More evidence that diet sodas are bad for us, it's snake season in Kern County and First Friday features a creative pairing of photography and painting

 * ... SODAS: There's more evidence that drinking diet soda is bad for you. The latest comes from researchers who studied more than 4,000 people over the age of 45 and found a clear link between

diet soda consumption and an increased risk for stroke and dementia. Said The New York Times: "The study, in the journal Stroke, found that compared with those who did not drink diet soda, people who drank one of six artificially sweetened drinks a week had twice the risk of stroke. There were similar, although weaker, associations for dementia risk."

 * ... FIRST FRIDAY: If you are downtown for First Friday this week, don't miss a special show at The Metro Galleries featuring the photography of Don Martin and paintings by David Gordon. The idea: take the stunning nature photographs by Martin and have Gordon transfer them to paint on canvas, resulting a creative pairing of art reflecting the beauty of our community. Take in dinner at one of our downtown eateries (Uricchio's Trattoria, Chef's Choice Noodle Bar, Jin Sushi, The Padre Hotel, Muerto's, The Mark to name a few) and then head over to the arts district to soak it all in.

 * ... SNAKES: Heads up everyone because we are entering the peak season for snakes on our hiking trails and bike paths. I spotted two in the last week, sunning on stretches of the bike path, and you can bet there are more lurking in the weeds in Hart Park and along the Kern River. Enjoy the outdoors, but step carefully.

* ... SPOTTED ON TWITTER: "It’s crazy that when Miley Cyrus gets naked and licks a hammer, it’s 'art'…. but if I do it, I’m 'wasted' and have to leave Home Depot."

 * ... SUNDAY EATS: Good news for downtown residents who often complain that most restaurants are closed on Sunday. Cafe Smitten, the popular new coffee and sandwich place on 18th Street, is now opening on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

 * ... GOOD FORM: Hats off to the West High School class of 1976 for providing $6,000 to the school for scholarships. The class recently held its 40th reunion and raised the money to provide for scholarships for three students. Wouldn't it be great if every reunion provided scholarships for those in need?My thanks to Lamar Kerley for passing this along.

 * ... MEMORIES: Lavania Poznoff shared this memory of old Bakersfield: "Re your mention of the Crystal Inn and its location on South Union Avenue. I seem to remember the Basque Club was formerly the Rainbow Gardens where a few times I danced the Western 2-Step to the tunes of Cousin Herb and his band, with Billy Mize on steel guitar."

 * ... MORE MEMORIES: And finally, R. Short added this: "As a resident of Bakersfield in the 1940s I remember the dance halls along Union Avenue this way ,south to north: The 2307 Club (primarily black patrons); The Rainbow Gardens (primarily Okie patrons); The Crystal Inn (primarily country patrons); Maison/Jaussaud? (primarily wealthy patrons); Saddle and Sirloin (primarily middle to wealthy patrons)."

CSUB appoints a new director of fund raising, Tracy Walker-Kiser gets some well deserved recognition by Memorial Hospital and it's time for the final First Friday of the year

* ... CSUB: Count me among those who are hoping CSUB made the right choice in appointing Victor Martin as the new vice president of university advancement. This is the key fund raising job on campus, requiring someone with high energy and deep connections in the community. The past two

to hold the job - David Melendez and Beverly Byl - were washouts and neither did much tap into the generosity of this town. The last person to do the job well - and he was terrific - was Michael Chertok, and he retired nine years ago. If I were Victor Martin, I would take Chertok out to lunch and pick his brain.

* ... GOOD FORM: Congratulations to three friends of mine who received some well deserved recognition recently. At the annual dinner of the Memorial Hospital Foundation board, Beverly and Jim Camp were feted as "patrons of the year" in recognition of their generosity to the hospital, and Tracy Kiser-Walker was named volunteer of the year. Tracy, who owns H. Walker's mens clothing store downtown, is a tireless volunteer for at least a half dozen organizations in town (downtown Rotary and the Junior League among others) and she was a driving force behind the annual Larry Carr Memorial Golf Tournament that raises so much money for hospital causes.

 * ... FIRST FRIDAY: The final First Friday of the year kicks off at 5 p.m. today in the downtown Arts District. Traditionally businesses in the district have used this night promote holiday shopping. Metro Galleries has two exhibits opening. Italian photographer Masilmilliano Marchetti will be showing "Transitions," a series of beautiful photos of the California coast. Also, "Small Works 2016" features paintings by local artists priced under $500. First Friday creator Don Martin says past three First Fridays have had record Fall visitors and that the ArtWalk (sponsored by the Arts Council of Kern) continues to grow and will have 70 plus artists this month. Martin moved the monthly event under the umbrella of the new Bakersfield Arts District Foundation earlier this year, says there will be some major new additions to the event in 2017, including the launch of an Arts District app.

* ... CRIME: Mailboxes in the Seven Oaks area have been hit again, this time by someone with a master key to open the mailbox cluster unit. These thefts are happening all over town, frustrating folks who use these neighborhood "cluster" boxes.

 * ... SPOTTED ON TWITTER: "I want the confidence of someone who doesn't bother putting a lid on their to-go cup."

