Events

The Ministry follows St. Therese of Lisieux for the small acts of doing ordinary things with extraordinary love, known as “The Little Flower.” We are here to serve the homeless, less fortunate, and lost souls by providing them basic needs: takeout dinners, bag of groceries, hygiene kits and clothing. 

BBRC is collecting new/gentle used clothing for men and women this winter: blankets, socks, underwear & shoes, particularly in Med - XL sizes. They will accept all clothing for women, teens, and kids. 

Please bring items to BBRC meetings in October and November. 

Georgianna Armstrong, Emergency Service Manager from the Kern County Fire Department Emergency Operations Center (EOC) presented on the Reverse 911 called Ready Kern and the Emergency Plan if the Lake Isabella Dam failed. The following provides a brief overview and links for more info.

Ready Kern - Kern County has implemented ReadyKern, a state-of-the-art emergency notification system to alert residents and businesses about natural disasters and other crises. The new emergency notification system enables Kern County to provide essential information quickly in a variety of situations, such as earthquakes, severe weather, fires, floods, or evacuation of buildings or neighborhoods. Go to this link to register http://www.kerncountyfire.org/readykern.php

She also presented the plan in the event the Lake Isabella Dam failed.  Walking us through the process she explained the daily inspections.  In early 2008, the United States Army Corps of Engineers completed the initial preparation of an updated map which shows the areas around metropolitan Bakersfield which would likely be flooded in the unlikely case that the Dam should fail at Lake Isabella.  Click here to learn more and to view maps and learn more about the numerous plans the county is working on to become prepare from evacuation to transporting the medically fragile. 
 

A Public Outreach, Crisis, and Media Relations Thought Leader who understands the challenges and opportunities of internal and external management and communications.

• With a strong background in Behavioral Science, Pickett provides group and individual senior management training in critical thinking, crisis control, presentation skills, and strategic management.

• An accomplished facilitator, he designs and executes planning, decision-making and problem solving sessions.

• Pickett gives dynamic presentations that target strategies and tools for crisis management, media relations, and critical thinking.

• He has been a public relations management advisor for the Kern Economic Development Corporation, Hall Ambulance, Inc., Kern Schools Federal Credit Union, Kern Council of Governments, California High Speed Rail, Aera Energy, Quincy Engineering, and the Golden Empire Transit District. He has also served as an executive for several corporations and public relations agencies.

• Pickett has a Master of Arts Degree in Behavioral Science and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Broadcast Journalism. He teaches at California State University, the University of LaVerne and the University of Phoenix. He holds professional accreditation from the Public Relations Society of America.

Cherese Grell is President and CEO of Positive Results Unlimited, Inc., a Strategic Growth Firm located in Bakersfield, CA, focused on business strategy, change management, coaching and mentoring, and leadership. With over 20 years in the Telecommunications and Technology industries, Cherese held management and executive positions spanning from Sales to Operations to General Management.  Holding these positions for several muliti-million dollar companies in the B2B market as well as the business to education market, her primary role was targeted on business strategy, revenue growth, workflows and process while taking each business to the next level.

Cherese now brings her passion for formulation and implementation of business strategy to businesses, executive teams and sales teams throughout the United States.  She crosses industries, from real estate development to entrepreneurial start-ups, service industries to wealth management firms.   She brings her knowledge, her experiences, lessons learned, and failures overcome to propel her clients along their journey of success.

Cherese also proudly serves as Director of CityServe, Kern.  She was led to CityServe as a volunteer during it’s inception in 2017.  In 2020, she was asked to lead the CityServe Re-Vision Team to build out the foundation to strategically grow the CityServe model across the United States.  As she became intrinsically involved with creating the structure of CityServe, it was a natural fit to lead the CityServe team here in Kern County in 2022.  The Vision of CityServe – to empower the local church to be the center of community and the driving catalyst for restorative relationships with those in need – is a driving force for her heart to humbly serve for the Glory of God.

Cherese serves on several Board of Directors, Foundation Committees, and Youth Leadership Councils.   Currently she holds a Board position for Kern County Student Leadership, Kern Leadership Alliance,  and is a co-Founder and Past President of Women Leaders in Business.  Make no mistake – above all else, she’s a Mom, a Wife, and a Daughter and wears those distinctions proudly!

