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Sitting behind the counter of Downtown Records in downtown Bakersfield, Chavez greets his customers like they’re friends stopping by for a visit.  

“This store is my home,” says Chavez. “I appreciate all my customers and feel good about everything I do for them.” 

That friendly approach to business is what he feels helps his store stand out from corporate-owned music outlets.  But Chavez’ history in the local music scene is also what makes Downtown Records a success, said local musician and customer Cesareo Garasa.

“Jake knows everyone by their first names,” says Garasa. “I’ve seen people come into his store like it was their favorite hangout. He’s also a kind of godfather figure in the local music scene that knows how to relate to the kids who come in and shop.”   

Walking by the storefront, it’s hard to pass up the striking “alternative” décor of the Downtown Records’ display window. On certain days you may find a giant poster of 80’s mod rockers, The Jam, hanging on the walls, or maybe even a used guitar amp awaiting a new owner. But as you wander among rows of endless music and curios, you’re guaranteed to hear some cool tunes.

“Many businesses have either shied away or left downtown, but I’ve been holding an anchor at my store since I opened up,” says Chavez, “I love it here.”

Born in Flagstaff, Ariz., Chavez arrived in Bakersfield at age 9, along with mother, Juanita, and younger sister, Rosanna.  

“I remember having a big culture shock when I moved to Bakersfield,” Chavez said. “I came from a pretty peaceful environment in Arizona, having friends of different cultures: Indian, Mexican, Caucasian, etc. There weren’t any gangs, so I didn’t know anything about that stuff. But living in Bakersfield, I was introduced to a whole other world.”

Landing right in the middle of a rough part of east Bakersfield at such an impressionable age, Chavez would not only get a taste of a different living climate, but a lesson in cultural awareness.

“Back in Flagstaff, we didn’t have cholos or lowriders, and that was big at the time here,” said Chavez. “I felt like an outsider as a kid, even though I was Chicano myself.”

Feeling out of place was hard for the young Chavez, but it was only a matter of time before he found himself immersed in social circles with kids who had common interests.

“I remember being in the seventh grade and listening to all kinds of music with my friends,” Chavez said.  We’d listen to “classic 50s music and surf music for awhile, then we’d switch to something completely different like Ozzy Osbourne and hard rock the next.”

Known as a “music news” reporter of sorts among his friends, Chavez would always tell people about the latest sounds and what they should be listening to.

“I always read music magazines and tried to stay on top of what was new, then one day I heard (British punk-rock trio) The Clash on the radio,” Chavez said. “After that, my state of mind changed.”   

Attending East Bakersfield High School and growing into young adulthood with a mind full of ideas, a spiky-haired Chavez would continue his delve into counter-culture expression, attending punk-rock concerts at local halls and encountering other like-minded kids.

“I remember my first punk-rock show at Fraternal Hall in Bakersfield when I was a freshman at East (High School,)” says Chavez, “It really had an impact on me, and there were a lot of Mexican kids there into the same thing I was.”

After that, his teenage life came into focus.

“I realized this was it,” says Chavez. “This is my scene.”

Not content being just a music fan, Chavez made attempts at starting up a few bands, but most never made a public appearance outside of the family garage.         

“I had a few bands back in the day,” laughs Chavez with a sentimental smile. “The Mercs was one of the bands I had, but they were all mostly just for fun.”

Years have passed since Jake’s early days of free-thinking youth movements, and with today’s teens heading into a world of negativity, he sees his store not only as a reflection of his passion for music and culture, but a reminder that no goal is out of reach.  

“This place has always been a dream of mine,” Chavez says smiling.   

Opening for business on Nov. 11, 2001, Downtown Records started out as a business partnership between friends, but has since developed into a fiercely independent establishment, now owned solely by Chavez.  

“When I first opened up the store with my business partner, I had to get a loan and save up lots of money to get the doors open,” Chavez said.

He also remembers having little, if any product, on the shelves.

“The store had 100 new CDs on the shelf at first,” says Chavez, “I was so scared it was going to fail, but I loved it so much I couldn’t let it end.”

With all his hard earned success, does he feel like a role model for enterprising Latinos?

“I do,” says Chavez, “Seeing a lot of young Latino kids come into the store, it’s the same as when I was a kid.  They’re really into the music and I like listening to them when they come in to talk about what’s happening in the scene.”

“Who knows,” he adds “they might also want to start their own business someday.” 

In addition to new and used compact discs, Downtown Records also has a large selection of vinyl, much to the delight of local record collectors.

“People come here looking for rare vinyl pressings,” explains Chavez, “and I often do record swapping with customers to find a treasure I’ve been looking for.”  

“Many times,” he says, “those records will never be printed on CD, and that makes them really hot to collectors.” 

Jolie Chaidez, hairstylist for Hair Works at The Padre, said Chavez is considerate and treats customers well in his store.

“You can find anything you want in there,” adds Chaidez, “and if you can’t, he’ll recommend something you’ll like just as much.”