tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69319426900682591272024-03-09T18:46:55.724-08:00Bakersfield ObservedA blog for and about Bakersfield ... life, media, politics and peopleRichardBeenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12542559942096218256noreply@blogger.comBlogger2365125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6931942690068259127.post-22816936249285707872023-07-21T10:32:00.001-07:002023-07-21T10:32:49.744-07:00Bakersfield's homeless population moves to the suburban southwest, the killers of Jose Arredondo remain free after four years and Anchor Steam Beer calls it quits<div><b><i>Welcome to Bakersfield Observed. Our mission is to celebrate life in Kern County by focusing on newsmakers and events and the local characters who make this community such a special place. The views expressed here are strictly my own and do not represent any other company or publication.</i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b> * ... HOMELESS BAKERSFIELD: </b>Have you noticed the homeless population has found other "hot spots"around town to camp and beg for money? Several years ago the intersection of Gosford and White Lane became a homeless haunt - at one time there people begging for money on all four corners in traffic on all four sides - and now it looks like the Southwest Sully's and the Trader Joe's shopping center across the street have become popular venues for vagrants. On Friday morning of this week alone, three <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGOKRw0CsWKrTkdvl-XWT7xNhBZA_w1Lcd2tA6l32T3La62d8hFIutdIuzVBOpG2r9_8UUmfB_ZcLpx-V-pDT0Vf1zNeAfFohJCKkM4KsBh9BVesze0gJF3gsatex4-56h3hIjODNMOGJyFcUwBmrZfdDKsFxda56NS09700sNnC__h8AaVE9UqvVTmZc/s200/Bakobserved1.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="66" data-original-width="200" height="66" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGOKRw0CsWKrTkdvl-XWT7xNhBZA_w1Lcd2tA6l32T3La62d8hFIutdIuzVBOpG2r9_8UUmfB_ZcLpx-V-pDT0Vf1zNeAfFohJCKkM4KsBh9BVesze0gJF3gsatex4-56h3hIjODNMOGJyFcUwBmrZfdDKsFxda56NS09700sNnC__h8AaVE9UqvVTmZc/s1600/Bakobserved1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />homeless men on bicycles hauling grocery carts were spotted at the the Sully's parking lot while two others rested on the small lawn along Gosford across the street. And a sixth was spotted off the bike path at Gosford with his pants around his knees taking care of business. </div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_01RVW5oTLQukLPn5NqvXNxyJV0gwev6JpYQlQVENIlnI_Rfe-h2QZ_9d_dt_Wtb8DCneLchqNzHvlTUusGoP26alyYBKiwsJ6AsbFz2GYoQRk0qqTtqgIlJyLEmkKxVXMw7mOzTo__I98KpKt23awZRMz-ra_k6PVoQGr-7B9w0u84LFX1eL_Hf2JXg/s800/dump.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="370" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_01RVW5oTLQukLPn5NqvXNxyJV0gwev6JpYQlQVENIlnI_Rfe-h2QZ_9d_dt_Wtb8DCneLchqNzHvlTUusGoP26alyYBKiwsJ6AsbFz2GYoQRk0qqTtqgIlJyLEmkKxVXMw7mOzTo__I98KpKt23awZRMz-ra_k6PVoQGr-7B9w0u84LFX1eL_Hf2JXg/w296-h640/dump.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9WOoUUAHDdl_d03IEurvva_enelWBiMCij2iE5nxOJPq5XB_GEmMvk2Wod3Pxlg0MEKm3cThGivY9ovaZHge8p8x6F-R961fu_7ThTd9FoOI8R8-B-cQ1NGq-WcSrzzVbROmokkbSyGYReUQxJzUyc_2hEgM01GptH4O3G4hkO-I33EvDLrqZIhXK1HQ/s960/flag.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9WOoUUAHDdl_d03IEurvva_enelWBiMCij2iE5nxOJPq5XB_GEmMvk2Wod3Pxlg0MEKm3cThGivY9ovaZHge8p8x6F-R961fu_7ThTd9FoOI8R8-B-cQ1NGq-WcSrzzVbROmokkbSyGYReUQxJzUyc_2hEgM01GptH4O3G4hkO-I33EvDLrqZIhXK1HQ/w640-h480/flag.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b>* ... STATE OF THE CITY: </b>Meanwhile it is time to thank Mayor Karen Goh who played the role of the adult in the room at the recent State of the City. While other speakers either dismissed the homeless issue or just mentioned it casually, Goh brought up "the elephant in the room" in the homeless crisis and the weariness many feel with the level of filth, disease and trash the problem attracts. Goh cited efforts to build more affordable housing and applauded a group the city contracts with to clean up biohazards like human feces. (<b><i>picture of Goh by The Californian)</i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMn6cCpyhzGMlp5WGHZkoMIKHv2DUlSlD0tRPheTp5kbPgcq6g53HcFGYLZQ9h7V793KsOIowbh9HRsabdg7jVBCFpO8K2oadrEIklKqGhXW2nFty27azIVMImX5iEMb9cLTfXBwbKrR_C1W2Lb-YP7SxzUAXz8AFElQ7k38z_NSZuJThC2jyISSNXYNQ/s1763/gohcity.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1175" data-original-width="1763" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMn6cCpyhzGMlp5WGHZkoMIKHv2DUlSlD0tRPheTp5kbPgcq6g53HcFGYLZQ9h7V793KsOIowbh9HRsabdg7jVBCFpO8K2oadrEIklKqGhXW2nFty27azIVMImX5iEMb9cLTfXBwbKrR_C1W2Lb-YP7SxzUAXz8AFElQ7k38z_NSZuJThC2jyISSNXYNQ/w640-h426/gohcity.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></b></div><div><b>* ... REMEMBERING JOSE: </b>It has been four years since Bakersfield car dealer Jose Arredondo was found murdered in Baja California. He had been tortured, a fingernail had been pulled from a finger and his right ear was mutilated, all evidence his death was both violent and grisly. In the time since, a suspect was charged and jailed and since released after a Mexican court found there was a lack of evidence to charge him. And now the family waits for answers, as reflected in a Californian story this week. No doubt Arredondo was a controversial figure in town, known both for his generosity and his tendency to belittle people in public, and meanwhile is family awaits answers. <b><i>(photo courtesy of The Bakersfield Californian)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibMrW1ia1p6hw55zSLehPFH-zYpaueBqZjK4vXKoj__3mq115SHM5GGY5vUXmQz-7hwiAvW_4uCBio_Jdba4nNKVHOz36ZwITZNBId6M-q0Lzw3lFECSYQ2IU_9gCM3ORO3zpGWri84CsiWtaNArvd8KNFnntg0Dw_cWQDT7MxAkFm-edadh08EEHCBIE/s640/jose.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="640" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibMrW1ia1p6hw55zSLehPFH-zYpaueBqZjK4vXKoj__3mq115SHM5GGY5vUXmQz-7hwiAvW_4uCBio_Jdba4nNKVHOz36ZwITZNBId6M-q0Lzw3lFECSYQ2IU_9gCM3ORO3zpGWri84CsiWtaNArvd8KNFnntg0Dw_cWQDT7MxAkFm-edadh08EEHCBIE/w640-h446/jose.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div> <b>* ... RIP ANCHOR BREWING: </b>San Francisco is about to lose another of its signature local businesses, and this time it is beer maker Anchor Brewing. The company is closing down and this time the culprit is a challenging craft beer industry and changing tastes. Anchor willl shut down after 127 years in business, making it America's oldest craft brewer. The San Francisco-based company announced Wednesday it’s ceasing operations and liquidating the beloved business “following a combination of challenging economic factors and declining sales since 2016,” a press release said. Craft brewers, in particular, have been struggling for a variety of reasons including changing consumer habits, rising costs and lingering supply-chain challenges. Another problem has been Sapporo, the Japanese beer company that bought the brand in 2017. Employees complained to VinePair last month about Sapporo’s alleged mismanagement and lack of understanding of craft beer in the United States. In addition, a 2021 rebrand of Anchor was criticized for pivoting too far away from the brand’s classic look.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhRsDVUinPWwlziS8Fc6Sj_ughuMLTrde7ATo9yEybcOjoyK0PFnOK5C8I70yjTURgmCf1U_s96y3-m77yxtXnbOucXHhHcJYdRxgdu8ej4QHwqPUnY2YEikDd3m5iG5fYxbHYwfWpXD9kUWHnGye9OnjA-8kkyeaIr9nUwiGnKd7_elNK91gd7801Tgs/s1144/anchor.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1144" data-original-width="1143" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhRsDVUinPWwlziS8Fc6Sj_ughuMLTrde7ATo9yEybcOjoyK0PFnOK5C8I70yjTURgmCf1U_s96y3-m77yxtXnbOucXHhHcJYdRxgdu8ej4QHwqPUnY2YEikDd3m5iG5fYxbHYwfWpXD9kUWHnGye9OnjA-8kkyeaIr9nUwiGnKd7_elNK91gd7801Tgs/w400-h400/anchor.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div> <b>* ... OUR SHAME: T</b>he sheer number of abandoned dogs and cats in Kern County is astounding, and experts in the field will tell you it is not getting any better. Is it our culture here? Are pets now "disposable" once we lose a job or have to move? Well this picture of this sad Doberman, taken to the city animal shelter, pretty much says it all.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8_9Rn_g6Atu3XTqo5ffjx8vpPghEY7VG8NyH8GJX60ACTARK4zX-IhSyUASxI6lSwNsa4ukpzqTyBP4VQzTobInWuOIhClJBBvzFZTyozTtN8-9p2zYANPB75NKlWfmJQXP701GvioS9tMouqSwnSgRhzqWoL5W7kJ4kcTNw_qcjdQHMIiaQmf7_hyAM/s960/dobie.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="934" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8_9Rn_g6Atu3XTqo5ffjx8vpPghEY7VG8NyH8GJX60ACTARK4zX-IhSyUASxI6lSwNsa4ukpzqTyBP4VQzTobInWuOIhClJBBvzFZTyozTtN8-9p2zYANPB75NKlWfmJQXP701GvioS9tMouqSwnSgRhzqWoL5W7kJ4kcTNw_qcjdQHMIiaQmf7_hyAM/w622-h640/dobie.jpg" width="622" /></a></div><br /> </div><div><b>* .... SHOT OF THE DAY: </b>Check out this amazing picture of the Golden Gate bridge that appeared on the "My Home Is California" (MHIC) Facebook page.</div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSqIHWNEvbX2tgt_znOKEgq-uvHdD4DyDlsjqhLf9DjLYgvPqmc6p7i2cecUAAxenoWZEVta8Rq0XCPNA8XMV2H7i_S9-MSXITqCK-OscH0gUJp5WE-gFjcF1ztwppbXxLv4JVu9bV5G6vpTzhymg-dHrs_uIrZvKgquo7BcUAHnB8uYdvLgXQS7snryI/s2979/bridge.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1406" data-original-width="2979" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSqIHWNEvbX2tgt_znOKEgq-uvHdD4DyDlsjqhLf9DjLYgvPqmc6p7i2cecUAAxenoWZEVta8Rq0XCPNA8XMV2H7i_S9-MSXITqCK-OscH0gUJp5WE-gFjcF1ztwppbXxLv4JVu9bV5G6vpTzhymg-dHrs_uIrZvKgquo7BcUAHnB8uYdvLgXQS7snryI/w640-h302/bridge.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><i> </i></b></div><div> <b>* ... MEMORIES:</b> And check out this amazing old photo of Chester Avenue at 18 Street. How many buildings do you recognize? Thanks to the Kern County History Fans for this shot.</div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5bqDxHkVbcDPEfK4BPSWSmnvFq-9Ma489IuZ3w_zPna46U0N4T__CyVxxEdgQO5zu_1d1IXezrc6A65ObRp2v4WXafSEdrPecOn1d8lkUXcL4livUMN76tEzpDL1ZOO7i5Pu4Lj0WnoIvSoa7ATYk9gdRy1HwKD16ch4HGb5xdX7keWUpV2Mnkr3uLUw/s1293/oldbank.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1293" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5bqDxHkVbcDPEfK4BPSWSmnvFq-9Ma489IuZ3w_zPna46U0N4T__CyVxxEdgQO5zu_1d1IXezrc6A65ObRp2v4WXafSEdrPecOn1d8lkUXcL4livUMN76tEzpDL1ZOO7i5Pu4Lj0WnoIvSoa7ATYk9gdRy1HwKD16ch4HGb5xdX7keWUpV2Mnkr3uLUw/w534-h640/oldbank.jpg" width="534" /></a></div><br /><i><br /></i></b></div>Richard Beenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07060780209563484710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6931942690068259127.post-39607133210281239522023-07-13T08:12:00.001-07:002023-07-13T08:12:05.067-07:00A former city councilman lashes out at Assembly candidate Andrae Gonzales, citing homelessness, Fentanyl use and his "perverse reverse racism" while the Soda Crackers woo the crowd at the Fox Theater and the FDA approves an abortion pill available via the mail <div><div><b><i>Welcome to Bakersfield Observed. Our mission is to celebrate life in Kern County by focusing on newsmakers and events and the local characters who make this community such a special place. The views expressed here are strictly my own and do not represent any other company or publication.</i></b></div></div><div><br /></div><div> <b>* ... ANDRE GONZALES: </b>Politics makes curious bedfellows, and there are few better examples of that than the curious relationship between Andrae Gonzales and Leticia Perez. Gonzales is the city councilman for Ward 2, and Perez a county supervisor. Both progressive Hispanic Democrats, there has been no love lost between the two for years. In fact, they flat just don't like each other-until now. Why? The answer will either make you even more cynical about politics or leave you totally <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj65NIdqhe-LuWFgEEwW88PIuIrehtYLhtsw4m0oK89KDhzXUW_Mj9sEouuSeJsFKVCgoCmEN2IZvDpop4Bhi73bm5uuqYabIa2XWgVpdQyFZszF2HpDQbnGJFSCXVrRddHCyi1cQGc2FJpX-sDyDOW9N5slSDcMXl2kxO-kafWv8RRHCVB-03v5I0nt5s/s200/Bakobserved1.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="66" data-original-width="200" height="66" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj65NIdqhe-LuWFgEEwW88PIuIrehtYLhtsw4m0oK89KDhzXUW_Mj9sEouuSeJsFKVCgoCmEN2IZvDpop4Bhi73bm5uuqYabIa2XWgVpdQyFZszF2HpDQbnGJFSCXVrRddHCyi1cQGc2FJpX-sDyDOW9N5slSDcMXl2kxO-kafWv8RRHCVB-03v5I0nt5s/s1600/Bakobserved1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />bemused. It turns out that Gonzales is challenging fellow Democrat Dr. Jasmeet Bains in the 25th Assembly, and other Democrats (including Perez) have rallied around him. What deal did the Democrats cut to make Gonzales and Perez become pals again? Did Gonzales pledge not to challenge Perez for supervisor, a job he has pined for? So is this politics as usual or yet another example of how self serving politicians can be? Well here is a take on that from former City Councilman Mark Salvaggio, an advocate of open government, who took off the gloves to criticize Gonzales.<b> "</b>For years, the gross enmity of Leticia Perez toward you has been has not been some kind of best kept secret," Salvaggio wrote. "I always considered it mere political jealousy. But now, the two of you have become the proverbial strange bedfellows. This is revolting political chicanery. The rumor mill has several people telling you not to run against her for D5 Supervisor." Salvaggio didn't stop there, suggesting that racism may play a role. "Did they also tell you to run instead?' he said. "This is also some kind of perverse reverse racism against a woman of Indian descent? It's not all about you Andrae. It should be about character and integrity. " <i><b>(photo shows a smiling Gonzales and Perez)</b></i></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXkMC8SoW9tWEkvlgVY73NpDYTRiwswLZhqi2Mab2LIbG5sQiVnAds_z48Mw472qlhbaaKdMNPf0Cp4lvcL5zJxkeIIqfhS3NcIx6afeNQ1vddVcY9orBLvthNzsCmlWQfZtj64wplnTAtro5kDXH3EQwOYLESqqeRFBCBrNkG-jNyJzbwmM1vXwNWOV0/s1671/happyandrae.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1671" data-original-width="1290" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXkMC8SoW9tWEkvlgVY73NpDYTRiwswLZhqi2Mab2LIbG5sQiVnAds_z48Mw472qlhbaaKdMNPf0Cp4lvcL5zJxkeIIqfhS3NcIx6afeNQ1vddVcY9orBLvthNzsCmlWQfZtj64wplnTAtro5kDXH3EQwOYLESqqeRFBCBrNkG-jNyJzbwmM1vXwNWOV0/w494-h640/happyandrae.jpg" width="494" /></a></div><br /><div><b> * ... MORE SALVAGGIO: </b>And Salvaggio wasn't done yet with Gonzales, using his digital newsletter as a way to rally around Bains and the bipartisan work she is doing in the Assembly. Listen to Salvaggio's logic as he posed these questions to Gonzales: "What more would you have the County to do about homelessness? The County has the M Street Navigation Center AND the Safe Sleeping Camp. The City does not have the latter. The County is building the Tiney Oaks Village, while the City of Bakersfield sits back and lets the excess Bolthouse property sit vacant. Where are the City’s shovel ready housing projects for the homeless? All the while our Assemblywoman Dr. Jasmeet Bains secured $2 million for your City of Bakersfield, $5 million each for McFarland and Wasco and more.... Bains is fighting the Fentanyl epidemic and Child Trafficking. Assemblywoman Jasmeet Bains works across party aisles. Bains has the support of fellow Assemblywoman and Dr. Akilah Weber. It is important to have someone in the State Assembly with medical expertise. Bains and Weber give the people a twofer. The proof is in the pudding. From the Valley, for the Valley. She's one of us, for all of us."</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>* ... OPEN DOOR</b>: The Open Door Network, formerly known as the Bakersfield Homeless Shelter, has secured a classic old restaurant and converted into an 11-bed facility for women in need of a safe surrounding. Open Door CEO Lauren Skidmore found herself surrounded by others this week in dedicating the new facility, located in an old restaurant building on 19th Street.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnH291NkFS3SbXYPj7ZBLTRaIxfEwKuY2GyMO-62VawmMSwW8jBAEWceIGMjkUb8SIPz0t0FbQv_LJ99htrEzKuDB7g9yly13yZfbMWJhoz9I4kDc-Z5nyIYLBcxG265Cwb172H9SS6UjtvcwNxBruvCe6Cv_YMRERS8nWmHr-PhU8TMvzTW2Dr66u7m8/s2048/opendoor.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnH291NkFS3SbXYPj7ZBLTRaIxfEwKuY2GyMO-62VawmMSwW8jBAEWceIGMjkUb8SIPz0t0FbQv_LJ99htrEzKuDB7g9yly13yZfbMWJhoz9I4kDc-Z5nyIYLBcxG265Cwb172H9SS6UjtvcwNxBruvCe6Cv_YMRERS8nWmHr-PhU8TMvzTW2Dr66u7m8/w640-h480/opendoor.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimlzBerrLjxgYqOQGSZLy7MRSORRAD-Xsk9bFwWi_hJqh-TXEPRyM9rskaqdIE0wKZas4Cx6gjh4TFT7rdyzoTV66pIl-bdVBimYWGVQskjb2yNPjfjzpMTKgLdxVJBL2ePWNbmop2olPyMLiycQ9z0VkjndIjVbANfS8m_fQjZXze3lXjIle1DFz9E_E/s2048/oepndoor.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimlzBerrLjxgYqOQGSZLy7MRSORRAD-Xsk9bFwWi_hJqh-TXEPRyM9rskaqdIE0wKZas4Cx6gjh4TFT7rdyzoTV66pIl-bdVBimYWGVQskjb2yNPjfjzpMTKgLdxVJBL2ePWNbmop2olPyMLiycQ9z0VkjndIjVbANfS8m_fQjZXze3lXjIle1DFz9E_E/w640-h480/oepndoor.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div> <b>* ... ABORTION PILL:</b> There is good news for those who believe in a woman's right to choose. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) a birth control pill to be sold without a prescription for the first time in the United States, a milestone that could significantly expand access to contraception. The medication is called Opill and will become the most effective birth control method available over the counter — more effective at preventing pregnancy than condoms, spermicides and other nonprescription methods. Experts in reproductive health said its availability could be especially useful for young women, teenagers and those who have difficulty dealing with the time, costs or logistical hurdles involved in visiting a doctor to obtain a prescription. How important is this? The New York Times: "Since the Supreme Court overturned the national right to an abortion last year, the accessibility of contraception has become an increasingly urgent issue. But long before that, the move to make a nonprescription pill available for all ages had received widespread support from specialists in reproductive and adolescent health and groups like the American Medical Association, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Academy of Family Physicians."</div><div><br /></div><div><b>* ... SODA CRACKERS:</b> The Soda Crackers, a band of local musicians whose lively blend of Western swing and the Bakersfield Sound has taken our community by storm, performed before an appreciative crowd at the Fox Theater this past weekend. Local photographer Felix Adamo, who has two sons in the band (Cooper and Zane) provided these pictures of the Crackers in action at the historic Fox.<b><i> (photos by Felix Adamo)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJlz3cQYuOw-jhNu7P_EPqGSJSPSQElLUqWJj4K8ERxSUaGMXhO7RTc36LHUg7S_TGHP_nL67o7s0VuKY6NP_Oh4gWQV4R93oBI9t-BRsZUkPeHGqaL8KfwFlhiSIiZVZy6_qX2223k6ezbBuamwLLksutfRdCN5jBNuw_k1KwjRfUjczRC3G2b_FIfxo/s1800/soda4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1800" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJlz3cQYuOw-jhNu7P_EPqGSJSPSQElLUqWJj4K8ERxSUaGMXhO7RTc36LHUg7S_TGHP_nL67o7s0VuKY6NP_Oh4gWQV4R93oBI9t-BRsZUkPeHGqaL8KfwFlhiSIiZVZy6_qX2223k6ezbBuamwLLksutfRdCN5jBNuw_k1KwjRfUjczRC3G2b_FIfxo/w640-h426/soda4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhttcTMDkpIS9hoUDLBGfelPC0GHeyR2qxyX97K_hns0nbyB19HcC7teshpdBnQZaPdFb3oBO1ooxM6dgNGpnrzamjagZ3UvFe0zIiXlPLc3alI6DtQ-VWxfsBcOO5xrMjydZFhCOf_7c-uNOLRzMy7AlkoMIhTWEaOyQztv9AXU3U4AtroTn_vRXdYVOA/s1800/soda3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1165" data-original-width="1800" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhttcTMDkpIS9hoUDLBGfelPC0GHeyR2qxyX97K_hns0nbyB19HcC7teshpdBnQZaPdFb3oBO1ooxM6dgNGpnrzamjagZ3UvFe0zIiXlPLc3alI6DtQ-VWxfsBcOO5xrMjydZFhCOf_7c-uNOLRzMy7AlkoMIhTWEaOyQztv9AXU3U4AtroTn_vRXdYVOA/w640-h414/soda3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbxRNOETStvccpels3vYdObl7qjn2dd4tgKpszdPP7Xb4tcoHFT9gJNMYL2MhGw6uDlofhqwsFXJwy9vARqLbkozEp4wsy4tdWtCIYEz1wM9fXMRK4HAdpH3IuNKsEHFQsIZwBgH-AZo1Mt5PfTIJ_-ISfD1TdoW2PfQSdkdVmFMLpUD6NBitrTBwiOWg/s1800/soda2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1568" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbxRNOETStvccpels3vYdObl7qjn2dd4tgKpszdPP7Xb4tcoHFT9gJNMYL2MhGw6uDlofhqwsFXJwy9vARqLbkozEp4wsy4tdWtCIYEz1wM9fXMRK4HAdpH3IuNKsEHFQsIZwBgH-AZo1Mt5PfTIJ_-ISfD1TdoW2PfQSdkdVmFMLpUD6NBitrTBwiOWg/w558-h640/soda2.jpg" width="558" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPeSY5w0RkDuuZ-McMNlW-3EyhV6brpAT21fUlg45ossV1jkNXhgB0pWNKiZT3NbBrONr31Ni-4O0YjV-LMAR1UiU0abED_uY_AOzbIqizXvELIIBu1X11zLsMm0h8B7vh_9sgxjTk0sfSREnSLmXzVTzOxp4WvqXJRYZ6FDnK060DuVCtj0z3mWzk5io/s2048/SODA1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1366" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPeSY5w0RkDuuZ-McMNlW-3EyhV6brpAT21fUlg45ossV1jkNXhgB0pWNKiZT3NbBrONr31Ni-4O0YjV-LMAR1UiU0abED_uY_AOzbIqizXvELIIBu1X11zLsMm0h8B7vh_9sgxjTk0sfSREnSLmXzVTzOxp4WvqXJRYZ6FDnK060DuVCtj0z3mWzk5io/w426-h640/SODA1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b> * ... SOUTH HIGH REUNION: </b>Heads up to your South High Rebels from the decades of the 1980s.<div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGwU-pM9fgUDcXhhEe5d0qFXAbHHl2RIUq9eY1-wOTRdqy5zFYpS-ovZwAfxJqxgxtkWLZWgLT09oczZR1Ghyxe-xyjz7xyZEfTcHq5Mq-jyMaa-efxH3V_RNPYmClp6SpjhTO9NEsWHjn_awzwm0NuZ7IwLEfQB-vq3-B31U8nfuk5eRD2kaflxRvJio/s1080/southhigh.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1080" height="630" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGwU-pM9fgUDcXhhEe5d0qFXAbHHl2RIUq9eY1-wOTRdqy5zFYpS-ovZwAfxJqxgxtkWLZWgLT09oczZR1Ghyxe-xyjz7xyZEfTcHq5Mq-jyMaa-efxH3V_RNPYmClp6SpjhTO9NEsWHjn_awzwm0NuZ7IwLEfQB-vq3-B31U8nfuk5eRD2kaflxRvJio/w640-h630/southhigh.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> </b><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>* .... MEMORIES: </b>Who remembers Haberfelde Ford? The folks over at Kern County of Old posted this picture of a valuable Ford Shelby at the old car lot.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNM9gC2gtPQTLUOfjhTTzCop9bchiSMXm1X18Y_VrqIeOAqXf_xKKNS4oxrGXktCEw2Wf40AEZvwEPWyVZsmhSKv4is_q9NfFtsFhKEXFOLLy3FacT7PrmOcPPKaJBROgg6Z5Rl7udJirnOn7ol-jROh4ghWl7VzLq88FNk-bIpfnVg5YXxDoVIu44IyY/s609/haberfeld.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="609" height="636" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNM9gC2gtPQTLUOfjhTTzCop9bchiSMXm1X18Y_VrqIeOAqXf_xKKNS4oxrGXktCEw2Wf40AEZvwEPWyVZsmhSKv4is_q9NfFtsFhKEXFOLLy3FacT7PrmOcPPKaJBROgg6Z5Rl7udJirnOn7ol-jROh4ghWl7VzLq88FNk-bIpfnVg5YXxDoVIu44IyY/w640-h636/haberfeld.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div></div></div>Richard Beenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07060780209563484710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6931942690068259127.post-11608929338515467832023-07-04T16:46:00.003-07:002023-07-04T16:46:41.040-07:00While Bakersfield breaks out Old Glory to celebrate the Fourth of July vagrants and thugs have a field day vandalizing local businesses and the sad case of Bitwise that everyone just wants to forget<div><b><i>Welcome to Bakersfield Observed. Our mission is to celebrate life in Kern County by focusing on newsmakers and events and the local characters who make this community such a special place. The views expressed here are strictly my own and do not represent any other company or publication.</i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><span><b> * ... FOURTH OF JULY:</b> Make no mistake: few communities top Bakersfield when it comes to Fourth of July celebrations. Virtually every neighborhood in town has one (Stockdale Estates, Riverlakes, La Cresta to name a few) and the queen of them all, the downtown Westchester parade celebrated its 34th <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU2iN14K37ZLkvhqt-DUhRl4cvwWuzg6O7Il8eLAaPqa1MNmfN1vUJpGWR92uNSItdKANoYOO44rjj_i5FSKTNjb2StALmjMuZhqycDVeLpy3o3f-3VMUj9ycrQzPPnKmBz2yX_fkkzOGIuh1vVjTVj3N_c_6svI2xVpxUVV5CWncB5NDgCegXt7m2PBU/s200/Bakobserved1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="66" data-original-width="200" height="66" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU2iN14K37ZLkvhqt-DUhRl4cvwWuzg6O7Il8eLAaPqa1MNmfN1vUJpGWR92uNSItdKANoYOO44rjj_i5FSKTNjb2StALmjMuZhqycDVeLpy3o3f-3VMUj9ycrQzPPnKmBz2yX_fkkzOGIuh1vVjTVj3N_c_6svI2xVpxUVV5CWncB5NDgCegXt7m2PBU/s1600/Bakobserved1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />edition. The downtown parade was started three decades ago by former City Councilperson Sue Benham, a humble potluck for a few families around 20th Street. It's all grown up now, and some residents say the emphasis on "bigness" - the mayor kicks it off, other politicians are part of it, there is now a parade of Corvettes, multiple bands, floats for veterans, yard orchestras etc - has robbed the Westchester event of its emphasis on kids and decorated bikes. But the public must disagree because it grows larger every year as Bakersfield turns out to celebrate the Fourth.<b><i> (photos courtesy of Karen Goh)</i></b></span></div><div><span><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div><span><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgydue2eyoGG42Qk5y_3fwD2pa3mIPPLTp77oRPjJAx_jElfZuA80Q7pUSsre3pVwM2b9fDNNqVf3EVae6NAucZuWPhb9-E5XPDzlnE8uTEkXqadlqcRJNLR67G9aH67v-XCHaoUKfUkmuhL2r8b1WWNGxmxUNrfRme9kXl1TSR5ImxeC50MaOs_t2EQdk/s2048/mish1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgydue2eyoGG42Qk5y_3fwD2pa3mIPPLTp77oRPjJAx_jElfZuA80Q7pUSsre3pVwM2b9fDNNqVf3EVae6NAucZuWPhb9-E5XPDzlnE8uTEkXqadlqcRJNLR67G9aH67v-XCHaoUKfUkmuhL2r8b1WWNGxmxUNrfRme9kXl1TSR5ImxeC50MaOs_t2EQdk/w640-h480/mish1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzSehm__RnSrq8QIv9TZIyvAHAlozsekBrev-uuArttp30yjFmdlLDdDTZR75iq2ITbVMx7odzmpZL7uv3ZWZfHP5XpY7sC2_hvS2kYWHsyZLaw3C0ZkuwRtPMH6Jfv3CaUWOFvE3fQfPwuorLE2fJYDFlv_iQJBl_mB1N_qmnbCyIFDs9RVzeyNDG0Ts/s2048/mish2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzSehm__RnSrq8QIv9TZIyvAHAlozsekBrev-uuArttp30yjFmdlLDdDTZR75iq2ITbVMx7odzmpZL7uv3ZWZfHP5XpY7sC2_hvS2kYWHsyZLaw3C0ZkuwRtPMH6Jfv3CaUWOFvE3fQfPwuorLE2fJYDFlv_iQJBl_mB1N_qmnbCyIFDs9RVzeyNDG0Ts/w640-h480/mish2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEI3w3QVhblzZm5VzaqJmVkJvlgs84txTzxa22lCIVbw_3mUzc8iQivTbTx5xYgKK0TyMcexv1gw4N2m72d5qo6AAF3X6nOWvOTjEWkLV0uCMV9X810rdPHCELHL4QuupCef_TS7j4Ihg4aetTy58VehtBdkqfhx20yPaZeV88V_J7yjVnz9kBLoJqwoY/s2003/mish.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1503" data-original-width="2003" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEI3w3QVhblzZm5VzaqJmVkJvlgs84txTzxa22lCIVbw_3mUzc8iQivTbTx5xYgKK0TyMcexv1gw4N2m72d5qo6AAF3X6nOWvOTjEWkLV0uCMV9X810rdPHCELHL4QuupCef_TS7j4Ihg4aetTy58VehtBdkqfhx20yPaZeV88V_J7yjVnz9kBLoJqwoY/w640-h480/mish.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></b></span></div><div><span><b>* ... DOWNTOWN WOES: </b>While you were enjoying your Fourth of July weekend, thieves and vagrants were having their way downtown, busting out windows at Luigi's Delicatessen and other establishments. Windows were smashed and merchandise stolen at a local antique store, and Blue Oak Coffee behind the post office saw its front entrance door window smashed for the umpteenth time. Business people are sharing a sign asking where their councilman is (Andrae Gonzales) but critics note he's busy running for the 35th Assembly District. Some downtown business people have turned on Gonzales, seeing him as more interested in advancing his political career than ruffling feathers on the council to fight crime. They are hoping if Gonzales moves on, the next Ward 2 representative will take downtown and east Bakersfield crime more seriously. Unfair? Perhaps, but when you are the incumbent and it happens on your watch, the buck stops with you. Will the checkered, crime-riddled reputation of downtown affect Gonzales' bid for the Assembly? We will see.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCcGKaYrRFYwdLE2bNmEuPL4vzVWYPMtdcOvM3l5QhvvIM5ainJPSMOoIEYvajCG8w5_lH1aRGPPwdvZMx3NQjXhIZwqyhDYoWt3cp62xCiOQ4HguM50Ml_tGykZSIfY9lNPo2yfi9nz9kQDXVP2KWAjzzQsFXNfG7VeZdKeX_K7qac4U8qG-1jngQDUY/s1417/545AB45A-C977-4991-A04A-7795AB9A2635_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1417" data-original-width="1290" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCcGKaYrRFYwdLE2bNmEuPL4vzVWYPMtdcOvM3l5QhvvIM5ainJPSMOoIEYvajCG8w5_lH1aRGPPwdvZMx3NQjXhIZwqyhDYoWt3cp62xCiOQ4HguM50Ml_tGykZSIfY9lNPo2yfi9nz9kQDXVP2KWAjzzQsFXNfG7VeZdKeX_K7qac4U8qG-1jngQDUY/w582-h640/545AB45A-C977-4991-A04A-7795AB9A2635_1_201_a.jpeg" width="582" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAgj8Qrd64PIB2rIocgFyWe5cuKolUGWANKluOEztja4xfPW_eb2dOmZUnp11pI6b-lyTag6xCeWfQhgh9x8nxyH7ij8b4zn03HHMJ1iSKiGaXdOc-MWl-p9b2j2NngQFDqI4JR6DFWqXop8BTzRNDgSFpFQtPQ1qujJleFLQ7KXts_4m4ZtiSLhyoIvk/s2449/IMG_1738.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2449" data-original-width="1290" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAgj8Qrd64PIB2rIocgFyWe5cuKolUGWANKluOEztja4xfPW_eb2dOmZUnp11pI6b-lyTag6xCeWfQhgh9x8nxyH7ij8b4zn03HHMJ1iSKiGaXdOc-MWl-p9b2j2NngQFDqI4JR6DFWqXop8BTzRNDgSFpFQtPQ1qujJleFLQ7KXts_4m4ZtiSLhyoIvk/w338-h640/IMG_1738.jpeg" width="338" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJLUywSVrsHRHTIi8lxKTyiy-ebfSYXBF7TrpoPP29XgkQsgDn2KCU_F7yXMh4ut79ROIuusOL0RepzkYCZclKsX_6RE5o5_BlarhEtvLAxMc5t6D9FUSWqffX2DVlOwEFWpX-mMmx_cmTreXBQ8y1d5KfYXtobijd31SKbZ5sQBq_Q-1DZ6l60XHVDrM/s1508/IMG_1755.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1508" data-original-width="1290" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJLUywSVrsHRHTIi8lxKTyiy-ebfSYXBF7TrpoPP29XgkQsgDn2KCU_F7yXMh4ut79ROIuusOL0RepzkYCZclKsX_6RE5o5_BlarhEtvLAxMc5t6D9FUSWqffX2DVlOwEFWpX-mMmx_cmTreXBQ8y1d5KfYXtobijd31SKbZ5sQBq_Q-1DZ6l60XHVDrM/w548-h640/IMG_1755.jpeg" width="548" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuX881mXYkeYQG9dwO-Sh__9cQlEvHNGRaX0ricWTnI_pk1SLYo1ze3fIzj3IA5vhgDTP60maolvoI2MO6oABJ5uwidkUpDmc3gEG_A9EMHcf-y_ESGXUgh_L9W4Ywz88j8I7SEeAW4DCXLxd-PmwYMr7QHU1tk8RZtB_bAgNxoaYELnJK8kSqDwIaWPs/s1470/IMG_1757.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1470" data-original-width="1290" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuX881mXYkeYQG9dwO-Sh__9cQlEvHNGRaX0ricWTnI_pk1SLYo1ze3fIzj3IA5vhgDTP60maolvoI2MO6oABJ5uwidkUpDmc3gEG_A9EMHcf-y_ESGXUgh_L9W4Ywz88j8I7SEeAW4DCXLxd-PmwYMr7QHU1tk8RZtB_bAgNxoaYELnJK8kSqDwIaWPs/w562-h640/IMG_1757.jpeg" width="562" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b>* ... JIM DAMIAN: H</b>ere's some good news coming out of the disastrous fall from grace of Bitwise, the once wunderkind of the local tech world that collapsed into a heap of lost dreams, broken promises and potential illegalities. Jim Damian, founder of the tech company Stria, has been named Kern County's new chief economic development officer effective the end of July. Stria, if you remember, was a solid high tech company based in Bakersfield until it was purchased last year by Bitwise. With the collapse of Bitwise, Damian and other investors likely will not be paid in full for the sale of Stria, but the new job gives him a shot at starting over. “To be a model of excellence in managing our business and workforce, we must attract top talent to our organization and employ the very best,” said James Zervis, incoming Kern County Chief Administrative Officer. “We believe that is what we’re getting with Mr. Damian, who will be a key factor in the economic success of our entire region.”</div><div><br /></div><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Jguulf6mKdNT0oHPeV5yTl2HEIP20Q5ECo1QrAc-82QhFDZxn9YonOERMICAUcyKOcdOzFcq9sjAXyF-Iu3_t0hi8EmjyL4J5MGUAPDZez0VrXue_S7-iojfiUyc1ydpCNZFDbLAV1gI9th_oXlG8YWVPmiPZz69tG4AgOOXsP8nUk6xBLnU3h9MD4M/s799/damian.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="796" data-original-width="799" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Jguulf6mKdNT0oHPeV5yTl2HEIP20Q5ECo1QrAc-82QhFDZxn9YonOERMICAUcyKOcdOzFcq9sjAXyF-Iu3_t0hi8EmjyL4J5MGUAPDZez0VrXue_S7-iojfiUyc1ydpCNZFDbLAV1gI9th_oXlG8YWVPmiPZz69tG4AgOOXsP8nUk6xBLnU3h9MD4M/s320/damian.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b> * ... RIP BITWISE:</b> Speaking of Bitwise, city leaders in Fresno are furious and up in arms over the collapse of Bitwise and the loss of city investment. And yet meanwhile in Bakersfield, there is scarcely a peep from any elected leader about what happened, how it happened and how we can prevent it from happening again. And yes, Bitwise did receive public money (YOUR money) and we have yet to learn exactly how much in public assistance and contracts were lost in the deal. And while our political class moves on from an unpleasant topic, the moving vans pluck what they can from what remains of the Bitwise offices.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4UYrj4sYmzg_K2Ptm9UX1v9zqMScrw6wfXPkcevoAzcjwqhLxvz2InYavEYGQcPoG0MPxbl-N3lN3Z0AeAY1-1_1oPnFlIR8QLUVzvbVDo75AvPpDKlIZe2y22M1msG4C7niWiV1dCEcnNJcLsdgulYXpiY4-2vMDRD35el08xQfCX66cZHABEwHkoVw/s4032/IMG_5286.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4UYrj4sYmzg_K2Ptm9UX1v9zqMScrw6wfXPkcevoAzcjwqhLxvz2InYavEYGQcPoG0MPxbl-N3lN3Z0AeAY1-1_1oPnFlIR8QLUVzvbVDo75AvPpDKlIZe2y22M1msG4C7niWiV1dCEcnNJcLsdgulYXpiY4-2vMDRD35el08xQfCX66cZHABEwHkoVw/w480-h640/IMG_5286.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh56q4B-CdA2hV451rfMBhqdB-FJZTVBZGnAKwG9XkM_jqp6rkBPbz-kuGJkIlLMHzWrE4t24OVl9lMAUJQ5WEAaSDd8aus3sO4GVJMiSf5t__xkJVs2wg22DoBhuYFvg5s9VgCfBxUekcM_TW9bXAljFhvWbJJliQy2AbRXrqiEWBQ6SiF24eSZ_sKBbo/s4032/IMG_5290.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh56q4B-CdA2hV451rfMBhqdB-FJZTVBZGnAKwG9XkM_jqp6rkBPbz-kuGJkIlLMHzWrE4t24OVl9lMAUJQ5WEAaSDd8aus3sO4GVJMiSf5t__xkJVs2wg22DoBhuYFvg5s9VgCfBxUekcM_TW9bXAljFhvWbJJliQy2AbRXrqiEWBQ6SiF24eSZ_sKBbo/w640-h480/IMG_5290.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4DoNS8P8oFtrLZrp9kzYX0hDNTpdSYYaq573kbuLQo4WJdJGclm-dJdO334AGosIJASy7pQhe_x4Y23t9o8u63EA6mb7zCIdED37qb7hvFCHGImdO9VecvJOETehSlaIsum3zh0doX1ypQwhJgP4Zaa4ETzRt6-s2Od29nnXW6cp10yIKlIJJeONrKBI/s4032/IMG_5292.