Gaggles of drunk, 50-something women who should know better disrupt a local concert, and Bike Bakersfield's Adam Kahler gives his rescue pit bull a first class lift

 * ... BAD FORM: Is there anything worse than paying top dollar for a concert and then seated next to a group of loud and obnoxious drunks? Local Realtor Michael Richert had this experience when he attended the Jennifer Nettles concert at the Fox Theater. "We had six, drunk 50-60 year old women who came in behind us and were the most obnoxious group talking about their last text from their

boyfriends, and what was on Facebook and who was seeing who. Something I’d expect from a high school crowd and not the Fox Theater at $75 per ticket.  Everyone in our row asked in several ways for them to be quiet so we could listen and nothing would stop them. It was so rude to all the performers. Complaints were made to the Fox employees but nothing. Finally, we got up and moved to open seats further back. There, we encountered three more groups of people who were so drunk that they were falling down in the aisles and around their seats all the time yelling and fighting about everything except the concert and performers. Again, these weren’t kids, all grown adults. I just can’t picture ever going back to the Fox Theater for a concert. I was embarrassed for the performers and what was to be a great night turned into something that was not. I usually go to LA for concerts so this was my 1st at the Fox in 18 years of living here. I’ve been told that 'it’s just how things are at the Fox.'  I really wish it had been different."

* ... BIKE BAKERSFIELD: If you spot a fit young man riding a bicycle and towing a white pit bull around town that would be Adam Kahler, the new director of Bike Bakersfield. Kahler, a Bucknell graduate who left the energy industry to pursue his passion, made the bike trailer out of PVC to pull Winston, a pit bull he rescued in Shafter a couple of years ago. "He loves it. He just sits back there like he is in the back of a pick up truck. I did flip it once, which he did not like," he said. If you see Adam and Winston around town, give them a friendly honk and wave.

 * ... JAR TRAIL: The Jar Trail is a steep hike at the foot of the Kern River canyon, but its popularity seems to have caught up with it. Listen to this from reader Nancy Vibe: "I have bad news about the Jar Trail and hiking in the canyon. There are some evil people taking advantage of the hikers. My husband and a few friends parked their vehicles at the Upper Richbar parking. Off they went for an awesome morning of hiking. They returned to busted out passenger windows, missing car registrations, insurance cards and house keys! Luckily my husband Mark had house keys and his ID on him. (he never takes his wallet). But the friends were not so lucky. They spent the rest of their Saturday getting their homes re-keyed! Be smart people... they will have your address and the keys to your house and can clean you out before you get home!"

* ... SPOTTED ON TWITTER: "Unless you tripped and smacked your face on the treadmill, no one wants to hear about your workout."

 * ... FOUNDATION: The Bakersfield Californian (family) Foundation is kicking off its spring cycle of giving with a focus on arts and culture. The Foundation is accepting applications beginning this week and all applications are due by Friday, April 1. Go to www.bakersfieldcalifornianfoundation.org to find out more about the kind of projects that will be funded.

Bass Pro Shops in negotiations for a new store at the Hosking Road interchange, two local guys stage another local mountain bike race and when did sagging skin become "gravitational descent?"

 * ... RETAIL: There is a lot of movement in the retail sector as new businesses head to town. Bass Pro Shops, which wanted to open years ago before the economy tanked, is negotiating to purchase a parcel of land on the northeast corner of the new Hoskings Road interchange, which is almost

complete. I also heard the other day that Walmart has purchased property for a neighborhood market at the corner of Brimhall and Allen roads. And lastly, I learned that they will start moving earth for a new hotel and some small retail shops at that huge 15-acre parcel at the corner of Stockdale Highway and Coffee Road across from the Trader Joe's shopping center.

