House Majority Leader McCarthy: While the world focuses on the Ebola virus, the Central Valley continues to battle Valley Fever

House Majority Leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy gives us his weekly view from Capitol Hill. In his words:

 "The health of family and friends is so often at the top of our minds that we toast to good health at dinners, take daily vitamins to keep our immune systems strong, carry around small bottles of de-sanitizer in our bags and pockets, and console those who have fallen ill.  And as we are all aware, the front pages and nightly news programs over the past month continue to lead with the spread of the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. I share the concern of many about this disease making its way onto our shores.  Our public health officials are working diligently to ensure any cases that are found here at home are isolated immediately as well as preparing to control and ultimately defeat this horrible illness in the West African countries where it has stricken thousands.

 "We also know that more must be done about indigenous diseases as well.  In the arid Central Valley, we have a disease called Valley Fever that is also a frequent topic in our local and regional news.


 "For decades, so many of our neighbors were stricken with an illness that could not be identified or treated with any certainty that one would be fully healed. Much of the country outside of the Valley, including the medical community, was virtually unaware of it. This led to frustration and concern in our communities over the seemingly helpless fight. It left us with only the blind hope that a loved one wouldn’t contract the disease.


 "It is my goal to change that.

 "Our community symposium last year has focused much needed attention on Valley Fever, and our discussions have not stopped. Recently, I discussed our current effort with Dr. Anthony Fauci, who is the Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). I remain in contact with CDC Director Dr. Thomas Frieden and NIH Director Dr. Francis Collins as we continue our work to raise awareness about the disease as well as develop our random clinical trials on Valley Fever treatments.

 "Just this week, it was announced that Kat DeBurgh, who has been working with us to develop a continuing medical education program on Valley Fever, will be taking over at the Health Officers Association of California (HOAC) as their Executive Director.  She has been instrumental in HOAC’s efforts to educate California doctors and public health officials on this disease. A Valley Fever CME raises awareness of this disease with medical providers, helping them make earlier diagnoses that can potentially reduce the length and severity of Valley Fever in patients. I look forward to continuing to work with Ms. DeBurgh on Valley Fever and other important public health issues in the Central Valley and California.

 "While the fight against any unknown pathogen can be long, just a year after the Valley Fever symposium, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released positive news that a potential treatment drug for Valley Fever was going to be fast-tracked into clinical trials. In 2012, Congress passed what was called the GAIN Act, which helps provide support for treatments for fungal and bacterial diseases. The news of a potential treatment, nikkomycin Z, entering the critical clinical stages through the GAIN Act highlights the strides our community has made in fighting Valley Fever.


 "More progress must be made and we continue to collect real data on this potential treatment. But progress alone towards curing a disease that was largely off the radar of health officials no more than four years ago gives us reason to be optimistic that our neighbors who are suffering from the disease could soon find relief and that future generations will not have to resort to hope alone in the fight against Valley Fever.

 "Enough cannot be said of the hard work of the people in our community, from Dr. Claudia Jonah, the Einstein family, the Larwoods, Dr. Royce Johnson, and countless others, who make the time and commitment to continuing the fight against a disease that has affected too many of our loved ones.

Looking for Catholic parishioners? You will find them at Costco, at least according to a local monsignor, and get ready for the annual Via Arte out at The Marketplace

 * … VIA ARTE: Make sure you remember that Via Arte is set for this weekend over at The

Marketplace in the Southwest. This is always an amazing experience as chalk artists line up to show off their talents in the parking lot. The event is free, of course, and it runs all day on Saturday and Sunday.

 * … SPOTTED: A roadside sign has this inspirational message: "You have never really lived until you have done something for someone who can never repay you."

 * … OVERHEARD: A one-liner from Monsignor Craig Harrison: "I love Costco. I see more parishioners there then at church."

* … GOOD FORM: Tonya Grier was impressed when her son, who attends West High, found that someone had hit his car but left a nice note on the windshield. It stated 'I hit your car and I am soooo sorry, I had to go to work, but here is my number, call me so we can exchange info. Sara.' "The damage wasn't too bad, so I wanted to call the young lady and thank her for having integrity and good values by leaving a note, and also inform her that I know she is a student, so don't worry about it, best success in her future for doing the right thing.," said Grier. "(But) The number was disconnected! I was so angry, and she didn't leave her last name. I told my son, we will pray for her, God sees all."

 * … KIWANIS: If you want to support a good cause while enjoying some vintage cars, head to Olive Knolls Church of the Nazarene this Saturday to enjoy a car show sponsored by the Oildale Kiwanis Club. Ralph Korn told me proceeds from the show go to help needy youngsters.

 * … SERVICE: Another tip of the hat to a local company that provides excellent customer service. This time it's the folks over at Stability Home Access, who dropped what they were doing to install a grab bar in the bathroom of Jim Murphy who had just been released from UCLA Medical Center after leg surgery. Thanks to Jim's wife, Connie, for sharing her story.