 * ... SUSHI: A new sushi restaurant has opened downtown and it will host its grand opening today (Friday). It's called Yamato and it is located in the same space on 19th Street where Enso operated until recently. Ray Watson, president of Uniglobe Travel, told me the space has been spruced up and both the sushi and rolls were excellent. Yet another friend, Miranda Whitworth of the Kern Federal Credit Union, also raved about the place and posted a picture on social media of a sushi roll covered in seaweed salad.

  * ... YARD SALE: If you like yard sales and bargains, be advised there will be a huge one at Temple Beth El this Sunday. The temple, located just north of Garces Memorial High School on Loma Linda Drive, will  host the yard sale from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Temple vice president Greg Broida said some 100 families have donated furniture, tools, clothing, housewares and other items.

 * ... ACHIEVER: A few years ago I wrote about Phillip McGill, a Stockdale High student who graduated 10th in his class at the University of San Diego. Well now I learn that McGill has been named one of San Diego's "rising stars" for 2017 by Super Lawyers magazine. He is a mergers and acquisitions attorney working for Cooley LLP.

California cities prepare local rules for legal marijuana, texting contributes to more traffic fatalities and First Friday kicks off a perfect October weekend

 *... TRAFFIC FATALITIES: This may not surprise you but traffic fatalities are surging, thanks in part - experts say - to our love affair with the dangerous habit of texting while driving. The Wall

Street Jounral said traffic deaths rose more than 10 percent in the first half of this year. Said the Journal: "While drunken driving is historically a big culprit for fatalities, motorists are also inundated with more technology in the car cabin, and the use of smartphones by drivings remains a concern for regulators."

 * ... MARIJUANA: Interesting to read that the city of Arvin is looking into ways to regulate the indoor growth of marijuana. It's yet another sign that experts expect an easy passage for Proposition 64, the measure which will largely legalize marijuana in California and put into place a system to tax and regulate it. Expect more cities to follow Arvin's lead and start preparing for the inevitable.

 * ... FIRST FRIDAY: A big first Fall First Friday is on tap in the Arts District of downtown Bakersfield. A new exhibit by former Bakersfield resident Robin Noble is at Metro Galleries. Noble married and moved to the central coast a few years ago and once settled discovered a huge talent and passion for painting. Her show' "Language of Light" kicks of the evening at 5 pm. Also on display at Metro is "Breath of Fresh Air." A series of paintings by local artists and BHS art students that will be used in a clean air, healthy lungs public art campaign sponsored by Dignity Health. A number of the pieces will be installed in the Arts District in February."

 * ... SPOTTED ON TWITTER: "I am in my truest form when the food comes at a restaurant and I side-eye plates, suspicious that everyone got more fries than I did."

 * ... FOODIE: And speaking of food, when was the last time you were at an event catered by Moo Creamery? Lamb tacos, bacon wrapped meat with blue cheese, chicken pot stickers, mini tortas and dessert trays that will make you blush.

  * ... INFANTRY: Fred Drew is a proud Vietnam veteran, and he recently returned from Fort Lewis, WA., for a special ceremony. "There was a ‘change of command’ parade on the Division parade field where I was inducted as the Honorary Regimental Commander of the 23rd Infantry Regiment. This is one of the oldest Infantry Regiments in the US Army, and has fought in every war from the Civil War to the global war on terrorism. I commanded a company in the regiment in Vietnam from August 1969 to March 1970 as a 22-year-old captain. This was a great honor for me and my family. It was awesome to see and meet so many great young Americans who have sworn to protect and defend the United States of America."

 * ... MEMORIES: How many of you have lived here long enough to remember when the "southwest" part of town ended short of West High School? Loren Stroppe does, and she shared this memory: "I worked for the Ewings at the Tam O' Shanter in the early 1960s and in 1964 they decided to open the Stockdale Inn and wanted me to be the assistant manager, so I worked there from the ground up literally. We were the real pioneers all out there by ourselves. Some of my good memories were that the southwest was just starting to develop and some of the people I got to meet.  Occidential Petroluem had just been formed, they were located about where the In 'n Out Burger is now. Armand Hammer and Gene Reid would would bring their entire staff 30-40 people over for drinks after work whenever they hit a big well. Other people of note that also dined there was Del Webb as he was just starting Kern City and Park Stockdale. Also the Valley Plaza was just being built by by Farber and Gladstone whom also dined there."

San Bernardino shooting renews calls for gun control, and the issue of global warming breaks down on political lines

 * ... SAN BERNARDINO: The horrific shootings in San Bernardino have triggered renewed calls for gun control, but the practical reality is something entirely different. There are approximately 300 million handguns, rifles and shotguns in private homes throughout the country, and our desire for personal

protection seems to know no bounds. Did you know that 37 percent of Americans own at least one weapon? And frankly, that statistic seems low to me. On Black Friday, for example, the government reported a record 185,000 background checks were conducted on firearm sales. And with the rise of domestic and Islamic terrorism on U.S. soil, you can bet that trend will continue.

