Is another In-n-Out burger outlet coming to town, Zach Esparza graduates from the Peanut Mobile, Teresa Adamo to tout her new book on KERN and a look at those sound walls on 24th Street

Monday, May 27, 2019

 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 tips to rsbeene@yahoo.com.

 * ... MR. PEANUT: Do you remember Zach Esparza? He was the Stockdale High and later Arizona State University graduate who landed a most enviable job representing Planters Peanuts by driving

the peanut-mobile across the country? He visited me at the KERN Radio studios and the other night, I ran into his mother Sylvia Esparza who said Zach is now working for a company in Manhattan and living in Brooklyn. Well done my friend.

 * .... BURGER WARS: I heard a rumor, that I have yet to corroborate, regarding a new In-n-Out franchise coming to town. Word has it that the wildly popular burger chain will build its third local outlet at the corner of Olive Drive and Knudsen, a high traffic area already with the Starbucks and Hodel's nearby. Stay tuned.

 * ... INDY, OH INDY: One thing about living here in Bakersfield, we love to see local people excel. Which is why I was so thrilled to see Teresa Adamo's new children's book, "Indy, Oh Indy," leap off the shelves after its debut a few months ago. If you want to hear Teresa's story, tune into The Richard Beene Show on KERN NewsTalk 96.1 FM on Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. She will be appearing with her illustrator, Jennifer Williams-Cordova, to talk about the process.

  * ... TELEPHONE SCAM: I have received three calls on my cell phone by someone claiming to be from the Social Security Administration, saying if I did not call back "legal action" would commence immediately. This is a scam, and like me, you should simply hang up. This is what our government has to say about the scam: "The Inspector General of Social Security, Gail S. Ennis, is warning citizens about a caller-ID “spoofing” scheme misusing the Social Security Administration (SSA) Office of the Inspector General’s (OIG) Fraud Hotline phone number. The OIG has received recent reports of phone calls displaying the Fraud Hotline number on a caller-ID screen. This is a scam; OIG employees do not place outgoing calls from the Fraud Hotline 800 number. Citizens should not engage with these calls or provide personal information. Callers may use a variety of false scenarios or threats to request personal information or payments, often by means of gift cards or prepaid debit cards. The caller may claim to be from a 'legal department,' and they may state that one’s Social Security number (SSN) has been involved in fraudulent activity. They may also accuse citizens of committing crimes, and may threaten arrest by Federal marshals.

 * ... SOUND WALLS: Ever wonder what those huge sound walls look like on the other side of 24th Street? Here is the view from Elm and Beech streets on the south side of 24th Street.

 * ... MEMORIES: Enjoy this shot of Chester Avenue, compliments of the Kern County of Old Facebook page.

Our Memorial Day and graduation day weekend in pictures ....

A weekend in pictures. It was Memorial Day 2019 and also a weekend of graduations across the community. Thanks to all the photographers who took these shots. Enjoy.

Monsignor Craig Harrison launches an aggressive defense against charges of lewd conduct, Jacqui Kitchen is promoted to assistant city manager and RIP Harry Kenefsky

Friday, May 24, 2019

 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 tips to rsbeene@yahoo.com.

 * ... MONSIGNOR CRAIG: Monsignor Craig Harrison, suspended after allegations of abuse were raised against him, has issued a strongly worded statement proclaiming his innocence. Here it is, in its entirety:

"I will be returning to my home in Bakersfield shortly to assist my attorney in proving my innocence. I am innocent of all accusations.

 "It's been nearly a month since I was forced to leave my beloved parish and my Bakersfield home. Each day has been agonizing. I continue to be lifted up by the support from my community through your letters, phone calls, emails and most importantly your prayers.

"Over the past four weeks I have been waiting to hear anything about the allegations against me from the Diocese and for the opportunity to share my side. The last contact I had with the Fresno Diocese was on April 24 when I was called to the Bishop's office and told there were allegations against me. That day my ability to share Mass with my parishioners was suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.