* … MEMORIES: Warren E. Pechin, a local architect, shared with me this walk down memory lane regarding the old Golden Crust Bakery. "I actually worked at the bakery before school started the spring semester of my senior year at Bakersfield High School and for about five summers afterwards except for the summer of 1967 when I was in summer school at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo taking architecture classes. The bakery was owned by George Martini and employed about 60 people producing the products of the bakery. I was one of the summer relief help hired to allow the full-time employees to rotate through vacations. Among the other 'helpers' were Steve Anderson of S.C. Anderson, Danny Ronquillo, who eventually wound up being a Fresno City Councilman, and Radon Fortenberry, who eventually was the athletic director at Shafter High School. The bakery closed in the summer of 1968 or 1969 and I went from making $4.20 an hour to $2 and hour at Wright and Metcalf, a local architecture firm who designed the Civic Auditorium and Bakersfield College and many other buildings in Bakersfield. All of us 'helpers' rotated through some of the regular jobs at the bakery, although I worked mainly in the packaging of bread and on the ovens, Steve worked with the engineers and maintenance staff, Danny worked in the dough room, and Radon boxed bakery goods and helped load the trucks for the various drivers (about 20 other employees besides the 60 mentioned earlier. The experience of working in the bakery was quite interesting and the pay was excellent for the time compared to many other jobs of students."

Chain Cohn Stiles buys a landmark building in downtown Bakersfield, a golf tournament raises $200,000 for charity and a trip down memory lane for readers recalling the good old days

* … DEATH: The law firm representing the family of Nancy Joyce Garrett, the 72-year-old woman killed in an early morning crash with a Kern County sheriff's deputy, is waiting for a Highway Patrol investigation before deciding whether to file suit. That was the word from Matt Clark, a partner

at Chain Cohn Stiles, who appeared with me on First Look with Scott Cox Tuesday morning. Garrett was a beloved grand mother who spent her last night with her family at a Los Angeles Dodgers game. Clark said the extended family was so close that they shared breakfast once a month, and the day she was killed it was her turn to host the family breakfast. The CHP investigation could take several months before the decision is made whether to go to trial. If a lawsuit is filed, it will be the second fatal accident in a short period of time involving a Kern County Sheriff's deputy on North Chester. (Facebook photo of Nancy Garrett)

* ... CHAINLAW: And speaking of Chain Cohn Stiles, the law firm has just closed escrow on a 30,000 square foot building at the corner of Chester Avenue and 17th Street (1731 Chester). The plaintiff's law firm, which has been headquartered in the Bank of America tower downtown for more than 20 years, will renovate the building and use the ground floor for its main offices. Dave Cohn, principal partner, said the firm has been looking for its own home for several years now and he expects the renovation to last several months. Cohn said the firm was committed to staying downtown to continue in its revitalization. The building was originally constructed in 1899 as a bank but has morphed through the years, its last incarnation as the downtown headquarters of The Goodwill. (Chainlaw file photo)

 * … MEMORIAL: I am always impressed by the generosity of this community, and it was certainly on display recently at the Larry Carr Memorial Golf Tournament benefitting the Bakersfield Memorial Hospital Foundation. The tournament raised an impressive $200,000 to benefit the Robert A. Grimm Children’s Pavilion for Emergency Care at the Lauren Small Children’s Medical Center. Hats off to BMHF board chair Rogers Brandon, golf committee chair Jenny Waguespack and two big sponsors, Valley Republic Bank and Terrio Therapy.

 * … MEMORIES: Cheryl Rodriguez of Arvin responded to an earlier reader's mention of a theater south of Lamont. "In the 1950s that was known as the south Lamont Drive-In and the road he referred to was located next to Robert A. Teller's plum orchard. Mr. Teller was my grandfather. The Lamont post office and the South Kern Court now stand where the orchard was. The drive-in sign remained for many years after the theater was torn down. Also, there was the Rancho Theater in Arvin. It had a beautiful moving neon wagon wheel sign high atop the building. That sign was replaced a few years ago by a pizza sign. This was a slap in the face to longtime citizens who regarded the wagon wheel as a historic icon."

 * …. DRIVE-IN: And finally, one last memory of the Lamont drive-in compliments of Carlos Luna. "Regarding the theater located south of Lamont after you crossed the rail tracks and heading
towards Weedpatch, it was the Thunderbird Drive-In. ... Furthermore, Lamont also had a walk in theater on main street next to the school. Pretty good for a small town way back when."

