East Sides Skatepark at Heritage Park Entertains All

Beat the heat at the Bakersfield Museum of Art

Bakersfield Museum of Art (Courtesy of Google Images)

The Bakersfield Museum of Art has been around since 1956 but was re-established in 1990. The museum is widely known and is a great place to go to beat the heat. With all the hot weather in Bakersfield, the indoor museum is a great escape and a great place to appreciate different works of art with cultural diversity. It is not only inspirational but also educational and has four primary exhibitions with emphasis on cultural diversity. Admission varies with age and prices are as follows: Members get in for free, adults get in for $5.00, seniors above the age of 65 get in for $4.00, and students get in for $2.00.  Unfortunately, child prices are not listed.

The Bakersfield Museum of Art also offers different art education programs, workshops, and tours dedicated to children and adults. Furthermore, they also offer to bring the museum to any class room with a program named Museum on the Move, specifically for students. This is where a museum instructor will bring an educational presentation that informs students of artists and significant art movements. They also offer a program named Art Smart that takes fine arts to culturally isolated districts in Kern County.

Members of the museum are able to host several different activities, receive discounts on merchandise, get invitations to special events and are able to attend all workshops. Volunteers are always welcome and have the access to be behind the scenes of exhibitions and  are also able to meet artists. It is open Tuesday through Friday 10am-4pm and Saturday through Sunday 12pm-4pm. It is located at 1930 R Street. Bakersfield, Ca 93301 and contact information can be found at bmoa.org.

Keep CALM at the Zoo

Reptile House at the CALM Zoo Courtesy of Google Images

The CALM Zoo is a great place to visit for all those interested in the animals surrounding the valley. This interview includes the views and perspectives of both visitors and workers.

Discover our Solar System at the Planetarium

West view of Planetarium located at BC College Courtesy of Bakersfield College

The William M. Thomas Planetarium is a great place to visit for both adults and children interested in learning more about planets, our solar system, or constellations. The Planetarium has been open since 1962 and is equipped with a go to Chronos star projector that produces a star field on a 36 foot dome. There is individual seating for up to 72 people and the dome in which things are projected on is the biggest in all the central valley. Those who attend also have the chance to ask the resident astronomer Nick Strobel, and questions regarding the show.

Group seating must be reserved ahead of time and tickets should also always be purchased ahead of time at bakersfieldcollege.edu/planetarium. Shows are approximately one hour long and tickets for adults cost $6.50 and seniors and children 5-12 get in for just $4.50. All evening shows begin at 7:30, doors open at 7 and you are able to sit anywhere you want. No food or drinks are allowed in the Planetarium and children must be 5 years of age or older. Morning shows for groups are Tuesdays and Thursday mornings. The Planetarium is also always open for field trips by reservation.

The Planetarium is located on The Bakersfield College campus on the second floor in the northwest end of the math/science building room 112. The address is Bakersfield College 1801 Panorama Drive, Bakersfield, Ca 93305. For any questions contact 661-395-4526. If you are interested in getting to know more about our solar system, astrology, or space then the Planetarium is the right place for you.

Bakersfield Blaze Open at Home

Bakersfield Blaze
(Courtesy of ballparkreviews.com)

On Thursday night the 11 of April, the Bakersfield Blaze, a local class A minor league baseball team whose record currently stands at 0-8, were defeated by the Stockton Ports 10 to 3. The game was the home opener for the Blaze at Sam Lynn Ballpark, managed by former Major league Baseball player Ken Griffey Sr. It was announced that there were 1,023 fans in attendance.

The Blaze are off to a rocky start after winning the California League north division title in 2012. Ken Griffey Sr. has been the manager for the past couple of seasons and has shown to be beneficial fr the minor league team. Sam Lynn Ballpark is located on North Chester Avenue and tickets prices range from $7 to $9 depending on the seats. The food at the Blaze games is good because they offer a variety of items including signature items with sides, beverages, and deserts. Although the Blaze is struggling, it is still supported by the local fans of Bakersfield.

David Morales, 17, and his brother Onicx Morales, 16, are both high school students from Bakersfield and find sports to be a primary source of entertainment. They say that they enjoy coming out to the baseball games because of the competitiveness and the atmosphere. Both brothers were raised watching sports and they said the Bakersfield Blaze is off to a slow start, considering how well they did last year by winning the California League northern division. They say the Blaze will do better soon.

“The blaze are looking weak but I’m sure they will comeback by mid-season,” said David, also adding that, “watching the Blaze is the next best thing to going to Major league games, especially last year when they made it to the playoffs.”

Coming out to the games is always fun. I like the atmosphere,” said Onicx Morales. “Baseball games are perfect to go because the tickets are cheap and cheap entertainment is good.”

