His & Hers - Brian & Valerie Mendiburu

Written by Bakersfield Magazine

He’s the founder and president of the Mendiburu Magic Foundation and she’s the vice-chair and VP of public affairs. This dynamic duo knows the true meaning of family fun.

Be honest—what was the first thing you thought when you met your future spouse for the first time?

Brian: Yes...I’m going to definitely marry up! Valerie is really laid back, easy-going, and so smart. I always call her classy.

Valerie: I was honestly blown away by him. He was so outgoing, smart, funny, successful, and hot! I did think he asked me a lot of questions but that’s what made him so funny and why we still call him “20 questions.”

What is the funniest thing that happened while you two were dating?

Brian: I had a friend, who worked for the Sheriff’s Department, help me on the night that I proposed to her. He pulled Valerie over and acted like he was going to give her a ticket, but I was supposed to knock on her window and open the door. The door was locked and she wouldn’t open it because she couldn’t see me with the lights in her eyes. It was embarrassing as dozens of CHP and Sheriff’s Department personnel just stood there and stared at me on the side of the road, with a bunch of lights and horns going off. They probably thought she was saying “No way!”

Valerie: There are so many funny things that happened! I would say our funniest memories would be when we went to Europe to visit Brian’s family in Spain. We both tried the best we could to speak the languages and navigate through Europe...definitely funny times. But we had a blast.

What is the craziest thing your spouse has ever done for you?

Brian: We were expecting our first child in 2006 and when I came home the day I was to find out, I saw a bunch of flowers and balloons at the front door, basketballs and presents in the living room, and a “Daddy” coffee mug and daddy book on the kitchen table. Valerie had a video camera set up to record my expressions as I came home. But I got home early and spoiled the surprise. It was still awesome.

Valerie: Definitely when he proposed! He arranged for me to be pulled over so I thought I was getting a ticket and when I opened the door, he was there on his knee! It was amazing!

What is your spouse’s biggest phobia?

Brian: Anything in the ocean basically, but sharks for sure! That is kind of hard, because Braden (our 3-year-old son) and I both love Sea World, so Valerie doesn’t go to the Shark Tanks with us.

Valerie: Heights! He is deathly afraid of heights!

Who’s the first one to admit when they’re wrong?

Brian: Me. I’m always wrong and she’s always right. How did I do on that answer?

Valerie: Ha! Well, I would say me, but honestly he’s the first to admit fault and reflect. I’m still working on this one!

What is your spouse most passionate about and why?

Brian: Our boys and her family! Valerie insists on a balanced life that includes “down time.”

Valerie: He’s most passionate about our family foundation and helping kids in the community. The Foundation assists families with children who have catastrophic or life-threatening illnesses. He’s really taught me how important it is to be thankful for our blessings and to give back.

What is your favorite thing to do in Bakersfield and why?

Brian: Probably eating at Wool Growers or Luigi’s, and then hanging out at the movies with friends and family.

Valerie: Just being with our family and friends and enjoying everyone’s company! I also really love taking my son to the park and just watching him play like crazy!

What is your least favorite thing about your spouse (a pet peeve if you will) and most favorite thing?

Brian: She always opens the cereal boxes and leaves them open in the cupboard afterwards. My favorite thing is her optimism, energy, and great smile!

Valerie: Ugh! My pet peeve is that he bites his nails! Now our three-year-old has picked up on the bad habit. My favorite thing about him is how loyal and trustworthy he is with everyone in his life. His passion to give back is both inspiring and contagious!

Article appeared in our 27-1 Issue - April 2010

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