 * ... CLIMATE CHANGE: This should come as no surprise but the extent to which people believe in climate change breaks down along political lines. According to a recent poll of by the Public Policy Institute of California, "while 79 percent of California Democrats say global climate change is a very serious problem, fewer independents (55 percent) share this view and just 21 percent of Republicans agree. Indeed, 35 percent of Republicans say global climate change is not a problem. At least half of residents across regions say global climate change is a very serious problem. Across racial/ethnic groups, blacks (71 percent), Asians (66 percent), and Latinos (63 percent) are more likely than whites (51 percent) to say so."

 * ... GUARDIAN SERIES: If you haven't read the series by the London newspaper The Guardian on officer-involved shootings, you should. It found, among other things, that Kern County leads the nation in fatal officer-involved shootings on a per capita basis. Other counties in the top 10 - San Bernardino, Riverside, Clark County, Nevada and Oklahoma County - share a lot in common with Kern: high crime rates, rampant methamphetamine use, poverty and high unemployment. Does that excuse law enforcement in the use of excessive force? Certainly not, but it does point out that our street officers often patrol in bad neighborhoods where bad things happen. The Guardian series is rolling out over the next month, and is recommended reading.

 * ... SPOTTED ON TWITTER: "What if dogs bring the ball back because they think you enjoy throwing it?"

 * ... BAD FORM: Shame on whoever unceremoniously dumped a filthy mattress in a downtown alley the other day. The city offers bulk items pick up, and the dump is a short drive away, but some folks prefer to let someone else deal with their mess.

 * ... FIRST FRIDAY: The December First Friday has a lot in store for tonight, including several new art exhibits. Over at Metro Galleries, artist Alberto Herrera has a new show of 48 paintings. Herrera is know for his colorful almost Picasso like paintings. At the  Ice House Framing and Gifts, Aliza McCracken will be signing her new book or inspirational art and poetry. The 19th and Eye ArtWalk continues to grow each month, this time over 50 local artists will be showing their works. It all happens in the downtown Arts District from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Drought, falling oil prices hit hard in Kern County, and remembering the day the Hell's Angels roared into Bakersfield and visited the Blackboard Cafe

 * … DOUBLE WHAMMY: If you aren't following the twin threats of the ongoing drought coupled with falling oil prices, you should. Michael Turnipseed, head of the Kern County Taxpayer's

Association, said Kern County is at the epicenter of a fiscal "double whammy" as oil prices fall and the drought drags on. "People are looking at this and saying, 'You know, these clouds are pretty dark," he said. "The worst-case scenario is that Kern County is in a very deep hole, especially if the drought continues." The Board of Supervisors has already declared a fiscal emergency on the heels of news that the drop in oil prices will translate into a $61 million loss in property tax revenue. That led to Standard and poor's rating Services to revised the outlopok for Kern County to negative, never a good thing.

 * … HELL'S ANGELS: Reader Gene Linkhorn shared with me some historic and classic photos taken when the San Bernardino chapter of the Hell's Angels visited Bakersfield back in 1965. The photos, taken by Billy Ray on assignment for Life Magazine, showed the Angels in Hart Park, at The Blackboard on Chester and roaring through town as wary Kern County Sheriff's deputies looked on. For some reason, Life Magazine never printed the photos.

 * … WENDY: The late Wendy Wayne would have turned 67 this week, and her contributions were acknowledged when a charter school in Modesto christened two Wendy's Words Little Libraries. The Aspire Summit Charter Academy will soon officially open the "libraries" on its campus, encouraging children to read during recess. The neighborhood "libraries" started in Bakersfield as a way of honoring  Wendy's commitment to education, reading and community invovlement.

 * … ART: There is an interesting new collection of Southern California desert wild animals on display at The Metro Galleries on 19th Street. Metro owner Don Martin told me the artist is Karene Swenson, whose last show two years ago was one of the best selling shows ever. The exhibit opens Friday at 5 p.m. and will run until 9 a.m.

 * … BAD FORM: A reader, who did not want to be identified, wrote to complain about the trash along Rudd Road between Highway 58 and Palm, a short six to eight blocks. "I walk this area regularly about once or twice a month and I take a few plastic shopping bags with me to collect all the junk and debris discarded by those travelling this short section of street. No one maintains
the trash pickup. Today, again, I walked the street and picked up trash.  Included in the items collected
were a toilet seat, heavy duty home door mat, glass and plastic bottles, liquor bottles of multiple brands and  types, used condoms, 52 cigarettes, a pair of women’s socks, a pair of men’s underwear, one tennis shoe, a water pump for a car, 12 assorted plastic bags (I didn’t need to bring any from home), chewing tobacco pouches, multiple soft drink containers both paper, plastic and Styrofoam. I was so loaded down that I gave up prior to finishing the job of walking the center turn area of the street where there is substantial  debris. And, so it goes, again and again and again. I’m happy to do it to keep my part of town from  degradation. No need to adopt a street, just use of common sense. The truth be told, who raised these folks that trash our streets? The problem as I see it is lack of respectful upbringing."

 * … MEMORIES: "One more offering regarding local miniature golf courses," wrote Mike Huston. "Let's not forget the Alta Vista Miniature Golf Course located next to the Shakey's Pizza and the Green Frog Market. Lee Sullivan was the owner, opened the business in the afternoons and evenings as he was a postman by day. Regulars David Wilkerson and Greg Hanson mastered the five cent pinball machines, i.e. River Boat and Sweethearts, all while sipping on Dr Peppers and AW Root Beer. My, how times have changed!"