 "It is with deep sadness that I have come to the realization that this is a battle that I am left to fight without support from the Diocese. Over the past month, while the Diocese investigated the accusations against me, they never once reached out to me for my side. In fact, neither Bishop Ochoa, Bishop Brennan nor any member of the Diocese has checked on my state of mind or welfare. I have not been invited to respond or provide evidence to the Diocese. Out of respect for the investigation, I have remained silent.

 "I feel compelled to address the latest in a series of false accusations. The claims of Ryan Dixon have been heartbreaking because they involve false, defamatory, and slanderous charges by a man who is supposedly a member of the religious. I have never done any of the things that he has said. When I first met him, he was in his twenties and seeking to become a Catholic. Like so many he came from a difficult background and broken relationships. He sought the solace of the faith and considered a vocation to the priesthood. He had been the focus of negative publicity and was seeking a new path. Throughout his time at the church, he drank socially and frequently, and I would caution him to remember he represented the church and he must get that behavior under control.

 "Things came to a head in our relationship on a pilgrimage to Rome. Two seminarians, two Sisters of Mercy, two friends of the seminarian's and I went to visit the Vatican. Ryan continued to drink excessively and embarrassed himself with his crude language and behavior. I reprimanded him and that day he left in anger. I have had little contact with him since, other than to encourage him in his faith path. He, like all other seminarians, priests, and religious are mandated reporters and are taught the rules of safe environment by the Diocese of Fresno. He was obligated to report any misconduct at the time and would have never suffered any consequence for following the rules. He did not report because nothing happened. Since the allegations were made by Ryan Dixon, I have received contacts by numerous people who wish to come forward and offer more information regarding Ryan Dixon's behavior. My attorney and team will continue to work diligently to prove the falsity of these accusations. My attorney has been contacted by numerous people who were told by Ryan Dixon to make sure to watch the news the night his allegations were made public. He called again after that to ask what they thought about how he did on the news. Whatever his motivations might be, his allegations are completely false. Thank you for your continued prayers."

 * ... CITY COUNCIL: Is Bakersfield ready for a full-time city council? Council members are currently paid $100 a month and all hold down full time jobs elsewhere, even though we are now the state's ninth largest city closing in on a population of over 400,000. City Councilman Andrae Gonzales says the time is fast approaching when the city will be forced to think about changing the city charter to allow for full-time council members. Any change in the city charter will require a referendum.

 * ... PARKING: And speaking of Andrae Gonzales, hats off to him for working with city engineers to make G Street one-day at the downtown post office and installing diagonal parking, adding more than 20 spaces to that area that is now home to restaurants and coffee shops in addition to the post office.

 * ... JACQUI KITCHEN: And finally, another congratulations to Jacqui Kitchen who has been promoted to the role of assistant city manager. She previously was head of development for the city.

 * ... SPOTTED ON TWITTER: "Before you pride yourself on being a big fish, make sure you’re not swimming in a puddle."

 * ... RIP HARRY: I was saddened to learn of the passing of Harry Kenefsky, a Navy veteran and longtime resident of Columbus Estates independent living center. Harry was 100 years old and was the picture of wit, human and strength. Keep his family in your thoughts.

 * ... MEMORIES: Enjoy these pictures from the Kern County of Old Facebook page.

Some restaurants make the cleanliness grade and some fail, more on officer-involved shootings and Facebook suspends the account of conservative commentator Candace Owens

Monday, May 20, 2019

 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 tips to rsbeene@yahoo.com.

 * ... SHOOTINGS: Did you read the front-page Californian story Sunday saying that most of the

officer involved shootings in town involve people of color? It is an oft-repeated story that offers absolutely no solutions, because the issues are complicated and have long confounded experts. It speaks to  segregated neighborhoods, poverty,  drugs, crime and gangs. It is really surprising that more shootings occur on one side of town other than, say, Seven Oaks? (Shootings follow crime and drugs, not skin color) Stories like this make for provocative headlines, while casting doubt on our police officers, but do absolutely nothing to add to the dialogue of where we go from here.