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4DoNS8P8oFtrLZrp9kzYX0hDNTpdSYYaq573kbuLQo4WJdJGclm-dJdO334AGosIJASy7pQhe_x4Y23t9o8u63EA6mb7zCIdED37qb7hvFCHGImdO9VecvJOETehSlaIsum3zh0doX1ypQwhJgP4Zaa4ETzRt6-s2Od29nnXW6cp10yIKlIJJeONrKBI/w640-h480/IMG_5292.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div> <b>* ... BEST SHOT: </b>Take a look at this lovely picture of the Alabama Hills, taken by Susan Walker Bell this year, and posted in the My Home Is California (MIHC) Facebook page.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuu3bL630i6TbB4sZjo1C-L8Fvxc0L-ZIROvxj_58oOx8OGRM64AQUpynrkjrGKJvQ_00-XGHkMMnfsB_OyvXUvMiG6KRJUkr4C9ygeIr45HuqMjeAy-K5DVkuisaEm2ppWXilXqXo1sURhudgnpRKwiNu3dHKJvcrUPMh1uUs4a8gxQmnTw3C-36MLmc/s2048/alabamahills.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuu3bL630i6TbB4sZjo1C-L8Fvxc0L-ZIROvxj_58oOx8OGRM64AQUpynrkjrGKJvQ_00-XGHkMMnfsB_OyvXUvMiG6KRJUkr4C9ygeIr45HuqMjeAy-K5DVkuisaEm2ppWXilXqXo1sURhudgnpRKwiNu3dHKJvcrUPMh1uUs4a8gxQmnTw3C-36MLmc/w640-h426/alabamahills.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><b>* ... OLD GLORY:</b> Take a look at this beautiful shot by photographer Karen Unruh. God Bless America!</div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0K9pz3XQTp2cbo0gtCL71_24WEMiHzFHF_jVCoUrm9HsZaXyB8kF7884lTgcB92D_L6_ZP-zm2lb9Siyy8l1cSf_qXcMxw464L1TtPwBQado3b8Xvkn2Bv0lZNMHA_VWyhEYnXK54V7kkpy0-2wNuBSIsfCCQtf55vBRHEn8psBhxoxgQmBr0_yLFbE0/s1440/flag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0K9pz3XQTp2cbo0gtCL71_24WEMiHzFHF_jVCoUrm9HsZaXyB8kF7884lTgcB92D_L6_ZP-zm2lb9Siyy8l1cSf_qXcMxw464L1TtPwBQado3b8Xvkn2Bv0lZNMHA_VWyhEYnXK54V7kkpy0-2wNuBSIsfCCQtf55vBRHEn8psBhxoxgQmBr0_yLFbE0/w480-h640/flag.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /> <b>* ... MEMORIES:</b> And finally, the folks over at Kern County of Old bring us this terrific old picture of The Plunge on Union Avenue.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj05md665mwixBX_Cnw8XBuIn9clLKsdTMdkKV538REzRvgH01oUqrcIk0ThW55YyAn0slWOsN1vQ7XqgXAq1KaJIkJQx3ViCLSPfdYJiP31M4TpyjdyvNfS2C1x0IajN_CmdGD3KmdQ5VpydRsCDgeeGAsoaHDbktnOl_2KosayFlfPL51wueDbDQMcWk/s1536/plunge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="898" data-original-width="1536" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj05md665mwixBX_Cnw8XBuIn9clLKsdTMdkKV538REzRvgH01oUqrcIk0ThW55YyAn0slWOsN1vQ7XqgXAq1KaJIkJQx3ViCLSPfdYJiP31M4TpyjdyvNfS2C1x0IajN_CmdGD3KmdQ5VpydRsCDgeeGAsoaHDbktnOl_2KosayFlfPL51wueDbDQMcWk/w640-h374/plunge.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br />Richard Beenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07060780209563484710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6931942690068259127.post-1186043573528636192023-06-26T13:51:00.003-07:002023-06-26T13:51:47.456-07:00 Another free speech brouhaha at Bakersfield College, the craze over Ozempic as a weight loss drug and meet Scooter, winner of the world's ugliest dog contest<b><i>Welcome to Bakersfield Observed. Our mission is to celebrate life in Kern County by focusing on newsmakers and events and the local characters who make this community such a special place. The views expressed here are strictly my own and do not represent any other company or publication.</i></b><div><br /></div><div><b> * ... BAKERSFIELD COLLEGE: </b>What in the world is going on at Bakersfield College? The community college is no stranger to controversy among its faculty - in fact clashes over First Amendment and woke issues there seem to happen more often than at its cross town cousin CSUB - and now another brouhaha has erupted on Panorama Drive. In this one, professor Daymon Johnson filed a suit against BC after claiming he was target for being outspoken about his political believes. The suit was filed after <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVFjowH4ch8qF_et6RIK_yoHBzoiK0XiA-yf6T5c_IS2fPnUrWVOLEMGXd3-g76aTJy1ciQL6Jm1uO3bBc_JRE2mCaNcQJ85A2YWOL4j6DZ1fM5Y36LSroAu61FOiux6fkLEHBYtc2kxhysnXrbQK2H9et3tVeL4S1PVfAZlvmbTIv6e51Dnc64iL12F0/s200/Bakobserved1.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="66" data-original-width="200" height="66" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVFjowH4ch8qF_et6RIK_yoHBzoiK0XiA-yf6T5c_IS2fPnUrWVOLEMGXd3-g76aTJy1ciQL6Jm1uO3bBc_JRE2mCaNcQJ85A2YWOL4j6DZ1fM5Y36LSroAu61FOiux6fkLEHBYtc2kxhysnXrbQK2H9et3tVeL4S1PVfAZlvmbTIv6e51Dnc64iL12F0/s1600/Bakobserved1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />Johnson replied to a post from another faculty member who called America a "f***ing piece of shit nation." To make it worse, a California school administrator who was named in a lawsuit brought by Johnson said he wanted to bring voices who opposed diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives 'to the slaughterhouse.'" These types of free speech issues on campus are always tricky for both faculty and administrators, but this is the type of controversy that draws conspiracy theorists like KNZR host Terry Maxwell who enjoy nothing more than fanning the flames of division, mistrust and dissent. Stay tuned to the nuances in this story .</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtqVU0qFTwCWiGg60k44Nrie2jH4vEElaucNOGu4btGfahHavxgqUUwzMleYm9h6LeOBrSJEAeUKpS3gI6eM93mrkesztNHWlBGWesswBHosetzrAIQslAeeBVY0uQu6S4Lz7LFd5nh-Spz_2Baw-9zESsYLa8mYe0hubiDXradqaDYpONQlYf3V3z3p4/s4032/fox.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtqVU0qFTwCWiGg60k44Nrie2jH4vEElaucNOGu4btGfahHavxgqUUwzMleYm9h6LeOBrSJEAeUKpS3gI6eM93mrkesztNHWlBGWesswBHosetzrAIQslAeeBVY0uQu6S4Lz7LFd5nh-Spz_2Baw-9zESsYLa8mYe0hubiDXradqaDYpONQlYf3V3z3p4/w640-h480/fox.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div> <b>* ... AUTO RATES:</b> If you live in California you are probably thinking: where does all this end. First, State Farm and Allstate announce they will write no new home insurance policies in the state, and now we learn that auto insurance rates are soaring across the country. In Georgia, Allstate raised its auto rates by 40 percent and in California Nationwide Mutual Insurance is looking for a 32 percent bump. Experts say the insurers are suffering high losses and rate hikes are needed to offset the increases. And meanwhile, the California consumer takes the hit.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk21H6tp5FsopSUE56vIagqqc87OtoWbRqwXa-msdrWph7EfVPdRhpDi2mL2fXvD4QTOPzxphcKAuHbI5F83b3ebcer_LPIopI-GBQVETngYVUK08-_SxffJNszEQOPNquXjXI7UD34JpwJRMl_lByJQwmAWli8aaa1FkT35SJx6vXZRwewkQqFUPmrn4/s4032/auto.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk21H6tp5FsopSUE56vIagqqc87OtoWbRqwXa-msdrWph7EfVPdRhpDi2mL2fXvD4QTOPzxphcKAuHbI5F83b3ebcer_LPIopI-GBQVETngYVUK08-_SxffJNszEQOPNquXjXI7UD34JpwJRMl_lByJQwmAWli8aaa1FkT35SJx6vXZRwewkQqFUPmrn4/w300-h400/auto.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /></div><div> <b>* ... AMERICA IS OLDER:</b> The median age of an American has reached 38.9 years, a record high and yet another indication of an aging population. And the rise of older Americans has been a rapid one. In 2000, the median age was 35 and if you go back to 1980, it was just 30. Among states, Maine is the oldest (44.8 years) with Utah (31.9), the District of Columbia (34.8) and Texas (35.5) the youngest, according to the Census Bureau. If you didn't feel old before, you probably do now.</div><div><br /></div><div><b> * ... UGLIEST DOG: T</b>he ugliest dog in America has been found, and the crown and glory belong to Scooter, a 7-year-old Chinese Crested that was dumped at a Tuscon dog shelter to be euthanized. "In the cutest way possible, he kind of reminds me of a hippopotamus," one judge told the New York Times. The contest is held to promote adoptions and imperfections in the animals we all love. Scooter, you will be happy to know, has been adopted and is leading a marvelous life, thank you.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8in36yaib6yhxy9aT-_snb32_qPfugqh8Ul3epTR93aJM1pUkQyvHv-G8Ci2Wn1GCTnRk-Rmr51DpmYJv1aRcWEqAe3ETMhWE9Mh3AVomqNZA2nKg7ONeabemD-73kjOEU67lZptcPp8lbCS0LSVNZinYDmuduVusUWhry4NBUMwWflpfEsJsDTFZ5Wc/s1500/uglydog.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8in36yaib6yhxy9aT-_snb32_qPfugqh8Ul3epTR93aJM1pUkQyvHv-G8Ci2Wn1GCTnRk-Rmr51DpmYJv1aRcWEqAe3ETMhWE9Mh3AVomqNZA2nKg7ONeabemD-73kjOEU67lZptcPp8lbCS0LSVNZinYDmuduVusUWhry4NBUMwWflpfEsJsDTFZ5Wc/w640-h426/uglydog.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b> * ... WEIGHT LOSS: T</b>he next time you see a friend who has struggled with weight but now looks like a million bucks, chances are they have joined a national trend and used Ozempic to lose weight, even though the drug was produced to fight diabetes. Hollywood is on it, and across the nation people are shedding significant weight on Ozempic, making it the new wonder drug for folks who find it hard to shed weight. Well, it now looks like they are researching a way to offer Ozempic in pill form (it is currently injected in the stomach) to make it more palatable for those who hate needles. Said the Wall Street Journal: "Novo Nordic's Ozempic and Wegovy therapies and Lilly's Mounjaro have emerged as viral sensations-touted by celebrities and discussed on Facebook and Tik-Tok-because of their potential to help people lose significant weight."</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJxq1Y_Hxi0A1Oi64K8cEbT_t3fl9P5P64aqSrNgJ5anmWEZoycL2Ztt_j1Itg7MSMwgAZnNgzK2Byg19VEOY4FMh-1w1_O27_aPJA3BQEjt3VylGVeVakUU5D_dLRLexC56K0o2TPf3VfrxIRHbI9TsZX_vdnvt5mxj7BHoOgsL7kM_Ypbef-eF3GoMA/s810/loss.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="810" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJxq1Y_Hxi0A1Oi64K8cEbT_t3fl9P5P64aqSrNgJ5anmWEZoycL2Ztt_j1Itg7MSMwgAZnNgzK2Byg19VEOY4FMh-1w1_O27_aPJA3BQEjt3VylGVeVakUU5D_dLRLexC56K0o2TPf3VfrxIRHbI9TsZX_vdnvt5mxj7BHoOgsL7kM_Ypbef-eF3GoMA/w640-h640/loss.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><div><br /></div><div><b>* ... MEMORIES: E</b>njoy this old postcard of the Bakersfield Inn from the Kern County of Old Facebook group.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0pqSylzzDd4utsvcetUmkIz4MwU0Nx3J0kBvkj8M7bV1w8zz65IAOswoBWZNC2xVpnMBpgxWJtnQqOnFdUVLHf0Tvixpsz-suFH-SDZ0gOH96YGItFlNKHXvb8jOCLWBiij9Dxn8ghXD8_bMksxboiyHpZ3nwSHrspr7zs8DOykpDYDJo0ndHtH9ugXQ/s1167/kcold.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="1167" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0pqSylzzDd4utsvcetUmkIz4MwU0Nx3J0kBvkj8M7bV1w8zz65IAOswoBWZNC2xVpnMBpgxWJtnQqOnFdUVLHf0Tvixpsz-suFH-SDZ0gOH96YGItFlNKHXvb8jOCLWBiij9Dxn8ghXD8_bMksxboiyHpZ3nwSHrspr7zs8DOykpDYDJo0ndHtH9ugXQ/w640-h448/kcold.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div></div></div></div>Richard Beenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07060780209563484710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6931942690068259127.post-34648054241257302862023-06-21T10:46:00.003-07:002023-06-21T11:12:10.390-07:00 The idea of "housing first" to solve the homeless issues comes under fire, an organization that feeds the homeless has its offices ransacked by its own customers (the homeless) and Assemblywoman Jasmeet Bains gets another challenger<div><b><i>Welcome to Bakersfield Observed. Our mission is to celebrate life in Kern County by focusing on newsmakers and events and the local characters who make this community such a special place. The views expressed here are strictly my own and do not represent any other company or publication.</i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><span><i> </i><b>* ... HOUSING FIRST UNDER FIRE: </b>It's been a long time coming but there is finally a growing and strong backlash to the "housing first" idea of how to deal with homelessness. Across the nation, and including here in Kern County, those dealing with the homeless have held that putting then in housing is all important, even though many street people are dealing with such addiction and mental health issues that they should not be candidates to live alone. But the idea of "housing first" has been our nation's <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWOvl0N9uzkWTBxXp9Kr7NRK4paCKRZpc__hZCmD4ZJNPWTLOtPnn7-2MdpSvvwM0xvJybWzk32O729AIPPVqqVm_JbdmJfpOjHgRYb1quzAa_BARaUMHvMyJA5-Hz25sFbycMycnQRSCk72TxRW1niMwjR7CPKbgDE0K-uJVQxN_QntPuqPdnWfb7dK0/s200/Bakobserved1.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="66" data-original-width="200" height="66" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWOvl0N9uzkWTBxXp9Kr7NRK4paCKRZpc__hZCmD4ZJNPWTLOtPnn7-2MdpSvvwM0xvJybWzk32O729AIPPVqqVm_JbdmJfpOjHgRYb1quzAa_BARaUMHvMyJA5-Hz25sFbycMycnQRSCk72TxRW1niMwjR7CPKbgDE0K-uJVQxN_QntPuqPdnWfb7dK0/s1600/Bakobserved1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />policy, and now critics are pointing out its failures. Listen to The New York Times on this issue: "</span>The bipartisan approach that has dominated federal homelessness policy for more than two decades is under growing conservative attack. The policy directs billions of dollars to programs that provide homeless people with permanent housing and offer — but do not require them to accept — services like treatment for mental illness or drug abuse. The approach, called Housing First, has been the subject of extensive study and expanded under presidents as different as George W. Bush and Barack Obama. President Biden’s homelessness plan makes Housing First its cornerstone and cites it a dozen times. But Housing First has become a conservative epithet. Republican lawmakers, backed by conservative think tanks and programs denied funding by Housing First rules, want to loosen the policy’s grip on federal dollars. While supporters say that housing people without preconditions saves lives by getting them off the streets, critics say it ignores clients’ underlying problems and want to shift funding to groups like rescue missions that demand sobriety or employment. Some even blame Housing First for the growth in homelessness." It is long past time that Kern County and others wake up to the fact that the promise of "housing first" was just that- a promise with no guarantees.</div><div><br /></div><div> <b>* ... BAINS VS GONZALES: </b>There's nothing like some inner party squabbling, old grudges and unrestrained egos to liven up the political season, and we have a doozy in the 35th Assembly District held by Dr. Jasmeet Bains. Bains is a Democrat, and a freshman at that, and you'd think the Democratic Party would be happy about that. But alas, old feuds and political grudges came into play and Bains is now being challenged by Bakersfield City Councilman Andrae Gonzales, who will challenge Bains in the March 2024 primary. If you remember, Bains had little problems turning back Supervisor Leticia Perez, beating her soundly, and one wonders how Gonzales plans to avoid a similar fate. (file photos of Bains and Gonzales)</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzWyRaIA5Hs-D6RBupuNElsQTJE9-CCpWTOWWuKmEyEB10vG2d1nV5d9t3213TvG2Sd9RCa9FSJLtCsLKANsqNn1BXuRV9O6hu3TNXiRTOxM0PwQY-mLbpouF75XIUDmujtv0X1atOZnFLBDgp12ybST9ojGw5Zt8EtbS5nAu8vRr80_SVr8gqSrzbBYo/s300/bains.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzWyRaIA5Hs-D6RBupuNElsQTJE9-CCpWTOWWuKmEyEB10vG2d1nV5d9t3213TvG2Sd9RCa9FSJLtCsLKANsqNn1BXuRV9O6hu3TNXiRTOxM0PwQY-mLbpouF75XIUDmujtv0X1atOZnFLBDgp12ybST9ojGw5Zt8EtbS5nAu8vRr80_SVr8gqSrzbBYo/w640-h358/bains.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNDBCRb2b4CDRESsDVYDx0-A-u2j5T2Jea-xW-TEV6e1l4kf2y2LCDA1BBQMaknLuVJ_fO4keXOafSyl9ZuLFU0C13JJpCseOnB1wGaf08i7CiepCale2WbyFMyeG0vo5Cio_wJwN4-jH23TsytOn-7xGGSza-BAvfXCkiaBwwta2Tz1Vih_JJO_tZ3dQ/s1280/andrae1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="718" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNDBCRb2b4CDRESsDVYDx0-A-u2j5T2Jea-xW-TEV6e1l4kf2y2LCDA1BBQMaknLuVJ_fO4keXOafSyl9ZuLFU0C13JJpCseOnB1wGaf08i7CiepCale2WbyFMyeG0vo5Cio_wJwN4-jH23TsytOn-7xGGSza-BAvfXCkiaBwwta2Tz1Vih_JJO_tZ3dQ/w640-h360/andrae1.png" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>*<b> ... JAMES ZERVIS: J</b>ames Zervis has been promoted to the role of Chief Administrative Officer for Kern County, replacing Ryan Alsop who has taken another job in Napa County. The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to hire Zervis starting August 5. Alsop starts his job on August 7. Zervis was appointed Chief Operations Officer by Alsop in March of 2000. Previously Zervis held jobs as a chief financial officer, treasurer and interim city manager in Shafter, as well as serving as the city manager in Wasco.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi06izNewN9nrvNQbQ44lcs2Oc6ICXYQkLhjPNeMRsuXk1_7wcMnHezHzTE3YxY-rs1unlU9x6dyXi_PRQMli79iUrkj6lZo9D4NtLHXaGueNG-5CMsIRo66FuxxlO2efGZctZ55i2UVVOk35SHuXRoCB-XNUO0lSxwu4fw-338zaaLeeR3t7tz7paInAs/s1200/zervis.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi06izNewN9nrvNQbQ44lcs2Oc6ICXYQkLhjPNeMRsuXk1_7wcMnHezHzTE3YxY-rs1unlU9x6dyXi_PRQMli79iUrkj6lZo9D4NtLHXaGueNG-5CMsIRo66FuxxlO2efGZctZ55i2UVVOk35SHuXRoCB-XNUO0lSxwu4fw-338zaaLeeR3t7tz7paInAs/w400-h300/zervis.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b> * ... DOWNTOWN CRIME</b>: The Burrito Project is a no-frills, volunteer-run organization that depends on donations to continue its mission of bringing a healthy meal to the homeless. So it is particularly cruel to think that this group that gives so much, has been hit so hard by the very vagrants and homeless it serves. The project co-founder, Belinda Lopez Rickett, told Turnto23 News that the group's downtown offices had been hit a half dozen times, wiping out of the very food and necessities collected for the needy. "We don't have much, but whatever we have, they took, and what left we have, we're willing to give it away still," said Lopez Rickett. "We're still here to help. If they would've asked us, 'Hey, we want hygiene products,' we'd give it to them. There is no reason to steal from us." Since 2009, the Bakersfield Burrito Project has been providing food, hygiene kits, and other necessities to the homeless community in Bakersfield. The nonprofit has been broken into seven times just this month.</div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b> * ... CHICK-FIL-A: </b>The second location of Chick-fil-A is getting ready to open at the Northwest Promenade. Company officials have tagged July 19 at the official opening date. This will be the second Chick-fil-A location in town, joining the popular first franchise at Stockdale and California.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSBIqap8SBcSo0aPYrtw707ZWHMruLNMhFCvCFhWISX4J-CHuEpvxCnCBevLR4ibHFLzMgvci8tzl1zZPhoJQkNhyeOk0s1iMYuZu1eeMsS4Q13Ziu7yaU2ThauvgOCTxGMbvh9xl_tKv8XOaD-Gygl03adstGnGz8O4sgFlFryWUMR-Mqc4E1cDipvQA/s1440/chick.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSBIqap8SBcSo0aPYrtw707ZWHMruLNMhFCvCFhWISX4J-CHuEpvxCnCBevLR4ibHFLzMgvci8tzl1zZPhoJQkNhyeOk0s1iMYuZu1eeMsS4Q13Ziu7yaU2ThauvgOCTxGMbvh9xl_tKv8XOaD-Gygl03adstGnGz8O4sgFlFryWUMR-Mqc4E1cDipvQA/w640-h480/chick.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><b> * ... GONE TO POT: </b>Did you know that since 2012, 23 states have legalized cannabis for recreational use (including California) and three dozen have approved it for medicinal purposes?</div><div><br /></div><div><b> * ... PICTURE PERFECT: </b>Check out this dynamic picture of the Merced River in Yellowstone, snapped on June 20 by Farhana Hamid for the My Home Is Californian (MHIC) Facebook page.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKiG6qPQYdqnAuR1CFeHzTkEP9Z_Gsa3nhXgShdPbw0JAIi7V3GuQdZEMO8GZC7XjYcWBczEoJmwRhRY2iio67T957zfIxEckUUK00krB_PyNC-ixkZBPEeXE9zBnI8XXdCdiaEOdh6896lhP_kvgkyPmxh4b7mskV7bcZFyezeh4RNPJDExanONhB_ss/s1440/river.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKiG6qPQYdqnAuR1CFeHzTkEP9Z_Gsa3nhXgShdPbw0JAIi7V3GuQdZEMO8GZC7XjYcWBczEoJmwRhRY2iio67T957zfIxEckUUK00krB_PyNC-ixkZBPEeXE9zBnI8XXdCdiaEOdh6896lhP_kvgkyPmxh4b7mskV7bcZFyezeh4RNPJDExanONhB_ss/w480-h640/river.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><b><i> </i>* ... MEMORIES::</b> Lastly our friends over at the Kern County History Fans Facebook page posted this postcard image showing the old Bakersfield Inn during the 1940s. Enjoy.</div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzMAGDkGYr-WetDkA61HFE9kfw2uuvEY3B4kcVkKuOIt8TlCZcr2tp3zmi01Hne3hgskEOc4JnqjeVG2JyzsRvDsP1s_mDug2o8XO0wCBZdjRjwhaJ2th_uKQi7W6I1ZMg0mMMoARvxsRCzoXhjY87NqVAqxE2CrOQcGAGz9iF0-36bo2G7FV4n8xABPI/s1765/INN.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1234" data-original-width="1765" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzMAGDkGYr-WetDkA61HFE9kfw2uuvEY3B4kcVkKuOIt8TlCZcr2tp3zmi01Hne3hgskEOc4JnqjeVG2JyzsRvDsP1s_mDug2o8XO0wCBZdjRjwhaJ2th_uKQi7W6I1ZMg0mMMoARvxsRCzoXhjY87NqVAqxE2CrOQcGAGz9iF0-36bo2G7FV4n8xABPI/w640-h448/INN.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><br /></div>Richard Beenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07060780209563484710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6931942690068259127.post-19351282207335016712023-06-17T14:36:00.000-07:002023-06-17T14:36:10.754-07:00Kern County loses its top CAO to Napa County, Generation Z goes to pot (literally, cannabis) and order some popcorn to watch the Democratics fight each other when Andrae Gonzales challenges Dr. Jasmeet Bains in the Assembly race<b><i>Welcome to Bakersfield Observed. Our mission is to celebrate life in Kern County by focusing on newsmakers and events and the local characters who make this community such a special place. The views expressed here are strictly my own and do not represent any other company or publication.</i></b><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b>* ... FAREWELL RYAN ALSOP: </b>Ryan Alsop, the county's chief administrative officer since 2017, is leaving his post to take a similar job in Napa County. This is a huge lost for the county, which enjoyed a<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-pjBQyC7YJGAJe4feZ7ZSLTbM6CJHS6DOV3yHiRYiEFqNunB4HJhGx0cN9jcZhGwoQjGzN68POJvtFg-WMTuEKggaSeZ7sQBfs3YpVyx80nwzx52V-botL6Gt5Jk6mLc9BscO2Hv5rEqadEYBBrJOHHop2j59Rn1jr8d48xsag5lPuIhwP_IhUWmB/s200/Bakobserved1.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="66" data-original-width="200" height="66" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-pjBQyC7YJGAJe4feZ7ZSLTbM6CJHS6DOV3yHiRYiEFqNunB4HJhGx0cN9jcZhGwoQjGzN68POJvtFg-WMTuEKggaSeZ7sQBfs3YpVyx80nwzx52V-botL6Gt5Jk6mLc9BscO2Hv5rEqadEYBBrJOHHop2j59Rn1jr8d48xsag5lPuIhwP_IhUWmB/s1600/Bakobserved1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /> period of steady, adult leadership during a period of great challenge, from the issues over firefighter's pay, to balancing the budget, the historic snowmelt and the threat of flooding and his efforts to successfully past a tax increase in unincorporated parts of the county. Alsop is just 52, a prime age for county administrators, and he was a unique fit for Kern County: he grew up in Bakersfield, went to Highland High and Bakersfield College, and knew the players. Next up? Stay tuned. <b><i>(photo courtesy of The Californian)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF2zRCWwKIGp1A78ngp_xRqvJ53nvbIAIwogswa0oCBsUV_ykY47oCBwJqcUHDKSXm9HZoLYwCqlXt-nWl3oRI0PUT4224qDCzGvSxfFZwVZ8XrPmgsZVtdfTBHyAtPMMZUHuXgAW2p_JlQRWj4JwTvmkieZ3c4iYVLc7bX80QXE_Cc2cuweie0-XB/s1024/alsop.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF2zRCWwKIGp1A78ngp_xRqvJ53nvbIAIwogswa0oCBsUV_ykY47oCBwJqcUHDKSXm9HZoLYwCqlXt-nWl3oRI0PUT4224qDCzGvSxfFZwVZ8XrPmgsZVtdfTBHyAtPMMZUHuXgAW2p_JlQRWj4JwTvmkieZ3c4iYVLc7bX80QXE_Cc2cuweie0-XB/w640-h360/alsop.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div> <b>* .... GONZALES VERSUS BAINS? </b>The worst kept secret in local politics is the emergence of Bakersfield City Councilman Andrae Gonazales as a challenger to freshman Assemblywoman Dr. Jasmeet Bains in the March 2024 primary. The richness of this scenario is that they are both Democrats and we are about to have a front row seat to watch the Democratic Party cannabalize itself in this Bains-Gonzales matchup. So what is behind all this besides Gonzales' outsized personal political ambition? Can Gonzales run on his record on the City Council when his downtown Ward 2 is awash in lawlessness, crime and vagrants, and his efforts to combat it have been largely ineffectual? And what is the Democrats' beef with Bains, who easily defeated Supervisor Leticia Perez to win the Assembly post but has quickly irked Sacramento Democrats by showing an independent side aligned with Valley sensibilities? Who knows but it's serious enough to bring together Perez and Gonzales, two Democrats who have been at odds with each other for as long as I can remember. And wasn't Gonzales thinking of running against Perez for her supervisor seat? And of course, what happens to the Ward 2 seat if Gonzales vacates it? This is all going to be fun to watch and it doesn't cost us a nickel. So grab a popcorn and join me.<br /><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b> * ... GENERATION Z GOES TO POT: </b>When it comes to cannabis consumption, it appears that Generation Z is fully on board. Gen Z - born between 1996 and 2010 - is the first generation to grow up with widespread legal access to cannabis. A recent study found that 65 percent or Generation Zero smoke marijuana and 51 percent consume cannabis infused beverages. Gen Zers are just as likely to visit a marijuana lounge as they are a bar. Gen Zers are also drinking less than past generations.</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpTwDF1ixrx-Kqs_ATIJyn7FFMJPHkSwbYy6pW1rR-9cByzFzZ5WDV8tBtcWMhX1Zzr8Hj2fCJOfnhpw3CXyNGbr6lw8eRsDW4OB6iuDGI93M3iSrmKZnuwtRx_Tt-CrZdjaWPc26rLy471pafTSisEJmNkAx8KwRqN59JFnw0dnIDGwUmaBuAsdq/s275/az.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpTwDF1ixrx-Kqs_ATIJyn7FFMJPHkSwbYy6pW1rR-9cByzFzZ5WDV8tBtcWMhX1Zzr8Hj2fCJOfnhpw3CXyNGbr6lw8eRsDW4OB6iuDGI93M3iSrmKZnuwtRx_Tt-CrZdjaWPc26rLy471pafTSisEJmNkAx8KwRqN59JFnw0dnIDGwUmaBuAsdq/w640-h426/az.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div><b> * ... MOVING ON: </b>Michael Burroughs, head of CSUB's Kegley Institute of Ethics, is leaving to join the University of Southern California as Executive Director of Organizational Change in the Office of Ethics, Culture, and Compliance. Burroughs siad he was "excited for this new chapter in life and opportunity to lead the strategic vision for USC's focus on values and engagement with the entire university community to guide the USC Culture Journey."</div><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPfLID2BMJ03kJDu6bbz6l31Xr_lIy16ASvUtwgSFwpZTy8UMfiyZj0hvo4J9tpY_YCVgtuR6gHDqW0un5Ty4iEGmtXLt7CjlB2_Ny7sTO9Gqa82hzoIjms7y2gPyJyYqkjMWGH0h3bAiMYxAFJ9zDOpt4CCaW1Cce5CMOTPdFGF6nl9ecMpHNc8cQ/s225/burroughts.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPfLID2BMJ03kJDu6bbz6l31Xr_lIy16ASvUtwgSFwpZTy8UMfiyZj0hvo4J9tpY_YCVgtuR6gHDqW0un5Ty4iEGmtXLt7CjlB2_Ny7sTO9Gqa82hzoIjms7y2gPyJyYqkjMWGH0h3bAiMYxAFJ9zDOpt4CCaW1Cce5CMOTPdFGF6nl9ecMpHNc8cQ/w400-h400/burroughts.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></i><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div> <b>* ... DOWNTOWN WOES: </b>You can add Smith's Bakery on Union Avenue to the long and growing list of businesses that have suffered at the hands of the lawlessness of downtown. Employees came to work to find the windows smashed out.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3OrAuQJ4wmRjDfSRA5Ax5sICraPQnj5iaOtZjlu6IQnmneGdQhAYTI_7G8AZkue718vBlYROKMRulGFPVFV64BhQ0TjGrZgC09DqFl9iiT-NOI4TC9Xkj99Vb91iQdea_cIcaEH3dQW0rU2xyKihEuqPrPgcZtRpe7sNTebeVP13OT_IKg5BMZ4VM/s860/bakery1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="860" data-original-width="646" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3OrAuQJ4wmRjDfSRA5Ax5sICraPQnj5iaOtZjlu6IQnmneGdQhAYTI_7G8AZkue718vBlYROKMRulGFPVFV64BhQ0TjGrZgC09DqFl9iiT-NOI4TC9Xkj99Vb91iQdea_cIcaEH3dQW0rU2xyKihEuqPrPgcZtRpe7sNTebeVP13OT_IKg5BMZ4VM/w480-h640/bakery1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYTK9JIB9qMGDIteBlBucLP6lA3xGbx9qPl8BFfIrwpPRJ_ZUz7Fi2IfL9wKJnMDqaPU7lejNlnXpBST27uQwKWzxB4P3y6pC5Y-e93hiooX_1oosCUsGnViKUhNe4O_vEwvn9WJrJUGts2018q0XnFG9w6d67cVYVty67fPDagkUocM3vdrkyLuUn/s812/bakery.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="812" data-original-width="610" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYTK9JIB9qMGDIteBlBucLP6lA3xGbx9qPl8BFfIrwpPRJ_ZUz7Fi2IfL9wKJnMDqaPU7lejNlnXpBST27uQwKWzxB4P3y6pC5Y-e93hiooX_1oosCUsGnViKUhNe4O_vEwvn9WJrJUGts2018q0XnFG9w6d67cVYVty67fPDagkUocM3vdrkyLuUn/w480-h640/bakery.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div> <b>* ... PHOTO OF THE DAY: </b>Once again local photographer JoJo Paredes Butingan blows us away with this incredible picture, a virtual carpet of green.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxwI9PnVFpds7Z4kDBBJrN2Yr9vpJ64AJsEa0-ip4x9Jng-88A3zHVbX6koDVf4gZ_DQ-zQ8uiemi_IFhMJUkLM5sGD1sK91Od99dTlXJtrN-sUKb-6csE6XUKwVJxasjZrAJPWKPQnTITIpx-2mqB2LhilvTw5teif8V6lioBP5Hsn16jOxBZ31s8/s1600/greencarpet.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxwI9PnVFpds7Z4kDBBJrN2Yr9vpJ64AJsEa0-ip4x9Jng-88A3zHVbX6koDVf4gZ_DQ-zQ8uiemi_IFhMJUkLM5sGD1sK91Od99dTlXJtrN-sUKb-6csE6XUKwVJxasjZrAJPWKPQnTITIpx-2mqB2LhilvTw5teif8V6lioBP5Hsn16jOxBZ31s8/w640-h428/greencarpet.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> </div><div><b>* ... MEMORIES: T</b>hese two cool old photos of Bakersfield back in the day come to you courtesy of the Kern County History Fans Facebook page, a treasure trove of good stuff.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQpPg9dl4TBveH-nBSh9423rEpi7EH1ew8W0jv6Lh2CtKtzbN9e_Tqr3CJq0JMD4Ej7LHVe1OLqoT_HtoMu4CIcHtbzzIprm_iv81OAhxH5pdFEwQiXKRsWn9Ao2jtazvtOHUDt9omYE_AOdfdYrNKs5YuPG-rUIzGxoSUwO6LAroOEdB0rf03k8zi/s1323/hotel.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1323" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQpPg9dl4TBveH-nBSh9423rEpi7EH1ew8W0jv6Lh2CtKtzbN9e_Tqr3CJq0JMD4Ej7LHVe1OLqoT_HtoMu4CIcHtbzzIprm_iv81OAhxH5pdFEwQiXKRsWn9Ao2jtazvtOHUDt9omYE_AOdfdYrNKs5YuPG-rUIzGxoSUwO6LAroOEdB0rf03k8zi/w522-h640/hotel.jpg" width="522" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVVkPGbj46i3Axc8Mg84EqBrK5ex3WiiXAKDoEw-7JOoVQZii188A0Ns9JWlL8c9hjQnOmwWwLyAcvUkCEdjgsRAnjhWUG8WM58Ya7k_eb2vhmyBSLF0gIjnMdbr_b6z7J6SvpZ8AoUDHx_rWxqGw6A_7CTdyG5z0vyxREfz1vaNm71xml-bLforhk/s1451/redeock.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1451" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVVkPGbj46i3Axc8Mg84EqBrK5ex3WiiXAKDoEw-7JOoVQZii188A0Ns9JWlL8c9hjQnOmwWwLyAcvUkCEdjgsRAnjhWUG8WM58Ya7k_eb2vhmyBSLF0gIjnMdbr_b6z7J6SvpZ8AoUDHx_rWxqGw6A_7CTdyG5z0vyxREfz1vaNm71xml-bLforhk/w476-h640/redeock.jpg" width="476" /></a></div><br /></div></div>Richard Beenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07060780209563484710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6931942690068259127.post-41252312015381005832023-06-07T15:17:00.003-07:002023-06-07T15:18:05.326-07:00The list of investors in Bitwise is reveals dozens of trusts, venture capital firms and individuals - some from Kern County - stand to lose millions if the Fresno-based tech firm does not make it<div><br /></div><div><b><i>Welcome to Bakersfield Observed. Our mission is to celebrate life in Kern County by focusing on newsmakers and events and the local characters who make this community such a special place. The views expressed here are strictly my own and do not represent any other company or publication.</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i> Editor's note: </i></b>We are following the ongoing developments in the financial troubles of Bitwise Industries, drawing on the best reporting we can find. SJVSUN.COM is a leading source of original reporting and in this take, it lists some of the investors in Bitwise. The information has not been independently verified and we do not know if this accurately represents the number of share the currently owned by individuals.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQfShk-fek45e5g292L9YAneI129zfSq5MFKfAwizbgJCUFD-trUUa1f4sxRDr3owHz75ZDJIhVmanqI_D6dvlkf3_W9aA2Z_Mrxfp1wpFSHUUNnfAtSTLXrde1zbXwxFSTgroquWmfs2W7wbo9jQavKh64fpzWn6klMTolaViPbASImIqW-dSV4rI/s200/Bakobserved1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="66" data-original-width="200" height="66" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQfShk-fek45e5g292L9YAneI129zfSq5MFKfAwizbgJCUFD-trUUa1f4sxRDr3owHz75ZDJIhVmanqI_D6dvlkf3_W9aA2Z_Mrxfp1wpFSHUUNnfAtSTLXrde1zbXwxFSTgroquWmfs2W7wbo9jQavKh64fpzWn6klMTolaViPbASImIqW-dSV4rI/s1600/Bakobserved1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /></div><div> The list includes some Kern County connections, including the John and Ingrid Lake Family Trust and the John and Sheila Lake Descendants Trust. If those names are familiar, it is because the Lake family founded Rain for Rent, the successful global irrigation company here in Kern County.</div><div> J.P. Lake, who runs his own venture capital fund, was a leading proponent in Bitwise when it arrived in Bakersfield. According to the Sun reporting at one time the two Lake trusts held 1,000,000 shares of Bitwise. The Lakes were on the Top Thirty list of investors.</div><div> Check out the list of investors here ... <a href="https://tinyurl.com/mr223adc">https://tinyurl.com/mr223adc</a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIJQjTOPikwV5GXELo9yRyusdTtLXxnwHN5mzBIRsQlA_dtDrZQ08b1X3h3aIgLwUwVreLDZWel1CWHn38TH2cL1eezWUZMOGmb7nwrpthZ5gzIwXt_3-gUbAvFlGMlCK31CAIkSRUOEAV49gaRu-hTC4KStdYFm7yhIDCr3gTwsH4EeePKsZjlwa7/s1440/B6691F88-5D33-4E02-AA12-83059720389D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIJQjTOPikwV5GXELo9yRyusdTtLXxnwHN5mzBIRsQlA_dtDrZQ08b1X3h3aIgLwUwVreLDZWel1CWHn38TH2cL1eezWUZMOGmb7nwrpthZ5gzIwXt_3-gUbAvFlGMlCK31CAIkSRUOEAV49gaRu-hTC4KStdYFm7yhIDCr3gTwsH4EeePKsZjlwa7/w640-h480/B6691F88-5D33-4E02-AA12-83059720389D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEuHNfrlLGK1aTu4n79oZCBw6yhCwlOlelLWKp8psboJWSVxhkYkRZjMSDl_HsLP3xydSxBZ1xnxFLkJR8QAX5pjMeQuyR-oKgbhCWzJ7Dv2Og3aB7wLLT1u8H6NFgjgxxAxzp-_9qsNRBM5b9o13tY5yBRA8HKteYq59vbyYvSpowZ4dgaItwGRrB/s2016/bitshare1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEuHNfrlLGK1aTu4n79oZCBw6yhCwlOlelLWKp8psboJWSVxhkYkRZjMSDl_HsLP3xydSxBZ1xnxFLkJR8QAX5pjMeQuyR-oKgbhCWzJ7Dv2Og3aB7wLLT1u8H6NFgjgxxAxzp-_9qsNRBM5b9o13tY5yBRA8HKteYq59vbyYvSpowZ4dgaItwGRrB/w640-h480/bitshare1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAnFgx44m9xdR2X45jLExVdW9PnZjTyaHK98tvDOPWb2Yc8v3RBe4XVnAO0QPnQuXc6yM1a563HK5IKZpslbqYuxT7jRWCMOovMt3IUDUY_fybDyUB8yYWvVlbHWdGr4_MunZBspTbhQ0ldupXHBeI7_Mkjaez7lrClZjusDV7xyo9wRG1NC4BYpiz/s2016/bitshare2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAnFgx44m9xdR2X45jLExVdW9PnZjTyaHK98tvDOPWb2Yc8v3RBe4XVnAO0QPnQuXc6yM1a563HK5IKZpslbqYuxT7jRWCMOovMt3IUDUY_fybDyUB8yYWvVlbHWdGr4_MunZBspTbhQ0ldupXHBeI7_Mkjaez7lrClZjusDV7xyo9wRG1NC4BYpiz/w480-h640/bitshare2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Richard Beenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07060780209563484710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6931942690068259127.post-61236554405000300532023-06-06T10:14:00.005-07:002023-06-06T16:03:55.895-07:00The rise and fall of Bitwise Industries: was it a good idea that got off the track or something more sinister? Plus more on the slow, insidious demise of downtown thanks to crime and vagrants and celebrating our local eateries <b><i>Welcome to Bakersfield Observed. Our mission is to celebrate life in Kern County by focusing on newsmakers and events and the local characters who make this community such a special place. The views expressed here are strictly my own and do not represent any other company or publication.