Dr. Arleana Waller, the ShePower Global Ambassador, is an award-winning Speaker, Author, Thought Partner, Trusted Advisor, Intentional Advocate, and Serial Entrepreneur. She empowers individuals to find and own their voice while giving power to their influence. A progressive thinker, champion of change, innovative leader, and voice for equality, inclusion and diversity.

Dr. Waller personifies creativity, inspiration and leadership as the founder and visionary of ShePower Leadership Academy, the MLKcommUNITY Initiative, Willie J Frink College Prep, a public charter, and ShePower Global and co-founder of Bentley Bowl, a soul food restaurant.

Author of multiple books, speaker for prestigious clients, universities, and FORTUNE 500 organizations, including New York Life, Farmers Insurance, McDonalds, Verizon, Moet & Chandon, Saks Fifth Avenue, Jaguar, Envy Apple, Church of Christ, UEI College, Bakersfield City School District and California State University Bakersfield to name a few.

Recipient of multiple elected official recognitions and awards such as the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award, The Black Chamber Trail Blazer Award, The Congressman Valiant Award, CSUB Inspirational Award, and the Diversity Award, Congress She Honors Award, along with many more as well as many Congressional recognitions, which is a testament to her engaging and inspirational influence in the largest county in California and beyond.   But her most rewarding accomplishment is simply being mom to her two sons and helping young girls navigate their way through life. That’s when she’s at her best.

Dr. Arleana Waller, the ShePower Global Ambassador, is an award-winning Speaker, Author, Thought Partner, Trusted Advisor, Intentional Advocate, and Serial Entrepreneur. She empowers individuals to find and own their voice while giving power to their influence. A progressive thinker, champion of change, innovative leader, and voice for equality, inclusion and diversity.

Dr. Waller personifies creativity, inspiration and leadership as the founder and visionary of ShePower Leadership Academy, the MLKcommUNITY Initiative, Willie J Frink College Prep, a public charter, and ShePower Global and co-founder of Bentley Bowl, a soul food restaurant.

Author of multiple books, speaker for prestigious clients, universities, and FORTUNE 500 organizations, including New York Life, Farmers Insurance, McDonalds, Verizon, Moet & Chandon, Saks Fifth Avenue, Jaguar, Envy Apple, Church of Christ, UEI College, Bakersfield City School District and California State University Bakersfield to name a few.

Recipient of multiple elected official recognitions and awards such as the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award, The Black Chamber Trail Blazer Award, The Congressman Valiant Award, CSUB Inspirational Award, and the Diversity Award, Congress She Honors Award, along with many more as well as many Congressional recognitions, which is a testament to her engaging and inspirational influence in the largest county in California and beyond.   But her most rewarding accomplishment is simply being mom to her two sons and helping young girls navigate their way through life. That’s when she’s at her best.

Gregory S. Bielli joined Tejon Ranch Co. in September 2013 as President and Chief Operating Officer and assumed the office of President and Chief Executive Officer on December 18, 2013. Mr. Bielli also sits on the Tejon Ranch Co. corporate board as a director.

Mr. Bielli has more than 30 years’ experience in real estate, land acquisition, development, and financing. He comes to Tejon Ranch most recently from Newland Communities, one of the largest and most successful master-planned community developers in the country. As president of Newland’s western region, Mr. Bielli was responsible for overseeing management of all operational aspects of Newland’s portfolio of master-planned residential, commercial, and retail real estate projects in Arizona, California, and Colorado. He was also responsible for growth and acquisitions in the region.

Before joining Newland, Mr. Bielli was executive vice president for development for the Jupiter, Florida-based Medalist Developments, where he oversaw three master planned communities, and before that, he served as president of MCO Properties in Fountain Hills, Arizona.

Mr. Bielli was the 2023 Chair of the California Chamber of Commerce (CalChamber), a former co-chair of the Southern California Leadership Council, and member in the Urban Land Institute (ULI.) He served on the Scottsdale city council from 1990 to 1998 and was past district council chair for ULI Arizona.

Mr. Bielli earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Arizona.

New member and members that need a refresher on Rotary basics and potential members are invited to attend. Beverages and appetizers will be served. 

If you are interested please email Membership Director John Guerard (jguerard@bak.rr.com) or Kay Pitts (KayPittsRotary@gmail.com).