A moving tribute to the late civic activist Wendy Wayne, a new cooking studio to open in downtown Bakersfield and some wild bike races out at Hart Park this weekend

 * … TRIBUTE: Yvonne Torres is one of many people who were lucky enough to call the late

Wendy Wayne a friend. But her story, unlike others, has an interesting parallel, and her tribute to the late civic organizer who died two years ago is moving. In her words: "I have worked for KSCOS and I knew Wendy for 20 years and I can’t tell you how much she meant to me. She was my mentor and my friend. To this day I keep her picture by my desk because I want to live my life like Wendy. I’ve always wanted to live my life like Wendy. She was prefect in every way. To be in her presence you knew she was an angel like no other. In May 2014, I was sent to CBCC (Comprehensive Blood and Cancer Center) for iron infusion and my best friend said, 'Hey why are you with the chemotherapy people you don’t have cancer and you are no Wendy Wayne.' We both laughed. Then on June 6 I was diagnosed with double breast cancer. As I follow in Wendy’s steps I went to City of Hope Hospital, my surgery was at Torrance Memorial, and I do radiation at San Joaquin Hospital. Every day I walk past her research library and do my radiation and it breaks my heart I miss her so much. I always wanted to be like Wendy Wayne, but not like this."

 * … SPOTTED: Local appraiser Gary Crabtree spotted this bumper sticker and passed it on to me:  “My kid was Inmate of the Month at Lerdo.” Only in Bakersfield.

 * … THE KITCHEN: Another new eatery is coming to downtown Bakersfield, but this one will have an interesting twist. The brainchild of local foodie Darci Atkinson, the business will be called "The Kitchen" and will feature hands-on cooking classes and summer cooking camps for kids. Atkinson said The Kitchen (its tagline is the catchy 'Come Cook With Us') should open in January in a 1,200 foot space on 20th Street.

 * … FIRST FRIDAY: Lots going on in the downtown arts district for this First Friday. Over at Metro Galleries, artist Christine McKee has a show entitled, "Fully Present.: She's created 27 modern abstract paintings. Also at Metro, artist and Arts Council Exec David Gordon has five new paintings, three of which are based on Kern sunrise and sunset photos taken by Metro owner Don Martin. Other stops to make, the IceHouse  framing and gallery always has art and great gifts and also this month a new jewelry and gift boutique, Wire and Pearl has opened up at 1911 17th Street.

* … ACHIEVER: Here's yet another example of one of our local students who has gone on to achieve huge success. Megan Holmes (she was Megan Odell when she graduated from Garces Memorial High School in 2000) is currently a professor at the prestigious Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. She is a graduate of San Diego State and has a Masters and PhD from UCLA in Social Welfare. Her area of specialty is domestic violence, particularly involving its impact on children. She is the daughter of Linda ODell and Michael ODell, an attorney at Clifford and Brown.

 * … BIKE RACES: Hart Park will be the scene of several bike races this weekend. In addition to a Saturday and Sunday cyclocross race, Geoff Welch tells me of another crazy event Saturday evening. Said Welch: "In addition to the cyclocross races this weekend, avid cyclists and spectators have another adrenaline filled option in the form of a downhill mountain bike race in the dark. Adrian Monge at All Action Racing is hosting the race down the infamous Toads Trail this Saturday with registration and practice beginning at 5 p.m."

Is Krispy Kreme headed to Bakersfield? If not on California Avenue, then where? And if you are ready for some outstanding barbecue, head over to Quig's BBQ and Catering on the Garces Circle

 * … KRISPY KREME: It looks like I spoke too soon in announcing that Krispy Kreme will open a new store on California Avenue. Duane Keathley, senior partner at Cushman and Wakefield, conceded he erred in telling me the popular doughnut shop was returning to Bakersfield on California Avenue across from Barnes and Noble. "My

apologies," he said.  "Krispy Kreme was negotiating and told us that they had a deal here." But Keathley said there is good news: "Krispy Kreme is actively working on another site (not California Avenue), but it is not done." Stay tuned.

 * … FIRST FRIDAY: I am looking forward to the opening this Friday of an art show featuring the seascapes and landscapes of Santa Barbara and the California coast. It's happening at the Metro Galleries on 19th Street, all part of the First Friday celebration downtown. There will be new works by Mary-Austin Klein, David Allen Gordon, Bonnie Hineline-Kempner, Betty Leonor and Bob Rowley. (artwork by Mary-Austin Klein)

 * … FOODIE BEST BET: I finally dropped by Quig's BBQ and Catering on the Garces Circle after months of driving by and enjoying the irresistible scent of slow cooked ribs and pork. Owner Scott Quigley, West High/Bakersfield College/CSUB, was enjoying a brisk lunchtime business (he also specializes in catering events and weddings) and I am happy to report that it did not disappoint. Try the pulled pork sandwich platter that comes with some of the best French fries and cold iced tea in town.

