A CSUB economist predicts we are in for a long recession because of the coronavirus, the number of infected in Kern County reaches 30 and Deborah Leary is recognized for her work with the homeless

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 person or organization.

 * ... HOLD ON FOR THE RECESSION: Will the coronavirus plunge our country into a recession? That's the word from Richard Gearhart, a professor of economics at CSUB. Gearhart told me it was

 likely we are in for a "long recession' - between 12 and 18 months - as the nation struggles with a

spike in unemployment thanks to so many businesses shutting down. In addition to the jobless claims, Gearhart said keep an eye on the number of workers who have held onto their jobs but saw their hours cut, another sign of a sick economy trying to get back on its feet.

 * ... SMARMY CHARACTERS: I was chatting with Supervisor Mike Maggard the other day and he offered up the simplest, and most accurate in my opinion, reason why the two recent marijuana initiatives failed at the ballot box. Some of the proponents of the initiatives, Maggard said, were "smarmy" and appeared to discredit the effort to bring medicinal pot sales to Kern County. I don't use the word "smarmy" often, but Supervisor Maggard chose exactly the right word.

 * ... CORONAVIRUS: Do you ever wonder why the Kern County Public Health Department doesn't report the communities where the people are sick from the coronavirus? Former city councilman Mark Salvaggio put that question to Public Health Director Matt Constantine who said reporting the communities where virus cases occur may violate HIPPA laws. Constantine also said, "Unfortunately, we are now detecting more positive cases within Kern County and as such we will be able to release some broad geographic areas with positive test results next week."

 * ... SPOTTED ON TWITTER: "My husband is working from home and he’s still late."

 * ... DEBORAH LEARY: Hats off to Deborah Leary, a tireless advocate for the homeless and other local causes, who was featured in The Bakersfield Californian this week. Leary was featured in a piece on St. Vincent du Paul on Baker Street, which provides meals for hundreds of homeless every day as well as providing showers and mail boxes so people will have a place to receive their mail. The facility takes no state, federal or local money and exists solely on donations and proceeds from its thrift store. (photos courtesy of The Californian)

 * ... SPOTTED ON FACEBOOK: Only in California.

 * ... FARM BUREAU: Colleen Taber has been named administrator of the Kern County Farm Bureau, replacing Ariana Joven who was appointed government affairs for Kern's largest farming company, Los Angeles-based The Wonderful Co. Taber previously worked as regional manager of the FARMS Leadership Program, where she partnered with Kern high schools to teach young people about local farms and careers in agriculture.

 * ... MEMORIES: Check out this front page of The Bakersfield Californian during the great Spanish flu.

A CSUB economic predicts the coronavirus will trigger a recession, Grimmway Farms celebrates 50 years in business and Bishop Joseph Brennan makes an appearance at St Francis no less

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 person or organization.

 * ... CORONAVIRUS: Will the coronavirus plunge the United States into a recession? CSUB

economics professor Dr. Richard Gearhart believes it will, and it's hard to argue against when you look at the economic hit we are taking as we respond to the virus. CSUB has suspended classes for the rest of the semester, Disneyland has closed, Broadway shows have shuttered, the NCAA has canceled the men's and women's college basketball tournament known as March Madness, the NBA and NHL seasons have been suspended, major league baseball delayed the start of spring training, the Bakersfield Tennis Open has been canceled and there will be no more audiences at hit TV show recordings like Jeopardy!, Wheel of Fortune and The Ellen Show. Can the closing of public elementary and high schools be far behind? What about all the charity events and walks that start in the spring? What about high school and college graduations? How will this affect the homeless and their encampments? All signs point to a tough few months ahead of us, so stay calm, and stay tuned.

 * ... SPOTTED ON TWITTER: "The wage gap isn't real. Men just tend to go for higher paying jobs, like doctor, engineer and CEO. Whereas women go for lower paying jobs like female doctor, female engineer and female CEO."

 * ... GRIMMWAY FARMS: Grimmway Farms is celebrating its 50th anniversary, one of the truly inspiring local stories of two brothers (Rob and Bob Grimm) who started hawking corn on street corners in Anaheim and went on to build what is now the nation's largest carrot producer. The Grimms have both died but CEO Jeff Huckaby is now at the helm and says Grimmway is weathering the coronavirus scare quite nicely. Orders for Grimmway's line of organic produce sold under the Cal-Organic brand are up, and fully 50 percent of all of Grimmway's business now comes from organic produce. The company employs some 7,000 people in seven states and ships product to 20 countries.

