McCarthy: Ten years after 9-11, the spirit and resilience of America still lives

 Rep. Kevin McCarthy, House Majority Whip, looks back at September 11, 2001, and looks forward to a new future.

 "Ten years ago, our nation was struck by the worst terrorist attack ever to be carried out on American soil. Over three thousand Americans were killed. I was with my wife Judy getting our kids ready for school when I heard that an airliner had struck one of the twin towers, and I remember the shock as news of the continued assault on our land came cross the wires.
  It’s hard to believe it’s been a decade since that day, but I will never forget the response of the men, women and children in our community and in every community across the nation. Even our own first responders from Kern County flew to Washington to help at the Pentagon.
 "As the dust of disbelief settled, the American people came together in solidarity. Men and women from every walk of life stood united as Americans to make it abundantly clear to the cowardly terrorists who waged this deliberate assault on our nation and way of life that we would not be intimidated. With American flags waving in front yards across the country, we immediately resolved that we would rise together from the ashes and reaffirm our rights as Americans to live, vote and worship as we please.
 "After the attacks, brave young people from around our district, from Paso Robles to Bakersfield to Ridgecrest to Lancaster, answered the all to serve a half a world away in the name of freedom. These young people have sacrificed their time, sweat and blood – and 32 local service members have given their lives – so that you and I can wake up each day and be free. I want the men and women in our military and their families to know that we will be forever grateful, and I promise to fight to ensure your sacrifice is never forgotten.
 "This September 11th marks the ten-year anniversary of the attacks and has been declared a National Day of Service. Volunteerism has never been lacking in our communities, and this 9/11 is another opportunity for us to show the solidarity Americans have for our way of life. I encourage everyone to seek out opportunities to give back this upcoming Sunday whether through your house of worship, a local charity, visiting veterans in your local community or donating blood to save a life
 "Even now, the scars of that terrible day remain, but so does the resilience, hope and courage of the American people. It was just four months ago that news of the death of Osama Bin Laden drove scores of
Americans of varying races and religions to the gates of the White House with American flags to celebrate that the mastermind of the September 11th attacks had finally been brought to justice. As we reflect on the ten-year anniversary, let us never forgot what makes our nation so special. We are a nation founded on the principles of freedom and liberty, and we will never give up the fight to keep our country safe and strong for generations to come.

Remembering the events of September 11, getting to know the Pluot and worrying about the recession

 * ... SEPTEMBER 11: This Sunday is the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, and I hope each of you will find a special way to observe this day. At the very least we can all proudly display our American flags while remembering all the lives lost in the war on terrorism. Reader Tina Burke wrote to ask if The Californian was going to devote a page to Old Glory as we did last year. The answer is yes, we will, so look for it in your Sunday Californian.

 * ... RECESSION: Experts now say the odds of the nation falling into a second recession - California hasn't pulled out of the first one yet - are now 50-50. Many smaller local companies have made all the cuts they can, and owners are downsizing their homes and selling assets to make payroll. We may see a new wave of business failures if things don't turn around soon.

. * ... PLUOT: I was introduced to the "pluot" at the downtown Farmer's Market this past Saturday. If you haven't heard of it, the pluot is one of a number of new hybrid fruits that are hitting the market. The pluot his part plum and part apricot and is absolutely delicious. I was told these particular pluots were grown in Lamont. Other hybids include the pluerry (part plum and part cherry) and the peacharine (part peach and part nectarine.

 * ... THE BUZZ: There is a lot of talk among downtown property owners and business people about the proliferation of drug activity at the corner of 21st and Eye streets downtown, one of the popular corners for the homeless and groups of itinerant young people. One business owner told me he had gone to the Bakersfield police with his concerns, particularly after witnessing a drug transaction in broad daylight.

 * ... OVERHEARD: At a dollar store on Olive Drive, a young woman asks the cashier to direct her toward "eyeliners." When told the store was out of eyeliners, the young woman responded: "Then tell me where the Sharpie markers are. I've used them before but you really have to be careful because what you see is what you get!"

 * ... GOOD SERVICE: Add these businesses to the growing list of places where you can expect outstanding customer service: the downtown U.S. Post Office, where the familiar faces behind the counter are always smiling, and my service technician from Clark's Pest Control.

