If you've never been to a literary event in Bakersfield, I must say I've organized a dandy, bringing Portland nonfiction writer Gloria Harrison, two Fresno, Calif. poets (Michael Medrano and Bryan Medina), a handful of writers from my own Random Writers Workshop, and even a musician for some fun at The Foundry in downtown Bakersfield on Feb. 4.
LISTEN: Writer Jane Hawley, Nick Belardes vs. Scott Cox on Writing:
Harrison will be visiting for "'A Nice Day To Start Again' And Other Stories From Gloria Harrison." She will be reading nonfiction selections from her online collection compiled at the Los Angeles literary site The Nervous Breakdown. In between each reading, she will talk about writing with me in a very interesting conversational format.
Gloria, I have to say, is one of the most honest writers I know. She doesn't hold back, and provides a raw, sometimes sarcastic look at both the beautiful and the harsher aspects of drug addiction, marriage, and life in general, all through the delicate eye of an intellectual woman. Harrison, who writes and tweets for The Nervous Breakdown, was the lead editor for "The Portland Red Guide: Sites & Stories Of Our Radical Past" by Michael Munk. A contributing editor to Pete Anthony's book, "Immaculate," she graduated from Portland State University with her B.A. in English.
"I love talking about writing in a room full of people who care about writing and reading," said Harrison, who is looking forward to her appearance in Bakersfield. She also said she appreciates connecting with readers and listeners about her experiences.
During my discussion with Harrison I asked what she would say to people wanting to learn how to write nonfiction. "If you want to write anything, you need to learn the craft," she said, noting students of writing must learn punctuation, syntax and story development. "You also have to read. Read, read, read – everything. If you're writing narrative nonfiction like I do, you can only serve yourself by reading other works of narrative nonfiction, but also anything else you can get your hands on."
Not the only reader/performer of the evening, Harrison will be preceded by a special presentation of Latino valley prose and poetry from myself, Fresno Latino poets Michael Medrano ("Born in the Cavity of Sunsets") and Bryan Medina (Founder of Fresno's longest-running poetry open mic at 9 years, the "Inner Ear Open Mic Poetry Jam"). Also performing will be students from the Random Writers Workshop, including: Patty Wonderly, Jane Hawley and Ann Cook. Landen Belardes, who is music director for The Great Room at Olive Drive Church, who released his album "Listen" in 2010, will be performing a few songs.
When asked what people would get from Fresno poetry, the multi-ethnic Medina told me: "People will get a little something more than just a 'reading.'" He added, "Whether I'm talking about social issues or topics of the heart, I try to inform as well as to enlighten, engaging in a conversation that all can understand." Medina, who once performed at a warehouse in East Bakersfield, said his father taught at Bakersfield College in the 1970s. "So to me, it's kinda like visiting a part of me from long ago."
Wonderly, of Bakersfield is a retired school teacher turned novelist. Also of Bakersfield, Hawley is an aspiring MFA student in creative writing, and Cook, of Lake Isabella, is a graphic designer/writer.
Prior to the event, and also at the Foundry, a special Saturday edition of the Random Writers Workshop with guest lecturer Michael Medrano of Fresno will be held from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Medrano, a graduate of the University of Minnesota's program in creative writing, will be discussing "Poetry In Fiction." Local writers will also share some of their work in a critique group. Cost for the two-hour workshop has been discounted to $5 for the day. Normally, the workshop is $8.
The Random Writers Workshop meets regularly each Tuesday and has been held at CSUB, Russo's Books, DaVita Center and is soon moving to The Foundry.
WHAT: "'A Nice Day To Start Again' And Other Stories From Gloria Harrison." Other guests include: Michael Medrano, Bryan Medina, Nick Belardes, Patty Wonderly, Ann Cook, Jane Hawley and Landen Belardes. WHERE: The Foundry, located at 1602, 20th Street in downtown Bakersfield WHEN: Feb. 4 from 5 - 6:30 p.m. COST: $5
ALSO...
WHAT: Special Edition of Random Writers Workshop with Guest Host, Poet-Author Michael Medrano WHERE: The Foundry, located at 1602, 20th Street, Bakersfield WHEN: Feb. 4 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. COST: $5 MORE INFO:Random Writers Workshop
I can't remember the first time I met Lauren Baratz-Logsted. I've been reading her books for what seems years now. Historical fiction, YA novels, chick lit -- you name it. And as you will find out in this interview, she has been published by many of the biggies: Bloomsbury, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Random House, and Simon & Schuster. She's even been an e-guest at my Random Writers Workshop. She always offers great tips for aspiring authors.
I have to admit, there was some hesitation on my part to open the e-cover of Lauren's latest work (it's only offered as an e-book). The book is titled "The Bro-Magnet" and follows the life of the ultimate bro, a guy named Johnny. But Lauren is a top-notch novelist. That's why you open her books up. I know her prose is going to trap my bro-brain. And it has, again. You're going to enjoy both her witty writing style and her bro-inspired comedy plot twists, which I think you will find has some hilarious inspiration. (Read the first 30 pages for free. Then buy it).
Now on to our interview with the fabulous Lauren Baratz-Logsted...
What's going on in the world of e-books? Print dying or forever staying?
Lauren: E-books are a real publishing revolution and an amazing opportunity both for unpublished writers who have talent and published writers like me who traditional publishing has turned its back on in certain areas. But I've never been part of the "print is dying" crowd. I've been in the book business one way or another for nearly 30 years, and there's never been a time when the Chicken Littles weren't crying about the death of publishing. E-books are just the latest change. The strong will adapt. For myself, I only read print books -- my husband's the one with the e-reader -- and I'm sure I can't be the last one left ... can I?
Let's talk "Bro-Magnet." Who is your audience for this male-oriented comedy? Lauren: For once, everybody! Well, not minors. But all adults who like to read? Most definitely. Previously, the packaging and cover copy of my adult novels seemed to scream, "Women only!" But "The Bro-Magnet," with its male protagonist and quirky comedy, is finding an audience with both women and men.
Where did the idea come from for "Bro-Magnet"? Were you at a wedding dinner or something and met a real one?
Lauren: To tell you the truth, my husband is something of one. Greg Logsted is a novelist by night but a window washer by day. About two years ago, he came home from a job and mentioned that the homeowner had asked if he'd like to go skiing sometime. It occurred to me that this wasn't the first time something like this had happened and it struck me how odd it all was: Seriously, do you think many homeowners try to buddy up to the window washer? You've heard of bromances, right? Well, I decided right then that my husband was something of a bro-magnet. It was only maybe five minutes before I leapfrogged from that to the idea for a novel that I just had to write. That novel would be called "The Bro-Magnet."
Favorite character in "Bro-Magnet" and why...
Lauren: It has to be Johnny. Despite his history of problems with women, I just love the guy. Like me, he likes the Mets, the Jets, the Knicks and shooting pool. And I think he's funny, even if I am the one who put the words in his mouth.
Explain your diversity in genre writing to those who don't know you. And why do you diversify your writing so much?
Lauren: I've had a total of 23 books published. I've written for adults, teens and young children. I've written comedy, drama, contemporary, historical, suspense, a re-visioning of a classic fairy tale, a time-travel novel -- I'm sure I'm leaving something out. I know that publishing wisdom says writers should "brand" themselves, that you shouldn't try to sell meat in your fish market or somesuch. But the truth is, I'm an eclectic reader -- I love to read just about everything -- and I have eclectic tastes in writing too. There are so many areas, voices, themes to explore -- why would I ever stick with just one?
