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Beautiful Bakersfield: Meet the heroes who make our city a better place

The Bakersfield Californian | Friday, Jun 13 2008 10:53 AM

Last Updated: Friday, Jun 13 2008 2:16 PM

The 2008 Beautiful Bakersfield Awards, which has been dubbed our city’s Oscar ceremony, will be handed out Saturday night.

The awards honor people, organizations and businesses who enhanced the community in 2007.

The event, presented by the Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce, is sold out but will be televised on KGET-TV, Channel 17, beginning at 7 p.m. Jim Scott and Robin Mangarin will host the program.

GREATER BAKERSFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 2008 BEAUTIFUL BAKERSFIELD NOMINEES:

ALL-AMERICA CITY TRADITION — CIVIC/NONPROFIT

The coordination of efforts that have enhanced the quality of life in Bakersfield.

American Cancer Society — Relay for Life: Raised $1.6 million for cancer research, patient care, education and advocacy, ranking first in California for fundraising efforts in 2007.

Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired: Hosted a weekly recreation program featuring low-cost catered lunches, arts and crafts, socialization opportunities, excursions and shared ways to improve daily living and independence for blind and visually impaired residents of the community.

Habitat for Humanity: Executive Director Dennis Wallace, community organizations and individuals worked together to build low-income housing and improve our neighborhoods.

League of Dreams: A completely volunteer effort by Terrio Therapy-Fitness staff and helpers, this first and only sports league designed for children with disabilities presented an opportunity for moderately to severely handicapped children to experience the thrill of play and be members of an athletic team.

M.A.R.E. Therapeutic Riding Center: Provided 2,721 lesson hours and 8,000 volunteer hours to 85 riders with various disabilities, offering programs that assist in enhancing self-esteem and confidence and improving cognitive and problem-solving skills.

Rosewood Retirement Community: Provided community outreach programs and events, including the 2007 Senior Olympics and Blankets for Babies, that spotlight and cultivate the talents and skills of our senior citizens.

Senior Serve: Managed the budgets and incomes of nearly 1,600 challenged individuals, ensuring that priorities such as rent, utilities, food and personal needs were met while helping clients live more abundant and hopeful lives.

ARTS— INDIVIDUAL

Excellence or achievement by an individual in any of the following: visual arts (painting, photography, sculpture, etc.), dance, literature, music, theater.

Barbara Francisco: Painted Tuscan-themed murals and inspirational verses at Hoffmann Hospice, an Italian-themed mural at RJ’s Restaurant and dairy-themed canvas paintings at Rabobank Arena Theater & Convention Center.

Casey Christie: Photojournalist for The Bakersfield Californian who has captured the beauty of Bakersfield in picture form for more than 25 years.

Charlotte White: Created and sold 2,000 calendars featuring 15 photographs of her oil paintings of historic landmarks, with proceeds of $18,000 benefiting the Bakersfield Rescue Mission.

Larry Etue: Poet and author of “Memory’s Frosted Pane,” a book of poems written in Bakersfield. Many of the works reflected the life and nature of Bakersfield.

ARTS — GROUP

Excellence or achievement by a group in any of the following: visual arts (painting, photography, sculpture, etc.), dance, literature, music, theater.

Arts Council of Kern: Three artists worked in a mentor relationship with five apprentices to create the “Harvest of Beauty” mural on the facade of the Golden Empire Gleaners building.

Bakersfield Art Association: Dedicated to promoting, educating and displaying the works of Bakersfield artists, presenting classes, workshops and gallery exhibits that showcase the offerings of local talents.

Bakersfield Masterworks Chorale: Volunteer chorus of 80 to 100 members who celebrated the Chorale’s 75th anniversary by performing Handel’s “Messiah,” presented in its entirety for the first time.

Bakersfield Museum of Art: Presented the art exhibit “Rebirth of the Classical Past: Master Drawings and Etchings from the Renaissance to Baroque,” offering local residents a first-time opportunity to view 25 works of world-class art by masters such as Rembrandt, Tiepolo, Durer and Castiglione.

The Bakersfield Winds: A “Symphonic Wind Bank” of 40 local musicians and music educators, all of whom donate their talents and time to present a musical experience to our community.

HUMANITARIAN- GROUP

A group whose combined efforts have contributed to the community as a whole.

