In our lives, we will run across people who have made lasting impacts.
In a few days, March will arrive, marking the return of Women’s History Month.
Kern Pioneer Village is brewing with many activities.
Eight local professionals, businesses and community leaders will be honored Saturday, Feb. 11, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel during the annual Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce business awards and installation dinner.
The recent attack at Ohio State University has left a somber mood at colleges and campuses throughout the nation.
With Thanksgiving around the corner, many families have started making their hosting plans, and one big item on the to-do list is preparing the turkey.
A cultural festival that celebrates the life of deceased loved ones returns Sunday, Nov. 6 at Pioneer Village at the Kern County Museum.
California State University, Bakersfield Professor Stafford Betty recently released his latest book, “When Did You Ever Become Less by Dying? Afterlife: The Evidence,” examining what can be a difficult, sensitive and often debated discussion among many.
It’s been one year since my oldest son, Diego, left home for the Marine Corps.
It’s been one year since my oldest son, Diego, left home for the Marine Corps.
Jay Tamsi, CEO/president of the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, is unusually extra busy at this time as puts in the final touches of the 17th annual Latino Food Festival and Menudo Cook-Off.
The past couple of days have been a trying time for the community as it mourns the loss of a young Bakersfield Police Department officer.
It may have only been in its second year, but the Red White & Blue Gala held last week at the Crystal Palace showed that Bakersfield truly cares about supporting families who have lost someone in the military.
The nominations for the third annual Bakersfield Life magazine's 20 under 40 People to Watch contest are steadily streaming in. I want to thank readers who have entered submissions. However, there is still time to nominate local residents who you feel should be recognized for their efforts i…
A nonprofit group is seeking local youth between the ages of 14 and 17 to apply for a summer program that will involve them spending 10 days at the U.S. Marine Corps Camp Pendleton base in Southern California.
Former and current Cal State Bakersfield students gathered last week to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the student newspaper, The Runner.
Christmas is only a few days away and while many of us are busy planning gatherings and exchanging our gifts of appreciation to friends and families, local charities are also hoping to be included on the to-do list.
Imagine running for 12 hours straight in Bakersfield. Or dare to run for a record of 24 hours. Heck, being a watcher of these two races could be daring enough.
About 10 Bakersfield Young Marines learned a critical piece of military history and the significant role of the Navajo Code Talkers during World War II when they got a chance to meet with the veterans in Window Rock, Ariz.
A few columns back, I wrote about this group of students who spent the dog days of summer under the stubbornly hot sun rehearsing nonstop, practically into the evening hours, at Bakersfield College.
He began as a janitor for Frito-Lay, a subsidiary of PepsiCo, and of course, like many, he dreamed of bigger things.
Last week I experienced one of the most difficult days of my adult life. I said goodbye to one of the first members of our family, our strong but loving German shepherd, Kita. She was 14 years old.
Family, friends and supporters of those in the armed services and veterans are encouraged to attend the fourth annual Military Ball, a full-dress uniform and black-tie affair, sponsored by the nonpartisan, nonprofit Military Order of the Purple Heart, Local Chapter 604. The Military Ball wil…
Blodgie Rodriguez may have her hands in many community activities, but she is one who seeks little spotlight. The Bakersfield Realtor is often behind the scenes helping put events together and fundraise for worthy local causes. And even though her typical day may begin early in the morning a…
Many people look to the New Year with new goals and hopes. Local charities are feeling much the same. Several charities in town, which rely on local support to exist, are hoping that the goodwill of area businesses and residents continues well into 2014 to help fund vital programs that benef…
The beauty of searching for a job in the high-tech world we live in is that we can easily upload our resume to various job websites, in addition to company sites.
A foundation that supports low-income families and seniors gain independence is gearing up for its second annual "Dreaming Beyond the Stars" fundraiser, 7 p.m. Friday at the Padre Hotel.