I know your story. But please tell the writers out there why they need to be persistent with following their dreams to get published.
Lauren: If I tell you the whole story, we'll need to publish it as a full-length book. But I hope that even the Sparks Notes version will provide inspiration. I left my day job in 1994 to take a chance on myself as a writer. It took nearly eight years and seven novels written -- during which time I had as many as four part-time jobs at once to keep the bills paid -- before selling the sixth, "The Thin Pink Line," on my own to RDI as part of a two-book deal. Of the 22 books published since, my publishers have included Bloomsbury, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Random House, and Simon & Schuster. I also went through five agents that didn't work for me before settling down with my sixth, whom I love. The bottom line, and this is what I always tell people who dream of getting published: The only person who can ever really take you out of the game is you.
PURCHASE: Be a cool sista or bro and buy this incredibly fun e-book here, now! Then go to Lauren's homepage and find all her other cool book titles.
Bouncers. Are they really steroid-fueled bullies as one local family says?
It's a touchy subject. And I may be beating a dead horse by even bringing this up. But seriously, don't they look at you like they want to put you in a headlock and squeeze the bajeezus out of you just for walking in a bar? In my opinion, bouncers are a sort of necessary evil, as bars must battle drunk folks, underage drinking, thugs and more.
But do they go too far? And can situations that can be avoided with potentially thuggish bouncers, escalate terribly fast? I had a recent run-in at a local bar. The bouncer was so rude that I left. I've been back. But only when I think the bouncer isn't around. I don't want to open my mouth around someone who might slug me for no good reason. I almost wrote a blog post about it but held back. I mean, I don't even want to mention names. It's bad enough I wrote about the Lords of Bakersfield, let alone bouncers.
Yesterday I got a message from Scott Reed, a local guy I went to school with back in the day. He said he'd sent a message to media outlets, asking about how to deal with a situation in his family regarding two beat-up guys and a dozen scary bouncers. Seems two family members were roughed up New Year's Eve.
I know, I know. It's hearsay. I can't prove a thing. And I'm not trying to. But sometimes, it's important to let someone tell a story, don't you think? So, at least the community can vent about potential issues, potential dangers. And warn others: watch what you say around bouncers. They are like pit bulls (And since I was just charged by one of those New Year's Day, I will try not to go on a tangent. I feel lucky to be alive, actually).
As the New Year's Eve story goes (according to Reed), Eric and Jeff Hackleman, two brothers-in-law of Reed's, were at a local lounge. They hailed a taxi and were waiting in the parking lot, when Reed says, "the bouncers came out shouting obusive vulgarities at them."
OK, at this point in the story I'm thinking there must have been a reason bouncers would be yelling. As mean as bouncers can look at any given moment, they don't usually attack unless provoked (though I didn't talk to anyone at the lounge. So how would I know? And I didn't provoke that nasty pit bull).
Onward: both Hackemans explained they were waiting on a cab. An argument ensued. Then, as many as a dozen bouncers allegedly surrounded the men. Several rushed from behind, pinning arms back and handcuffing one of the men. They then proceeded to pummel one of the Hacklemans, possibly breaking his jaw, according to Reed.
One brother suffered contusions and a broken nose. Both were arrested for drunk and disorderly conduct. Reed claims both brothers were not given medical attention or ever given a blood alcohol content test.
According to Reed, he and his family want the bouncers, which he calls "steroid fueled bullies," brought to justice.
How can justice happen for the family if this story of unprovoked bouncer violence is proven true? Maybe, just by getting the word out to be very careful around bouncers. I don't see what else can come from it. A lawsuit? I don't know. I'm no expert on the law. A family tragedy, yes. But it could have been much worse. Remember the story of the bouncer killing a man in downtown Bakersfield a few years ago? I think that was around the corner of Eye and 19th streets.
Be wary. Don't resist. Leave a bar if there's a personality conflict. Leave the area. Spare yourself becoming a victim. Be safe everyone.
The story of Shelly Keith is one of both tragedy and sadness. It's filled with pain, miracles, strength and sadness. It's a story that can only be believed if you have faith in a world where both miracles and tragedies can happen to the same person. Sometimes at the same time.
Keith's tragic death can only be fully understood when peering further into her life. Distant from a mother whose love she craved. Betrayed by a father's secret illness and death, she was estranged by her family, and survived not one, but two secret wounds—gunshots to either side of her head that miraculously left no scars.
As many know by now, Keith, 40, was mostly blind. Completely without sight in one eye, she was 80-percent blind in the other. Bold and confident, she didn't let her handicap stop her. She taught many physical training classes at gyms (including prior to being blinded) and often braved Bakersfield's streets to walk across its many pedestrian-unfriendly intersections. On Wednesday, Dec. 21, Keith was struck by an SUV and killed while crossing an intersection at White Lane and Gosford Road.
I shouldn't have to remind people that Bakersfield is not a town friendly to pedestrians. As a walker, I have a least favorite intersection where I have been nearly hit by a car weekly. Don't believe me? Just try walking across California Avenue southbound at its intersection with Real Road. I've called it the "Worst Intersection In Bakersfield."
Years ago, I avoided Gosford Road and White Lane. "Forget it," I said to myself more than once while pulling my two boys in a red wagon. I knew the crossing light never stayed on long. We'd forever stay on the north side of the street.
On Dec. 24, I received this email from an employee of American General Media who witnessed cars pulling in front of a pedestrian at the deadly intersection:
"I just had to tell you what happened this morning. I went walking south on White Lane and turned right on Gosford Road toward District Boulevard. A young lady was crossing south on White Lane. The light turned green for her and she had to wait while THREE cars whizzed by her through the red light. Finally, one stopped and let her cross. I looked across and saw the balloon and other items left in memory of Shelly."
Keith, according to her friend Nicole Biggs, was likely struck on the side of her body that was completely blind. The SUV that hit her was raised. Could an elevated bumper have contributed to her death? Was the driver not paying attention? Only the police and the driver may know. Sources indicate there could be a civil case related to Keith's death forthcoming.
But the tragedy isn't just that Keith died, but rather how the end of her life story unfolded. A beautiful young 1989 graduate of South High School, Keith had short-cropped hair, with a cut more friendly than many of the teens' over-teased, Aquanet-sprayed hairstyles gracing her senior yearbook. Keith's pretty, contemplative gaze seems timeless in those pages, and in a high school formal photo, obtained from a close friend of Keith's.
A high school swimmer, Keith became a workout addict after high school, teaching multiple classes where she lived and had a home in San Diego. All while she worked full-time at San Diego Gas & Electric. She drove a blue corvette. Lived a fast life. Fast, because it was so busy.
Over the years, according to Nicole Biggs, 41, of Bakersfield, Keith had become estranged from her family. Even told her friend that her mother didn't love her. Keith believed her sister, who married a lawyer, had been favored. She thought the same of her brother too: favored by their mother. Keith loved her dad and believed if she was anyone's favorite, she was his. "They were very close," said Biggs. When her dad was stricken with cancer, his sickness was hidden, even up until the day he died.