 * … OVERHEARD: A young teacher is walking with her mother when she remarks: "You know you're from Bakersfield when the phrase 'a breath of fresh air' is not longer acceptable to say."

* … TAFT COLLEGE: A special couple is being honored by the Taft College Foundation Community Spirit Award.  That is the word from my friend Sheri Horn Bunk, head of the foundation, who told me that John and Betty Miller will be honored at the fifth annual Cougar Rib Eye Cookout on October 16 on the Taft College quad. Miller, 93, trained fighter pilots during World War II and later returned to Taft to work with his wife's sister who owned a grocery store. He later purchased Pacific Perforation that serviced the oil industry. Tickets are just $20.

* … FUND RAISER: If you can't wait for the Taft College barbecue, head up to Garces Memorial High School this Thursday for its annual Fall barbecue. The always popular event kicks off at 5:30 p.m. featuring Harris Ranch New York steak or chicken and tickets are just $25.

* … BAKERSFIELDISM: Retired Realtor Ken Barnes said you may be a Bakersfield old-timer if you remember all the local theaters that once graced downtown. "You had your choice of seven in a five square block area of downtown Bakersfield: the Nile, Fox, Kern, California, Rex, Rialto, and Virginia. Those really were the days before television became so popular."

Remembering Bakersfield first black police chief, Eric Matlock, and conservative pundit Andrew Sullivan will appear at Cal State Bakersfield this week

 * … RIP ERIC: I was saddened to hear of the death of Eric Matlock, Bakersfield's first African-American police chief who led an exemplary life inside and outside the department. I got to know Eric 15 years ago and had the pleasure to dine with him multiple times during some noon Rotary Club

meetings. He was always a gentlemen and was never without a broad, welcoming smile. He battled cancer for three years before succumbing last week at the age of 65. Too young for a man with such energy and natural kindness.

 * … KRISPY KREME: The news last week that Krispy Kreme is returning to Bakersfield went viral on social media websites. When I posted the news here on The Californian's Facebook page, more than 50,000 people read the post and almost 200 folks commented on it, a staggering number that speaks to our love affair with new restaurants in our community. Another post that received a lot of buzz: a place called The Habit Burger is also coming on California Avenue, a gourmet burger joint that has quite a following in places like Stockton, Visalia and Fresno.

 * … SULLIVAN: Kudos to the Kegley Institute of Ethics at Cal State Bakersfield for landing yet another outstanding speaker this week. On Wednesday, author and conservative pundit Andrew Sullivan will be speaking at the Dore Theatre at 7 p.m. Always provocative and a terrific thinker, Sullivan is the former editor of The New Republic and a frequent contributor to network news talk shows.

 * … DROUGHT: A reader passed along this note about neighbors who likes to keep their cars spotless: "We have two neighbors that each own three cars. They wash them at least twice a week. That is using a lot of water plus leaving it running while soaping the cars. Bakersfield needs some kind of restriction on that."

 * … JEWELRY: A unique art and jewelry boutique has opened downtown and will show off its wares at this week's First Friday downtown arts faire. Owned by Susan Ruppel, Wire and Pearl is located at 1911 17th Street. For First Friday, the shop will feature art by Yvonne Cavanaugh and Linda Brown and ceramic art by Alacrity.

 * … BAKERSFIELDISM:  John Strand says you might be a Bakersfield old-timer "if you can remember when the most important decision you made on a weekend was which drive-in theater was showing your favorite movie. Choices were The Ninety-Nine, The South Chester, The Terrace, The Edison, and The Crest. Taft had The Sunset. We thought we were so clever by putting a couple of guys in the trunk!"

Bako Bits: hot new art shows highlight Friday downtown, the downtown Rotary Club awards $40,000 in grants and a reader recalls the glory days of the Bakersfield Racquet Club

* … DOWNTOWN: Not sure about you but I plan to spend this Friday downtown for the first First Friday of Spring. Among the attractions, both Uricchio's Trattoria and the Wall Street  Cafe have

new appetizers, The Padre has revamped its menu, Chef's Noodle bar is always a good choice and in my opinion, Muertos has the best burger in town. Over at The Metro Galleries on 19th Street, a new show titled "Echoes and Whispers-Listening to Nature" showcases the creative passion of artist Linda Brown. Ceramic works by Mark Ahlstrand will also be on display.

* … SPELLING: Dave Kettler told me a story that I simply must share. He was in the drive through lane at a downtown eatery recently when he saw a sign in the window saying, 'Thank you for your contentious business.' (Obviously they meant to thank the patrons for 'continuous' business.) When he came to the window, with his tongue planted firmly in cheek, he said 'Your prices are too high, the wait was ridiculous, the food cold and yes, you're welcome!'"