 * ... BISHOP BRENNAN:  The Kern County Catholic Prayer breakfast was held this week, featuring an address by Bishop Joseph Brennan from the Diocese of Fresno. The irony in the room was rich: here was the bishop who will make the final decision on the fate of Monsignor Craig Harrison, who has been accused by multiple men of sexually molesting them dating back to the late 1980s. Some Father Craig supporters boycotted the event although there was a robust turnout nonetheless. And this is the same bishop whose diocese is being sued by Father Craig for defamation. Finally, the event was held in the Monsignor Craig Harrison Youth Center at St. Francis. If Harrison is kicked out of the church, that signage will undoubtedly come down. 

 * ... SPOTTED ON FACEBOOK: A sign of the times.

* ... MEMORIES: Workers attend to the wreckage of the Porche Spider that James Dean was driving when he lost control and went off the road on Highway 46, dying at the scene.

Bishop Joseph Brennan to preside over the Kern Catholic Prayer breakfast as we await word on Father Craig Harrison, the BBC turns to Dr. Jeanine Kraybill for political commentary, and did you catch the "snow moon" this weekend?

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 person or organization.

 * ... CRIME: We should have known this was coming. Petty crime, including the "smash and grabs" that are so common now across Kern County, is exploding thanks to the California legislature

decriminalizing "non violent" offenses. In a bid to relieve prison crowding and reduce the number of minorities incarcerated, the state decriminalized the theft of anything that has a value of under $950, and the results have led to a spike in crime across the state. And now we hear that a group of 100 minors went from store to store at Valley Plaza Saturday randomly stealing merchandise and running out the door. Talk to any retailer and they will tell you the same: people simply walk out with their arms full of merchandise. And how can this be good for California?

 * ...SNOW MOON: Did you catch the full moon this weekend?  It's called the snow moon and it is the second full moon of the year. The February full moon is known most commonly as the snow moon for the abundance of snow in mid-winter. February 2020’s full moon is also considered a supermoon.

 * ... PRAYER BREAKFAST: Bishop Joseph Brennan from the Diocese of Fresno will be presiding over the 2020 Kern Catholic Prayer Breakfast on Thursday, March 12. Brennan's visit is coming as we all await word on the fate of Monsignor Craig Harrison, who was suspended last April because of allegations he had inappropriate sexual contact with young men as far back at the late 1980s and 1990s. Brennan is expected to make a decision on Harrison after the Fresno County District Attorney's office wraps up its investigation into a case in Firebaugh involving Harrison and a then young man. I am told the Fresno DA may render its decision soon, and it will likely cite the statue of limitations in deciding not to charge Harrison. Does that mean Harrison is not guilty or simply that the statue of limitations has expired? Pick your side, but also pay attention to how the Fresno DA words its statement on Harrison. The devil is always in the details. Meanwhile, Brennan is expected to make the final call soon, and how ironic would it be if Brennan comes to St. Francis for the prayer breakfast and holds court in the Craig Harrison Youth Center?

* ... MEASURE D: It probably should come as no surprise that controversy follows local marijuana advocates, and this time the controversy came over a pro Measure D billboard at the corner of Pacheco and Stine roads. The billboard shows a couple dozen smiling detention deputies indicating that they support the medical marijuaa initiative known as Measure D, supported by David Abassi and other cannabis advocates. The problem: the Kern County Detention Officers Association says the billboard is misleading and it did not give permission to use the photo. “KCDOA has not and will not endorse this controversial measure,” said union President Dustin Alkire “It is exceptionally disgraceful that the Central Valley Cannabis Association would use a picture of our hard-working detentions deputies in this manner.” Measure D is being pushed by local marijuana advocates, and it is no surprise the initiative would allow former pot retailers to go back into business. A competing initiative, Measure E, is supported by the Board of Supervisors and is generally seen as more restrictive.

 * .... HEARTBREAK: We have a serious problem here with abused and abandoned dogs, and thank God for the many volunteer organizations that seek to find homes for abused animals. Check out this post: "Anyone out there with a big heart and a deep wallet?? BAILEY needs to be seen ASAP for a tooth abscess!! You can see her right eye is swollen and she’s in pain. Owner is struggling financially right now and a vet bill was the last thing she needed. When it rains, it pours. We all know that feeling. This dog is in a lot of pain, constantly drooling and can’t eat. We can’t let her suffer. Please donate! She’s going to be seen at Banfield on Oswell Street. You can donations send to PayPal bbbrescue2014@gmail.com or Venmo @bbbrescue2014 or you can call donations in to Banfield for “RILEY” to (661) 871-0053 once she has been admitted.Please help Bailey!!"

 * ... KRAYBILL: Congratulations to CSUB's Dr. Jeanine Kraybill who has been asked to serve as a U.S. political analyst during the presidential campaign for BBC Breakfast, the most watched morning news program in the United Kingdom. A professor of both political science and religious studies, Kraybill has served as a political analyst for The Richard Beene Show on KERN 96.1 FM for the past three years.