Furthermore, Onicx says, “Baseball games are good for family bonding.” According to the brothers, if they did not attend the Bakersfield Blaze games they would still be attend some sporting event.

Sports contribute to Bakersfield when it comes to entertainment and can use the support. With the many different sports teams in Bakersfield including hockey, basketball, softball, and the various sports teams offered by California State University, Bakersfield including track and wrestling, entertainment is right around the corner and the fanatic atmosphere is a great experience.

The Blaze season schedule can be found online at www.milb.com. According to the California League website, the Blaze had the lowest attendance in the league last year with 43,969.

“Baseball is one of my favorite sports to watch besides football. I can’t wait for football season,” said David. Onicx Morales added,  “Basketball is my favorite sport to watch but baseball is fun to watch with the family.”

Baseball has been commonly known to be America’s favorite pastime, and remains a key source of entertainment for fans in Bakersfield.

 

 

CSUB Runners Defeat Fresno State

On Tuesday April 23, the California State University Bakersfield baseball team played Fresno State at Hardt Field and were victorious. After beating Fresno just a week prior, Fresno was looking to redeem themselves but unfortunately they fell short of the win. Admission to the game ranges from five to ten dollars depending on the section you choose and student admission is always free.

Fans showing support for the baseball players at Hardt Field on Tuesday the 23rd of April for the CSUB home game Vs. Fresno State. (Photo by Danny Gudino)

Hardt Field during the CSUB vs. Fresno State baseball game on Tuesday night the 23rd of April. (Photo by Danny Gudino)

Fans watch as CSUB plays Fresno State at Hart Field Tuesday the 23rd of April. (Photo by Danny Gudino)

 

CSUB fans and supporters leave the baseball game at Hardt Field after the victory over Fresno State 2-0. (Photo taken by Danny Gudino)

CSUB fans leave Hardt field after the victory over Fresno State Tuesday the 23rd of April. (Photo by Danny Gudino)

 

Senior couple who are Bakersfield residents wanted to remain nameless, but are showing support for the CSUB Runners at their home baseball game on Tuesday April 23rd Vs. Fresno State. (Photo by Danny Gudino)

 

CSUB students show their support and school spirit with this poster that encourages students to attend the baseball game Vs. Fresno State on April 23rd. (Photo by Danny Gudino)

 

CSUB baseball player #2 Oscar Sanay next at the plate at Hardt Field Vs. Fresno State on Tuesday the 23rd of April. (Photo by Danny Gudino)

CSUB player tries to get to first base after getting a hit off at Hardt Field. (Photo by Danny Gudino)

CSUB player #1 Jordie Hein steps up to the plate in hopes of getting a hit off on Tuesday the 23rd Vs. Fresno State at Hardt Field. (Photo taken by Danny Gudino)

#9 Cael Brockmeyer with a focused look on his face after scoring for CSUB Tuesday the 23rd of April Vs. Fresno State at Hardt Field. (Photo by Danny Gudino)

#21 James Barragan winds up for a pitch against Fresno State Tuesday April 23rd at Hardt Field. (Photo by Danny Gudino)

Movie Night In Bakersfield

Looking for something entertaining in Bakersfield? Well you can never go wrong with a new released movie which can only be seen at the theater. Bakersfield has several great movie theaters and in this blog will help guide you to the theater that suits you.

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  Edwards Cinemas (Courtesy of yelp.com)

  Edwards Stadium 14 always has a great selection of new released movies and is located in a great area. It is located on 9000 Ming Avenue. This theater offers a great atmosphere for all and is close to a few restaurants and grill which you can enjoy before of after the movie. The service is excellent, its very clean, and the value is great. The price for tickets are as follows: Child admission is 7$, Senior admission is also 7$ and General admission for adults is 10.50$. Movie times can be found on Fandango and you can also buy tickets online.

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  Maya Cinemas (Courtesy of yelp.com)

  Maya Cinema 16 is also always a great choice because of its location near down town Bakersfield. It is located 1000 California Avenue. If you are seeking comfort this would be the best choice because of their reclining seats. The customer service is great and the theater is very clean. The ticket prices are low, the food is good and its a great investment when wanting to see new released movies. The prices for the tickets are as follows: Child admission is 6$, Senior admission is also 6$, and General admission for adults is 9$.

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  Reading Cinemas 16 (Courtesy of Google Images)

  Reading Cinemas 16 is a great choice for those looking to go to the mall and who are looking  to enjoy a movie. This theater is located within walking distance of the Valley Plaza mall on 2000 Wible road. This theater is also quite popular and attracts many people creating a great atmosphere. It is very clean and the service is also excellent. This theater has the cheapest tickets and is a great theater for the value. The price for tickets are as follows: Child admission is 5.50$, Senior admission is also 5.50$, and General admission is 8.50$. Movie times can be found on Fandango and you can also buy tickets online.