 * … GRANTS: Hats off to the Rotary Club of Bakersfield (the downtown club) whose foundation just awarded more than $40,000 in grants to local non-profit organizations. Among those receiving money were the Boys and Girls Club, Garden Pathways, Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra, BARC, Friends of Mercy Foundation, Greater Bakersfield Chamber Vision 2020, Boy Scouts of America, Golden Empire Gleaners, Buena Vista Museum of Natural History and the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

  * … ART: Thursday morning members of the Bakersfield Museum of Art's Blue Ribbon Committee toured the art and sculpture-filled Bakersfield Country Club home of Milt and Betty Younger and were treated to a surprise gift for one of the visiting members. At the end of the tour, Betty surprised them by giving a framed watercolor she painted in 1965 of the Oleander home of W.B. Camp home to committee member Karrie Kirschenmann Camp, who is married to W.B.'s grandson, Clayton. Betty recalled sitting on the curb when she painted it almost 50 years ago. She said she had entered it in the Kern County fair and took first place.

* … MEMORIES: This memory courtesy of reader Michael Perry: "The recent USTA tennis matches at Bakersfield Racquet Club reminded me that my grandfather, Earl Cook, one of the founding members of BRC, once hosted the Ozzie and Harriet Nelson family (including David and Ricky) at his home on Baldwin Road during a tennis tournament at BRC in the early 1950's. Ozzie and Harriet were a tennis family before they were the perfect TV family. Lake and Edith Lovelace often joined Earl and Eva ['Feathers' and 'Mimi' Cook for a spirited game of bridge on Baldwin. Lake, the real founder of the Bakersfield Racquet Club, allowed me to take my first swimming lessons there even though I was way too short. (He proved it by measuring the depth of the pool with his cane and showing me even the shallow end was over my head!) My teacher was Tommy Gallon. I kid you not! "

Remembering the late Wendy Wayne, child welfare advocate, and catching up with what is going on out at Cal State Bakersfield

 * … WENDY: The social networking site Facebook can be annoying and intrusive at times, but I was thankful when it "reminded" me that it was Wendy Wayne's birthday on Tuesday. She would have

been 66.  For those of you who weren't lucky enough to know Wendy, she was a local child welfare advocate who had a heart of gold and never met stranger. She died in June of 2012 after a long battle with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, but the work she did here and elsewhere to help the needy and disenfranchised will live on forever. She was a UCLA graduate, a registered nurse and a Peace Corps volunteer. For Wendy, happiness came in helping others, in learning and accepting opposing points of view and in growing spiritually. Thank you, Facebook, for reminding me of this very special person. (photo of Wendy with husband Gene Tackett)

* … VOLLEYBALL: My bet is the new sand volleyball program out at Cal State Bakersfield is going to be a big success. This will be the second year of the sand game, which is played by some of the same Runner women who play on the hard court. Three sand courts have been built outside the student recreation center and the university is busy readying the area for spectators.

 * … BASEBALL: And speaking of CSUB, baseball season is just around the corner. Manager Bill Kernan is hoping this year's squad will win the Western Athletic Conference and end up in the NCAA baseball tournament. Strange that a spring sport is getting ready to kick off when we hardly had a winter.

 * … ART SHOW: Betty Leonor is one of our community's most gifted artists and her stunning oil paintings will be on display at The Metro Galleries on 19th Street starting this Friday. This will be Leonor's second show at Metro and it promises to be her best. Leonor, by coincidence, is married to Cal State baseball coach Bill Kernan. Her show is one of the main draws for the monthly First Friday celebration downtown.

 * … BAD FORM: Stephen Knapp writes that he lives a retirement home run by the Kern County  Housing Authority between Ming Avenue and Wilson Road on Real Road.  "There is a legal crosswalk in front for people to cross Real Road to go to K-Mart and other stores which a lot of use.  Most of the people who live here are disabled and use wheelchairs, walkers, canes etc. and move slowly. The speed limit is 40 miles per house and the crosswalk is clearly marked with lines and yellow warning signs, but few drivers even slow down.  I have sat trying to cross while 5 to 10 cars pass and don't stop.  I have even had cars pass in the other lane when I am trying to cross.  One time a lady in a large SUV honked at me and flashed a one finger salute as she sped by. I feel there should be signs warning people to slow down for seniors just like in school   zones.  I just hope it doesn't take one of us getting killed before someone addresses the problem.

 * … DROUGHT: Judy Henderson wrote to weigh in on California's long drought. She recently took a visitor from Arizona on a walk, and he noticed that  "water ran freely in the gutters of more than one street. Lawns were so saturated with water that soil washed onto sidewalks. One home had a sprinkler that watered the street only. A resident was washing down the sidewalks around his home.  Our visitor commented that it looked to him that Bakersfield had plenty of water to waste… How often should winter rye lawns be watered? Are some lawns still on the summer timer cycle?  Should winter lawns be watered for two minutes, twice a week?  Could we find the source of gutters that run with water twenty-four hours a day. We need to be pro-active to stop the waste.  People of Bakersfield can do better for our city and state."

Bako Bits: Kern Wheelmen New Year's Day ride attracts 150 riders, bad form on the bike path and another First Friday

 * ... NEW YEAR'S RIDE: Hats off to the Kern Wheelmen bicycle club for hosting the annual New Years Day ride up Round Mountain. More than 150 riders showed up for the annual trek up the mountain. Most of these folks are not hard core cyclists but rather regular people with a passion for cycling and staying in shape. It was a spectacular sight and inspiring to see all these people get a
healthy start on the new year. Among those I spotted were local tennis pro Hank Pfister, retired endodontist Bob Smith, local racer Tyler Williams, Carl Crawford, Kim Keathley, Pete Elieff, Greg Walker, Zane Adamo, Rob Baker, Robin Ablin, the entire Brown Monkeys cycling team and many more.