</i></b><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b> * ... BITWISE:</b> The rise and fall of Bitwise Industries, the so-called Fresno-based tech company that promised to convert underserved communities into tech hot spots, may prove to be a cautionary tale for communities in search of economic revival. And now that Bitwise seems to be imploding before our very eyes, we are left wondering if it was a good idea that went astray, an age old story of corporate greed or a ponzi scheme that went undetected for too long? One thing is for sure: Bakersfield has had its share of "too good to be true" stories, including the once high flying real estate firm of Crisp and Cole (remember when they were going to build a high rise at CSUB?) and the dramatic fall of a once wildly popular monsignor accused of sexual abuse. So what happened in the case of Bitwise and should we have seen it coming? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpEJGX3IBdLpPuSVaM2x9saWvbKclRDxGaVYZkdoy7u6oaSXlhfArYIN2pm0RdV7qMj1rcfbqyRncjg4gZePqKpkfWJJuvnWuF1xV7YDpPXZrDVJgsq2FIsp4xwa6SilIg_yWY8ByFGpylwjhVEfcduqItiKj_gSxNdMtoiKmUSY8KtRuYFi03Zn9E/s200/Bakobserved1.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="66" data-original-width="200" height="66" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpEJGX3IBdLpPuSVaM2x9saWvbKclRDxGaVYZkdoy7u6oaSXlhfArYIN2pm0RdV7qMj1rcfbqyRncjg4gZePqKpkfWJJuvnWuF1xV7YDpPXZrDVJgsq2FIsp4xwa6SilIg_yWY8ByFGpylwjhVEfcduqItiKj_gSxNdMtoiKmUSY8KtRuYFi03Zn9E/s1600/Bakobserved1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />The best reporting on this story is being done by a Fresno reporter named David Taub of GVwire.com, whose work has proved indispensable now that traditional sources of reporting like newspapers have been muted as the industry has shrunk and local radio seems uninterested. So what do we know now? Bitwise is about to be evicted from three buildings in Fresno, it has fired its co-CEOs, it has furloughed some 900 employees, it is behind on rent and taxes and it was bouncing checks as it shut its doors. Looking back, a casual cruise through the Bitwise website may hold a few clues. For example, did you know there are 67 vice presidents and senior vice presidents listed for the six communities where Bitwise is located? That's right, sixty-seven executives. vice presidents for everything from traditional fare like marketing and strategy to more new age titles like VP of "well being and VP of "new economies." That is an average of 10 VPs for each location. A tad on the beefy side in terms of payroll ya think? <b><i>(photos courtesy of David Taub and GVWire.com)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfOrNXeCU6HThhuu1NKLMMKB4FDxt52zVyzGu-MkFPEnPiQdi6pxgidhCR3tv4ZmdbxdmFPslu0CObZ9mrmnnXXxdfdcbh_nrzCGNmGQWAsEjzlhaTFXVT9fr9Prb7gTlK6U_IMZpLv-PjGHogiQWmVTsXGM-d2PER_Ng9iDVRS0Kk8dTD7Pm9P3i7/s1280/bit2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfOrNXeCU6HThhuu1NKLMMKB4FDxt52zVyzGu-MkFPEnPiQdi6pxgidhCR3tv4ZmdbxdmFPslu0CObZ9mrmnnXXxdfdcbh_nrzCGNmGQWAsEjzlhaTFXVT9fr9Prb7gTlK6U_IMZpLv-PjGHogiQWmVTsXGM-d2PER_Ng9iDVRS0Kk8dTD7Pm9P3i7/w640-h360/bit2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxNkvh1XwTxnBiAyj5gDirSEVjmaKG0MdWzfI2s0Av4qSEbowDetA36FrZ81ZGTQfi6mJIFch6-AfGYY4G5yM9rQkKLA-WMnE1rbY1i8q_fXAYmSdyamquyEQiYn3SENGCttsBSOboeLEielJqc6BVtH8FZJonbOPMtMwL87XgAOgaPLYasYn7aeb5/s1677/bit1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1677" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxNkvh1XwTxnBiAyj5gDirSEVjmaKG0MdWzfI2s0Av4qSEbowDetA36FrZ81ZGTQfi6mJIFch6-AfGYY4G5yM9rQkKLA-WMnE1rbY1i8q_fXAYmSdyamquyEQiYn3SENGCttsBSOboeLEielJqc6BVtH8FZJonbOPMtMwL87XgAOgaPLYasYn7aeb5/w488-h640/bit1.jpg" width="488" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b> * ... MORE BITWISE: </b>Meanwhile, there are plenty of unanswered questions regarding Bitwise and how we found ourselves in this mess. Here are some questions we should address:</div><div> a) Everyone from Mayor Karen Goh to the entire City Council (particularly Councilmen Bob Smith and Andrae Gonzales) bought into the pitch, and that led to the city doing business with Bitwise. We need a forensic audit to determine how the city got involved, what kind of due diligence we did, and how we can avoid a similar fate in the future?</div><div> a) Exactly how much money did the city and county grant Bitwise, either for contracts to train people or in outright grants? In other words, how much did the Kern County lose on this ill fated endeavor? </div><div> b) In the spirit of full disclosure we need to know if anyone on the City Council, or in government, benefit in any way by doing business with Bitwise? Are there any conflicts of interest in real estate dealings, sales, leases or contracts that involve people in city and county government or their close friends or relatives? What was the role of Sage Equities (run by Bob Smith's son and daughter in law) in the Bitwise real estate moves, in any? The public lost money in this deal and it's time to let the sun shine on all the details, legal or illegal.</div><div> c) If Bitwise goes away, what is the plan for the Bitwise buildings, many of which have already been upgraded?</div><div><br /></div><div><b> * ... WARD 2 PROBLEMS:</b> Each week seems to bring new misery to business people and homeowners downtown as the city shows little ability to control the bad elements bent on destroying our city. So it was nice to see what the owners of Breaking Bad Hair did the other day after a vagrant smashed their front window.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7qmxyUJulisfIDaNSqBEpHLkjek3h-zKvQFidQh_cF8D-yxaGl1SiPBa5C9x-SQIjj2dEXnj30J90250S0xzDjhR75iB25KjEh2Ucy0m_T1O4gnYG8bq4xLS5eGQZ38ubbxG_s-C8VRnWbwgt-uWQ3LBl3AqvvggGtqKeotAJx2P4h2QBn6dhpOpw/s4032/hair.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7qmxyUJulisfIDaNSqBEpHLkjek3h-zKvQFidQh_cF8D-yxaGl1SiPBa5C9x-SQIjj2dEXnj30J90250S0xzDjhR75iB25KjEh2Ucy0m_T1O4gnYG8bq4xLS5eGQZ38ubbxG_s-C8VRnWbwgt-uWQ3LBl3AqvvggGtqKeotAJx2P4h2QBn6dhpOpw/w480-h640/hair.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b> * ... STOLEN GUITARS: </b>Take a look at this picture of some classic guitars that were stolen from Front Porch Music in downtown Bakersfield, yet another victim of the lawlessness of Ward 2. Front Porch is among dozens of downtown businesses who has suffered the indignity of random break-ins as crime explodes.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvy2b2Rk1gFNocl_pb3xjq0mloRVCNTc57qlayxA_SOTZ13NK-z9DwZAsGL7YwwYZIQVWSWM_4tCev9EEJsZcAHr66ZE_yF_P5T_1t2uirOlFI01Aw9pLQM2IhzL9oE0o6cyZ8JykXPvYtWTU_ywvjbjJio_TD-u5MRP822pRD3ZCn7R-TI9Oecu5l/s960/guitars.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvy2b2Rk1gFNocl_pb3xjq0mloRVCNTc57qlayxA_SOTZ13NK-z9DwZAsGL7YwwYZIQVWSWM_4tCev9EEJsZcAHr66ZE_yF_P5T_1t2uirOlFI01Aw9pLQM2IhzL9oE0o6cyZ8JykXPvYtWTU_ywvjbjJio_TD-u5MRP822pRD3ZCn7R-TI9Oecu5l/w640-h640/guitars.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> <b>* ... PICTURE THIS: </b>Today's picture of the day comes from one of our favorite local photographers, JoJo Paredes Butingan. The picture was taken May 17 in the Kern River Valley. Enjoy.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNTWhiWg19Jib3wWOpA-8aWol8kMRJoyCcoWfBSw-1W0VVsl9LzpK-0w3yyHFD5kcoNgXaQXE0yBU2CYW7a_v0vjMjrBP_8hbcuI6ISD56v_c9h8AhVlz5oYEWxjnJT2uqD0xUEfUXusYGco0dp8W9Ekgra7jyCvmARVwwc52A8-LYZmiyOgB2HARq/s1600/kernvalley.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNTWhiWg19Jib3wWOpA-8aWol8kMRJoyCcoWfBSw-1W0VVsl9LzpK-0w3yyHFD5kcoNgXaQXE0yBU2CYW7a_v0vjMjrBP_8hbcuI6ISD56v_c9h8AhVlz5oYEWxjnJT2uqD0xUEfUXusYGco0dp8W9Ekgra7jyCvmARVwwc52A8-LYZmiyOgB2HARq/w640-h428/kernvalley.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><b> * ... DINNER FOR TWO: Two of our iconic and favorite restaurants in town - </b> Luigi's Delicatessen has Uricchio's Trattoria - have slick marketing campaigns on social media, showcasing some of the well known dishes that make these places a fan favorite. Check out this first post from Luigi's and the second by Uricchio's and tell me it doesn't make your mouth water.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm5n3vmweKURQbhrs3aYrDvKdEZaTyAJWSY8jgbV2osnTfmqvHlXWC0tA-IDShERjmnneVnO4RBDvVkS5hQvdNNVAG90rHV4PEIPOW3ccxWaQ3gtUMW_1MEtCzVfDwW5MHbLJfurwMOIvlPgI81v_QxJvP8oVf2M_GE72DBJYf2TZhA5sP31lqGSie/s1440/Luigis.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm5n3vmweKURQbhrs3aYrDvKdEZaTyAJWSY8jgbV2osnTfmqvHlXWC0tA-IDShERjmnneVnO4RBDvVkS5hQvdNNVAG90rHV4PEIPOW3ccxWaQ3gtUMW_1MEtCzVfDwW5MHbLJfurwMOIvlPgI81v_QxJvP8oVf2M_GE72DBJYf2TZhA5sP31lqGSie/w480-h640/Luigis.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBcr8mjInoQ51Vr_DU2OtQ3IoS6Yk-4GgALH1I1A-oc9RRC3ZEJaBCCNtP-EuhB7_RmXeCNWB0GmuzsBNHyPw0EHVAYGNZWeMsQwkyEnqZP4hVxetyP6QefV2jdM8dcUPCnHtdzG2d1bKgQEZuGxF1P_n_Lbm0ipGJmOFDElXwUaLY9yuOiv6tF7Fr/s1124/urix.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1124" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBcr8mjInoQ51Vr_DU2OtQ3IoS6Yk-4GgALH1I1A-oc9RRC3ZEJaBCCNtP-EuhB7_RmXeCNWB0GmuzsBNHyPw0EHVAYGNZWeMsQwkyEnqZP4hVxetyP6QefV2jdM8dcUPCnHtdzG2d1bKgQEZuGxF1P_n_Lbm0ipGJmOFDElXwUaLY9yuOiv6tF7Fr/w614-h640/urix.jpg" width="614" /></a></div><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b> * ... MEMORIES: </b>Enjoy these goodies from our friends over at Kern County History Fans.</div><div><br /></div><div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnio7X0ZNRmUzY2l2e9SK_XmQFVqcqmqLyYAEmyX4Ugu8154wFd-i0j8Vj24WJt-Faxt_Nf9to_SNyMJbbNx6NINZaofpd4pghTH28PoI1CtjiEImAGFxPPIoWJ8jdmOX42YhStXdaiTYS2gvPBIzLEBRDU0By1H7gGTJhF7LcY-YtdUwcPsGgfS8o/s1080/Pauls.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1026" data-original-width="1080" height="608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnio7X0ZNRmUzY2l2e9SK_XmQFVqcqmqLyYAEmyX4Ugu8154wFd-i0j8Vj24WJt-Faxt_Nf9to_SNyMJbbNx6NINZaofpd4pghTH28PoI1CtjiEImAGFxPPIoWJ8jdmOX42YhStXdaiTYS2gvPBIzLEBRDU0By1H7gGTJhF7LcY-YtdUwcPsGgfS8o/w640-h608/Pauls.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQTf8u9vRxe_KCyTr4HiBt3T9_IXkjwkyNSv2jeGuEftAk_KvEtS1tMfopOBBh3akvwvHNE-Yf-AVFI_NsHn_FwLfvQRSGjxITcSehnq-VEgq_BuB3rVLyYfmM9MWiSUuMLKOO1YnLdz2xZUvutrK2-EQGxXzTNmvJV6mLKX1AFaPC5_2_YfuWKuC0/s1301/1941.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1301" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQTf8u9vRxe_KCyTr4HiBt3T9_IXkjwkyNSv2jeGuEftAk_KvEtS1tMfopOBBh3akvwvHNE-Yf-AVFI_NsHn_FwLfvQRSGjxITcSehnq-VEgq_BuB3rVLyYfmM9MWiSUuMLKOO1YnLdz2xZUvutrK2-EQGxXzTNmvJV6mLKX1AFaPC5_2_YfuWKuC0/w532-h640/1941.jpg" width="532" /></a></div><br /></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div>Richard Beenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07060780209563484710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6931942690068259127.post-80763251340055571122023-05-31T09:50:00.003-07:002023-05-31T10:07:47.442-07:00Bitwise Industries furloughs its employees and misses paychecks, California declares war on Skittles and the exodus of businesses from downtown continues<div><b><i>Welcome to Bakersfield Observed. Our mission is to celebrate life in Kern County by focusing on newsmakers and events and the local characters who make this community such a special place. The views expressed here are strictly my own and do not represent any other company or publication.</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div><b> * ... RIP BITWISE? </b>In the end, it all seemed like a too-good-to-be-true sales pitch: high tech firm comes to town, an attention starved community rallies around it like a savior, governments provide contracts and loans and then - puff - it is gone. Bitwise, the Fresno based company that swept into town with great fanfare and a business plan that few understood, has furloughed all its employees amid financial problems. The tech incubator announced on Memorial Day that it was furloughing its employees and it set no date when it might be back in <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjda-uyWVGLKZdPhNq2TYROoDeNe_DoIEq_2MvMr-8dg5SWKHM6LJbvRjTuhqP-eUvSTF3eGSa7OjCaATNuKnta5Kmc9gRmrnPOXTPyi7--5XW-8ZVxCgumqQT673sIrVfjU5yzmC7TVmrEGIwbTyz5FTW8bjocRna1vh595D-mICVaDMqawcj9wPr5/s200/Bakobserved1.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="66" data-original-width="200" height="66" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjda-uyWVGLKZdPhNq2TYROoDeNe_DoIEq_2MvMr-8dg5SWKHM6LJbvRjTuhqP-eUvSTF3eGSa7OjCaATNuKnta5Kmc9gRmrnPOXTPyi7--5XW-8ZVxCgumqQT673sIrVfjU5yzmC7TVmrEGIwbTyz5FTW8bjocRna1vh595D-mICVaDMqawcj9wPr5/s1600/Bakobserved1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />business. The SJV Sun reported issues with employee payroll checks and questions over whether the company had made its 401(k) contributions. In other words, the company is in a mess of trouble and it's safe to say Bitwise never lived up to its lofty goals of training our workforce for the next generation. In fact, the whole Bitwise story has been curious to some, including the fact that Bitwise trumpeted that it recently received an $80 million infusion of investment cash from the likes of Goldman Sachs and Citibank. Shortly after that, Bitwise listed three of its properties in Bakersfield were up for sale with a leaseback. Was it a matter of too much growth too soon? Or a business plan that simply didn't live up to its billing? Or a little of both? Stay tuned.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB2eNwsn7u9L3ctCBACSLNUqi-kXxjCxMXOHHjDMhdLZmuMGTsY3oPg82Sp21TwWo6KEzNSiFza7iHncwxTfetV0CDcxAmgwhpfZxhtweqoxUs4y7u5pAqUM0V6oO_KOS35aC6LJLnnifRGrZZS4MD0VO-VWmvbe_DdicFnucno01j6NEvaZsHqonQ/s2560/bitwise.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1706" data-original-width="2560" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB2eNwsn7u9L3ctCBACSLNUqi-kXxjCxMXOHHjDMhdLZmuMGTsY3oPg82Sp21TwWo6KEzNSiFza7iHncwxTfetV0CDcxAmgwhpfZxhtweqoxUs4y7u5pAqUM0V6oO_KOS35aC6LJLnnifRGrZZS4MD0VO-VWmvbe_DdicFnucno01j6NEvaZsHqonQ/w640-h426/bitwise.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>* ... RIP SKITTLES? S</b>o did you hear the California legislature has taken aim at the popular candy Skittles? That's right, the state has moved to ban some food additives that are found in Skittles - a coloring agent and Red 3, commonly used in packaged candy. The bill has been called the "Skittles ban" and has triggered a debate over precisely how dangerous the additives are. Opponents of the bill think this is the turf of the Food and Drug Administration, while critics argue that Skittles has plenty of alternatives if it wants to keep the snake in the market.</div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivbW5DII3ljglm892zomhs7xhijdX9I_E9oUCas90T4jTOk6ZtVqcD9U4Dv32d8CURPl9M5Fp0glioYVMYeD-qCHLZJB2gnGPhQMAyGjZbh6UFvuaw_CX8Wx22gdSXtd34X6KO18Dihfdxw7y7bd8YXCIrrK64G_bm0uqcvQE99R_0z-XRaRl98nrn/s740/skittles.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="740" data-original-width="740" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivbW5DII3ljglm892zomhs7xhijdX9I_E9oUCas90T4jTOk6ZtVqcD9U4Dv32d8CURPl9M5Fp0glioYVMYeD-qCHLZJB2gnGPhQMAyGjZbh6UFvuaw_CX8Wx22gdSXtd34X6KO18Dihfdxw7y7bd8YXCIrrK64G_bm0uqcvQE99R_0z-XRaRl98nrn/w640-h640/skittles.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b> * ... NAP TIME:</b> You just never know what you will see on the streets of Bakersfield these days. Longtime reader Patsy Ann Ary submitted this photo of someone catching a nap, on a mattress, on South Union. Seriously. And there you have it.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUbASZoYLwEm6MhC7RXuaO6rhVi4rDFyuvRryvUxrTMbtH3QH8aH1DNBooiEonXxY5jfT4EvXL8I3UzHiTmkHuKXmMyBZsSTMjzHSZIJhilORLnBuvUYu1QA1m30COB9gc9NJCaPKrLiYNhdlY-TJ1j_r0Be4u0NUBhLH6nYdgSwnfUPK5HssdboUc/s2048/naptime.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUbASZoYLwEm6MhC7RXuaO6rhVi4rDFyuvRryvUxrTMbtH3QH8aH1DNBooiEonXxY5jfT4EvXL8I3UzHiTmkHuKXmMyBZsSTMjzHSZIJhilORLnBuvUYu1QA1m30COB9gc9NJCaPKrLiYNhdlY-TJ1j_r0Be4u0NUBhLH6nYdgSwnfUPK5HssdboUc/w480-h640/naptime.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b> * ... DOWNTOWN EXODUS: </b>There is a slow but steady exodus of businesses out of the downtown area, which remains a haven for vagrants, the mentally ill, the homeless and criminals despite the city's best efforts to restore some sense of order and safety. Stories of businesses spending hundreds and thousands of dollars to repair broken windows or report lost merchandise are simply too many to count. Add to that dangers at the local theater, where a patron at the Maya Cinemas downtown came back to his truck to find the tailgate stolen. One of the latest victims: Front Porch music where thieves made off with custom guitars and amplifiers. Below is a list of some of the guitars and other gear stolen from Front Porch music. Good look finding this stuff.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwPi-vXniUGP1aJCKgCC4_YEnrbGIwq_Hb5kZZwvR55v30iw7pC3IMYPceWfK73b-ohFflBdT7aYUKBOcT5Uodb1moE0qec8i7BzdU8OFa6zJH2zxNy64wQ04IOq-GEEFdnTj0YdgBRhN5w5T4SHQ6fanFKKFZvnM-PDwF0GZ5ii-q3tOInsTW43gX/s1440/vox.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwPi-vXniUGP1aJCKgCC4_YEnrbGIwq_Hb5kZZwvR55v30iw7pC3IMYPceWfK73b-ohFflBdT7aYUKBOcT5Uodb1moE0qec8i7BzdU8OFa6zJH2zxNy64wQ04IOq-GEEFdnTj0YdgBRhN5w5T4SHQ6fanFKKFZvnM-PDwF0GZ5ii-q3tOInsTW43gX/w480-h640/vox.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>* ... IN-N-OUT: </b> The beloved burger of the Golden State, In-N-Out Burger, is planning to expand to Tennessee by 2026. The Baldwin Park based company also said it would establish a corporate office in Tennessee. “We get a lot of requests in different states to open, and I’m very happy to meet the customers here and make their dreams come true,” said Lynsi Snyder, the company’s owner and granddaughter of founders Harry and Esther Snyder, at a news conference with Tennessee’s governor.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ-ArggU-etx93Srnm3ydYgUbFJOuhUV-A-y6vSYXeIIa19_Ln8e3_6XbP9Bqv-_DcBQ8MSUDo0n5NprD2ubbcwh8wLz6Ol_688DGx_uQrdndbg84SMWvUE60k6eQK57F0g-7_YR0k0ShC0Q9UyqSIJlfztgyiAxXKJab45f-4XQaqJ6ewaebqLoWq/s876/INOUT.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="492" data-original-width="876" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ-ArggU-etx93Srnm3ydYgUbFJOuhUV-A-y6vSYXeIIa19_Ln8e3_6XbP9Bqv-_DcBQ8MSUDo0n5NprD2ubbcwh8wLz6Ol_688DGx_uQrdndbg84SMWvUE60k6eQK57F0g-7_YR0k0ShC0Q9UyqSIJlfztgyiAxXKJab45f-4XQaqJ6ewaebqLoWq/w640-h360/INOUT.webp" width="640" /></a></div><br /><i><br /></i></b></div><div> *<b> ... PICTURE OF THE DAY: A</b>nother couple of outstanding pictures from local photographer JoJo Parades Putingan.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQWS_24oJcEVCgN13dYFwTa9bg67WcF_Twffa0Ixi-I9bZlnMRwcV9rwUKDyCNHlAm1JdkMA1zlJrQ0yuYrQaVBNNpN5qKSjYWg8DdmOn693Jc5pBWlJXPy7iBN2YxDGcCucZG-HHgQ2B66Tx1SIVHkeFFeueKyjWpTroryp4RHVzUw0LZB1atTwq1/s1600/3tree.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1600" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQWS_24oJcEVCgN13dYFwTa9bg67WcF_Twffa0Ixi-I9bZlnMRwcV9rwUKDyCNHlAm1JdkMA1zlJrQ0yuYrQaVBNNpN5qKSjYWg8DdmOn693Jc5pBWlJXPy7iBN2YxDGcCucZG-HHgQ2B66Tx1SIVHkeFFeueKyjWpTroryp4RHVzUw0LZB1atTwq1/w640-h512/3tree.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHVGnUqnhNJnNM-d7iyhkwW7kuzu4CwOEDRuuhvmzxmuCzaWtyd9zyXJ2c7KH_EJ4f35X91FpfYrl1q-HbPkErxPEeI2dv96Lp__x38HCSK1HlILtUV92cAVLlBBZ4T001ATWXtysGUlu_ZBEAEICZsGZ9UtEdfF4LQMA2pQSAeUkuqr7DIyOHp0X/s1600/daybreak.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHVGnUqnhNJnNM-d7iyhkwW7kuzu4CwOEDRuuhvmzxmuCzaWtyd9zyXJ2c7KH_EJ4f35X91FpfYrl1q-HbPkErxPEeI2dv96Lp__x38HCSK1HlILtUV92cAVLlBBZ4T001ATWXtysGUlu_ZBEAEICZsGZ9UtEdfF4LQMA2pQSAeUkuqr7DIyOHp0X/w640-h428/daybreak.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><b> * ... MEMORIES:</b> And finally a picture of flooding from the old days thanks to our friends at Kern County History Fans<b style="font-style: italic;">.</b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrN-PpxJzOg0iEP3zPPBQjfSbm3HEqrqvPTTFE2YcqUrMRJe5W6oq52Qn2ZCGhS7qyDQFXSzxMaVMgWZDuwpqZfDiRF8rEyAF0eV2_Lfut_FdqTwyos398tHe65PpnzhaqveiBiOgUb7rxHDruveXKBU2-bBoWq7nxSPopdbaDblcS1iAPNS-rjE8X/s1345/719.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1345" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrN-PpxJzOg0iEP3zPPBQjfSbm3HEqrqvPTTFE2YcqUrMRJe5W6oq52Qn2ZCGhS7qyDQFXSzxMaVMgWZDuwpqZfDiRF8rEyAF0eV2_Lfut_FdqTwyos398tHe65PpnzhaqveiBiOgUb7rxHDruveXKBU2-bBoWq7nxSPopdbaDblcS1iAPNS-rjE8X/w514-h640/719.jpg" width="514" /></a></div><br /><i><br /></i></b></div><div><br /></div>Richard Beenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07060780209563484710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6931942690068259127.post-46220525347315046162023-05-23T09:02:00.002-07:002023-05-23T09:02:59.466-07:00Have we dodged the bullet when the Big Melt comes in June? One top official says flooding will be minimal in most places, a prominent businesswoman battles an illness and some really bad behavior in Old Town Kern<i><b>Welcome to Bakersfield Observed. Our mission is to celebrate life in Kern County by focusing on newsmakers and events and the local characters who make this community such a special place. The views expressed here are strictly my own and do not represent any other company or publication.</b></i><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b> * ... BIG MELT FLOODING: </b>We are finally hearing some good news on the fears of local flooding during the Big Melt of the historic seasonal snowfall. And the reasons for hope came from Ryan Alsop, the county Chief Administrative Officer, in a wide ranging and candid interview with host J.R. Flores on <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTKkHaY8uL1GmG-n_yEE8pSGqnsBTlI1jbuDaKfSlEXD1YuC_kYS8wS7q3xa9XX8z5p1MFx3NMOtBg1XBgBUSxWCcmLIRxrYnac60gTBDBqt4jGN82Vm3WrgJWSbZqr0raOGaQcR8NLZH2j44mUFfHxC8b8AULJPEL18HcwO9GXt_z20vI5oyfm4R9/s200/Bakobserved1.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="66" data-original-width="200" height="66" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTKkHaY8uL1GmG-n_yEE8pSGqnsBTlI1jbuDaKfSlEXD1YuC_kYS8wS7q3xa9XX8z5p1MFx3NMOtBg1XBgBUSxWCcmLIRxrYnac60gTBDBqt4jGN82Vm3WrgJWSbZqr0raOGaQcR8NLZH2j44mUFfHxC8b8AULJPEL18HcwO9GXt_z20vI5oyfm4R9/s1600/Bakobserved1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />KERN talk radio this week. Alsop said the area of town west of Manor Street, meaning all the way down through town to Beach Park and all the way west past the Park at RiverWalk, should be spared major flooding when we hit the peak snowmelt in mid to late June. For folks living off the Kern River up Highway 178 and the riverfront property homeowners off Goodmanville Road, Alsop predicted there would be some issues with rising water, but nothing catastrophic. That's the best news we have had in a long time.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRuAaI6jGH6cvZgxCDZDqEerEN5PPXIkx6GJvfMBifT0ThKRmrlUd2jXdZVkjEPGEJbz1JlrXxODQe7MrG9hn814jFRuQISCiUfWSIEq0NPbmEQK9w98_S-aD1-PCiDZQnjmG80465jTYJMFpNKc2XdyG5IJOCyPY6UfHZQIEGe4L9-u5ExURwjwPR/s1280/bigmelt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRuAaI6jGH6cvZgxCDZDqEerEN5PPXIkx6GJvfMBifT0ThKRmrlUd2jXdZVkjEPGEJbz1JlrXxODQe7MrG9hn814jFRuQISCiUfWSIEq0NPbmEQK9w98_S-aD1-PCiDZQnjmG80465jTYJMFpNKc2XdyG5IJOCyPY6UfHZQIEGe4L9-u5ExURwjwPR/w640-h360/bigmelt.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div><div><div><br /></div><div> <b>* ... EL NINO: </b>And speaking of the weather, forecasters say we may be in for another El Nino year, and that could mean yet another wet winter. More specifically, forecasters say there is an 80 percent chance we will transition to El Nino between May and July. Once that happens, the El Nino is expected to strengthen in the fall and winter. El Nine typically brings a lot of rain to California, even though we gave see plenty of that already.</div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b> * ... MARY CHRISTENSON: </b>One of the most prominent and visible Realtors in town, Mary Christenson, has been diagnosed with Rapid Onset Alzheimer's, her family has announced. Christenson is one of most successful Realtors in town, working for Watson Realtor for four decades by specializing in high end property and homes in the Southwest. The family made the announcement on Facebook and is asking for contributions on a GoFundMe page to help offset expenses. Forever positive and upbeat, Mary built a business based on customer service and personal care. She was also known for her lavish Easter decorations at her Seven Oaks home, which she opened to the public for pictures. Keep Mary and her family in your thoughts.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1dVt4O_AtEbRIBeMFK8F_nYJ2mcwqHU8IubsGD-jzlRlVB4QimahhqNZc9mwdTnehehN0nYNdaQVzTeYsgTygloXg9MEdG5azvfoXkm98t2Wdg6_GvI06whrn6Yb2EIF2Hro5huMbJbeteGDf06_VzItHMGoFgV4X16AQi4Gi0hmb48DiXG0ZS77k/s250/maryc.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="202" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1dVt4O_AtEbRIBeMFK8F_nYJ2mcwqHU8IubsGD-jzlRlVB4QimahhqNZc9mwdTnehehN0nYNdaQVzTeYsgTygloXg9MEdG5azvfoXkm98t2Wdg6_GvI06whrn6Yb2EIF2Hro5huMbJbeteGDf06_VzItHMGoFgV4X16AQi4Gi0hmb48DiXG0ZS77k/w323-h400/maryc.jpg" width="323" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEher_J7nN79JcEX5HF834XXN7aN51cXDwbEUtXYdTOAcPF4ZR-UCM68cwxw2ihGRDkPamJ1y6LWF1BOj6QwzUkyWWhIOKfYeW_VYp_OwmX8CKxLXTuNyj3ARUyYm14tEjKdoOCUReb6737Ghr2C7Ak5Q69YUpsxGy_iYSFC-CoGxOD7WHBWeRvL3k32/s2048/easter.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEher_J7nN79JcEX5HF834XXN7aN51cXDwbEUtXYdTOAcPF4ZR-UCM68cwxw2ihGRDkPamJ1y6LWF1BOj6QwzUkyWWhIOKfYeW_VYp_OwmX8CKxLXTuNyj3ARUyYm14tEjKdoOCUReb6737Ghr2C7Ak5Q69YUpsxGy_iYSFC-CoGxOD7WHBWeRvL3k32/w300-h400/easter.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div> <b>* ... SPOTTED:</b> East Bakersfield and Old Town Kern are home to some of our tastiest and most unique restaurants - Woolgrower's, Pyrenees Cafe, Arizona Cafe, Luigi's among others - but make no mistake the streets belong to the vagrants and homeless. Check out this post from some who spotted a street woman mistreating a dog.</div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP3v7dUp8AtPz64-gAXVhD43vB-ZaG5F7s7EKHrumwdEfIPpMG_Cl1y1v2jMTOnSkUbWjg_uCgnhhTlwb6v_F9yhE4Ul452hSprRqFzMvP9NIUS91OHZCdbWCYciUhG3kf3IRUU7JZesHYtMvMv8K39BHESHYGBQEX3jtouAhFJDxdfDfJFiQoAIbL/s2048/ddog.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="946" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP3v7dUp8AtPz64-gAXVhD43vB-ZaG5F7s7EKHrumwdEfIPpMG_Cl1y1v2jMTOnSkUbWjg_uCgnhhTlwb6v_F9yhE4Ul452hSprRqFzMvP9NIUS91OHZCdbWCYciUhG3kf3IRUU7JZesHYtMvMv8K39BHESHYGBQEX3jtouAhFJDxdfDfJFiQoAIbL/w296-h640/ddog.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><br /><i><br /></i></b><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b> * ... FLOOD ZONE:</b> The county of Kern has put out some preliminary maps predicting which areas are most likely to flood, and for now the danger zones seem to be for those living near the river or off the low spots on Highway 178.<a href="https://tinyurl.com/3hn5km3p"> For your neighborhood, check out the Kern County flood maps here.</a></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b><div><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSuI0_uCvsbhnllrfd1QS4ED5p-qOPQweZXnY2-UGXlpzEuSQyy2QYz8Z2Q29M7JzNWOdnArb-uJkAc-CjvoFS7URr12CzhXmvQFJwDgqYXfPA9GrZi8XUBAa83ylNqlMBCdvsRM5Y3Ofxt1y0GFxRAW6Sage0x1e0kX5Ez8Mtxt8_PUCM5feimQ9D/s4032/flood.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSuI0_uCvsbhnllrfd1QS4ED5p-qOPQweZXnY2-UGXlpzEuSQyy2QYz8Z2Q29M7JzNWOdnArb-uJkAc-CjvoFS7URr12CzhXmvQFJwDgqYXfPA9GrZi8XUBAa83ylNqlMBCdvsRM5Y3Ofxt1y0GFxRAW6Sage0x1e0kX5Ez8Mtxt8_PUCM5feimQ9D/w640-h480/flood.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><b><br /></b></i></div><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div><b> * ... MEMORIES: </b>The La Cresta neighborhood is one of the most desired in town, anchored by both Garces Memorial High School and Our Lady of Perpetual Help (OLPH). Check out what one house on El Cerrito sold for years ago. Thanks to the group Kern County History Fans.</div><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: italic; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih1pnbrSHZt3oFIOTYlnSgC43v8A_KuOUir8830OEowNeR213Hy9lOAl5iw5GcA_ZWuPAMRgZkvA6AoNbOOZVEIsONexVAFXI395ICF3MHsu2tKCydA0C-g-M5yK-UH3NDXepEcadu0OQC-So6R2MJdDJs1rZEgzr4IvJSseg6rldWuc6QRMcQUpJE/s1916/cerrito.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1916" data-original-width="1514" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih1pnbrSHZt3oFIOTYlnSgC43v8A_KuOUir8830OEowNeR213Hy9lOAl5iw5GcA_ZWuPAMRgZkvA6AoNbOOZVEIsONexVAFXI395ICF3MHsu2tKCydA0C-g-M5yK-UH3NDXepEcadu0OQC-So6R2MJdDJs1rZEgzr4IvJSseg6rldWuc6QRMcQUpJE/w506-h640/cerrito.jpg" width="506" /></a></div><br /><b> * ... MORE MEMORIES:</b> And who remembers Larson's dairy? This picture of his old Larson's milk jar was spotted on the Kern County of Old Facebook page.</div></div></div></div><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif5Nnl0B-mD0xOlxB6Siy4J9F-GcitiVArSgDw7ZyZojutfoBNhHNuLllwvHXenENWbEtxZFq_qerVUnY5SvGh7Fgcs8RANIhaiTU4pLVeHYToWejNi475SXg9rjDcSlGGy5aM9l_1QNj6kU04EuiYUvIraqCDBMdoGkD9uVi2RnNbKRjMcFY5wPU4/s1280/larsens.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif5Nnl0B-mD0xOlxB6Siy4J9F-GcitiVArSgDw7ZyZojutfoBNhHNuLllwvHXenENWbEtxZFq_qerVUnY5SvGh7Fgcs8RANIhaiTU4pLVeHYToWejNi475SXg9rjDcSlGGy5aM9l_1QNj6kU04EuiYUvIraqCDBMdoGkD9uVi2RnNbKRjMcFY5wPU4/w480-h640/larsens.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b></i></div>Richard Beenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07060780209563484710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6931942690068259127.post-77326443375104135492023-05-16T14:45:00.001-07:002023-05-16T14:45:54.338-07:00Petty crime, vandalism an break-in mar a Mother's Day weekend, California ranks at the eighth most healthy state and celebrating a picture of Lake Shasta reservoir filled to the brim<b><i>Welcome to Bakersfield Observed. Our mission is to celebrate life in Kern County by focusing on newsmakers and events and the local characters who make this community such a special place. The views expressed here are strictly my own and do not represent any other company or publication.</i></b><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b>* ... MOTHER'S DAY WEEKEND: </b>You could have spent Mother's Day at brunch, with the family at the beach or just hanging around the pool on a sunny Sunday. Or, perhaps less glamorously, you spent it dealing with the seemingly never ending chaos caused by vandalism, drugs and homelessness. For one homeowner on 21st Street, her weekend was ruined when she awoke to find her wood fence virtually <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqGMz2cXmDjh3Wr160JRxOk7UKa112BKJPfU_jGTK8q4ZLnMVA6n_ibZ_zm9bpPPB0wR0dbdHZ8pJRL3RF6X005n5LiE_OtmYQ_U7xNfVZA13V0IQ0W2z_Q21zG8RWamF0EO_TnuA0fFcqNcTsdkxUO9lqqe8_D5UhA5xvk5JscHPTuRkyt90Fa0Eh/s200/Bakobserved1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="66" data-original-width="200" height="66" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqGMz2cXmDjh3Wr160JRxOk7UKa112BKJPfU_jGTK8q4ZLnMVA6n_ibZ_zm9bpPPB0wR0dbdHZ8pJRL3RF6X005n5LiE_OtmYQ_U7xNfVZA13V0IQ0W2z_Q21zG8RWamF0EO_TnuA0fFcqNcTsdkxUO9lqqe8_D5UhA5xvk5JscHPTuRkyt90Fa0Eh/s1600/Bakobserved1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />destroyed by vagrants who made off with lawn furniture. "When will it end"? she asked me. "Who do we call? We all feel so helpless." If you were the CPA Andrea Rutherford Hill, whose neat, tidy office is on 19th Street, someone smashed the front window to her office. It was the fifth time this has happened since last Oct. 31. And then there was the newly wed couple in Riviera Westchester, who spent part of Sunday afternoon watching a homeless man light a series of fires along the bike trail along the Kern River, igniting a large area of brush and trees until fire units arrived. And so it goes.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ6_P2qBpWfEqIqsEh0p8IbNZaHSyc6U7C-wMFg3zkhTh92JSYZ-SsRkpmyfadDFq2IRgcnI1VFTD8aI1XKhgbXS4HU7sPUMolI32sPP82s2CWAJ17ecOUMD_BHQTvQ7xu5RgMIgfFd1FgaHTl_P4jlKdc20VY089_O4le0ypSl0zjb6wPFKj5FUlU/s1080/broke.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ6_P2qBpWfEqIqsEh0p8IbNZaHSyc6U7C-wMFg3zkhTh92JSYZ-SsRkpmyfadDFq2IRgcnI1VFTD8aI1XKhgbXS4HU7sPUMolI32sPP82s2CWAJ17ecOUMD_BHQTvQ7xu5RgMIgfFd1FgaHTl_P4jlKdc20VY089_O4le0ypSl0zjb6wPFKj5FUlU/w640-h640/broke.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div> </div><div><b> * ... FREELOADER: </b>And then I spotted this post about a random woman in the Olive Drive area who allegedly walked into someone's home in the middle of the night, had a snack and even showered before leaving. This note was left by a resident on the Ring network: "This girl tried to walk into my daughter's home at 3xam. She then broke into her car, ate her kids snacks, and went to the neighbors home, walked in their front door, stole an Xbox, Apple Watch, and a laptop all while the family slept.She then went into another homes doggie door. Ate food, and showered. Walked right out their front door!! Keep an eye out!! Stay safe!"