Bakersfield Blaze wait as plans for new stadium are finalized

Photo courtesy of BakersfieldNow.com

The Bakersfield Blaze are set to have a new ballpark by 2014 to replace the current Sam Lynn Ballpark, which has been around since 1941.The new ballpark is going to be built between Rosedale highway and Brimhall road off of Coffee road.The ballpark is said to have a main street leading to the stadium with several different businesses that include restaurants.
“Rumors of a new stadium to replace Sam Lynn Ballpark built in 1941, gained steam when the Blaze were bought earlier this year by a group led by local businessmen Gene Vailand and Chad Hathaway.The baseball organization said it plans to open the new stadium in 2014”(BakersfieldNow.com).
The new ballpark will also offer new jobs and can be used for multipurpose events including college baseball and softball to name a few along with major musical events and gatherings. Because Sam Lynn Ballpark is quite outdated, and is said to not meet minor league stadium requirements. Fans of the Blaze have been urging the organization to build a new stadium and now they will be able to enjoy and experience the Bakersfield Blaze minor league games on a whole new level.
“The planned 3500 seat stadium would include luxury suites and special event space for groups and families, picnic areas and a children’s playground, the Blaze said.In addition to being home to the single A- Cincinnati reds affiliate, the stadium could host college baseball and softball games, soccer matches and concerts,the Blaze said” (BakersfieldNow.com).

The new stadium will be a great attraction and a good sports investment for the city of Bakersfield and it will benefit the locals with grade A competitive entertainment. The new ballpark will hopefully encourage many of the Bakersfield residents to support the home team, which continues to battle through the season. After losing the home opener last Thursday the eleventh of April, the Blaze continue with four wins and two losses. As the Blaze continue to find themselves, they continue to provide families with fun and entertainment despite their rocky start and outdated ballpark. Sam Lynn ballpark was built in 1941 and remains a great attraction in Bakersfield and also remains a good place to continue supporting the Blaze, until their new stadium comes in 2014.

College Sports that Entertain

Courtesy of Mark Nessia Photography CSUB

Although Bakersfield has been regarded as having minimal entertainment, many can find themselves entertained by the many competitive sports teams this city has to offer. This includes sports at the college level. Many enjoy the environment and the excitement that comes with watching college level athletics. California State University, Bakersfield has several athletic teams to support and one of the many teams include the CSUB Roadrunners softball team to name a few.

On Saturday, Amber Mills a CSUB freshman pitcher tossed a two hit shut out to lead the Runners to a victory over the University of San Diego. Although CSUB lost the first game of the double header, Mills was able to make up for the last game with a 2-0 victory. Mills also pitched a no hitter through five innings which was a great contribution for CSUB.

“In Game 1, CSUB jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the top of the second inning when junior first baseman Ricciardi led off with a single and freshman right fielder Sydney Raeber (Hanford, Calif., Hanford HS) followed with a double to put runners at second and third with no outs. Sophomore catcher Ashley Carter then drew a walk, after battling through an 11-pitch at bat, to load the bases. Using her speed as a slap hitter, junior left fielder Karissa Veiga (Hemet, Calif., Hemet HS) reached on an infield single, advancing all the runners and scoring Ricciardi. Redshirt senior center fielder Laura King (Camarillo, Calif., UNLV) then drew a bases-loaded walk to plate Raeber before USD got out of the inning” (CSUB Athletic Communications).

“In Game 2, the ‘Runners (12-24, 7-7 PCSC) jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the fourth inning when junior shortstop Shay Fryer (San Diego, Calif., University HS) led off with a single and then was advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by sophomore third baseman Madison Bundy (Anacortes, Wash., Oregon State). Junior first baseman Amy Ricciardi (Chino Hills, Calif., Ayala HS) then hit an RBI single to plate Fryer. Mills then hit a double, but was left on base with Ricciardi. CSUB added to its lead in the fifth when sophomore second baseman Adrianna Cardoza (Santa Anna, Calif., La Quinta HS) led off with a double, her third two-baser of the day, and came around to score on a single by King to put the ‘Runners up 2-0” (CSUB Athletic Communications).

Their current record is 13-25 overall. Mills a freshman is a highly regarded player to look out for. Although she is only a freshman pitcher, she continues to play at a mature level for the Runners and is a much needed asset for the season. With the help of fellow teammates, Shay Fryer, Madison Bundy, Amy Ricciardi, and Adriana Cardoza, CSUB was able to pull off the win to make up for the first loss of the double header on Saturday. With the many teams to keep up with in Bakersfield, it is easy to stay entertained if your a sports enthusiast and are looking to support the local talent. The next softball game is set for Tuesday April 16th, at CSUB against Hawaii, who is ranked 22nd overall.