Mas Help - admin's Blog - Mas

Editor’s Note: What a year!

Welcome to the last issue of 2006 for MÁS!

We’ve had quite a year — it started out with a cover story on comedian Carlos Mencia, who gave MÁS an all-access interview that resulted in a great feature story and fantastic set of photos showing the funny man’s expressive face.

MÁS has also kept up with the Latino art scene, including sponsorship of the largest Latin American art show to come to Bakersfield and profiling local artists, Jose Castellanos and Alberto Herrera.

Music is such an important part of the Hispanic culture. We’ve enjoyed meeting more local musicians like Rock-a-Mole and the young mariachi players being groomed in the tradition at Delano Union School District, thanks to Juan Morales, as well as those on the national entertainment scene like the multicultural stew found in The Black Eyed Peas.

We were inspired by our “Leading Latinas” feature story, where las mujeres such as Dolores Huerta told us how they tackle life, careers and family, while making a difference in this community.

Our “Field of Dreams” series also continues to tell tales of success in the achievements of individuals like attorney Daniel Rodriguez,who either once worked in the fields themselves, or whose family worked in the fields.

MÁS proudly documented the new faces of activism as the student walkout protests over proposed immigration reform hit home with local high school kids.

Latinos on the move within the local business and political scenes have also graced our magazine’s pages.

MÁS helped bring the premiere of Emilio Estevez’s movie, “Bobby” to the Fox Theater, bringing to light in our story the strong local connections between the Kennedys and Kern County.

We also provided a summer fashion issue, an elections issue and a variety of delicious comida stories. Hey, food is an important part of culture, too!

We’ve written about lowriders, soccer players, cross country runners, teachers, ballet dancers and soldiers.

Each week, we’ve been truly honored to bring our readers stories of love, hope and faith.

MÁS is now entering its second year of production, and as 2007 approaches, our staff looks forward to another year of learning more about what makes this Latino community so special.

— Teresa Adamo, MÁS copy editor

Editor’s Note: It’s all about familia

With Christmas spirit in full swing, many of us will be thinking of ways to spend time with our families and show them how much they mean to us.

That’s what I like about this issue of MÁS. There are a few stories that touch on the importance or influence of family. We read about the Muñoz family as they help their 1-year-old daughter, Sofia, battle leukemia. Sofia is scheduled to undergo a bone marrow transplant soon. This wouldn’t have been possible without a bone marrow donor, and it is a good time to remind readers to consider being one, if they aren’t already.

My godson, Jeremiah, a second-grader, has been in remission for the past three months from leukemia. We have been fortunate. But it’s important for us to continue to learn about the disease and look into how we can make a difference for our youth.

Inside, you will learn about Classic Dreams Car Club, which is in its 22th year, and its mission is simple: It’s about the family and fun. They are right. My brother-in-law, Julian has been involved in the car club in the past and I remember he and my sister taking me on car club family functions in Wasco when I was a young teen. It’s nice to know that this club is still going strong and keeping it in la familia. Thanks to our photographer, Lydia Gonzales, we got to learn a little more about them.

Our cover story is about Latina drum major Kristen Torres. Her mother suggested we write a story about her talented daughter, who plays not only one, but about 10 different instruments! Talk about musical abilities! The student at East Bakersfield High School learned a lot of these instruments on her own. Way to go, Kristen. Read more about Kristen and her future goals.

And we hear from one of our readers, Cruz Ramos, who submitted a romantic recipe of quail with rose petals. The recipe takes its presence in the great hit film, “Like Water For Chocolate.” Cruz reminds us about the film and this great recipe that would be so timely in this season of holiday love and cheer.

I also would like to remind readers to submit recipes to us via e-mail at: tadamo@masbakersfield.com Many readers have benefited from these recipes and continue to ask us for more. So please share the love of cooking with your fellow readers.

Well, I hope you enjoy this issue.

I also would like to wish a Happy Birthday to my husband, Julio, who turns a year older and wiser. The boys and I have a cool surprise for you!
— Olivia Garcia, Managing Editor

Editor’s Note: ‘Tis the season

By now, we’re all in the holiday hoopla together.

There are gifts to be selected, purchased and wrapped. Then, they’ll be given and hopefully, adored and appreciated.

In the meantime, we’re supposed to take a moment and enjoy this special season, though that can be difficult when time is of the essence.

Even so, let’s all stop and remember the gifts in our lives already — the family and the friends who give to us of themselves each and every day of the year.

My husband and my sons are the best presents I’ve ever received, and I look forward to celebrating the joys and blessings of the holidays with them during these next few weeks.

Also celebrating the holidays in different ways are the people featured in this week’s MÁS.

There are the Ornelaz sisters — Victoria and Lauren — who celebrate each Christmas season by dancing in “The Nutcracker” and then usually spending a week in Mexico with family afterward.