 * ... PERFECT KITCHENS: On the other hand, Bob Price's Sunday story on how some restaurants keep their kitchens spotless (even in century old buildings more prone to infestations) offered a look at how some restaurant owners are frankly more diligent about keeping their kitchens clean than others. People like Jaclyn Allen of the Hen's Roost (one of my favorite vegan eateries in town) routinely score a perfect 100 on their restaurant inspections while others are cited repeatedly for rat infestations and other misdeeds. It's another reason to pay attention to the health department grade ratings posted in the windows.

* ... LOCALE: Meanwhile, it was good to see that the restaurant Locale Farm to Table is back open after being shut down by the health department because of rat droppings. It was the second time the popular organic restaurant had been cited for rat droppings, but the place is now cleaned up and back open for business across from the downtown post office.

 * ... FACEBOOK BAN: Did you sewed that Facebook suspended the account of conservative commentator Candace Owens? Owens, who last week spoke in Bakersfield at a fund raising event for state Sen. Shannon Grove, is the latest conservative commentator to face the wrath of Facebook. This time, she was suspended for saying white supremacy is not a threat to black Americans. And that was enough for a suspension? You be the judge.

 * ... GOOD FORM: What did you do this weekend? Whatever it was, I bet it pales in comparison to what a group of young people did to help beautify our community.  Thanks to a generous grant from the Virginia and Alfred Harrell Foundation, the Tree Foundation of Kern planted 45 potted trees in Downtown Bakersfield Saturday morning. City Councilman Andrae Gonzales joined the effort and had this to say: "This project- over a year in the making- could not have been possible without the support from General Tree Inc., Conway Lopez and John and Enriquez and the Tree Foundation board members, and volunteers from Arvin High School, the Carpenters Local 661, among others. Special thanks goes to Melissa Iger for coordinating the effort!"

 * ... MEMORIES: Some old photos from Bakersfield compliments of the Facebook page Kern County of Old.

Bakersfield makes a list of deadly cities for pedestrians, hats off to Mayor Karen Goh for preventing Corrections from dumping parolees in Bakersfield, and the city prepares to close off Truxtun Avenue

Monday, May 17, 2019

 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 tips to rsbeene@yahoo.com.

 * ... FITTEST CITIES: So where do you think the fittest city is in the United States? Well according to USA Today it is Arlington, Va., right across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C.

Arlington ranked first in both personal health for its citizens as well as community and environmental factors. Following Arlington were Seattle, Minneapolis, San Francisco, Madison, Wis., and Washington, D.C. Now (and you know where this is going) where did Bakersfield rank? It ranked all right, but not on this list. Instead, Bakersfield  ranked 10th on a list of USA Today's most deadliest cities for pedestrians.

 * ... PRISONERS: We dodged a bullet the other day when the California Department of Corrections back pedaled and decided not to release 100 to 120  parolees into our community. And it looks like we can thank Mayor Karen Goh for this. Alarmed over the idea (and terrible optics) of between 100 and 120 parolees wandering the streets of Bakersfield, Goh worked with Corrections through Gov. Gavin Newsom's office to lodge her complaint. It worked, and Corrections said only a couple dozen of parolees could end up here. Goh credited others in devising a plan to protect our community, including District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer and police chief Lyle Martin.

 * ... PARKING: Hats off to whoever decided to convert G Street into a one-way street behind the downtown post office. Along with making it one-way, the city installed diagonal parking to increase the number of spaces near the downtown facility. It is a small change but an important one for those of us who frequent the downtown postal facility.

 * ... ROAD CLOSURE: Here's something you need to remember this weekend: Truxtun Avenue will be closed all weekend at the Westside Parkway. The road will be shut down from 9 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday for the removal of falsework from the bridge crossing Truxtun. The closures will affect both directions of travel between the westbound Westside Parkway on-ramp and Commercial Way. The westbound ramp will remain open to traffic, but the eastbound off-ramp will be closed.

 * ... SPOTTED ON FACEBOOK: This post speaks for itself.

 * ... MEMORIES: Enjoy these old photos Luigi's and Lemucchi's Grocery, 725 19th Street, Bakersfield CA., back in the day.

 * ... MORE MEMORIES: And check out this photo from 1898 at the corner of Chester and 19th Street.