 * ... COOKIE MAN: A reader passed along a wonderful story featuring former Bakersfield resident Don Wedel, who now spends his time baking cookies for needy children and their families in Midland, Texas. It's yet another example of how much good there is in a world that sometimes seems so crazy. Mary Lytell told me that Don, her cousin, has been helping the needy at the Midland "transitional house" for several years now. He is the son of the late Milt and Priscella Wedel and the younger brother of the late Jerry Wedel. (photo courtesy of the Reporter-Telegram)

 * ... BAKERSFIELDISM: Joyce Adams wrote to clarify and earlier post regarding the old Adams Shoes that once featured a size of extra long shoes. "Next to the five and dime (the name was Wagner's) was a shoe sotre, Adams Shoes. My husband, Al Adams, and I were the owners. The 'work boots' (actually shoes) were a size 35 and were made for Robert Wadlow. He had worn the shoes and outgrew them to a size 37 before his death at the age of 22. We still have the shoes that were on display at the shoe store. They are but 18 inches in length but look much longer!"

Central Valley sweet potatoes gain in popularity and another burglary hits Haggin Oaks

 * ... SISTER CITY: Good to hear that one of Bakersfield's sister cities - Wakayama, Japan - escaped serious damage from a recent typhoon. That's the word from Susan Stone, president of the Bakersfield Sister City Project, who noted that her contacts in Wakayama all seem safe. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Sister City relationship between Bakersfield and Wakayama, whose mayor will visit Bakersfield in November.

* ... SWEET POTATOES: The Los Angeles Times featured a front page story on the growing popularity of sweet potatoes, many of which are grown here in the Central Valley. According to The Times, Americans have doubled their consumption of sweet potatoes in the last decade, and exports to other nations are also skyrocketing. Most of California's sweet potatoes are grown in Merced County. (photo courtesy of The Los Angeles Times)

 * ... EUREKA!: Speaking of food, folks in the Southwest are looking forward to the opening of new Eureka! Burgers and Craft Beer at the Shops at RiverWalk. This Fresno based franchise features gourmet burgers, craft beers and an engaging atmosphere and should be a good addition to the growing Southwest area. Earlier reports indicated this new Stockdale Highway location should be open by the end of this year. It joins other longtime tenants PF Changs, The Elephant Bar, BJ's and California Pizza Kitchen.

 * ... BREAK IN: There was yet another burglary in Haggin Oaks over the Labor Day weekend, the third burglary in a matter of just a few days in the Southwest neighborhood. In the latest case, the homeowners were asleep inside when the intruder broke into the garage through a window but could not gain entry into the home because the door leading inside was locked. Meanwhile, there continues to be a rash of car break-ins across town, particularly in Olde Stockdale, La Cresta and Westchester. Remember: lock your doors and keep your alarms on.

 * ... OVERHEARD: Twenty-something woman at Starbucks tells the barrista to "hold the whip cream" on her morning caramel machiatto (about 250 calories) because she is dieting, then decides to order a 440-calorie scone to go.

* ... GOOD SERVICE: Reader Sheri Warfield wrote to praise the customer service at New City Cleaners, which has been in business for more than a century.  "They are a five star cleaners known for their great quality and customer service skills. They know most of their customers by name and have developed friendly relationships with many of them over the years. A very courteous, knowledgeable staff makes for a pleasant trip to the dry cleaners."

 * ... BAKERSFIELDISM: Glenda Geissel writes that you may be an Oildale old timer "if you remember the Cottage Hospital that was located where the Mish Funeral Home is now. I know from experience because my sister and myself were born there in 1946 and 1949. I was born an '08er and no doubt will die an '08er. Thanks for all the memories your column brings to mind."

The Haupts celebrate 30 years of marriage, burglars hit Haggin Oaks and high praise for Michael Turnipseed

 * ... BURGLARIES: The folks over in Haggin Oaks are on guard after two recent burglaries left the otherwise quiet neighborhood rattled. One resident returned to find her house ransacked, indicating the intruders had spent some time inside her home.

 * ... THIRTY YEARS: Congratulations to longtime residents Bruce and Jane Haupt, who celebrated 30 years of marriage in grand style this weekend. As a surprise to his wife, Bruce arranged to fly in her mother, Jane Geldermann, from Chicago along with her brother and sister. Bruce's parents, brothers, their four children (all products of Garces Memorial High School) and a couple dozen cousins were also there when Jane showed up at Luigi's Saturday night for a steak and chicken dinner. Sounds like a nice way to kick off the next 30 years of marriage. Bruce is vice president of Independent Pipe and Steel and Jane works at Valley Oaks charter school.