 * ... BIKE PATH: And speaking of cycling, shame on the middle aged woman who was walking her dog on the bike path near the RiverWalk amphitheater when she unloaded verbal obscenities on a cyclist who politely asked her to pull in her dog leash. The woman was walking on the far right (which is correct) but her small dog was on the other side of the yellow line on its leash, a recipe for disaster for the dog, the woman and a rider. When asked to pull in the leash, she unleashed a vulgar assault that should not be repeated.

 * ... FIRST FRIDAY: If you don't already have plans, it's worth a trip downtown to take in the monthly First Friday celebrations. A show worth catching is an exhibit at The Metro Galleries featuring the stunning paintings by Pasadena (and former Bakersfield resident) artist Faith Taylor.

 * … BAD FORM: From a reader: "Saturday morning at Costco there are two children in full-blown pajamas. The parents also are in full blown pajamas, slippers and all. How did they get in the door ? Do they realize what can be transferred from pajamas to food? Maybe we need new signs that read 'No PJs'  and tank tops .... no service!"

* … MANNERS: Betsy Gosling wrote to weigh on on the issue of proper etiquette for rooting at youth sports games. "Recently a woman wrote to you indicating she thought it was 'poor taste'  for a parent, for example to yell to the pitcher to strike out the batter.  I've thought about those comments and wanted to respond. If that pitcher was my son or grandson, I would be yelling for him to do his job and strike out the batter.  If the batter were my son or grandson, I'd be yelling for him to hit a home run. That's not criticism as she suggested. That's encouraging the person to do the very best they can do.  Their job was to play baseball at that moment in time. I believe these boys were about 12 years old. If they haven't learned to handle criticism, even constructive criticism, and not let it bother them, this is a good opportunity for them, in playing sports. It's a cruel world out there; in case, anyone hasn't noticed.  We need to teach our children to the best of our ability how to handle successes and failures. They shouldn't be treated like "princesses" during their young life; what a shock that  will be for them when they grow up and find out a person has to work and work hard to succeed in life. Sports is a great area to help parents teach these important lessons, boy or girls, team or individual sports."

New report shows the San Joaquin Valley and Inland Empire lagging behind coastal counties in job grow and economic recovery, and did you hear about the mice drop in Guam?

 * … ECONOMY: There was little surprise in the latest UCLA report on the California economy, which showed an uneven recovery across the state. Coastal counties, from San Diego north, have shown strong gains in employment and housing, while here in the San Joaquin Valley we actually may have lost ground. Some areas of the coast boast jobless rates about half of what they are here and in the Inland Empire.

 * … COURTESY: Most of the random surveys you see online - covering everything from sex to intelligence to healthy communities - aren't worth their weight in salt, but that doesn't mean we don't read them. Which is why I am passing along this survey from the online news aggregator buzzfeed.com ranking the most and least courteous states. This information was gleaned from hundreds of telephone surveys, or so I am told. The most courteous states: South Carolina, North Carolina, Maryland, Louisiana and Georgia. The least: Wisconsin, Massachusetts, Indiana, Tennessee and Ohio.

 * … SNAKES: And speaking of odd stories, did you hear the one about the U.S. government dropping thousands of dead mice on a U.S. military base on the island of Guam? That's right. Apparently they did it to thin the population of the brown tree snake, an invasive species that has
"caused millions of dollars in wildlife and commercial losses since it arrived a few decades ago." The mice were pumped full of painkillers. As NBC reported: "The unlikely invasion was the fourth and biggest rodent air assault so far, part of an $8 million U.S. program approved in February to eradicate the snakes and save the exotic native birds that are their snack food."

 * … STEPANOVICH: Mike Stepanovich, executive director of the Bakersfield College Foundation, has announced he will be retiring next year. The gregarious Stepanovich, known for his knowledge and love of wine, has long been active in our community. Next year, Stepanovich will serve as president of Breakfast Rotary. Previously he worked at Cal State Bakersfield as well as The Californian.

* … FIRST FRIDAY: The Bakersfield Art Association's art center will be holding a Christmas open house party this Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. There will be a raffle for workshops and art supplies valued at $600. And make sure you stop by the art center, located an 1817 Eye Street, on First Friday to view the works of more than 40 local artists.

* … MEMORIES: Reader John D. Mixon wrote to say he remembers the old World War II military housing site near the airport.  "After I returned from the Korean War in the summer of 1951, I bought a house on Margo Lane from Ralph Smith. Brand new three bedroom, hardwood floors, for $7,600, with a GI loan of 4 percent... just south of the Wingland School which was built later, around 1955. (Reader) Russell (Rink) should remember the 'Little Green Store' which was just southeast of that complex, and the fact that you could see clear to the old airport terminal."

