Larry was born and raised in San Diego, where he graduated from Patrick Henry High School. After high school he enlisted in the Army and served one tour of duty in Vietnam during 1965 & 1966. Upon his return from Vietnam, he entered ministry and pastored a church in southern California. In 1972, he was employed by the Sweetwater Union High School District where he began his long career in the pupil transportation industry. After retiring, he joined the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum as a volunteer in the Docent Department providing tours around the ship and then advancing to Assistant Safety Manager on staff. Larry joined the Fletcher Hills Kiwanis Club in 2009 where he served as President for two years and Treasurer two years. In 2019 Larry and his wife Peggy relocated to Bakersfield. Larry became a member of the Westchester Kiwanis Club in March, 2020.
Mike Van Houten has lived in Bakersfield for nearly ten years, a transplant from Merced, California. He joined Alia Corporation in 1979, having served as a Senior Restaurant Area Supervisor for the last 20 years. Alia Corporation is the Parent company of 37 McDonald’s Restaurants in Central California from Merced to Bakersfield. Mike holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting.
Mike became a Westchester Kiwanis Club member in 2017. In October of 2017, Mike became the Vice President of the Club. In October of 2018, Mike became the President-Elect. Mike is currently the President for Westchester Kiwanis for the 2019-2020 term.