Buenos Días! Kern County

!Buenos Dias! Kern County! With Corina Topete, owner, Jerry's Pizza and Pub

On this episode of ¡Buenos Días! Kern County!, Jay Tamsi, KCHCC President/CEO sits down with Corina Topete, owner of Jerry's Pizza & Pub, for a conversation about entrepreneurship, family, culture, resilience, and the evolution of one of downtown Bakersfield's most iconic establishment!

Corina shares her family roots and the journey that led her and husband Ernesto Topete into the restaurant and entertainment industry, including their decision to take ownership of Jerry's Pizza & Pub on April 1, 2018. We explore what it meant to take the reins of a longtime Bakersfield institution and their commitment to preserving the history, nostalgia, and character generations of customers have come to love, while introducing a fresh vision for its future.

Corina also reflects on the significance of Latino entrepreneurship and the growing role Latino-owned businesses play in shaping the economic and cultural vitality of downtown Bakersfield. Under their leadership, Jerry's has evolved beyond its legendary pizza into a vibrant destination for live music, DJs, comedy, special events, nightlife, and community gatherings, all while maintaining the authenticity that has made it a Bakersfield favorite for decades.

We also discuss the realities of business ownership, including the challenges Corina and Ernesto faced after taking over just two years before the COVID-19 pandemic, the resilience that kept them moving forward, and the lessons they learned along the way. Corina shares what it means to create an inclusive gathering place and to provide representation for the next generation of Latino entrepreneurs who can see themselves owning and leading iconic businesses in their own community.

After more than eight years of ownership, Corina reflects on what makes her most proud, what's ahead for Jerry's Pizza & Pub, and why those who remember the "old Jerry's" will still find the history, atmosphere, and spirit they love—along with plenty of reasons to experience the Jerry's of today.

Join us for an inspiring conversation celebrating business, culture, resilience, community, and the continued legacy of a true Bakersfield institution on ¡Buenos Días! Kern County!

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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and we're turning Kern County PINK!

On this special episode of ¡Buenos Días! Kern County!, with Jay Tamsi, KCHCC President/CEO sits down with Heather McMahon, Business Development Director at Links for Life, to highlight the organization's powerful work supporting breast cancer patients, survivors, and families throughout Bakersfield and Kern County.

Heather shares her journey with Links for Life, what inspired her to become involved with the organization, and the important services, resources, education, and support Links for Life provides to individuals and families impacted by breast cancer. We'll also talk about why Breast Cancer Awareness Month remains so important and how education, wellness, early detection, and access to resources can make a meaningful difference throughout the year.

We'll dive into Paint the Town Pink, Links for Life's month-long October campaign that brings together survivors, businesses, organizations, and community members to raise awareness and show support. Heather gives us a preview of the many activities planned throughout the month, from wellness classes, educational programs, health fairs, and community outreach to survivor celebrations and special gatherings. We'll also learn how local businesses and individuals can get involved by hosting events, decorating in pink, sponsoring, donating, volunteering, forming teams, and helping spread the word.

One of the biggest highlights is Lace'n It Up, featuring the 5K Run/Walk and 1K Celebration on October 3. Heather shares what makes this signature event so meaningful for survivors, families, supporters, and the entire community, what participants can expect on event day, and how funds raised help Links for Life continue providing critical local services and resources. Whether you run, walk, volunteer, create a team, or simply come out to show your support, there's a way for everyone to be part of the celebration.

We'll also look ahead to the Hot Pink Celebration on October 23, discuss the special role breast cancer survivors play in the mission of Links for Life, and explore ways people can continue supporting the organization even if they're unable to attend one of the major October events.

Finally, Heather shares what she hopes our community takes away from this year's Paint the Town Pink campaign, her vision for the future of Links for Life, and how the organization plans to continue making an impact for breast cancer patients, survivors, and their families. We'll wrap up with information on how listeners can learn more, register for Lace'n It Up, attend upcoming events, volunteer, donate, and become part of the Links for Life mission.

Together, we can raise awareness, celebrate survivors, support those currently fighting, honor those we have lost, and Paint the Town Pink!