Read about these very talented — and very busy — Latina ballerinas and how they’ve danced their way into this beloved community production in our cover story by MÁS staff writer Lisa Wuertz.

We also learn that the Marie Callender’s on California Avenue is spicing up its menu with a new offering often served up to celebrate the holidays (or help ease a little too much celebrating from the night before) — menudo! See the appetizing article by MÁS freelancer Naomi Moss.

Our Latino America article for this week, explains the story behind the celebration for El Dia de la Virgen de Guadalupe, Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe. We also list the various services at local Catholic churches to commemorate this revered woman.

Still need a gift idea for the mujer in your life? Check out our staff gift guide.

Yes, ‘tis the season to celebrate, to enjoy and to cherish the gifts that will be both given and received.

Most of all, ‘tis the season to remember just how very fortunate we are to have so much to celebrate and to be able to do so with the ones we love.

Happy Holidays to all!

— Teresa Adamo, MÁS copy editor

Editor's Note: Finding opportunity in life's challenges

“All of us might wish at times that we lived in a more tranquil world, but we don’t. And if our times are difficult and perplexing, so are they challenging and filled with opportunity.”
— Robert F. Kennedy

Although Bobby Kennedy was making a statement about the 1960s, his observations are still true some 40 years later.

Many of the challenges that face our community today are the same.
One of these areas is the epidemic of drug use.

Prompted by the local premiere of the anti-meth movie, “No Vale La Pena,” MÁS writer Lisa Wuertz takes a look at the production and use of methamphetamine locally in this issue.

Within the article, we learn that drugs do not discriminate as to the lives they destroy. Whether it is the innocent family member or the user, the rich or the poor, the educated or the high school dropout, the epidemic continues to move through our communities, silently killing our future.

I know there is hope for those lost within the clutches of using as I have a personal connection with someone who has overcome the battle. My friend has been “clean” for more than 12 years, although he states he will never take this for granted. He now celebrates a happy marriage, successful career and works everyday to be the person his children can admire. He stays active weekly with his Narcotics Anonymous group, working to give hope to those who want to move forward to a better way.

Another view of hope is found in the story of attorney H.A. Sala, profiled by MÁS freelancer Leonel Martinez. Rather than giving in to bitterness and anger when his father walked out on his family, Sala chose the path to education. He is now one of the most respected defense attorneys in Bakersfield, dedicated to giving others a second chance.

Opportunity for the future is also seen in the tenacity and teamwork displayed by the Foothill High Cross Country Team profiled on pages 6 and 7. Not your so-called typical teens, these students are dedicated to their sport and to each other.

The lessons of determination and compassion will carry on with them into adulthood as they find opportunity in their challenges as Bobby himself told us 40-plus years ago.

— Delia Carson
General Manager

Editor’s Note: A multicultural identity

When I say that I am a mysterious woman, I don’t mean it in a personality description kind of way.

I’m talking about my ethnicity.

In fact, when presented with those occasional forms where you’re asked to check a box that best categorizes race, well, I’m often a little confused.

My mother is from the Philippines. Her mother’s maiden name was “Ramos” — perhaps as a result of 300-plus years of Spanish rule in the Philippines — and she had long, auburn tresses that contrasted with her dark, olive-colored skin.

My father’s side — with “Mullins” for a surname — came to the U.S. via Ellis Island, all the way from County Tipperary, Ireland with the freckles and the red hair to prove it.

After I married an Italian man — Sicilian to be exact — with Okie-Bakersfield roots, well, just imagine what a wonderful cultural melting pot our two sons represent.

So when Taboo, a.k.a. Jaime Gomez, of The Black Eyed Peas told MÁS that fans often seem unsure of his exact ethnicity and confuse him with fellow bandmate, Allan “apl.de.ap” Pineda, who is Filipino, I could identify.

Turns out Taboo is actually of Mexican and Native American descent.

In this issue, read more about how the famous — and wildly successful — sound of The Black Eyed Peas is at least partly owed to the group’s multicultural make-up. You can also hear that unique mix of musical styles when the band comes to Bakersfield’s Rabobank Arena Nov. 30.

Then there’s our story with actor-turned-director, Emilio Estevez who — along with State Sen. Dean Florez, D-Shafter — recently brought a special premier screening of his critically-acclaimed film, “Bobby” to the Fox Theater.

Estevez tells us that he decided to keep his family’s Latino surname, rather than change it to the stage name, “Sheen” — as did his father, Martin, and brother, Charlie — after his dad advised: “Don’t make the same mistake that I did, honor your heart and honor your heritage.”

It was a choice Estevez never regretted.

Far from it, in fact — Estevez’s attention to his cultural roots played a part in bringing “Bobby” to the big screen and to Bakersfield.

