Gov. Gavin Newsom performs a "bait and switch" with the state dollars meant for road improvements, Countryside Market opens to serve the east side of town and North High and Stockdale hold some high school reunions

Welcome to Bakersfield Observed. Our mission is to celebrate life in Kern County by focusing on newsmakers and events and the local characters who make this community such a special place. The views expressed here are strictly my own and do not reflect the views of any other individual, organization or company. 

 * ... BAIT AND SWITCH: If you voted for the state gas tax under the assumption the money would

be used solely for road and bridge improvements, how do you feel now? In yet another Sacramento bait and switch, Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed an executive order allowing him to siphon off at least $5 billion for "environmentally friendly" alternatives to projects associated with fossil fuels. That's right, those taxes we were promised would go to infrastructure are now going for softer, more green friendly pet projects. Among the project that were killed were several in the Central Valley, including the widening of the "blood alley" portion of Highway 46. And they wonder why the public is so cynical.

 * ... COUNTRYSIDE MARKET: There is finally some good news for those folks living on the east side of town, particularly those in the Tuscany and City in the Hills communities. Countryside Market has opened a new branch at the corner of Comanche Drive and Highway 178, featuring gas, fresh coffee, groceries and even a Smith's bakery. Countryside Markets are always top shelf, and you can expect this one to benefit from some very grateful neighbors.

 * ... REUINIONS: Congratulatons to the North High School class of 1989 that celebrated its 30th reunion at Woolgrower;s, and the Stockdale Class of 1999 which held its 20th this weekend as well.

* ... THEFT: I spotted this post on Facebook. Beware of your surroundings during this surge in crime.

 * ... PORTER RANCH FIRE: Check out this picture of a partially burned edition of The Los Angeles Times, scorched in the fire that engulfed part of Porter Ranch in the San Fernando Valley. The banner headline reads, in part: "...blackouts raise anger... high fire danger affect millions" (Screen grab from KTLA live footage)

 * ... MEMORIES: And how about these pictures of some old theaters, starting with one  on North Chester back in the mid 1950s. The second shot shows movie goers outside of the California Theater at 1816 Chester Ave. Next to the theater was the Opera Meat Market and the Union Stage Depot. The photo is dated 1923 and is compliments of the Kern County of Old Facebook page. Enjoy.

The New York Times focuses on our almond industry, Raising Cane's is coming to town, a lost Stockdale High School ring and some good form about town

Monday, August 20, 2018

 Welcome to Bakersfield Observed. Our mission is to celebrate life in Kern County by focusing on newsmakers and events and the local characters who make this such a special to live. Send your news tips to rsbeene@yahoo.com. 

 * ... BEE SHORTAGE: The New York Times Sunday magazine devoted a large spread to our Central Valley,

California's $7.6 billion almond industry and the 30 billion bees (and hundreds of bee keepers) who keep the trees pollinated. The concern: the steady decline of bee populations that scientists believe is caused by a parasite. "Since 2006," the Times reported, "annual winter losses in colonies have averaged more than 28 percent, nearly double the historical winter mortality rate of 15 percent." The industry is in peril and the industry is reacting. "Agricultural entities - including California's Almond Board - pour money into pollinator research, but they are simultaneously anticipating the end of bees. There was talk about a new variety of almond tree that is self-pollinating. One almond grower and distributor said a lot of new orchards were buying the self pollinating plants, but no one could tell if the trees were actually self pollinating or if the bees from neighboring orchards were slipping into their blooms." This is a huge largely untold story. outside of farming circles. Stay tuned. (photos courtesy of The New York Times)

 * .. RAISING CANE'S: The fact that a new fast food restaurant opens in town is hardly news, but it is if Raising Cane's is coming to a block near you. Known for its chicken tenders and sides and spices, Raising Cane's is opening on Coffee Road just a few blocks north of Rosedale Highway and I predict will be a huge hit in a town that loves its fast food. It is now advertising for employees for a  early 2019 opening.

* ... SPOTTED ON TWITTER: "I’m happy my date didn’t snoop in my medicine cabinet but sad I spent an hour setting up 40 ping pong balls in there for nothing."

 * ... MORE TWITTER: "Had another panic attack this morning or as I like to call it, waking up."

 * ... STOCKDALE HIGH: Did you graduate from Stockdale High School in 1995 and are missing your senior ring? I ran into this on Facebook: "(TO ANYONE WHO WENT TO STOCKDALE HIGH SCHOOL IN 1995...) Do you know the name of the person who played basketball that was #22 and ran track that did the high jump that possibly was the central section champion?? We have found your ring..."

 * ... GOOD FORM: Here is a salute to all of those people among us who take it upon themselves to try to keep our community clean. This is from Jim Pappe a local cyclist: "Cycling friends, meet Lisa. I've seen her for several years cleaning up the trash thrown out on Alfred Harrell Highway by vehicles and, today, cyclists. I stopped and chatted with her enough to thank her, and to apologize for one of our own cyclist's selfish behavior. Please act responsibly when you are cycling and pocket your tubes and CO2 cartridges after fixing your flat. And thank Lisa when you see her."

 * ... MEMORIES: A then and now look at the Tejon Pass.