What had gone through Keith's mind, not knowing of her father's illness and his secret travels to cancer centers? Maybe she thought her mother had put the father up to secrecy. The reality was Keith's mom didn't even know how sick the father was. She was around 80 years old. The father, though younger, was retired. The couple had been divorced and had somehow gotten back together. Still, Keith confided in Biggs—the parents weren't close. Her father's death was hidden. He snuck to cancer centers for treatment.
Keith fell into a depression. "She started working nonstop. She was teaching so many workout classes on top of her job, because she said she couldn't stand to be by herself," said Biggs. Keith saw a doctor, got counseling. And the doctor prescribed Prozac.
I once took my son, who has Asperger's Syndrome, off Prozac. Flushed it down the toilet. He'd become a zombie. I didn't want anyone in my family becoming an emotionless automaton. So, I understood when Biggs said Keith told her she'd become emotionless on the drug. When Keith's best friend died, she later told Biggs she didn't have any emotion over the death. She later blamed the drug. When her father passed in June, 2007? Also, emotionless. Keith again blamed Prozac.
Keith, however, continued her relentless workout, training, and daily work schedule. "She was running away from thoughts of depression and suicide," Biggs said. Keith didn't like the feeling of Prozac, how she thought it made her care less for people. Yet, her doctor raised her dosage even after her father's death. Continuing to blame the drug for her sour feelings, Keith went cold turkey.
Then in April 2008, Keith snapped. Had she still been on the drug? Could Prozac still be in her veins? Biggs didn't know. With a gun she had kept for protection, Keith put the muzzle to her right temple and fired. Some time later, she woke up, saw blood. Placing the gun to the other side of her head, she pulled the trigger again. Once more, Keith woke, still not dead, though she had blinded herself, having shot out most of her optic nerve. Only this time Keith had a will to live. She called 9-1-1 and said she shot herself. She dragged herself to the front door and unlocked it. "She died twice on the way to the hospital," Biggs said.
Soon after, Keith, completely off Prozac, found an inner drive and determination to regain a foothold on her life—even though blinded, and miraculously having survived two gunshot wounds to the head. She was even happy to be able to cross the street on her own. Released from the hospital in May 2008, and eventually unable to get her old job back, she returned to Bakersfield in November 2009. She'd lost her sight, her house and her corvette—but not a will to live.
"There was no scarring," Biggs said about Keith's wounds. Emotionally, sure, there were some there. But Keith had done all the damage she was going to do to herself. It was a miracle she was alive and she knew it.
A Christian woman, Keith had found restoration in her life, forgiveness for herself. Biggs said Keith was a Christian before she lived in San Diego. "She believed that God told her she was forgiven. She never felt guilty over any of it," Biggs said. "And she felt God had spared her life for something better."
Biggs said a mother of one of Keith's friends recently invited the happy blind woman to a revival that has since taken place. Keith said she couldn't make it. Maybe next time, she said.
Author Tony R. Rodriguez is one of the bravest writers I know. No, not because he's firing weapons on the front lines in Afghanistan. Although, in some circles, it might just be just as tough. No, he's brave because he didn't just contemplate about a character who decides to change political parties from the GOP. He actually spun his entire novel "When I Followed The Elephant" around the idea, and got it published! (It's not too late for Christmas. You can also buy his literary satire on Kindle).
How did Tony come up with his ideas? And what are his actual political views? You're going to want to know. I spoke with him recently and he spilled all the beans...
How do you like to explain your book to people?
Tony: I always begin by stating "When I Followed The Elephant" is literary satirical fiction. Readers are meant to have fun with its pages, and not take any of the content seriously. If any of my readers are close-minded extremists of any political or religious ideal, I'd suggest they move on to something else.
My protagonist, Desi Marquiso, is a character I loosely modeled after John Kennedy Toole's timeless maniac Ignatius J. Reilly from "A Confederacy Of Dunces." Like Reilly, Desi has a great heart, but he often makes poor choices that affect himself and others.
My hope is that by the time readers finish my novel, they'll come to understand there are some serious dangers when people become too extreme with their politics and/or religious ideals. And when I say "extreme," I specifically mean, if people use their political or religious convictions to persecute others, they've clearly strayed from the path of universal love, kindness and compassion.
So by the final page, like readers did with Ignatius J. Reilly in "Dunces," I hope readers both shake their head at Desi Marquiso but also feel for the guy, perhaps even forgiving him from his foolish transgressions.
What was going on in your mind, politically, that you decided to write such a novel?
Tony: I was disturbed with the harsh realities engulfing American politics during 2007. I felt at the time that America entered into a dark and forlorn place with its political polarization. In various social circles that I had belonged to at the time, I was finding political extremists spewing their venom everywhere.
Personally, I've always considered myself a political centrist. I can't help but find truth on both sides of the political spectrum. So it seemed that in 2007 if I were amongst Left-wingers, any Rightwing ideal I shared was usually vehemently shredded to pieces. And the same explosions usually occurred if I were around Right-wingers and I shared a Leftwing ideal. Hardly any open-minded debates. Very little opportunities to challenge any opposing views.
It seemed to always be a barking contest with the extreme politicos to whom I came in contact. And I hate barking, so I just remained quiet most of the time and gathered material for my satirical novel.
Do you side with the political views in your novel?
Tony: The only view I fully side with in "Elephant" is the beaten apathy Desi Marquiso shares towards the end of the satire. He wisely comes to the conclusion that "fighting the good fight" was foolish and a complete waste of time. Shamefully, Desi eventually becomes what he's fighting against, and it leads to his ultimate demise. This scenario is nothing new -- but surprisingly many political extremists today seem to not care of the way they project such hypocrisy toward their opponents.
What kind of debates have arisen as a result of getting your book published? Do you get hate mail? Love mail?
Tony: No debates. That would be fun, though. It seems at every book event I've done, my audiences have all been respectfully balanced politicos, perhaps mostly centrists as well. If there were to be any debates, I would welcome them with an open-mind, and I would hope those participating would do the same. 'Cause I really hate barking . . . As for mail, I've received some congratulatory emails as well as two balanced reviews, which all make me quite grateful.
What are your views about the current presidential race?
Tony: I'm not following anything this time around. And I'm finding that ignorance really is bliss. I'm sure it's the same old politics as it was back in 2007 and beyond. I'm sure there's an alarming amount of polarization still plaguing the so-called progressive and free-thinking and traditional minds of 2011. Hopefully it's not darker or more destructive. That would totally suck.
What writing projects are you working on now? And are they political in scope?
I'm playing around with more spontaneous prose. Some satire. Always fiction. Always with an unreliable protagonist. Still trying to write within the Beat genre. Nothing political, though. I'd love to revisit that scope, but I suppose it would require a publisher's contract first. The reason being is that if I'm not under a contract, I'd prefer to write something new. I don't want to repeat myself.
What kind of success have you had with your novel?
Tony: Writer and professor Eric Miles Williamson has added "When I Followed The Elephant" to his "Contemporary American Fiction" course at The University of Texas - Pan American. This recognition is mind-blowing. And I bow to, and thank my readers and The Good Lord for all my literary blessings . . . I can go on about my book's successes, but it's really all relative. Besides, I'd rather get back to writing fiction, namely fiction that foams at the mouth.