</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_iAPUo3WCLSuzZhC5XZA-N_7vgCoKFita__8Ojnxbx6xtItM72Hrtg_gW1Gw-D-Nv1Vwref_s7A6xdSY-oYh8xtEBx46qVnmg_J73Sb8Roz51fsCViUKgiA1JykTP-6Kbjjro_PLi_w4_IQlWQ-G-4-XCr_Ek802n20m1Z_EYGMwP2NbbY-rjIRnB/s1346/eater.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1346" data-original-width="1284" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_iAPUo3WCLSuzZhC5XZA-N_7vgCoKFita__8Ojnxbx6xtItM72Hrtg_gW1Gw-D-Nv1Vwref_s7A6xdSY-oYh8xtEBx46qVnmg_J73Sb8Roz51fsCViUKgiA1JykTP-6Kbjjro_PLi_w4_IQlWQ-G-4-XCr_Ek802n20m1Z_EYGMwP2NbbY-rjIRnB/w610-h640/eater.jpg" width="610" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>* .... FITNESS: </b>It's no secret that California makes a lot of lists: it ranks as one of the most expensive places to live in the nation, we house the lion's share of the nation's homeless and we have some of the most liberal criminal sentencing laws in the country. But here's a list we can be proud of: California is ranked No. 8 on the list of the most healthy states. We were helped because we aren't as fat as other states even with bad air, but it does reflect the Golden State's fondness for a healthy lifestyle. The top ten list was led by Hawaii, followed by Colorado, Vermont, Utah, New Hampshire Massachusetts, Connecticut, California, Rhode Island and New Jersey. The most unhealthy states? Kentucky and West Virginia.</div><div><br /></div><div><b> * ... PHOTO GALLERY:</b> Here are two remarkable post storm pictures from California, featured in the MHIC (My Home Is California) Facebook page. The first picture of Avila Beach is taken by Angela Churchill and the second of the Lake Shasta dam by Paul Kim. Enjoy.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPv_d2Ie5T5u_ylkXfB9YLddVGhaN9hpaoVty_GmhA_G6zhQ4FbvFrTVE_aIC2hhhz3Cn2KwNaVLzqjSnhNZ_wBEl0Lbf5xHzDkGfUZXeZxUK7xbog4VD3PxMCgn-qyeE979WOedyZQLNzhunOzz8WkvM_P78J5BfXosotiebQEGSOQiqGbLVqpnzZ/s2048/avila.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPv_d2Ie5T5u_ylkXfB9YLddVGhaN9hpaoVty_GmhA_G6zhQ4FbvFrTVE_aIC2hhhz3Cn2KwNaVLzqjSnhNZ_wBEl0Lbf5xHzDkGfUZXeZxUK7xbog4VD3PxMCgn-qyeE979WOedyZQLNzhunOzz8WkvM_P78J5BfXosotiebQEGSOQiqGbLVqpnzZ/w640-h480/avila.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicsIFPKmlryoZyesAjGHJIxqfiLWSn8v76wuPkyKLXt1s7pE5s3wsEPz09TbDy-wCntmurWxhSvYRKl0G5woYiADwUfGFdIYbZej2mYHvbCw0ZNWBldycAtHoMRJXqt9cVbnQ_lbe1QAauo0lwzSkfLDA8HrN50UgBZzRgLuMX5Or8_7tzV4horguS/s1435/lakeshasta.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1435" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicsIFPKmlryoZyesAjGHJIxqfiLWSn8v76wuPkyKLXt1s7pE5s3wsEPz09TbDy-wCntmurWxhSvYRKl0G5woYiADwUfGFdIYbZej2mYHvbCw0ZNWBldycAtHoMRJXqt9cVbnQ_lbe1QAauo0lwzSkfLDA8HrN50UgBZzRgLuMX5Or8_7tzV4horguS/w482-h640/lakeshasta.jpg" width="482" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><b>* ... MEMORIES:</b> The Kern County History Fans is a local group dedicated to sharing our common history, and its Facebook page is a treasure trove of goodies. Here are a couple of items that appeared on its page. Enjoy.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ipK3oeV7YqLaUePsmxMKEzjEZ1D4K0qC6h_jqF4f_6b3tTsm7KopSrdChsUFkdgWkdcsFllHNxPKf5OodA3NtfMXbB8hOFi6mEhfBviBuP21TzcFGr2_ZqX2H6hc4mGYPJpWop4kPlNcz1s4SLMYlNKafzuZyHkIKYUFPmcfA6wPUSO7XLBlpYLI/s1288/courthouse.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1288" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ipK3oeV7YqLaUePsmxMKEzjEZ1D4K0qC6h_jqF4f_6b3tTsm7KopSrdChsUFkdgWkdcsFllHNxPKf5OodA3NtfMXbB8hOFi6mEhfBviBuP21TzcFGr2_ZqX2H6hc4mGYPJpWop4kPlNcz1s4SLMYlNKafzuZyHkIKYUFPmcfA6wPUSO7XLBlpYLI/w536-h640/courthouse.jpg" width="536" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzqsSaLfzD8JQe7VDbPKdfo3_5_4v9lhhQGJE8rI2A5xZi9yb92r4ozVR3kypEL0ljEISIOLqsMmWCrSth8mE2xc5ov-uQg1s5f7BexitrdMUkJnST5wpfj5fF2DvID0Z7NscErXboCX4M8jXmRT49p8drTqCsy4AMCRYrpk5Ur24_OZ06dBgd7D11/s1839/bpd.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1839" data-original-width="1666" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzqsSaLfzD8JQe7VDbPKdfo3_5_4v9lhhQGJE8rI2A5xZi9yb92r4ozVR3kypEL0ljEISIOLqsMmWCrSth8mE2xc5ov-uQg1s5f7BexitrdMUkJnST5wpfj5fF2DvID0Z7NscErXboCX4M8jXmRT49p8drTqCsy4AMCRYrpk5Ur24_OZ06dBgd7D11/w580-h640/bpd.jpg" width="580" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Richard Beenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07060780209563484710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6931942690068259127.post-84073931113110513582023-05-09T11:42:00.003-07:002023-05-09T15:28:35.791-07:00Are you sick of being asked to tip at self-serve checkouts? Plus the Oakland Diocese declared bankruptcy amid hundreds of sexual abuse claims and the number of injured and lost dogs grows <i><b>Welcome to Bakersfield Observed. Our mission is to celebrate life in Kern County by focusing on newsmakers and events and the local characters who make this community such a special place. The views expressed here are strictly my own and do not represent any other company or publication.</b></i><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b> * ... SELF-SERVE TIPPING: </b>Are you among those people who wince and recoil when asked to provide a tip at self-serve checkouts? It's happening more and more - at Starbucks, at your friendly independent <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTx3Wgj_bxvaRrQi4tbmO7ccR1S49wRQ5hsEIoB2wpIu0k-I7uBzFGrlYmZJcb2N4Qo3DscjSDGSbIYRtwNKkIwRLCMMVyfCtReBakwOD6zRmMc5Ue7ojfXYW4SnydhL54ZFBKzvG7ccA5VuYTvcoKG6fQrtr6v3ArRdoDxf_jFvI3m7vlr1d-SwyH/s200/Bakobserved1.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="66" data-original-width="200" height="66" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTx3Wgj_bxvaRrQi4tbmO7ccR1S49wRQ5hsEIoB2wpIu0k-I7uBzFGrlYmZJcb2N4Qo3DscjSDGSbIYRtwNKkIwRLCMMVyfCtReBakwOD6zRmMc5Ue7ojfXYW4SnydhL54ZFBKzvG7ccA5VuYTvcoKG6fQrtr6v3ArRdoDxf_jFvI3m7vlr1d-SwyH/s1600/Bakobserved1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />breakfast place etc - when people are asked to provide healthy tips to people who often do little more than simply ring up your bill. Critics call this "emotional blackmail" and they say retailers are reducing costs with self-serve checkout but now are expecting full service tips. Said The Wall Street Journal: "Tipping researchers and labor advocates said so-called tip creep is a way for employers to put the onus for employee pay onto customers, rather than raising wages themselves."</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtrjfW3XsgVKb8VybrLWwO8tMlfgl-gUngeOlZdlTdBUawcSXYo8AGEjV5zEQ_Fbd8njH7T86G1Fy5z8JJv_reHDrmDRKGMbiXnIjHMR0TeW4RJZd0k6as7GhHqd005doKbJZiG4Jvc89HjrBgQyEguBdAIRGXjuCUavErsOm-0cpyUciTKuXXs669/s1200/buckstips.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtrjfW3XsgVKb8VybrLWwO8tMlfgl-gUngeOlZdlTdBUawcSXYo8AGEjV5zEQ_Fbd8njH7T86G1Fy5z8JJv_reHDrmDRKGMbiXnIjHMR0TeW4RJZd0k6as7GhHqd005doKbJZiG4Jvc89HjrBgQyEguBdAIRGXjuCUavErsOm-0cpyUciTKuXXs669/w400-h300/buckstips.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b> * ... DIRTY PRIESTS: </b>Lawsuits charging that Catholic priests routinely targeted, groomed and molested hundreds of young Californian men over the decades are making their way through the courts but one diocese (Oakland) has responded by filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Lawyers for Anderson and Associates, a Minneapolis firm that specializes in holding dirty priests accountable, called the move "an attempt by the bishop to harbor perpetrators, conceal assets, and shield the truth from survivors of sexual abuse. Historically, organizations such as Catholic dioceses and religious orders have used Chapter 11 Bankruptcy as a shield to prevent embarrassing jury trials, allowing the institution to continue 'business as usual' while continuing to hide its secrets. Bishops use this legal tactic to prevent survivors of child sexual abuse from pursuing legal action, exposing predators, and holding the Diocese accountable." The law firm's website contains a list of more than 300 former and current priests who have been accused of sexual abuse and it also identifies priests in the Diocese of Fresno who face similar allegations. One of them is Craig Harrison, a former Bakersfield priest who has been accused by multiple young men of sexual grooming and abuse. Harrison left the church, which found that the charges against him were credible, and he has since tried to resurrect a career as a religious counselor an spiritual adviser. He does not face criminal actions because the statute of limitations has expired, but he does face liability in the civil lawsuits.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgamUMCKjJ2a7jHqXrSnMzhOa6ZF2liaFaWKZc8LTmGDtwL1zAhyA2BXsq_G_WyX4WW1ReUS5kv-GoNJZg549iyTFCOz0nEtbm-5pZ2p3DqvGolHzmDAkt2T7J8vOBDR8bWLY_gMmMbntzD9EVTwaLof8fKlajrT_m7-YR-mTLyZAYpjvx-tZW_44Yn/s4032/ac1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgamUMCKjJ2a7jHqXrSnMzhOa6ZF2liaFaWKZc8LTmGDtwL1zAhyA2BXsq_G_WyX4WW1ReUS5kv-GoNJZg549iyTFCOz0nEtbm-5pZ2p3DqvGolHzmDAkt2T7J8vOBDR8bWLY_gMmMbntzD9EVTwaLof8fKlajrT_m7-YR-mTLyZAYpjvx-tZW_44Yn/w640-h480/ac1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFBsDv-FE9K5VGmpWhhHqnonD0KPMrOcXX0e6rM28d8Qtco3JeZafSZ406HVD-TRK0ZwzqGAygNE6FFaVbEB7x4u1iFdNoMOwjAk9Am2cLPDDIaCp6arBl-M-w6He6C8_vvXGqVpr5eZK-rnlS857vpW2EWbL6Zh8quITsRPOHSN8hsWNKU7owCL37/s4032/ap2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFBsDv-FE9K5VGmpWhhHqnonD0KPMrOcXX0e6rM28d8Qtco3JeZafSZ406HVD-TRK0ZwzqGAygNE6FFaVbEB7x4u1iFdNoMOwjAk9Am2cLPDDIaCp6arBl-M-w6He6C8_vvXGqVpr5eZK-rnlS857vpW2EWbL6Zh8quITsRPOHSN8hsWNKU7owCL37/w480-h640/ap2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div><b>* ... SNAP RESPONDS: </b>The organization SNAP (Suvivors Network of those Abused by Priests) took little time to respond. "Everything about this bankruptcy is improper. It is all about keeping money and secrets. From one coast to the other, the same ruse is being used by Catholic bishops. Deny the reality while rearranging the molesters. Fight against changes to the statute of limitations. When secular laws act against them, they go to federal bankruptcy courts and pretend that they're bankrupt." It went on to charge that the Oakland Diocese was "morally bankrupt... We'd like to know if Bishop Barber considers the 330 innocent victims who have filed lawsuits against his Diocese. He never admits that these wounded souls were members of the Oakland Diocese. They had been baptized and confirmed, served as altar servers, or went to Catholic schools. Their families trusted the priests who assaulted their children, and those families donated time and money to the Diocese. They effectively compensated the clergy who had damaged their children's life. There are 80 parishes in Oakland, and there are 330 victims so far, although not all the lawsuits have been logged at this time. That could well mean every single parish and school in the Diocese harbored abusers."<b><br /></b></div><div><br /></div><div><b> * ... HEARTBREAK: </b>Did you see the heart breaking picture of the large white dog that had been hit by a car in Delano? The picture was circulated on social media (Facebook and other websites) in the hope the owner could be found, but now we learn it is all a scam. Click on the photo and you learn it is a way to trick you our of your money. The second photo of the dog appears to be real. It was found near west Shaw and Highway 99 in Fresno.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM6etLVDFPhIG_Ht7ce9GwujEOOZ82KeB33jbUdBhY6zioIman98-THMUovdOCGHg4M6eehCA4EQedF9QQqIgic4enZRvL85L63bGkD1txaMM-zTHCo5Hp4c0PalLNcfTSlssKw081KO5J3ZFRlTJf72We3G0DpcbGV4o5m7dM1tBDqh4SohVZORO4/s960/doggie.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="856" data-original-width="960" height="570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM6etLVDFPhIG_Ht7ce9GwujEOOZ82KeB33jbUdBhY6zioIman98-THMUovdOCGHg4M6eehCA4EQedF9QQqIgic4enZRvL85L63bGkD1txaMM-zTHCo5Hp4c0PalLNcfTSlssKw081KO5J3ZFRlTJf72We3G0DpcbGV4o5m7dM1tBDqh4SohVZORO4/w640-h570/doggie.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7dfz0VW240w_cVQl3v14HEzSjJXGh4WR6zyBhheiZEo-79bZJ5_RS5vVOr1ZV8Y_fSW-UpgUS7pwM8JRCtptBZYTmGi2CcLTco2jvEnx3DI78u7s2PiyRZh67R6_JzIVlPKOLCKukYOzvRNCPHCr8spn44VYTMrNXOCW-Is-Hm7WefXFXhskhFL2/s1440/99lost.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7dfz0VW240w_cVQl3v14HEzSjJXGh4WR6zyBhheiZEo-79bZJ5_RS5vVOr1ZV8Y_fSW-UpgUS7pwM8JRCtptBZYTmGi2CcLTco2jvEnx3DI78u7s2PiyRZh67R6_JzIVlPKOLCKukYOzvRNCPHCr8spn44VYTMrNXOCW-Is-Hm7WefXFXhskhFL2/w480-h640/99lost.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b> * ... PICTURE THIS: </b>One of my favorite Facebook groups is called My Home is California (MHIC) which displays some amazing citizen photographer. Enjoy this incredible shot of the Bay bridge shrouded in fog.</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2fE-1gyzP-EeOfLQtIOLujx7GaYWrtmWfMpiCU4UI-02qgzjKAS3Hzwk-d_vN5TUmst6mhor-IbwT8EwAVtbrvZLIodGv8y-W2weJffInKQrLnXBlrRfjRR7kI4qtNGt16y8n0nN5Pr4sTgvztuJ1ARxZ4xVPYmDK-KFCm3a9PqCY-QiDdb8FS0nC/s1347/bay.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1347" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2fE-1gyzP-EeOfLQtIOLujx7GaYWrtmWfMpiCU4UI-02qgzjKAS3Hzwk-d_vN5TUmst6mhor-IbwT8EwAVtbrvZLIodGv8y-W2weJffInKQrLnXBlrRfjRR7kI4qtNGt16y8n0nN5Pr4sTgvztuJ1ARxZ4xVPYmDK-KFCm3a9PqCY-QiDdb8FS0nC/w514-h640/bay.jpg" width="514" /></a></div><br /><b> * ... THE FOX THEATER: The historic Fox Theater in Bakersfield celebrated an anniversary the other day, </b>the 70th anniversary of the Fox's interior remodel to Art Deco. The Facebook group devoted to the Fox said this: " In the late 1940s and 1950s Fox West Coast Theatres, headed by Charles P. Skouras, initiated a remodeling campaign of its theatres to attract audiences back to their big screens. On May 1, 1953, we opened our doors with a fresh new Art Deco design by architect Carl G. Moeller. The theatre went from an atmospheric Spanish Colonial design to an Art Deco one featuring gold scrollwork on theleft and right sidewalls of the auditorium with fanciful drapes. Now 70 years later, the Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater is one of the last remaining and best-preserved examples of this unique "Skouras-ized" style! Photos by Mike Hume of historictheatrephotos.com."</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj58fU1Z0MzWmqB4pu8VoZGr2ti3OEu3p2qX8SXU-etQiL3P1SJHM1dM6CAtvFRsb_6ID6Hpuq6tjOnYwhbvFswcPL4lqyK3m5n6Rn-Fs_5WmbusgghR2UnADY403e-12FtZE_PW8LO13k6O8Y64npAmcJOT9UtuPipmCGES49Hzq6HjInahEkptR6l/s1365/fox2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj58fU1Z0MzWmqB4pu8VoZGr2ti3OEu3p2qX8SXU-etQiL3P1SJHM1dM6CAtvFRsb_6ID6Hpuq6tjOnYwhbvFswcPL4lqyK3m5n6Rn-Fs_5WmbusgghR2UnADY403e-12FtZE_PW8LO13k6O8Y64npAmcJOT9UtuPipmCGES49Hzq6HjInahEkptR6l/w640-h640/fox2.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPugMqYNQB1RC0XTsUqexg8LpKG8WHzZAJ6VJ-kbklVmMa-PK-ZMSgQ5xpPqlLGk7SmeExd0MkguTod2vM6EPyVolUAJEou4546g5Ck6G9GMCPCKuP_kEgdSCnv1d7fZvuri_y6udMNpdd9i9B95xE1OQcmfERdbO7wz3NM2BknQnQuV95bzvbfclF/s2048/fox3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPugMqYNQB1RC0XTsUqexg8LpKG8WHzZAJ6VJ-kbklVmMa-PK-ZMSgQ5xpPqlLGk7SmeExd0MkguTod2vM6EPyVolUAJEou4546g5Ck6G9GMCPCKuP_kEgdSCnv1d7fZvuri_y6udMNpdd9i9B95xE1OQcmfERdbO7wz3NM2BknQnQuV95bzvbfclF/w640-h426/fox3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirA0CGtGoszSE56yFDXgYc09DrJro6_NAhRNt9wzWxaibgZ80e9jeLdUB5egV3IHv1jfBg6DNVyP24skBr2KPY3gjBgyNtAmnCNnHpoDWVh8CS_cBEnYgWtJ8lZDW9GuFq8z2zXRe977NFMtTCVh2l8qv632uEEfNJ3ljJrQgl-b4FHh_toz5Yfo0r/s2048/Fox1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1352" data-original-width="2048" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirA0CGtGoszSE56yFDXgYc09DrJro6_NAhRNt9wzWxaibgZ80e9jeLdUB5egV3IHv1jfBg6DNVyP24skBr2KPY3gjBgyNtAmnCNnHpoDWVh8CS_cBEnYgWtJ8lZDW9GuFq8z2zXRe977NFMtTCVh2l8qv632uEEfNJ3ljJrQgl-b4FHh_toz5Yfo0r/w640-h422/Fox1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div>Richard Beenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07060780209563484710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6931942690068259127.post-70239624308727662872023-05-03T16:55:00.002-07:002023-05-03T16:55:34.692-07:00Give Big Kern raises close to $1 million for local charities, Nordstrom and Whole Foods flee San Francisco and remembering the late Merle Haggard and Bonnie Owens<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Welcome to Bakersfield Observed. Our mission is to celebrate life in Kern County by focusing on newsmakers and events and the local characters who make this community such a special place. The views expressed here are strictly my own and do not represent any other company or publication.</i></b></div><br /><b>* ... GIVE BIG KERN: </b>The countywide drive to support non-profits called Give Big Kern is over and it raised more than $919,000 for some outstanding organizations and programs. Topping the leaderboard as the top fund raiser was the Dolores Huerta Foundation, which raised an impressive $226,487 from 345<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyKx2QqWDHDolW9paW4fH9zfwBXYfVnl_JpsBw-Encz156Yg4LkHeBZmGumCigah0i093v-cnguyghZkszFYyRJnV6NjIa58mFD4O5siE3iTtbtLHS3rHymJ0eHtseMQ_eBnXFcjYDlzEcAm0Kw532HaFNNFBTSvGVRk4jSIl2ab-RIzP4y4wVkUjW/s200/Bakobserved1.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="66" data-original-width="200" height="66" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyKx2QqWDHDolW9paW4fH9zfwBXYfVnl_JpsBw-Encz156Yg4LkHeBZmGumCigah0i093v-cnguyghZkszFYyRJnV6NjIa58mFD4O5siE3iTtbtLHS3rHymJ0eHtseMQ_eBnXFcjYDlzEcAm0Kw532HaFNNFBTSvGVRk4jSIl2ab-RIzP4y4wVkUjW/s1600/Bakobserved1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /> donors. Independence Through Grace ran second with $126,593 and Bakersfield Pregnancy Center was third with $57,312. My favorite was SJVWater.Org, the non profit run by former Californian investigator editor Lois Henry, which pulled in $7,345 for its work covering the politics of water in California. (Full disclosure: I serve on SJV's board of directors) Interesting, some groups did poorly, reflecting a disorganized fund drive or a disengaged board of directors. For example the HUB of Bakersfield, which bills itself as a group that hopes to redefine and revitalize downtown Bakersfield (Ward 2 Councilman Andre Gonzales is a big supporter) raised a meager $50 from two donors, meaning some of the HUB's 16 board of directors likely failed to rally to the call to donate. The same was true with American Cancer Society which didn't raise a single dollar. Despite the spotty results, Give Big Kern has evolved in a major positive force in our community and non-profits who choose to participate should take this opportunity seriously.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0cQwdTabAwKfwHw2aRFoyof3GmGcN2MpUH9Zs9LDIAnnQm8CpfeZANoAj0t-WrCE356A3rv7w2ZIuLCIz4amzzQvrmMnF7Az_Wc6EIXxFg5SmTYmV4WQcmbVXGNr8fu0Ky0RawDmNnS0dKmmHgGBCLa21PViMs6cMDnESw5gvZ2MZpuqS5VyEEb_c/s225/DW.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0cQwdTabAwKfwHw2aRFoyof3GmGcN2MpUH9Zs9LDIAnnQm8CpfeZANoAj0t-WrCE356A3rv7w2ZIuLCIz4amzzQvrmMnF7Az_Wc6EIXxFg5SmTYmV4WQcmbVXGNr8fu0Ky0RawDmNnS0dKmmHgGBCLa21PViMs6cMDnESw5gvZ2MZpuqS5VyEEb_c/w400-h400/DW.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6GiYCxUpp9w8FtoTIebiI-dHAY2RUIz-TD2yyLB2tLfLY5NVsVnOXYbHpOMLIvWL58TpvJlIF0_81jQY2vBEkDBksue63VeA-1Sh5rYELDMBAI1tUxG66UgYf19KJqk-RE7fCHq3tEH2qKssNFEq9OkjQa4rsuhv1uBQLZDgWUqswyDN45MZMW6Jb/s225/hub.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6GiYCxUpp9w8FtoTIebiI-dHAY2RUIz-TD2yyLB2tLfLY5NVsVnOXYbHpOMLIvWL58TpvJlIF0_81jQY2vBEkDBksue63VeA-1Sh5rYELDMBAI1tUxG66UgYf19KJqk-RE7fCHq3tEH2qKssNFEq9OkjQa4rsuhv1uBQLZDgWUqswyDN45MZMW6Jb/w320-h320/hub.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>* ... WHOLE FOODS LEAVES SAN FRANCISCO: D</b>o you remember when Whole Foods made a big gamble on San Francisco, opening a huge new store in a blighted area? Well it is now closed after just a year, and critics are having a field day saying 'I told you so.'" The market has been the scene of just about everything: a machete wielding customer threatening others, vagrants defecating in the aisles, people overdosing on fentanyl in its bath rooms and the mentally ill harassing others. And then there is this: Nordstrom, or what is left of the once influential department store, is also leaving San Francisco. Is anybody surprised by this?</div><div><br /></div><div> <b>* ... RIP SEAN MCKEOWN:</b> A popular longtime high school teacher and coach, Sean McKeown, has lost his battle with pancreatic cancer and has passed away. The notice of his death was made by Kati McKeown, Sean's wife who works for House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in the district home office. McKeown worked as a teacher and coach at Bakersfield High, Independence and Stockdale high schools, earning legions of admirers along the way. He was diagnosed with cancer just a few months ago and fought bravely to the end. Services are are set for Saturday, May 28, at St. John's Lutheran Church. (<b><i>file photo from 2016 courtesy of Kati McKeown)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwvxONqZVGxkNquk5IbqGexrhniO1Kszyjb5j2VYbbGDo0_D0nkN5beVOby29kOKwsWuQ08K4ljRXOCzgEbDAEdtwUzzpWZjsZRGRYt5QhH3WLU8HvRUwR9Eo5jDxoT2RwUey5Cg7bz4HFOgS_izPz__cVH32aNVbx9MVb7eYstR_bjsoY3Xg9Im_8/s960/kati.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="948" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwvxONqZVGxkNquk5IbqGexrhniO1Kszyjb5j2VYbbGDo0_D0nkN5beVOby29kOKwsWuQ08K4ljRXOCzgEbDAEdtwUzzpWZjsZRGRYt5QhH3WLU8HvRUwR9Eo5jDxoT2RwUey5Cg7bz4HFOgS_izPz__cVH32aNVbx9MVb7eYstR_bjsoY3Xg9Im_8/w395-h400/kati.jpg" width="395" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b> * ... PADRE HOTEL:</b> There is nothing quite like opening The Wall Street Journal and bumping into a feature story on the iconic Padre Hotel, the grand dame of downtown Bakersfield. Built in 1928, just two years after the nearby Bakersfield Californian building, the eight-story building was the largest in town at the time and withstood multiple earthquakes over the years. The review mentions the Prairie Fire Grill and the poke nachos, but it recommends the classic Padre burger for the road weary.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyNVFwTrdW0zaSuSpG_fViyJrTvyWCOPyvBdTZiygwcCA7aZH3B4GPVrR2B_XcmDlM-ojval_0vG0tzbGnXkFSgIIOAIyrg_X1R_x422MtlP6LJsLMvq72vr1E78RarEowElb5F28zx7IKUCeiEwgj8ieVad9odPtlfaOmWyVmgZwuSLiwgDiagB60/s4032/DRE.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyNVFwTrdW0zaSuSpG_fViyJrTvyWCOPyvBdTZiygwcCA7aZH3B4GPVrR2B_XcmDlM-ojval_0vG0tzbGnXkFSgIIOAIyrg_X1R_x422MtlP6LJsLMvq72vr1E78RarEowElb5F28zx7IKUCeiEwgj8ieVad9odPtlfaOmWyVmgZwuSLiwgDiagB60/w480-h640/DRE.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div> <b>* ... REMEMBERING MERLE: Co</b>untry singer David Frizzell penned a lovely short tribute to the late Merle Haggard and his wife Bonnie, leaving this entry on Facebook: "Remembering Bonnie Owens today. We were just talking about Bonnie and Merle on the way home from Illinois... I was sitting with Merle one day and he was telling me he went and seen Bonnie at the care facility where she was living at the time (due to Alzheimers)... he was having a great visit with her when she asked 'Do you want to see my room'? Merle of course said yes and they got to the room and walked in and Bonnie pointed up to a poster of Merle hanging on her wall and said, 'You see that guy right there? That is my favorite singer! '<div>Miss them both!"<b><i> (photo courtesy of the Kern County of Old Facebook page)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR7LF7H6hIx2JuqUKGzYm_c_ldFnIVyRm6eF5kdiu47nZsib22IZDf1N97P_K8e2hAuXejRiDjwnCrliPwL_AQz2bS0d5WNgZlZFEl2Z0CqgyyhxaVlYGi9ELvNpaGyuVak9cWUO6yOi2oh-OlQUjG8MEXgzZVSbUhJkz6QYTofb0mMkbAzpqIhWXV/s736/bonnie.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="709" data-original-width="736" height="616" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR7LF7H6hIx2JuqUKGzYm_c_ldFnIVyRm6eF5kdiu47nZsib22IZDf1N97P_K8e2hAuXejRiDjwnCrliPwL_AQz2bS0d5WNgZlZFEl2Z0CqgyyhxaVlYGi9ELvNpaGyuVak9cWUO6yOi2oh-OlQUjG8MEXgzZVSbUhJkz6QYTofb0mMkbAzpqIhWXV/w640-h616/bonnie.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b> * ... WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY: </b>How fat are our children today? Well check this out: The Wall Street Journal reports that the number of children undergoing bariatric weight surgery has skyrocketed, multiplying five fold to total more than 500 surgeries. a year Before the pandemic, some 20 percent of all American children were deemed obese, and that number is expected to rise.</div><div><br /></div><div><b> * ... OUR WILDFLOWERS: </b>I just can't resist sharing the incredibly stunning wildflower pictures from my friend Pam Taylor, whose travels have taken her to some of the most spectacular blooms. Check out these two Pam Taylor shots.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcKK4RovQk6iFAxDWUflGL1KUk0HU7uULYUdjWFHVIrrDse5SWcy0oFcaKevsIADW0TQRLs1iFYxus6jVW_BHwnc76ToV-wFQwYJyO9mYB9WQLPhm8JyoQdkIvjkPOtsj_yzQh2ClGP2_fiIKIWm2YDpt2Fle6GcfHFGXYmToXPJqPOjt2dfr1WhWH/s960/PT2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="960" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcKK4RovQk6iFAxDWUflGL1KUk0HU7uULYUdjWFHVIrrDse5SWcy0oFcaKevsIADW0TQRLs1iFYxus6jVW_BHwnc76ToV-wFQwYJyO9mYB9WQLPhm8JyoQdkIvjkPOtsj_yzQh2ClGP2_fiIKIWm2YDpt2Fle6GcfHFGXYmToXPJqPOjt2dfr1WhWH/w640-h406/PT2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhutQ4By5SYCsTbDRvXbcWGtOeh0R23s_EDo1PID-5rBjIUT7EZ37eo0IKuq52ejlx8LafioesTFrrbUo0pME4_WgrqwRScGRMIKxM9ybX5MG5KxfirVY2yZ7Raavuor3yw0S1pKJ6j2ql-r19HqUXmnO3uOEqYq1IbK_RQFQgG_b6k1qVR7A1RLyNG/s960/PT1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhutQ4By5SYCsTbDRvXbcWGtOeh0R23s_EDo1PID-5rBjIUT7EZ37eo0IKuq52ejlx8LafioesTFrrbUo0pME4_WgrqwRScGRMIKxM9ybX5MG5KxfirVY2yZ7Raavuor3yw0S1pKJ6j2ql-r19HqUXmnO3uOEqYq1IbK_RQFQgG_b6k1qVR7A1RLyNG/w640-h480/PT1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></b></div><div><b> * ... MORE WILDFLOWERS: </b>And one of my favorite local photographers, JoJo Paredes Butingan, submitted this incredible shot of a field of red flowers.</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiu_gT4UuY85acpT-8K00HizsLdavJo6PXTkwarXMubK0Pq2AqiKAHmeEixfDQltIusH4dqW3A19NQG-e1B1pxpYjSql9unI3LQNHq7FT_ErK4SeJ8GacMn8CesTVmjtLukTeMLC47i4l1pu5NWgEnAGWQiaIZ6RkJzMpbfE8HpgMKuJ36qVSFDtc1/s1600/carpet.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiu_gT4UuY85acpT-8K00HizsLdavJo6PXTkwarXMubK0Pq2AqiKAHmeEixfDQltIusH4dqW3A19NQG-e1B1pxpYjSql9unI3LQNHq7FT_ErK4SeJ8GacMn8CesTVmjtLukTeMLC47i4l1pu5NWgEnAGWQiaIZ6RkJzMpbfE8HpgMKuJ36qVSFDtc1/w640-h428/carpet.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>* ... MEMORIES:</b> Do you remember this scene with Jack Nicholson in the movie Five Easy Pieces (1970, dir. Bob Rafelson)? It was shot on Highway 99 at the 53 off ramp to Shafter and Wasco. Thanks to the Kern County History Fans for this timely nugget.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5n4qIS20XMi7iFK3CAViUxrGK9akovvn8NYjm9FibnHgmpUBrDqQ0ARw-JkNZyYG381s1g9cvgLHvSgEGLcGIMPiz9tlnLt12XgnAkhDmelDA5vZvBAQXPQUirVTIgMh8fpEYck8H37OJnBYOU13zA7uGBsv_3Be_SS4VAOxRvUrgM1bjY6TmleZi/s1404/5easy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1404" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5n4qIS20XMi7iFK3CAViUxrGK9akovvn8NYjm9FibnHgmpUBrDqQ0ARw-JkNZyYG381s1g9cvgLHvSgEGLcGIMPiz9tlnLt12XgnAkhDmelDA5vZvBAQXPQUirVTIgMh8fpEYck8H37OJnBYOU13zA7uGBsv_3Be_SS4VAOxRvUrgM1bjY6TmleZi/w492-h640/5easy.jpg" width="492" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Richard Beenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07060780209563484710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6931942690068259127.post-37310638300042472692023-04-25T13:50:00.000-07:002023-04-25T13:50:18.990-07:00Bakersfield residents prepare for flooding when the snowpack melts, get ready to pay more for utilities in California and the daily struggle against crime and vagrancy for the owners of Pyrenees Cafe<div><b><i>Welcome to Bakersfield Observed. Our mission is to celebrate life in Kern County by focusing on newsmakers and events and the local characters who make this community such a special place. The views expressed here are strictly my own and do not represent any other company or publication.</i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>* ... THE BIG MELT: </b>All eyes are on the snow capped Sierra Nevada, which holds enough water to easily flood parts of Bakersfield and Kern County depending on how hot it gets. Uncertain homeowners are rushing to buy flood insurance policies (they seem to range anywhere from $800 to $1,500 annually) as experts warn the rush of water could flood parts of Highway 178 in the canyon and other parts of <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN2A8vZFbLAprl9j6IxcL7-W5HP7eUjBadHm5zwAG_YIe9eipei3OHCNgrxv4t7Jsxj6JAhlLFQjiYf7FH-xB37PqrC9t-9UAf2X_staPmGhxQ6LD_X60gnx-rZ1hqYCf_cGumoWQgqM1XTjo6gSx40830SjWLoQvjjvESKiiLtBEwDE9nsNEDzbuo/s200/Bakobserved1.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="66" data-original-width="200" height="66" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN2A8vZFbLAprl9j6IxcL7-W5HP7eUjBadHm5zwAG_YIe9eipei3OHCNgrxv4t7Jsxj6JAhlLFQjiYf7FH-xB37PqrC9t-9UAf2X_staPmGhxQ6LD_X60gnx-rZ1hqYCf_cGumoWQgqM1XTjo6gSx40830SjWLoQvjjvESKiiLtBEwDE9nsNEDzbuo/s1600/Bakobserved1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />Bakersfield not protected by berms. How bad is it? The re-emerged Tulare Lake already covers from 100 to 140 square miles with an average depth of 3.5 feet of water. It all depends - say the experts - on if the weather warms too quickly, unleashing a torrent of water that the dams and riverbanks just can't handle. Some experts say it will be mid June when the heaviest surges strike. Stay tuned.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_aBCrNm7rx_wP26z7jzsjwCOgx-4zINcMIXmqcRkyH8Nf6Q8tARJqd2Jq_IcsN1TRPsxXJZSVAde6Z8R-1L6ABzHJFtKBp0B0U0b0b47tBq8AizQmHYNzGLieTS3ZHEbmcd5e-tev4CGisA_ZGzxeCGswahQeQ_S_KIJ1BW1HFgyrDcdMZcXrCAq/s1024/tubes.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_aBCrNm7rx_wP26z7jzsjwCOgx-4zINcMIXmqcRkyH8Nf6Q8tARJqd2Jq_IcsN1TRPsxXJZSVAde6Z8R-1L6ABzHJFtKBp0B0U0b0b47tBq8AizQmHYNzGLieTS3ZHEbmcd5e-tev4CGisA_ZGzxeCGswahQeQ_S_KIJ1BW1HFgyrDcdMZcXrCAq/w480-h640/tubes.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div> <b>* ... UTILITY BILLS: If </b>you think your utility bills are high now, just wait. If California utility companies get their way, a new pricing structure will be implanted in which your rate depends on your income. In other words, if you are successful and own a business, you will pay substantially more than the working poor under this so-called "flat rate" plan. According to CalMatters three companies — Pacific Gas & Electric, Southern California Edison and San Diego Gas & Electric — submitted a proposal to the California Public Utilities Commission that includes an income-based pricing system for these fixed charges. According to KTLA 5, the <b><i>monthly charge</i></b> would vary between the companies, and range from:</div><div> - Households with annual income from $28,000 – $69,000 would pay $20 a month in Edison territory, $34 a month in SDG&E territory and $30 a month in PG&E territory.</div><div><div> - Households earning from $69,000 – $180,000 would pay $51 a month in Edison and PG&E territories and $73 a month in SDG&E territory.</div><div> - Those with incomes above $180,000 would pay $85 a month in Edison territory, $128 a month in SDG&E territory and $92 a month in PG&E territory.</div></div><div> </div><div><b>* ... PYRENEES: </b>By any measure, Rod and Julie Crawford should be living the American dream. They have worked, saved, invested their money and played by the rules. And for a time, the co-owners of the iconic Pyrenees Cafe and Silver Fox Starlite Lounge seemed to be enjoying the ride. Their 2013 purchase, remodel and reopening of Pyrenees was a huge success and the Silver Fox has never been as busy as it is today. But all that was before the homeless crisis hit Bakersfield, and now the Crawfords feel alone and abandoned by City Hall. For the past five years, the Crawfords have been involved in almost a nightly battle with vandalism and break-ins that plague east Bakersfield and Old Town Kern. Consider the damage just recently: a secure door is ripped off its hinges and the cash register is stolen and ends up in a dumpster, the iconic Pyrenees neon sign is vandalized to the tune of $14,000 to repair and even the folks who come in overnight to clean the restaurant cannot do so without their own cars being vandalized. And it all happens every morning, almost like clockwork, between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m. "If we only had a little (police) presence in the neighborhood," he said. "These animals have no fear of law since there isn’t any here. In the last three months they shot out my sign, shot through windows to destroy TVs, broke three windows, need a new door a new ceiling fan. Over $20,000 in damages." When asked if he had talked to his councilman, Andre Gonzales, Crawford replied with an emoji throwing up his hands in frustration.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgcXhsbEjVKkUrlII5CDBBfJ-le_WCywDMYCbu53Tv-A6NY2H38wFZvPJ0txd4H_K-lGAgiI28cDQ_j3CLZ16OXoGx2FPsgwuOAHw-8q8bgZJVb3BxV_kSWoWMi0BMaRfCkxZLUcZSBfdL4fbW9pVoVQsjf7zphIifVhhzoVgkdC0DedR9z6f4h4fn/s269/rodjulie.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="187" data-original-width="269" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgcXhsbEjVKkUrlII5CDBBfJ-le_WCywDMYCbu53Tv-A6NY2H38wFZvPJ0txd4H_K-lGAgiI28cDQ_j3CLZ16OXoGx2FPsgwuOAHw-8q8bgZJVb3BxV_kSWoWMi0BMaRfCkxZLUcZSBfdL4fbW9pVoVQsjf7zphIifVhhzoVgkdC0DedR9z6f4h4fn/w400-h278/rodjulie.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEZUM0cJ_yGwSY77YVGc0kyGgI1CkxkE1xOSx2s_wwmKwd2x4P-6AgZtLQ1oBMzuoL9g5HjeKwqBThqQuUPjiE_sQ5NrBUR4vm8tGsJMf9zHmIZD2AMnS34JXwaQKdo9MdiMWNbid5ZK06UNCdYiG_eYveij6FgxjuYChNrYygGEgl3jHKFAxEMRw5/s1800/pry.