Jorge Barrientos is the director of marketing and public relations at Law Office of Chain | Cohn | Clark. He serves on board of directors for a variety of local community organizations. When he’s not working or serving our community, you can find him traveling the world and hanging with his family, which includes wife Carla, 6-year-old son Julian, 3-year-old daughter Gianna Sol.
GUESTS:
Ivan Carrasco (Jon Sampson)
Kristin Frickel of Cushman and Wakefield (Alex Balfour)
GOOD NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Jeff Gutierrez filled in for President Kristen Watson, who was helping her father through the difficult process of losing a doggy.
Where in the World this week was the Vatican City, the smallest country in the world, which is surrounded by Rome. It has zero Rotary clubs.
Kat Clowes is taking a small ground of high schoolers to Ojai. If anyone can help bring them back to Bakersfield, please reach out to her.
Steven Sanders shared that Rotarian Ron Eaves, who died March 22, will be having a celebration of life from 4-6pm on May 18.
Girish Patel lauded the community’s protest against a city plan to raise sewer fees, which was ultimately rescinded due to the outcry.
Mike McCoy shared about the "Fix the Fish" Benefit Concert from 6-10pm on Saturday at Rooster's Honky Tonk to repair the Trout's sign. Also, keep the Barbiches in your thoughts as they deal with injuries and business ordeals concurrently.
Nick Boone joined us after missing a few weeks due to a company crisis, a wife mishap, and other business.
Downtown Rotary represented at the All-Clubs meeting featuring Lynda Resnick.
UPCOMING MEETINGS:
May 1: Grow Public Schools
May 8: The Eligon Venue
May 15: ADAKC
May 22: Bakersfield DBA
May 29: California Cardiovascular Institute
June 5: Village Fest
June 12: The Maddy Institute
PROGRAM
We were joined by Jeanette Richardson -- author, artist, and longtime advocate for the arts in our community – representing the Arts Council of Kern as its executive director.
Arts Council of Kern supports and encourages artists, creatives, and organizations adding to the creative economy, while fostering a deeper connection to the arts through community-driven programs.
The “creative economy” makes up about 10% of California’s Gross Domestic Product, Richardson said.
“The arts are a serious business,” she said.
The Council’s work includes financial and technical support for local artists and arts organizations, teaching arts in schools, juvenile and adult justice institutions, public arts, community festivals, and performances while promoting cultural diversity, and the expansion of creative opportunities throughout Kern County. Specifically, Richardson highlighted the following programs:
Arts in Corrections: A partnership between the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, a grant funds classes within institutions here in the Central Valley.
Murals, utility boxes, and ‘Intersections’: The latest murals can be seen at Saunders Park and Linnell-Brahma Park, and the ‘Intersections’ projects had local artists paint giant murals under Highway 99 on California Avenue, Garces Circle, and Q and 204. In addition, artists have paint electrical and utility boxes along Union Avenue.
Stories on the Sidewalk: Collaboration of local writers, actors, historians, theater groups, civic organizations, and downtown businesses coming together to share the rich history of our community
Common Ground: Vibrant celebration of Native American arts and culture to foster appreciation and understanding of Native American artistry through a series of educational events and outreach activities.
Bakersfield is a special place where arts and culture thrive, Richardson said, and where its best resource is the people of our community.
“We have to change our reputation internally,” she said. “We have the power to perceive Bakersfield differently, and help others perceive it differently.”
Jorge Barrientos is the director of marketing and public relations at Law Office of Chain | Cohn | Clark. He serves on board of directors for a variety of local community organizations. When he’s not working or serving our community, you can find him traveling the world and hanging with his family, which includes wife Carla, 6-year-old son Julian, 3-year-old daughter Gianna Sol.
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