 * ... HIGH PRAISE: Harry Starkey, general manager of the West Kern Water District, talking about Michael Turnipseed, the head of the tax watchdog group KernTax: "Turnispeed should be knighted for the work he has done to bring PGE rates in line."

 * ... IMBIBE: Stopped by Imbibe Wine and Spirits off Truxtun Extension the other day and was treated to some great live jazz. Mark Meyer on the saxaphone and Steve Elsen on the trumpet appear at Imbibe regularly and are worth checking out while treating yourself to wine, specialty beer and a cheese plate.

* ... NEWCOMERS: Received a nice note from LA-area transplants Mike and Tish Burnett, who moved to our town earlier this summer. It's their first summer here and they're loving it, hardly missing at all their old home in La Canada Flintridge. The Burnetts moved here to be closer to Tish's sister, Pam Walker. Her husband, Neil, is a longtime resident and works at Kern Oil and Refining. "I just wanted to close the loop and let you know we are here and loving it, heat and all!" Mike wrote. "Actually Neil tells me it's actually spring like right now." Mike is currently sales manager for Sparkle Uniform and Linen Service, one of our many family owned companies in town.

 * ... GUILD HOUSE: Carole Cohen wrote to let everyone know that the Guild House is reopening for lunch on Tuesday, September 6. The Guild House is located on the corner of 18th and F streets, is staffed by an all-volunteer staff, and everything served is homemade. All proceeds go to benefit the Henrietta Weill Child Guidance Clinic.

 * ... BAKERSFIELDISM: Linda L. Smith writes that you may be a Bakersfield old timer if you remember "Toon's Piano store on Chester Avenue near 8th Street." She recalls that a man named Leech was the general manager and later purchased Toon's, renaming it Leech Piano. Linda said this would have been in the 1950s and that the store was later moved to the Westchester area.

McCarthy: Overreaching federal regulations stifle the private sector; time for Washington to get out of the way

 Rep. Kevin McCarthy, House Majority Whip, gives us his weekly view from Capitol Hill.

 "Throughout our nation’s history, we have seen Americans achieve great things by taking great risks, and we are home to many of these stories. In 2004, I watched Burt Rutan’s SpaceShipOne achieve aerospace greatness as it rocketed into suborbital space to become the first private spaceship in the world.

 "Our community is filled with some of the most innovative minds anywhere, whether in agriculture, defense, energy, aerospace or technology. And it will be these leaders that will drive our nation’s economic comeback. Just look at the nine Kern County businesses that made this year’s Inc. 5000 list of the fastest growing independent, private companies in the U.S.: Hathaway LLC; Lightspeed Systems; Klassen Corp.; Electrical Systems and Instrumentation; Payzone Directional Services; Stria; ARRC Technology; Processes Unlimited International; and PLCs Plus International.

 "During the past few months, I have had dozens of discussions with small business owners in our community and have received a lot of insightful feedback. Just this week, one local entrepreneur sent me a detailed breakdown of how the business cycle that drives our economy has been slowed at nearly every step because of uncertainty.  He wrote that “if entrepreneurs and investors do not KNOW what they face at a step – that uncertainty makes them decide to wait and see what they will face – which slows down the entire process.” His comments mirror the concerns I have heard throughout our community and from business leaders across the country. Job creators aren’t nearly as likely to take the risks that have brought about the innovations that have made America great with a giant cloud of uncertainty hanging over them.  

 "So what is causing this uncertainty? Simply put: excessive government intervention in the economy. How can a small business owner in Kern County stay in business when government continues to pile on more unnecessary costs? The number of economically significant regulations (having an economic impact of $100 million or more) in the works this year is up 15 percent from last year – to 219 – and the President disclosed this week that just seven of these could cost our economy a combined $100 billion. That is just seven out of 219. No wonder business owners are standing on the sidelines!

 "When I return to Washington, my colleagues and I will immediately begin to take on the barriers that are holding up job creation and increasing uncertainty. We plan to take action on 10 major unnecessary, job-crushing regulations. To read the memo detailing them, click here. We will also be gearing up to take up a Balanced Budget Amendment and take action to pass the three pending Free Trade Agreements.

