Fentanyl, a drug 100 times more potent than morphine, is spreading across the country largely under the radar and the local SPCA says all donations stay here in Kern Country

 * ... FENTANYL: If you are the parent of a teenager or young adult, listen up. A dangerous drug is making the rounds with young people that is 100 times more potent than morphine and some 50 times more potent than heroin. It's name is fentanyl and it is classified as a synthetic opioid analgesic that is commonly prescribed as a pain suppressor in cancer patients. There are now synthesized versions on

the market, one version a white powder called "China White" and another in lollipop form called a "percopop." I first heard about fentanyl on National Public Radio where experts said it is killing more young people today than heroin or other substances, yet it is largely unknown by many people. Experts told NPR that fentanyl often kills on the first dose and is making the rounds in communities and college campuses.

* ... SHOP LOCAL: If you need another reason to support local non profits, consider this from Chuck Nordstrom over at the local Bakersfield SPCA. "I enjoyed reading your blog today as I always do and noticed the article about buying local. When the article mentioned the ASPCA and Humane

Society of the United States as wasteful, I just want to make it clear to the readers that the Bakersfield SPCA is a separate stand alone shelter and does not receive money from the ASPCA when people make contributions. One hundred percent of the money donated to the local Bakersfield SPCA remains in Bakersfield and helps take care of the local animals care, spay/neutering and boarding until they find there new adopted home. Many people don’t understand the difference between the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and the Bakersfield SPCA."

 * ... SPOTTED ON TWITTER: "My Dating Profile... Pros: Good as hell tweets, eyebrows. Cons: Anxiety disorder, married, four kids."

* ... DROUGHT: How many times do you drive through town during a rainstorm and see sprinklers on? For Betsy Gosling, it is far too often. "It amazes me still to see people watering their lawns, not only every day, or even on the opposite days they are suppose to, but two days after we get almost 1 inch of rain. What are these people thinking?  Where are  their heads?  Certainly not thinking about anyone else but themselves. I heard Jim Scott on Channel 17, announce one time to the viewers to turn off their sprinklers after one of our recent rains.  You would think the city of Bakersfield would have asked all the TV stations to make those announcements."

 * ... QUILTS: If you appreciate the beauty and workmanship of a handmade quilt (or better yet purchase one as a gift) head out to the 35th Biannual Cotton Patch Quilt Show the weekend of Feb. 13-14 at the Kern County Fairgrounds (Exhibit Hall 3). There will be 200 quilts on display (most are for display only and not for sale) as well as vendors offering quilting materials, jewelry, clothing and gift items. The price for this two-day event is $10 for adults, along with free parking.

 * ... KUDOS: Congratulations to A-C Electric Company’s Solar Division which was recently recognized as the top solar company in Fresno by the Fresno Business Journal’s annual Book of Lists.  In addition, out of the top 500 solar contractors in North America, A-C Electric Company earned the eighth ranking on the Solar Power World 2015 list of Top Commercial Solar Contractors.  Said company executive David Morton: "We feel this is quite an achievement.  Being able to draw on the resources and experience of a 70-year old electrical construction company has allowed us to scale up to meet the market demands of our commercial, agricultural and non-profit customers while maintaining the quality and service they expect from a local company."

Three men posing as Drug Enforcement Agency officers show up at a homeowner's door downtown, and a family who planted winter rye worry they will be targeted by neighbors as water hogs

 * … SCAM: From the scam file comes this from Rivera Westchester: three men show up at a house claiming to be from the Drug Enforcement Agency and demanding to come inside (without a

warrant) to "look around" in case there are drugs inside. They had badges but no guns. The homeowner allowed them inside, but asked them to leave after he became suspicious. Only later did the homeowner call the DEA who told him they would never conduct a search without a warrant and identification. Were they casing the house to return later?

 * … ANOTHER: And then there was this scam that Lamar Kerley encountered. "I just received a message from 'Officer Juliana William' telling me there's an investigation of my phone number and that it  is 'under federal investigation.' The caller had a heavy accent and was very difficult to understand, but I believe that's the name he gave. It's disconcerting when they have your full name (the caller used mine), but it was immediately clear that this was all fake. I went ahead and Googled the phone number and found that others are having the same thing happen to them."

 * … OVERHEARD: In the checkout line at Vons at The Marketplace a woman is telling a friend: "Our winter rye is starting to come in and it looks great. But I am paranoid the neighbors will think we're water hogs."

