Hand woven baskets bring culture to Brimhall Farmers Market

Photo of Carrie Sandles selling the baskets she buys from South African women.

On my recent trip to the Brimhall Farmers Market I interviewed a woman who sells hand woven baskets made in South Africa.

My Three Thai’s Offer Steamy Delights

Some of the best food in Bakersfield is found at “The Blue Elephant, Finest Authentic Thai Cuisine,”  located at 8200 Stockdale Hwy, Suite M-1.  Their food delights new customers,and old customers alike. You can order online for pick up at http://www.blue-elephant.net or call order to go at (661) 833-8190.

Located at 8200 Stockdale Hwy Suite M-1, Bakersfield CA 93311. (661) 833-8190

                                           The aroma of Yellow Curry with Tofu, and Chicken, Garlic Fried Rice fills the air.

 

Mango Sticky Rice is a Succulent Summer Delight

Steve and Birdie Del Papa enjoy Chicken Pad Thai and Chicken Basil. A glass of Merlot wine and Mango Sticky Rice for Dessert topped the evening meal.

Great wine, food and atmosphere.

Another fine Thai Restaurant is The Orchid Thai Restaurant. Located at 5550 California Avenue, #106, Bakersfield, CA 93309. They have been in this new location for just over one year. Their specialties include Lobster Mac N’ Cheese, Roasted Scottish Salmon, and Seafood Inferno. Orders can be placed online at: http://www.orchidfusioncuisine.com.

New location is 5550 California Ave, #106, Bakersfield, CA 93309 (661) 864-7979

Chicken Pad Thai is a favorite at most Thai Restaurants. Pad Thai consists of glass noodles, seasoned with delicate herbs and delicious peanut sauce.

Chicken Pad Thai

Famous for their decadent desserts, Red Velvet Cake is a favorite at The Thai Orchid.

Red Velvet Cake

Last but not least is The Thai Kitchen located at 9901 Hageman Rd. Bakersfield, CA 93312

(661) 589-8678

Thai Kitchen serves authentic Thai cuisine. Located at 9901 Hageman Rd. Bakersfield, CA 93312

“The Good, The Bad and The Judges,” Tour at Historic Union Cemetery Fascinates Public

“THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE JUDGES,” TOUR AT HISTORIC UNION CEMETERY FASCINATES ALL AGES.

Tours of the Historic Union Cemetery and more information on their events can be found at http://www.UnionCemetery1872.com

COL. THOMAS BAKER’S OBELISK EXEMPLIFIES HIS DEDICATION TO MAKING BAKERSFIELD LIVE FOR ETERNITY.

Judge Benjamin Brundage (1834-1911) was instrumental in relocating Kern County’s seat from Havilah to Bakersfield.

A stroll through the emerald golf course grounds of Union Cemetery Saturday morning, April 27, for “The Good, The Bad, and The Judges,” tour was fascinating. It was a special tour of the Pioneers Section where Bakersfield’s founding fathers are buried.The City of Bakersfield is named after Col. Thomas Baker, who was an attorney, a judge, and served as a senator from Fresno and Tulare counties 1861-1862. He loved the land and with Harvey Brown, bought swamp land in 1863 that is now Bakersfield.  He is one of ‘The Good,” as well as one of “The Judges”. His profound knowledge and foresight was instrumental in the creation and promotion of Bakersfield and the welfare if it’s residents.

Benjamin Brundage, (1834-1911) was Bakersfield’s first Superior Court Judge. The original Kern County seat of government was in Havilah, but Brundage fought hard to have the seat of government permanently moved to Bakersfield.  Brundage Lane is named in his honor.

RALPH M. FARISS, IS ONE OF THE “BAD” (1889-1915).

Peggy Schrader tells tour group about the infamy of one of  Bakersfield’s trouble makers, Ralph M. Ferris (1889-1915). Ralph, a resident of Bakersfield, was hanged in San Quentin in 1915 after he committed a train robbery in which  he shot and killed Horace E. Montague, December 1, 1913 near El Monte, CA. 

       

VICKI SCHALLOCK DESCRIBES SHOOT OUT BETWEEN ANOTHER “BAD”– PERCY DOUGLAS AND THE “GOOD” CHIEF EDWIN L. WILLOW.

 

EDWIN L. WILLOW WAS A MAN WHO WORE MANY HATS–OWNER OF WILLOW FURNITURE, DEPUTY SHERIFF, AND FIRE CHIEF.

UNION CEMETERY IS 141 YEARS OLD, AND PRESENTLY UNDERGOING RECONSTRUCTION.

LAST YEAR THE CITY OF BAKERSFIELD DECLARED UNION CEMETERY A HISTORIC SITE–RENOVATIONS ARE UNDERWAY.

GROUNDS KEEPER, ROBERT GALAVIZ TAKES GREAT PRIDE IN RESTORING THE BEAUTY TO UNION CEMETERY.

JIM MCCONNELL WELCOMES VISITORS TO UNION CEMETERY.

As one of the grave stones reads:

 “ Reader, Behold! As you pass by, As you are now, So once was I, As I am now, so you must be, Prepare for death and follow me.”

Bakersfield Culture Sizzles as Art and Theatre Celebrate 10 years at “The Empty Space”

“Kreative Allusions,” by John Kirkeby-photo by Wanda Winkler

Bakersfield Culture Sizzles as The Empty Space Art Gallery/Theatre Celebrates Ten Years The Empty Space theatre and art gallery, located at 706 Oak St., is a cultural icon in Bakersfield. It is celebrating it’s tenth anniversary with an exhibit from John Kirkeby called, “Kreative Allusions” and a play called, “Crimes of the Heart,” written by Beth Henley and directed by Bob Kempf. Gallery director, Jesus Fidel, 30, prides the theatre/gallery as beng, “the only totally nonprofit, donation based theatre/gallery in the U.S. run by 20 volunteers 365 days a year,” said Fidel. Each month a different artist is featured in the art gallery and a different play is presented to the public. The plays are usually locally written or off-Broadway shows, with suggested donations of $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors per theatre show. Visiting the gallery exhibit is free and delicious snacks, coffee and wine is available. While the artist reception hours are between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. on weekends, the plays take place in the evenings on weekends. For a schedule of this month’s showings and future events go to www.esonline.org. John Kirkeby, retired from Xerox ten years ago, now has more time to be creative. He is celebrating his second showing at The Empty Space. “I really like the casual atmosphere at this gallery. For my first exhibit I was really nervous and brought 41 paintings and sold only a few. This year I have 21 paintings and they are selling very well,” said Kirkeby. He also has many prints of his artwork to choose from for sale at the gallery. If you are artistic and would like to exhibit your work to the public you can contact Michelle Guerrero, 35, the marketing director at (661) 327-7529. Both Guerrero and Fidel have been with The Empty Space for three years and are always available to answer any questions. If you love art you can also go to the Bakersfield Museum of Art website, www.bmoa.org for more information on  Bakersfield’s hidden art treasures.