 * … MORE MEMORIES: I need to correct an earlier writer who referred to a wonderful old business called Mom's Bakery. John Pryor reminded me the correct name was Mother's Bakery and it was located on the west side of Baker Street just south of Kentucky Street. Said John: "Owned by the Mellas family, they were famous for delivering a truly 'baker's dozen' of any item.  If you ordered a dozen doughnuts, you always found 13 in your sack! One of their sons, Angelo Mellas, was a classmate at East High where he was a student leader and fierce lineman on the Blades football team -- including our senior year when we beat the Drillers (20-19) for the very first time."

Monday Bako Bits: Don't feel left out if you haven't been targeted by a telephone scammer because it is coming, and a walk down memory lane at the old theaters in east Bakersfield

* … SCAMS: There are few things more annoying than being the vicim of telephone scams involving fake pitches from the Internal Revenue Service, state tax collectors and "friends" stranded in Europe Gary Schneider wrote he, too, was recently targeted when he returned from a trip to find a message on his answering machine from someone posing to be from the IRS. "Oh, I had heard the stories of everyone getting the broken English IRS scam. But I had never been privileged to get one, until now. There she was threatening me to call immediately or face severe consequences… And the best part of the whole call was she thanked me at the end of the recorded call and wished me a nice day!"
and Mexico in need of a few thousand bucks.

 * … WEEKEND: It was pretty tough to beat a weekend like the one we just had, especially if you are a fan of the arts or sports. First Friday was a huge success, at least if you just by the throngs downtown throughout the evening, filling the art galleries and local businesses and restaurants and enjoying a break from the late summer heat. That was followed by a weekend of major league baseball playoffs and some of the best college football games of the year. There wasn't a restaurant in town that didn't enjoy a booming business.

 * … GOOD DEED: Beverly Tatum shared this heart warming story about her recent visit to Rosemary's on F Street. "When it came time to leave our waiter told us that our bill had been paid by three young women sitting closet to us," she said. "What a thoughtful thing to do. I just wish we had been able to thank them in person. Thank you!"

 * … MEMORIES: Al (not Alvin) Sandrini wrote to recall and old theater in Lamont. "I remember it being south of Di Giorgio Road and west of Main Street. If I remember correctly, you turned off of Main Street onto a paved lane in a vineyard to get to the theater. Also worth mentioning were the Granada, Tejon and Oildale theaters. I remember watching Elvis and Ann-Margret in Viva Las Vegas in 1966-67.  My friend and I were escorted out of the theater for pulling the pony tail on the young lass sitting in front of us. We explained that her unusually long pony tail was actually so far down her back, that when she leaned forward to talk to her friends in front of her, that she was pulling her own hair. We had to go to the Nile to see the movie again. I also remember the warm summer nights, when a family would put a sheet over a back yard clothesline and show movies with a rented movie projector."

 * … MORE MEMORIES: And there was this memory about the old Rialto theater in east Bakersfield from reader Ronal Reynier. "As a kid I lived for a time across the street from the Granada and around the corner was the Rialto with the not opened yet Tejon up Baker Street. On the same block was 'Mom's Bakery'… it was not the neatest nor the cleanest bakery by today's standards, it was only the best in town. They would even bake a suckling pig if you brought it in and gave them two days. One night during a thunderstorm and sitting on our front porch, a bolt of lighting hit the sidewalk in front of the Granada and split it. We were not hurt but the electricity in the air stood our hair on end. Boy that was fun for a nine year old boy, but not for his mother; she screamed for five minutes."

 * … BAKERSFIELDISM: Lastly, Thomas Hunt shared his memories of the old Golden Crust Bakery when he attended Emerson Junior High School. "The school was at the corner of Chester and Truxtun Avenue where the county building is at present. I lived out in the country so I road the school bus to Emerson. The buses parked on the south side of the school and when we were dismissed from school a friend and I would walk down to the bakery and buy a hot loaf of bread and then go to a little store next door and buy a quarter pound cube of butter.  We would hollow out the dough and put in the butter and let it melt and soak into the bread and eat it on the way home. It brought back a lot of memories from long-long a go."

House Majority Leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy: illegal smuggling of California almonds is undercutting Kern County producers, and he calls on India to reduce its tariff on U.S. grown almonds

 House Majority Leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy gives us his weekly update from Capitol Hill. In his own words:

 "This week, I was honored to be able to travel to the United States Naval Academy (USNA) in Annapolis, Maryland where I visited with eleven midshipmen that I nominated for attendance. Having lunch with them along with the entire USNA Brigade is something that I will always remember. I also met with USNA Superintendent, Vice Admiral Ted Carter to discuss the important role service

academies play in shaping our nation’s future leaders. We discussed the future of the U.S. Navy, and the contributions the Academy is making in preparing these future officers for challenges facing our national security. And of course, Admiral Carter previewed the outlook of the storied football program for the remainder of the year.
 "These future leaders from our community will be serving and defending our nation in an increasingly dangerous world, and it is a reminder of the commitment these young men and women have made to our country.
 "I also met this week with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Michael Froman about the importance of opening up markets for our local farmers.