 * … SERVICE: I don't have much of a sweet tooth so it had been a while since I had shopped at Sweet Surrender Bakery, but it doesn't take long to realize why this locally owned boutique is so wildly popular. The service is excellent, the sweets are off the charts and the women's boutique is fun and impressive.

 * … FOODIE: And speaking of a great locally owned company, I stopped by Tony's Pizza this weekend and left wondering if there is a better pie in town.

* … SPCA: Here's a chance to help the good folks over at the SPCA who do so much to help those pets who are alone and abandoned. The SPCA's Pawtiques & Treasure sake will be held at 3000 Gibson Street on November 1-2 (this Saturday and Sunday). The Saturday hours are 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to noon.

 * … BAKERSFIELDISM: A good one from Ronal Reynier: You may be a Bakersfield old-timer if you remember when "junior colleges were 'free;' and local classes were held in 'Warren Hall' on the BHS campus. The campuses were free to all high school students with a 'C' average. Many instructors let their classes adjourn to Elm Grove or the coffee shop to take non important test. We would leave our books and papers on the outside window ledges (sometimes) and the next day they would still be there. Times have indeed changed. My son and daughter-in-law now teach math in that fine old building. Each time I pass it I not only wonder at its longevity but its history of the thousands of students that
have passed through it's doors. It truly stands as the local icon of education."

Crabtree Report says the local housing market is improving with demand up and prices rising.

 * … HOUSING: Good news for our local real estate market. According to the Crabtree Report, it appears that the "mini bubble" in waning and 2014 should bring more of a moderate recovery. Said market expert Gary Crabtree: "Based upon the above, the Bakersfield market is quite stable for the

winter marketing season.  Supply decreased slightly from last month and demand remains constant, leaving the market with a little over two months unsold inventory. (Historically, the Bakersfield market has averaged a 3.1 month unsold inventory from 1999 to present)." Crabtree said the demand for housing is creasing and the media price increased $5,000 last month and almost 27 percent over the same period next year.

* … BAD FORM: Hard to find an example of bad form worse than whoever dropped off a box of new born puppies in the cold at the SPCA. This message was posted on Facebook by the SPCA: "We want to thank the person who dropped off a box of 15 puppies (eyes not even open yet) at 12:42 a.m. outside the Bakersfield SPCA this morning in freezing temperatures in a damp box. Perhaps the time may come when you cannot take care of yourself an someone will return the favor of dropping you off in the middle of the night in freezing temperatures in an empty parking lot. Happy Holidays!"

 * … SPOTTED: From a Facebook post: "Child Protective Services needs to have a mobile office at Wal-Mart."

 * … SMALL WORLD: So you don't think it's a small world? Then listen to this from Barry Rosenfeld, who spent Thanksgiving with his wife Pat in Ireland. "On Sunday evening (December 1) we were admiring the lights, vendors and happy faces at the Christmas Market in the town square in Galway. And standing right in front of us were Barry and Theresa Goldner! They told us their daughter is a university student in Galway and they too were touring Ireland. But that's not all. The very next day Pat and I were in line to purchase tickets for the tour of the Old Jameson Distillery in Dublin and sitting in the bar was Elaine McNearney. She was having a drink with her cousin from New Zealand prior to a family reunion in Ireland that week. Wow, it is a small world, after all."

 * … MEMORIES: Nelda Oldham remembers the old military housing near the airport. "I believe they are referring to a WW II Veterans' Housing Project of 90 units built following the war under the Veterans' Emergency Housing under Title V. Due to an acute housing shortage after the war, the government passed legislation to build these complexes. The one referred to was called Veterans' Square, was designed and built strictly for veteran families, was of minimum design with concrete floors, plywood walls, etc. and the demolition was provided for in the legislation following the lack of need. The Housing Authority County of Kern built and managed a number of these projects, the largest of which was located on the north side of 34th Street and totaled 140 duplex apartments.  I'm sure there are many people in Bakersfield who lived in this housing as children. I still remember the names of some of the managers so I, of course number among the old-timers."

The nation's railroads are in an unprecedented building and expansion boom, and pop icon Carly Rae Jepsen will perform at The Californian's downtown broadcast studio

 * ... RAILROADS: Some years ago an economist told me to watch the nation's rail traffic to get a real pulse on the economy. When the shipment of durable goods across the country starts to pick up, you can be assured the economy is recovering. Now comes word that North America's major freight railroads "are in the midst of a building boom unlike anything since the industry's Gilded Age hey day in the 19th century - this year pouring $14

billion into rail yards, refueling stations, additional track," according to the Wall Street Journal. In addition, rail is also stealing market share from traditional trucking companies. All good news for the economy.

