New Year, New You – I’m looking at you, Bakersfield! As we reflect on our past successes and look ahead to the goals of the New Year, it’s clear our community is moving forward in positive, impactful ways. The reopening of Woolworth’s, along with the buzz around its return, has brought a fresh sense of excitement to downtown Bakersfield. When I moved here over 20 years ago, Woolworth’s was always a stop when friends visited from out of town for antique shopping, followed by a classic hamburger at its historic luncheonette. When it closed, I feared it would fade into memory and be forgotten. Thanks to the new owners, who share a true vision for both the building and downtown, it’s back and better than ever.

As Woolworth’s Luncheonette is once again serving their classic burgers and my fave, a root beer float, I have a powerful sense of nostalgia and hope for what’s to come for our community. It’s encouraging to imagine downtown as a gathering place where our community comes together and shares uplifting experiences. There’s something deeply meaningful about watching history being preserved rather than erased. In honor of civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr., whose birthday commemoration falls on January 19th, this month’s books celebrate his life and enduring legacy. In the article, “Get to Know Martin Luther King, Jr., on page 14, some highlighted reads for different ages are featured. These include Martin Luther King, Jr.: A Little Golden Book Biography” by Bonnie Bader & Sue Cornelison; National Geographic Kids Readers Martin Luther King, Jr. by Kitson Jazynka & Nat Geo Kids; and many more titles for babies to young readers to adults.

Turn to page 20, for Julie Willis’s clever parenting take. In her Humor at Home article, “My Family: Total Chaos at Home,” she writes about living in a sitcom where there is always something happening that requires attention and levity. In her family, which she calls “a well-oiled machine of chaos,” she loves it all and wouldn’t have it any other way. From the dog barking to the kids teasing their dad to raccoons breaching their garage, she proudly embraces the family she built!

This month’s featured mama cherishes her family and finds beautiful ways to honor and share her daughter’s life and legacy. In the article, “Hello, Happy (Mission-Driven) Mama: Jody Hudson,” Callie Collins writes about how Jody finds solace in bluebirds that remind her of her late daughter, Alex Hudson.  As founder and CEO of the Alex Hudson Lyme Foundation, Jody is an advocate, philanthropist, and author of the book, My Promise to Alex,” which details her and her daughter’s story. To read about this woman’s amazing daughter and foundation, turn to page 12.

As January’s tradition encourages us to look ahead to 2026 and set New Year’s Resolutions to improve our lives, don’t forget to look back and be grateful for our history. This is a special time, marked by a historic luncheonette reopening in downtown Bakersfield, a chance to celebrate extraordinary leaders who changed the course of history, and a mother who honors her daughter’s life and legacy by helping others. We have a lot to be grateful for in 2026!

Wishing you happiness and health in the New Year!!!