If you had to sum this family up in one statement for the cover of the magazine, would ideas do you have?  I’d like 20 ideas, please 

 

“Christoffer walked in after a cattle branding with a cowboy hat, and he stole my heart,” recalls Christina Fanucchi Joughin with a smile. She wasn’t looking for love. She was hosting an Italian dinner for the Italian Heritage Dante Association at that time. “I was cooking for 200 people that night,” she says. “My friend brought a guest to meet me.” Christina even said, “I don’t have time for this.” But one look and let’s just say she was hooked. “It was love the first time he called me darlin’.” 

 

Ironically, Christoffer was actually a familiar face from her high school days. But it took a mutual friend to reintroduce them years later for the relationship to take. After all, timing is everything. They had a fairy tale wedding in the mountains, combining Christina’s Italian heritage and Chrisoffer’s cowboy roots for a one-of-a-kind event (and they even have the video to prove it).  

 

Both Bakersfield natives, Christina grew up south of town on a farm, while Christoffer was raised toward Glennville in the Granite Station area on his family’s cattle ranch. Farming runs deep in both of their bloodlines. Today, Christoffer manages pistachio and almond farms up and down the valley, and together they continue the cattle operation his family has run for generations.  

 

Christina, a mother to their son Gianni (6), works as an esthetician. “As of this year I’ve been licensed for 20 years as an esthetician,” she says with pride. “We do beauty, farming, and cows,” she laughs. “I grew up a farmer’s daughter and now I’m a farmer’s wife.” But she wouldn’t have it any other way.  

 

She also enjoys being the President of the Italian Heritage Dante Association, where she has been on the board since 2004. She has served as the President on and off for the past decade. Best of all, she loves it, especially with her Italian heritage.  

 

A Rich History  

Christina’s roots in Kern County stretch back more than a century. “My family came here from Lucca in Tuscany in the early 1900s,” she says. “My great-grandfather arrived in 1907, which was the earliest record that I found, and our family started farming here in 1916.” Those deep ties continue to shape who she is today.  

 

She’s also proud of the Italian Heritage Farmhouse project at the Kern County Museum. “The Italian Heritage Club felt it was important to recognize the Italians’ contribution to Kern County after all these years,” she points out. “I was excited to be a part of the project. I’m really blessed to be a part of it.” She also dedicated her own time to it. 

 

With the passage of time, history can be covered up. It’s important to recognize history for all its worth. “People don’t know what Italians brought to the community years ago,” notes Christina. Many long-time businesses here in Kern County are still owned and operated by the Italian families who started them. “They are staples in the community,” she adds. Celebrating Italian culture is essential. “This is also a gathering space for local Italians.”  

 

As for the Italian Heritage Farmhouse itself, Christina is thrilled to be a part of it. “Working with Italian individuals and hearing their stories through this whole process is so special,” she says. “There are so many stories that go into the house and adorn those walls.” In fact, there are too many to mention. “It’s worth taking a look for yourself.” 

 

Christoffer also has a rich heritage. 

 

Christoffer’s Roots 

“My husband’s family is from the Lake Isabella area,” she notes. They used to run cattle through Lake Isabella. However, their roots trace all the way back to the Isle of Man, off the coast of England, Scotland, and Ireland. “It’s a darling island,” raves Christina. Here’s one fun fact. “People from there are called Manx, like the cat,” she says. But the Isle of Man is actually known for their fastest motorcycle races in the world. Think 220 mph with hairpin turns. People come from all over the world for their popular race week with TT (Tourist Trophy) Motorcycle Races. “It’s very cool,” says Christina. “The first motorcycle was invented there.” Their museum, Isle of Man Motor Museum, shows the progression of the bicycle to the motorcycle. “It’s definitely worth a visit.” It’s also where Christina and Christoffer spent their honeymoon. 

 

Seven Oaks = Home Sweet Home 

Now Christina and Christoffer are enjoying life together here in Belcourt Seven Oaks. This past September marked 2 years for them in this family-centered neighborhood.  

 

“We love the community,” smiles Christina. With its beautiful landscapes and families walking together, it’s home sweet home. You might even find Biscotti, Christina and Christoffer’s Labradoodle out on a walk. “Her name is like the cookie,” notes Christina.  

 

What led them to Seven Oaks? “It was the little preschool in the neighborhood,” says Christina. “That’s how we found Seven Oaks.” She started bringing Gianni to the Belcourt Park in Seven Oaks and fell in love with the neighborhood. After sending Gianni to Trinity Preschool, they bought a house in Seven Oaks soon after.  

 

Today, life is full and joyful. Gianni kicks around the soccer ball, builds Lego masterpieces, and keeps his parents laughing. Biscotti brings the fun wherever she goes. And together, Christina and Christoffer continue to blend their Italian roots and cowboy boots way of life with family, faith, hard work, and a deep appreciation for the simple beauty of home.