 * ... CARLY: Pop icon Carly Rae Jepsen, whose song "Call Me Maybe" shot to the top of the pop charts, will be singing for a select group of people Tuesday afternoon in The Californian's downtown First Look broadcast studio. The Californian and radio station Hits 93.1 have been giving away tickets to 20 lucky fans for an up close acoustic performance.

* ... LITTER: A good contribution from reader Denney Evans: "I’ve read countless blogs about the litter problems in Bakersfield. My advice: when you’re walking the neighborhood for exercise, take a bag and pick it up. As the saying goes, 'If you’re not part of the solution you’re part of the problem.'"

* ... OVERHEARD: Former city councilman Mark Salvaggio, now an aide to Kern County Supervisor David Couch, tells columnist Lois Henry he is working on a constituent problem "like a rat on a Cheeto." Classic Salvaggio.

 * ... HARRISON: The revelation by Monsignor Craig Harrison that his parents were both in hospice tiggered a slew or responses. One of the best is from Jamie Henderson: "I knew Don and Dorothy Harrison were not doing well – very sorry to hear that it has reached the hospice stage. I had the great fortune to have played baseball at BHS on the 1967 Driller team that went 26-3. That was the only year Don coached varsity baseball and he guided a great team that included future Minnesota Viking, all-pro linebacker Jeff Siemon as our right fielder, and future Chicago Cub and San Francisco Giant, Steve Ontiveros, as our third baseman... Don also was absolutely one of the best CIF commissioners that our local sports officials ever worked with. Later, in the latter part of the 1970s I had the privilege of teaching with Dorothy Harrison at Sierra Junior High. Dorothy was an excellent teacher and a wonderful colleague. I am convinced that God brings a number of top notch people into our lives – Don and Dorothy are way up on my list. We all need to pray for them and their family during this time of passage."

 * ... SPCA: The local SPCA does so much good day in and day out, and it certainly deserves our support all year. The organization off Gibson Street is in dire need of fresh towels, and it is also gearing up for its annual book sale that begins April 26 with a preview night of just $10 to have a first chance at the books. The sale will run a full week, once again at 3501 Mall View Road, Suite 113-114. If you have anything to donate, please do so before the annual sale.

 * ... BAKERSFIELDISM: You may be a Bakersfield old timer if you bought groceries at the ADS Market on Baker Street, now a dog grooming business.

Eureka Burger prepares to open in the Southwest and saying goodbye to Warren Haupt

 * .... NEW EATS: Looks like the new Eureka Burger restaurant in the Southwest is getting ready to open. Located next to the relatively new Chipotle off Stockdale Highway at the Park at Riverwalk, the Fresno-based burger chain has been training its employees and is looking at opening as early as next week. Knowing our town, you can expect a mad rush when it opens. Eureka Burger offers specialty beers and gourmet hamburgers.

* ... HAUPT: The funeral for long-timer local businessman Warren Haupt, who died earlier this week at the age of 83, is being held today (Friday) at St. Francis Church. John Croson is one of the many people in town who considered Warren a friend, and he passed along this note to me. "I had the pleasure of meeting Warren during our Health for Life class at Glinn and Giordano Physical Therapy.  I always looked forward to the class because Warren was so much fun to spar with about all subjects of life. We solved a lot of USA and world problems if only someone else had listened!  He was just a lot of fun to be around and I am sure all who knew him will miss him greatly…  His family was always in his thoughts and he told me many stories of the adventures and times they spent together and the achievements his children and grand children had obtained.  He was so proud of his family and inspired by all they did. Warren, thanks for sharing a little of your life with me and may you rest in peace."

* ... BAKERSFIELD SOUND: One local resident who visited the Bakersfield Sound exhibit in Nashville is Dave Rangel, who recommends it highly. "Coming into  Nashville there were billboards with the pictures of Buck and Merle at the end of the famous Bakersfield arch. Even city buses had the arch on them. I am even more proud of Bakersfield after visiting the exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame. People in Nashville always ask where and why you are visiting Nashville, of course after they open the door for you. You tell them, 'from Bakersfield,' and they think you know Buck and Merle. What a great town to visit."

* ... SPCA: If it's spring, it's time to do a little house cleaning and take all those books and music to the local SPCA for its annual book sale. SPCA spokesman Chuck Nordstrom said the annual SPCA book sale will run from April 27 to May 26. "Now is the time to clean out your closets and make a donation that will not only rid you of clutter but make a difference in helping to save the lives of stray and abandoned pets," Nordstrom said. "All donations are tax deductible. To donate you can simply take your books up to our book sale location, 3501 Mall View Road near the old Michael's store. This is our largest fundraiser of the year!"