I special ordered a stack of books for Russo's at the Marketplace. It was my fall recommendation and I think you will enjoy picking up a copy or purchasing for a friend.
Greg Olear's book "Fathermucker," out from Harper Collins (William Morrow Paperbacks), came out on my birthday (Oct. 4.) and has been quite the hit in the literary scene. It's intensely funny. Crazy witty, really. And it makes for a great fictional case study of stay at home dad's and all the fathermucking they can get into in a mere twenty-four hours.
Recently I met up with "Fathermucker" author Greg Olear at Book Soup in Hollywood. We recorded a video (beware, has cursing) and listened to his hilarious reading, some of which is on the video. Later I interviewed Greg for Kern Radio, News Talk 1180. I got a little more insight into the author who is raising a son with Asperger's Syndrome (Many people know I have a boy with Asperger's too).
Check it out...
"Fathermucker" is very much about the craziness of parenting. Why did you choose such a topic for a novel?
Greg Olear: I wanted to write about what my life was like at the time. Not that I was a solo stay-at-home dad (SAHD), like Josh, my protagonist, is, but I spent a lot of time with the kids when they were little, and I wanted to share my experiences.
What's going on in publishing and the world of writing that makes "Fathermucker" such a hot topic kind of a book?
Greg Olear: Is it a hot topic? I certainly hope so. I don't really think about that kind of thing when I'm deciding what to do. But I think that SAHDs are under-represented in the popular culture, and as a group, their numbers are growing. There aren't a lot of novels like mine, that deal with SAHD-dom like I do.
We're both parents of Asperger's kids. Do you use writing to push any kind of awareness agenda? Or do you feel the world totally accepts and is aware of Asperger's now?
Greg Olear: I think awareness has grown quite a bit, and by the time my son is in high school, awareness will be even greater. A significant percentage of kids are on the autistic spectrum now, more than ever before, and my son will benefit from that. I thought long and hard about whether I wanted to write about Asperger's, but I felt like it was important, for my boy and yours and others on the spectrum, to present it in as realistic a way as I knew. I know a number of readers have told me they learned a great deal about it from my book, which makes me proud.
Talk about the editing process for "Fathermucker." Did much new content come out of rewrites and editor suggestions? Or did your entire manuscript magically pour out of your brain and then have to get fine tuned?
Greg Olear: FM was sold as a proposal, so I had to write a detailed synopsis/outline. I don't usually do that when I work, but it was quite helpful. I wasted almost nothing of what I wrote, and I gave them almost exactly what I said I would, when I said I would. My editor, Jen Schuster, had some wonderful suggestions. The screenplay passages were born of one of them—those were the last thing that I included, or just about.
Where does the release of "Fathermucker" put you in your writing career? Are you ready to give up or is your novelwriting engine just getting fired up?
Depends on the day. I'm proud of the book—I think it's the best thing I've done, and it's a great feeling to exhibit your work to the world when you know that it's the best you can do. But I can get better, I think. Novelists, unlike relief pitchers and ballerinas, tend to get better with age.
If you were to explain "Fathermucker" using only "Star Wars" terminology, how would you explain it?
Greg Olear: Darth Vader = one bad-ass Fathermucker.
MORE: You can pick up a copy of "Fathermucker" at Russo's Books at the Marketplace (We special ordered them), or purchase online. Stop by Greg's website too when you have a moment.
Recovering alcoholics, veterans with PTSD and aspiring writers will want to head out to Russo's Books on Monday, Nov. 21, to hear author Alan Kaufman answer questions and read from his new memoir "Drunken Angel."
A former ex-Israeli soldier who battled PTSD and alcoholism, Kaufman will be signing books at the 6 p.m. event, "An Evening With Alan Kaufman," presented by Random Writers Workshop and Russo's Books.
I'm excited to be hosting this event with the help of my writing workshop and Russo's Books. Kaufman is a critically acclaimed writer whose work digs deep into the dark side of America's gritty, once-traumatized lives. He offers a true story of hope just before the holidays.
The son of a French Holocaust survivor, Kaufman, like many untold American stories, drank himself nearly to death as he sought answers to PTSD, wrecking himself and everyone in his path. In "Drunken Angel," the poet and critically acclaimed writer recounts his gritty, raw story and his miraculous recovery. "I served in the Israeli army. Part of the story ["Drunken Angel"] is having PTSD. There are a lot of veterans coming back who may be in denial about having it. Their response sometimes is going to be to drink and take drugs," Kaufman said. He said his book is one with a happy ending, and says for veterans there actually is honor in reaching out for help.
People who come to the Russo's Books event don't have to be victims of alcoholism or PTSD. "I think a lot of people might have family members who are struggling," he said. Kaufman's memoir is bold in its dark storytelling, illustrating his odyssey in harrowing detail. He said his writing tells of a life many are afraid to publicly admit and that his memoir's gritty style empowers people to be more open when telling their own dark stories of recovery.
Kaufman added his story is not just about keeping people from disease and illusions, but offers a glimpse into the struggles to realize one's dreams. "There's the whole thing in the book of wanting to be a writer. Writers can relate. I was the most unpromising person. No one was less equipped to be a writer than me." In fact, Kaufman said he fell headfirst into myths about writers and drinking. He said he grew up loving Kerouac and Hemingway -- both heavy drinkers. "I thought one could not do one without doing the other. That whole thing about that myth turned out to be a terrible tragic mistake."
Recently finishing about ten readings in the Bay Area, Kaufman's publisher, Viva Editions, said his book has already sold out of its first printing. Asked about his Northern California readings, Kaufman said he's gotten a lot of face-to-face responses. "Many came and thanked me for showing in prose and personal statements what it's like to be an alcoholic and to be public in that way."
Asked what kind of satisfaction he gets out of his journey as a writer, Kaufman said, "Some of it is superficial. In sobriety I published two memoirs, a novel, a book of poems, anthologies—eight books in all." He said he has them lined up on shelf. "When I get down I look at them and feel better," he laughed.
Kaufman's other works include the critically-acclaimed memoir, "Jew Boy." He is the award-winning editor of several anthologies, including "The Outlaw Bible of American Literature," which was recently reviewed on the cover of the New York Times Book Review. He has taught in the graduate and undergraduate schools of the Academy of Art University and in writing workshops in San Francisco. His work has appeared in Salon, The Los Angeles Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, and the Partisan Review.
WHAT: "An Evening With Alan Kaufman" WHERE: Russo's Books WHEN: Monday, Nov. 21, 6 p.m. FACEBOOK:Event Posting
What do you do to get inspired? I talk to people, take walks, and try to balance spirituality and family. It's really different for everyone how to get inspired, and why such joy is often required in our daily lives. I spoke with Susyn Reeve recently, after getting the book she co-wrote with Joan Breiner, "The Inspired Life" and explored the topic further.
Before I jump into my interview, Reeve is offering goodies for anyone who purchases her book today. Buy "The Inspired Life: Unleashing Your Mind's Capacity for Joy" on 11-11-11 as a reflection of your commitment to live your inspired life, and get bonus gifts to ignite your inspiration. Go here. Now for my interview...
You and Joan Breiner have written a thorough book on inspiration. Why inspiration for a book topic? Was there some kind of synchronicity in your lives where you both said, "Yes, this is the topic for our book!"