Auto Shopper America: Company employees and local businesses collaborate twice a year to provide single working mothers with safe, clean vehicles at no cost to help make them become self-sufficient and improve their quality of life through the Mini-Vans for Mom project.

Bakersfield Condors: The entire organization, including hockey players, work year-round to benefit the community and many local nonprofits, making more than 150 appearances and donating more than $470,000 in goods and services in 2007.

Kern Security Systems/KSS Systems Inc.: An entire staff helps to celebrate and honor our community through fundraisers, events and projects such as Local Heroes, which brought food and entertainment to more than 500 local heroes in 2007.

Old Friends of Bakersfield Car Club: Active in many civic events and activities, the club raises funds and donates toys, food and much more to support a variety of charities and schools to enhance the lives of children, teens and adults.

Project Linus: Provides the gift of new, handmade afghans and blankets to bring love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized or otherwise in need.

San Joaquin Community Hospital: Provided 600 free flu vaccinations, targeting the community's vulnerable population who did not even have to leave their vehicles to receive their shots.

The Shindig Church: Operated solely by young adult volunteers, this outreach ministry provides a safe place for urban youth to experience community through weekly skateboarding activities, meals, music and more.

HUMANITARIAN- INDIVIDUAL

An individual whose personal effort has contributed to the community as a whole.

Deborah Ormonde: Invested time and energy to benefit others through multiple projects, including Hero Appreciation, Christmas Festival, Sheriff's Activities League Fishing Derby, church activities and more.

James M. Hammons: Personally tackled graffiti removal to improve safety and economic conditions and demonstrate pride in his southwest neighborhood.

Lynn Cogdill: Took his skills as a mental health professional to the streets of Bakersfield, offering free medical care to the homeless.

Michael Dallas: Organized rallies to deter gang participation and used his boxing program at the Police Activities League to keep kids clean and off the streets in efforts to convert troubled youth into law-abiding and respectful young adults.

Steve Sanchez: Restaurant owner who is active in Feed It Forward — a program that provides meals for the homeless — and provides donations to fundraisers for agencies such as the Department of Human Services and Community Action Partnership of Kern.

ARCHITECTURE

The completion of a new design integrating the environment with space and materials.

Central Bakersfield Community Health Center, 301 Brundage Lane. Clinica Sierra Vista; KSA Group Architects, Architect; Wallace & Smith Contractors, Contractor.

K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons Lodge at Bakersfield,10500 Toscana Drive. City in the Hills project involved more than 75 contractors and subcontractors.

Kern Veterans Memorial Plaza: Ordiz-Melby Architects, Architect; John Cohrs, Designer; Kern Veterans Memorial Foundation, Colombo Construction and community partners.

River Walk Medical Arts, 9900 Stockdale Highway. Castle & Cooke California, Inc. Owner; KSA Group Architects, Architect; S.C. Anderson, Contractor.

Smile Lounge dental office, 4801 Coffee Road, No. 200. Dr. A. Breaux, DDS.

COMMERCIAL REMODEL

The completion of a renovated design that upgrades an existing structure and/or incorporates the use of landscaping to enhance the aesthetic value of the property.

A-C Electric Co., 2921 Hangar Way. Klassen Corp., architect and contractor; Tom Jannino Design Associates, interior designer; McIntosh & Associates, landscape and courtyard designer.

Bakersfield RV Resort, 5025 Wible Road. Ed Patterson, Sharlyn Patterson, Eddie Patterson and Brandi Patterson, owners.

Days Inn Bakersfield, 818 Real Road. Management and staff provided oversight of the remodel and upgrade.

Downtown Brower Building LLC, 1525 19th St. David Dragotto, owner.

Elite Skin Aesthetics, 2300 Truxtun Ave. Project participants: Elite Skin Aesthetics, The Mendez Family, Daniel Ulloa, Bakers Flooring, St. Electric and Melody McGovern.

First Presbyterian Church, Children’s Ministry Buildings, Truxtun Avenue and H Street. A project of 50 volunteer church members.

San Joaquin Community Hospital, 2615 Chester Ave. Hospital Building and Equipment Co., contractor; Hospital Design, Inc., designer; Fred Kummer, owner/ president, HBE Company.

Trout’s, 801 N. Chester Ave. A cooperative effort of T. Rockwell, customers, patrons and local musicians.

EDUCATION

Efforts that promote or benefit education in our city at all levels.