 * ... VOTE: Speaking of animals, the Kern County Animal Shelter needs our help to win $100,000 in the Rachel Ray challenge to help shelters across the country. All you have to do is go to www.votetosavelives.org and vote for the Kern County shelter. We are currently in 10th place but within a few hundred votes of jumping up in line. The voting ends Monday.

* ... BURBS LOSE APPEAL: Apparently our country's romance with living in the suburbs is coming to an end. At least that's what USA Today reported after reviewing Census data which shows more people living closer to the inner city than ever before. Why? More folks are renting (thanks to foreclosures), gas prices are making living in the suburbs more expensive and high unemployment is driving more folks to where the jobs are.

Is Bakersfield's housing market starting to rebound? And lamenting the thieves who stole a family puppy

 * ... GOOD NEWS: Ready for some good news for a change? A new report from a California research group says that Bakersfield's housing market is starting to rebound. According to California Business Minute, Bakersfield ranked No. 2 on a list of ten cities whose housing markets are expected to grow by at least 3 percent this year. Orlando was in the top spot with a market expected to grow by 11.7 percent, and Bakersfield was close behind at 11.1 percent. Filling out the top ten were Washington, D.C., Phoenix, Miami, Tampa Bay, Dallas, Jacksonville, Fla., Cleveland and Honolulu.

* ... BURGLARY: Burglaries across our town - and no neighborhood is immune - are far too commonplace but one the other day left me fuming. Turns out someone broke into a garage and attached play room behind a downtown residence and stole some electronics. But they also took the family's pet, a 3-month-old Labradoodle, a deed low enough to make anyone sick. As another neighbor said, it was a "despicable" deed.

 * ... SOUTHWEST BASEBALL: The Cal State Roadrunner baseball team is holding a development clinic for young players out at Aera Park this weekend. The clinic, which runs from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, is open to players of all ages and is another example of the college reaching out to the community. And speaking of Southwest Baseball, did you know that the organization donates money to local charities every time it holds a tournament? Some of the groups that will benefit include the Police Activities League, the Juvenile Arthritis Foundation, Bakersfield Rescue Mission and Bakersfield Homeless Shelter and the Boys and Girls Club.

* ... GOOD SERVICE: When you think of good service, the U.S. Postal Service is rarely mentioned. But Lori Newby wrote to remember some excellent customer service she received from the Post Office on Brundage last December. Turns out she had mailed eight cards with insufficient postage, but three Post Office employees worked together to locate them. "Later that afternoon, after I had gone home for the day, my husband called to tell me Juanita from the Brundage Post Office called and had located the cards and held them so he could add the additional postage. When the term 'good service' is used, seldom does the Post Office come to mind. However, I have since learned that the postal workers at this particular branch, on their own time, contribute to the community in various ways, not the least of which is answering those precious letters to Santa. So to John, Bev and Juanita, and all their co-workers, thank you for all you do."

* ... SPOTTED: From reader Rhaya Lemons: "A couple days ago I was driving west on 178 (and) a blue Honda was in front of me, weaving. At first I thought she was a drunk driver until she went across all three lanes to make the Golden State off ramp, almost causing a wreck ... head down and texting the whole time. Could have been way worse. Good thing traffic wasn't too bad."

* ... SPCA: If you want to help the plight of abandoned dogs and cats remember the annual Bakersfield SPCA "Furry Paws and Foggy Nights" fund raiser set for Friday, February 24. It's always a good show with plenty of food, music and live auctions. This one will be held at the Petroleum Club. Call (661) 323-8353 (extension 2) for information on tickets.

Memorial service set to celebrate the life of David and Karen Reis, gunned down in San Diego

* ... DEATHS: My heart goes out to the family of David and Karen Reis, the Garces High graduates who were shot and killed in a senseless incident in Coronado. The widely circulated picture of the siblings (David in his dress Navy whites and his sister next to him) seems to say it all: young, handsome and both facing such bright futures. Police will no doubt figure this out, but the loss of two promising young people is beyond heartbreaking. A celebration of life and a prayer service is scheduled today (Friday) at Garces, beginning at 10:30 a.m.

