A year ago, Bakersfield’s Arts District founder and champion of all things downtown, Don Martin, sat at a crossroads. The man, whose popular Metro Galleries had become the centerpiece of First Fridays, making it cool again to venture downtown after dark and enticing other establishments to r…

Fifteen years ago, I was a happy, average and somewhat ordinary work-from-home Bakersfield mom. I was working as a life coach, specializing in working with writers and creatives. I also had a weekly radio show, so, when I went on a tour of a local performing arts academy to sign my children …

Tax season officially starts on Jan. 28 – the first tax return filing since the largest Federal tax code overhaul in 30 years. With numerous changes, prepare early. The new law is packed with both positive and negative implications, and many folks are still trying to figure out what it all m…

Living in California has many perks, but storage in homes is not one of them. Most homes don’t have basements, ample closet storage or finished attics. It’s important to use every bit of our homes for optimal storage. Top clutter culprits include: kitchen counters, bookcases and shelves, ent…

Adding an inclusive spin on a famous Broadway play is The Empty Space’s production of “The Last Five Years.”

“Just take those old records off the shelf,

Japanese pop culture will be on full display at the Kern County Fairgrounds, with colorful characters plucked straight from your television, when Bakersfield’s premier anime convention returns Feb. 2-3.

It’s not been long since the new year began, but there’s already been a lot of noteworthy action that has taken place on the local sports scene during the first few weeks of 2019.

Certified Healthy is a new program launched by the Kern County Public Health Services Department that identifies restaurants within the community that provide healthier food options.

Bagel culinary trends have come and gone over the last few decades. Bagels have even broken away from their spot on the breakfast menu and have transitioned to sandwiches and even pizza.

In the midst of the Cold War, President Dwight D. Eisenhower challenged the American people to make a “constructive effort that leads directly toward what we all want: a true and lasting peace.” The way the president believed this could be achieved was through a new program called People-to-People.

Carlos Baldovinos realized his life’s mission while out on the ocean in the Philippines.

This is a letter to the one that nearly got away.

Every four to five years, the Bakersfield Youth Symphony Orchestra embarks on a tour outside the county to share the accomplished group’s harmonies and represent Bakersfield. This April, the group will be taking its talented musicians to Wakayama, Japan, one of Bakersfield’s sister cities.

As a teacher working in urban neighborhoods in the Sacramento City Unified School District, Geoffrey Taylor witnessed firsthand an environment where mindfulness was virtually nonexistent. His students were more worried about their next meal or where the gunshots in their neighborhood where c…

As we move into a new year, our focus is often on meeting physical goals – losing weight, eating healthier, exercising more – but mental health is equally important to establishing and maintaining wellness.

Tupac Shakur once wrote, “Long live the rose that grew from the concrete.”

Throughout its history, many colorful characters have called Kern County home. On Feb. 9, The Arts Council of Kern will bring 11 of those influential and interesting individuals from days past to life as they share their stories during Stories on the Sidewalk, a walking tour through a two-bl…

Yoga studios are a dime a dozen. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

Broadway in Bakersfield is back with show-stopping vengeance for its 2018-2019 season. Get a taste of the Big Apple without the bitter cold and join the world-class Broadway ensembles and musicians performing the American classics “Jersey Boys” and “The Wizard of Oz” at the Rabobank Theater …

As December fades with the sunset and January looms over the horizon, we enter a time filled with optimism and promise, eyes filled with hope at the thought of fresh starts and new beginnings.

For anyone who lives in Kern County, coccidioidomycosis is an unfortunate concern. It goes by several names: San Joaquin Valley fever, California fever, desert rheumatism or most commonly, Valley fever.

Houseplants do more than look pretty and add to our home decor.

Cycling is truly the most efficient form of transportation.

It’s too bad we don’t come with instruction manuals for how to take care of our bodies – what to eat, how much should we sleep, how much and what kind exercise, foods to avoid, foods we should crave, supplements to take, etc.

If you want to get Tim Terrio to do something, tell him it’s not possible. That’s what motivated him to go to college, even though his parents and high school counselor didn’t think it was a viable option for him.

The goal of the Kern High School District, Bakersfield College and CSU Bakersfield is simple, yet difficult to achieve: create opportunities for every student to be successful and encourage a college-going culture in Kern County.

The new year is here and with it comes reflecting on the year past and setting new goals for the future.

With winter squarely upon us, most of the sports action taking place in Kern County has moved indoors.

At least three times a month, Melissa Salazar leashes her yellow Labrador Drew and Staffordshire-terrier mix Scarlett and they meet with members of Hoffmann Hospice’s weekly Children and Teen Grief Support group.

“Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

Making and breaking New Year’s resolutions seem to be an annual ritual. Let’s face it – sticking to lofty goals can be challenging, especially when financial resolutions are involved. Here are 10 easy, manageable tips to help boost your finances in 2019.

The Fog Run celebrates its 30th anniversary on Jan. 5 at Lake Ming. The annual event, sponsored by the Probation Auxiliary County of Kern, raises funds for at-risk youth, as well as the Alliance Against Family Violence.

Throughout the holiday season (and, let’s face it, in everyday life), keeping those extra pounds off can be hard with holiday treats and other highly caloric snacks lying around. Self-control and proper portion control are essential and incorporating healthier snack options can help you main…

Aileen Saucedo is a local Bakersfield realtor whose lifestyle change not only changed her health, but changed the Bakersfield health-food scene.

When it comes to maintaining healthy weight and promoting good heart health, a slogan associated with a popular brand of candy is ironically the best approach.

Baking for the holidays does not come easy. Following a recipe or baking from scratch can be a tall task to follow.

The farmhouse style is popular in Bakersfield with the advent of DIY “fixer upper” television shows like Chip and Joanna Gaines. Michelle Hardt, owner of Hardt Construction Services along with her husband Tim, recently answered questions for Bakersfield Life Magazine about this local trend.

1. Change your furnace filter

“Can I ask you a personal question? Why MADD?”

Meccano M.A.X. Robot - 1

In this season of giving, charitable gifts may bear the brunt of tax reform. Changes in the law will reduce the number of taxpayers who benefit from their charitable tax deductions. While most give to charity for reasons other than tax incentives, the deduction allows folks to give a little …

Imagine walking into a home decorated with white winter fantasies that surpass all your Christmas dreams and would make Santa Claus blush with envy. Take a step back – you’re in a home in Bakersfield.

The holidays can either be a massive stress or a source of joy.

Kern Community Foundation was created as a liaison between local philanthropists and nonprofits.

The holiday shopping hype is upon us and in today’s retail environment, we can find pretty much find anything we need through e-commerce. Maybe this year you’ve decided to take a break from the Black Friday crowds and want something more than clicking away on some website? We want to tell yo…