 "The blessings of Mother Nature have helped the Central Valley become the largest fruit, nut, and vegetable producer in the country. But like so much of the food we grow here, it often helps feed the world. In particular, our almonds are very popular in India – one of the most populous countries in the world and one whose economy is growing exponentially. Needless to say, these conditions offer a boon to our producers.
 "Unfortunately, illegal smuggling of California almonds is undercutting our producers. To combat this, the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has the ability to negotiate with the Indian government to reduce the tariff on U.S.-produced almonds thereby removing a major incentive for smuggling. In fact, in discussions with my staff, the Indian Embassy has expressed interest in doing this.
 "While only the Indians can decide to lower their tariff, I asked Ambassador Michael Froman, USTR’s top official, in a meeting this week to use every means at his disposal to execute a potential agreement with the Indians.  And the next day, I met with the Indian Prime Minister, who was visiting the U.S. After the meeting I handed a letter to Indian Ambassador to the United States reiterating my strong support for lowering the tariffs on U.S. almonds.
 "This week is a reminder that our community no doubt has a worldwide impact as we continue to feed the world and defend our nation.

California State University Bakersfield welcomes its largest freshman class ever, and a local couple sings the praises of the amazing Noriega Hotel eating experience

 * … CSUB: There is some good news out at Cal State Bakersfield, where the university is welcoming its largest freshman class ever. President Horace Mitchell said more than 1,400 freshman are registered to start classes, boosting total enrollment to another record - just over 8,000 students.

* … NORIEGA: Shirley Brazel and her husband proved the old adage about taking time to appreciate the things that are close to home. They were dining at the Noriega Hotel with their son and his wife who had heard about the restaurant's well deserved reputation. "What a delightful evening we had," she said. " We sat at long table and engaged in conversations with strangers while enjoying
outstanding food as well as the atmosphere. This was a whole new experience for us (I usually prefer privacy at restaurants). My husband and I have lived in Bakersfield for seven years and the couple sitting near us could not believe we had never been to Noriega's before. As we said our good-byes to new acquaintances we expressed liking our evening. When we left, we learned this nice couple had paid for our dinner. We thank them so very much and we in turn will do the same to some one else. In the meantime that generous couple will be added to our daily prayers."

* … BAD FORM: Donna Cazacus encountered a bit of bad form that seems all too common around town. She was having lunch at California Pizza Kitchen the other day when she encountered two other women with three children, who were running wild around the restaurant. "I know you were enjoying your lunch because neither one of you paid any attention to what your children were doing; you made no attempt to discipline them," she wrote. "Apparently, you didn’t notice that most of the people in the restaurant were looking at you and your children in disbelief. And the people who were seated at the booth next to yours actually changed tables in an attempt to enjoy their lunch. The manager spoke to you twice about the situation, but you didn’t see fit to address the issue. Allow me to address it. Your mothering skills are abysmal—perhaps even nonexistent. Your children not only lack common manners, but by allowing them to behave as they did only teaches them not to have any respect for other people or for things that don’t belong to them... You are not preparing them to be in social situations. You are not preparing them to be able to sit still and focus when they go to school.  You are not preparing them for life. And, worst of all, you are allowing them to be a danger to themselves and to others!" Well said.

 * … OVERHEARD: A group of women who regularly walk on the Panorama bluffs in the morning are sharing ideas about how to keep the area clean of trash. Said one: "We should get McDonald's and Taco Bell and Burger King to sponsor the trash cans up here with signs thanking people for discarding their trash properly. Otherwise they just leave in in the gutter."

* … FUND RAISER: If it's October in Bakersfield you know we have entered the peak of fund raising season. One of my favorites it the 2nd annual barbecue benefitting the St. Vincent de Paul Homeless Center at 316 Baker Street. The event is set for next Thursday evening, October 9. I attended last year's inaugural event and it proved to be an extraordinary success. Nearly 800 steaks were served, and an estimated $70,000 was raised to help the eastside facility help the neediest in our community. For tickets, contact Deborah Leary at (661)  872-1543. It may be the most important $25 you spend this fall.

 * … RACER: Congratulations to Sean Dodenhoff, a Garces Memorial High graduate and now a junior at University of Nevada at Reno who won the Bay Cities Racing Association Midget racing championship three weeks ago. Said his proud grand father Arnold Johansen: "Sean drives a midget race car built by his dad, local chiropractor, Dr. Brad Dodenhoff.  Sean is a pre-med student and drives the race car on a part time basis as his classes allow.

 * … BAKERSFIELDISM: Several readers wrote to correct an earlier post about local theaters, reminding me that the Rialto was located in East Bakersfield, not downtown. I stand corrected.

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!"