* ... SPCA: If you are a regular reader of this blog you know how fond I am of our local SPCA, which fights a daily battle to provide homes for abandoned dogs and cats. The organization will hold its 3rd Annual "Furry Paws and Foggy Nights" formal dinner with live music set for Friday, February 24, at the Petroleum Club, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Spokesman Chuck Nordstrom told me there will be a three course dinner, jazz music and a ton of silent auction items. Tickets are $85 and are available now by calling (661) 323-8353 ext. 2.  Additionally they are still accepting donations for the silent auction. To donate just call the SPCA and ask for Chuck. Formal dinners not for you? You might consider writing them a check for all the good they do.

 * ... SPOTTED: Pamela M. Wagner brought this nugget to my attention: "I was refueling my car one morning at a Chevron station when I saw the driver of a pickup empty her can of Coors light into her travel cup as she visited with her passenger.  Some people are innovative when they want to drink and drive. "

 * ... FIRST FRIDAY: It's time for another First Friday, those monthly celebrations that have really transformed our downtown arts district. These are chances to support the downtown merchants while seeing some wonderful art and hearing some dynamic music. Don Martin, owner of Metro Galleries on 19th Street, is the founder of First Friday and says they will run all year this year. So mark on your calendar and make a night of it in our emerging arts district.

* ... HISTORY: Here's a walk down memory lane with reader Jack Hood, who shares a bit of history on old Bakersfield. His parents purchased a new house on Parkway Drive in 1927. It was 1,350 square feet with three bedrooms, one bath and a two-car detached garage. The price: $6,000. At that time, all the land west of Oak Street was undeveloped. As a child, he and his friends would hop a fence and occasionally ride sheep. "There was no air conditioning or coolers.... To get ice for our ice box we would put a sign in the front window letting the ice man know if we wanted 25 or 50 pounds of ice." He also recalls the street cars that cost only a nickel to ride. "The street car had controls on each end and when it came to the end of the line it would not turn around, so the conductor would walk down the aisle and reverse the seats so that you would always be facing forward while riding." Thanks to Jack for sharing those memories.

 * ... SHORT TAKES: Scott Strickland is the owner of Sully's Chevron station over at Buena Vista and Ming avenue, where a customer complained about being charged more for gas than what was advertised. Strickland apologized, told me the digital signage is now fixed and smoothed things over with the irate customer. Also, I erred in an earlier post on the death of Rev. Glenn Puder, saying the great earthquake happened in 1953 when it should have been a year earlier. Mea cupla.

Remembering a fallen Marine, supporting the SPCA and men behaving badly

 * ... MARINE: My earlier mention of the passing of young Marine A.J. Hamilton drew this response from Gene Bonas, who was A.J.'s principal when he was a student at Hort School. He remembered A.J. as an excellent student who was always surrounded by friends. "Last Friday I was invited to participate in a 9/11 remembrance presentation by Sherri Best's third grade class," he wrote. "The kids sang patriotic songs and read descriptions of the attack on the World Trade Center. A.J.'s military picture was prominently displayed on a bulletin board for all to see, and I was privileged to meet his wife prior to the program." Bonas was Hort principal ten years ago, and recalls how the students and staff raised over $1,000 for the American Red Cross after the World Trade Center attacks. A.J. Hamilton was 22 when he died in a car crash while driving back to Twentynine Palms Marine base.

 * ... SPCA: The SPCA is holding its annual "Unleash Your Love" fund raiser Wednesday (September 14) outside the KGET officers at the corner of 22nd and M streets. Please try to support these folks over at the SPCA who do so much to help save discarded dogs and cats. SPCA spokesman Chuck Nordstrom said there will be onsite adoptions all day as well as a low cost microchip clinic and rabies vaccinations.

 * ... SPOTTED: A boisterous, boozy crowd of middle aged men wearing oversized Tommy Bahama sport shirts and matching goatees drown out two Nashville-based singers at a local wine bar. Another example of how decorum goes out the window when men start behaving badly.

 * ... OVERHEARD: A woman on Facebook gives these tips to her single friends who may be looking for a date: "All of the out of town firemen and volunteers are staying at the hotels near Costco and shopping and eating there."

 * ... JOE ALEXANDER: One of the "must see" fund raisers of the year is coming up later this month at the 21st Street home of Dr. Mark and Sue Ashley. It's East Bakersfield Rotary's "Elegant Evening of Wine" to raise money for the Joe Alexander Scholarship Foundation. This is a classy event featuring wine and food selected by Meir Brown of Cafe Med and will be held on the sprawling lawn of the Ashley estate on 21st Street. It's a bit pricey (individual tickets are $150 each) but well worth the cost. It will be held Saturday, September 24, so get your tickets now by calling Vern Varner at (661) 979-5788.