 "By addressing our burdensome regulatory climate, we can create an environment for prosperity. I know we have the next Burt Rutan or Steve Jobs in our midst, and I’m going to fight to make sure that our Federal government does not inadvertently squash the ability for innovators to take the risk to make their dream a reality. "     

The first hints of fall in Bakersfield and time for another First Friday in downtown Bako

 * ... READY FOR FALL? Don't let the early morning chill fool you. As every local will tell you, a Bakersfield summer is never really over until the Kern County Fair ends. But it has been a terrific summer here, mild and blessed with a river full of water, and I'm sad to see it coming to an end. Still, fall brings high school and Bakersfield College football and a fall farmer's market full of fresh vegetables.

 * ... FIRST FRIDAY: And speaking of the end of summer, don't forget to check out the First Friday activities in the downtown arts district. Remember First Friday is not a street fair, but rather an occasion to support our local businesses by strolling through our growing number of art galleries, antique shops and other businesses and picking up a bite to eat at one of our many downtown restaurants: Uricchio's Trattoria, Mama Roomba, Chef's Choice noodle bar, Mexicali, La Costa Mariscos and the Padre Hotel to name a few. Also make sure to swing by The Metro Galleries on 19th Street, which is featuring an impressive show dedicated to Latino artists and culture. This is a juried show and the winners will be announced. Metro will also have music by Mento Buru and Velorio and a no host bar.

 * ... REITER: A relatively new business called the Reiter Gallery Art Parlor is featuring the paintings of Betty Leonor. The opening reception is Friday and it's worth stopping by on your First Friday tour. The gallery is located at 1914 Chester Avenue.

 * ... OVERHEARD: A 20-something blonde is overheard telling a friend: "I was going crazy because I misplaced the book I was reading. I spent three days looking for it until I realized I had downloaded it on my iPad!"

 * ... SPOTTED: From local Realtor Coleen Peters: "A 1990s dark blue Toyota Camry with middle aged male left a cat lying on the head rest in 100 degree heat in Costco Rosedale parking lot with two windows only rolled down one inch. It must have been 120 degrees in that car. I called 911 and they sent animal control to try to find the car. Thank goodness his shopping list was short. Please remember our furry friends."

 * ... IRENE: Realtor Patsy Sadler wrote with this observation of Hurricane Irene: "I haven't heard one person yell' help me, help me' and no looting reported and people actually trying to clean up their mess and not waiting for help!"

 * ... SERVICE: Some more reader nominations for local retailers who provide great customer service: Snead's men's store near Trader Joe's, White Forest Nursery and Guarantee Shoe Center.

 * ... BAKERSFIELDISM: Margaret Lemucchi provided this gem about growing up in Shafter. "You know you're an old-timer from Shafter if you remember picking up your metal canister containing a movie at Stringham's Drug Store. You selected your movies from a catalogue in a shop - near the Nile Theater, I think. Your weekly movie would go to Shafter on the Orange Belt Stage which parked at  Stringham's. You showed your movie to a neighborhood crowd on a screen in your living room with popcorn breaks and when the film broke, the lights went on, and your dad 'spliced it' with Scotch tape. The next day you returned the movie to Stringham's which put it on the bus back to Bakersfield. Great fun."   

Cutting back in the face of a tough recession and saying good night to Ellie, a special horse at MARE

 * ... RECESSION: Now that we're in the fifth year of this long recession it's not surprising that most of us have been forced to get our financial houses in order. A recent story in USA Today detailed just how far we have come. Consider: The national savings rate is up to 5 percent, nearly four times what it was in 2005. Homeowners are shortening the terms of their mortgages by refinancing,  they are holding onto their cars and trucks longer, and a record number of people are paying off their credit cards at the end of each month. And with the recession showing no signs of going away, we can expect more of this in the future.

 * ... GOODNIGHT IRENE:  Local attorney Barry Goldner and his wife, county counsel Teri Goldner, spent a memorable evening in New York City the day hurricane Irene passed through. They were there getting daughter Rachel settled into Fordham University when Irene paid a visit, turning the normally busting city into a ghost town. With public transportation shut down, Barry said the city was eerily quiet. "The vehicle traffic was minimal and mostly cabs," he said. "The people on the streets wanted to walk and had not real destination since everything was closed. So cabs would glide by looking for fares." No doubt this will be a day that Rachel and her parents will long remember.

 * ... OVERHEARD: A young boy is seen in Albertson's with his mother. He picks up a carrot and asks, "What's this?" His mother responds, "Put it down, you wouldn't like it anyway."

* ... ANNIVERSARY: Among the long-standing retail instituions in our town is Bobbi's Hallmark, the popular card and gift shop located at the corner of Gosford and Stockdale in the Southwest. I've spent countless hours poring over its extensive card list, and now I hear the shop is celebrating 25 years in business in September. It's not easy operating a business in this economic climate, so hats off to these folks at Bobbi's.