 * ... KUDOS: Unless you are into competitive cycling, you may never have heard of Sam Ames or Keith Barnden, but these two guys are putting Bakersfield on the map in a big way. Ames and Barnden (SamBarn productions) are staging some of the most popular mountain, cross and road bike races in the west, including the Foothill Classic mountain bike competition this Sunday out at Hart Park. A few weeks ago, they put on the Rock Cobbler, an incredibly tough 100 mile race that put even the best endurance athletes to the test. The number of out of town cyclists and their families that descend on Bakersfield for these events is impressive.

* ... SPOTTED: In a doctor's office in the Southwest is a sign promoting cosmetic surgery for "gravitational descent." I believe we used to call that "sagging skin."

 * … SPOTTED ON TWITTER: "The best part of a best friend's job should be clearing your computer history if you die."

 * … PADRE:  The Padre Hotel is known for frequently changing its menus and offering new treats, and a menu is about to roll out. I am told it will feature bringing back some of the all-time favorites, like the Padre's signature nachos that were dropped from the menu some months ago, but let's hope they keep one of my favorites: a healthy choice kale salad (with eggs, onions and tomatoes) that is not to be missed.

 * ... FOODIE: It looks like Victor's Mexican Grill will be one of the tenants in a new building going up at F and 20th streets. Signage went up this weekend and the building looks close to completion. And if you are looking for a deal, make sure you clip the coupon in Sunday's Californian for a "but one lunch or dinner" at KC Steakhouse and get meal one free.

 * ... PAY IT FORWARD: Sandy Dralle shared these thoughts on the "pay it forward" theme in a local drive through. Said Dralle: "Recently I paid the guy behind me for letting me in the line first at a drive through. He was alone so I figured he was buying a quick drive through lunch just like me. When I handed my credit card to the employee, she said: 'He is paying for a bucket meal for four. Do you still want to pay for him?' I was a bit surprised but decided that if you are going to do 'a random act of kindness' you can't put a price tag on it. Besides the bucket meal was on sale, which turned out to be a good deal for both of us!"

Next time you think about shooting that family photograph in one of our almond orchards, better check with the owner, and what is the proper etiquette for a "pay it forward" chain at Starbucks?

* ... GOOD ADVICE: It's not surprising that so many families choose the natural beauty of our almond orchards to take family or wedding photos, especially this time of year, but local farmers are warning to do your homework first. Darin Buoni and his father Frank Buoni spray pesticides on local fields, and it prompted Darin to post this prudent warning on Facebook: "Check before you take

your children into the trees to see what has been sprayed in the last 24-48 hours. Some of the pesticides we spray in our line of work are very toxic. I watched a family taking pictures deep in a field of almond trees where I know for a fact the night before was being sprayed with a heavy dose of pesticides that requires a reentry time. And before you even find that information out perhaps you should talk to the property owner about being allowed to be on the property at all. It's very rude to trespass on someone's property because you just feel like it's ok to do so." Good advice.

* ... ETIQUETTE: Here's an etiquette question I cannot answer: What's the protocol when the car in front of you at Starbucks buys your $4.45 coffee, but when you inquire about returning the favor to the customer behind you, the barista says their bill is $13? Do you buy their drinks or risk a case of bad karma? I posed the question to freelance etiquette columnist Lisa Kimble Edmonton, who in Solomon-like fashion chose to split the baby with this response: give the barista $5 to offset the bill of the customer behind me.

 * ... SPOTTED ON TWITTER: "Old expression is whoever wins presidency is the one you'd rather have a beer with. I might have to give up drinking."

 * ... GOOD FORM: Philip Beglin shared this example of good form that he recently witnessed. Said Beglin: "Yesterday as I backed out of the parking lot of Raymond's Trophy and Awards on Chester Avenue, I saw some poor old man in a motorized wheelchair, who also carried a blind person's white cane, leave the sidewalk and get about half-way across the street when his grocery bag fell from the chair and dropped his purchases into the street. Before I could get out of my car to help, two young boys (probably about nine or ten years old) who were riding skateboards rolled up behind the man, jumped off their boards, and gathered up and re-bagged the groceries for him. What a nice thing to do, huh?"