 * ... BROCK'S: Bill Deaver remembers when Brock's moved to Westchester. It was after the downtown Brock's was damaged in the 1952 earthquake and the company erected a large tent and called it Brock's Big Top.

 * ... BAKERSFIELDISM: Gene Tolomei wrote that you might be a Bakersfield old timer if "you remembered my dad's sporting goods and liquor store, Gene and Joe's. It was located at the corner of Baker and Bernard. It was very popular place to get you hunting and fishing licenses. It was also very busy doing dove season when everyone came in to buy their shotgun shells. My dad Gene Tolomei and his partner Joe Lencioni were partners as well as good friends.

A walk down memory lane at the McGill brownstone and the old Fontana Pie store

 * ... BROWNSTONE: Another memory came in of the stately McGill  brownstone located at 19th and B streets. Reader Marilyn Sullivan said her grandmother, Erma Payne, once lived next door to the brownstone in a 1911-circa home on 19th Street. "As a small child, I remember the apartments as a looming presence next to my grandmother's beautiful camellia garden, made possible by the presence of the shade from the apartments," she said. "The camellia garden was like so much of my grandmother's big house (with two scary basements); it was delightful and scary at the same time. Speaking of the 1952 earthquake, very little of grandmother's house was damaged (a few bricks fell from the chimney) compared to the damage at the apartments." Erma Payne was the wife of James Bruce Payne, who worked with his father at the original Payne and Son Funeral Home. They built what is now the red brick home of the Junior League. The Payne house next to the McGill still stands, on the south side of 19th Street. (photo is of the Junior League building, original Payne and Son Funeral Home)

 
 * ... FONTANA'S: Here's an interesting bit of local history, told to me by Joyce (Actis) Weingarden. "You recently ran a column about Fontana Pies and Dorothy Fontana. Dorothy and I are cousins. We haven't seen each other since 1994 and your column made her decide to find family ... We are now in contact. Dorothy and I are cousins because her mother, Eda Fontana (pie matriarch) and my dad, O.J. 'Rusty" Actis (O.J. Actis Junior High) were brother and sister. They came over from Italy as immigrants in 1914 and contributed so much to Bakersfield. My dad was on the Panama School Board (no Buena Vista at that time) for 31 years, the longest of any board member." Turns out Joyce was born here, moved away for 40 years and five years ago came back to the farm started by her grandfather, John Sandrini, in 1904." Welcome back, Joyce.


 * ... PAUL WHITE: More than a half dozen readers wrote to say how moved they were with the Friday memorial service for Paul White, the retired educator and fitness buff who died of a heart attack last week. St. Francis Church was packed and at least a hundred folks had to wait outside. Reader Glenn Worrell said he spoke with Paul's family and was told Paul ran both the New York and Boston marathons, and once participated in a 150 mile run. While working at Sunset School early in his career, Paul apparently ran from Bakersfield to the school where he showered and dressed for a day of teaching and coaching. That's commitment.

* ... MARATHON: Hats off to Don and Sharon Brakebill who completed the marathon run in Greece last summer. Thousands of runners competed in the run, which started in Marathon and ended in Athens. The Brakebills were the owners of Carriage Jewelers and remain active runners to this day. They have now retired to the City in the Hills and can be spotted almost daily running the hills of the Northeast.

 * ... BOOK DRIVE: The Bakersfield SPCA is gearing up for its annual used book sale, one of its big fund raisers of the year. Spokesman Chuck Nordstrom says the drive will be run from the last week of April through May. So if you have some books you'd like to donate to this most worthy cause, haul them over to the SPCA offices on Gibson Street off Rosedale Highway.

 * ... BAKERSFIELDISM: You know you're from Bakersfield if "you get mad every time you see 'Best of Times' and Taft wins at the end."

Another "seismic legal clash" adds to woes in the housing market and the SPCA plans its Mutt Strut

 * ... REAL ESTATE: Can things possibly get worse with the housing crisis? Well apparently they can. Amid a market that is swamped in foreclosures and uncertainty, the focus now is on thousands of documents that went missing in the 2005 to 2007 frenzy when the market was red hot. As the New York Times noted, "now those missing and possibly fraudulent documents are at the center of a potentially seismic legal clash that pits big lenders against homeowners and their advocates concerned that the lenders' rush to foreclose flouts private property rights." So how have the big banks responded to this crisis? They've made it near impossible to qualify for a loan, at least according to local Realtors I have spoken with. I saw one the other day and the look of frustration on his face was almost painful to witness. Yet another escrow on a house - a beautiful place at the right price in a wonderful neighborhood - had fallen through because of the reluctance of a bank to make a loan. "You wouldn't believe what they dragged my client through - sixty days of it! - and his credit is perfect. This neighborhood lost a wonderful family." One thing is clear: we are a long way from crawling out of this hole and meanwhile, wonderful homes at reasonable prices sit on the market.

