difference in their own special way.
Such is the case with Joe Serrano.
He is a small business owner, running Serrano Investigative Services and working as a bail agent for Gotta Go Bail Bonds in Bakersfield.
Maybe it's a good thing I've never had to deal with Serrano under those terms.
But I have partnered and observed him through his board of director's work with the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce where he has given his time for community events and supporting local businesses.
In fact, there are a few other community events that I have attended only to turn around and find Serrano there. He's often seen making new friends, getting people involved in local causes or simply taking photographs that land in the Hispanic Chamber's newsletter, his Facebook account or as a citizen journalism submission to local media.
His goal may be to spotlight other people making a difference. But he's just as deserving.
That's why I was happy to hear that his peers picked him as the Private Investigator of the Year.
Serrano received the award by the California Association of Licensed Investigators during its annual conference in Burlingame last month.
The award honors those who have excelled in their profession and demonstrated exceptional service to the public, among other things.
Serrano said he became emotional when he received the award, comparing the feeling to the day his daughter, Sandra, was born in 1972.

“I'm serious, it was an identical feeling,” said Serrano, who also serves on the Lamont Chamber of Commerce board. “It was very hard to hold back the tears of joy and happiness, and all I could do was bury my head into the shoulders of those that came up and congratulated me.”

As a private investigator, Serrano says he's worked a variety of cases, including personal injury cases, murder and vehicle accidents involving wrongful deaths. He's reunited several families.
Some of his cases have required him to travel to other states and in Europe and Mexico.

“I love my job and would not trade it for anything else,” Serrano said.

Bakersfield attorney H.A. Sala who's worked with Serrano on some cases wrote a letter to the association describing the private investigator.
In the letter, Sala praised Serrano for his tenacity and hard work ethic. He added that Serrano was successful in uncovering critical witnesses and physical evidence.
He also noted Serrano's other duties, such as working for the Indigent Defense Panel of Kern County.
Serrano says he was so proud of his award that he placed on top of his wife's pillow while she traveled in Guadalajara.

“It's better than any Oscar or any lottery winning because it comes from people I highly respect and look up to in this profession,” he tells me.

Back to his community work, I expect to see more great things from Serrano. He's not the kind of person who will tell you though. He's just a natural at it.

“I am involved in a bunch of other things in my area and volunteer for a lot of events,” he says. “It does take away from my personal life … and I appreciate my wife, Alma, understanding what I love to do and allowing me to do it.”

Lamont girl makes good

Maria Albarran who participates in the Kern County Sheriff's Department's SAL Program in Lamont was recently honored with a scholarship award by a statewide group.
SAL stands for Sheriff's Activity League, a program that exists in east Bakersfield, Lamont and Wasco (I'm sure there are others), and it is designed to mentor and provide educational and sports programs for children living in the neighborhoods where the program is run. Sheriff deputies and sergeants, as well as other volunteers and community groups, work closely with the youth.
Joe Serrano, a private investigator and owner of Gotta Go Bail Bonds in Bakersfield, was her sponsor for the California Association of Licensed Investigator (CALI) Scholarship Award.
Serrano, who is well known in the community through his good work with the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, also received special recognition, earning the CALI'S Investigator of the Year. (I'll be sharing more about him in a future blog).
Serrano tells me that Maria was en route to the CALI Annual Conference in Burlingame, Calif. a few weeks ago to receive her award when she was involved in a car accident. She was taken to a nearby hospital and treated for minor injuries, Serrano says.
Serrano later presented the award to Maria, with Sheriff's Senior Deputy John Money, Lamont SAL adviser, proudly observing the presentation.
Serrano says Maria was deserving of the award.
Maria lives in Lamont with her parents, brothers, sisters and several nieces and nephews.
She has been a SAL member since 2006 and was selected "Girl of the Year" in 2007.
She has been involved in many youth educational activities, graffiti removal and trash pick-ups in her community.
Her immediate goal is to become a Kern County Sheriff's Explorer, which, Serrano says, will enrich her values and dedication to the community - something she's already developed as a passion.
Her future goals are to attend Cal State Bakersfield and someday become a great investigator.
We know she's well on her way to reaching her dreams.

Get ready for the Quince Expo

My niece, Monique Bermudez, is 13 years old, but she is already in the planning stages of her quinceanera, a coming-of-age milestone for many young Latinas turning 15.

"She is looking forward to it. It means a lot to her. It means a lot to us,” my sister, Desiree Bermudez, tells me.

My sister, a preschool teacher, and my brother-in-law Art, a welder, plan to spend about $12,000 for her quinceanera, currently set for April 30, 2011.
To get some tips, she will be attending the 2009 Quinceanera Expo and Fashion Show this weekend. Presented by MAS Magazine, the free event will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday at the East Hills Mall. American General Media, Azteca America and KERO 23 are co-sponsors of the event.
The expo is an event that I helped organize three years ago. The response has been great.
This year, families will be able to visit booths that will be set up throughout the East Hills Mall. The booths will feature local businesses that offer quinceanera services, says Jaime De Los Santos, MAS Magazine Sales Manager.
And services are endless.
For instance, my sister tells me that the $12,000 she will spend is expected to cover the cost of Monique’s dress, jewelry, hall and limousine rental, food, entertainment, church service, decorations, cake, video, and photography. I am sure I am missing something else.

"She’s our only daughter. She gives good grades. She deserves this,” my sister tells me.

For now, Monique is pretty excited about the fashion show, which will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. She’s among a dozen local young Latinas who will be walking the catwalk, modeling quinceanera dresses in different colors and form. Dresses are being provided by Alva’s Bridal & Alterations, David’s Bridal, Ladies & Gents Bridal, and My Dreams Bridal. And let’s not forget the teen boys who will be escorting the girls.