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEZUM0cJ_yGwSY77YVGc0kyGgI1CkxkE1xOSx2s_wwmKwd2x4P-6AgZtLQ1oBMzuoL9g5HjeKwqBThqQuUPjiE_sQ5NrBUR4vm8tGsJMf9zHmIZD2AMnS34JXwaQKdo9MdiMWNbid5ZK06UNCdYiG_eYveij6FgxjuYChNrYygGEgl3jHKFAxEMRw5/w266-h400/pry.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><b> * ... OLD TOWN:</b> The real question for the Crawfords and other Old Town businesses is this: is the city serious about combatting crime and creating a relatively safe place to do business, or is it a lost cause? Andrae Gonazles is the city councilman for Old Town Kern and despite his cheerleading - this is the guy who wants to spend millions on the pipe dream of restoring the old train depot, an admirable if fool hardy idea - crime, vagrancy and homelessness remain out of control. And it leaves landlords like the Crawfords, and other owners of the iconic east Bakersfield businesses, wondering just who is serious about crime and who is more interested in press conferences and promises?</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>* ... MORE CRIME: </b>And just to show you that crime does not discriminate, 1st District county Supervisor Phillip Peters has become a victim himself, posting this on Facebook: "Nothing like waking up in the morning to find your truck broken into and all of your tools gone. Too bad there wasn’t an extra conscience or work ethic in there so they could put them to good use…"</div><div><br /></div><div> <b>* ... AND ON THE COAST:</b> Bakersfield isn't the only place where we are all growing weary of homelessness and crime. Check out this sign that was temporarily placed on the northbound exit to Santa Barbara from Highway 101.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOi_dkboMc4NVOrTM7eb_yu1wnMKczNZiVRA0PwpR0E3FtHAfCpErfBUJdGFWyhpdlbCBD8pIzB99JTHWb2gD53n0IHFPaomwrsmJ0LnS4FiCk5x3hSrtUVLtwehVB3JV7a9Bub8UGB2RoaVpLtJF6e8oCC6WYoH8x5S8l123Z-q0BECo8MDeQMdvT/s730/SB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="368" data-original-width="730" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOi_dkboMc4NVOrTM7eb_yu1wnMKczNZiVRA0PwpR0E3FtHAfCpErfBUJdGFWyhpdlbCBD8pIzB99JTHWb2gD53n0IHFPaomwrsmJ0LnS4FiCk5x3hSrtUVLtwehVB3JV7a9Bub8UGB2RoaVpLtJF6e8oCC6WYoH8x5S8l123Z-q0BECo8MDeQMdvT/w640-h322/SB.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><b> * ... LIFE AS IT SHOULD BE: </b>Take a drive through downtown Bakersfield on a Sunday morning and you will be treated to the true state of the homeless crisis. As the recent point in time count reminded us, the number of people on the streets has skyrocketed some 20 percent, and the amount of trash, debris and litter they leave on our streets seems without parallel.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHiB7nOwXHd3-m8UE88-41f7eyltfVN_FIkFVtn9wOaqFcz2Pg31CCu7tyq_xcHBRiDdPQJIHX19PlFtS6qf0wZnDOB0VLPBqSe_JwWQd-mNFbJVAZBN6Eq6RUYX50c0rf7ds5x9H8Qz2kenoWfdH9Ou9SuLdCANfZctwbwz8VgH4ZJTSnD-T0CXsd/s4032/0A612370-202E-44BA-BF00-746AB77C7974.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHiB7nOwXHd3-m8UE88-41f7eyltfVN_FIkFVtn9wOaqFcz2Pg31CCu7tyq_xcHBRiDdPQJIHX19PlFtS6qf0wZnDOB0VLPBqSe_JwWQd-mNFbJVAZBN6Eq6RUYX50c0rf7ds5x9H8Qz2kenoWfdH9Ou9SuLdCANfZctwbwz8VgH4ZJTSnD-T0CXsd/w300-h400/0A612370-202E-44BA-BF00-746AB77C7974.heic" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqJicQP-73nvL9vWO_tS6Fcs96t_P9YaKFv1dfG9W0SJ7lRfz1CfQyP_a_bSd1Yb2zfeCigAB2vfDxyrHxwBZXq1bcoFU9Ub1cJBmZ3VWuFfv_bXPk-oKG-0eTHS92op38vSEwikGs7slPcPRu8FlzcUq71I0e10tpY97Geh4hiP4Oa6h289aiuvPc/s4032/5C9D550A-5949-462D-94E7-6D5EE0B71303.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqJicQP-73nvL9vWO_tS6Fcs96t_P9YaKFv1dfG9W0SJ7lRfz1CfQyP_a_bSd1Yb2zfeCigAB2vfDxyrHxwBZXq1bcoFU9Ub1cJBmZ3VWuFfv_bXPk-oKG-0eTHS92op38vSEwikGs7slPcPRu8FlzcUq71I0e10tpY97Geh4hiP4Oa6h289aiuvPc/w300-h400/5C9D550A-5949-462D-94E7-6D5EE0B71303.heic" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5THNvdKLtqDD-zIbm9luQyc-3SUMSa7TxzZzpTjNMbE2TECvdtvRTU0BoCAA-V-gle04jHNzW5I2kwSM0A3MetBLB2LnWrAirxCeUDFiPKx-pbsFBxRfOMYS4VP6P0z2vYeXc5YKTAGUMYrDQL-ka68DG5hyBD9HVYKRO2PKvx2MsiidmB2wiRYCe/s4032/54A11004-579A-4F6D-A28F-BACE934EDF6A.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5THNvdKLtqDD-zIbm9luQyc-3SUMSa7TxzZzpTjNMbE2TECvdtvRTU0BoCAA-V-gle04jHNzW5I2kwSM0A3MetBLB2LnWrAirxCeUDFiPKx-pbsFBxRfOMYS4VP6P0z2vYeXc5YKTAGUMYrDQL-ka68DG5hyBD9HVYKRO2PKvx2MsiidmB2wiRYCe/w300-h400/54A11004-579A-4F6D-A28F-BACE934EDF6A.heic" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLgkJOQM8dKEWyPqFQGLBwWO7qbC8qKOjBgaJSCUZKGDdyMDJ1QWZbJokUTDCR_JNP8jZ7WEBrM3dPR9ttKdbDZCRB7CnXmPThfQZR3WpjrwCwz-kGan50c_GBx5-D5sQzsVlSKqz8afZdACDzuMfT_l72yH87Aw3LcU-Cu_hN56D8eRz5gxb50xpM/s4032/11905FEF-2924-47B0-8791-EEE37E66C492.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLgkJOQM8dKEWyPqFQGLBwWO7qbC8qKOjBgaJSCUZKGDdyMDJ1QWZbJokUTDCR_JNP8jZ7WEBrM3dPR9ttKdbDZCRB7CnXmPThfQZR3WpjrwCwz-kGan50c_GBx5-D5sQzsVlSKqz8afZdACDzuMfT_l72yH87Aw3LcU-Cu_hN56D8eRz5gxb50xpM/w400-h300/11905FEF-2924-47B0-8791-EEE37E66C492.heic" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj956uDZg-gV02NAwoTeAK4OUnKxPfCh5TVm81LVWpsCuPy4cGwM24LYePHPjwL2AKv4SKQSgh3Qd3cFPKet8G7IsRcRVqhehewfLU27O9VDbGqL4w03I3o4T9SFFeGEuRFIPRWxT_h2ILftHwzyWDo13JfB_e11SRh2foNSBkJ7kuAzdb3b11CMMYo/s4032/FFDBB42E-B17D-4258-B56E-9B43BC465FF4.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj956uDZg-gV02NAwoTeAK4OUnKxPfCh5TVm81LVWpsCuPy4cGwM24LYePHPjwL2AKv4SKQSgh3Qd3cFPKet8G7IsRcRVqhehewfLU27O9VDbGqL4w03I3o4T9SFFeGEuRFIPRWxT_h2ILftHwzyWDo13JfB_e11SRh2foNSBkJ7kuAzdb3b11CMMYo/w300-h400/FFDBB42E-B17D-4258-B56E-9B43BC465FF4.heic" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> <b>* ... BED BATH AND BEYOND: </b>You can call it a day for Bed Bath and Beyond, the once wildly popular retailer that supplied everything from pots and pans to sheets and flatware for decades,. The company declared bankruptcy on Sunday and signaled it is closing all 360 locations, including its Stockdale Highway location.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjen3FcTwc21QseNHoiABXc7X7PWNJMJRA2r5DSqOlint3s3HS1jqzHE8nGl1MMoKshIaqLe73J3Fcrh7eRQ344rlC3_gBqD_UnbVB_GepfGAv_92TAw6mzTf66yh_kvOt71BYw6Q03fSKSDQwoW9datUI59pu56JmkP_E4c32Vu50kKIDHoaT3ekG5/s275/bedbath.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjen3FcTwc21QseNHoiABXc7X7PWNJMJRA2r5DSqOlint3s3HS1jqzHE8nGl1MMoKshIaqLe73J3Fcrh7eRQ344rlC3_gBqD_UnbVB_GepfGAv_92TAw6mzTf66yh_kvOt71BYw6Q03fSKSDQwoW9datUI59pu56JmkP_E4c32Vu50kKIDHoaT3ekG5/w400-h266/bedbath.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b> * ... MEMORIES: </b>I just love these old pictures of the famous Blackboard Cafe. Here is a good one thanks to the Kern County History Fans.</div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHasfxWZYDrvyDD_WlvMJsSAhjsEAM0PWmC11aifIDhWjUFZz-awKrNQxfc7relUdSRANsYZ_9HEYsz6K4wm_cz_3pxGX59EgFq9ar_akQSn2DgkMMjzeh860v3mqxs2CNtLt6-L-s8qIJjnjX32RA9p46jqGGpnnk_bd23JT151QCr4AnnZxhDTAT/s1947/bb.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1627" data-original-width="1947" height="534" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHasfxWZYDrvyDD_WlvMJsSAhjsEAM0PWmC11aifIDhWjUFZz-awKrNQxfc7relUdSRANsYZ_9HEYsz6K4wm_cz_3pxGX59EgFq9ar_akQSn2DgkMMjzeh860v3mqxs2CNtLt6-L-s8qIJjnjX32RA9p46jqGGpnnk_bd23JT151QCr4AnnZxhDTAT/w640-h534/bb.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b> * ... MODERN ART: S</b>ome of the most striking citizen photography can be accessed via the "My Home is California" page on Facebook. Check out this shot from Sacramento posted by Rubī Nevarez.</div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcH-lePMYP78hymnJLzaFV5p3_9c-80bKWv7g2Kg5PZfBtQ_Vnms_UDkRM625fWjvk7E9jYHYbNTgeWN9DnYSI8x_n9FNTYoj5UPm10lygDYqg2Fb16xqunQoPbIdO8LNZ9Cgpr5h5maqVfBnyn_xY_hQyrg_TE8Xj2_1qRLHsoEwosC8Np0bITHCF/s1608/sacto.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1608" data-original-width="945" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcH-lePMYP78hymnJLzaFV5p3_9c-80bKWv7g2Kg5PZfBtQ_Vnms_UDkRM625fWjvk7E9jYHYbNTgeWN9DnYSI8x_n9FNTYoj5UPm10lygDYqg2Fb16xqunQoPbIdO8LNZ9Cgpr5h5maqVfBnyn_xY_hQyrg_TE8Xj2_1qRLHsoEwosC8Np0bITHCF/w376-h640/sacto.jpg" width="376" /></a></div><br /><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><br /></div>Richard Beenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07060780209563484710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6931942690068259127.post-64377923377645639412023-04-19T07:41:00.002-07:002023-04-19T08:49:42.081-07:00What does a soaring homeless population and a spike in crime and in Kern County say about life in Kern County? Plus the superbloom does not disappoint and an impressive class in the Highland High School alumni hall of fame<b><i>Welcome to Bakersfield Observed. Our mission is to celebrate life in Kern County by focusing on newsmakers and events and the local characters who make this community such a special place. The views expressed here are strictly my own and do not represent any other company or publication</i></b>.<div><br /></div><div><b> * ... HOMELESS PROBLEMS: Th</b>ey counted the homeless again and once again the number of people living on the street is up, some 22 percent higher than a year ago. According to Kern County's latest count, some 1,948 people are homeless compared to just 1,603 last year. Now it may be true the number is higher because more people were counting, but the numbers paint a grim picture of what is happening on the <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNclurY3LpQXoi-yJwvtvNOCLQiiNPVJkyIHfb4i1iFBeAhZOOomhXnYNc8seo11IF5TekCXl-gO_cyemWcN-TkhvmV9XDfvN935HeZ9xV-O14xnAPTT00cG75T2LiKO5tD9wtXqHnkza8fvUSU-cPEAKzhLAIlBSSRvXTMAWfRdvpKzQFnbj5Cpfa/s200/Bakobserved1.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="66" data-original-width="200" height="66" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNclurY3LpQXoi-yJwvtvNOCLQiiNPVJkyIHfb4i1iFBeAhZOOomhXnYNc8seo11IF5TekCXl-gO_cyemWcN-TkhvmV9XDfvN935HeZ9xV-O14xnAPTT00cG75T2LiKO5tD9wtXqHnkza8fvUSU-cPEAKzhLAIlBSSRvXTMAWfRdvpKzQFnbj5Cpfa/s1600/Bakobserved1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />streets day in, and day out. So how does this make you feel? Have our efforts of the past five, six years been a total failure? Record numbers of homeless are being ushered into housing and yet, the numbers on the streets still keep rising. It's not a pretty picture and while local efforts to combat homelessness should be applauded, is there anyone who can say this looks anything like a real successful strategy to turn this around?</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpAyw71YdITGUmIS5IqZWkfDLGFGrMGvJcek5EZNydTUu08OFK6jbGm7X0G-CfMXWXQBs_VqMyuu_VS9L-qkIu-ncv5TGA9YP_2EDOM_OA6M0pxH2QbtKu2pyzKYRcsfvLjFqN3n1YE9pMNpQpawBoko-iGySqZ7sXEi6MDQZB004deKzCnjBbggVf/s960/shit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpAyw71YdITGUmIS5IqZWkfDLGFGrMGvJcek5EZNydTUu08OFK6jbGm7X0G-CfMXWXQBs_VqMyuu_VS9L-qkIu-ncv5TGA9YP_2EDOM_OA6M0pxH2QbtKu2pyzKYRcsfvLjFqN3n1YE9pMNpQpawBoko-iGySqZ7sXEi6MDQZB004deKzCnjBbggVf/w300-h400/shit.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><div><br /></div><div> <b>* ... NETFLIX CDs: I</b>f you are of a certain age you remember the early, pre-streaming days of Netflix when our movies arrived in bright red envelopes with a DVD tucked inside. Well Netflix says the last DVD will be shipped on Sept. 29 and after that Netflix will no longer send disks. At its peak in 2010, Netflix had some 20 million customers to its DVD service.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoUI2QJkPloqPtq4W6E9g9ubg1jesWTTMIsOc-06iLxUYrEecWQEBoqdMyNjJqalyJY2RJ8JsmuIeEmu-Xdme_AmEnIyTqnDbrRIFRbv8bBIaxRtPFzst5e3u8phd8QiZFLewE8JwWGZdPiyqkLEknn851TRkwNlaXoManA5ItxHGhIS-NkY9ZJFhg/s284/netflix.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="177" data-original-width="284" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoUI2QJkPloqPtq4W6E9g9ubg1jesWTTMIsOc-06iLxUYrEecWQEBoqdMyNjJqalyJY2RJ8JsmuIeEmu-Xdme_AmEnIyTqnDbrRIFRbv8bBIaxRtPFzst5e3u8phd8QiZFLewE8JwWGZdPiyqkLEknn851TRkwNlaXoManA5ItxHGhIS-NkY9ZJFhg/w400-h249/netflix.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>* ... WILDFLOWERS</b>: The wildflower superbloom is here, and you don't have to go far to enjoy it. Certainly the Antelope Valley poppy preserve and the Carrizo Plains are spectacular venues but there are many closer areas that are equally impressive. A casual drive up Breckenridge Road is a superbloom treat, as is Windwolves Preserve and of course Tejon Ranch. Here are a few shots of the wildflowers at Tejon this past weekend, taken by James Burrow.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-jRQz-ynJWdgAuqv9suIBx7mjfwIZEaPijeL1ZTKWoPvlr3h5Zm5LLADO_1BOaUw7Xo2xrXSuBlyfOiZLucR8OdPc7AhI_OtHUshXv_sKE-IyrodBy3Lczg5YJIpGS1soCkXaJy4SbncJz2tsZqIj68aWBLN0wPFFHlNj1Dhy6W3BEbQRYIXk47ST/s5184/JB1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-jRQz-ynJWdgAuqv9suIBx7mjfwIZEaPijeL1ZTKWoPvlr3h5Zm5LLADO_1BOaUw7Xo2xrXSuBlyfOiZLucR8OdPc7AhI_OtHUshXv_sKE-IyrodBy3Lczg5YJIpGS1soCkXaJy4SbncJz2tsZqIj68aWBLN0wPFFHlNj1Dhy6W3BEbQRYIXk47ST/w640-h426/JB1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh__PVy7x61YHF7xdz_ecxD1Y7_9yJ20eQq0Re0Mp8nii463VS22n7wRVmPQYlzeTiHREDPDFJbqSTpmUD5v96YZtKkUARgRmzywXKMlRVQiBmaaHeQpeZFtcGCx6ZWFLcMiAu2ndAZr6H2fmuT33IuoEHzUwhUkqrdt15Svv-jcL4J4nrbTpYChsGV/s5184/JB2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh__PVy7x61YHF7xdz_ecxD1Y7_9yJ20eQq0Re0Mp8nii463VS22n7wRVmPQYlzeTiHREDPDFJbqSTpmUD5v96YZtKkUARgRmzywXKMlRVQiBmaaHeQpeZFtcGCx6ZWFLcMiAu2ndAZr6H2fmuT33IuoEHzUwhUkqrdt15Svv-jcL4J4nrbTpYChsGV/w640-h426/JB2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTw3ZyUgyBBow_glI7Mu-3MTDo-4wg-wHA09GMnZL3-3khmavvd5hs3zGQ4HsYxwUkoXL0KM5q4Ynb0B3f11fp2q4WC5j_kV_usfUHgCLi60m5abk-gq79arjgG5StgRyWVocGy6TzA6o3KUe2guw8mefd6m_1FzlJ3d_iS7SoyF1U5gSi3aTpIOQS/s5184/JB3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTw3ZyUgyBBow_glI7Mu-3MTDo-4wg-wHA09GMnZL3-3khmavvd5hs3zGQ4HsYxwUkoXL0KM5q4Ynb0B3f11fp2q4WC5j_kV_usfUHgCLi60m5abk-gq79arjgG5StgRyWVocGy6TzA6o3KUe2guw8mefd6m_1FzlJ3d_iS7SoyF1U5gSi3aTpIOQS/w640-h426/JB3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1QEl080AXsO_mjavFWiguQtG33vrSsHR76CM0R88m0hVExlHAVC9c3nVPZRfPMdeFdlNVjwt-s82BEmu6QSsAHnjMS1_gfHUGUNvQ5JigNh-ZeuNyjJaxqTnDmOjXihD-lG-9HaCkvWAwCFJ_fungXnr2ZeBIKQNVRI0IvhBC3FVwBydufqZESfCh/s5184/JB4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1QEl080AXsO_mjavFWiguQtG33vrSsHR76CM0R88m0hVExlHAVC9c3nVPZRfPMdeFdlNVjwt-s82BEmu6QSsAHnjMS1_gfHUGUNvQ5JigNh-ZeuNyjJaxqTnDmOjXihD-lG-9HaCkvWAwCFJ_fungXnr2ZeBIKQNVRI0IvhBC3FVwBydufqZESfCh/w640-h426/JB4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><div><br /></div><div> * ... MORE TEJON: And check out these photos from Tejon by my friend Mark Duffel, some wonderful superbloom shots for the ages.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHU3KZQt_N-_bQpgCsk51VYeC-sRFnuTUALKHcvLpjfyoyFNO6kRtkjJBaBWCmbt9bPeaHGB2z6VF3ymCcJ4Of4p79sPNrYlEUe5MgMbvpnG_whP9RCRzp80B8EH4WCqeEkMLTmqI2I2Vqg0713T-xkyja3ocQqD0iY9dr-oHNBWgR4Ke8rvQgwDWV/s2048/duffel1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1364" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHU3KZQt_N-_bQpgCsk51VYeC-sRFnuTUALKHcvLpjfyoyFNO6kRtkjJBaBWCmbt9bPeaHGB2z6VF3ymCcJ4Of4p79sPNrYlEUe5MgMbvpnG_whP9RCRzp80B8EH4WCqeEkMLTmqI2I2Vqg0713T-xkyja3ocQqD0iY9dr-oHNBWgR4Ke8rvQgwDWV/w640-h426/duffel1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5B_AE6LFFB5adSY-IxB73XDAWs_rRVhMLeVWFSauIAlgPOQpOuckYtxGBeTgKS-o0-eHXMJzmg4BcrWqbOaGZtrmzhyjhCoIfR8V_5V9M5advjsYkOrSZRiN8Ic-7_5SVLs71qKWJyVnrNPndF_3LyISRYtFwb0rTsyhq4gDq9Kfe4VUio3RKdEEi/s2048/duffel2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="2048" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5B_AE6LFFB5adSY-IxB73XDAWs_rRVhMLeVWFSauIAlgPOQpOuckYtxGBeTgKS-o0-eHXMJzmg4BcrWqbOaGZtrmzhyjhCoIfR8V_5V9M5advjsYkOrSZRiN8Ic-7_5SVLs71qKWJyVnrNPndF_3LyISRYtFwb0rTsyhq4gDq9Kfe4VUio3RKdEEi/w640-h370/duffel2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ShzXwAkQ6v64S6xqJvNNkWRvyANelwW8TqI4Ps6G7uhbfcdA8-Z0SOi191qBL3zGksLMPdor-OfDUjL07W88fmN1NASNBvpOO1ML9atjihfCtQ5yAbn3nuljZPm52zApF47v-KpP2nleQkJY_QGFj8l1qz4QaNq0u3RMh25nAPLdLBLLsc9kMFy7/s2048/duffel3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ShzXwAkQ6v64S6xqJvNNkWRvyANelwW8TqI4Ps6G7uhbfcdA8-Z0SOi191qBL3zGksLMPdor-OfDUjL07W88fmN1NASNBvpOO1ML9atjihfCtQ5yAbn3nuljZPm52zApF47v-KpP2nleQkJY_QGFj8l1qz4QaNq0u3RMh25nAPLdLBLLsc9kMFy7/w640-h426/duffel3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div> <b>* ... DOWNTOWN GRAFFITI: </b>Koral Hancharick, director of the Buena Vista Museum on Chester, discovered what so many downtown businesses have: their business has been tagged by graffiti artists, or worse broken into. It's another day in the life of Ward 2 where we recently learned homelessness has skyrocketed by more than 20 percent, people sleep on the streets and sidewalks without consequence and our alleys and doorways are being used for drug transactions and more.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-KVdzapGOkrupu3nO8zyXj6sbkZO2og85ADGl3sAy0G33hCFjB7du5A6T1dsvIimPzLiMS_LHN7PnhE5QHKKr7YsC1HE6nUoo01frGvYTOzlagsjn_M3eXhfExWvd1dDnvOtUG37pIOuAsIQjgUpH8IsDahI6fOaNYpV3zmwfNfCB3S9iAMfIDRRx/s800/tag1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-KVdzapGOkrupu3nO8zyXj6sbkZO2og85ADGl3sAy0G33hCFjB7du5A6T1dsvIimPzLiMS_LHN7PnhE5QHKKr7YsC1HE6nUoo01frGvYTOzlagsjn_M3eXhfExWvd1dDnvOtUG37pIOuAsIQjgUpH8IsDahI6fOaNYpV3zmwfNfCB3S9iAMfIDRRx/w640-h480/tag1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgorQYr9iT9agdbQXVfnDhOyL7oFIhgQ75K-GjuW7_zsqxX46LAincNkBfaJsDPMePJw84vVBS-Y0UAezzKOuHGNZjHnOS0gJgFxcPT5J7y3zGgX_tcNqTS67ewogyfT_MbD8AawvH_RRJJJBgONo743pdcpHLtDTQT67G8EXdQ2jzuymEwnKj3Ln2J/s960/tag2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgorQYr9iT9agdbQXVfnDhOyL7oFIhgQ75K-GjuW7_zsqxX46LAincNkBfaJsDPMePJw84vVBS-Y0UAezzKOuHGNZjHnOS0gJgFxcPT5J7y3zGgX_tcNqTS67ewogyfT_MbD8AawvH_RRJJJBgONo743pdcpHLtDTQT67G8EXdQ2jzuymEwnKj3Ln2J/w480-h640/tag2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWJdhNL0a1GsWuZ_bkPurh3_Rimxw7E511TYDR7UROSeRBdeydHv_Z4EJbcd0_7PkQR53_EreQPx0uiOCU2LiTJbJ0yaaDq8KUGvCKKfh3B6UkCSYVtlJsGbupNKgLphUozgzVv7mVb3fjGvmpNH2Imv5f6KStBoEtr33s0vTmZ71TuPLaKI2EDiQg/s800/tag3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWJdhNL0a1GsWuZ_bkPurh3_Rimxw7E511TYDR7UROSeRBdeydHv_Z4EJbcd0_7PkQR53_EreQPx0uiOCU2LiTJbJ0yaaDq8KUGvCKKfh3B6UkCSYVtlJsGbupNKgLphUozgzVv7mVb3fjGvmpNH2Imv5f6KStBoEtr33s0vTmZ71TuPLaKI2EDiQg/w480-h640/tag3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><div><br /></div><div><b> * ... CALIFORNIA SOBER: </b>Have you heard the term "California sober?" It refers to residents of the Golden State who choose not to drink alcohol or do heavy drugs, but they do occasionally partake in cannabis and cannabis-related products. There are no statistics on how many people are "California sober" here, but nationally there has been a gradual move toward non drinking and lighter drinking, and some experts say non-drinkers in states where marijuana is legal are more likely to consume cannabis. In fact, states where marijuana is legal have more people kicking booze than other states. In 2018, 5.1% of adults engaged in heavy drinking in the past year, 15.5% engaged in moderate drinking, 45.7% engaged in light drinking, and 33.7% did not consume alcohol at all.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxlNFhOa0oKAiczMBr8rgn926ognINIrjYD884oOqWD2EcaoiJ-qn_qb-GsuSsVm1XhF20fBIHhfY3mnejxP3yPP-gjxlJ3KDfnYLQjQFIMO855ksV7GIg40LK8bp7kBDQ5eu2lF2U7UuGvQbvI_MNsYqdwW1JLDBukDDl_O6AiATB4FeH-0iO2Mr3/s293/calsober.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="172" data-original-width="293" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxlNFhOa0oKAiczMBr8rgn926ognINIrjYD884oOqWD2EcaoiJ-qn_qb-GsuSsVm1XhF20fBIHhfY3mnejxP3yPP-gjxlJ3KDfnYLQjQFIMO855ksV7GIg40LK8bp7kBDQ5eu2lF2U7UuGvQbvI_MNsYqdwW1JLDBukDDl_O6AiATB4FeH-0iO2Mr3/w640-h376/calsober.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><b> * ... HIGHLAND HIGH SCHOOL:</b> Did you see who was inducted into the Highland High School Alumni Hall of Fame? Among those honored were Kern County chief administrative officer Ryan Alsop, San Diego Superior Court Judge Eugenia Eyherabide, Supervisor Leticia Perez, Dr. Willa Crosby Thorson, Joe Barton, Liz Stinson Haley, Pete Gonzalez and the 1977 Varsity Wrestling Team.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9FqatNBjKEAoNoHSawypwt3OpgXHxTzRxxYAioMA9iVLYDLNSsNdzXcoJSNHtdN-AsVtbMZAEiHpPsi79eC0qhOPPTd6lJbHSVqjpI7_9pxi7pxrkYcIbBU2Z0R6vRM2Au13pww1bB09YgRwb4WHbCrzZfYhbHTAzGoToA2EKkhQ6kQndoKnQc7IJ/s2048/HHS.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9FqatNBjKEAoNoHSawypwt3OpgXHxTzRxxYAioMA9iVLYDLNSsNdzXcoJSNHtdN-AsVtbMZAEiHpPsi79eC0qhOPPTd6lJbHSVqjpI7_9pxi7pxrkYcIbBU2Z0R6vRM2Au13pww1bB09YgRwb4WHbCrzZfYhbHTAzGoToA2EKkhQ6kQndoKnQc7IJ/w480-h640/HHS.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b> * ... MEMORIES: </b>A couple of historical shots here for your enjoyment, both courtesy of the Kern County History Fans page on Facebook.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvUTsk4H1g1uNhzanYbQ2UOIORgQGD25WF3sTX7KO_zwteOOwWv2fZH1-_Z3CGPrmg4HKct79GIfbDYkVysVd9zE6zTN_YtXXOzX40PdTrHHPbaGtEbplH4OXcc6Ayb-_WjXXjmhZeUUfgk8xs3ZtzhDdsOCRjTGAPdIl0mV1Yk-QOLiSQmF_s8VPu/s1232/18thst.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1232" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvUTsk4H1g1uNhzanYbQ2UOIORgQGD25WF3sTX7KO_zwteOOwWv2fZH1-_Z3CGPrmg4HKct79GIfbDYkVysVd9zE6zTN_YtXXOzX40PdTrHHPbaGtEbplH4OXcc6Ayb-_WjXXjmhZeUUfgk8xs3ZtzhDdsOCRjTGAPdIl0mV1Yk-QOLiSQmF_s8VPu/w562-h640/18thst.jpg" width="562" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht3e9J0IrAv8Pp7Kz-xaKQR66cgdYUOMOX2F8HmmPsDVtowXRhlFTCeFl2Cb3LQp18kNf5P4623yxJR3fOQ6HrzRJzpFmRoWZ089BNVfhl99b62HOPTOXWAL61pOYurCaWlaIMxwHwcaVJnZT4-56SSU_OkrqqO-EirulrZDkWTaUJG0w3o7NYyzPM/s2048/118north.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1495" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht3e9J0IrAv8Pp7Kz-xaKQR66cgdYUOMOX2F8HmmPsDVtowXRhlFTCeFl2Cb3LQp18kNf5P4623yxJR3fOQ6HrzRJzpFmRoWZ089BNVfhl99b62HOPTOXWAL61pOYurCaWlaIMxwHwcaVJnZT4-56SSU_OkrqqO-EirulrZDkWTaUJG0w3o7NYyzPM/w468-h640/118north.jpg" width="468" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div></div></div></div>Richard Beenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07060780209563484710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6931942690068259127.post-27070022777279622402023-04-12T10:23:00.003-07:002023-04-12T10:31:22.817-07:00Welcome to California where a budget deficit goes from a $100 billion surplus to a $22 billion deficit, the much awaited "superbloom" of wildflowers is under way officials expect record number of deaths in the Kern River<b><i>Welcome to Bakersfield Observed. Our mission is to celebrate life in Kern County by focusing on newsmakers and events and the local characters who make this community such a special place. The views expressed here are strictly my own and do not represent any other company or publication.</i></b><div><br /></div><div><b> * ... CALIFORNIA OR BUST:</b> Ah to live in California, where yesterday's budget surplus is today's deficit. It seemed like yesterday when the state had a budget surplus of some $100 billion, but thanks to <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV67hV21Zy06CllLo0JlVvtxOGQLMDYtE0kC3XOqqke3_BHXrnJidtuobIZ93kK0p-V7ZQeVPZeVY64A_Cx7n8yUT3BjCmqwsUm0c9eDtGFEb25MHpZi-TJjFa3QvRnQY9FV0eOxtMIsxqWypbdQ5x6alizHRxpck-i7oAd2ZjqfopbEXaBswOjpLM/s200/Bakobserved1.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="66" data-original-width="200" height="66" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV67hV21Zy06CllLo0JlVvtxOGQLMDYtE0kC3XOqqke3_BHXrnJidtuobIZ93kK0p-V7ZQeVPZeVY64A_Cx7n8yUT3BjCmqwsUm0c9eDtGFEb25MHpZi-TJjFa3QvRnQY9FV0eOxtMIsxqWypbdQ5x6alizHRxpck-i7oAd2ZjqfopbEXaBswOjpLM/s1600/Bakobserved1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />inflation and a slowing economy we now face a deficit of $22.5 billion. That is a $125 billion swing in the states finances over 12 months and experts blame it on California's dependency on taxing the rich. As the economy slows and people earn less on their investments, tax revenue dwindles. Gov. Gavin Newsom is now looking at ways to close the deficit by cutting child programs and reducing funding for some climate change initiatives. Meanwhile, the median value of a home in California is $719,000 while in Texas (where many Golden State residents flee) stands at $289,000.<br /><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><b>* ... THE DEADLY KERN:</b> The old sayings warns that death and taxes are the only two things in life you can count on, but you can add this: we can expect more deaths this year in the swollen Kern River. Outside of Bakersfield, and even as close as Los Angeles, people view the Kern River as a day-tip getaway to enjoy the cool water of a fresh river. But they aren't expecting the record snowmelt to swell an already dangerous river, and as Steven Mayer noted in The Californian, officials say the number of drownings is expected to spike this year. Already some 317 people have lost their lives in the river, and that number will likely increase as the temperatures rise and the snow melts.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho741pjMMt2AKe_08t0js0elE-T-zqD4DWLCFJ_S7Ky8qWe8Kk9wjuD_rRYX_px_fkDmHOTpAZPNN9BsosNUI5Awdxc3M1G6aRi1JJiQSkENJ4GrQhVerkemAxwYchJC8v4UTbXrme-hZbVpZ6scGmJcW4k1RLLoX2QxKFzgVu5jQS1sluYNnL-KDv/s292/kernriver.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="172" data-original-width="292" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho741pjMMt2AKe_08t0js0elE-T-zqD4DWLCFJ_S7Ky8qWe8Kk9wjuD_rRYX_px_fkDmHOTpAZPNN9BsosNUI5Awdxc3M1G6aRi1JJiQSkENJ4GrQhVerkemAxwYchJC8v4UTbXrme-hZbVpZ6scGmJcW4k1RLLoX2QxKFzgVu5jQS1sluYNnL-KDv/w640-h378/kernriver.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b style="font-style: italic;"> </b><b>* ... SENIOR CREDIT: </b>Here's some rich data on home ownership, age and credit. According to the New York Times, the wealth of most older adults is tied up in real estate. Among homeowners aged 65 to 74, home equity represented about 47 percent of their net work in 2019. For those over the age of 75, it jumps to 55 percent. For black homeowners over the age of 62, it accounted for about 75 percent of their net worth. And yet, federal data shows that banks are wary of lending to seniors even if their credit scores are beyond reproach.<br /><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b> * ... WILDFLOWERS AND MORE: </b>And once again we bring you some of our outstanding citizen photographers who are capturing some amazing wildflower and other shots around the state. The first two shots, including one from the Carrizo Plain, are by Jojo Parades Butingan, followed by Pam Taylor's cool shot of the moon setting, then a shot by Christy Morgan at Windwolves Preserve and Michele Morgan-Brown Magyar. And lastly, Landon Peppel gives us this wonderful shot of wildflowers out at Windwolves.</div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglGqKEDaJdkP-mxeesYzD3TBjUb7KQj1Z4jF5ZqdHu4L1AROtIuHG1NPOW0iWcoBiYG5OJS45-J6aOkZuJYSL-yerHCgxo6pMEh5nCfJBV4dByQ-h97EwJRd_8yXivIuieXLAV213N98QRzkmmHz638ya6pQ3de133DungZe0p2Cl3YYIi7a9JJZiX/s1600/wfjojo3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglGqKEDaJdkP-mxeesYzD3TBjUb7KQj1Z4jF5ZqdHu4L1AROtIuHG1NPOW0iWcoBiYG5OJS45-J6aOkZuJYSL-yerHCgxo6pMEh5nCfJBV4dByQ-h97EwJRd_8yXivIuieXLAV213N98QRzkmmHz638ya6pQ3de133DungZe0p2Cl3YYIi7a9JJZiX/w640-h426/wfjojo3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-mYYET9Jn18dpqZ8nbdz_Nwu3L08Tdch_AOq2swRT7UR0Auu7OueVDwsygeySAREDksfXhoMOXCyEU1egNoCiKQuKK51wzKDxAhFCVLY3h_Djdfz52d7Tt3JAcFQUHUU3hFd_Fjf7yZwwIYTZkYTEwsuQRCZak6gbTQuVezkZ3yyCBA5jWmNGS9CQ/s1600/wfjojo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-mYYET9Jn18dpqZ8nbdz_Nwu3L08Tdch_AOq2swRT7UR0Auu7OueVDwsygeySAREDksfXhoMOXCyEU1egNoCiKQuKK51wzKDxAhFCVLY3h_Djdfz52d7Tt3JAcFQUHUU3hFd_Fjf7yZwwIYTZkYTEwsuQRCZak6gbTQuVezkZ3yyCBA5jWmNGS9CQ/w640-h426/wfjojo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg210Ri5L6sblqxVcIl_fTozT9Z9akhhM_AaLflzp5Lgs5fbrMMDyGlrMAeM37pYe-TfSJ7agcfn6FbeJoWj5NeGnscSZXOTjvDFpnVUHyRANHqpYWABo7P-V-KpBnhS62GnGVW1B9eOOKhQdlhQgeqqGEMoSfcyy0RXBi4UuVKhYm5n8bxtFEpAPwA/s960/wfsunpam.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="827" data-original-width="960" height="552" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg210Ri5L6sblqxVcIl_fTozT9Z9akhhM_AaLflzp5Lgs5fbrMMDyGlrMAeM37pYe-TfSJ7agcfn6FbeJoWj5NeGnscSZXOTjvDFpnVUHyRANHqpYWABo7P-V-KpBnhS62GnGVW1B9eOOKhQdlhQgeqqGEMoSfcyy0RXBi4UuVKhYm5n8bxtFEpAPwA/w640-h552/wfsunpam.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4HHmXmodDXhFiIk4s3Xqgt3_ur8T29fuREEr0MSk1eVLdmEcMydywSXb8NyMyUcBGuOhTcHPf6_8wjzWDNkiNiplKmTqn7D_CbpfcUDoiMlOUwupt5fCG07VAPRS7HRWD-vnknMjIICyESyQLVEStnUiAd_TZm4_2_Nshix2XIJdD1HU-_onxYrdp/s960/wfcmorgan.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4HHmXmodDXhFiIk4s3Xqgt3_ur8T29fuREEr0MSk1eVLdmEcMydywSXb8NyMyUcBGuOhTcHPf6_8wjzWDNkiNiplKmTqn7D_CbpfcUDoiMlOUwupt5fCG07VAPRS7HRWD-vnknMjIICyESyQLVEStnUiAd_TZm4_2_Nshix2XIJdD1HU-_onxYrdp/w480-h640/wfcmorgan.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr8DhXcNBg82xH_nTPg-0THfI4XAau16bBYDBqC_mP1OZJTqz7caA_33kp4MlRfJ2IDlPlOFoxAqiMLOFdE1oY6arhhXJF-QKsAdndo3vZX1BpAHqOsvf9hIdtGYY-BVh70ILuuKz8d0Ud4tpwR8AIpIBfz3mgs0XespgWD6ngHM9UaOyhB_KJPoye/s1440/wfmichelemorgan-brown.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr8DhXcNBg82xH_nTPg-0THfI4XAau16bBYDBqC_mP1OZJTqz7caA_33kp4MlRfJ2IDlPlOFoxAqiMLOFdE1oY6arhhXJF-QKsAdndo3vZX1BpAHqOsvf9hIdtGYY-BVh70ILuuKz8d0Ud4tpwR8AIpIBfz3mgs0XespgWD6ngHM9UaOyhB_KJPoye/w640-h640/wfmichelemorgan-brown.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b style="font-style: italic;"> </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>* ... ANTELOPE VALLEY: An</b>d if you really want to see some wildflowers, check out these blooms in the Antelope Valley. These pictures and this incredible shot of the Pacific Ocean appeared on the "My Home is California" Facebook page.</div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZDvjhFsV-DvNplrTV11ZSJQjr5JcEwztxTfr6id1evobVKrhn9Q1idHbcYSK9lyUfq_RdJD2H-7qhaCGRbZ5d5jNZGqsz12ObBwon26RC_jpdfX-5PHRJ7IQzmNykN_3zQxdIzdjvRDw3jsDTbZuhj_-d7lFvMuluImx-aMM5KLhvZC8VLUwvZ678/s2048/av2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZDvjhFsV-DvNplrTV11ZSJQjr5JcEwztxTfr6id1evobVKrhn9Q1idHbcYSK9lyUfq_RdJD2H-7qhaCGRbZ5d5jNZGqsz12ObBwon26RC_jpdfX-5PHRJ7IQzmNykN_3zQxdIzdjvRDw3jsDTbZuhj_-d7lFvMuluImx-aMM5KLhvZC8VLUwvZ678/w640-h480/av2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEH1YNrVlqw3ZFl6XzuAz91mdpSu6puD6leY_sqX9SXrISU8FL_hU9JxGF817cawtSGil49wW9lzs5waBWZli9rjFnIxPB-fNSEuhC8250eyu_6gO60ff6Pq8NuWU1HK8fEFh_MH8WBzUWt5EAtWDZIqCgT8rnlRToMZxUGqrVYR143u0sYR4OwQw2/s2048/av.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEH1YNrVlqw3ZFl6XzuAz91mdpSu6puD6leY_sqX9SXrISU8FL_hU9JxGF817cawtSGil49wW9lzs5waBWZli9rjFnIxPB-fNSEuhC8250eyu_6gO60ff6Pq8NuWU1HK8fEFh_MH8WBzUWt5EAtWDZIqCgT8rnlRToMZxUGqrVYR143u0sYR4OwQw2/w480-h640/av.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUiCfCZ_IKQwE5Wpp3uVVOBY9TGW5jPN4QS5N-TcdVZR76Dp0FyyAM0bi0SgW5cOdyGqHX1hQuDwlF9IPY_IiedPpuNd5OJPnJobnWrCnc2c9H7xkxIjdugMEUef2sR9aEPIOhrhCgGi6Hmez_k1KubqJKHHLSnupwp8XFwJUWItJRcT03q589shyv/s1484/avoacific.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1484" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUiCfCZ_IKQwE5Wpp3uVVOBY9TGW5jPN4QS5N-TcdVZR76Dp0FyyAM0bi0SgW5cOdyGqHX1hQuDwlF9IPY_IiedPpuNd5OJPnJobnWrCnc2c9H7xkxIjdugMEUef2sR9aEPIOhrhCgGi6Hmez_k1KubqJKHHLSnupwp8XFwJUWItJRcT03q589shyv/w466-h640/avoacific.jpg" width="466" /></a></div></b><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div> </div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>* ... MEMORIES: </b>From the vault of the Kern County History Fans comes this old picture of the Morris department store downtown. And lastly check out the old St. Francis church located downtown before the 1951 earthquake destroyed it.</div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyhJGTNjpLpNPC0NbSaJKQkVEvzVzf_kuzHMKwMUCT-a0zgz_7TeLeXQKetjqXDPqHL3hIbrg0dUAgVmVQQU-6AF1ikzWcx_bzZheFjMajEOp8ABpk6lsI37Eyv3v76P8G9NxGUhXX-Z_0zgEfMgqEoEyMjTyH_D27UFWWVH6OSRpuGgxdciIcUK0i/s1391/morris.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1391" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyhJGTNjpLpNPC0NbSaJKQkVEvzVzf_kuzHMKwMUCT-a0zgz_7TeLeXQKetjqXDPqHL3hIbrg0dUAgVmVQQU-6AF1ikzWcx_bzZheFjMajEOp8ABpk6lsI37Eyv3v76P8G9NxGUhXX-Z_0zgEfMgqEoEyMjTyH_D27UFWWVH6OSRpuGgxdciIcUK0i/w496-h640/morris.jpg" width="496" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0IWD_eZiEKAEz7n713Y_JGeJoF7v2PvowVm0qW0Ly8x7-9gbcAXZeg7VAlu7wJM8If9i9Lbm0kF4m0lfsdPFBekGB70v84C1OCVE_r3uYSRrciYuWkyFuVjL-Y5BEcHpYafBntMOvswxtE1MA2Ci66fki2bIkDfA7jdHjCZGR4ssfg6u1JSY0SvT8/s1481/church.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1481" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0IWD_eZiEKAEz7n713Y_JGeJoF7v2PvowVm0qW0Ly8x7-9gbcAXZeg7VAlu7wJM8If9i9Lbm0kF4m0lfsdPFBekGB70v84C1OCVE_r3uYSRrciYuWkyFuVjL-Y5BEcHpYafBntMOvswxtE1MA2Ci66fki2bIkDfA7jdHjCZGR4ssfg6u1JSY0SvT8/w466-h640/church.jpg" width="466" /></a></div><br /><i><br /></i></b></div></div></div></div></div>Richard Beenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07060780209563484710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6931942690068259127.post-73678160455335680172023-04-05T10:12:00.001-07:002023-04-05T10:12:40.912-07:00High drama is being playing out as farmers and governments spar over the re-emerging Tulare Lake, a class of new county firefighters graduates and celebrating Ricochet the famous surfing dog<b><i>Welcome to Bakersfield Observed. Our mission is to celebrate life in Kern County by focusing on newsmakers and events and the local characters who make this community such a special place. The views expressed here are strictly my own and do not represent any other company or publication.