Embattled Bakersfield College president Sonya Christian picks up some support from the public and new faces coming to KBAK TV

 * ... SONYA: It looks like the Kern Community College District's trustees are encouraging Bakersfield College president Sonya Christian to seek work elsewhere, but there is a loud chorus of those who support her in our community. This note, from local historian Gilbert Gia, reflects how

many folks feel. Said Gia:"What a shame that the KCCD board encouraged an acclaimed leader to seek other work. Are seven changes of president in ten years not enough? And has BC's ascendant excellence under the leadership of Dr. Sonya Christian interfered so terribly with the needs of the other two colleges in the system? Step back and get some perspective."

* ... EL NINO: Ronal Reynier weighed in on the chances that California will experience a strong El Nino this winter: "Every day now we read and hear the predicted El Nino could be as strong or stronger than the one in 1997. It was just 18 years ago; do you remember? Seventeen people died and there was $550 million in damage. Should we be worried? No, the simple reason is so far this year weather forecasters' have been wrong 95 percent of the time. Each time they have forecast rain
we have received enough to spot-up our car's windshields or none at all. People who can afford and choose to live next to our beaches, on cliffs and on hillsides, know the risk and gladly take them. I only wish I was one of them. Come on El Nino; we may not be ready for you, but
here in the valley we welcome you."

* ... ANCHORS: KBAK TV has hired longtime Los Angeles news anchor David Gonzales to anchor its evening newscasts, replacing Kurt Rivera who left the duopoly a few weeks ago after his arrest in a domestic incident. The gig for Gonzales is temporary while KBAK searches for a permanent replacement, but I am told he could stay if things work out. Gonzales is married to long time Los Angeles news director Nancy Bauer-Gonzales. Meanwhile, KBAK is losing another evening anchor, Courtney Bryant,  who is moving to St. Louis to join KMOV.

 * ... RADIO: Speaking of local media, popular morning deejay Tony Manes (Tony in the Morning) has left KGFM and moved with his family to Fresno, where his wife landed a new job.

 * ... SPOTTED ON TWITTER: "It’s hard to trust humans; even the blind prefer to be guided by dogs."

* ... DOGS: Susan Peninger dropped me a note about a good program sponsored by the Kern County Aminal Control facility on Fruitvale. In her words: "With all the negatives surrounding animal control and issues related, I thought I’d share something positive. I received a renewal notice for one of my dogs and on the postcard was information I wasn’t aware of; I’m certain I’m not alone in this so maybe this could go in your blog. Every Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at the Kern County Animal Control facility on Fruitvale there’s a rabies/licensing clinic for county residents. Rates differ for altered and unaltered dogs, so proof of spaying/neutering is needed.  Microchips are FREE and anyone over 62 can license at a reduced rate. The staff was friendly, helpful and the line went quickly.  This is definitely a one-stop operation and one that people should take advantage of to ensure the safety and health of their pets."

A happy ending for Blackie, an American Staffordshire Terrier who was left in Bakersfield after his owner was injured in a truck crash. He is now back home in Texas

 * ... BLACKIE: Patricia Boles is active in the local animal rescue community and shared with me the story of Blackie, a sweet American Staffordshire Terrier who was separated from his owner after a truck accident here. For three months Blackie was cared for by the folks at the Kern County Animal Shelter while his owner was convalescing in Texas. Boles meanwhile raised enough money to fly Blackie back to Texas in a private plane, but only after a commercial carrier at LAX refused because it thought Blackie was a dangerous pitbull. Said Boles: "Cherie Charlton spent hours on and off work exercising this dog... The dog was returned home by Bonny Schumaker (an amazing woman and president of a group called 'On Wings of Care') and of course all of this was overseen by the new (animal control) director Jan Woodward. Just think everyone should see that all the workers at KCAC have big hearts and though they have a distressing job to face daily they truly love animals." (photo of Bonny Schumaker and Blackie)

 * ... WELCOME HOME: This is the time of year when the sons and daughters of Bakersfield who are living away or at college come home to rekindle friendships and enjoy a home cooked meal. One of those in town is Sarah Audelo, daughter of Joe and Mimi Audelo, who now holds a Master of Public Policy from The George Washington University in Washington D.C. Sarah graduated from Ridgeview High School and received her undergraduate degree from Georgetown University.

 * ... MUSEUM: Bernie Herman, the retiring executive director of the Bakersfield Museum of Art, sent out a seasonal letter asking folks to donate to the museum. Herman will retire early next year (a search committee is interviewing finalists for his job now) and we should all take a moment to thank Bernie for guiding the museum these past eight years. When Herman became director, the museum had more than $1 million in debt. Today it is debt free and thriving, offering summer camps for children and sponsoring such popular events as Via Arte.

 * ... HOLIDAY THEFT: Eileen Sanchez awoke the other day to find that thieves made off with her son's basketball hoop. "I know this might seem trivial considering what has been happening in the world these days, but I wanted to share my disappointment at a time of year that should be full of giving and good tidings. My son's basketball hoop was stolen by a thief in the night. Actually, more like probably four thieves as this basketball hoop had a 54 inch glass backboard, water in the base, and weighed at least 300 pounds, no easy task. We purchased the hoop for his birthday this past June and he has shot baskets almost everyday since. My son and his dad spent ten hours putting that thing together and rolling it outside making sure it was just the right height.  He taped off the free throw line and knew just where the three point shots were.  It's sad to discover how quickly someone can take the joy out of a young boy's heart. Again, I know having a basketball hoop stolen is nothing compared to many things that are happening, but it's just one more sad example of a culture where people are so willing to take from others without hesitation, and from a child no less."

* ... GOOD WORK: The folks over at West Rotary are up to more seasonal good needs.  The group volunteered to sponsor 30 needy children at the KCMH-Children's Services this Christmas. Said county worker Vija A. Turjanis: "Last week I needed a trailer to pick up all the gifts that Rotary West  donated in response to the letter our kids wrote.  The  generosity of this organization is truly amazing as they made the magic of the holiday season came alive. Our neediest kids are going to have the most awesome Christmas and they will believe that our community and Santa does care for them and most importantly they will know that they are not forgotten during the holidays."