In 2016 Councilman Bob Smith came up with an edgy campaign concept called Love The S.O.B. (Streets of Bakersfield). He approached his friends at Willis & Williams Design Studios to do some conceptual designs, but the idea didn’t really go over with the conservative Bakersfield City Council.

But Mike Willis and Jen Williams thought it was a great idea, so much so, (with the blessing of Bob) they decided to make Christmas gifts with the slogan for their clients.

With encouragement from his partner, Jen, Mike illustrated his own take on how he sees the “Streets of Bakersfield”. Stacie Bitten (Bob’s daughter) got a glimpse of it and asked if she could sell the tote bags and other products at their restaurant, Cafe Smitten.

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