</i></b><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPil85pYrJ41m4WlUB_ofM48uU-wD4Xin0i9OlfNHTBGtCq6IyyoVKQV79-tQ0K2ABhht9ohDKQHICSpJGXGZIf3Fj7S7a87g6_y0OYTfsz6JwvkyM0_VgLZFaWkW9ZNMYOiF7gyc_ry33dSkIxuVYWfNQn8q0XkRAo2GH5mNi_9YRF3kVEvyasHPF/s200/Bakobserved1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="66" data-original-width="200" height="66" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPil85pYrJ41m4WlUB_ofM48uU-wD4Xin0i9OlfNHTBGtCq6IyyoVKQV79-tQ0K2ABhht9ohDKQHICSpJGXGZIf3Fj7S7a87g6_y0OYTfsz6JwvkyM0_VgLZFaWkW9ZNMYOiF7gyc_ry33dSkIxuVYWfNQn8q0XkRAo2GH5mNi_9YRF3kVEvyasHPF/s1600/Bakobserved1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><b><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>* ... POWER, INFLUENCE AND WATER</b>: Keep an eye on the tug-of-war among farmers and local governments out where Tulare Lake is re-emerging after the deluge of local rains. Thousands of acres of prime farmland is now under water or about to be under water, and how this plays out could affect both farmers (who stand to lose their crops) and residents of smaller valley communities (who stand to lose their towns to flooding). There isn't a better place to follow this story than San Joaquin Valley Water <br />(SJVWater.org or <a href="https://tinyurl.com/39m9apz5">https://tinyurl.com/39m9apz5</a>), a non-profit run by investigative journalist Lois Henry who is not afraid to speak truth to power. Already the huge farming conglomerate J.G. Boswell has reported Lois to the local sheriff's department for the mere infraction of asking for a quote. This story will only grow in importance - and don't expect Lois Henry or SJVWater.org to back down - as time goes on and the melting snowmelt brings more water to the valley, and the emerging Tulare Lake.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLNd73BtuHe5OOpvYJERKOuE7eI7_C610p3qjmAFiuFnqMfZAbkqb7FhTpyOOGRZyiiy9UWGe11YtPCAo_Ku0HJCgGpzeeVngOfh5jyDwouDWBH67QE3_6yPD2O2MHC1G7u9nZggwodIbMIrvSoRcB1Z-XvEFw9FgWopZuik4G6ZVNdV_TISBiU7xT/s4032/boswell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLNd73BtuHe5OOpvYJERKOuE7eI7_C610p3qjmAFiuFnqMfZAbkqb7FhTpyOOGRZyiiy9UWGe11YtPCAo_Ku0HJCgGpzeeVngOfh5jyDwouDWBH67QE3_6yPD2O2MHC1G7u9nZggwodIbMIrvSoRcB1Z-XvEFw9FgWopZuik4G6ZVNdV_TISBiU7xT/w640-h480/boswell.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><b>* ... MORE TULARE LAKE:</b> The story of Tulare Lake captured the attention of The New York Times, which put the sheer size of the lake in perspective: "The lake is essentially at 790-square-mile bathtub - the side of four Lake Tahoes - that dates back to the Ice Age. Mammoths once sipped at Tulare Lake's shores, and tule elk ranged in its marshlands."<br /><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div> <b>* ... THE BEAUTY OF WHERE WE LIVE: </b>More beauty to share of our valley from local photographers. Let's start with two shots out near the Taft prison by Pam Taylor, followed by another remarkable shot by Taylor of Mount Able. Then we have two pictures by JoJo Paredes Butingan (how about those wildflowers near Woody?), Gabby Osdale provides a lovely picture of the Kern River and Landon Peppel closes it out with a sunset over water.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbmTXlyblpVBM2_jRt_Rjiltpqk9AafgtsuyCV7lvqhO3Rmhe2btJ8Hpl3eOIxmZV94qK7b-qYTsIauSGe831UZs4dyL6nITAVIRt6BXYdUDfULNqg0Hb56DwDpHLaUOaAXhhcwk_buPM38Q8xVAQxKzm0TMPUjytvc0fQq5LmBtuJDDkYNvJzTFuU/s960/pamnew1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="876" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbmTXlyblpVBM2_jRt_Rjiltpqk9AafgtsuyCV7lvqhO3Rmhe2btJ8Hpl3eOIxmZV94qK7b-qYTsIauSGe831UZs4dyL6nITAVIRt6BXYdUDfULNqg0Hb56DwDpHLaUOaAXhhcwk_buPM38Q8xVAQxKzm0TMPUjytvc0fQq5LmBtuJDDkYNvJzTFuU/w584-h640/pamnew1.jpg" width="584" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgiZnUu5T5u8SlVaq8Cqe98OxTCRmLCm1dg6_EwE_r9G9zctR1_EhE_dZiIBSSlsz4vYGhXyQK_4r8nGLMn7qkQcae6104a6hvy4ZxRYYF1syM89booLA34yNxYeSCfHp2kXDfHNh8LxfC1BG_Mb_HnpWV3Foynd02p_fP2aWdFEbLNTdpsc0EqirY/s960/pamnew.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="579" data-original-width="960" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgiZnUu5T5u8SlVaq8Cqe98OxTCRmLCm1dg6_EwE_r9G9zctR1_EhE_dZiIBSSlsz4vYGhXyQK_4r8nGLMn7qkQcae6104a6hvy4ZxRYYF1syM89booLA34yNxYeSCfHp2kXDfHNh8LxfC1BG_Mb_HnpWV3Foynd02p_fP2aWdFEbLNTdpsc0EqirY/w640-h386/pamnew.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVp71aiKzdaaBbxB6J3LqQoUq0dnSNvRDL0GbffjDUhfxQhSV3J5s9Y7z-lvPb9vA10ygySjY6_PTFqcBUqpWTBJUPHs7pXnU17JAQM8skLl2RzUFpjuVcWwrcqzSxbg05c-vJl4cPc1iNbjAmpUuIepP99wnGP1ApvSAo0fn-idw1bM-1hw7DmxGd/s960/ablepam.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="561" data-original-width="960" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVp71aiKzdaaBbxB6J3LqQoUq0dnSNvRDL0GbffjDUhfxQhSV3J5s9Y7z-lvPb9vA10ygySjY6_PTFqcBUqpWTBJUPHs7pXnU17JAQM8skLl2RzUFpjuVcWwrcqzSxbg05c-vJl4cPc1iNbjAmpUuIepP99wnGP1ApvSAo0fn-idw1bM-1hw7DmxGd/w640-h374/ablepam.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj3qlsojFV9CbGiG1MrfrTLjookeV--bhcxdXwpdTZevluWCKsCoCLJ_B6yXrvBsBPbqO7sUZZO4Rnjs5_V_olwsnSvWPnZPxlpZR7LDDvigaWgRlv63N8B0TgiJRU1Ki1sAl4oDu7-htybalN5fD2a4YlzUoQlbapQTMC4TF0SQfbBlK4fXqIm5c3/s1600/break.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="819" data-original-width="1600" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj3qlsojFV9CbGiG1MrfrTLjookeV--bhcxdXwpdTZevluWCKsCoCLJ_B6yXrvBsBPbqO7sUZZO4Rnjs5_V_olwsnSvWPnZPxlpZR7LDDvigaWgRlv63N8B0TgiJRU1Ki1sAl4oDu7-htybalN5fD2a4YlzUoQlbapQTMC4TF0SQfbBlK4fXqIm5c3/w640-h328/break.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn7GBexKQh67EGdCPdDguTkMXq3Nf16Rhy1eOhPLK1aDqLnbsOK2Cm49IQGNbeDXBtaGJgyeB50ZHNCTysZAmCc1lIlrDGZXwMGkFjAxNY8SaEARDkQL8BqZqiOSRVtcD64YLu7QKJD6F6rEfh3-GrQbHcIliOpfdkRRWNRPkOKl2z7SsRNRDW1p_i/s1600/groundspill.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn7GBexKQh67EGdCPdDguTkMXq3Nf16Rhy1eOhPLK1aDqLnbsOK2Cm49IQGNbeDXBtaGJgyeB50ZHNCTysZAmCc1lIlrDGZXwMGkFjAxNY8SaEARDkQL8BqZqiOSRVtcD64YLu7QKJD6F6rEfh3-GrQbHcIliOpfdkRRWNRPkOKl2z7SsRNRDW1p_i/w640-h428/groundspill.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQEU7jegiLeOcGEgSD0quGCRyW5F3IzO3pJTBX-vQS2ovlCG-ngGKayC62xffZb5vzefyP2Grtvy9YdWEglWNFgcTPQ-rRKmlcvjUWj1Ehwavu4WHH5KmlKHGEusLspBFLx4smVH9f4BZV1ZrpIfww1RD81GeOohpC-GEvU4l67tx7zG7cRQN1jdWd/s1440/gabby.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQEU7jegiLeOcGEgSD0quGCRyW5F3IzO3pJTBX-vQS2ovlCG-ngGKayC62xffZb5vzefyP2Grtvy9YdWEglWNFgcTPQ-rRKmlcvjUWj1Ehwavu4WHH5KmlKHGEusLspBFLx4smVH9f4BZV1ZrpIfww1RD81GeOohpC-GEvU4l67tx7zG7cRQN1jdWd/w640-h640/gabby.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9jFZ_xjMhDzb2BLVpX0CSiz5uHDtODiYVgfz4kHw5K_CiMoIOasiIykkEYf8WGVjfbNPlTLDBOrO37l55yim90PXffS4HarrPibqm2ERUCchZkdqc0FBp3QLIDMpVeco9sdEZSfIoAuddl7xFZUBlgqt7dNJINZsRBr6we4PKKNABxaRhg8Yu-QsT/s1440/landon.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9jFZ_xjMhDzb2BLVpX0CSiz5uHDtODiYVgfz4kHw5K_CiMoIOasiIykkEYf8WGVjfbNPlTLDBOrO37l55yim90PXffS4HarrPibqm2ERUCchZkdqc0FBp3QLIDMpVeco9sdEZSfIoAuddl7xFZUBlgqt7dNJINZsRBr6we4PKKNABxaRhg8Yu-QsT/w640-h480/landon.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b> * ... RIP RICOCHET: </b>Did you hear Ricochet, the amazing surfing therapy dog from San Diego, died recently at the age of 15? That's the word from the Los Angeles Times who said the golden retriever had been diagnosed with liver cancer in August and passed away Friday. Said the Times: "Ricochet was raised to be a service dog, but the energetic pup was more fond of chasing birds than assisting with household chores...Throughout her life, the beloved dog touched the lives of kids with special needs, wounded service members and families of fallen veterans. Ricochet was known as an affectionate companion, a shameless belly-rub beggar and had an intuition for people who needed a cuddle."<b><i> (Los Angeles Times photo)</i></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZIsAGd-0tAUM59Eycqni_WvUyS9iR6VxjOfoFzjylFeRCpdChT29flSBCRwqKYuHT609rcmho-feGj7Ow8oNnNUpKZl-yAuq_c_03eLDs2bk81fuAyF9qCYN7_z59mNW9H4tscWzpVLt7Uut-iclSdds2nzu-W9hTpM7QTxqD2nDOK9TFQm9qtx6R/s1200/surfdog.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZIsAGd-0tAUM59Eycqni_WvUyS9iR6VxjOfoFzjylFeRCpdChT29flSBCRwqKYuHT609rcmho-feGj7Ow8oNnNUpKZl-yAuq_c_03eLDs2bk81fuAyF9qCYN7_z59mNW9H4tscWzpVLt7Uut-iclSdds2nzu-W9hTpM7QTxqD2nDOK9TFQm9qtx6R/w640-h426/surfdog.webp" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><b> * ... NEW FIREFIGHTERS: K</b>ern County graduated a new class of firefighters this week and they will be reporting to their respective stations almost immediately. Among the graduates was Colin Ames, son of Sam and Andrea Ames and shown here with his proud mother.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFVm1Bh8eM20uB8tbUm1uiP354N73aQz9prZnEG0K5ljUvFBqb3TwXaQ7dJBZRL1MExp-QoGByNYYV9XCD-CWBcewYZvPobGECLACRSZJ0hPYuPa3C5wV2jOdl-K9R4FEP2WKtIvcmMf4vDotRQGxM2mU2fLATZFyuQjUgwqrYGmoYO-TrjTuWzH5L/s1280/andreaames.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFVm1Bh8eM20uB8tbUm1uiP354N73aQz9prZnEG0K5ljUvFBqb3TwXaQ7dJBZRL1MExp-QoGByNYYV9XCD-CWBcewYZvPobGECLACRSZJ0hPYuPa3C5wV2jOdl-K9R4FEP2WKtIvcmMf4vDotRQGxM2mU2fLATZFyuQjUgwqrYGmoYO-TrjTuWzH5L/w480-h640/andreaames.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>* ... MEMORIES: </b>Take a look at this old postcard that shows where the old Sears store was on 19th Street near the Kress Building. Thanks to the folks over at Kern County History Fans for this one.</div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Rt0HaPGibwIizRBlPP1iYf9Vcz79GeM1ou-YbBbDbih470fL_m833v3vr-caenjoSfdIBlkQ-9aj49xFHoMTw4oqPtyxw3_GpA7GBKmvzQYv9q9SAtOUVQW4BHZdJpIjD2totHKNB6dk_KkEiPz5msmtAcZKWI54T6ApqImAuaF6XyG817aske8b/s1306/sears.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1306" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Rt0HaPGibwIizRBlPP1iYf9Vcz79GeM1ou-YbBbDbih470fL_m833v3vr-caenjoSfdIBlkQ-9aj49xFHoMTw4oqPtyxw3_GpA7GBKmvzQYv9q9SAtOUVQW4BHZdJpIjD2totHKNB6dk_KkEiPz5msmtAcZKWI54T6ApqImAuaF6XyG817aske8b/w530-h640/sears.jpg" width="530" /></a></div><br /><i><br /></i></b></div></div>Richard Beenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07060780209563484710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6931942690068259127.post-42037338316389250782023-03-29T10:19:00.001-07:002023-03-29T11:04:13.449-07:00A new poll finds Americans are less patriotic and religious and also are less likely to tolerate others, Stockdale High's uber successful debate team and will the ancient Tulare Lake be recreated by the rainstorms? <b><i>Welcome to Bakersfield Observed. Our mission is to celebrate life in Kern County by focusing on newsmakers and events and the local characters who make this community such a special place. The views expressed here are strictly my own and do not represent any other company or publication.</i></b><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b> * ... OUR CHANGING WORLD: </b>Sometimes it seems the world is in turmoil, and nothing reflects that better an annual University of Chicago and Wall Street Journal poll that takes the pulse of what is <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzt8Eh_HvusPqDIwmmQo1PVQ_r-aVmzTZS7dVLjCEgXr3_qG0hfYQtUmI_RyruKfowET2Za8m46XFC_snu75hCOMnc4zslSa5WihxCdUBHMVxaJFWKnopeeNm15IuH_goMgNBj-8Mp2dQPgPYM5W7_V-jKmU9yvC6McLLXzwlyUi5aqGrb7gE22GfT/s200/Bakobserved1.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="66" data-original-width="200" height="66" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzt8Eh_HvusPqDIwmmQo1PVQ_r-aVmzTZS7dVLjCEgXr3_qG0hfYQtUmI_RyruKfowET2Za8m46XFC_snu75hCOMnc4zslSa5WihxCdUBHMVxaJFWKnopeeNm15IuH_goMgNBj-8Mp2dQPgPYM5W7_V-jKmU9yvC6McLLXzwlyUi5aqGrb7gE22GfT/s1600/Bakobserved1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />important to Americans. And chances are you might not like what it found. First the bad news: patriotism, religious faith, having children and other bedrock priorities are no longer so important. Today, just 38 percent of the respondents said patriotism was really important to them and 39 percent said religious was equally important. In 1998 when the same survey was conducted, 70 percent said patriotism was important and 62 percent said religion was important. And here is another bad trend: "confidence in others" was deemed very important by 80 percent of the respondents two years ago and today, it has shrunk to just 58 percent.</div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><b>* ... BAKERSFIELD MARATHON: </b>Were you among the thousands that lined the streets to cheer on the Bakersfield Marathon, or were you among a cranky minority who got stuck in your homes when streets closed along the route? First the good news: the race was a huge success and the weather was cooperated, yet once again folks along the route complained about the lack of notice that their streets or neighborhoods would be closed. We have passed the time where the marathon should be a surprise and instead we should be cheering an event that shows off the best of our city. If it was a mess, it was a glorious mess.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8uZuMjYobQCrCT2z4elLaHTmPRrl2LsfWkt5W-oggTkVtwfmit0BzYQxfjrb4JBC-LpNH6VfmufhcuKrqAb5-aWb_oWCEXtQtGV6mrmC4_jFd1QpCyqUBhDTitSV49pii9iUNVDxJRZgySkFdc9fPCeZM-r_plWcLIgKjalQpUDiqpPiFsJ0OBf0k/s1280/run.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8uZuMjYobQCrCT2z4elLaHTmPRrl2LsfWkt5W-oggTkVtwfmit0BzYQxfjrb4JBC-LpNH6VfmufhcuKrqAb5-aWb_oWCEXtQtGV6mrmC4_jFd1QpCyqUBhDTitSV49pii9iUNVDxJRZgySkFdc9fPCeZM-r_plWcLIgKjalQpUDiqpPiFsJ0OBf0k/w640-h360/run.webp" width="640" /></a></div><div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><span style="font-weight: bold;"> * ... STOCKDALE DEBATE: </span><span>If you want to feel good about something look no farther than Stockdale High School and its phenomenally successful debate team, which recently won its 10th consecutive Central Valley speech and debate championship.<b><i> (photo courtesy of The Bakersfield Californian)</i></b></span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimlTo4C36esQKl1C80DxVurkWhpDWjrPUogQJ_w7dvWetdeIt5k8rneEQYAXXHcbSkGwKNAvhVx2YGenCCGT7NmjqsM36MCdCeH-W4LBqfyT9qs3LO5u6Ab2_jytl-zbh5CyypY3emF-TC7AbZbQU8kqqx5Tr_IUN-_TWO7X74SM4yjOVeUNpkw7DS/s1000/debate.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="522" data-original-width="1000" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimlTo4C36esQKl1C80DxVurkWhpDWjrPUogQJ_w7dvWetdeIt5k8rneEQYAXXHcbSkGwKNAvhVx2YGenCCGT7NmjqsM36MCdCeH-W4LBqfyT9qs3LO5u6Ab2_jytl-zbh5CyypY3emF-TC7AbZbQU8kqqx5Tr_IUN-_TWO7X74SM4yjOVeUNpkw7DS/w640-h334/debate.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><b style="font-style: italic;"><br /></b></div><div><b style="font-style: italic;"> </b><b>* ... TULARE LAKE: </b>All eyes are on the "resurgence" of Tulare Lake, the old lake bed that existed for thousands of years until the Kern River was damned and water diverted for agricultural uses. Here is a good explanation of the Tulare Lake and a couple of old pictures: "Then and Now, the Tulare Lake south of Kansas Avenue, Kings County, California. Then image taken in 1938. Now image taken earlier this week. I've always said that the Tulare Lake will return, it just needed Mother Nature to remind everyone who's in charge. The lake existed for tens of thousands of years as the drainage point for the Kings, Kaweah and Tule Rivers, along with numerous other creeks such as Cross, St. John's, Cameron, Deer and White. It's going to be an interesting year."</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMavaZGt-E0SJ3WcfKDzEjS5JFe9yJ-iA_UmpDwz4UpPg6IyY3Hyuxrav8-oZebv3ydqDv1J_4kHutyhdsfG9fc8jbXDkEI-CivU7CvdW1WWAlGR99B8HUZIBYb94GjrMr8egK4ViD_5GKKg8PcwFxy2NiNfoK733MxTteVdtxn3BZ-LwUcd_Ds7Mw/s1479/laketulare.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1479" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMavaZGt-E0SJ3WcfKDzEjS5JFe9yJ-iA_UmpDwz4UpPg6IyY3Hyuxrav8-oZebv3ydqDv1J_4kHutyhdsfG9fc8jbXDkEI-CivU7CvdW1WWAlGR99B8HUZIBYb94GjrMr8egK4ViD_5GKKg8PcwFxy2NiNfoK733MxTteVdtxn3BZ-LwUcd_Ds7Mw/w640-h416/laketulare.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3cuOUCW65Bc3lG-5BpbvcBPWVhRXoOw6g9OAJhyZESzPn3gcrha7NSZ8sXxnkQDdU3JkQJmqbgE6s1aC7SnIIq1H-g2kniNS-LZ8BQZWQyzInHE7Oj2eD_AZgXD0Ui14mOBXyvS3_iR3HY6Gf2laFHbHG8_7W4XSwcMM-UXoQWwqkv8Eq5UgYBiGv/s1280/tularelake3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3cuOUCW65Bc3lG-5BpbvcBPWVhRXoOw6g9OAJhyZESzPn3gcrha7NSZ8sXxnkQDdU3JkQJmqbgE6s1aC7SnIIq1H-g2kniNS-LZ8BQZWQyzInHE7Oj2eD_AZgXD0Ui14mOBXyvS3_iR3HY6Gf2laFHbHG8_7W4XSwcMM-UXoQWwqkv8Eq5UgYBiGv/w640-h480/tularelake3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b> * ... MOSQUITOES: W</b>ith all this rain we have had you can expect a huge mosquito season this year. Experts are warning this could be the worst mosquito season in years in Kern County.<br /><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b> * ... OUR WORLD</b>: Here are some more pictures taken by our citizen photographers about town. The first is by Jim Eggert, the second of a snow capped Mt. Able was shot by Pam Taylor, and the third another beautiful photo by JoJo Paredes Butingan. The picture of the snow on Interstate 80 is provided by the CHP.</div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlcylbjNnF513uPPo9O3GB1LrZXVR-ZKfSkc1AeSVTep9a9b_63gu8xS_nXfoGmdRcuOAHWQj2CPOtkydVfh7qUXsmjsMn8GF0PnsFjIH_GChdrS9PAnQimLZn250JtJwSNq6IVt6x9vIwdyXMmd3L91RhV0BbAEwK9ZLJFdZT-OcnFyufWBfufq-7/s2048/waterjim.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlcylbjNnF513uPPo9O3GB1LrZXVR-ZKfSkc1AeSVTep9a9b_63gu8xS_nXfoGmdRcuOAHWQj2CPOtkydVfh7qUXsmjsMn8GF0PnsFjIH_GChdrS9PAnQimLZn250JtJwSNq6IVt6x9vIwdyXMmd3L91RhV0BbAEwK9ZLJFdZT-OcnFyufWBfufq-7/w640-h480/waterjim.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR8DHmKvKLXUqMbucW4gOqe7pJ3QlUu6sOFS0H1zg0O0jXifjjFm3TppqFN-44qY5j1iLV6ratzvOXCWouHcSf3uHUE8F_06-DWzasePBZKyrGvSa3KjGXej4zAXwMnLFwqOAYrZ0lXT90dzUve4ZykQjAwXY_cVlpV4IgjwZmKzC3yGEXHCFAl0PP/s960/water1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="627" data-original-width="960" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR8DHmKvKLXUqMbucW4gOqe7pJ3QlUu6sOFS0H1zg0O0jXifjjFm3TppqFN-44qY5j1iLV6ratzvOXCWouHcSf3uHUE8F_06-DWzasePBZKyrGvSa3KjGXej4zAXwMnLFwqOAYrZ0lXT90dzUve4ZykQjAwXY_cVlpV4IgjwZmKzC3yGEXHCFAl0PP/w640-h418/water1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZIUx6SefWnMni6IwMiQloYbiZqTlb-nzaW1p9hi58zxkNcToEGEObGjlqs-19QvFq7HcYNeHrC4xs-az-r7yeN9iHOUt5O8YY4hHKGf_IbyXEemH_PnFKGWcA_rpxRAtbxIxQg-xjlykwdsEWNFKfjJiEOzQuwZWOg_Zaj4mavBOA3njbzT4tnX4k/s1600/jojoinfinite.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZIUx6SefWnMni6IwMiQloYbiZqTlb-nzaW1p9hi58zxkNcToEGEObGjlqs-19QvFq7HcYNeHrC4xs-az-r7yeN9iHOUt5O8YY4hHKGf_IbyXEemH_PnFKGWcA_rpxRAtbxIxQg-xjlykwdsEWNFKfjJiEOzQuwZWOg_Zaj4mavBOA3njbzT4tnX4k/w640-h428/jojoinfinite.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju3pVz8UPvAFEHTmULeZXZt3xux4h0sjoWfc_OhHAbul8BltVmuN6uHXemkwNAgux_jbn_q1mUATuEUWILfD-FfE7voqH4NfpBN79En3P56rzsJxFUX-swGSx6tfzv5BYwvQs0f6k-ikCudPv-4uhpIWBW3KMpQYVxrtD07u8QObYXCN_RHITSUVzl/s1440/80interstate.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju3pVz8UPvAFEHTmULeZXZt3xux4h0sjoWfc_OhHAbul8BltVmuN6uHXemkwNAgux_jbn_q1mUATuEUWILfD-FfE7voqH4NfpBN79En3P56rzsJxFUX-swGSx6tfzv5BYwvQs0f6k-ikCudPv-4uhpIWBW3KMpQYVxrtD07u8QObYXCN_RHITSUVzl/w480-h640/80interstate.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><b><br /></b></div><div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b> * ... MEMORIES: </b>John Kelley is a local historian who regularly shares his rich collection of photos and knowledge of our area. Here, John shares three pictures of an old 76 gas station that once stood mid way up the Grapevine headed south toward Los Angeles. Enjoy these amazing pictures.</div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8V4piNz4Qf0baWEP7pLytueZgNTw5snsNuKifdHpyNqyJRIENiJoYS28e8RWrpJB6lwIQuO-0037Z3JhuTP9mYrLXeYZ1umwNsNgmJ84yBk10fGEK1cVSHBXislA9IIWMjCa6_W8_ZZrKE6lmpPyn0wxaEvv4zyQwR2sS5v2VF8mjMQPsSAA7w257/s960/grapevine2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="594" data-original-width="960" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8V4piNz4Qf0baWEP7pLytueZgNTw5snsNuKifdHpyNqyJRIENiJoYS28e8RWrpJB6lwIQuO-0037Z3JhuTP9mYrLXeYZ1umwNsNgmJ84yBk10fGEK1cVSHBXislA9IIWMjCa6_W8_ZZrKE6lmpPyn0wxaEvv4zyQwR2sS5v2VF8mjMQPsSAA7w257/w640-h396/grapevine2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSck6V01MrmiOJSzquVfUcWExjzc_PFS3xv785NVKcE82IrOYYDeZ1hmcmZaFVug6xH0Z_IpwaWWd-ZwJB0Ld0i9xsik4R9qZ7rLuAdyfgspW1eept7N1xrL8pG6V_RV90aLitMhzIvjKn_W9GPt9E6h2-rZOhmAzEdqQEJiJZq_seXeaF4IJYPpXn/s960/1930s.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="571" data-original-width="960" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSck6V01MrmiOJSzquVfUcWExjzc_PFS3xv785NVKcE82IrOYYDeZ1hmcmZaFVug6xH0Z_IpwaWWd-ZwJB0Ld0i9xsik4R9qZ7rLuAdyfgspW1eept7N1xrL8pG6V_RV90aLitMhzIvjKn_W9GPt9E6h2-rZOhmAzEdqQEJiJZq_seXeaF4IJYPpXn/w640-h380/1930s.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6hlJSgDB6LVDdUWU8bd3GpI3jikuVAlqXxuFH4dOcNJYwCFp-zPUmq3FhtPfMCzSag1HvY7xaGF1xCRO1FIMbkwjzlti1Lo_bLXIhbxhm-13h2X9aBZHwvT6-sDaS7tSJH6qPy3LA2WWrjmOCn-LywNM6f7sVE-088FiSfoqaLXSt3eY-qhRkk7K/s733/grapevine3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="478" data-original-width="733" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6hlJSgDB6LVDdUWU8bd3GpI3jikuVAlqXxuFH4dOcNJYwCFp-zPUmq3FhtPfMCzSag1HvY7xaGF1xCRO1FIMbkwjzlti1Lo_bLXIhbxhm-13h2X9aBZHwvT6-sDaS7tSJH6qPy3LA2WWrjmOCn-LywNM6f7sVE-088FiSfoqaLXSt3eY-qhRkk7K/w640-h418/grapevine3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><i><br /></i></b></div></div></div></div></div>Richard Beenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07060780209563484710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6931942690068259127.post-14421990516882870532023-03-22T15:37:00.000-07:002023-03-22T15:37:14.779-07:00The diminutive French Bulldog is now top dog in America, weather caster Alissa Carlson has a scary fall and we celebrate all of our citizens photographers with some awesome pictures of our green valley <b><i>Welcome to Bakersfield Observed. Our mission is to celebrate life in Kern County by focusing on newsmakers and events and the local characters who make this community such a special place. The views expressed here are strictly my own and do not represent any other company or publication.</i></b><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b> * ... ALISSA CARLSON: </b>By now almost everyone has seen the scary tape of TV weather anchor Alissa Carlson fainting at her desk. Carlson is a former KGET employee who had a long and favorable run in <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgECt832ka20aqiF8d9SRhQOEjVMNSZy5rlkdCPW5vFJishSktDnE12YScS6ADfL93dak9Qcn7wVlw0pp_hBD7eaAxfMAlxJxtoJWzO_ApPAS5Ilfp9JcZaLOeersKfq4BmC2k7hZ5J2ToGK7ne5FWg9KpluoMopcVXeu8ZtrQvzkpyH4Ewj6jx8BG5/s200/Bakobserved1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="66" data-original-width="200" height="66" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgECt832ka20aqiF8d9SRhQOEjVMNSZy5rlkdCPW5vFJishSktDnE12YScS6ADfL93dak9Qcn7wVlw0pp_hBD7eaAxfMAlxJxtoJWzO_ApPAS5Ilfp9JcZaLOeersKfq4BmC2k7hZ5J2ToGK7ne5FWg9KpluoMopcVXeu8ZtrQvzkpyH4Ewj6jx8BG5/s1600/Bakobserved1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />Bakersfield and recently left to work at KCAL in Los Angeles. Last week, while live, Carlson's eyes rolled up in her head and she fainted. Carlson assures us everything is fine, but the video was difficult to watch.</div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb2MXCPwFfsh92R_G0iMm6_newjhtma-Ui2a4_A3TBrLsJpJhxegfgBhB4oOPBXzKLYEiavy8FstBjaKuyood0UsBpehynlhGeBkI6xS7wB4vArXs_L88r82eoZYnMWgXcPkzmA1R9Z0_xFCnFQ6-j4PQSZrhpQxdoDH1fJy2-gkyX6E5zX6m8gD80/s4032/IMG_0419.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb2MXCPwFfsh92R_G0iMm6_newjhtma-Ui2a4_A3TBrLsJpJhxegfgBhB4oOPBXzKLYEiavy8FstBjaKuyood0UsBpehynlhGeBkI6xS7wB4vArXs_L88r82eoZYnMWgXcPkzmA1R9Z0_xFCnFQ6-j4PQSZrhpQxdoDH1fJy2-gkyX6E5zX6m8gD80/w480-h640/IMG_0419.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyiGF3_do_7PCLBciGr3PcGg-Cg-9000KcTgzFDE8x9gT74M2PLmqufCudpYaXJMdik7Oglo24yDC815gboYb9rOroMErhgpyjrJFL1X4U9gsMnQ7XYDWcNkJ-QQpWTbnxt-XI_YPy2MfVnu8bBMYYG0Rrrsg71dWNYl10e_QS45tiyiJLrjl75k-o/s4032/IMG_0420.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyiGF3_do_7PCLBciGr3PcGg-Cg-9000KcTgzFDE8x9gT74M2PLmqufCudpYaXJMdik7Oglo24yDC815gboYb9rOroMErhgpyjrJFL1X4U9gsMnQ7XYDWcNkJ-QQpWTbnxt-XI_YPy2MfVnu8bBMYYG0Rrrsg71dWNYl10e_QS45tiyiJLrjl75k-o/w300-h400/IMG_0420.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /></b><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>* ... NATURE'S WORK: T</b>he intense rain storms that have blanketed California have made for some spectacular moments for citizen photographers. The first was taken by Brandon Taggart in Kernville, the second by Pam Taylor out near Taft and the third and fourth by Jojo Paredes Butingan. Finally, John Kelley treats us to some wildflowers he captured off Highway 46 with the last two pictures.<br /><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2mEKla_mj5x4JGTFZWpPPz67motV3pY1ufgv6MpLnFQNysIo4-n8f6NEWSNbk8Kt7haEDO9KZokI0dEF6_lhdWwfn2U_0FxUB-oTvp88WAURhfsygQOenXKtEDraoZhvogS5gSnteBHnFXF5WnGZgexzgBxwC7mU1jXHgpukBHlRId5awOykLw4ZU/s6742/BTwow.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3335" data-original-width="6742" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2mEKla_mj5x4JGTFZWpPPz67motV3pY1ufgv6MpLnFQNysIo4-n8f6NEWSNbk8Kt7haEDO9KZokI0dEF6_lhdWwfn2U_0FxUB-oTvp88WAURhfsygQOenXKtEDraoZhvogS5gSnteBHnFXF5WnGZgexzgBxwC7mU1jXHgpukBHlRId5awOykLw4ZU/w640-h316/BTwow.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHf7gHlMuBU8T-DHDQWT6iEI9F3BkYiOeey50zflNhqvD2s4zrRewv24dJ337xc4n6MaF51hm2UTg0ttsrY4cDpgXwEWTC-iYSzRknZxYaYMrNOHJbALioxQ6UYxlChFRjus8EALcCQprT4M26t2c90xEa5mieYIB8yhyegiItbPqQJI1eIE8CcX3I/s960/WWpam1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHf7gHlMuBU8T-DHDQWT6iEI9F3BkYiOeey50zflNhqvD2s4zrRewv24dJ337xc4n6MaF51hm2UTg0ttsrY4cDpgXwEWTC-iYSzRknZxYaYMrNOHJbALioxQ6UYxlChFRjus8EALcCQprT4M26t2c90xEa5mieYIB8yhyegiItbPqQJI1eIE8CcX3I/w640-h480/WWpam1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjOn5gDpVK2--BKDy6Rx46TCXIa5HEkzX0YijzKqvrgqogY9m2TudwUcivzeBsJG9KSfTln9uGn30gZTYWWqyfQWx6seHOfJyASPDnLu5fTFCzP2k0IwRsepxHhoe1q2F1E-Amep_aLGiUGWzsHdXGrAaYGsAT8W34DdJq-JVABa28SzUspomDKSv9/s1600/JOJO1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjOn5gDpVK2--BKDy6Rx46TCXIa5HEkzX0YijzKqvrgqogY9m2TudwUcivzeBsJG9KSfTln9uGn30gZTYWWqyfQWx6seHOfJyASPDnLu5fTFCzP2k0IwRsepxHhoe1q2F1E-Amep_aLGiUGWzsHdXGrAaYGsAT8W34DdJq-JVABa28SzUspomDKSv9/w640-h428/JOJO1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnQWiEdTXl5VQ2pMHWICas9C2vFWNsf9FJ7G8r86unH4C9GEMzwqv3rUVBfiDu8zWmCnYZnqWEnyIQeUU-MbWkpDPNOhF3yQNSNNqpyJD9_GQP7JU1Lkwz37nNXl8wkuTSxc7rE1UdUONylXYMJg0WcJxh6XOBWZwniLAozZ_wGe5JyrSPqxFdO1cP/s1600/JOJO2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1600" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnQWiEdTXl5VQ2pMHWICas9C2vFWNsf9FJ7G8r86unH4C9GEMzwqv3rUVBfiDu8zWmCnYZnqWEnyIQeUU-MbWkpDPNOhF3yQNSNNqpyJD9_GQP7JU1Lkwz37nNXl8wkuTSxc7rE1UdUONylXYMJg0WcJxh6XOBWZwniLAozZ_wGe5JyrSPqxFdO1cP/w640-h512/JOJO2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPJJLfvRxxRBQUbKAyDfaGPUARZk_qZ-0daR7o3hjCSSNMtTtfR1rypOZvUlz3ImZHDSM6dDwcDyoyL4sbikgw6F053uhvrYs40kJHmgS-1RGQC1MI-8Uw8856E3TKqj16kaMCGeq24lO1Tzl_eXHPRL8NdlRVxJFVAiqIF6r11s-d9RjXCGho6pR9/s2048/johnkelley1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPJJLfvRxxRBQUbKAyDfaGPUARZk_qZ-0daR7o3hjCSSNMtTtfR1rypOZvUlz3ImZHDSM6dDwcDyoyL4sbikgw6F053uhvrYs40kJHmgS-1RGQC1MI-8Uw8856E3TKqj16kaMCGeq24lO1Tzl_eXHPRL8NdlRVxJFVAiqIF6r11s-d9RjXCGho6pR9/w640-h426/johnkelley1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxkO_O4yo1kMCIr9OzN6tAu3FtKOmJhRZjoJhdGKYtuhlWo7PQDYBXsL17W5oATcf8_oNjX-7Uct4K-pq17A5LNYimm2zmTeTADVulLFb1TTQWJPHKJm-z8a1GalTHzZ4An-0bGQS8OAA_9AbRvrIagnXRTykGzjwDRddlDG3-Ze9dft0U42Fdp9jT/s2048/johnkelley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxkO_O4yo1kMCIr9OzN6tAu3FtKOmJhRZjoJhdGKYtuhlWo7PQDYBXsL17W5oATcf8_oNjX-7Uct4K-pq17A5LNYimm2zmTeTADVulLFb1TTQWJPHKJm-z8a1GalTHzZ4An-0bGQS8OAA_9AbRvrIagnXRTykGzjwDRddlDG3-Ze9dft0U42Fdp9jT/w640-h426/johnkelley.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b> * ... FRENCH BULLDOG: </b> For years the regal and lovable Labrador Retriever has held the top spot in the hearts of America's dog lovers. But now there is a new top dog in town, the diminutive French Bulldog. The new most popular dog was crowned this year when the American Kennel Club reported that the French Bulldog and moved into top spot among dog lovers. The French Bulldog has been steadily climbing the AKC’s rankings over the last decades, hitting No. 14 in 2012. In 2021, the breed held the No. 2 spot, behind the popular labs but ahead of Golden Retrievers.</div><div><div style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigUnOfc2BfSTap1AAslIJAHW2l5u1fwaW8gcItb1AvpmsKPcimKoeM8nENl_9FIKc9XY0wLysTV_1tRF6_MxW9IpQNYz2oDROiAdBPm36pRzci-XMonzkTchIu2_8rDayMzyA5PzsT-tFUDlupLTPVze9-pYJxuypv8aREOce2lCBmS6qpt3mWVE03/s1600/bulldog.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1076" data-original-width="1600" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigUnOfc2BfSTap1AAslIJAHW2l5u1fwaW8gcItb1AvpmsKPcimKoeM8nENl_9FIKc9XY0wLysTV_1tRF6_MxW9IpQNYz2oDROiAdBPm36pRzci-XMonzkTchIu2_8rDayMzyA5PzsT-tFUDlupLTPVze9-pYJxuypv8aREOce2lCBmS6qpt3mWVE03/w640-h430/bulldog.webp" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><b><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>* ... TULARE LAKE: </b>In the aftermath of the string of rainstorms there is a lot of discussion about the old Tulare Lake bed, which was home to wildlife and native Americans years before the west was settled and the water damned and claimed by agriculture. Thanks to my friend Sylvia Cattani I am attached this explanation of the old lake, and how the record precipitation may be bringing it back.</div><div> "A lot of the younger generation have no idea that the area west of Corcoran was once Tulare Lake, the largest fresh water lake west of the Great Lakes. It would be filled by the Kern, Kaweah and Tule rivers. The last 2 times it flooded enough to see Tulare Lake was 1983 and 1997. Going further back, The Tachi tribe, or Tachi Yokuts, once thrived with a population of 70,000 living on the banks of Tulare Lake, prior to the American and Spanish colonist settling. In 1849 the lake was 570 square miles and 690 square miles in 1879. There was a huge market for fish from the lake that would ship through Hanford to the Bay Area. Settlers started settling and started diverting the water for Ag and Municipal uses. The lake was nearly dry by 1900. In 1938, heavy rains flooded the San Joaquin Valley causing the levee to break near Corcoran and flood 28,000 acres of farm land. With this incident and a repeat flood in 1955, it prompted the construction of the Terminus Dam on the Kaweah River forming Lake Kaweah, and Success Dam on the Tule River forming Lake Success. A lot of the water was diverted for multiple reasons including a large amount being diverted to the Los Angeles area. Bottom line, so much water was diverted that Tulare Lake, the once bustling eco system with elk, deer, antelope, marine life and countless other resources, disappeared over time. Who knows, we may get a peak at Tulare Lake again."</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwgGjBLM5szuqaP_9A4VPjMcCaIlN0R9d-Gp3wiIBgpslXoLY_HpBriQ8QSxkERHJIt6rlij7LLkczRjNLiMLzxUGFrU5-WZpIsfLR2K4V33uEMVBmr7kNiwF0uytVneTP6C15CIN_eg_-hnYm5Sd5ThAuQxojamWJzXaliF3gmbse1Qf2o2TY-i40/s960/tularelake.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="820" data-original-width="960" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwgGjBLM5szuqaP_9A4VPjMcCaIlN0R9d-Gp3wiIBgpslXoLY_HpBriQ8QSxkERHJIt6rlij7LLkczRjNLiMLzxUGFrU5-WZpIsfLR2K4V33uEMVBmr7kNiwF0uytVneTP6C15CIN_eg_-hnYm5Sd5ThAuQxojamWJzXaliF3gmbse1Qf2o2TY-i40/w400-h341/tularelake.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b> * ... MEMORIES: </b>Who remembers the Union Avenue plunge? Enjoy this old photo thanks to the Kern County History Fans Facebook page.</div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE2CzLbPd7Do-ZSitFisxvwnIhd_JR9dwrm2YkbpBDQwaKovTbKNQoTs6G8KRPZDcTyBNAUQBquveWhTDfQMnE0h7H-nPvfKMSuKc6hLXiJETMux2dLCyMGdUTkFKHSdh46SilN1it5aRSzyRG-hs9MFsvyC6inRq-4g3xAXtIW-Vdm04F7-F63sXc/s1137/plunges,jpg.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="746" data-original-width="1137" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE2CzLbPd7Do-ZSitFisxvwnIhd_JR9dwrm2YkbpBDQwaKovTbKNQoTs6G8KRPZDcTyBNAUQBquveWhTDfQMnE0h7H-nPvfKMSuKc6hLXiJETMux2dLCyMGdUTkFKHSdh46SilN1it5aRSzyRG-hs9MFsvyC6inRq-4g3xAXtIW-Vdm04F7-F63sXc/w640-h420/plunges,jpg.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <b>* ... OILFIELDS: An</b>d finally we have this undated aerial view of the Sunset oilfield around 1910, courtesy of the Kern County of Old.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwTSKdMvRoBB4xl693P6n9LU7pvmUBtHylInYb55d9HkXBgMqeicxWJM9GQCSKplijoWqG_EOXSETl78tezFT_vAWUDT-PtRLcrCw8dZcCSGouN6vyEWA4o02TsK5guHqirjpnKdtMIPwD1QsABCPpWL8ZIKxM9jvTHlImrEjf4wzTuhZgC5ffDB7N/s960/oilfields.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="686" data-original-width="960" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwTSKdMvRoBB4xl693P6n9LU7pvmUBtHylInYb55d9HkXBgMqeicxWJM9GQCSKplijoWqG_EOXSETl78tezFT_vAWUDT-PtRLcrCw8dZcCSGouN6vyEWA4o02TsK5guHqirjpnKdtMIPwD1QsABCPpWL8ZIKxM9jvTHlImrEjf4wzTuhZgC5ffDB7N/w640-h458/oilfields.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /></div></div></div></div></div>Richard Beenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07060780209563484710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6931942690068259127.post-11173352809542780652023-03-16T08:56:00.003-07:002023-03-16T13:09:34.345-07:00Water level at Lake Isabella rises amid predictions we will have water in the river through the summer, a former priest has a bad day in court and Bakersfield loses two prominent businessmen and notables <b><i>Welcome to Bakersfield Observed. Our mission is to celebrate life in Kern County by focusing on newsmakers and events and the local characters who make this community such a special place. The views expressed here are strictly my own and do not represent any other company or publication.</i></b><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div> <b>* ... LAKE ISABELLA: </b>All this rain is finally having a positive impact on filling some of the states reservoirs, which were drained dangerously low during the long drought. Closer to home the rains almost doubled the amount of water stored at Lake Isabella, going from a low of about 135,000 acre feet to <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9oAOr_FtBFXoxa5gBR6qvOKPyADc7wyLhFYNF3QfwUjXC4vjFAdnXo3U7sEn7maU9NbKh3GbAuBjrMhL8lg98rFvX9897RG-tNVXa-mLv2SKa4mM6MuGTyztvq6Wyw5Q-J9CWb7sgSCSGLpjnMxP75ZznxzGqoUhfL1WLAs22GY2HOUNeEPngBveZ/s200/Bakobserved1.