 * ... GEARHART: And congratulations to Dr. Richard Gearhart and his wife Diane Blackburn Gearhart on the birth of their second daughter, Reagan Leigh Gearhart. Reagan was born February 4 at 8:36 a.m. Gearhart is a graduate of Clemson University and is currently a professor of economics at CSUB.

 * ... SPOTTED ON FACEBOOK: I spotted this picture on the Kern County of Old Facebook page. Who remembers the 2003 sinkhole in front of Jim Burke Ford on Oak Street?

 * ... MEMORIES: Just take a look at his shot, compliments of my friend Art Moore, of Barbra Streisand and James Brolin at Woolgrower's take on July 7, 1998.

A CSU Bakersfield economics professor looks into the causes of obesity in Bakersfield, street improvement projects cause chaos on our local roads and more warnings about this IRS scams

 Monday April 9, 2018

Welcome to Bakersfield Observed, now online only. Our mission is to celebrate life in Kern County by focusing on newsmakers and events and the local characters who make this such a special place. We value your feedback. Email your news and notes to rsbeene@yahoo.com.

 * ... OBESITY: Why do areas like Kern County have such a high rate of obesity? Dr. Richard

Gearhart, an economics professor at CSU Bakersfield, believes it could be because Kern County is an area with a "resource curse." Among other things, that means we rely heavily on resources like oil that provide hourly and shift work jobs, and in those types of jobs, employees tend to eat on the run, use more fast food and put on the excess pounds. "So as oil prices rise," he told me, "you would expect" the rates of obesity to rise as well.

 * ... RETAIL: The new Texas Roadhouse restaurant opens Monday next to Valley Plaza Mall, and I am hearing early good reviews. One friend attended during a VIP dinner this past weekend and said the prime rib and ribeye steaks were outstanding, but expect a lot of enthusiasm from the staff (as in impromptu line-dancing for the guests.) Also, remember when Target left its old location on Wible and Ming and how the shopping center went to hell? Well there is a new anchor tenant - Furniture City - and the place is clean and inviting. Check it out.

* ... MARIJUANA: Our Board of Supervisors and City Council may have turned thumbs down on marijuana but it bucks a national trend showing an overwhelming majority of adults support it - at least in its medicinal form. A survey by the National Poll on Health Aging shows that while only six percent of older adults currently use cannabis, four out five Americans between the ages of 50 and 80 support medical marijuana if a doctor recommends it. Only 13 percent would definitely say no to cannabis. The survey also reported that 40 percent support allowing marijuana use for any reason and that two-thirds say the government should do more to study the herb’s health effects.

 * ... TRAFFIC: The city of Bakersfield is simultaneously working on several major road improvement projects at some of our busiest intersections, and it is a mess out there. The intersection of Truxtun and Oak is being widened, and it is absolute gridlock at almost any hour of the day as Truxtun is taking down to one lane headed east into downtown. In-bound traffic on the Westside Parkway is sometimes backed up to Mohawk during rush hour. Add to that the 24th Street widening, and the soon to be project at Oak and 24th, and we are in for a world of hurt for a long while. My advice: avoid Oak and Truxtun at all costs.

* ... SPOTTED ON TWITTER: "The dinner date fell apart when strangers from surrounding tables started yelling out she could do better."

 * ... MORE TWITTER: "You know when your dinners have glasses instead of red cups, you are officially grown up."

 * .. IRS SCAM: I thought everyone had been warned about the IRS scams where someone calls pretending to be from the IRS and demands money. Well, not everyone, and in this case it was a 30ish local teacher who was the victim. I will not use his name to spare him the embarrassment, but it happened recently when he fell for a scam that cost him $6,000. He was at a local high school when he received a call telling him he had committed tax fraud and to avoid arrest, he had to wire money immediately. "They said that if I didn't comply, the local police department would call me with a warrant for my arrest, upon which I would be incarcerated for 72 hours and have an $85,000 fine. These people were not stuttering. They all had an accent from India. I should have known. But when they yell at you for questioning them, and you hang up the phone, and you immediately receive a call on your phone that reads: Bakersfield Police Department--you begin to think--uh oh...This is real! And so I followed all of their orders." He was told to go to a local pharmacy and buy Google Play gift cards, which he did, all the while having the "IRS agent" on speaker phone.  "In the end, I was scammed out of 6,500 dollars," he said. "Fortunately, the credit card company voided the 4,500. But Kern Schools being a checking account--I lost two grand. Such. An. Idiot. But these people, the longer you stay on the line with them, the more you begin to question your own intuition."

 * ...MEMORIES: Who remembers the motorcycle hill climbs out at Hart Park? Check out this old photo courtesy of the Kern County of Old Facebook page.