KCFM:  What’s the number one thing you or your family do to be “green”?  

DM:  I believe going green evolves each year as we embrace new technology and changes.  We make an effort to cut down on vehicle trips and condense as much as possible on our drive times.  I purposely try to stay in the office during the lunch hour on most work days.  We are aware of the products we purchase and I am impressed with the quality of cosmetics that are now offered with the green approach from the contents of the product to the packaging.

MR:  We like to walk, bicycle and recycle, including donating to charities.

KCFM:  What can we do personally to help improve our local air quality?  

DM:  We only utilize a gas burning fireplace, which is critical given that we love to use our fireplace.  Education is our most critical component in making real changes.  I love a book that was given to me by the President of Castle & Cooke, Bruce Freeman, which was “How One Small Step Can Change Your Life” by Robert Mauer. He details how incorporating the ancient Japanese practice of Kaizen into every-day life demonstrates how small changes can have great consequences, and how gradual, gentle steps can eventually lead to amazing results.  I am not sure if anyone can make a sizable contribution to local air quality within our daily life but collectively and with everyone personally committed to improvement the small steps may lead the way.

MR:  Well, since going green includes walking and bicycling, we try to do more of both. We follow the APCD’s (San Joaquin Valley’s Air Pollution Control District, www.valleyair.org) burn cleanly standards.

KCFM:  What’s one of the best local nonprofits that help improve our environment?  

DM:  The Bakersfield Homeless Center (BHC) has removed more than 300 tons of trash from our freeways in the last year. BHC has been able to partner with local government agencies to creatively solve a huge problem on our freeways and help individuals and families get a chance to start over with a job. This roadside clean-up project is cleaning up our environment, improving the image of Kern County; while at the same time, changing lives.  This is such a worthwhile winning combination and something that has received National attention.  Any positive way we can showcase change for our County will reap benefits.

MR:  The Boy Scouts of America do a lot without much fanfare. They have numerous Eagle Scout projects and other service projects in addition to teaching environmental awareness.

KCFM:  What’s the best thing we can do on a local level to conserve water this season?  

DM:  We are currently looking to bid replacement of our sod to artificial turf.  We already utilize irrigation systems that conserve water for all of our landscaping.  We have become more educated about what can and will make a positive impact on this precious resource during this critical drought season.  I truly believe good education, attending Councilmember Johnson’s forum is yet another example of how we can educate ourselves and implement change.

MR:  We can all keep in mind that every drop of water counts.  For helpful water use ideas, please check out the water conservation tips from the Kern County Water Agency (kcwa.com) and from the Water Association of Kern County (wakc.com).

KCFM:  If you’re looking to enjoy the outdoors in Kern County, what’s the best springtime activity? 

DM:  Biking with the grandkids is a must.  Additionally, a ride throughout Kern County to see the beautiful wild flowers is a springtime treat not to be missed.

MR:  Bicycling on the bike path or hiking in the local mountains. Or go for a drive to check out the wildflowers in the mountains.

KCFM:  Where is your favorite shop to change up your wardrobe and buy springtime clothes? 

DM:  I love the splash of color coupled with classic basics.  Talbots or Macy’s is my go to place, but love accessories from Jules’s, Apricot Lane and Charming Charlie’s.  The key for me is to have fun with spring accessories as I am not a clothes horse or shopper.

MR:  Talbots or Patrick James

KCFM:  When you’re craving fresh fruit or a scrumptious salad, where do you buy it?  

DM:  I love to make Taco salad for my family and I always try to go to the Farmers Market at Kaiser on Sundays where you can sample and purchase the freshest fruits and vegetables along with other unique goods the vendors offer.  The Farmers Market is something my grandson, Tynan just loves to be at. I must admit my favorite salads can be found at The Crest, Moo Creamery and Café Med.

MR:  Trader Joe’s and Vons both have a wide variety of fresh produce.  We like to window shop the produce section for whatever catches the eye.

KCFM:  Which local restaurant or business has the best outdoor dining experience?  

DM:  There are truly so many that it is hard to just name a few. My husband and I love patio dining and can be found on the patio at the Crest with our daughters, their husbands and our grandkids at least every few weeks during the nice spring and summer days. We also enjoy good BBQ, so we grab a seat at Grill Hut. Nothing is better than people-watching with good food at Mama Tosca’s. A perfect lunch can be had at Moo Creamery on the patio with some of my favorite friends.

MR:  Mama Tosca or Café Med or Mexicali (not exactly outdoor, but the garden view rooms give the experience).

KCFM:  What is your favorite thing about living in Kern County?  

DM:  I know this has been said time and time again but the PEOPLE. The difference between moving to Kern County is if someone asks where is the best place to buy something or obtain services we will not only give you a referral but Kern County people will either draw you a map or offer to drive you there!  My son-in-law who is originally from Santa Barbara moved here with my daughter and my first grandchild, Emily, some 12 years ago looking for a quality of life for Emily where we could be involved in her daily activities and share a real synergy of a family unit.  My younger daughter and her husband also relocated back to Bakersfield .  So I love the people and my closest people included my 3 grand children- Emily, Tynan and Carter!

MR:  We love the small town atmosphere. A few fun activities include the wildflowers in the spring and tennis, golf and swimming nearly year around.