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On this episode of ¡Buenos Días! Kern County!, Jay Tamsi, KCHCC President/CEO sits down with Jenifer VanAlstein, COO of The Adaptive Networks, to learn more about her personal and professional journey and the experiences that have shaped her into the businesswoman, community leader, wife, mother, and daughter she is today. Jenifer shares insight into the ever-changing world of technology and what it means for businesses to be "adaptive," while discussing some of today's biggest IT trends and challenges and how The Adaptive Networks helps organizations improve efficiency while maintaining secure and reliable technology systems. We'll also explore Jenifer's passion for community service through her presidency and leadership with Rotary, what "Service Above Self" means to her, and how giving back has influenced her approach to leadership. Jenifer reflects on her experience facilitating the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce's Energy & Agriculture Academy, the lessons she hopes students carry with them personally and professionally, and her involvement with the Chamber's Inaugural Healthcare Academy. We'll discuss why workforce-development programs are so important in connecting students and job seekers with career opportunities, helping employers develop their future workforce, and strengthening Kern County's economy. Jenifer also opens up about the influence her family has had on the way she leads and connects with others, how she works to balance the demands of business, community service, and family, and what the future holds for Jenifer, The Adaptive Networks, and her continued commitment to serving our community. Leadership, technology, workforce development, family, and service come together on this episode of ¡Buenos Días! Kern County! You don't want to miss this exciting and inspiring podcast of ¡Buenos Dias! Kern County with one of Kern County's leaders, Jenifer VanAlstein! For More Information: Kern County Hispanic Chamber: https://kchcc.org/ email: [email protected] phone: 661-633-5495 instagram: @kchcc85 facebook: KC-Hispanic Chamber Commerce The Adaptive Networks: https://adaptive-net.com/ email: [email protected] phone: 661-241-0638 instagram: @adaptiv_networks facebook: Adaptive_Networks

Get ready for an exciting new episode of ¡Buenos Días! Kern County! as host Jay Tamsi, KCHCC President/CEO, sits down with Gilbert Vicario, Executive Director of the Bakersfield Museum of Art!

We're getting to know the man behind the museum—from Gilbert's upbringing and journey into the arts to what brought him to Bakersfield and his vision for the future of BMoA. We'll talk about how the museum is connecting with Kern County's vibrant Hispanic and Latino communities and creating new opportunities for everyone to experience, appreciate, and be inspired by the arts.

We're also celebrating a major milestone—70 years of the Bakersfield Museum of Art! Gilbert takes us behind the scenes of the anniversary celebrations and shares what this incredible legacy means for Bakersfield and Kern County.

And there's plenty more ahead! We're getting a sneak peek at this fall's exhibitions, upcoming events, including Vía Arte, and programming, plus an early look at a very special exhibition coming in 2027 that you'll definitely want on your radar.

It's art, culture, community, and 70 years of history—all on this episode of ¡Buenos Días! Kern County!

On this episode of ¡Buenos Días! Kern County!, KCHCC President/CEO Jay Tamsi sits down with Dr. Seth Garza, a young chiropractor and entrepreneur whose journey into healthcare is rooted in family, discipline, service, and a passion for helping others live healthier lives. Jay has had the privilege of knowing Seth since childhood, making this conversation especially meaningful as they reflect on his transformation from a young man growing up in Kern County to becoming Dr. Garza.

Healthcare has always been part of Seth's life. With a mother who is a doctor and a father who also works in healthcare, he grew up surrounded by medicine and an understanding of the importance of caring for others. Seth shares how his parents influenced his path, the values they instilled in him, and why chiropractic care ultimately stood out as the profession he wanted to pursue. He opens up about the discipline, sacrifices, challenges, and motivation it took to earn his doctorate at a young age—and what kept him focused along the way.

We also break down what chiropractic care really is, address some common misconceptions, and explore its growing role in wellness, prevention, mobility, and overall quality of life. For young people considering careers in chiropractic care or other healthcare professions, Seth offers advice on where to begin, staying committed to your goals, and believing in what is possible.

Finally, we look beyond the white coat and talk about the man behind the profession. Seth reflects on what makes him most proud, what his younger self might think of where he is today, and his bigger vision for the future—as a chiropractor, community leader, husband, father, family man, and someone committed to making a positive difference in the lives of others.