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="66" data-original-width="200" height="66" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9oAOr_FtBFXoxa5gBR6qvOKPyADc7wyLhFYNF3QfwUjXC4vjFAdnXo3U7sEn7maU9NbKh3GbAuBjrMhL8lg98rFvX9897RG-tNVXa-mLv2SKa4mM6MuGTyztvq6Wyw5Q-J9CWb7sgSCSGLpjnMxP75ZznxzGqoUhfL1WLAs22GY2HOUNeEPngBveZ/s1600/Bakobserved1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />around 265,000 acre feet now. Mark Mulkay, Kern Water Master, told KGET it was "a once-in-a-generation event that’s going to happen this year. There’s going to be a lot of water in the river all year long.” Mulkay said. Depending on the depth of the water in the river, that means we could be seeing a lot of kayaking, canoeing and swimming this summer along the Kern River through town.<b><i> (file photo of Lake Isabella)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1hBdJNs2FSXeFy7g6KZd5AUJanZ0xFSYCnYBm5rsSCVOFVo2kZLkbPgOZCYEGzNjmEDT3eUkp-ZO6--F1AvWEOO2U25AXRUBmxtqd0_XvdNSDmLkhHQLLeYNX4eUVSbKmWpjMiyO0FjoQWQ-eZCxhmla3t6Ire9dYeO5RJXNkdIn-3rmNXgul4T-1/s480/lake.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="480" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1hBdJNs2FSXeFy7g6KZd5AUJanZ0xFSYCnYBm5rsSCVOFVo2kZLkbPgOZCYEGzNjmEDT3eUkp-ZO6--F1AvWEOO2U25AXRUBmxtqd0_XvdNSDmLkhHQLLeYNX4eUVSbKmWpjMiyO0FjoQWQ-eZCxhmla3t6Ire9dYeO5RJXNkdIn-3rmNXgul4T-1/w640-h426/lake.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>* ... GOOD NEWS? Is</b> there finally some good news for our beleaguered downtown? Did the powers at be finally listen to the people and businesses who have been crying for help for years? Hopefully that answer is a firm yes now that the City Council has authorized city staff to place bids on 13 different properties that are deemed eyesores, and potential fire hazards. This is a terrific start and it deserves our applause, but we should all be aware that the city may need to pony up yet more money to buy and refurbish these old properties. It's a start in the right direction.</div><div> </div><div><b> * ... CRAIG HARRISON COURT LOSS: It</b> has been a bad - and expensive - week for Craig Harrison following yet another loss in court, the latest setback for the embattled former monsignor who is fighting allegations he spent part of his career as a repeated abuser. Harrison and his civil defense team, led by local attorney Craig Edmonston, have been ordered to pay $219,800 in attorney costs after their defamation lawsuit against Stephen Brady was tossed out of court. Brady was among a handful of people that Harrison sued for defamation, and so far his defense team has struck out in court, racking up hundreds of thousands of dollars in fees without a single win show for their efforts. In addition to the lawsuit against Brady, Harrison's defamation lawsuit against former monk Ryan Gilligan was also thrown out of court. If Harrison is ordered to pay those attorney fees as well, he could be on the hook for almost a half million dollars in fees. And all this before Harrison even steps foot in trial to defend two civil lawsuits from men who claim to have been abused by the former priest. Those cases, and thousands of dollars in attorney fees, are making their way through the courts. Edmonston told KGET it is unlikely Harrison can pay the fees. “He spent his entire life in the church, and he was compensated slightly above subsistence,” the attorney said. While that may be true, Harrison's lifestyle has been anything but subsistence level. He lives in a downtown home valued at more than $700,000 (owned by supporters) routinely posts pictures of himself on an oceanview property on the central coast and often takes long excursions to Italy with friends. Stay tuned to see how all that plays out in court. <b><i>(file photos of Harrison and Craig Edmonston)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfkWeC4fiD_lwi60Amzc8kSGiBrHKA1mA16hri7W7zeFNbtk0l1DyF_j7XrcPnd1j_KCMSIfPfDhNNlPyCGRtZBZGqMnERCAjvY6jdBN-Wdf6-ArVEXauir8aUTiZm_8OGRq257CJmwRuvrX-W6hshAdqDKQvaXjoqDx0Q0Rd9Ub52B785Aya62Mwr/s1280/guilty.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfkWeC4fiD_lwi60Amzc8kSGiBrHKA1mA16hri7W7zeFNbtk0l1DyF_j7XrcPnd1j_KCMSIfPfDhNNlPyCGRtZBZGqMnERCAjvY6jdBN-Wdf6-ArVEXauir8aUTiZm_8OGRq257CJmwRuvrX-W6hshAdqDKQvaXjoqDx0Q0Rd9Ub52B785Aya62Mwr/w640-h360/guilty.webp" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7z4rYrvm_zWHLCNTHqsX_V0HOSKGfqakywd9LtcHLf6WAzHzxmqSc_EbXhUDRpP53vtEIlJEtHxnVaz52SfusaO2hh1PzjkzUVnEv2FC6YlO94MFFlwrSLsUfBcX5D59HkaZH03Sr9GBdSCDl5iz8U73jS7Z8lVgz4clZZCGoXXoY7tyUSOHJaRuF/s255/craigedmon.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="255" data-original-width="198" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7z4rYrvm_zWHLCNTHqsX_V0HOSKGfqakywd9LtcHLf6WAzHzxmqSc_EbXhUDRpP53vtEIlJEtHxnVaz52SfusaO2hh1PzjkzUVnEv2FC6YlO94MFFlwrSLsUfBcX5D59HkaZH03Sr9GBdSCDl5iz8U73jS7Z8lVgz4clZZCGoXXoY7tyUSOHJaRuF/w311-h400/craigedmon.jpg" width="311" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b> * ... REST IN PEACE: </b>Our community has lost some good people lately, business men and women and community members whose individual sweat and toil helped make Bakersfield a better place. Some of these names may not be familiar, but each deserves a recognition for being part of the fabric of a community we call home.</div><div><br /></div><div> <b>HENRY MARTIN "MARTY" MAYFOHRT Jr.: </b>Marty Mayfohrt lost his battle with cancer on March 10 after spending a lifetime raising his family and working in the San Joaquin Valley. He was a graduate of West High and CSUB and worked as an accountant with Lou Barbich and Geoff King before he got "the car bug" and became general manager of Bill Wright Toyota and later Family Motors. In 2000 Marty realized a lifelong dream and purchased the Madera Auto Center and moved to Clovis where he lived with his wife, Lela, and daughters Lauren and Michelle. A proud graduate of CSUB, Marty was a member of the downtown Rotary Club, Seven Oaks Country Club and other civic organizations. He was 68. Marty is shown here with his wife, Lela.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu8uZxb4qiSivkIUyI1n6ltu4IsUsVfO7WvGkx5NQswkGHv9TA8dEDdhffTWZRVfIDHtvoCp8CpB7vKqce6j2JExXUQdUbqKu1NlM8AI1IemDhVLExmjpCxaYAh8AOG_SKgw-FsMUpvmwQifGG6j9VVxfUn7OJKPis_2OjNyDmGaFnNUKGX4FDKtIj/s573/mayforhts.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="380" data-original-width="573" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu8uZxb4qiSivkIUyI1n6ltu4IsUsVfO7WvGkx5NQswkGHv9TA8dEDdhffTWZRVfIDHtvoCp8CpB7vKqce6j2JExXUQdUbqKu1NlM8AI1IemDhVLExmjpCxaYAh8AOG_SKgw-FsMUpvmwQifGG6j9VVxfUn7OJKPis_2OjNyDmGaFnNUKGX4FDKtIj/w400-h265/mayforhts.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div> <b>JOHN BROCK JR.</b> A descendant of the family that ran the famous Brock's Department store, John Brock Jr. was a lifelong resident of Bakersfield and a prominent member of the business community. After his family sold the department store Brock joined Gregory Bynum and Associates in 1988 where he was integral in hundreds of developments around down. John graduated with a BA degree from Stanford and a Master's degree in business administration from the University of Southern California. A true gentleman with a soft touch and dry wit, John is shown with his wife, Ginette. John was 75 years ago.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmUgz7D2iOqqBiXHfYkW1JgEGfNHRFzV9WEmeBRl2MvGS91JJffBHa8L0O_BqRmgcuaQPQ7PHaBuCai-GOp0XttWsJt9GC28mgqPSAiAib5n6JJQ1J4ANqkj9d-6YQXyo_aNv2h2uGeLlNQQ35e2wRWJtYBB7oym0g0c3pXP66BfQHkG-tT9x52NtV/s1440/brocks.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1075" data-original-width="1440" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmUgz7D2iOqqBiXHfYkW1JgEGfNHRFzV9WEmeBRl2MvGS91JJffBHa8L0O_BqRmgcuaQPQ7PHaBuCai-GOp0XttWsJt9GC28mgqPSAiAib5n6JJQ1J4ANqkj9d-6YQXyo_aNv2h2uGeLlNQQ35e2wRWJtYBB7oym0g0c3pXP66BfQHkG-tT9x52NtV/w400-h299/brocks.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b> * ... MEMORIES: </b>From the archives of the Kern County History Fans' page on Facebook comes this look at Guarantee Shoe Center over the years.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBfrHvmVCEst3ITvYHG-Qs54FRvDIsioZeCBsvKWCmAYyiL5c-odEwTPSrmu3L8JzsdrydUoahxPyHqSVaiUsTktRLhi_kDbfIZ5cO-ZX1sD0VaNp-jZ8Lygq_HkONcPPF2Pc7z2uWWI4h-gQ_Wj5w_cjnEpzvlIYquee4zUf4EPyWNJ0bBlCfEsJZ/s1323/shoefans.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1323" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBfrHvmVCEst3ITvYHG-Qs54FRvDIsioZeCBsvKWCmAYyiL5c-odEwTPSrmu3L8JzsdrydUoahxPyHqSVaiUsTktRLhi_kDbfIZ5cO-ZX1sD0VaNp-jZ8Lygq_HkONcPPF2Pc7z2uWWI4h-gQ_Wj5w_cjnEpzvlIYquee4zUf4EPyWNJ0bBlCfEsJZ/w522-h640/shoefans.jpg" width="522" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /></div></div></div>Richard Beenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07060780209563484710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6931942690068259127.post-106610665450782352023-03-10T13:41:00.001-08:002023-03-10T13:42:29.646-08:00Former Bakersfield priest Craig Harrison, accused of sexual misdeeds, is ordered to pay $219,000 in attorney fees to a critic who was investigating the sexual abuse allegations against him; it is Harrison's latest loss in courtW<b><i>elcome to Bakersfield Observed. Our mission is to celebrate life in Kern County by focusing on newsmakers and events and the local characters who make this community such a special place. The views expressed here are strictly my own and do not represent any other company or publication.</i></b><br /><div><br /></div><div> A Kern County Superior Court judge has ruled that accused sexual molester Craig Harrison must pay $219,000 in legal fees to a man who criticized Harrison and was promptly sued for libel by Harrison and his team of attorneys.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFKd4MSlTAtBZnM4rpYvnKrDZmPJ75Qg_g9yQkZgk4-k_YVzNfQ6TftjBr_HFtVWetBuPqhoZZ-qS8au9xNXl1elkjtePvwLGcyirj1wS1vR-1FWtLWCoOWAmEyeLJstMHQu_r0JLNwyyMSuYcm95QFRVqeRcJOoqalrH5RmKSHXzkjbCHy4-LNqJy/s200/Bakobserved1.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="66" data-original-width="200" height="66" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFKd4MSlTAtBZnM4rpYvnKrDZmPJ75Qg_g9yQkZgk4-k_YVzNfQ6TftjBr_HFtVWetBuPqhoZZ-qS8au9xNXl1elkjtePvwLGcyirj1wS1vR-1FWtLWCoOWAmEyeLJstMHQu_r0JLNwyyMSuYcm95QFRVqeRcJOoqalrH5RmKSHXzkjbCHy4-LNqJy/s1600/Bakobserved1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /></div><div> The ruling by Judge Eric Bradshaw was handed down last week and made public by The Church Militant, a national organization that is devoted to outing sexual predators in the Catholic clergy. The ruling came in the case of Stephen Brady, who runs the organization The Roman Catholic Faithful, which helps track and report on priests accused of wrongdoing.</div><div> In the ruling, the court named two Harrison attorneys: civil attorney Craig Edmonston and criminal lawyer Kyle Humphrey. Both were part of Harrison's defense team that worked to silence critics by slapping them with lawsuits, several of which were thrown out of court.</div><div> Brady was represented by the San Diego law firm of Limandri & Jonna, which specializes in church abuse cases.</div><div> Brady was accused of libel after he held a press conference in Bakersfield to talk about the accusations against Harrison. At the time the libel suit was filed Humphrey said the intent was "to restore the reputation and good name of Monsignor Craig Harrison and to hold accountable these defendants for their false, malicious and reckless accusations." </div><div> The court disagreed.</div><div> Harrison's lawsuit claimed Brady published false defamatory, libelous, and slanderous statements about Harrison, including that he had sex with two high school students while a pastor in Firebaugh. The lawsuit also claimed that Brady said Harrison would examine boy's private parts every morning. Another claim stated that he had sex with a minor in a Ford Explorer and that teen committed suicide following abuse by Monsignor.</div><div> Brady's attorneys argued the case against him was frivolous - they claimed it violated his First Amendment rights to speak about matters already in the public arena - and that they should be reimbursed for attorney costs. The judgment presumably will be paid by Harrison or his group of local supporters.</div><div> The $219,000 judgment comes in the Brady case, and a similar outcome could be expected in a second libel case that Harrison lost against Ryan Gilligan, a former Benedictine monk and confident of Harrison's who accused the former priest of sexually inappropriate behavior. Harrison sued Gilligan and lost that case as well.</div><div> All of this harkens back to when Harrison, once a wildly popular monsignor, media darling and accomplished fund raiser, was suspended by the Diocese of Fresno in April 2019 after a man came forward to say Harrison abused him when he was a young man. After that numerous other accusations from once young men followed, the church launched a formal investigation, Harrison sued the church and lost and Harrison eventually voluntarily left the church.</div><div> So far all of Harrison's lawsuits against his detractors handled by Edmonston and his team - The Catholic Church, Stephen Brady, Ryan Gilligan and a diocese employee - have failed in the courts.</div><div> Once Harrison had surrendered all of his priest duties, the church responded by removing all memories of Harrison at St. Francis Church, including taking Harrison's name off the side of a youth center that had been named after him. Harrison is shielded from any criminal charges because of the statute of limitations, but two civil lawsuits by men accusing Harrison of sexual impropriety are making their way through the courts and appear headed to trial.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQgjKNVUEMcK_ftxNAU1sFMNX8S-tyAxiljBnk4jefTOtf6U27FLftEzxmNMrRBpSisl_ohTTDqT2WmSooRnyKzsfYh_cYFtuG7uwN4SSWQSGW2E7McYhUXG2u6tJEWLvKjuWaOybFSqBKTmGcT-zpDdxd305mee48e821DzxhyYLEbykEzbuglAPA/s4032/a2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQgjKNVUEMcK_ftxNAU1sFMNX8S-tyAxiljBnk4jefTOtf6U27FLftEzxmNMrRBpSisl_ohTTDqT2WmSooRnyKzsfYh_cYFtuG7uwN4SSWQSGW2E7McYhUXG2u6tJEWLvKjuWaOybFSqBKTmGcT-zpDdxd305mee48e821DzxhyYLEbykEzbuglAPA/w640-h480/a2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Richard Beenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07060780209563484710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6931942690068259127.post-81369216575185495122023-03-08T11:51:00.002-08:002023-03-08T12:40:04.448-08:00Concerns are raised about a out of control spending on the homeless, Bakersfield's air is ranked worst in the nation and do you know how to get to Rosedale?<b><i>Welcome to Bakersfield Observed. Our mission is to celebrate life in Kern County by focusing on newsmakers and events and the local characters who make this community such a special place. The views expressed here are strictly my own and do not represent any other company or publication.</i></b><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>* ... MEASURE N: </b>It's nice to see some sobriety seep into the discussions about the money our city and county are plowing into fighting homelessness, as well as a new emphasis on how the city is spending its Measure N sales tax money. First, a big shoutout to Clayton Campbell, a local businessman who serves on the city's Public Safety and Vital Services' Citizens Oversight Committee. During a discussion of how to spend $19 million in tax money, Campbell expressed fears that the recurring costs of programs to fight <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMTRENnJIwnihAv2dIXL-VHnyyDK26lUJwn_-8-PpzCPKUYN1-dJPqGKqiQo-pfREMF1yYgi52wurFkHj5Fb3oHkZuBzU-KX_atZJdRnv9xD_R4-92PLr8B5o3Mok09eU8Qdmoc8RrfNgF1EwgwMkOyErh_2AhiZHC8fzeCpXRwurFXw7H0Py1DeuW/s200/Bakobserved1.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="66" data-original-width="200" height="66" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMTRENnJIwnihAv2dIXL-VHnyyDK26lUJwn_-8-PpzCPKUYN1-dJPqGKqiQo-pfREMF1yYgi52wurFkHj5Fb3oHkZuBzU-KX_atZJdRnv9xD_R4-92PLr8B5o3Mok09eU8Qdmoc8RrfNgF1EwgwMkOyErh_2AhiZHC8fzeCpXRwurFXw7H0Py1DeuW/s1600/Bakobserved1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />homelessness would set a dangerous precedent in the future. "I'm not satisfied that this money is being spent in a way that actually resolves any homelessness," said Campbell. "I'm not convinced that there's information to support that." Echoing that sentiment and cheering on Campbell was former City Councilman Mark Salvaggio, who has been warning of an out of control "homeless industrial complex that has become the third rail entitlement in our local city and county governments." Campbell and Salvaggio represent a growing faction of local leaders who are wary of the millions being poured into homeless while issues like crime and safety get short shrift. It is a conversation that is long overdue and some taxpayers are wondering how crime and homelessness remain so hopeless after we have spent millions, and whether we are spending too much time trying to find housing for the homeless rather than providing safe streets and quicker response times.<div><br /></div><div><b>* ... AIR POLLUTION:</b> One of the benefits of these winter storms has been the incredible crystal clear skies that are ushered in during the storm's aftermath. But these picture postcard days hide a hard truth that says despite progress we have made, Bakersfield remains one of the most polluted cities in America. According to a survey run by The Guardian newspaper in Longdon, "America’s top spot is not a traffic-clogged metropolis or renowned heavy industry zone but a small town surrounded by farmland and mountains." The survey found that in many cities, the high pollution areas are homes to minority families. Rounding out the top five worst polluters after Bakersfield were south Los Angeles, southwest Chicago, northwest Indianapolis and central Midwest industrial zone.</div><div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjULjNjmTKR8DvEGWhL3veUyv8drByZkbVGKFAoQxFJ1W_9RnkFZeulD0CPtxANuvA1GJIcxW1hozfCALoBOeMeiPIJDLBUmk5Hdf5Gs25nIvG6Efr9YhuxIneYsTEMT4gARuyDdFUpgSJPzYCofZ4IAig1Ylv8Vt7e_bqpRjfPrSES4Tv1-_UZlf_5/s4032/air.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjULjNjmTKR8DvEGWhL3veUyv8drByZkbVGKFAoQxFJ1W_9RnkFZeulD0CPtxANuvA1GJIcxW1hozfCALoBOeMeiPIJDLBUmk5Hdf5Gs25nIvG6Efr9YhuxIneYsTEMT4gARuyDdFUpgSJPzYCofZ4IAig1Ylv8Vt7e_bqpRjfPrSES4Tv1-_UZlf_5/w480-h640/air.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b style="font-style: italic;"> </b><b>* ... DOWNTOWN SHOOTOUT: </b>The downtown homeowner who exchanged gunfire with three men who allegedly were trying to break into his home has been identified as local custom home builder John Dovichi. The Feb. 23 incident, which happened at the end of the Pine Street cul-de-sac on the south side of 24th Street. was triggered when Dovichi drove home after dinner only to find a strange car parked in his driveway and three men outside. Shots were exchanged and one of the suspects, 43-year-old Melvin Carter, was shot in his thigh and arm and is at Kern Medical Center. Also arrested was 36-year-old Frederic Minnoy III of Bakersfield. A third suspect has not been identified. Police are trying to determine if this incident is related to other home invasions or if this incidents stands alone.</div><div><br /></div><div> <b>* ... HOMELESS PROBLEMS: </b>Did you hear about the homeless guy who broke into the downtown Post Office and spent the overnight hours trying to break into lockers and urinating on the floor? Well it happened at the Merle Haggard post office on 18th Street and the unidentified homeless man was taken to a local hospital for psychiatric examination. All of this might even be funny were it not for the toll of destruction left behind by homeless vagrants. Things are so bad downtown that the Post Office removed the street mail boxes because they were not secure. And so it goes. <i><b>(A random homeless person takes care of business in town)</b></i></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVWRGxM6AZg53QMtpza6yC0rGbAYxfktgkYNIzNVZX1DEpXY8VaBklhrWI9mQhQIuRmPyuaoXhPXhBh7hIeXVoEUQig3NuAHKqNKF9CTMlSwqLNiPaTt-V-IyKyz-4EfZ1I9uRF5ndYGTXBMjpbygwdzqMc78gL5VlD7xODdjHB1gWR4DnZIHh8YYG/s1008/ho6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="756" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVWRGxM6AZg53QMtpza6yC0rGbAYxfktgkYNIzNVZX1DEpXY8VaBklhrWI9mQhQIuRmPyuaoXhPXhBh7hIeXVoEUQig3NuAHKqNKF9CTMlSwqLNiPaTt-V-IyKyz-4EfZ1I9uRF5ndYGTXBMjpbygwdzqMc78gL5VlD7xODdjHB1gWR4DnZIHh8YYG/w480-h640/ho6.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><div><b> * ... WHERE IS ROSEDALE: I</b>f you live in Bakersfield, you have some idea of how to drive to Rosedale. Or do you? It turns out the boundaries of what we now call Rosedale have changed over the years, and a man named Mark McGowan schooled me on the rich history of Rosedale in a recent post on the Facebook page of the Kern County History Fans. Listen to McGowan describe old Rosedale: "When I was a kid, there were distinct communities along Rosedale Hwy. west of 99. Then, in the 90s, along came the developers. I guess they figured it was easier to call everything Rosedale to avoid confusing people. Here, however, is the way it was before that.<div> The area from 99 (or Pierce Rd. before that) to the tracks was called Fairhaven. There was a Hancock service station, Hagestad Drilling, and Reagan Reese oil tools there. My friend, Gary Stites, was a Fairhavener!</div><div> From the tracks to Coffee Rd (which only went south from Rosedale Hwy to Brimhall Rd) was Fruitvale. That's where we lived until I was seven. We had Fruitvale School (now Vista West) which boasted an Olympic sized swimming pool with low and high diving boards, an annual BBQ, a church, a store (Hudson's Market) with Sunland gas pumps, a Mohawk gas station, and Bookout's Wrecking Yard. There were also numerous wood and steel standard oil derricks in the area.</div><div> From Coffee Rd. to the Santa Fe tracks (there was no overpass back then) was Greenacres. We would live there a couple years too. The area incuded the power plant, a drive through Milk Jug dairy outlet, a store (Clem's Market), Perry's Drive In (now Super Tom's), a fire station, a coffee shop, a church, a barber shop, and Greenacres Primary school (now Fruitvale Jr. High), which had a huge recreation area behind it that hosted "Rec" at night during the summer.</div><div> From the tracks to Renfro Rd. was ROSEDALE! It included a school (where our Cub Scout troop met), an annual BBQ, a church, a store, gas stations, and a coffee shop, but it was primarily, alfafa fields. My first sweetheart, Bernadette Fregeau Parks Angelo was a Rosedalian, even though Fruitvale and Rosedale were rivals!</div><div> From Renfro to Superior Rd. was called Greely. It was mostly farms and the families who ran them, but they did have a store and a church. It's where we met for Weblows (between Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts).</div><div> Beyond there was Rio Bravo. They had a school (still there), a church and a gas station.</div><div> So, now you know that it's not all Rosedale!"</div><div> <b><i>(Thank you Mark and thanks to the Kern County History Fans for this fascinating look into our collective past.)</i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuMLqlBaKZOrqbVTVZLoTH4Pg8U7sRFOdfRimqZncrwsl1L1d1hjBFFWw2YOfHbFqs5O2iYc9h30ipohXL-Lhqq1o-IdkF33XOeRbdOxxj3FzvwTlMZ-cztSwoCxzZ_v5tZ4fJiZVUKmqiYFA14kp1ytT-8NIZerfqIEFqHSGzpgSMshlzqlKtIREo/s1000/rosedale.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="662" data-original-width="1000" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuMLqlBaKZOrqbVTVZLoTH4Pg8U7sRFOdfRimqZncrwsl1L1d1hjBFFWw2YOfHbFqs5O2iYc9h30ipohXL-Lhqq1o-IdkF33XOeRbdOxxj3FzvwTlMZ-cztSwoCxzZ_v5tZ4fJiZVUKmqiYFA14kp1ytT-8NIZerfqIEFqHSGzpgSMshlzqlKtIREo/w640-h424/rosedale.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></b></div><div><b> * ... TOBERLONE:</b> Did you hear the Swiss chocolate maker Toblerone is changing its iconic branding by removing its famous mountain peak on the wrapper. First, let's state that this is not a reaction to any Swiss wokeism, but rather a response to a Swiss law that prevents images of national symbols to be on packages sold out of the country.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUAmQavZHuiWO3wmaB8Qt-_ElPXifJXUNsSRHbE_NgLRy0UrwQ_Bn7Sgp8mlJDro7Du1dUuC3vpkaJXyQ3_eOkWG3nltGgA2sAJA2jE6UAD1retfBHtwY3nubADvL1zDSyzZyxrdscRHiFs7GrCsWka2_oXmD1xVKpsSXZby1wclKHaH29HD8CZyWM/s1600/toblerone.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUAmQavZHuiWO3wmaB8Qt-_ElPXifJXUNsSRHbE_NgLRy0UrwQ_Bn7Sgp8mlJDro7Du1dUuC3vpkaJXyQ3_eOkWG3nltGgA2sAJA2jE6UAD1retfBHtwY3nubADvL1zDSyzZyxrdscRHiFs7GrCsWka2_oXmD1xVKpsSXZby1wclKHaH29HD8CZyWM/w640-h480/toblerone.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>* ... PASSINGS:</b> Two local restaurants have called it quits, both popular among diehard fans but apparently that wasn't enough to stay in business. Famous Dave's barbeque and Randy's Donuts have both called it quits locally. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAsNRb_cZxdkBw2-wE_WEFjqThyt3mYCwH1t7j5x7MekFTGqlW63_1nDRU4YdKFy7dCPmdwpCYqGeMHg7p1eACs96YUUBbTDJF9sVFb9A2gq7nsPczz_AQtp7aKGR_5O5HjgcefLgDYx-mJo6dXv977IWQLE94Z3UDEfG-DmVgY825kXxf9GGw-xk7/s1280/donuts.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAsNRb_cZxdkBw2-wE_WEFjqThyt3mYCwH1t7j5x7MekFTGqlW63_1nDRU4YdKFy7dCPmdwpCYqGeMHg7p1eACs96YUUBbTDJF9sVFb9A2gq7nsPczz_AQtp7aKGR_5O5HjgcefLgDYx-mJo6dXv977IWQLE94Z3UDEfG-DmVgY825kXxf9GGw-xk7/w400-h225/donuts.webp" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivTCdeBL_W9PyH7j3lXg324TbhUDyrWyjn4DGA9B4b84BrGh7lcCwsjDNu7rk7UdObyl1mUKpRuSDrmkXpEd4PuFfImLbdTnip1cCOGSg8GHXurliHCYli68J4W4EUB--HqK_iFTFLmcy6G_8c9UFOfbaoRpIIki9MXCKxWxTcqWeRn1gGx6IkguO5/s270/famousdaves.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="187" data-original-width="270" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivTCdeBL_W9PyH7j3lXg324TbhUDyrWyjn4DGA9B4b84BrGh7lcCwsjDNu7rk7UdObyl1mUKpRuSDrmkXpEd4PuFfImLbdTnip1cCOGSg8GHXurliHCYli68J4W4EUB--HqK_iFTFLmcy6G_8c9UFOfbaoRpIIki9MXCKxWxTcqWeRn1gGx6IkguO5/w400-h277/famousdaves.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>* ... MEMORIES:</b> Check out these old photos from our friends at the Kern County History Fans Facebook book page. Always an interesting journey.</div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl9l-UO9RTKNiO5gaxNJBxJx7KWdiPry4vugSPZoZ1lKPeiotqhiyRRxRgxWSbbWs_TJwU2mNO8rAqHBpTP8HY7NpGVJSFmRTMxm8p94Q_qOKOd1G_7gLcug9AdY6Uom9sg3GQPreZM2zPNT2yCuXpRdRih_Ukr2Ko1BnD21XOlz_vIKOZTwz9OkYF/s1350/BF.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl9l-UO9RTKNiO5gaxNJBxJx7KWdiPry4vugSPZoZ1lKPeiotqhiyRRxRgxWSbbWs_TJwU2mNO8rAqHBpTP8HY7NpGVJSFmRTMxm8p94Q_qOKOd1G_7gLcug9AdY6Uom9sg3GQPreZM2zPNT2yCuXpRdRih_Ukr2Ko1BnD21XOlz_vIKOZTwz9OkYF/w512-h640/BF.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit1g2PQCunBfDOIbvxIphjtxKf8PkOjCcf_smmZ4MwK6wP1TkA7eUyqLQqjJ_6cSMe4cros-mJxaCjJM51h7qjfNG9rc0Gpyi1AxU3rLegJ99pK2ZfrxYeSa-o_1p7gCye5IC1mlgs_vGnXAyoTezV54lP0pOz3DDUYUgKxSlAjHopdv99E5NXYOPu/s2048/20muleteam.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1545" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit1g2PQCunBfDOIbvxIphjtxKf8PkOjCcf_smmZ4MwK6wP1TkA7eUyqLQqjJ_6cSMe4cros-mJxaCjJM51h7qjfNG9rc0Gpyi1AxU3rLegJ99pK2ZfrxYeSa-o_1p7gCye5IC1mlgs_vGnXAyoTezV54lP0pOz3DDUYUgKxSlAjHopdv99E5NXYOPu/w482-h640/20muleteam.jpg" width="482" /></a></div><br /><i><br /></i></b><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div></div></div></div></div></div>Richard Beenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07060780209563484710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6931942690068259127.post-19470661016436740742023-03-02T09:44:00.004-08:002023-03-02T13:39:45.307-08:00A crazy week brings snow to the Valley floor, conspiracy theorists turn out to oppose the use of Dominion Voting Systems and a shootout in a quiet neighborhood shakes the confidence of downtown homeowners <b><i> Welcome to Bakersfield Observed. Our mission is to celebrate life in Kern County by focusing on newsmakers and events and the local characters who make this community such a special place. The views expressed here are strictly my own and do not represent any other company or publication.</i></b><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b> * ... DOMINION VOTE: T</b>he Board of Supervisors meeting turned into a donnybrook this week when the board approved a new three-year deal with Dominion Voting Systems on a 3-2 split vote. With Phil Peters and David Couch dissenting, Supervisors Jeff Flores, Leticia Perez and Zack Scrivner voted to <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCwlpSfA-FoQGD8rMVMzdfZRDEFGfF68pkS-45fKwruRCZ7kuHBsRbC1UlhxLJZMuVwg_Bi2Za0rdOJwTBbQ_wSWcv2kOnqLbJkcsveVRDjbis8mSJ1x5KktJBY-mnhQYuVkKJuIJgwsYUU8D8wu9qm3APqc4TYeBaOUS3aLmCodzXBvpMQpxeooLH/s200/Bakobserved1.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="66" data-original-width="200" height="66" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCwlpSfA-FoQGD8rMVMzdfZRDEFGfF68pkS-45fKwruRCZ7kuHBsRbC1UlhxLJZMuVwg_Bi2Za0rdOJwTBbQ_wSWcv2kOnqLbJkcsveVRDjbis8mSJ1x5KktJBY-mnhQYuVkKJuIJgwsYUU8D8wu9qm3APqc4TYeBaOUS3aLmCodzXBvpMQpxeooLH/s1600/Bakobserved1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />continue using Dominion systems to count the votes. Despite there being not an inkling of evidence that Dominion Systems have been compromised (they contain no modems or internet access to allow them to be compromised electronically) speaker after speaker appeared before the board to oppose Dominion, some refusing the leave the speaker dais and engaging in shouting matches. This is what happens when the business of running a county runs smack into wild conspiracy theories not connected to reality. Kudos for Scrivner, Flores and Perez for doing the right thing.<b><i> (photo by The Bakersfield Californian)</i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIPmfhOpBuvT099BVykg5yGvj5BR0rmFQIjh5F6vSRjaUJlkdULSkHQckbtNb3RbxYNVDz6ic3Huhv13V72sqJ2CXr72ChoaQa4wYD_xThuctCEktVhMmAQaDH7BJCN-8xWU4zvMQ3ai_8IDDLYwOymtC--Xe9A_vImqNAx4JBbi5RAf2cSfnZNGzk/s1667/domin.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="938" data-original-width="1667" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIPmfhOpBuvT099BVykg5yGvj5BR0rmFQIjh5F6vSRjaUJlkdULSkHQckbtNb3RbxYNVDz6ic3Huhv13V72sqJ2CXr72ChoaQa4wYD_xThuctCEktVhMmAQaDH7BJCN-8xWU4zvMQ3ai_8IDDLYwOymtC--Xe9A_vImqNAx4JBbi5RAf2cSfnZNGzk/w640-h360/domin.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b> * ... DOWNTOWN CRIME: Poor </b>Ward 2 doesn't seem to get any respect. The downtown district is already home to the lion's share of homeless and vagrants, city parks have become safe zones to inject drugs, the shadows of burned vacant buildings are now commonplace and crime runs rampant. But a gun battle in front of a downtown residence? Is that what it has come to? And yet that is exactly what happened around 7:30 p.m. last Thursday (Feb. 23) at a residence on the south side of Pine Street at 23rd Street. According to police, the homeowner (armed with a CCW and sidearm) pulled into this driveway to find three men breaking into his home. A shootout followed (that's right, bullets were flying) and one of the suspects was shot and the homeowner was apparently grazed by a bullet. (Two of the suspects are in custody, one at Kern Medical Center) If this is a random act of violence in a normally sleepy neighborhood, then we have a real crime problem that threatens the entire city. The real threat here, it seems to me, is the lack of political will to deal with a very tricky problem that requires more than press conferences and self congratulatory selfies. Where are the BPD foot patrols to protect businesses? Who is reaching out to the owners of vacant buildings? Where are the new city lights promised so long ago? The reaction among some downtown residents? Groups of women are arming themselves and taking gun safety classes to be prepared. And who blames them?</div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO53BjTehpFilOq4_b3f-1nX9oBufP1dLJriDDhHK7KFQHnDN-e1P2bYz8uMC0fG_RyNLYpdpA_t7hcnQnMrRhxZD6Xg9L5Awem8P5hA2kO3qnteBg8ugBf0h_gIcMpyqyk3aDxUARIoTvZa7KicddcNX7m2gxjfMxPzLlb3ZKoJxAHyOa4CZ3AcvM/s4032/22ndst.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO53BjTehpFilOq4_b3f-1nX9oBufP1dLJriDDhHK7KFQHnDN-e1P2bYz8uMC0fG_RyNLYpdpA_t7hcnQnMrRhxZD6Xg9L5Awem8P5hA2kO3qnteBg8ugBf0h_gIcMpyqyk3aDxUARIoTvZa7KicddcNX7m2gxjfMxPzLlb3ZKoJxAHyOa4CZ3AcvM/w480-h640/22ndst.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><b><br /></b></div> *... SNOW STORM: </b>Here are a few more random pictures of our recent snowstorm including a flooded Highway 99 near Pixley and some shots from Posey and Tehachapi,.Thanks to Peter Hunt for the shot of traffic backed up on Highway 58, Julie Malcomson Theriault and Michele Brown-Magyar for the use of their photos. The shot of the Hollywood sign was produced by an unknown photographer but the first shot, apparently taken by drone by local photographer Richard Joseph Forrester, is spectacular.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfIKeapAgVxNUqPRWSU8DJ1E9Iu8YZFbHoehpmgb60-EGb2IWeMZnYP7LS4tIwr1cEtwqCdUiHEWerAib5hSTH5i-lns_kb2wOczQrGGu-s_0vENB8P-8JQnMd33w_Ikt-qhqS-3Imr1cA5IdFk90_Z9F5dmXHtkhuCoazXW_sAyUi5tU4ULD1w6Bd/s2048/richie.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1150" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfIKeapAgVxNUqPRWSU8DJ1E9Iu8YZFbHoehpmgb60-EGb2IWeMZnYP7LS4tIwr1cEtwqCdUiHEWerAib5hSTH5i-lns_kb2wOczQrGGu-s_0vENB8P-8JQnMd33w_Ikt-qhqS-3Imr1cA5IdFk90_Z9F5dmXHtkhuCoazXW_sAyUi5tU4ULD1w6Bd/w640-h360/richie.