Parents of teenagers, I feel for you.
The recent suicides of celebrities Lee Thompson Young, 29, who played in the 2004 film, "Friday Night Lights," and Glee star Cory Monteith, 31, has moved the topic of suicide into the spotlight and mainstream discussion. However, those with star status are not the only ones affected by the n…
If you want to gauge whether the state is on the path to economic recovery, one of the first pulses to check is that of the small business.
If you ever wanted to see how one little program can turn a life around, then visit the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation in Bakersfield.
Some of the most important moments of our lives are celebrated at the dinner table or local restaurants, whether it's an anniversary, birthday or first date.
The identity and capture of the Boston Marathon bombing suspects has begun the healing process for those affected by the tragedy.
This is a story about believing.
If there is one group that hasn't given up on our youth and teachers, it's the ninth district of Department of California's Veterans of Foreign Wars.Veterans of different wars who dedicate their time and volunteer for great community efforts represent the ninth district, which encompasses mo…
A writing and art contest designed to capture the contributions of farmworkers over the years resulted in 18 local youth winning an award for their submitted work.
Many of you might have gotten your hands on the December holiday edition of Bakersfield Life recently. And if you haven't, then I encourage to stop by one of rack stands to pick up a copy. For a list of rack locations, visit www.bakersfieldlife.com/rack_locations.
One of the most under-utilized but greatest gems in our community is our library.
Here is an opportunity to support local law enforcement and learn more about a drug problem facing the county.
Two upcoming events will be held in different communities to raise funds for one cause with a lot of heart.
Scam or fraudulent incidents can catch many consumers by surprise, and businesses are not immune.That's why the Kern County Fire Department has teamed up with the Better Business Bureau and a California fire marshal investigator to hold a seminar on fire protection fraud this week.
An educator, a businesswoman and a longtime nurse were recently highlighted at an awards ceremony as the three Latinas of the Year by the nonprofit Latina Leaders of Kern County. The annual award is based on nominations, which are then reviewed by the organization's board that narrows the re…
On Saturday, about 45 local teenagers participated in the 2012 Devil Pups Challenge in hopes of being selected as a finalist for an upcoming summer program that will take place at the Marine Corps Camp Pendleton base. The name "devil pups" is derived from "devil dog," a popular nickname for …
I recently finished reading "Dark Sweat, White Gold: California Farm Workers, Cotton, and the New Deal," by UCLA history professor Devra Weber, and I was reminded of the times I spent interviewing Spanish-speaking farmworkers and listening to their stories of struggles, dreams, fears and hopes.
We often come across surveys -- on air, obesity, you name it -- that put Bakersfield to shame. Yet these observations cannot measure a community that gives unconditionally. Last month, I wrote about a group of Fremont School runners in serious need of uniforms and track shoes. The elementary…
Marcel Guerra is a young but energetic track coach and physical education activity leader for the Fremont School Magnet Program, which is tucked away in a working poor neighborhood a few blocks away from Union Avenue and East Brundage Lane.
One of the most life-changing moments in my life occurred almost 20 years ago in a Dallas hotel, which was hosting a national newspaper association conference. I was about 22 years old, a junior at Fresno State and among a group of about 15 diverse college students from parts of the South, M…
RIO BRAVO RUMBLE: I started my Saturday morning by attending the Rio Bravo Rumble, organized by Brian Monroe and Glinn & Giordano Physical Therapy. I have to say it is one of my favorite runs to do each year, and I'm not saying this because I have gone to Glinn & Giordano for physica…
A local nonprofit group is once again gearing up for its annual event that will treat foster care and at-risk youth with plenty of holiday love and spirit.
BACKPACK DRIVE: Talk about creativity. Allure Beauty Salon owner Denise Ornelas is on a mission to collect as many backpacks for underprivileged children, and she's been using Facebook to entice potential donors. The goal is to collect 500. To reach that number, she's been offering some of h…
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