It's an inspiring conversation about family, healthcare, perseverance, purpose, and coming full circle—right here on ¡Buenos Días! Kern County!

On this episode of ¡Buenos Días! Kern County!, KCHCC President/CEO, Jay Tamsi, sits down with three brothers who have become true staples of Bakersfield's restaurant and hospitality scene — Art, Alex, and Omar Ruiz.

Nearly 30 years ago, the Ruiz family made the move from the San Fernando Valley to Bakersfield. Raised by Doñ Arturo and Doña Maria Ruiz, the six Ruiz siblings grew up with strong values centered around hard work, faith, family, dedication, and giving back. We'll talk about those early years, the sacrifices their parents made, and how those lessons continue to shape the brothers as husbands, fathers, business owners, and community leaders.

We'll also go back to where much of the family business story began with La Mina Mexican Grill & Cantina, which grew to five locations and became a familiar name in Kern County. The brothers will share what it was really like working together as a family, how they handled challenges and disagreements, and what more than 30 years in the restaurant industry taught them about business, relationships, and staying power.

Today, each brother has created his own lane. Art is behind Golden State Restaurant Services and Taco District. Alex continues the family tradition with the original La Mina in Lamont, SoCal Tamal, SoCal Grilling Company, and two cafeterías. Omar has built a diverse portfolio that includes Bootleggers, La Buena Vida, No Vacancy, Toasted, and other rental venues.

And yes, we're going to talk about why so many people call these guys the "OGs" of Bakersfield's restaurant industry. We'll get into mentorship, collaboration over competition, and why they have always been willing to help other restaurant owners — even potential competitors. We'll also discuss their role in bringing restaurant owners together through the Restaurant Business Committee and why building a stronger hospitality community matters.

Beyond the restaurants and businesses, this conversation is really about family, community, sacrifice, and legacy. We'll talk about the causes they support, the biggest challenges they've faced over the years, how the industry has changed, and what has allowed them to keep evolving.

Most importantly, we'll ask what they hope their parents feel when they look at everything the family has accomplished, what they want the Ruiz name to represent in Kern County, and of course — what's next for Art, Alex, Omar, and the Ruiz family?

It's going to be a fun, real, and inspiring conversation about food, family, entrepreneurship, brotherhood, and building something that lasts.

This is ¡Buenos Días! Kern County!

On this episode of ¡Buenos Días! Kern County!, Jay Tamsi, KCHCC President/CEO sits down with Gabriel Adame, President and CEO of Youth 2 Leaders Education Foundation, to discuss his journey as a young executive and his commitment to expanding educational opportunities for students throughout Kern County and beyond. Gabriel shares how his upbringing and professional experiences helped shape his approach to leadership and prepared him to lead Youth 2 Leaders. We explore the organization's mission to help students, especially first-generation and migrant students, navigate the path to higher education, overcome financial and academic barriers, and recognize their full potential. Gabriel also takes us inside Youth 2 Leaders' three-day college-readiness academies, where students gain hands-on exposure to STEM, algebra, leadership, and college-style learning environments. We discuss the importance of partnerships with Migrant Education Programs throughout California, the organization's involvement with the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and how businesses, educators, volunteers, and community organizations can work together to create stronger educational and career pathways for the next generation. Finally, Gabriel shares advice for young people who may feel college is out of reach and gives us a look at what's next for Youth 2 Leaders Education Foundation and its growing impact on students and families.

On this episode of ¡Buenos Días! Kern County!, Jay Tamsi, KCHCC President/CEO Jay Tamsi sits down with Luis Garay, a young professional entrepreneur, restaurateur, and small business owner, to explore the journey, vision, and determination behind his growing portfolio of businesses. Luis shares how his upbringing and early experiences inspired him to pursue entrepreneurship, the challenges and lessons that shaped him along the way, and the story behind the successful launch of Tacos Mi Pa in Downtown Bakersfield.

We take a closer look at his diverse business ventures including Tacos Mi Pa, Aye Mi Pa, AMP Bakersfield, Kimber Pallets, and La Vista Properties—and discuss how he has applied lessons across multiple industries to grow as both an entrepreneur and leader. Luis also reflects on the value of his involvement with the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the importance of relationships and community engagement, and his commitment to giving back to Bakersfield.