Potential topics include: What the heck do all those abbreviations mean? How and why do I want to use ClubRunner? What and Why are there awards from Clubs, Districts, and Rotary International for individuals and clubs?

AND MORE - this will be a facilitated discussion. 

The first thing you need to know about me is that I’m a teacher who writes vs a writer who teaches. My students have always been my inspiration and my books would be very different if not written through the lens of an educator who is deeply worried that our children have become disheartened about a country I love. To me, this does not feel like an abstract problem. A country without patriotism feels like a country that will wither, a wandering nation without a soul.

I’ve taught at one public high school in Bakersfield, CA for over 25 years. The same school where my dad taught for over 20 years. The school where I met my wife and the school I graduated from, as did my 4 siblings.

Lest you think I’m a guy who simply can’t get another job, the reason I’ve stayed in one place is because my school is located in a region that is an incredibly diverse microcosm of America. It is endlessly changing and thus always new and fascinating. We have brilliant and beautiful diversity at our school. My students come from money and from poverty; from dozens of countries; from almost every racial and religious identity; from intact and non-existent families. Our school is a laboratory for what’s happening in our country. It informs my books and enriches my life.

When I’m not writing or teaching, I’m trying to be the best husband and father I can be. I love the Rams, the Dodgers, and the Lakers. Tennis is my favorite sport and like a giant swath of America - I’m becoming obsessed with pickleball!

Unifying and uplifting our diverse Asian community through dedicated advocacy, fostering strong bonds, and preserving our rich cultural heritage.

Skyline Cabinet and Millwork

Article from Bakersfield Magazine Spring 2012

When James (Wes) Spalinger returned from World War II, he quickly found work with Malouf Cabinets. But working for someone wasn’t enough for Spalinger. So, just a few years later in 1948, he and his brother, Erwin, would open up their own cabinet shop on Kern Street in an area that was often referred to as Skyline. Therefore, the brothers decided to call their shop Skyline Mill and Cabinets.

Wes and Erwin quickly earned a reputation for high quality craftsmanship in both the residential and the commercial industries, working for some of Bakersfield’s most well-known architects, contractors, and homeowners.

It is this reputation that has helped them continue to serve Bakersfield and the entire state of California for over 60 years. The cabinet industry has changed drastically since the first days of the company. During the early days, the machinery was basic and the standard style of cabinet was face-frame style.

By the time Wes’ youngest son, David, became a partner in the business in 1979, the European influence on cabinetry was just beginning in the United States. Dave was like a kid in a candy store, wanting to learn the European techniques and take Skyline to the next level. Thankfully, Wes was willing to let his son, who had just graduated from high school, invest in new equipment and help move the cabinet shop into the next generation. Which Dave did completely when he became the sole proprietor in 1988. Today, the company has autocad designers that send programs directly to computerized machinery. These CNC machines create less waste, are more accurate, and make it possible to create more intricate and detailed products.

The Spalinger family has always taken pride in their commitment to excellent service and a quality product. This is apparent in Melody Spalinger, Dave’s wife, who is actively involved in the business. The couple’s two sons and daughter have worked at Skyline during their summer breaks.

The location of the shop has changed over the years, as well. In the late 1960s, the business moved to a 7,000 square foot facility on Yampa Street. Then, in 2002, Skyline moved once again and upgraded to a 20,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility on South Mt. Vernon.

What hasn’t changed over the years is the family’s commitment to the community. Dave has given his time to numerous high school wood shop programs, including his alma mater, Foothill High School. because of his involvement with these schools, he was honored to be the first recipient of the Jim Burke Light and Liberty Award. Dave is on the boards of both the Kern County Builders Exchange and Bakersfield Christian High School. Melody has been a member of the Junior League of Bakersfield since 1998. She was involved with the Parent Support Group at Heritage Christian Schools for many years.
The Spalingers and all the employees at Skyline Cabinets attribute their success to providing the highest level of quality and service available. Because of that, they have been able to weather the ups and downs of the economy.

This is the annual event where we celebrate Rotary and our club. The dress ranges from tuxedos to cocktail attire.  While our club was chartered on December 13, 1982, BBRC like most clubs hold Charter Night celebration in February in honor of Rotary's founding on February 23, 2005. 

Rotary is the first and largest service organization in the world.