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdVnMTJJW0YhNYSs2vtzgBiTJd26I_xNMi6cZkA5G_EH6_CXBBi6nXCszdxDNprFK2C4ZFqUpzX_KUitZH-wHQIcp-qzxpUyquJ4qbeKANaod4k9QaVfTw9WxH_xv5IZVF8AMJsRcJ8FUsKPJ7JfTGazJ-g9FgHF8ecSmDIvEZYQbI4zwy3wOci6nn/s2048/hollywood.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="2048" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdVnMTJJW0YhNYSs2vtzgBiTJd26I_xNMi6cZkA5G_EH6_CXBBi6nXCszdxDNprFK2C4ZFqUpzX_KUitZH-wHQIcp-qzxpUyquJ4qbeKANaod4k9QaVfTw9WxH_xv5IZVF8AMJsRcJ8FUsKPJ7JfTGazJ-g9FgHF8ecSmDIvEZYQbI4zwy3wOci6nn/w640-h438/hollywood.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqz2uhFe01WKQgxQUCVBUdVWWslUg-wzZWZikMjV1bx701N1vIoxrYXlugeEAWpFpBX6JQimcRSokSaAJ8isBqnFR_6ofuEo6FkQwjVsqpjYvcEZqDM-DvYzByzJUw0B1IZdSbmd_znr6rGhCuqpIeLntPd3SmPMB9QYFN0vomZU2Gx6VXY0sp_6xQ/s2048/58peter.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1431" data-original-width="2048" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqz2uhFe01WKQgxQUCVBUdVWWslUg-wzZWZikMjV1bx701N1vIoxrYXlugeEAWpFpBX6JQimcRSokSaAJ8isBqnFR_6ofuEo6FkQwjVsqpjYvcEZqDM-DvYzByzJUw0B1IZdSbmd_znr6rGhCuqpIeLntPd3SmPMB9QYFN0vomZU2Gx6VXY0sp_6xQ/w640-h448/58peter.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyf-1-hyokOElJRLzfPxQR6WhS47hfS6BFNNVT9Eia-oLWuRXTmfIuQqoyRIx_DjjSOi1KYpVtvE5kS1e5OGuC0OKGyTR0dnb3am-M4NMZZ7Gv9xI9N87cS44JyyAHPrr2Kekws-gcPJkFkzmP14CKS1DMpabsHjzOcTxoIaDiF5Y3QoIorHQI-lrk/s2048/pixley.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyf-1-hyokOElJRLzfPxQR6WhS47hfS6BFNNVT9Eia-oLWuRXTmfIuQqoyRIx_DjjSOi1KYpVtvE5kS1e5OGuC0OKGyTR0dnb3am-M4NMZZ7Gv9xI9N87cS44JyyAHPrr2Kekws-gcPJkFkzmP14CKS1DMpabsHjzOcTxoIaDiF5Y3QoIorHQI-lrk/w640-h480/pixley.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj66x9DJcVosXPH0W9n_Eq1z3smktTSyB-SYgBGdkWsEVRCk0YtQ_pWNTBj8rLvSByHRxDWfe05iNuCbqhZF0b6D7S625y6gbhkHYDTKgF0unzmmvf-fnKkGx4Uz3sztXPptjIIFK-ERSgZ7ZWPGMBq423MkhOYv87IQU036ZczmpUcBZXrvp2LOjy/s1440/julie.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj66x9DJcVosXPH0W9n_Eq1z3smktTSyB-SYgBGdkWsEVRCk0YtQ_pWNTBj8rLvSByHRxDWfe05iNuCbqhZF0b6D7S625y6gbhkHYDTKgF0unzmmvf-fnKkGx4Uz3sztXPptjIIFK-ERSgZ7ZWPGMBq423MkhOYv87IQU036ZczmpUcBZXrvp2LOjy/w640-h480/julie.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrV7yjEDphESHhH526MIcr25IhCnctuB0T2EX0uWq1D-jH1KEtNCxYFt_BCsD5j9Vks2yphlhhpWC85cKTTPTeIE4IeqxEJe_2KhGNCYzMByzSZ4IHrkhK7nBsF1J4u0OOK3uOonr9Mjm8-CUHTSwDnpC4mUVlvE9zTrjBLFB9P1XBFNbJqV-wkXIU/s1440/tree.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrV7yjEDphESHhH526MIcr25IhCnctuB0T2EX0uWq1D-jH1KEtNCxYFt_BCsD5j9Vks2yphlhhpWC85cKTTPTeIE4IeqxEJe_2KhGNCYzMByzSZ4IHrkhK7nBsF1J4u0OOK3uOonr9Mjm8-CUHTSwDnpC4mUVlvE9zTrjBLFB9P1XBFNbJqV-wkXIU/w640-h640/tree.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b> * ... FRUGATTIS: </b>The new location for Frugattis, that popular Italian restaurant that is now moving to new digs after a few decades at Coffee and Truxtun, gets a frosting of snow during the recent storm. The new location is located at Gosford Road and the Westside Parkway.</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmg9rk4u94MM7elngAzickR9becsQrxBqJqLIBxQjvs1qiFyI3J2TLzy5RdZnDESKgVuEvWtYjc09Tp6LZ8dvbPQpNyninUyTjRdTxJFPsXZMw6p5TpkBE8kVKGt82nk0FyOajf84WNt6J8w-g1nTZZR5X3qvUSgw7enrX4yUIzpr_b9J2XGy_q49D/s2048/frugattis.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmg9rk4u94MM7elngAzickR9becsQrxBqJqLIBxQjvs1qiFyI3J2TLzy5RdZnDESKgVuEvWtYjc09Tp6LZ8dvbPQpNyninUyTjRdTxJFPsXZMw6p5TpkBE8kVKGt82nk0FyOajf84WNt6J8w-g1nTZZR5X3qvUSgw7enrX4yUIzpr_b9J2XGy_q49D/w640-h480/frugattis.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b> * ... BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB: </b>Congratulations to Ken Carter and Janice Meek for being recognized by the Boys and Girls Club of Kern County for their roles on the board of directors. The two were feted at the organization's “Open Doors & Open Hearts” event last weekend. Congratulations also to Robert Branton, who won the “Youth of the Year” award. Carter is the long time head of Watson Realty fFile photo of Ken Carter along with friends)</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaNDhEmx7LbsyCRY6jkzaKD8syJW5I4RyW1aegAVTRRPOz_LU9GsEm6nHuNnbKRu7r8-tXdx2ktaxjP_QLvSxs_AoExE5HuInuNCvJGDehcFty6QHoMvwNWVdGMIVU1agHNJFZRF0f0kLRpdzrLb9g7gXWodd9g30wp3m-MQLKEfwQgPhWAq30lUaC/s2048/kenhonor.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaNDhEmx7LbsyCRY6jkzaKD8syJW5I4RyW1aegAVTRRPOz_LU9GsEm6nHuNnbKRu7r8-tXdx2ktaxjP_QLvSxs_AoExE5HuInuNCvJGDehcFty6QHoMvwNWVdGMIVU1agHNJFZRF0f0kLRpdzrLb9g7gXWodd9g30wp3m-MQLKEfwQgPhWAq30lUaC/w640-h480/kenhonor.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>* ... CHRIS WILSON: C</b>ongratulations to Chris Wilson who was recently honored as Humanitarian of the Year 2022 by the Plank Foundation. Wilson is chairman of the Tigerfight Foundation, which raises money for a crippling childhood disease.</div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQxr8EpnqXiv5rS1C8IfZBEOy-g30ybPCx7afSSWzgSnoexCy9uUdIEjNlMzBsd630EX9kKwhvIneH8nSccm6wlYsxa5jdi86MsCY4CMg0DI80V7htaqxjTSQevUIE4liXVYJaD4nOr1wh8iljDYGglUxZfaEPEhvJFAq5sqlTQCiaLQk6LktusYW/s1047/chriswilson.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1047" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQxr8EpnqXiv5rS1C8IfZBEOy-g30ybPCx7afSSWzgSnoexCy9uUdIEjNlMzBsd630EX9kKwhvIneH8nSccm6wlYsxa5jdi86MsCY4CMg0DI80V7htaqxjTSQevUIE4liXVYJaD4nOr1wh8iljDYGglUxZfaEPEhvJFAq5sqlTQCiaLQk6LktusYW/w366-h400/chriswilson.jpg" width="366" /></a></div><i><br /></i></b><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b> * ... PYRENEES:</b> The couple that owns Pyrenees Cafe are pushing what they believe is the cafe's secret: breakfast. Long known for its stiff drinks and Basque food, Pyrenees has a large and diverse breakfast menu that the Crawfords are promoting via this billboard near Costco. And the best news? Breakfast is served all day. Breakfast for dinner anyone?</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Un4JVCK4tofNNwnLCwqoLirDSDO2XiJXgTKMnJ1xkBpHGFYnqZCCcXfCp3rARa12aIuDVYrZbrzaXmoUCO1FtfHQKXgwClF0oRKryAntY8SNsK0Nts0znSBbfl-fepD5Did7DmFSk3RPA2x3NZFFuDFGYee2RVMerK7Q6bq6b6PGb2qDIroFb7-p/s1136/pyr.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="1136" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Un4JVCK4tofNNwnLCwqoLirDSDO2XiJXgTKMnJ1xkBpHGFYnqZCCcXfCp3rARa12aIuDVYrZbrzaXmoUCO1FtfHQKXgwClF0oRKryAntY8SNsK0Nts0znSBbfl-fepD5Did7DmFSk3RPA2x3NZFFuDFGYee2RVMerK7Q6bq6b6PGb2qDIroFb7-p/w640-h360/pyr.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>* ... MEMORIES: </b>Take a look down Chester Avenue in the old days and you can see that iconic Coca-Cola sign atop the Sill Building. This picture comes courtesy of the Kern County History Fans Facebook page. And lastly, the History Fans page did not disappoint again with this shot of an advertisement for beautiful new and old homes in Bakersfield.</div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGvTv8HHlVWIDCfn5ur8LzOcGaJA2_Bbr9bfY26aDZyPDikv0FFGATZvEZgkpWDpnArGh8S4m8BheqrG1nsnYPzlCooCCs2P6oG3jNThEX6iqHVCKYzv3yBDyoXG9Igl21O8GPUfQ_Bko9iYozk9Xw8lmOpyA0Psn0N7tMueTxP64YkROjH_3HT4o9/s1335/cocacola.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1335" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGvTv8HHlVWIDCfn5ur8LzOcGaJA2_Bbr9bfY26aDZyPDikv0FFGATZvEZgkpWDpnArGh8S4m8BheqrG1nsnYPzlCooCCs2P6oG3jNThEX6iqHVCKYzv3yBDyoXG9Igl21O8GPUfQ_Bko9iYozk9Xw8lmOpyA0Psn0N7tMueTxP64YkROjH_3HT4o9/w518-h640/cocacola.jpg" width="518" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8_qgXIFysZI7ODuiThcuA2yOEP7mfwM41V7ImQbm9TX5Rgm9-vGKCyn-ODqWF8O9c0sG7M4pUBTDBK0pkitscWi290tPKFL_GTFQbewUL6zb6OdV_Xc-QSqPQJ0nzmsXFoX-4O3U2bZx6l7wiQ6oNAkNv48MpP20JZcSUn6zP7i43SjUwtdyKQI-v/s1744/beauty.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1744" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8_qgXIFysZI7ODuiThcuA2yOEP7mfwM41V7ImQbm9TX5Rgm9-vGKCyn-ODqWF8O9c0sG7M4pUBTDBK0pkitscWi290tPKFL_GTFQbewUL6zb6OdV_Xc-QSqPQJ0nzmsXFoX-4O3U2bZx6l7wiQ6oNAkNv48MpP20JZcSUn6zP7i43SjUwtdyKQI-v/w396-h640/beauty.jpg" width="396" /></a></div><br /><i><br /></i></b></div></div></div>Richard Beenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07060780209563484710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6931942690068259127.post-42754925420142363462023-02-23T08:11:00.001-08:002023-02-23T08:11:07.350-08:00 Another homeless fire claims a downtown office building, the fossil fuel industry fights back and vagrants chip away at the memory of the old Noriega's <i><b>Welcome to Bakersfield Observed. Our mission is to celebrate life in Kern County by focusing on newsmakers and events and the local characters who make this community such a special place. The views expressed here are strictly my own and do not represent any other company or publication.</b></i><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b style="font-style: italic;"> </b><b>* ... ANOTHER WEEK, MORE DESTRUCTION: </b>Another week has passed in Bakersfield and that usually means another vacant building downtown has been burned to the ground by vagrants. This time they torched a once unique office complex on 18th Street directly across the street from the<br />Women's Club, the latest in a long string of homeless fires to strike our community. The building in question has burned four times in six months - twice in two days - and yet city Code Enforcement <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW56hwDtLUdjMlFadhsE5EjzTbbCSeMJfMRumkxvjZws3tdH1D1cRu5UtbonvdqmVQy2bGDyvexT4Yppo6DBg2VyW8xm93Yr358BTbf-PhlCqSL0njA4GY0hK_vh_bJOxF7YiefdzjHd--IuvI8-I4pbCTAEIWAVV5WYAlXlw1SPityJf_NehFXuNF/s200/Bakobserved1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="66" data-original-width="200" height="66" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW56hwDtLUdjMlFadhsE5EjzTbbCSeMJfMRumkxvjZws3tdH1D1cRu5UtbonvdqmVQy2bGDyvexT4Yppo6DBg2VyW8xm93Yr358BTbf-PhlCqSL0njA4GY0hK_vh_bJOxF7YiefdzjHd--IuvI8-I4pbCTAEIWAVV5WYAlXlw1SPityJf_NehFXuNF/s1600/Bakobserved1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />apparently did nothing to prevent this from happening again. City Councilman Andrae Gonzales told KGET he saw this coming and pushed his proposed city ordinance to force landlords to list vacant property for the city. That's all well and fine but where was Code Enforcement and the city in the years leading up to this fire, when everyone (including Gonzales) saw this coming? Aside from the loss of historic buildings, the seemingly endless string of fires has aggravated those who have had dealings before with Code Enforcement. Said one downtown businessman: "They (Code Enforcement) were going to fine me and shut me down because a door threshold was a quarter inch too high. But half the city is burning and nothing is done." The city is indeed burning. Is anyone paying attention?</div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5AVe8p0JEzCvAK0o0a5PuXcQ_l_D32Qg09nflkJfX1WtdGv4PlAEtyagjKAq2BoogTIyiYa1YsV3GfN3dumIBBfhMqyP1pIsXRG1COpl_CD6ggLH__bt1B4KAbRIxv9RaPNLo5_e8vlEK0s2c0pJPPoNt53YC3HB3Dvs4RA_WBhdZekeYRIokYBxK/s4032/aa1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5AVe8p0JEzCvAK0o0a5PuXcQ_l_D32Qg09nflkJfX1WtdGv4PlAEtyagjKAq2BoogTIyiYa1YsV3GfN3dumIBBfhMqyP1pIsXRG1COpl_CD6ggLH__bt1B4KAbRIxv9RaPNLo5_e8vlEK0s2c0pJPPoNt53YC3HB3Dvs4RA_WBhdZekeYRIokYBxK/w640-h480/aa1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBeiD3ukFHZc7jLwznnHsnbTsGdU-YRo_uC8cbzy9ESEMW9GnRmCHYSSz5AWYM_PMfyMuJx29ndU6BVDp8q03VeNdUZCM5act6I-Bxu4o3PuUmV5zFldHB2M0thJQEFx9naw_bbrxhSWeQVVsQLWV_lkdbupYokbXogcSTiXWLXF-kU9SlJyCits65/s4032/aa2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBeiD3ukFHZc7jLwznnHsnbTsGdU-YRo_uC8cbzy9ESEMW9GnRmCHYSSz5AWYM_PMfyMuJx29ndU6BVDp8q03VeNdUZCM5act6I-Bxu4o3PuUmV5zFldHB2M0thJQEFx9naw_bbrxhSWeQVVsQLWV_lkdbupYokbXogcSTiXWLXF-kU9SlJyCits65/w480-h640/aa2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAoTTrbIS5Xs40lC7iNV4HTPgUmRxkqJ_IefLY2eCsXAjCfKltoSi-R1H03N2XYyznkT25RaasNfZSdWHlzqzev6My8DB3FJ7-pj4HnDCZYHw_dlSYJst-b8J40RY91bzY5KrjQwqkySrIXAmQ7EKV5AAtBU_EC6zqLrlYpxSnYgMdnAxZRztq-pT8/s4032/aa4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAoTTrbIS5Xs40lC7iNV4HTPgUmRxkqJ_IefLY2eCsXAjCfKltoSi-R1H03N2XYyznkT25RaasNfZSdWHlzqzev6My8DB3FJ7-pj4HnDCZYHw_dlSYJst-b8J40RY91bzY5KrjQwqkySrIXAmQ7EKV5AAtBU_EC6zqLrlYpxSnYgMdnAxZRztq-pT8/w640-h480/aa4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoAxhp4VSX3QMQAFwnfCIyLfeX8pUiKUorLp7pTGiKpqOvUJpTDgkvMy-5ASnvmdOF3LAB9tnUAH8N3iRi-7gXVsl1auofUDiuS37pQmaX4-33HhO9AxqLjpLqK-APbEAJK95_4Tv9UxKExkQ-4ut2pTJoFf6WzmNFETRuj7M-EArLJcQHQ5AQunQo/s4032/aa3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoAxhp4VSX3QMQAFwnfCIyLfeX8pUiKUorLp7pTGiKpqOvUJpTDgkvMy-5ASnvmdOF3LAB9tnUAH8N3iRi-7gXVsl1auofUDiuS37pQmaX4-33HhO9AxqLjpLqK-APbEAJK95_4Tv9UxKExkQ-4ut2pTJoFf6WzmNFETRuj7M-EArLJcQHQ5AQunQo/w640-h480/aa3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div></b><div><b> * ... PAM TAYLOR: </b>Thanks to advances in technology and the ever present iPhone, rank and file citizens have been turned into world class photographers. Just take a look at these two Kern County sunrise pictures from my friend Pam Taylor. Simply outstanding.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyR9WEo0GiGMhrqFfT_Qa3seOAGLy8DqutHq4MOYKTXcKjtPMRwI1Vy2RLbdclnZD3Aydwb_JDEy6oR8-_R7_aK9BwenjQjYQtxzEZb1V6cFtFCvsZU8-0s9qX4PsijaARyrpw_EWVEsZ_kf4t9s27BDcLSJUEVX8_lsm8Wk2IYYmVKrCDX2LsrBF9/s2026/amorning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="2026" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyR9WEo0GiGMhrqFfT_Qa3seOAGLy8DqutHq4MOYKTXcKjtPMRwI1Vy2RLbdclnZD3Aydwb_JDEy6oR8-_R7_aK9BwenjQjYQtxzEZb1V6cFtFCvsZU8-0s9qX4PsijaARyrpw_EWVEsZ_kf4t9s27BDcLSJUEVX8_lsm8Wk2IYYmVKrCDX2LsrBF9/w640-h202/amorning.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzDjDjwgkwnp4xW0QcHEyKubdKEDchf2vnj2BycWtIatlZpl9_PxAUHkgpAH6EUn0aIyaKvH33KQrGyLwbPM1Ys2BvGdji-1CKFKKJNBm6J3E4FlkjxWiqpspDZBGdA6-OVxkwzqPt8sUPxzw12JRZ26BkIT8LMn0AuzAYJo6NXWrfMlP6u7rvJCsx/s1567/ampam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="1567" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzDjDjwgkwnp4xW0QcHEyKubdKEDchf2vnj2BycWtIatlZpl9_PxAUHkgpAH6EUn0aIyaKvH33KQrGyLwbPM1Ys2BvGdji-1CKFKKJNBm6J3E4FlkjxWiqpspDZBGdA6-OVxkwzqPt8sUPxzw12JRZ26BkIT8LMn0AuzAYJo6NXWrfMlP6u7rvJCsx/w640-h262/ampam.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b> * ... FOSSIL FUELS: </b>For years I have argued that the fossil fuel industry needs to do a better job of explaining its mission to combat the current effort to drastically reduce or ban oil and natural gas in California. It looks like the energy sector finally has fought back and is spending millions on a TV advertising campaign funded by a group called Californians For Energy Independence, which receives financial backing from the energy sector. The message is clear: why import foreign oil from countries run by dictators and tyrants when you and pump oil right here in California amid the strictest safety standards in the world.</div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ETQ_aSlyMLuxbz-ofYZJ5s0OB6GKPNvQ2-XXaxyYW67TQmMM-I7u3lNkxvlBtOeCyid-EwsiUNeMQNurSxurYY1DF_OH_Y7rLpEMH8A8T-iSwa1FqxLDpzJAl8cnvY6yvU_Ywq6aWgRJ-yQmdy4QUqysEpBXJhiNt0EpufvuY6x-nK2P8E4mq5fB/s323/energy.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="156" data-original-width="323" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ETQ_aSlyMLuxbz-ofYZJ5s0OB6GKPNvQ2-XXaxyYW67TQmMM-I7u3lNkxvlBtOeCyid-EwsiUNeMQNurSxurYY1DF_OH_Y7rLpEMH8A8T-iSwa1FqxLDpzJAl8cnvY6yvU_Ywq6aWgRJ-yQmdy4QUqysEpBXJhiNt0EpufvuY6x-nK2P8E4mq5fB/w640-h310/energy.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /></b></div><div> <b>* ... STATE OF DOWNTOWN: </b>Some random scenes around town (primarily Ward 2) that speak to our inability to effectively address a problem that is negatively affecting businesses and residents alike. Some things the city has tried, like hiring contractors from Flood Ministries to help clean up the streets and private security guards for some areas, are clearing helping to keep the crime and grime to a manageable level. The new city and county homeless navigation shelters are doing their job, as is the Mission of Kern Country, but a solution to the toughest problem - what to do with the criminals, tweakers and mentally ill - has eluded us. Progress is slow, people are frustrated, and this collage of photographs illustrate where we are today.</div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfk_UEHUyoBxi6zoDr_v1eTiPEHDkQjbOu7ehmkc6lO4c3EEHGn1TqSf8v-waQqXtOMPUdgu7l_Lq4GKu6LqOHiIrK-gjcdOW6S2_0pR7BoHuBcDNvRLXN6I3ShvURFTofDM9p1fgWw6hwVAqazypX9QYdU1A3igheK1w2lzVQdtHOySoc7Njb70Lk/s4032/noriegashot.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfk_UEHUyoBxi6zoDr_v1eTiPEHDkQjbOu7ehmkc6lO4c3EEHGn1TqSf8v-waQqXtOMPUdgu7l_Lq4GKu6LqOHiIrK-gjcdOW6S2_0pR7BoHuBcDNvRLXN6I3ShvURFTofDM9p1fgWw6hwVAqazypX9QYdU1A3igheK1w2lzVQdtHOySoc7Njb70Lk/w300-h400/noriegashot.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQSeaD2FmzWviyNrh0qi3tOpniPTUlzKAe5cyaM9rXAGu9qHNpp4-YQRW5kPPQZGQulVpqnHf7ANXAIyW1qcx22uUVUaly5aHF6Uj6lOdrcexwqB-37-uB5AoQ-BJSakli0G4rWmdWdzbkzONjd_ftE6iC1xVY1QQKmq7_XA4QuBVSyECOt2F-676P/s4032/sleep1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQSeaD2FmzWviyNrh0qi3tOpniPTUlzKAe5cyaM9rXAGu9qHNpp4-YQRW5kPPQZGQulVpqnHf7ANXAIyW1qcx22uUVUaly5aHF6Uj6lOdrcexwqB-37-uB5AoQ-BJSakli0G4rWmdWdzbkzONjd_ftE6iC1xVY1QQKmq7_XA4QuBVSyECOt2F-676P/w400-h300/sleep1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYj3Py6P54txf4YGbFvgW0LEgIN1OiKvA7PQSy0JVOSyQJ_XgzNvrs2lXIVaRDbGDmaMJpBo1RH3yDRW3wkXk-JRyid9UWD-RpZd_8iRk07mu71-o8TgvET4J-ML5EgUUkdg__z60iu1Dr4vwFVoGnoZxQMOiF5A9JdCtxdxFJkrkHg4WsjBv4RQIC/s4032/sleep2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYj3Py6P54txf4YGbFvgW0LEgIN1OiKvA7PQSy0JVOSyQJ_XgzNvrs2lXIVaRDbGDmaMJpBo1RH3yDRW3wkXk-JRyid9UWD-RpZd_8iRk07mu71-o8TgvET4J-ML5EgUUkdg__z60iu1Dr4vwFVoGnoZxQMOiF5A9JdCtxdxFJkrkHg4WsjBv4RQIC/w640-h480/sleep2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></b><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfrMKcACaXqtJEX3WqZ4PVQ4e2APaTlfAfRAxK-dmeUsY-KVt-I8TkUvSR22ezw7mx9CEcxDwr1MVPO5MuaBxznxAAZiDW9W6aC2py4bZFt19gQgD8T2ylZTOYPwkyJINv8blFU23R5MQz4XNKlBelnxEJuLAN8zYqqNNGsO3rK0KXlb6nyNhtHYku/s4032/ag1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfrMKcACaXqtJEX3WqZ4PVQ4e2APaTlfAfRAxK-dmeUsY-KVt-I8TkUvSR22ezw7mx9CEcxDwr1MVPO5MuaBxznxAAZiDW9W6aC2py4bZFt19gQgD8T2ylZTOYPwkyJINv8blFU23R5MQz4XNKlBelnxEJuLAN8zYqqNNGsO3rK0KXlb6nyNhtHYku/w480-h640/ag1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDHR0DtoD6wcCnEaTGK8yNWMQBF-09IIq4tN8KRirsoEbDuiWmbhOSIxhv7vPuKReyBt5TMiGQHG5z6Ci3dj7DW6leUYPH0WsNcgFHWafkp7C1eQ1dnNOYiG6xCM9ygAMWp1OnMuNe5yucFCoblwzqNDKmyk4LCBcLWM5n0wEKBEj3KqfZwmq1Q11-/s4032/ag2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDHR0DtoD6wcCnEaTGK8yNWMQBF-09IIq4tN8KRirsoEbDuiWmbhOSIxhv7vPuKReyBt5TMiGQHG5z6Ci3dj7DW6leUYPH0WsNcgFHWafkp7C1eQ1dnNOYiG6xCM9ygAMWp1OnMuNe5yucFCoblwzqNDKmyk4LCBcLWM5n0wEKBEj3KqfZwmq1Q11-/w640-h480/ag2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiR3Aei57TUMnO4tQcoN1ZGwP5_cUTY8iEl6j9spE7tIFqbCQQs1sFprawCflvX18CHbgPqXgJP7iLWkkJdOdDjjvcQw3VfU8Sg1XjV7TNOT0GIapLNn9DPYawkW_QoaGNkzV13MzkvbfpsLJMDR1Zmg5IgJEE8Mz9zMkzgOhj32kLokdZPocCfKla/s4032/ag3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiR3Aei57TUMnO4tQcoN1ZGwP5_cUTY8iEl6j9spE7tIFqbCQQs1sFprawCflvX18CHbgPqXgJP7iLWkkJdOdDjjvcQw3VfU8Sg1XjV7TNOT0GIapLNn9DPYawkW_QoaGNkzV13MzkvbfpsLJMDR1Zmg5IgJEE8Mz9zMkzgOhj32kLokdZPocCfKla/w640-h480/ag3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEgpQZfbuuLfZf9IGZeQ4lHhp184dHFxJ0wqoaKUdCAkL42BAtYoRt47f0LHsvBvdEkdWeRZzuftyg-jqFeTMvDF0yDGZGRKLeb_IodkgroXyYlIY96mCOqM3x3MaIcYkkB1wdsxbmXtaFNY_5-4QvLuDIZGPFC3qFAubTeMg9WU2jPBi2zLU7LyN7/s4032/ag4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEgpQZfbuuLfZf9IGZeQ4lHhp184dHFxJ0wqoaKUdCAkL42BAtYoRt47f0LHsvBvdEkdWeRZzuftyg-jqFeTMvDF0yDGZGRKLeb_IodkgroXyYlIY96mCOqM3x3MaIcYkkB1wdsxbmXtaFNY_5-4QvLuDIZGPFC3qFAubTeMg9WU2jPBi2zLU7LyN7/w640-h480/ag4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></i></div><div><b> * ... ALSOP, PEREZ HONORED: </b>The Highland High School Hall of Fame is set to induct two local political and government leaders into its latest class. Ryan Alsop, chief administrative officer for Kern County, and Supervisor Leticia Perez will be inducted into the Hall of Fame along with members of the school's 1977 championship wrestling team. Members of that team included Mike Gonzales, Fred Gonzales, Joe Calvillo, Dale Dow, Aaron Duckworth, Flint Pulskamp, John Hopkins, Rob Romine, Mike McKeehan, Mike Osthimer, Donny Monsibais, David Kincaid, Richie Phillips and Freddie Torres. <b><i>(File photos of Alsop and Perez)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8_hRfKiamP4lUqBWSv0_hhG29nWM7NRFqY09iBt2Ok35N1ybVfH2aMJR2eQbhxA1sNf5Bj5GfSoJchLsu09Q4ucDgwbC3SNxWFru57TtOGZQZNiA8Wo9EcEzeN9spJOwVUMiBrxtHS3CYf1C5P-jQKevmM3qYi1ouP4IKKeXdhk9wG2qdP6C0VKZU/s500/alsop.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="386" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8_hRfKiamP4lUqBWSv0_hhG29nWM7NRFqY09iBt2Ok35N1ybVfH2aMJR2eQbhxA1sNf5Bj5GfSoJchLsu09Q4ucDgwbC3SNxWFru57TtOGZQZNiA8Wo9EcEzeN9spJOwVUMiBrxtHS3CYf1C5P-jQKevmM3qYi1ouP4IKKeXdhk9wG2qdP6C0VKZU/w494-h640/alsop.webp" width="494" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoBEZX3J0lIbDDS2c-54B1Pgu6H4iFXUQdmXabX8USEiF8U3ZQ--c9HN9AqRm32CeHgD-XWbvJxynLad1O6JHJLxERu5XjvSzv59-0C7XZZNst5SSLqwYtfboysHXpkEA22EGITkCJrH9gQq1OnQxpj0zh1hlnJn4YNW8_Kiha2tafJBG-vYwbLWag/s1247/leticiaaward.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="935" data-original-width="1247" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoBEZX3J0lIbDDS2c-54B1Pgu6H4iFXUQdmXabX8USEiF8U3ZQ--c9HN9AqRm32CeHgD-XWbvJxynLad1O6JHJLxERu5XjvSzv59-0C7XZZNst5SSLqwYtfboysHXpkEA22EGITkCJrH9gQq1OnQxpj0zh1hlnJn4YNW8_Kiha2tafJBG-vYwbLWag/w640-h480/leticiaaward.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><b> * ... JASON GALVIN: D</b>o you remember Jason Galvin, the likable morning news anchor with KGET a few years ago? Well it turns out Galvin, a longtime racing fan, has landed a big job in the car racing world by being named the second announcer for “the biggest and baddest Pro Mod race in the history of the known universe.” Galvin joins veteran drag racing announcer Al Tucci, previously named as one of the voices of the 2023 Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod. Galvin served admirably as a morning anchor at KGET, a likable young professional who delivered the news straight without trying to become a personality. “It’s a huge honor,” said Galvin. “I’m still – I guess you could say the new guy – when it comes to announcing major drag races, and in the world of Pro Mod, this is absolutely the event to be at. Honestly, I was shocked and humbled when the DI team approached me. I can’t wait to get to Florida and get going. The money, the grudge matches, the star power, it all already feels so big. I’m stoked.”</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCKwaJ4R3xgs3HFj8vqFzroFVG5KR9dnEaFqGTdZEZwkU-zye9RnPTTO_zRhl5TdrIsw8VVSed1LPNYYxA84nUh9Yar92Cka_qOxr_hKyTBLvAKua9n5mHDEz6C42UcAf32iAXntNfEP2Xz4TmyUQl6smG7hKHNLuxSZexyP-0j3ujzZj-MI3ubnA4/s1600/galvin.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCKwaJ4R3xgs3HFj8vqFzroFVG5KR9dnEaFqGTdZEZwkU-zye9RnPTTO_zRhl5TdrIsw8VVSed1LPNYYxA84nUh9Yar92Cka_qOxr_hKyTBLvAKua9n5mHDEz6C42UcAf32iAXntNfEP2Xz4TmyUQl6smG7hKHNLuxSZexyP-0j3ujzZj-MI3ubnA4/w640-h360/galvin.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>* ... MOSRITE MEMORIES: If</b> you are a guitarist, you likely know the story of the fabled Mosrite guitar made right here in Bakersfield. Some of the biggest names in rock used the Mosrite, and thanks to the Kern County of Old Facebook page, here musicians Joe Maples plays a rare double-necked Mosrite.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ZHXZb3O5D_LBB4O1flHys6PuyJXjHNyc9lQUUPzgN7tS6iIk8HUAmPP8vFwfFGeRZLotuUbOLqF_cR2WIAsozAGsLRCSrgP4VV12CNlUygMldurMb_ZNg3sPtzRkKESGxtvrv7HkfBIgH6bjoes_5RZQ_-ajrWxP3nluDQTHpFm5R5ySHWMKwYc6/s838/mosrite.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="838" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ZHXZb3O5D_LBB4O1flHys6PuyJXjHNyc9lQUUPzgN7tS6iIk8HUAmPP8vFwfFGeRZLotuUbOLqF_cR2WIAsozAGsLRCSrgP4VV12CNlUygMldurMb_ZNg3sPtzRkKESGxtvrv7HkfBIgH6bjoes_5RZQ_-ajrWxP3nluDQTHpFm5R5ySHWMKwYc6/w586-h640/mosrite.jpg" width="586" /></a></div><br /><div> <b>* ... OLD NORTH CHESTER:</b> And finally, check out this remarkable photo of North Chester in 1945, a terrific memento featured on the Kern County of Old Facebook page.</div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQKN3I8oW5TfDbs9FG0ps7GR-a0X-GkmyiNAJYOvGdyI5Q7FvT7XTGmmuowkcyb6d6uQkvr4DIHh13ba6RZpFvQ2B6ZwiYf8JDdIhpyTigHYvuIgvQkcE7Wvqef_yVFAs3-NhbuhH2G_8J3o3498s_Co4Z5RIIDvypVydL3pL0-5wCNKjGdVcUmuRB/s1596/1945.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1596" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQKN3I8oW5TfDbs9FG0ps7GR-a0X-GkmyiNAJYOvGdyI5Q7FvT7XTGmmuowkcyb6d6uQkvr4DIHh13ba6RZpFvQ2B6ZwiYf8JDdIhpyTigHYvuIgvQkcE7Wvqef_yVFAs3-NhbuhH2G_8J3o3498s_Co4Z5RIIDvypVydL3pL0-5wCNKjGdVcUmuRB/w640-h426/1945.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div></div>Richard Beenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07060780209563484710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6931942690068259127.post-38567320889842174442023-02-17T14:17:00.004-08:002023-02-17T14:48:06.697-08:00The daily struggle of some businesses against crime and vagrancy, Pyrenees Cafe promotes its breakfast fare and catch up with the Greens and a place called Yoga Culture<div><b><i>Welcome to Bakersfield Observed. Our mission is to celebrate life in Kern County by focusing on newsmakers and events and the local characters who make this community such a special place. The views expressed here are strictly my own and do not represent any other company or publication.</i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>* ... THE WOES OF WARD 2: If </b>you think it's tough running a business these days, try doing it downtown where homelessness, vagrancy, crime, graffiti and trash are among the costs of doing business. Is it better since the city has thrown millions into building homeless centers and and hiring contractors to pick up <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjlGcuI0iNG3ZYv5F_Pp9EgYZ8pleJOt5RzdGgBCkqSdiWX7LSwp1HeXgIzix9zL0kRCaVhnpEzOYDDMv0vQv6RXfHc4OAkxasgmEgMHeN5di0tfjM1fqg_Sv-3epwTczO34IN9a7_s7TK5Vq9JAJB-OtXN954eO-jVJ7wNLGoUAYsyUR0odOmwYqn/s200/Bakobserved1.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="66" data-original-width="200" height="66" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjlGcuI0iNG3ZYv5F_Pp9EgYZ8pleJOt5RzdGgBCkqSdiWX7LSwp1HeXgIzix9zL0kRCaVhnpEzOYDDMv0vQv6RXfHc4OAkxasgmEgMHeN5di0tfjM1fqg_Sv-3epwTczO34IN9a7_s7TK5Vq9JAJB-OtXN954eO-jVJ7wNLGoUAYsyUR0odOmwYqn/s1600/Bakobserved1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />trash and patrol the streets? Yes, but the sad truth is it is still a mess and no amount of lipstick can make it look better. Just ask the owners of Blue Oak Coffee Roasting downtown who have been broken into twice this week - back to back days. Or ask the residents downtown who call 911 when vagrants are pounding on doors at 3 a.m. only to be told no officer is available. Or try keeping up with the number of vacant buildings that have burned to the ground because of vagrants? The twin issues of crime and homelessness seem to be beyond our control, and yet Ward 2 City Councilman Andrae Gonzales continues to push the idea of pumping millions into the old Southern Pacific Depot on Baker Street, which unfortunately is near the Ground Zero of lost causes in Bakersfield. So is Andrae a visionary or just loose with someone else's money? Time will tell, and if a private investor wants to plow the money into the Depot, have at it. But let's stabilize life in Ward 2 before we dump tax dollars into a potential bad investment. Just take a look at the old Noriega's storefront to see how time can be cruel for businesses near Baker Street.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFmTb_WF1TXNjM1LivAxKblViYyuxEBqwYusM4LBUaKbTZZsIjsvoWrEtts7XG6Iag2jQyLxZ1YFTZscobg6HDs2tAQ5Lqp4SlhOkxSsC2bE86E3u-92Zf5qZSfGQsJ3Dq3ZOLVieK294Wcz46ypjfl_R9LM-KCKRd_fA0qLXJRIm4xLuH9eT0Urkh/s4032/oak1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFmTb_WF1TXNjM1LivAxKblViYyuxEBqwYusM4LBUaKbTZZsIjsvoWrEtts7XG6Iag2jQyLxZ1YFTZscobg6HDs2tAQ5Lqp4SlhOkxSsC2bE86E3u-92Zf5qZSfGQsJ3Dq3ZOLVieK294Wcz46ypjfl_R9LM-KCKRd_fA0qLXJRIm4xLuH9eT0Urkh/w480-h640/oak1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7vV0zh1iKsrDTV6OsITQcLovgeT1FYBofHhVfjVHWJHeo6E3VkqaqxFFzOeC9be4K_97LkcXRc0JyCPNmDj7xfJr-tbKhb4CIY5p7n2WE0w5lBCfehHSzJpNhZEBft34MMtx7byJ9C_FwZg6terfzDJRvd7AlnFmfeF8gmfwuc6inONo7-mOh2KAu/s4032/oak2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7vV0zh1iKsrDTV6OsITQcLovgeT1FYBofHhVfjVHWJHeo6E3VkqaqxFFzOeC9be4K_97LkcXRc0JyCPNmDj7xfJr-tbKhb4CIY5p7n2WE0w5lBCfehHSzJpNhZEBft34MMtx7byJ9C_FwZg6terfzDJRvd7AlnFmfeF8gmfwuc6inONo7-mOh2KAu/w640-h480/oak2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3kN9_aa5D3mfreCxpe-XCDkcl3_YrkOOLIegDIylzKDWVgmXxRdfq1BmcDGFruF5I9DEaDrahbOAk_rVTMzVIusiewhHQ9dgCfCx93cbk7n1_soOrSJT7ouxXgNFTPjG5N3rLTC48TN1uHzLzPmJmMGJ9nmav0BNAChhHJ3RFBPaKQ4Ua3DUf6APj/s4032/noriegas.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3kN9_aa5D3mfreCxpe-XCDkcl3_YrkOOLIegDIylzKDWVgmXxRdfq1BmcDGFruF5I9DEaDrahbOAk_rVTMzVIusiewhHQ9dgCfCx93cbk7n1_soOrSJT7ouxXgNFTPjG5N3rLTC48TN1uHzLzPmJmMGJ9nmav0BNAChhHJ3RFBPaKQ4Ua3DUf6APj/w480-h640/noriegas.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrYs9ArgaJgmCr9cyB-xNs8W2xfhk6M8LnbMIR6B6iscgH-7Cy_GQcktDYi6l4BA_F-f0DqjWeWixngINDUUZ13dV5BBI5nqStD9OZ6d13rXKd314S7AciUNd_NBrlukQyNkiUsjjMU2ALniA78KCeu5rALkzVumdjCPQ3Sj-TDDEnS0xcmyNhM1gU/s4032/traindump.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrYs9ArgaJgmCr9cyB-xNs8W2xfhk6M8LnbMIR6B6iscgH-7Cy_GQcktDYi6l4BA_F-f0DqjWeWixngINDUUZ13dV5BBI5nqStD9OZ6d13rXKd314S7AciUNd_NBrlukQyNkiUsjjMU2ALniA78KCeu5rALkzVumdjCPQ3Sj-TDDEnS0xcmyNhM1gU/w640-h480/traindump.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b> * ... BREAKFAST IN BAKO: </b>So where is the best breakfast in Bakersfield? The 24th Street Cafe? Arizona Cafe? Both terrific iconic businesses, but what about the Pyrenees Cafe, a place more well known for its stiff drinks, live music and classic Basque lunch and dinner entrees? Pyrenees owners Rod and Julie Crawford are rightfully proud of their breakfast menu and have taken to advertising it on billboards around town.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0D-dYxt_3uXvJpiaO6aNOT8WJaq2IYY13PFXADJsoAkYdyW5z5goNilNOXKUsZTvceCSHZlSFlFPQsBwsLNwPAkRJK1-zM8IMqWILU6P92H04rQc_AdZ6-oo79-vIxeKKum_i2twpAWBLpZujt90LfYO4-Ufo8NXwx4V0Yc6jMIODKU21VgFAtp5q/s4032/bkfast.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0D-dYxt_3uXvJpiaO6aNOT8WJaq2IYY13PFXADJsoAkYdyW5z5goNilNOXKUsZTvceCSHZlSFlFPQsBwsLNwPAkRJK1-zM8IMqWILU6P92H04rQc_AdZ6-oo79-vIxeKKum_i2twpAWBLpZujt90LfYO4-Ufo8NXwx4V0Yc6jMIODKU21VgFAtp5q/w480-h640/bkfast.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><b> * ... STRAY DOGS: </b>This Facebook post from the Bakersfield SPCA says it all about this adorable pup seen here: <b style="font-style: italic;">"</b>When will it ever end?? A Good Samaritan just brought in this little abandoned puppy they found out all alone. This is happening way too much all around town. The little girl is only about 4 weeks old. We have her now safely tucked away in her bed in the nursery where she will be taken care of for about another month before she is old enough to be put up for adoption. I know the City and County shelters see this daily as well. STOP the breeding, Spay/Neuter your pets!"</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaRVibYcvWhEPRTJ1kXknWYo8QLvY5y_S94WbE7qVnSqAxwKBy-oPSDX27vp5FK20ug07iK6zhAx8VZ1R5rG_lMs7oAd3I8S099utHflXZL4H_FaU_1EYwzdBbp1RFAS1aOoVAxLPzVifVIOk3Ou-Q3bBAz_osjatvLj_QLgPGJgn9FCsMDDI6C9cc/s1080/pup.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1051" data-original-width="1080" height="622" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaRVibYcvWhEPRTJ1kXknWYo8QLvY5y_S94WbE7qVnSqAxwKBy-oPSDX27vp5FK20ug07iK6zhAx8VZ1R5rG_lMs7oAd3I8S099utHflXZL4H_FaU_1EYwzdBbp1RFAS1aOoVAxLPzVifVIOk3Ou-Q3bBAz_osjatvLj_QLgPGJgn9FCsMDDI6C9cc/w640-h622/pup.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div> <b>* ... YOGA CULTURE: S</b>ome people are just born entrepreneurs, blessed with a vision of their community and surroundings that sees only possibilities. Two such creatures are Ryan and Natalie Green, publishers of a downtown magazine called Stroll, an affirmational look our town and the world that focuses on what is right in the world, not wrong. And now the Greens have announced they are working on their own yoga study on 18th Street called Yoga Culture. Stay tuned for the opening and what the Greens have in store next.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB7fGeczMixdYGQ25a5pFgfXkPxZ4J84genEftNats8Su2rT4oWENu6RB8Gh4hrTIbbhDs4aXKFsSctCOI0x_QgtmNcZdgxISaB5gd81pozjN4_g4mPByRBcx6lbu_hqcZ47kkZTbgptJdURVuivzkTw3JkSUGnlaivSdKJkR58uNuiy9TyxrGtZFc/s4032/Yogaculture.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB7fGeczMixdYGQ25a5pFgfXkPxZ4J84genEftNats8Su2rT4oWENu6RB8Gh4hrTIbbhDs4aXKFsSctCOI0x_QgtmNcZdgxISaB5gd81pozjN4_g4mPByRBcx6lbu_hqcZ47kkZTbgptJdURVuivzkTw3JkSUGnlaivSdKJkR58uNuiy9TyxrGtZFc/w480-h640/Yogaculture.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div> <b>* ... MEMORIES: </b>And while we are speaking of the old depot, I turned to the Facebook group Kern County History Fans to find a marvelous old photo or two of the depot back in its heyday.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3t2ITREpeEv5ygrp_G8P8Ykd1nj-J5dZihvv3klrnhJOOhlCKGR-HNZ67ZE3rVZORHnMv7EnsoWtxqxYMkPMGQE7MnzwDLflwwkUX94GxmjJWaZGU7LLthStoBlRXjKbz18I387EDbo92e5nLO-CKik7G9NmERCqmK9iz75dHL0uRe7Ob9QX4MKN6/s1364/depot.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1364" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3t2ITREpeEv5ygrp_G8P8Ykd1nj-J5dZihvv3klrnhJOOhlCKGR-HNZ67ZE3rVZORHnMv7EnsoWtxqxYMkPMGQE7MnzwDLflwwkUX94GxmjJWaZGU7LLthStoBlRXjKbz18I387EDbo92e5nLO-CKik7G9NmERCqmK9iz75dHL0uRe7Ob9QX4MKN6/w506-h640/depot.jpg" width="506" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Richard Beenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07060780209563484710noreply@blogger.com0