Susyn: Joan and I launched www.SelfEsteemExperts.com in 2008. Based on our personal experience and combined 70 years of experience as counselors/coaches and educators we know that your relationship with yourself -- what you think and how you feel about yourself -- is the foundation, actually the blueprint, for all the relationships in your life. With this in mind we know that identifying, acknowledging and using your gifts, talents, skills and abilities is an inspiring expression of healthy self esteem. When you are living your life expressing what inspires you, you then become a model for and inspiration for others.
In addition we are living at a time when people are experiencing great fear and uncertainty. Business as usual is clearly not working. To foster the changes required in our governments, the environment, in our communities and families we believe that everyone has a part to play. When you have the courage to acknowledge and contribute your greatest gifts and skills, you have the opportunity to make a powerful difference in your personal life and the ripple effect can have untold consequence for greater peace and happiness for all.
As soon as I opened "The Inspired Life" I found myself turning to the anxiety section. What's wrong with me? I'm guessing everyone has a section of the book (or more) that applies to them. Can you talk about obstacles to joy and how your book can help its readers?
Susyn: While it is a common thought that the obstacles to joy in your life are based on the circumstances of your life, this is actually a misconception. While it is true that life's challenges can take "the wind out of your sails," and rob you of your passion, faith, trust and belief in possibility and in yourself it is your relationship with yourself and the meaning that you give to the circumstances of your life that are the potent blocks to living an inspired life. With this in mind it is the thoughts you have that generate the feelings of fear, anxiety, worry, uncertainty, judgments and expectations that are the greatest blocks to joy. The Inspired Life is a life-map that provides you with the information, guidance and inspiration to turn these obstacles into stepping stones to living your inspired life vision.
Do you see this book as part of a series of books to help people find joy-filled lives? Or, any other books in the works from you and Joan?
Susyn: While the principles and practices expressed in "The Inspired Life" can be applied to whatever challenges you may currently be facing we do see the value of a series of Inspired Life books that each focus on a particular life challenge and applying The Inspired Life message. These areas would be based on: relationships, finances, and health and well-being. In the meantime we have a 21-day program, The Mind Manual System, that is a workbook and audio program to "upgrade the software of your mind."
What's going on 11-11-11 that is important to you, Joan and "The Inspired Life"?
Susyn: 11-11-11 has been identified as a date when an acceleration in the evolution of consciousness to a more peaceful, cooperative and loving way of being will be activated. With this in mind we are launching The Inspiration Nation on Friday 11-11-11. On this day we ask that people purchase a copy of our book The Inspired Life: Unleashing Your Mind's Capacity for Joy, and download the bonus gifts, to support living their inspire life, as a thank you for their purchase. Then beginning in January 2012 we will be offering daily inspiration, teleclasses, workshops and mentoring to support people in living their inspired life vision.
What kind of readers will pick up "The Inspired Life"? Do you think readers will be coming back to your book for years once they read it? Seems that way to me.
Susyn: This book is for everyone who wants to live a more fulfilling life. While it is filled with inspiring stories it also provides the scientific basis for how thoughts create reality. This information, representing the convergence of science and spirituality, offers each of us the powerful opportunity to take charge of our lives and experience greater joy and peace. We have written it with the idea that you can open it to any page and be inspired to think the thoughts and take the actions that are aligned with your inspired life vision. And if you are like us, it is helpful to have regular reminders. This is a book to keep by your bedside, carry with you and open whenever you need an inspiration boost.
Why did you and Joan want to write "The Inspired Life?"
Susyn: We know what it is like to mastery misery and that people have a deep desire and yearning for greater happiness in their lives. We also know that every person contributes to the collective consciousness of the global community and that if you want a more peaceful and loving world then you have to be more peaceful and loving in all areas of your life. The Inspired Life is our contribution, our guidebook, to, in Gandhi's words, "be the change you wish to see in the world."
Bakersfield writer/daddy blogger Jason Sperber has contributed nonfiction to the just released anthology "Rad Dad." The related reading and book signing titled "Rad Dad: A Reading In Bakersfield" is being held at Russo's Books on Thursday, Nov. 10 at 6:30 p.m.
For aspiring nonfiction writers, there will be a special edition of Random Writers Workshop on "Nonfiction In Family And Culture." will be reading a funny fatherhood story at the event along with Jason and Rad Dad authors Jeremy Adam Smith and Tomas Moniz. I caught up with Jason recently and asked him a few questions about "Rad Dad," writing and parenthood. Check it out...
What is "Rad Dad"?
Jason: "Rad Dad: Dispatches from the Frontiers of Fatherhood" is an anthology of pieces from the print Rad Dad zine founded and edited by Tomas Moniz and the Daddy Dialectic group blog founded by Jeremy Adam Smith. I met them both through Daddy Dialectic (I've been a dadblogger for almost six years). I'm currently a member of the Daddy Dialectic crew, and Tomas reprinted a piece I wrote for the group blog Anti-Racist Parent, "Now Love Isn't Enough" in the print zine. That piece, "Seeing Pink," about my grappling with mitigating gender stereotyping in popular culture for my daughter, is included in the anthology. Both the zine and the blog, and the book, of course, are viewing fatherhood and fathering through a political lens. Parenting and parenthood have long been synonymous with mothering and motherhood, and this new generation of involved, engaged fathers is redefining what parenthood and fatherhood mean. It's fathering and parenting as a political act, with the "rad" in the title invoking "radical" as in "politics" (vs. "hipster")
Why did you write "Race Is Always A Parenting Issue?"
Jason: Several of the essays in the books deal with the intersection of race and fatherhood, though mine doesn't explicitly. I wrote "Race Is Always a Parenting Issue" more recently for the online magazine The Good Men Project. GMP has been around for a year and has been doing a lot of good work around the definition and redefinition of manhood and masculinity in contemporary society and culture, including fathers and fatherhood. A couple months back, they launched a week of pieces about race and having a new conversation about race and racism. The first day launched with a good group of pieces, but they all revolved around the traditional black/white binary, which bothered me because this was a site that was supposed to be progressive and pushing the conversation further. Since the conversation was supposed to be about the intersection of race and the site's conception of "good men," and for me manhood and masculinity are inextricably tied to fatherhood and parenting, I wanted to address the conversation's blindspots as a multiracial Asian American father of multiethnic children. So often, when either reading or writing blogs about race and parenting, I've seen people say that the two aren't related. For a parent of color, of children of color, they can't ever been separated, and I wanted to inject that into the conversation.
Do you prefer nonfiction over fiction? Why?
Jason: I've done more non-fiction than fiction in recent years, though at one point in college I considered doing a creative writing/fiction major (I ended up in Ethnic Studies). I think for me, personal creative non-fiction--blogging, essay, etc.--has allowed me to vent and process issues like race, identity, politics and fatherhood through the lens of everyday life. Fiction can do the same, of course. I guess it's not a matter of which I like better--for me, while fiction was my first love, plot has always been hard for me, and I don't have to worry about making that up and figuring that out if I'm just writing about what really happened to me, you know?
How do you balance writing and parenting?
Jason: Well, if you look at my blogging output and check out the gaps between posts, you'll see that I don't do it well! I can't blame it all on parenting, of course, though being a stay-at-home-dad of two does take up a lot of time. The usual poison cocktail of personal laziness and fear has a lot to do with it. But at the moment, I want to write and talk about writing a lot more than I actually do it.