 * .... GOOD SERVICE: And speaking of local retailers, I've been overwhelmed with reader suggestions of where to find good service in our town. Among those submitted: Saba's, Lassen's health foods, H. Walker's Men's Clothing, Jim Burke Ford, Walgreen's, WinCo, Pensinger's, Smart and Final and Caspers.

 * ... RIP ELLIE: I've always admired the work the folks out at MARE (Mastering Abilities Riding Equines) do for kids with special challenges. It turns out one of MARE's longtime workers, 26-year-old Elvira the horse, passed away two weeks ago. Ellie as she was known was owned by Deborah Durkan and was a staple at the equestrian center. Said MARE'S founder Diane Hopkins, "Ellie was a MARE horse for 20 years serving our riders with love and willingness. She will be missed by all our staff, volunteers and riders who loved her very much. Miss you Ellie!" (file photo is not Ellie but another horse)

\ * ... BAKERSFIELDISM: From reader Linda Welch: You might be an Oildale old timer if you "remember the Safeway market where the Wells Fargo Bank is now on North Chester. Next door was a five and dime store featuring a pair of men's work boots that must have been 25 inches long!"

Hispanic college enrollment spikes and Rubio gears up for a showdown with David Valadao

 * ... COLLEGE BOUND: Read the other day that the enrollment of young Hispanic students in college shot up 24 percent from 2009 to 2010. This is according to the Pew Hispanic Center, which noted that much of the growth among Hispanics attending school has been  in community colleges. Pew said 46 percent of all the Hispanics in school were in community colleges, compared to 73 percent of young white students in four-year colleges. Among Asians, 78 percent were in four year schools and 63 percent of young blacks were in four year institutions. Either way, it's all good news. Community colleges like Bakersfield College serve an important niche in our educational system, and it's good to see a surge in Hispanics taking advantage of the opportunities.

 * ... 21st CONGRESS: Had a chance the other day to catch up with state Sen. Michael Rubio, who is gearing up to run for the empty 21st Congressional District. Also expected to enter the race is state Assemblyman David Valadao, the former Fresno dairy farmer who has the blessings of Karl Rove and the Republican establishment. Democrats enjoy an 11 percent edge in registration in the district, and word is that this is one of the Republicans' top targets to wrest from the Democrats. Rubio is an astute politician, good at fund raising and willing to outhustle any opponent. A Rubio-Valadao match could only be derailed if former state Sen. Dean Florez enters the race, setting up a bruising Democratic clash between Florez and Rubio. Florez has yet to announce. (photos of Ruio with his family and Valadao on the campaign trail)

 * ... DESIGNER: An old pal in Texas alerted me to a story in the Austin American-Statesman about a former Bakersfield native who has made quite a name for herself in the world of fashion. The designer is Dawn Younger-Smith, who left Bakersfield in her 20s and has since moved to Austin where she markets under the name "the Boudoir Queen." Apparently selections from her work were used in the fall print and video campaign for accessories and handbag maker Nine West's Vintage America collection. Younger-Smith is also known for her 2009 lawsuit against rocker Courtney Love, who allegedly skipped out on paying for a $4,000 dress. (photo courtesy of The Austin American-Statesman)

* ... RILEY'S JOURNEY: Doctors will tell you it's never too late to start eating healthy and exercising, and no one knows this better than Riley Parker, a local private investigator who let his exercise routine slip in recent years. A routine physical found he had "blossomed" to 226 pounds and some of his key readings - cholesterold, triglycerides, blood pressure - were in the danger zone. "I had three choices," he told me. "Start taking a handful of medication every day, lose a boatload of weight or develop diabetes and have a crappy fourth quarter of life. I have opted for number two." Thanks to the folks over at Action Sports, Riley is now riding a new Specialized cross bike and is serious about shedding the pounds. He promised to keep me posted, and knowing Riley, I think this story will have a happy ending.

* ... GOOD SERVICE: I am always appreciative of good service when it comes my way, so here's my partial list of local retailers (excluding eateries) with the most helpful and friendly employees: Bed, Bath and Beyond, Hoggz Surf Shop, Wood-Dale Market, Trader Joe's, Action Sports, Williams-Sonoma, Stinson's, and Urner's, among others. What's on your list?

 * ... BAKERSFIELDISM: You know you're from Bakersfield is you remember "field parties," not "house parties."





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