 * ... OILDALE: Folks in the Oildale area are planning a neighborhood cleanup for Saturday, March 5. If you want to participate, call Cher Pannel at (661) 393-4473. Everyone will gather at the Standard School park at 8 a.m.

 * ... FUND RAISER: Here's a fun way to raise money for a good cause. The Association of Petroleum Wives is holding its 14th annual Charity Sporting Clay Shoot on Friday, March 11, at the Kern County Gun Club. The cost is $100 person or $400 for a four-person team. Check-in is at 7:30 a.m. and lunch follows the shoot. Proceeds benefit the Mission of Kern County- Women's Recovery Program. Call (661) 333-3206 for information or email APWsportingclayshoot@aol.com.

Food blogger sends some love to Pyrenees Cafe and Saloon, a dangerous new outbreak in crime locally and some really good form at Mossman's

* … CRIME: What would you do if someone started pounding on your door in the middle of the

night? If you said call 911, you are right. Across town people are reporting an alarming crime trend in which someone starts pounding on your door screaming that his life is in danger.  If the door is opened, two or three young men force their way inside and rob you blind. Wisely, the people who this happened to called 911 and allowed the police to deal with it. So unless you have your pit bull on a leash or a Glock in your back pocket, be safe and don't open the door.

 * ... SPOTTED ON TWITTER: "Taking shots of Tequila is just another way of saying, 'I like where I wake up to always be a surprise.'"

 * ... SPOTTED ON FACEBOOK: A restaurant posts this sign inside: "We Do Not Have WiFi. Talk to Each Other. Pretend it's 1995."

 * ... FOODIE: It's always nice when folks from out of town discover the uniqueness of our Basque heritage, particularly when it comes to the eateries on the east side of town. That's the kind of love Pyrenees Cafe received when a blogger from Cook's Country came to town to devote his blog to the wonders of Basque food. He sampled it all: from the setup menu of soup and salad to the pickled tongue followed by garlic fried chicken. From the blog: "The Pyrenees Café has changed hands many times since it first opened in 1899, but in recent years, after a period that featured more rival factions, shifting alliances, and hostile takeovers than your standard episode of Game of Thrones, former waitress Julie Crawford and her husband Rod were the ones left standing in charge of this Bakersfield landmark. Since September 2014, they’ve been serving up their take on classic Basque fare, along with some new favorites that devotees claim are too good to miss."

 * ... GOOD FORM: Kelly Giblin sent this shout out to the folks over at Mossman's, which was her mother and father-in-law's favorite restaurant. "Following dad’s death, we began taking mom there for breakfast to keep up an important tradition for her. Our first visit after dad’s death made it clear why they loved it so much. When we walked in, we were immediately surrounded by the entire staff who cried, laughed and shared their memories of dad with us. Since then, we have looked forward to our breakfasts, especially visiting with our adorable waitress Amanda, as well as Mandy, Gayla and Dorette. Without fail, we are always greeted with hugs and laughter. Yesterday was Valentine’s Day and it was extremely busy but as always, Amanda took the time to visit with us, share pictures of her family, and then as a Valentine’s gift (and with a sly wink) she told us that our bill had been taken care of. Holidays like that can be a difficult time for mom since dad died, but thanks to Amanda and Mossman’s it was a wonderful day! These are the kind of people and places that make Bakersfield so great!

 * ... KUDOS: Hats off to Cami Privett, a 2011 graduate of Frontier High School who went on to UC Irvine on a soccer scholarship. Privett recently signed a contract with the Houston Dash soccer team, joining the squad after playing for a club in Norway.

 * ... ASSISTANCE LEAGUE: Hats off to the Assistance League of Bakersfield that is celebrating the 60th anniversary of its Operation School Bell. This program has clothed more than 135,000 Bakersfield children and thousands more have benefited from the work these volunteers perform every day.