Talk about your writing background as well as some of your hopes and dreams.
Jason: I've been writing for as long as I can remember--poetry and fiction since elementary school, journalism and non-fiction since high school. The earliest thing I can remember having published was a poem my second grade teacher's aide submitted to the Christian Science Monitor. I was a reporter and editor for a youth non-profit newspaper in L.A. during high school. A poem I wrote in high school is the frontipiece of an academic book by a college mentor and friend about mixed-race students in college. I wrote a college honors thesis in ethnic studies on the mixed-species characters in Star Trek as stand-ins for American (mis)understandings of mixed-race people. I scripted a short piece in the groundbreaking graphic novel anthology "Secret Identities: The Asian American Superhero Anthology." For three-and-a-half years, I was the online community manager for the website of The Bakersfield Californian, blogging and working with community members and occasionally having pieces in print, especially when we were working on the short-lived parenting site Raising Bakersfield. I've been a dadblogger for almost six years, off and on, at my own site, Daddy in a Strange Land and at the group blog by Asian American dads I co-founded, Rice Daddies. Pieces from those blogs have been reprinted elsewhere on the web, and more recently I've also written for sites like ManOfTheHouse.com and TheGoodMenProject.com.
My eldest, who just turned 7, currently says she wants to be a writer. Actually, a writer and illustrator of her own children's books. I still remember when I was in second grade and for an assignment where we had to draw our future job, I drew me as a bespectacled, bearded adult at a desk with a computer and a Newbery Medal. I look at her, sometimes waking up at 5:30 in the morning to write stories in the journal she keeps by her bed, and feel inspired. All I want to do is be a role model for her and her sister, to live up to my old dreams that somehow I've passed on to her. I've always somehow had a way of incorporating the issues or things that were important to me into my identity at the time, and so I've had a couple novel ideas kicking around in my head and I'm just trying to figure out how to tackle issues of race and identity and writing and parenting in an entertaining way.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
NOV. 8: Rad Dad Jason Sperber teaches at CSUB Random Writers Workshop. Cost: $8. Tues, 7-9 p.m. NOV. 10:"Rad Dad: A Reading In Bakersfield" at Russo's Books,Thurs. at 6:30 p.m. NOV. 12: Skylight Books at 5 pm on Sat. with special guests Lisa Yee (children's author) and Mista Cookie Jar ("kindie" musician). MORE: Please take a moment to add Jason on Twitter
I was living in Las Vegas on 9/11, the very day I planned on moving back to Bakersfield.
Hoping to take a bus, the lines near the Plaza Hotel at the Greyhound Station were filled with the not-so-normal jet-set crowd. All decked in business attire, their line streamed far out the door. I ended up spending part of the rest of the day at a laundrymat, watching replays of 9/11 building collapses and jumpers on Telemundo.
By the time I got to Bakersfield there were already plans for a spiritual gathering at the Civic Auditorium, a perhaps common occurence throughout America at the time.
Ten years later I look back at the gathering of spiritual leaders and citizens as a historic moment in Bakersfield's diverse religious history. So many types of spiritual peoples banding together. It was unprecedented.
Below is an excerpt from my forthcoming novel "Anhinga." The snippet is based on what I saw the day of the gathering in Bakersfield, an event I wish would be repeated for the sake of community unity. In this fictionalized excerpt, Gordon is my son Jordan, and Tad is my other son, Landen (both much younger of course). It tells of a brief episode when my son Landen walked up to a Sikh. It was a sort of strange meeting of a child and adult both also representing two cultures and two religions.
The Gathering September 2001
The city center was surrounded by fire engines, ambulances, police and sheriff's patrol cars and throngs of god-fearing folk. Worshippers of the city's many religions, as well as government workers and many ethnicities were present. This was post-terrorized American transcendentalism. A great new awakening through a candlelit ceremony for the patriotic supporters of a supposed anti-racist and united America. It was quite the grand showing. Small town delegations and symbolic local representatives likened to heads of state and monarchal royalty were wrapped in splendorous robes. Others wore plain robes marked with large crosses. Still, others wore their own blend of religious garb and spiritual artifacts. Catholics, Hindis, Baptists, Muslims, Sikhs, Japanese, Apostolics, Anglicans, Presbyterians, African-Americans, Non-Denominationals, North of the River folks wearing red, white and blue bandanas, Chinese and political leaders in super-starched business suits; they were all there.
Even Reynante passed by with a group of farmworker union representatives. They blended into a sea of red, white and blue.
Sikh dastars were tucked neatly onto heads in various shades of blue and brown, weaving uncut hair—their kesh deep into each. There were no signs of kirpan, but steel bracelets could be seen on the arms of Sikh followers.
"Look at all these people," Gordon said staring at a tall Sikh man. He was with me and so was Tad who didn't say a word.
We continued walking toward the gathering place in the darkness of the descending September afternoon. I imagined ruins smoldering thousands of miles away. Ash rose into the New York skyline far more contaminated than any Central Valley dust storm filled with fever spores. For a brief time, our industrial air, also heavy with Northern California factory toxins wouldn't be the worst in the nation. Before we entered, we saw more fire engines parking along the street. Their lights blinked as if their sad red orbs could shine as far as the smoky New York skyline. Fire officials stood along them seemingly undaunted. On just the other side of the engines stood more firefighters in full dress uniforms: deep brown coats, shiny gold buttons, ties, badges and pressed pants. Children looked at them in wonder, having seen so many of them on their television screens over the past week. Tad saluted proudly as we walked.
Inside, we sat on the tier level. Many Sikhs had taken up a stronghold on the left side of the floor section. One of them, a very tall man in a brown shirt, waited to pass out anti-racist literature. To some his turban was a symbol of war. Even little Christian ladies looked upon the man in fear, not realizing he wasn't a Muslim or a terrorist. They didn't seem to notice actual Muslims sitting in a nearby section.
I could sense the Sikh man's fear in the sea of people. Bakersfield, in the Bible belt of California, could be a desperate place for minorities of any kind. Decades ago, people had been tarred and feathered by the KKK, then left to walk down remote area highways. Burning crosses were placed in yards. Nazi flags had flown over high schools (and still sometimes did), and Bakersfield, with all its Mexicans, Ecuadorians, Guatamalans, Hondurans, Brazilians, Puerto Ricans, Argentinians, Cubans, migrants, non-migrants, and Chicanos, would soon be told this wasn't a sanctuary city for them, that English would be the official language. This in a country where the common language was once almost German.
"Go see what that man is handing out," I said to Tad.
He walked to the floor area and approached the tall Sikh. I could see him asking for some literature. The eyes of the crowd shifted their gaze onto the little boy and the tall man in the turban. They stared as if the Sikh was packed with explosives. Such a tiny brave boy. Such a tall brave man. Two connecting points thousands of miles from the fallen towers here on the West Coast. Tad smiled. He stood before the giant of a man who smiled in return. I couldn't hear what was said but he handed my son a piece of paper. It was a pleasant moment, albeit brief, and Tad soon scurried away. Afterwards, other children approached the man.
"Perhaps never again in your life will you see so many religions and peoples of diversity under one roof united for such a cause," I said to Tad. I wasn't sure if he would understand right away. But he looked up at me and smiled.