 * ... SPOOK: One of the more successful but little known annual events is this Saturday's Spooktacular, a 100-mile bike ride featuring more than 10,000 feet of climbing in the impressive mountains that frame our community. It is put on annually by the Kern Wheelmen cycling club and draws several hundred riders from across the West. There are shorter courses available, but the two 100-mile jaunts - one goes up White Wolf grade outside of Arvin and then the switch backs of Lion's Trail to Walker Basin while the other tackles Breckenridge mountain - test even the fittest of riders.

* ... MUTT STRUT:  If riding 100 miles is too much for you, check out another worthwhile event this Saturday, the eighth annual Mutt Strut walk and run to benefit the SPCA at Yokuts Park. The SPCA's Chuck Nordstrom said all runners will receive a T-shirt and goody bag. Registration starts at 7 a.m. and there will be plenty of food after the race and walk. "Following our race will be Anderson Acres Responsible Dog Day Event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. where the SPCA will be offering a microchip clinic and the county will be offering rabies vaccinations and licensing," he said.

 * ... BROCKS: John Brock Jr. wrote to share some history of the old Trailway's bus depot that was located at the northwest corner of 20th and K streets. "My family bought the property in the late 1950s or early 1960s, demolished the building and created an additional parking lot for Brock's."

 * ... GO DUCKS: Heard from reader Lori Peters that Lauren Kotz, a 2010 graduate of Stockdale High School, has landed a spot on the University of Oregon softball team. Peters said Kotz was the only player to make the team as a walk-on. Not a bad time to be a Duck given the strength of its football team this year.

 * ... SPOTTED: As seen by KGFM radio host Rachel Legan: "A couple smoking outside the cancer clinic. Oh, the irony."

 * ... BAKERSFIELDISM: You know you're a Bakersfield old-timer if "you saw Pancho Gonzales and Lew Hoad play an exhibition at the Bakersfield Racquet Club."

Race for 2nd District Supervisor heats up, more love for the SPCA and a shout out to Wolverine fans

 * ... SHORT TAKES: Ran into former Supervisor Steve Perez at the 24th Street Starbucks and he briefed me on his campaign for the 2nd District County Supervisor seat being vacated by Don Maben. Perez said his campaign is going well and that "there is a lot of concern" out there about the state of the economy and government in general. Perez is out there pressing the flesh, making calls and getting ready for the June election. Zack Scrivner and Mary Beth Garrison are also seeking the seat...
    - It was interesting to watch former Bakersfield Congressman Bill Thomas back in action yesterday grilling the nation's top bankers as a member of the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission. The New York Times referred to Thomas as the "cantankerous former congressman" from California and his rapier-like intelligence was on full display during the session that was featured live on CNBC.
 - I found interesting to read that one of the plaintiffs in the gay marriage case before federal court, Kristin Perry,  grew up in Bakersfield. Both the San Francisco Chronicle and San Jose Mercury have noted how Perry had to hide her true feelings during her upbringing in the conservative Central Valley. Growing up conflicted about your sexual identity is hard enough, and I'd love to hear more about Perry's experience here. Perry and her partner now live in Berkeley.

 * ... SPCA FUND RAISER: I dropped by the local SPCA on Gibson Street again the other day (donating some hard cover books for its spring book sale) and was asked to pass along some information on an important fund raiser next month. I am always impressed by the dedication of the staff there, and it's nothing short of heart breaking to see the hundreds of unwanted dogs and cats awaiting adoption. While I was there one young woman brought in a sweet black female lab she found in her Rosedale neighborhood, and I wondered if she was lost or simply discarded by someone who lost his job. So if you are looking for a good cause to support, consider attending "Furry Paws and Foggy Nights" from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Petroleum Club on Friday, February 19. It's $85 per person (you must RSVP by February 12) and includes dining, music and silent and live auctions. The SPCA is looking for sponsors and folks to donate auction items, so consider helping this worthy cause. Want to help? Call Chuck Nordstrom at 323-8353, extension 10.