Bakersfield Adult School: Providing programs to help more than 28,000 adult learners reach their academic, vocational, professional and personal goals.

BARC — Bakersfield Association for Retarded Citizens: One of only a few sites nationwide that now offers the Mobility Opportunity Via Experience (M.O.V.E.) program, encouraging developmentally disabled adult learners to seek functional and meaningful activities to enhance their personal lifestyle skills.

Center Stage Mortgage: Offered free educational seminars on a variety of topics in order to counsel and educate local first-time home buyers, commercial and residential real estate investors.

CSUB Alumni Association: Created the Alumni Hall of Fame Awards Ceremony and Banquet, recognizing the successes of distinguished alumni and raising more than $10,000 for the Alumni Scholarship Endowment Fund.

Dr. Norman E. Levan: Contributed $5.7 million to Bakersfield College to establish endowments for building the Levan Center for the Humanities, establish a Lifelong Learning Institute, create student scholarships and sponsor an annual essay contest for students.

Foundation for SUCCESS: Supports the Greenfield Union School District’s nationally recognized After School Program, which serves more than 1,700 students and seeks to build capacity and competency to create successful individuals.

Kern County Department of Human Services: Implemented the Education Gains Empowerment (Ed.G.E.) Project that provides 160 students with mentors and the tools needed to overcome obstacles that interfere with school attendance or performance.

Kevin Crosby: Teacher at Sunset Middle School who started an outdoor garden to educate and benefit 40 disabled students to enhance their visual and kinesthetic activities and experiences.

BUSINESS AND COMMERCE

Contributions of private enterprise to benefit business and industry.

First Bakersfield Marketing Symposium: Event that brought together top professionals from the field of marketing to share knowledge and experience with the Bakersfield business community.

ARRC Technology: Accepted into Inc. magazine's inaugural Inc. 5000 list as one of the fastest growing, privately held companies in America in 2007.

Bakersfield Magazine, Inc.: Published the 17th annual Corporate Relocation issue that highlights small and large businesses, housing and job markets and is a resource guide directed toward attracting business and commerce to our community.

Chevron North America Exploration and Production: Attained a milestone of producing 2 billion barrels of crude oil from the historic Kern River Oil Field, marking the achievement with a celebration that paid tribute to the perseverance of dedicated employees through 108 years of operation.

Kern County Department of Airports: Opened an international terminal with service to Guadalajara, Mexico, providing service to more than 12,000 passengers and expanding opportunities for international cargo.

Lightspeed Systems: Honored by Inc. 5000 as one of the fastest growing private companies in America, based on 62.4 percent revenue growth over three years.

Michael C. Shell: Developed relationships with state agencies to recruit, interview and employ local candidates with disabilities, giving opportunity and structure to those who have limited job opportunities.

Superior Construction: Constructed an addition to the Mercado Latino retail center, bringing more retail space and job opportunities to the Bakersfield Hispanic community.

HEALTH

An individual, group or organization that has made a significant contribution toward healthy living in Bakersfield through education, prevention or medical services.

Bakersfield Magazine, Inc.: Published the 10th annual Kern Health issue, providing an editorial update on the “State of the Medical Community” and featuring topics to promote healthy living.

Bruce Keith: After taking yoga and seeing an improvement in his overall health and well-being, Keith shared the benefits by offering free yoga classes to all of his employees.

First 5 Kern: Provided outreach, case management, direct health care and full medical coverage to children ages 0 to 19 who would not otherwise be eligible for other low- income programs.

Pacific Health Education Center: Offered a broad spectrum of free seminars ranging from diabetes to weight management to educate the community about topics that support healthy lifestyles.

San Joaquin Community Hospital:Created a healthier environment for patients, visitors and employees by becoming the first tobacco-free hospital campus in Bakersfield.

ENVIRONMENTAL

An individual, group or organization that promotes preservation and conservation of our local environment.

Bike Bakersfield: Promotes cycling for everyday transportation as well as recreation through numerous projects such as group rides and safety education to help improve the community’s air quality and health.

Kern Economic Development Corp.: Hosted the first Kern Renewable Energy Summit to educate the community about the renewable energy industry and provide a better understanding of current and future solar, wind and biomass projects in Kern County.

Pacific Gas and Electric Co.: Recognized in 2007 as Environmental Business of the Year by the Planning and Conservation League and honored with the Brilliant Utility Award for Environmental Leadership at the Discover Brilliant International Conference and Expo.