Ken Metter criticizes Rep. Kevin McCarthy and then sics a lawyer on a radio host who joins the fray, thanking Harvey Hall and tackling a new hike

 * ... METTLER: So who knew former Kern High School District trustee Ken Mettler has such a thin skin? Mettler penned a "Community Voices" column in The Californian last week in which he lashed out at Rep. Kevin McCarthy for being "a former used car salesman turned taxpayer-paid politician" with no principles. Mettler fancies himself as a true conservative so you can imagine what the rest of the column said. Okay so far, so good, it is Mettler's opinion and we were happy to provide him a forum. But when you willingly join the debate circle you can bet you might be in for some criticism yourself. Which is exactly what radio host Ralph Bailey (KERN NewsTalk 96.1 FM/1180 AM) did last week, calling out Mettler on his hypocrisy and challenging his facts. So how does Mettler respond? He had his lawyer send a cease and desist letter to KERN corporate owner American General Media and then - get this - sends a similar letter to The Californian asking us not to report any Bailey criticism of Mettler. Goodness Ken, you should know better. As they say in Havana, "boca cerrada, no entran moscas."

* ... HARVEY: On the other end of the decorum spectrum is Mayor Harvey Hall, who announced last week he would not seek re-election. Here's my note to you, Harvey: Thank you for your service. Your gift has always been your genuine kindness and concern for all citizens of our town, no matter their race, religion or economic stature. You eschewed the polarization and divisiveness that is part and parcel of politics today (see Mettler above item), and instead you always took the high road. Like the happy warrior Hubert Humphrey, you wore your love for Bakersfield on your pin-striped sleeve, and for that we all owe you a word of thanks.

 * ... JAR TRAIL: I got out Sunday and tackled the Jar Trail, an incredibly steep two-mile ascent that climbs more than 1,000 feet per mile. It's located at the mouth of the Kern River Canyon and provides the most breath-taking views in town. But be advised: if you want to make it to the top, bring hiking sticks, water and snacks because for people of moderate fitness, the climb can take two to three hours. (They say a fitness buff nick named "the beast" can make the ascent in 32 minutes). This trail is not for beginners, but for those looking for a challenge, go for it. And please, if you go don't leave trash and water bottles on the trail.

 * ... BAD FORM: Bryan Kelly just can't seem to get a break. Remember Bryan? He is the former Trader Joe's employee who a few years ago found a soiled diaper stuffed inside a shoe box at a local Walmart. Well, it happened again, this time at the Walmart in the Northeast. While strolling through the store he stumbled upon two women changing the diaper of a small boy, right where the Pampers were displayed. The women casually opened a new box of Pampers, pulled out a diaper, put it on the boy and stuffed the used diaper back in the box of Pampers. "They put the used Pamper in the package and turned it around so one could not tell it had been opened. I finally cleared my way out of the remnants of the tower of babel and out into our unhealthy fresh air. Have you ever showered with a mixture of Comet, Lysol and vinegar?"

 * ... KERN RIVER VALLEY: Some folks up in Lake Isabella are holding a fund raiser to build a skate park for local kids. According to Karene R. Williams, a group of local volunteers has aligned itself with the non-profit California Recreation Foundation to raise the funds. "We have the support of First District Supervisor Mick Gleason as well as Parks and Recreation Director Bob Lerude. Kern County Parks and Recreation is providing the location at no cost. Once the skate park is built, it will be turned over to the county for upkeep and maintenance." The group hopes to raise $150,000.
Donations can be made to California Recreation Foundation and mailed to 2809 Irwin Avenue, Lake Isabella, CA 93240.

 * ... BAKERSFIELDISM: Ronal Reynier writes that you might be a Bakersfield old timer if you remember when high schools had "occupational classes... when Bakersfield Community College was at BHS and you went to Bakersfield Community College tuition free. Times have changed. We used to leave our books on an outside window sill and the next day they were still there."