"We're together," he said happily.
Suddenly the crowd quieted.
A local Muslim leader dressed in white stood at a podium. He pointed out to the sea of people. "We Arab-Americans are no more representative of Osama Bin Laden than you are of Timothy McVeigh!"
A cheer went up from the crowd. People stood on their feet. They began an uproarious applause. Sikhs emphatically waved American flags, while next to them, rednecks lifted their arms to praise God as if His tenderness would touch their fingertips. Young Muslim girls wrapped from head to toe hugged each other in the warmth of the building. Blacks nodded, Latinos shook their grievous heads in "Amens!" My own children waved posters that were marked with the American flag and the slogan UNITED WE STAND. They stomped their feet and screamed "USA!" And for a moment, no one in the building was ashamed of each other.
I admit I'm torn on this whole issue of medical marijuana. But I am happy to say I came to a realization: if it didn't stink so much and if I weren't against the idea of sedating America, then I wouldn't care about people smoking. Although, that's not my main issue today (Eventually I will get to it).
And sure, America is sort of sedated anyways. Pills, other drugs and alcohol. Complacency is a sort of sedative too: people who don't have energy or ambition, who don't contribute to community in the way perhaps community-builders appreciate. Once again, beside the point. It really doesn't matter that I believe America would get even more sedated if marijuana were legalized.
Let me just say I keep writing news stories about pot farms getting busted as part of the new crackdown in support of the Aug. 9 "Urgency Ordinance." In response to writing so many related news articles (mostly just rewriting press releases) I also realized it seems like less people in my world are against smoking pot. Maybe it's because I'm an artist. More artists are doing drugs? Can I make that connection without angering my non-drug-using artist friends?
Sort of proving my point is Missy Wiggins, of Bakersfield, from the band The Bird Channel. She is one of only a few people to point out there are problems associated with marijuana. You might say she is just stating the obvious. She writes:
I believe it's abused just as much as any other drug, so I am all for taking extreme measures to regulate it. People always say we should let everyone do what they want if it's not hurting anyone else but in my experience Marijuana has contributed to many instances of broken families, loss of motivation for otherwise capable individuals and for many has contributed to other unhealthy addictions.
Other artists spoke out in favor, some angrily, some matter-of-factly, including D.T. Carney, who lives in the Central Valley. He simply said, "Let's legalize this harmless crop. Puts people to work. Tax it and lets get California out of debt."
Not a bad idea, really, to tax what's already prevalent in society. Although, if Wiggins is right, what do we do with all of the problems related to marijuana? I tend to agree with Wiggins. And, no, marijuana isn't alcohol, crack or cocaine. It has its own special problems in society that I think shouldn't be compared to other drugs.
Linda Eviston, the executive director of STEPS, a Bakersfield-area DUI program made an important point about one of the problems related to marijuana. She says young males are typically those who carry marijuana cards, claiming to have some amorphous problem like sports injuries, anxiety, and back pain that marijuana is supposed to cure. But Eviston states such young men are using marijuana without doing what the Institute of Medicine says: marijuana should only be used after other remedies have been exhausted.
"This is never the case with a 22-year-old [male]. It is a shame," Eviston says. "They often feel that if they were under the influence of marijuana, they should not have received a DUI. Driving under the influence of any mind-altering substance can cause an accident or fatality."
And, while I can see pros and cons with Eviston's argument, there's also what I feel is my main problem with marijuana: pot farms. Drug cartels, guns, trash, resource depletion, rooster-fighting, gangs, etc. I can't tell you how many times I've written about pot farms busted in Kern County's rural and mountainous areas that are just places you would never want to be, ever.
Could pot farms hiding behind the facade of nice storefronts also hide the all of the violence behind the veil? Once again, I don't know. Who can really predict what would happen? All I know is the ordinance passed and pot farms, really scary pot farms, are being cracked down on.
But then, as Carney so simply states, California needs the money. So while maybe regulation is the answer, there still are those boogeymen out there that I think aren't going to go away.
Simply said, I'm still going to get chills writing about pot farms.
On Aug. 4 I visited one of the world's largest oil disaster sites over in the oil-rich hills of the southern Central Valley near Taft, Calif. It was kind of weird when I stepped foot in the area, as it had been more than 101 years since the Lakeview Gusher blew in what became a disaster only second to the Kuwaiti oil fires.
More than 9 million barrels of oil flowed from the well just a few miles from Buena Vista Lake and the cities of Maricopa and Taft over an 18-month period. And if you don't think that's a disaster, just imagine the giant oil mist, and the flow of oil over scrubland nearly destroying Buena Vista Lake, perhaps having long-term effects on workers soaked in oil, possibly severly damaging their skin as they battled the mess.
I was at the Lakeview Gusher site doing research, wanting to get a feel for what it looked like when the world's worst oil spill went down in March 1910. Old planks surrounding the main berm were still there. Missing were all the thousands of sandbags on top of the earthen, wood-reinforced wall. Some planks even poked from hills of dirt surrounding where the old oil spill gushed for 18 months. A few rusted pipes protruded from the ground and I took a walk on one of the century-old lake beds of thick deteriorated tar.
WATCH A VIDEO REPORT:
"It roars and rips like hell," said the publication California Oil World at the time. That's according to the LA Times, whose 100-year anniversary article also noted those who watched the first night said the gusher ejected glowing stones.
According to oildoradodays.com [who I am mostly paraphrasing in the following paragraph], oil surging through the top of the wooden derrick was driven by high natural gas pressure that would destroy the derrick, substructure and well casing. Teams of workers quickly dug 20 huge sumps between the spewing just over four miles southeast of town. Even though the workers were paid $5 a day, it wasn't easy to find those willing to do the tedious and messy job.
And, according to the site, "despite the effort to contain and capture the oil, which was flowing at an estimated 90,000 barrels each day, there weren't enough storage and shipping facilities to handle the flow and much of the oil remained in sumps."
Where did the well come from? The LA Times noted, as does the kiosk at the site, that a mysterious old-timer said reddish grass in the area meant oil below. One such patch of ground was purchased and soon the Lakeview Oil Company was born.
Unfortunately, the first several months of drilling yielded nothing but earth, clay and sand.
Then when the company encountered financial problems, Los Angeles-based Union Oil bought an interest and eventually tried to get workers to shut down the well. Then, on March 14 or 15, 1910, sources vary, thanks to the efforts of disobedient workers who kept the well going, the well suddenly blew 2,200 feet below the surface.
The eruption demolished the wooden derrick and created "such a large crater that nobody had a chance to get to what was left of the hole to try to control it."
Anyway, Buena Vista Lake in the valley below the site was saved and the area is now marked as California Historical Landmark No. 485.
And as you can see, in my photos and video, the terrain is as barren as it was more than a hundred-and-one years ago.
There's a group of special people in Bakersfield. They make yummy burritos and offer them to anyone who is hungry.
I was digging around in the Kern Radio, News Talk 1180 audio archives and found an interview I hadn't heard (from early July). It's with Belinda Singleton, director and founder of the Bakersfield Burrito Project. Sure, the audio is a few weeks old. But then, the Homeless aren't usually going anywhere. There's always a mouth to feed. Especially in this economy.
So, please, have a listen as Belinda discusses how the Bakersfield Burrito Project got started, where and when they gather, and how you might be able to lend a hand at this wonderful community service (phone number and drop off locations at end of interview).