So when you think about it, there’s really no mystery at all to a multicultural background — and the honor and heritage that comes along with it.

— Teresa Adamo, MÁS copy editor

Editor’s Note: Muchas gracias to our veterans

Veterans Day is always a special time of the year for me.

I think of my husband, Julio, who served as a Marine sniper during the Gulf War and is now in law enforcement.

We were married on Veterans Day 11 years ago — Julio likes to add it was one day shy of the Marine Corps’ birthday.

Veterans Day also reminds me of my youngest brother, Angel Estrada, who served two tours in Iraq and is now a Bakersfield recruiting sergeant for the U.S. Marine Corps.

I remember my grandpa, Raul Conde, a World War II vet who hardly shared stories about his time there, though his black-and-white Army picture that hung inside my grandma’s house reminded me of the pride he most certainly had in serving. I also think of another WW II vet, my husband’s grandfather, Antonio Casas.

My sons, Diego and Mateo, love this holiday because they get to dress up in cammies and find ways to pay tribute to our service men and women.

Perhaps that’s why I am really excited about this issue of MÁS.

In this edition, we asked our readers to submit photos and dedications honoring their military loved ones — and boy, they responded!

And one of our staff writers, Christina Dillmann, went out and interviewed local veterans from different wars to find out what Veterans Day means to them.

I encourage all of you to take some time out and read all about our local, special heroes who have sacrificed their time — and for some, their lives — to serve in the military.

Thank you, veterans, for your duty and honor.

— Olivia Garcia,
Managing Editor

Editor's Note: Serving up local restaurants

Recently, my oldest daughter celebrated her 18th birthday. For weeks prior, she stated that the only gift she wanted was for everyone to get together for dinner at a newly opened chain restaurant.

This would seem like an easy request to fulfill, but when I contacted the restaurant to make reservations, I was informed that they did not accommodate groups of our size — 16 in our party. I stated to the manager that I was flexible with the date and time and would make whatever changes necessary to ensure our group would not intrude on their busy dinner rush.

Every effort was rejected, so I had to give my daughter the disappointing news. “That’s OK” she replied, “The family getting together is more important.”

Frustrated, I contacted a locally-owned restaurant, Señor Pepe’s, with the same request. The staff was more than generous, immediately accommodating my desired date and time. Upon arrival, our party was greeted with fast and friendly service.

It is experiences like this that keep local residents loyal to their favorite eating spots. Sure, we will try out the newest chain opening — but not until the hype is over, and meanwhile, we will continue to migrate back to our tried-and-true local favorites where the owner greets us and the staff knows our name.

In this week’s edition of MÁS, we introduce you to a few locally owned culinary delights, some with a cultural twist. We showcase teppanyaki chef Trinidad Rodriguez, who puts on a delightful show at Shogun restaurant.

Staff writer Lisa Wuertz dug deep to find out the recipe of success used by four locally owned Mexican restaurants and why people love them so much. Our Mercado staff also provided a list of our top picks when it comes to local fare.

To finish off, writer Christina Dillmann examines the fusion of cultural favorite foods offered on some local menus.

The restaurants we feature are just the tip of the iceberg of great, local cuisines, so I invite you to send us a personal review of your favorite local restaurant. Send comments to: ogarcia@masbakersfield.com

Enjoy! Buen Provecho!

Delia Carson,
General Manager
Mercado Nuevo

Welcome!

Welcome to The Mas help blog! We'll use this space to tell you about how to make the most of Masbakersfield.com, so be sure to come back.

We recently upgraded Masbakersfield.com with new features, including:

    A wider layout with more room for your articles and pictures!

    Blogs to share your thoughts. Set up yours now!

    Improved profiles that show more of your content.

IMPORTANT! You may need to "Clear Your Cache"
If you're having trouble using the new site and things look funny, it may be because you need to clear the cache in your Web browser so that you're seeing the latest stuff.
Here's how to do that on several different operating systems and Web browsers:

PC, Internet Explorer
- Go to the Tools > Internet Options menu
- Click "Delete Files" under Temporary Internet Files
- Click "Delete Cookies"
- Click OK Close the browser and restart it.

PC, Firefox 1.0
- Choose Tools > Options
- Click the Privacy button
- Click "clear" next to Cache and Cookies
- Click OK
- Close the browser and restart it.

PC, Firefox 1.5
- Choose Tools menu > Clear Private Data
- Make sure "Cache" is one of the checked options and click Clear Private Data Now.
- Close the browser and restart it.

MAC, Firefox 1.0 and up:
- Click on Firefox, then choose Preferences. Click on the Privacy icon (second one down) then click the Clear button next to Cache (last one on the list)

If you continue to have problems, please post a comment here and someone will get back to you.

Thanks!
The Masbakersfield.com team