Are Californians suffering from 'drought fatigue?" And treating your out of town daughter to her favorite local eateries

 * ... DROUGHT FATIGUE: We should have seen this coming: A new survey of Southern

California residents shows that most are "tapped out" when it comes to doing more to cut back on the use of water during the drought. According to The Los Angeles Times, nine out of ten respondents agreed that "I've already cut back on water use at my home as much as I can" and "there's not much more I can do to save water." Experts told the Times that this "drought fatigue" simply means that we are all running out of ideas of how to save more water.

* ... HOME: Happiness is having your daughter in town and hearing her enthusiastic request to visit her favorite local restaurants: "Uricchio's please! Everything is so delicious there!" and "OMG I have been dying for the cinnamon roll and biscuits and gravy and 24th Street Cafe!"

 * ... URICCHIO'S: And speaking of Uricchio's Trattoria, owner Claire Uricchio and husband Mark spent the Super Bowl weekend in Las Vegas and while there took in an AC/DC concert. While waiting in a long line to buy a commemorative T-shirt, a complete stranger recognized Claire and remarked: "You never have to wait this long at Uricchio's!"

 * ... SPOTTED ON TWITTER: "I think great abs are for guys that don’t have the confidence to wear a nice T-shirt to the pool."

 * ... GOOD FORM: Ken Shelton shared this kindness from a complete stranger. "Last week we had an interesting experience at the Noriega's restaurant. One of our clan was visiting  from his current residence in Chicago. As he is a devoted Noriega fan, we put together a small family group to go there for dinner. Seated next to our group was a lone gentleman from out of town, who soon joined in with us, for the usual conversation. Come time to pay, I was standing by the cashier, credit card in hand, but was  ordered aside by our new found friend, who casually picked up the check for our entire group of seven - yes seven. Frequently you report an instance when a check is paid for a couple, but  for seven. Our Chicago visitor was amazed and so were we."  

  * ... BIKE BAKERSFIELD: Congratulations to Adam Kahler, who has been appointed the new director of the advocacy group Bike Bakersfield. The Pennsylvania native came to Kern County to work in the oil industry, and in the downturn has found a new calling. He is a graduate of Bucknell University, where he was president of the campus cycling team, and has participated in organized bicycle races. Said Kahler: "I am quite thankful for the opportunity to change gears and work for Bike Bakersfield in the nonprofit industry. It is important to take on new challenges in life and at age 31 I feel this is the perfect time to learn a new skill set while advocating for what I love, bicycles."

The Craft Tap House opens to ride the wave of popularities for craft beers, the food truck trend (belatedly) comes to Bakersfield and a big night planned for the Bob Elias Sports Hall of Fame

 * ... CRAFT BEER: The Craft Tap House, a new business devoted to the popularity of craft beers, opens Friday in the old Garden Spot at the corner of Oak and Truxtun. Owned by David Dobbs (Imbibe Wine and Spirits) and several investors, this tap house is almost certain to be a huge hit

among the legions of folks who crave specialty beers. There are more than 50 taps for craft beers and a full kitchen that turns out speciality burgers and other bar food. (A full bar is in the future) Located across from the high end Valentien, you can bet this will be a popular venue.

 * ... FOOD TRUCKS: I hope cooler heads prevail over this issue of food trucks on the streets of Bakersfield. The idea by some established restaurants that these trucks pose a threat to their business is nonsense, and it reminds me of the time some local restaurateurs opposed the idea of The Padre Hotel being renovated, fearing it would suck all the life out of downtown eateries. As for the Downtown Business Association, let's hope it wholeheartedly supports these new businesses and the excitement they bring to downtown. The truth is: a rising tide lifts all boats, as long as everyone is operating within the law, which at this point everyone is. And if you doubt these businesses don't add to the flavor of their community, visit Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Austin and other cities where food trucks and brick and mortar restaurants operate happily side by side.

 * ... SPOTTED ON TWITTER: "The only thing worse than 'the one who got away' is 'the one who won’t go away.'”

