Card players gather for Magic: The Gathering

Russo’s Bookstore is known to hold an array of events to attract more business by giving the community a place to bond over a common interest.

This Friday I watched over the guys and girls as they engaged countless hours of mental dexterity.

Click here to see The Gathering!

Can’t beat the heat? Escape it!

One of the best ways to beat the heat in Bakersfield is to escape it. That does not mean you have to plan elaborate three day trip as far away for Kern County as humanely possible. However, a little alone time is always beneficial to one’s psyche.

Bakersfield is surrounded by quaint towns that are home to many historical pieces within its respective community.

Allensworth is a historical town located roughly 30 minutes North of Bakersfield. This town was originally founded by former slaves on Aug 03, 1908 by Colonel Allen Allensworth.

courtesy of: northstarnews.com

This town is now the location of Colonel Allensworth’s State Historic Park. The park has a visiting center that holds tours. Visitors can also camp out on the grounds. Special events are held throughout the year to raise awareness about one of the first all-black communities.

In celebration of Juneteenth, the earliest form of celebration for freeing the slaves, the Allensworth State Historic Park holds an annual event where participants can ride bikes and engage in other activities including entertainment, guest speakers and free tours.

Their annual rededication event will take place on Oct. 12.

According to the park’s website, this event seeks to “renew our commitment to the park and its symbolic representation of self determination for all African-Americans in the areas of education and economic development.”

The City of Tehachapi, though plagued by obscurity,  can be a place for great entertainment when it’s found. After the City Council teamed up with the Tehachapi Mountain Rodeo Association (TMRA) in 2012, the groups improved and began operating the Tehachapi Event Center Rodeo Grounds.

On July 4th, the rodeo grounds will be hosting their annual Bad Bulls Tour. Guest are encouraged to go out and support a cool day and a show filled with clever clowns, raging bulls and the fearless cowboys who ride them. A Patriotic Fireworks Finale will follow the show to honor those served in the military.

courtesy of: liveuptehachapi.com

Ticket prices for this event are: $15- at the gate. Special discounts are applicable.

 

Volunteers make the world go ’round

Volunteering is a past time that never gets old. Many people who are unfamiliar with volunteering may view it as a daunting, time-consuming task that offers no benefits. That idea is misguided.

American Red Cross Disaster Relief group
Kern County- google.com

Former California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) student Leah Foster said, “Originally, I started volunteering as a part of my community service class for CSUB, but I liked it so much that I kept going back, even after CSUB kicked me out.”

Contrary to what some pessimists may believe, volunteering can yield many rewards. The best part about getting involved in your community is the sense of togetherness that can be established. Volunteering just once a week is enough to make a difference in the lives of people who are crave companionship.

A personal favorite of mine would have to be the American Red Cross. They offer many fields for potential volunteers to choose from. Bakersfield residents interested in this non-profit organization can contact their local Red Cross chapter to learn about positions in Disaster Relief through Case Management.

Another way to get involved is by donating time at the Boy’s and Girls’ Club of Kern County.

CSU Bakersfield Athletic Communications The CSUB Baseball team and the CSUB Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) have teamed up with Terrio Fitness, The Boys and Girls Club of Kern County and Frosty’s Forest for the Roadrunner Holiday Challenge.

This is a great place to try to volunteer at. Like the Red Cross, the Boys’ and Girls’ Club of Kern County has an array of ideas that would positively develop the youth of this community.

The Boys’ and Girls’ Club can also double as a “baby-sitter” for children during the times when parents wish to regain their sanity.  Parents can bring their kids to a fun environment where they can socialize freely with other children, as long as they are within the rules and regulations of the organization.

Some suggested ways to give back to the community were listed on the official website. Volunteers can: offer assistance in homework, teach a teen a new hobby or craft, join outings as a Field Trip Assistant, or coach a sports team.

Not only does volunteering present the chance to make another person feel good; but it also leads to invaluable life lessons,  real-world experience and the chance to leave your stamp on the world.

Kern County goes nuts!

  This Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Kern County will be holding its first annual Nut Festival.  This event was created and hosted by the Kern County Museum to help bring together Kern County residents and educate them about the tasty and healthy benefits of the various nuts grown locally.

Banner promoting the upcoming Nut Festival

This nut festival is a great way for friends and families of all ages to have some fun. June 14th, there will be a special VIP event just for adults. The next day, adults can bring their youth back to the museum to enjoy more family-friendly activities.

 Bakersfield resident and Nut Festival attendant Maci Atkins said, “I enjoy the Nut Fest every year, and I’ve been going for the past five years and I can’t for this weekend.”

  Events to take place include a “Run with Nuts,” where participants run a mile and back down Kern River Parkway Bike trail. Festival goers can also look forward to stage performances, art exhibitions, and culinary instructions taught by celebrity chefs. 

The nut festival also benefits organizations that seek to promote their cause as well as give back to the community. Though, most of the revenue will go to the Kern County Museum Foundation, non-profit organizations can gain revenue through volunteering or vending.

Not only can families grow closer, but they can work together to serve the less fortunate.