Ryan Tracy Design/Ryan Freeborn: A project in the Villages of Brimhall that set a benchmark in landscape design, offering beauty and benefits to our environment through living materials.

SENIORS

An individual or group over age 55 who exemplifies the contributions, strengths and commitment of senior citizens.

Christine Kildare: Creates heart-shaped pillows that are donated to the American Cancer Society which, in turn, gives the pillows to women who have undergone breast cancer surgery.

Don Perry: Chairs the committee that organizes the annual “Cruisin' for a Wish” car show, contributing more than $44,000 over the last four years for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Norcross Realty Inc.: Working with family and contractors, Barbara Norcross transformed an old, time-forgotten house into a charming real estate office that enhances the surrounding environment.

Phyllis Adams & Peggy Darling: Champions for the restoration of the Majestic Fox Theater and the local arts community.

PUBLIC/PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP

The use of public/private funds in a partnership effort to enhance the quality of life in our community.

Active 20/30 of Bakersfield — Mervyn’s: Collaborations with local businesses, organizations and nonprofits resulted in the 15th annual ChildSpree, giving underprivileged children the ability to start the school year with the clothes and supplies they need to succeed.

Bakersfield College — City of Bakersfield — Housing & Urban Development: Joint effort provided affordable housing in a redevelopment area of east Bakersfield for a single father and his family.

Bakersfield Police Dept. Crime Prevention Unit — Business & Community Partners: The combined endeavors of numerous agencies, organizations, businesses and individuals resulted in a Christmas for Seniors, bringing holiday gifts and necessities to 695 homebound, isolated or low-income seniors.

Community Action Partnership of Kern: Working with a variety of partners, the Food Bank was instrumental in ensuring that households and families affected by the freeze of 2007 had adequate food supplies.

Housing Authority of Kern County: In conjunction with federal, state and county governmental districts, contractors, developers and other associates, affordable single-family housing through the Greenfield Home project was designed and built for families of limited means.

First 5 Kern - Kern County Health Department - San Joaquin Community Hospital: Partnership provided 10,512 free immunizations to 3,644 children in Kern County through the Children's Mobile Immunization Program.

The Bakersfield Californian - Bakersfield City School District - K.C. Superintendent of Schools: Bringing together a wide range of community, business and educational partners, the “My First Library” book drive collected 5,182 new and gently used books that were donated to several hundred elementary schoolchildren.

YOUTH-INDIVIDUAL

An individual under age 21 who, through personal involvement and endeavors, has answered the challenge of good citizenship.

Allie Molen & Ali Castellanos: Earned state and national recognition for producing a 10-minute video documentary on the life of civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer and the voting rights movement.

Jacob Chivington: Raised $658.08 for Kern County's Animal Control shelters by selling lemonade as part of Sunkist’s Take a Stand program, which matched the donation and brought the total to $1,316.16.

Michael McCarthy III: Worked with the Hispanic ministries division of the First Presbyterian Church to deliver Christmas trees, presents and organize caroling for several local families and residents of Rosewood Retirement Community.

Paige Atkison: Started an organization called “Smile Mission,” raising $20,000 to help children who cannot afford surgery to correct facial deformities.

YOUTH- GROUP

A group under age 21 that, through personal involvement and endeavors, has answered the challenge of good citizenship.

Bakersfield High School — Relay For Life Team: Raising more than $25,000, the 240-member team placed among the top 12 local fundraisers in 2007, receiving the ACS “You make a Difference” Youth Award for their fundraising efforts, volunteerism and mission delivery.

Curtis Huge — Stockdale Football Team: Collected 1,800 new pairs of socks for the homeless in a two- week period for the “Sock It To ’Em” campaign, making this the largest sock drive by a California High School.

Fairfax Middle School — Chess Team: Eight sixth-graders won the Southern California Challenge Cup, earning a special invitation to the prestigious Pasadena chess tournament.

Foothill High School — Agriculture Team: Representing California at the national convention in Indianapolis, the six-member parliamentary procedure team followed up their first Future Farmers of America state win with a national championship title.

Larry J. Rhoades Kern Crossroads Facility: Thirty-two young men volunteered a total of 164 hours to four community projects consisting of two graffiti removal days, planting trees along the bike path on Truxtun Avenue and the Great American Clean-Up.