 * ... BOB ELIAS: The Bob Elias Sports Hall of Fame is celebrating its 50th year in grand style this month, honoring the 210 people who have been inducted since the organization was formed. Organizers say 115 of the 210 inductees are still alive, and 77 of them have indicated they will attend the banquet and awards ceremony at Rabobank Convention Center. The ceremony is planned for Thursday, February 25, starting with a social hour at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $80 and can be purchased at Rabobank or at Raymond's Trophy. Among those confirmed for the event is former tennis great Dennis Ralston.

 * ... MORE BOB ELIAS: And if you ever doubted the quality of the folks who contribute to sports in Kern County, check out some of the past inductees into the Hall of Fame: Ken Ruettgers, Hank Pfister Jr.,  Roger Mears, Carl Bowser, Pat Douglass, Gloria Friedman, Kevin Harvick, Joey Porter, Gabe Woodward, Jerry Quarry, Frank Gifford, George Culver, Rick Mears, Lonnie Shelton, Jeff Buckey, Bob Hampton and so many more.

 * ... SUPER BOWL: Carla Pearson is a victims advocate for the local chapter of the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and she had this to say about an earlier blog post: "In response to reader Ruth Fee, who wrote about Peyton Manning and his plug of Budweiser, MADD Kern County was certainly paying attention. While we’re not against people celebrating with an alcoholic beverage, we are certainly against underage drinking, and adamantly against those of any age drinking and driving. We were also happy to see Budweiser’s Super Bowl commercial featuring Helen Mirren (#GiveADamn), who called those who drink and drive 'oxygen-wasting human form of pollution... selfish coward,' and other truths."

Cal State Bakersfield enrollment hits 8,400, United drops service to Houston and Father Bert Mello takes over as pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help

 * ... CSUB: Some factoids from CSUB President Horace Mitchell's annual report on the state of

the university: Total enrollment stands at 8,371; females comprise 61 percent of the student body; 80 percent of the students are under the age of 25; 50 percent are Hispanic, 23 percent white, 7 percent African American and 7 percent Asian. The most popular major is business administration (14.5 percent) followed by psychology (8.7 percent), interdisciplinary studies (7 percent), criminal justice (7.5 percent), biology (6.3 percent) and pre-nursing (6.1 percent.)

 * ... UNITED: The decision by United Air Lines to discontinue service to Houston cuts off the preferred route to the Southeastern United States. It's yet another effect of the plunge in the price of oil, and no doubt there is more to come. Talk to anyone in the oil industry, and they will tell you they live in fear of the next layoffs.

 * ... BAD FORM: A woman is driving an older Honda on Columbus Street with what appears to be a grandson sitting on her lap hanging out the driver's side window while she casually smokes.

 * ... SUPER BOWL: Ruth Fee didn't care for Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning plugging Budweiser in his victory interview. Said Fee: "I hope MADD was paying attention... What a message to young people. Athletes used to be icons to whom young people were supposed to look up to. Not any more. The bottom line - shame on Budweiser! (Don't like beer but I love those high-stepping, gorgeous Clydesdales.)"

* ... PATIO DINING: In my recent post on patio dining, Kitty Jo Nelson reminded me that the Village Grill offers some of the best alfresco experiences in town. "Food is great and the staff is pleasant... and plenty of parking," she said.

* ... SPOTTED ON TWITTER: "One thing that I have never had in the glove box of my car, is a pair of gloves."

* ... SPOTTED ON FACEBOOK: "You trust me holding your child? Do you know how many iPhone screens I’ve cracked?"

 * ... PASTOR: Our Lady of Perpetual Help has a new pastor, and he has quite the life story to share. His name is Father Bert Mello, and in an interview with KGET TV, he concedes he has "lived a pretty decrepit life." Mello says he once smoked three packs a day, was a beer salesman and fell away from the church. "You know," he told the station, "sex, drugs and rock 'n roll was the reality of my lifestyle." Father Bert was ordained in 2001 at St. John's Cathedral in Fresno.