 * ... HAIL! TO THE VICTORS: Just when I thought I'd heard the last from local Ohio State Buckeye transplants came two notes from local residents Daniel A. Nichols and Mark Smith, arguing  it was time to hear from Ohio State arch rival Michigan Wolverine fans. "Most of my father's family is from either Ohio or Michigan, so it usually splits up the family for the Big Game," said Nichols. "I bleed Maize and Blue (University of Michigan colors) and I am sure there are a lot more Wolverine fans out here in Bakersfield. I hope some decide to speak up for the cause. Go Blue!" Smitty (as he asked to be called) agreed, adding he grew up 10 miles from Ann Arbor and learned from a young age to support the Wolverines. "Enough with the Buckeyes already! How about finding out about some displaced Wolverines located to beautiful downtown Bakersfield!" Out of loyalty to my own daughter who is a sophomore at Michigan, here's to the Wolverines.

 * ... THE BUZZ: Mike Allen, who left the Spanish radio group after 30 years recently, has landed at crosstown rival American General Media to spearhead a new drive to grow the Hispanic radio audience. Allen, a fixture on the local radio scene, lost out in a management shuffle and later resigned. His new position will put him in direct competition with his old employer, Lotus Broadcasting. Rogers Brandon, president of AGM, said Allen would serve as Director of Business Development for the group's Hispanic stations in both Bakersfield and Santa Maria. That means he will oversee sales for KEBT-FM La Caliente, Bakersfield's premier Hispanic station, and all special events for both KEBT-FM and KRQK-FM La Ley, the Central Coast's leading Latino radio station. Allen had been general manager at the station for over 30 years prior to his departure.

Is Fessler a replacement for Carvajal? And an Ohio State Buckeye seeks same in Bako

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* ... RAINING DOGS AND CATS: I had a chance to catch up with the folks over at the local SPCA on Gibson Street the other day when I was dropping off some books, left over by two daughters who have since moved out of town via college and both unlikely to return. The books will be sold during the SPCA's annual late March-early April book sale to raise money. Local spokesman Chuck Nordstrom says donations have remained steady but  the facility is overwhelmed with owner relinquished animals being dropped off by folks who have lost their jobs, their homes or are moving out of town. The facility is now "at capacity," meaning it has more than 300 dogs and cats. The SPCA will only take unwanted pets when  it has room. In the meantime, it always has a need for old sheets and towels for the strays, so open your hearts (and your pocketbooks) to this local worthy cause.

 * ... LONELY  BUCKEYE SEEKS SAME: Received a humorous email from Sunny Kapoor, finance manager of the West Kern Water District, who noted that he was a "Buckeye transplant" from Ohio and had the chance to take in the Rose Bowl game against Oregon (sorry Ducks, Ohio State was impressive in this one). Said Kapoor: "Sitting in the Ohio State section brought back a ton of memories of watching games at the ole 'Horseshoe' and listening to the 'Best Damn Band in the Land.' I am aware of a lot of Oregon Duck alumni in Bako, but I wonder how many Buckeyes live here?" With apologies to the Ducks and the PAC-10, any Buckeyes out there?


 * ... BAKO BITS: I spotted cancer survivor Wendy Wayne out for a morning run near Jastro Park the other day. She was bundled up, had an impressive gait and looked great. What a difference a few months make. Just a short time ago she was down in Los Angeles for some very tough treatment for non-Hodgkins lymphoma, and now she's back running. Great to have you back, Wendy. We're also waiting word on the funeral service for Claude Fiddler, the 77-year-old local oil engineer who died last week, just two weeks after his wife Shirley Ann passed away. This will be a standing-room only service as the community pays last respects to this remarkable man. More on this as it develops.

 * ... THE BUZZ: The real story behind the departure of Roger Fessler from general manager of American General Media to Cal State Bakersfield is how soon Athletic Director Rudy Carvajal will retire. You have to think Fessler would be the likely candidate to succeed Carvajal, who has served in the post since 1972 and should be nearing retirement. No one is talking but keep your eye on this one. Fessler's move was the latest to rock the local radio business, which has been in a funk during this recession. Just a few weeks ago Mike Allen, who worked at the local Spanish radio group for more than 30 years, left the company and is currently out of work. I'm not sure there is a connection here -  the Fessler move was a personal decision to follow his passion - but it represents a huge change on the local radio scene. Rogers Brandon , president of the AGM Group, indicated Fessler would not be replaced and he would be picking up some of his duties, at least temporarily. And I don't think we've heard the last of Mike Allen.