Visiting Fresno poet Michael Medrano went to Russo's Books and CSU Bakersfield when he came to town last Saturday.
I also took him on a whirlwind tour of downtown Bakersfield and a speedy drive along the bluffs. I talked about the billionth barrel of oil popping out of the Kern River Oilfields like a big gooey baby. Good times. I almost made him miss his train. Should have seen him running to the Amtrak.
Always the big question: where do you take a visitor when they come to town? I asked people on Facebook where they take visitors and mostly got the answer: food tour.
I didn't even do a food tour with Medrano other than a quick trip to Thai Kitchen for some pad thai, ginger chicken and such. After he ratatated poetry at Russo's Books from his book "Born In The Cavity Of Sunsets," we, along with a group of CSUB OLLI student poets, opted for memorable times in an old mortuary converted into a house. There, we barbecued, shared wine, beer and stories.
You see, my problem with restaurants is, well, who doesn't forget a great home-cooked meal at a crazy house, with lots of poets, where one even jumps into a pool fully clothed? Restaurants can be rather forgettable. Doesn't mean there aren't great restaurants in Bakersfield. But restaurants in my opinion, aren't all Bakersfield has. After all, I did take Medrano to a poetry gig, the university and on a drive (as for the poetry, people in Bakersfield wouldn't think to go or do because of preconceived ideas of entertainment. Sad. More culture, please).
Let me tell you, Medrano entertained. So did my CSUB students. Enough said.
Either way, Bakersfield has some great locales. And I have one more poet to entertain after poet Rich Ferguson hits Russo's Books this Saturday. But where to go and what to do afterwards?
Maybe I should check out some of these hot items off my Facebook:
Writer Jeannie Hart: "I love taking people to the Farmers Market... When friends come from outside the U.S. they want to see the Bakersfield sign and everything musically inclined. They also have a fascination with the Arts District I've found. That usually leads to a show at the Fox and dinner at Brimstone [Padre Hotel]. And there is always the film tour. Taking people to different places where Bakersfield has been captured on film." Cerro Coso English Professor Gary Enns:"Dagny's Coffee: It' a great public meeting place with a relaxed and stylish atmosphere... Take 'em for a bike ride through the new Uplands of the Kern River Parkway." (Read my take on that).
Bakersfield Condors Photographer Michael Duffy:"It has to be a Basque food place Woolgrowers or Noriagas Some place where you sit with people you have never met at the big tables."
Videographer Joseph Michael Ruiz:"First, downtown: Big Poppys Deli for lunch. Second, the Mint for drinks and people watching. Third, Oildale (For some reason my friends from out of town are always asking me what a Dalian is). Fourth, Crystal Palace to check out the country music memorabilia. Fifth, back downtown (Hopefully there would be a good local band playing at Sandrinis, Riley's backstage, or Jerry's Pizza). Sixth, Zingo's Cafe for late night dinner and pick up a Zingo's trucker hat..."
Stef Gonzalez: "My Husband said, 'The now you are leaving Bakersfield sign.' I say back to the airport! Just jokes, what about the Crystal Palace, because of the country music history?"
Connie Money:"Crystal Palace because of the atmosphere, the food and the entertainment . Woolgrowers because so many visitors have never had Basque food."
Austin Belardes:"Movies, ice skating..."
Officer Deron Miller: "Woolgrowers definitely. Also Westchester Bowl for fish and chips."
Kendra Suthers: "The Padre, Benji's, Luigi's... basically a food tour."
Kelli Carroll:"Dont Laugh, but La Colonia, the mexican food place. You cant get good Mexican food where I live so my friends are soooo happy to go there."
Writer Jane Hawley: "If they like this kind of thing, I would take them on a walking tour around Mill Creek Park where all the thrift and antique stores are. There's a lot of interesting stuff in those shops. Also--I've been dying to go to that crepe place across the street from Rabobank (sorry--I don't know the name) so I might take a guest there for breakfast. And the bluffs. I'd definitely take someone hiking along the river/bluffs."
Why is it the City of Bakersfield beautifies or changes something about the way of life in its smoggy city and I always have a love-hate relationship with the end result?
Installing waterparks and killing all the pools was one beef I had. Sure, waterparks are cool, except the city didn't install spongy floors like other cities have done. Think about it: if kids weren't allowed to run on wet cement outside of city pools, then why allow kids to run on wet cement at city waterparks? Spongy floors please. They're safer.
Or Mill Creek Park. Where's the mill? Or a history of a mill in the area? Enough said on that one.
And my latest city beef, which almost has me as hopping mad as when I exposed that whole Bakersfield beaver assassination attempt a few years back. Got that one on CNN.com. I was pretty proud of myself, although, I don't know where those beavers have gone. Do you?
OK, I'm way off track. My latest complaint is with a series of signs erected along what most people consider to be the city's bike path. I mean, I don't even know its latest name. Kern Trail? Kern Recreational Bike Path? I don't know. On Google Maps I just click on bicycling and I see a long green squiggly line next to the Kern River. Sounds like a great place for bikes, doesn't it?
I should think so: bike path. There, I named it.
Recently, I went onto the BIKE PATH to torture myself for an hour or so when I noticed the construction had been completed at several kiosks along the Kern River near Sam Lynn Ballpark. Oh, I meant to say, along the BIKE PATH, which is along the river. You know, the bike path where people don't just go to walk. They go to bike, rollerblade, and bike, and, well, bike. I mean, it wasn't just built for walkers. In fact, in that area I always mostly see people on, you guessed it… bikes.
Only problem is, if all those families who love bikes, and who love to explore on the weekends want to stop at one of those fancy schmancy kiosks, well, they can't. The signs say so. And neither can anyone on skateboards, rollerblades or scooters. Forget the horses, that's a no brainer. I agree there.
One of many signs at kiosks that say no to bikes
But why? Are bicycles as heavy as horses? What about razor scooters or rollerblades? I've been in cities all over America where people on bikes were allowed to partake in the little kiosks and vista lookouts. What's going on with our city planners? Is one of them a jogger who hates pedal power?
OK, I did see one jogger stop with his dog, "Rusty." The man turned and said, "Nice signs," referring to a sign about trains (though the train tracks were further down and in front of us was the canal waterway. Sigh). His dog was pretty nice too. Though on second thought it was a big dog. Seemed "horse-like."
Nope, nothing on the sign against horse-like dogs or joggers.
I mean, come on. They city shouldn't make people pile their bikes in the dirt when they could have added bike racks and given people the option of parking or not. Or dare I say it, locking their bikes up safely.
And what about the Homeless people who are sleeping at these kiosks at night? Two days in a row I've seen the same homeless guy spread out like he was on Mayor Harvey Hall's couch, his little horse-like puppy at his side, and all his clothes airing out. Who knows, maybe he spelled his name with urine on the decking late at night while bored with the kiosk signs. Who's going to add "no peeing" onto the signs?
The city shouldn't waste taxpayers money on signs when they could put up better signs, signs that say, "Don't swim in the water," "People die in the Kern River," or "Beware: Giant killer ducks!"
Or maybe the city should get its little sign painter guy to come out and at least add shopping carts to the list.
Homeless guy, his puppy and shopping cart at one of the kiosks
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