For some of these teens, such as my other niece, Highland 2009 grad Shantel Reyes, modeling is a new and exciting experience.
Many of these teens said they signed up to celebrate a tradition that is dear to many of their families.
Fifteen-year-old Danielle Enriquez said she is participating because it allows her to participate in the community.

"By participating in the fashion show, it really helps me understand the things that take part in a young Latina’s life when she's about to turn 15. It can be a very overwhelming process,” said Danielle, who attends Highland High School and is involved in activities, such as tennis, student council, and choir. “A quinceanera is the next chapter in your life. It shows that you’re not a little girl anymore and that you are becoming a young adult.”

Anakaren Yanez, 15, says she hopes to make her parents proud by participating in the show.
Anakaren, who attends Golden Valley High School School and participates in soccer and the Medicine Club, said the show will allow her to explore modeling.

"I will do this with so much pride and to show other girls to not be afraid to try new things and have confidence in themselves because if they do they can do so much in life,” Anakaren says.“A quinceanera is not only about who's in it or what’s in it, but what it gives you and what it represents. A quinceanera to me ... is the day you show responsibility and that's a day of a new beginning.”

Foreign exchange students in need of host families

Rebecca Herrera may be a mother of four, but this summer, she’ll be looking after more than 100 teens hoping to spend a couple of weeks in Bakersfield.

Herrera is a local program leader for the EF Educational Homestay Program, which connects foreign exchange students as they learn about the English language and American culture with host families.

We don’t teach them “American history because let me guarantee you, they will school us on American history, ” said Herrera, who is among a group of local EF program leaders. “Many of these students speak English well. You have students who have been studying for 5 to 7 years.”

Herrera got involved five years ago as a host family.
These days, however, she’s been busy looking for local families willing to open their doors to students who are from Austria and Spain.
In July, two groups of about 30 Spaniard teens will be looking to stay with host families in Bakersfield for four weeks.

One group will attend classes during the weekdays while the other will be immersion group, requiring a family or couple that has more time to spend with the student.
The third group will involve about 50 Austrian teens. They’ll also be attending classes.
So far, Herrera said she’s been able to locate a number of host participants but she needs more.

"We've definitely been working very hard to place everyone but, of course, the economy hasn't been the greatest,” said Herrera. She and her husband, a project manager for a construction company, have two daughters, 10 and 20 and two sons, 16 and soon-to-be 18.

There is no cost to host a foreign exchange student, but the host is responsible for providing three meals a day and a room for sleeping and privacy. The student can even share a room with a son or daughter of the host family as long as there's no more than a three-year age difference, she said.

Bakersfield resident Martha Garcia said she, her husband, Johnny, and their three sons served as a host family to three Spaniard and three Italian teens last summer. They still keep in touch through Facebook, and their oldest son, 17-year-old Nick, will be traveling to Italy this summer to visit one of his new found friends.

"I didn't think I was going to fall in love with these kids but I did. We cried when they left." said Garcia, noting that one of her host students sent her a Mother's Day card this year.

He wrote, "Happy Mother's Day. I consider you my second mom."

Garcia said they will be a host family again — this time, for one Spaniard and two Austrian teens.

Host families must complete an application, be interviewed and screened by the organization’s Boston office. Those interested can contact Herrera at 661-477-9882 or email: rsherrera@aol.com

"To have an American family, it’s such a big deal for them,” said Herrera.

Training program for small business

As small businesses adjust to the current economic times, it's exciting to hear of a program that is arming entrepreneurs with the right skills to success.

A group of three entities has joined forces to run an entrepreneurial training program, "How to Write a Business Plan," for 35 business owners or future entrepreneurs. The partners are the Mission Community Services Corporation and the Women’s Business Partners Program, in conjunction with the City of Arvin.

About 15-20 must be Arvin residents while the rest can be from other parts of the county, said Ross Griego who is part of the project.

The 10-week program will take place at the Adobe Plaza in Arvin.

The weekly training program begins June 1. Graduation is scheduled for July 27.
Class topics include: business entities, permits and business licenses, market research and analysis, competition, operations management and financial statements.

“The entrepreneurial training program is designed to assist the community’s business owners become more successful in their daily operations and management of their businesses,” Mike Kuntz, Development Associate of the City of Arvin.

Mission Community Services Corporation and the Women’s Business Partners Program, MCSC/WBP provides training, technical assistance, loans and support to low-moderate income individuals, businesses and non-profit organizations to expand opportunities to own, manage or operate business enterprises.

Wasco native takes UOP post in Stockton

Local Wasco product, Anthony Bernal II, has been appointed to serve on the University of the Pacific Alumni Association Board of Directors in Stockton.
Anthony is the son of Tony and Connie Bernal of Wasco and a graduate of the Wasco High and University of the Pacific (UOP/Pacific) in Stockton, CA .
“My parents have always instilled that it’s not what we have but rather what we give that makes life fulfilling," Anthony told me in an e-mail "I’m truly humbled by the opportunity to serve the more than 60,000 Pacific Alumni both locally and internationally."
Bill Coen, Executive Director for Pacific’s Alumni Association, expressed pleasure in knowing that Bernal will serve on the board.
"He is a true leader that has the passion, commitment, and integrity which our University searches for when selecting alumni to serve our university,” he says.
The 30 member Pacific Alumni Association Board of Directors is working with more than 300 volunteers who are involved on Pacific Club Steering committees, Class and Affinity Reunion committees and Association committees. The Alumni Association and its Pacific Clubs host more than 150 programs and events each year.