  Chair of the Kern County Museum Foundation Bob Lerude said in a Nut Festival promotion, “We are so excited about the Kern County Nut Festival and the impact it will have on our community; Not only will it be a fun, entertaining community event, but it will enable local non-profits to benefit as well, all the while supporting the educational efforts of the Kern County Museum.”

By Henry A. Barrios / The Californian

Besides the Kern County Museum, other organizations and corporations participating during the upcoming weekend include: the Bakersfield Police Department, Kern Community Foundation, Bakersfield Museum of Art (which I didn’t know existed), Memorial Hospital, and Kern County Environmental Health.

  The Kern County Museum is located on Chester Ave. Pre-sale tickets are $10 for adults, five dollars for kids (5- 12), and free for kids under four. At the gate ticket prices increase  by two dollars.

For more information about the Kern County Nut Festival or sponsorship information, contact Sheryl Barbich at
661.301.6763 or Beth Pandol 661.302.8171.

 

Passport to Pangea: The International Student Club Annual International Dinner

By Eric Garza

The International Student Club hosted their annual international dinner on April 12th, 2013. Many countries represented this year including a different part of the world from a different time span.

Photo by Eric Garza. Japanese students made three dishes including karaage, takoyaki, and chiriashizushi (pictured)

Photo by Eric Garza. Guests arrive to indulge on international cuisines.

Photo by Eric Garza. Dagmara Karnowski speaks on behalf of the effort the students put to make the International Dinner possible.

Photo by Eric Garza. In this photo, the lady in the front is a zumba instructor and is dancing, along with some international students, to Shakira’s Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)

Photo by Eric Garza. Members of the SCA demonstrate their fighting style in front of an audience.

CSUB’s The Cherry Orchard, Video Story

On June 02, 2012, CSUB’s Dore Theater presented The Cherry Orchard. It was a must see play; it had great performance.

The 27th Annual Jazz Festival

Jazz Festival

“Coffee for a purpose”

Photo by Sandy Ornelas. Entrance of Covenant Coffee.

Covenant coffee, located at 1700 N Chester Ave in Bakersfield, offers freshly roasted coffee with a great cause.

Photo by Sandy Ornelas. Inside Covenant Coffee.

Relay for Life brings new hope to Bakersfield

Relay for Life is back in Bakersfield. This story covers the opening ceremony held on May 4, the inspirational singing of CHP officer Robert Rodriguez and an interview with Sue Smith, a steering committee member and volunteer for the survivors group.

Image provided by http://www.examiner.com/article/two-relay-for-life-teams-hold-fundraisers-this-weekend-bakersfield

Fro’ Yo’ is Fun for all!!

Yogurt bars have become an instant attraction for Bakersfield residents. Eating healthy foods is often misguidedly associated with boring foods that lack color and taste. Frozen yogurt is now offered throughout Bakersfield as a healthy and scrumptious alternative to ice cream. Within the past three years, at least three yogurt bars have been opened on the southwest side of Bakersfield. Over a dozen yogurt places are currently open across the city. These comfortable bars are filled with vibrant colors, translucent spotlighting, and strategic seating which enables customers to spend a fun time together for under ten dollars.

Tutti Frutti

Tutti Frutti in Town & Country Shopping Center

•   Tutti Frutti is a great place to grab a frozen treat. Tutti Frutti is located in the Town and Country Shopping Center down the street from CSUB. This is a convenience for students who desire a cold creamy dessert during the summer. No car? Not a problem, Tutti Frutti is less than a mile from the campus. According to the company’s website, Tutti Frutti has locations in various countries across the country from Australia to Vietnam. Their mission is to make high quality frozen yogurt for people to enjoy all around the world. Customers can enjoy a cup of fro’ yo from 11am – 10 pm, Sunday through Thursday and 11 am – 11 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
  

  First- time customer Nathan Sanchez overloads on mango & pineapple soft serves

Nathan Sanchez, a first-time customer described his experience as “delicious, affordable, and mind blowing.”

Yogurtland

Two cheerful customers enjoy a yummy snack from Yogurtland

•   Yogurtland is another frozen yogurt bar that is also located on Stockdale Highway. This place can be found a few blocks down from the Riverwalk Park. The location is excellent for relaxing on a bench and feeling the pre-summer breeze while enjoying a savory serving of frozen yogurt. This yogurt bar offers a wide variety of flavors including: Salted Caramel Pecan, Dragon Passion Fruit Tart, and Matcha Green Tea. The store is open from 11 am- 11 pm Monday through Thursday, and Sunday. Yogurtland stays open an extra hour on Friday and Saturday.

Yogurtzone

The latest yogurt bar, Yogurtzone, offers a variety of flavors, colorful designs, and fun for all!

• Another edition to the frozen yogurt  fad is the newly opened Yogurtzone. Yogurtzone can be found placed discreetly between two shops at the Marketplace. Yogurtzone employees emphasize the importance of quality customer service. The bar stands out by providing more space, a chic decor, a backdrop for customers to take photos, and a television that plays a slideshow of previous customers. Like Tutti Frutti, the location of Yogurtzone is close enough for CSUB students to walk to the destination. Unlike some of the surrounding shops in The Marketplace, Yogurtzone is affordable, so customers with varying budgets can enjoy a cup of fun!