Rep. Kevin McCarthy honors Honor Flight veterans on the floor of the House of Representatives

 Rep. Kevin McCarthy gives us his weekly report from Capitol Hill. In his own words:


 "Last week, I was fortunate enough to give veterans and their guardians a tour of the United States Capitol Building, including the House Floor, when Honor Flight Kern County visited Washington, D.C.

The sacrifices made by our local heroes will always be remembered, and it was a privilege for me to be able to spend time with them.

Sixteen veterans traveled with Honor Flight Kern County. They toured the U.S. Capitol and visited

their respective memorials. Veterans on the Honor Flight served in WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.

Our community is grateful of Honor Flight Kern County for continuously supporting our veterans and providing them the opportunity to travel to Washington. People from all walks of life can learn immensely from the selfless character and duty to service demonstrated by our veterans.

Additionally, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently announced the official launch of a pilot program created by the Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses (VET TEC) Act, legislation I introduced which was enacted into law in 2017.

I am thrilled to see the VET TEC program’s official launch. VET TEC will help empower our nation’s heroes by providing them with the technical skills needed to ensure a smooth transition into today’s evolving workforce.

After visiting Udacity in 2017, I was immediately struck by the potential of non-traditional education courses and how they can empower America’s veterans by equipping them with invaluable training they can use in their post-military careers. I encourage all interested veterans to apply to the VET TEC program, and I look forward to hearing about their experiences.
Veterans wanting to learn more about taking non-traditional technology courses to further their careers can now apply to participate in the VET TEC pilot program here.

A new non-profit devoted to downtown businesses and lifestyle fills an important void, the new 18Hundred restaurant does a brisk business and Cal Poly tries to kick Chick-fil-A off campus

Monday, May 13, 2019

 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 tips to rsbeene@yahoo.com.

 * .. THE HUB: It is hard to overstate how important the creation of The Hub of Bakersfield is to our downtown business district. Created by an impressive group of 30-something professionals, The Hub

is a new non-profit devoted to growing downtown and providing resources to those people who may want to create a new business, hold an event or invest in the downtown area. The HUB fills an important void in the development of downtown, since no other organization is devoted to specifically to the downtown arts and business district. (The Downtown Business Association has proved inept at this type of thing). The HUB, by contrast, is motivated by an altruism borne of true love of where we live. Among those involved in The HUB are City Councilman Andres Gonzales, marketing company owner Shannon LaBare, Alex Balfour, Miranda Whitworth Munoz, Robert Austin Smith, Daniel Cater, Heather Laganelli and Rachel Magnus. (Photo of The Hub team and Shannon LaBare)

 * ... SECOND SATURDAY: Did you drive through downtown Saturday and notice something different? As in the number of pianos that popped up outside local businesses to allow customer to sit down and tinkle the ivories? It was all part of the folks from The HUB working with organizers of Second Saturday to bring a little life and fun into the downtown area. I spotted pianos at Heather Laganelli's Locale Farm to Table across from the downtown post office, as well as one in front of Cafe Smitten on 18th Street.

 * ... SPOTTED ON TWITTER: "If a man said he’ll fix it, he will. There is no need to remind him every 6 months about it."

 * ... SPOTTED ON FACEBOOK: "I have a fitness tracker. It's called, 'I look at my gut and it keeps getting bigger.'"

 * ... 18HUNDRED: Have you been to the new 18Hundred restaurant at the corner of Chester and 18th Street? It's worth checking out and it is housed in a historic old bank building that was restored and completely renovated several years ago. When you go, check out the picture above the bar showing the old Redlick's department store that once stood on Chester and 18th on the southeast corner, directly across from the bank. And here, for your pleasure, are some old pictures of the Security Pacific Bank back in the day.

 * ... CHICK-FIL-A: Chick-fil-A is one of the fastest and most popular growing fast food franchises in the nation, yet it continues to be the source of political backlash because of the strong Christian beliefs of its founder. And now, well you guessed it, students at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo want to kick the eatery off campus because they claim the franchise is anti-gay. In fact, in the school newspaper one writer compared having Chick-fil-A on campus to having pornography in the library. And so it goes.

 * ... MEMORIES: Check out this photo of an old page of The Californian, courtesy of the Kern County History Fans Facebook page.