U.S. 15-year-olds lose ground to other nations in math, science and reading on international tests, but at least we have First Friday to look forward to

 * … SCORES: A new international research survey shows that U.S. 15-year-olds have lost ground to their counterparts in other countries when it comes to math and science. The study showed that the

American students slid from 25th to 31st in match since 2009, from 20th to 24th in science and from 11th to 21st in reading. All this does not bode well for students who are growing up in a global economy. While we slide, other countries like Poland and Ireland improved and moved ahead of the United States.

 * … FIRST FRIDAY: It's time for the December First Friday downtown, and there's no better place to pick up unique Christmas gifts. My suggestions: Start at the Ice House Framing and Gallery on 19th Street, then head to Kuka's Folk Art across the street or In Your Wildest Dreams across from The Padre Hotel. Or pick up gift certificates from any of the locally owned downtown restaurants, including Muertos, The Mark, Uricchio's Trattoria, Chef's Choice Noodle Bar or the fun and funky pet store Biscuit Boutique. The downtown art galleries open at 5 p.m. Over at The Metro Galleries, a stunning new show will feature the work of Pasadena artist (and former Bakersfield resident) Faith Taylor while The Foundry will hold its last exhibit before closing its doors for good. (photo of one of Taylor's paintings).

 * … PHOTOGRAPHY: Meanwhile there is another interesting show this Friday at the Ice House Framing and Gallery on 19th Street. The business will be featuring the photography of Anthony Ghighia, a well known surf photographer whose images are breathtaking.  The La Jolla-based Ghiglia is a senior photographer at Surfer Magazine.

* … HELMETS: The Bakersfield Family Medical Center/Heritage Physicians Network are running a commercial on local television that has some folks scratching their heads. Among them is Elton Kelly, who noted the commercials show a mother, father and two children on bicycles at a local park, not wearing helmets. Said Kelly: "I have a vested interest in wearing a helmet as 20 plus yearsm ago I crashed and smashed my helmet - but, saved my head."

 * … MEMORIES: Russell L. Rink has a question for all you Bakersfield old timers: "I was wondering if anyone remembers the old military complex in Oildale that was bounded on the north side by Douglas Street and was called Veterans Square.  The complex was converted to apartments for veterans after WW II.  I lived there in the late 1940s. We lived on Highland Drive.  It was just east of the Kern County airport and east of the now existing Wingland School."

Longtime Luigi's waitress Nancy Mickelberry, known for giving her customers shoulder massages, died this week, and CSUB basketball team opens its door for a scrimmage on Saturday

 * ... HAPPY ENDING: My earlier blog about packages being stolen from your front porch brought this note from reader Peter Wollesen. "In 2008, my brother-in-law was married in Oslo, Norway. Since he and his new bride were to visit California after the wedding, they instructed the wedding photographer to ship the photos to his parents' house here in Bakersfield. Several weeks later, the

shipment hadn't arrived. The photographer reprinted the order, but the mystery about the original order remained. That is, until months later, when my in-laws received an anonymous call. Apparently the box containing the photographs was too tempting for a wanna-be thief, who poached it off of my in-laws' doorstep. The caller explained that an unidentified relative of theirs had stolen the box, hoping for something of value. When they opened it and found only photos, they were disappointed, but apparently felt too guilty to simply throw them away. Instead, they held onto the photos until their conscience got the better of them, and they confessed to the mystery caller. An arrangement was made to retrieve the photos and I, presumably due to my size, was designated as the gofer. I drove to an area in Oildale that reminded me very much of Dorothea Lange's images of the dust bowl; I suspect that most of Bakersfield has no idea that such areas exist just a few miles away. Anyway, there I met the caller, who handed over the entire box of photos, undamaged,  with no words exchanged."

 * ... RIP NANCY: I was saddened to hear that longtime Luigi's "backrub lady" Nancy Mickelberry died this week. Mickelberry left Luigi's some years ago but while there was known for giving her customers a back and shoulder massage before they ordered. She was 78.

 * ... RUNNERS: The men's CSUB Roadrunners basketball team will hold a blue-gold scrimmage this Saturday. The university is opening the doors and inviting the public to meet the team and watch the Runners in action. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and the first 100 fans will receive a free T-shirt.

 * ... SENIOR QUEENS: Hats off to two "queens" of the recent senior games out at Rosewood Senior Living Community. They are both 100 years old and more spry than people half their ages. One queen is Ruth DeKay, a Rosewood resident who will turn 101 on Thanksgiving Day. The other is Opal Lovett who turned 100 on August 18. A little background on Opal from her granddaughter Kelly Charles: she plays Bingo as often as she can, lives at Pinewood Glenn, attends church at Pinewood and is affectionately called "gram" by her six grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and one great, great grand child. (family photo of Queen Opal)

 * ... FIRST FRIDAY: It looks like the movement that began First Friday five years ago is morphing into something that will give the monthly celebration of downtown more muscle and definition. Those behind First Friday are incorporating it into a non profit and will soon announce a board of directors. The new organization will focus on marketing, promotions and building the arts district and First Friday. It is no surprise that the founder of First Friday, Don Martin of Metro Galleries on 19th Street, is also the driving force behind the new nonprofit. His aim: focus First Friday on getting people into downtown businesses and try to avoid food vendors and others that take away from the theme of arts and local businesses. More on this to come.