Beyond business, he opens up about balancing entrepreneurship with family life as a devoted son, brother, and soon-to-be first-time father, while sharing the leadership principles, mentorship, and advice that continue to guide him. From his vision for the next five years to words of encouragement for aspiring entrepreneurs waiting to take their first step, this conversation highlights entrepreneurship, family, leadership, community impact, and the drive to build a legacy.

¡Buenos Dias! Kern County! with NaTesha "T" Johnson

On this inspiring episode of ¡Buenos Días! Kern County!, Jay Tamsi, KCHCC President/CEO sits down with NaTesha "T" Johnson, Executive Director of the Bakersfield College (B.C.) Launch Pad, entrepreneur, creative visionary, community advocate, and passionate advocate for small businesses and economic opportunity throughout Kern County.

"T" has dedicated her career to helping aspiring entrepreneurs transform ideas into sustainable businesses while creating pathways to education, mentorship, resources, and access to capital. During our conversation, we explore some of the most common challenges facing new business owners and the practical steps entrepreneurs can take to overcome them. We'll also discuss her strong partnership with the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and why collaboration among educational institutions, chambers of commerce, community organizations, and business leaders is essential to building a stronger and more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Through her organization she founded, Upside Academy, Inc., "T" has also demonstrated the powerful role creativity and storytelling can play in entrepreneurship and productivity and innovation to our youth. She shares how her own entrepreneurial journey has influenced the way she mentors others, encourages innovation, and empowers individuals and our future leaders to confidently pursue their business dreams. We'll dive into one of the biggest challenges entrepreneurs continue to face—access to capital—and highlight funding opportunities and resources that many small business owners may not realize are available to them.

"T" also reflects on making history as the first Black Chairwoman of the Kern County Fair Board, what that milestone meant to her personally, and the leadership lessons she has gained through public and community service. Throughout her career, she has broken barriers among the black community while helping open doors for others, making "representation" a priority, mentorship, and creating opportunities for the next generation an important part of her story.

Looking ahead, we'll discuss the future of entrepreneurship in Kern County, the opportunities that excite her most, and the areas where our community must continue investing and collaborating. For anyone with a great business idea who simply doesn't know where to begin, "T" offers valuable guidance, encouragement, and lessons learned from years of helping entrepreneurs take that critical first step.

Finally, we ask "T" to reflect on the legacy she hopes to leave—not only through the businesses she has helped launch, but through the people she has empowered, the barriers she has helped break, and the community she continues to serve.

Join us for an uplifting conversation about entrepreneurship, leadership, access to capital, representation, mentorship, collaboration, and creating opportunities for the next generation—right here on ¡Buenos Días! Kern County!

!Buenos Días! Kern County! with Dr. Olga Meave, Chief Executive Officer of Clinica Sierra Vista

Join us for an inspiring and informative conversation with Jay Tamsi, KCHCC President/CEO and Dr. Olga Meave, Chief Executive Officer of Clinica Sierra Vista (CSV), as she shares her extraordinary journey from her upbringing in Mexico to leading one of California's most impactful community healthcare organizations.

In this episode, Dr. Meave reflects on the mentors who shaped her leadership, Clinica Sierra Vista's rapid growth across Kern and Fresno Counties, the opening of its new corporate headquarters, and the launch of the innovative PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly), which helps older adults maintain their independence while receiving comprehensive care.

She also previews Clinica Sierra Vista's 55th Anniversary Celebration, Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting of its new headquarters, and National Community Health Center Week festivities on Saturday, August 8, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., featuring free food, children's activities, health screenings, community resources, and more.

Dr. Meave shares advice for future healthcare professionals, discusses Clinica Sierra Vista's partnership with the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to launch the inaugural Healthcare Academy, and reflects on balancing life as a physician, CEO, wife, and mother while leading one of the region's most impactful healthcare organizations.

This conversation explores leadership, service, innovation, and the power of investing in healthier communities.

Tune in to !Buenos Días! Kern County! and discover how Dr. Olga Meave and Clinica Sierra Vista are shaping the future of healthcare—one family, one community, and one life at a time.

Stream new episodes of !Buenos Días! Kern County! every Wednesday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms.