BPD's Tony Martinez battles an illness and more details on the administration's new rules on deporting illegal immigrants

 * ... SICK BAY: Tony Martinez,  the Bakersfield Police Department community relations officer and a tireless promoter of our city, is suffering from a rare neurological disorder. He broke the news on Facebook, posting this message: "Emotionally it was easier to send a text message then to call and say

"It's time to clear my desk...I need to move on.' These past months looking through literally hundreds of photos brought back so many good memories. What I saw in them is that if in work and life you make it fun and surround yourself with good community partners, positive people, an equality hard working wife and family 'nothing is impossible' so to you I say 'Thank You.' In June the Lord blessed me with Miller-Fisher Syndrome and now wait to see what he has planned for me." Keep Tony and his family in your thoughts.

 * ... IMMIGRATION: Don C. Craib wrote to question why The Californian has not more fully covered the new regulations prohibiting some illegal immigrants from being deported. "These include illegal aliens who are parents or legal guardians (1) who are primary caretakers of minor aliens (including minors in the country illegally); who have a direct interest in family or child welfare
proceedings; and (3) whose minor children are physically present in the U.S. and are citizens or legal permanent residents. I follow immigration issues quite closely and, for the life of me, I
can't remember reading about these changes in your paper.  It is incomprehensible that you would not publish this information because it gives millions of illegal aliens the right to stay in this country."

 * ... BAD FORM: From a reader who asked that her name be withheld. "Doctor's staff screwed up my appointment; not even written down. Okay we all make mistakes. I guess the words 'I'm sorry for the inconvenience' are no longer proper etiquette. I certainly haven't heard them in a long time. Sad.
Please don't use my name, I love my doctor and will not change to another."

 * ... TRASH: Jerry Beckwith spent a few days in Colorado, enjoying the fall colors and snow, and returned with these thoughts: "We didn't see roadside trash or graffiti anywhere. Drivers use their blinkers to signal lane changes - and turns. On 75 mph freeways, drivers use the No. 1 lane for passing and then return to the right lane. Witnessed no road rage or overly aggressive driving the whole time and not to mention fuel was $2.99 on the reservation and $3.22 at Costco."

 * ... MINTER FIELD: One of best - and free - events in town is coming up next weekend when Minter Field holds its annual "fly in." It is set for Saturday, Nov. 2, beginning at 7 a.m. There will be warbirds, tail draggers, jets, sports planes, ultra-lites and helicopters. There is also a pancake breakfast from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. that costs just $5. Otherwise, admission is free.