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Publisher's Note: Savoring the rich history of La Bonita’s 50 years in business

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I was a young girl when my family made a trip to this small tortilleria in east Bakersfield to buy all the makings for our holiday tamales.

Years later, this factory at 1813 E. California Ave. continues to open to the public during the busy Christmas season when many Latino families prepare for their annual tamale-making tradition.

As a thank-you for buying their tamale ingredients there, customers are given free spiritual or Aztec-themed calendars (the ones many of you may remember seeing hanging in your abuela’s house).

Such is the sweet gesture of the shop’s owner at the locally-owned La Bonita, which is celebrating 50 years in existence. A great occasion to be the spotlight of our cover issue this week.

I have had the pleasure of knowing the owner, Albert Ornelas, and his wife and my good friend, Denise, for many years. Denise Ornelas, most likely La Bonita’s No. 1 fan, owns Allure Beauty Salon on 17th Street in downtown Bakersfield. (Many of our readers know her as one of MAS magazine’s beauty columnists).

Given La Bonita’s length of operation and its history, we felt it was fitting to introduce the story behind this Latino business to our readers.

Also in this week’s issue, you’ll find the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce newsletter and plenty of love shout-outs and celebrations in our Gente section. If you want to submit a dedication, go to: masbakersfield.com and post a photo and dedication, no more than 25 words. We will run it for free in a future issue.