Bakersfield Observed

Thursday, September 3, 2020

District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer criticizes a Superior Court judge for going soft on crime, Wool Grower's opens for outdoor dining and longtime tennis pro Hank Pfister prepares to retire

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

* ... CYNTHIA ZIMMER: District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer has come under fire for criticizing a Superior Court judge for alleged having a "pro criminal bias" when handing down sentencing. The Criminal Defense Bar of Kern County said Zimmer's comment "undermines the public's confidence in the judicial system and is affront to the principles reflected in the Constitution." A statement went on to say

that "these comments instill fear in and pressure on all judges to act in accordance with the prosecutions wishes or face unfair attacks on their integrity." Zimmer has defended her statements and said the public should be well informed about where judges stand on crime and sentencing.

* ... WOOL GROWERS: KC Steakhouse has enjoyed good success with its "Stockyard" outdoor dining, and now Woolgrowers has introduced its own version of that called the "Sheep Camp." The popular Basque eatery said seating was limited and it urged customers to make reservations.

* ... SPOTTED ON TWITTER: "While I was talking to a young colleague the other day I discovered that she's never seen 'Pulp Fiction.' As I prepared to exclaim my disbelief, I realized SHE HADN'T YET BEEN BORN WHEN IT WAS RELEASED."

* ... RETIREMENT: Congratulations to Hank Pfister, the longtime tennis pro at Stockdale Country Club who is retiring in October. Once one of the top ranked singles players in the world, Pfister enjoyed a long career on the professional circuit before returning to Bakersfield where he eventually landed at Stockdale Country Club. Pfister said he and his wife, Kim, plan to spend time at a ranch they purchased in the lower Sierras. At one time Pfister was ranked No. 12 in the world in professional tennis.

* ... RIP FRANK HOOVER: Former Kern County Superior Court Judge Frank Hoover died this week, leaving a legacy for honesty, wit and treating everyone with dignity. For a time Hoover presided a "drug court" where he was known for his equitable treatment of people dealing with difficult times. His son posted this on Facebook: "Maybe during these hard times, with the pandemic, ever growing political division, and natural disasters, we can pay homage to the memory of Frank Hoover by taking a moment to reflect on his belief that, ultimately, we are all human, that we all need to be loved, we all deserve to be treated with dignity and belonging, and that by giving it we can make real and lasting difference in the lives of people around us. Can you think of someone today that needs to hear from you? Can you think of anyone that would benefit from being given a hand up?"

* ... MEMORIES: I picked up this old photo of the area that became Lake Isabella off the Kern County History Fans Facebook page. The picture dates from July, 1927.

* ... MORE MEMORIES: And how about this classic shot of Chester Avenue, looking toward the clock tower, in the mid 1930s? Courtesy of the Kern County of Old Facebook page.

Sunday, August 30, 2020

Most people who die during the pandemic have serious underlying conditions, the District Attorney expresses no confidence in a local judge and "Back the Blue" protesters hit Highway 101 on the Central Coast

* ... COVID DEATHS: We have good news and bad news when it comes to the coronavirus. First, it's probably good news that 94 percent of patents who died from the virus also had underlying health conditions. But the bad news? Well, according to local health experts, many of those underlying

conditions - diabetes, obesity, auto-immune conditions - are prevalent among adults in Kern County. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention only 6 percent of deaths listed COVID-19 as the only cause of death, meaning the rest died from other health conditions.

* ... CYNTHIA ZIMMER: In a rare move, our District Attorney's office has denounced a local Superior Court judge as biased and said it lacks confidence in the judge's ability to handle future criminal cases. District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer said she will try to avoid having criminal cases heard by Judge Michael E. Dellostritto after he struck firearms enhancements when sentencing a man who shot and wounded another man in east Bakersfield. "If ever there was a case that warrants the imposition of a life sentence for unlawfully injecting firearms into crimes and increasing violence and suffering cause by doing so, this is it." I will discuss the case when I interview Zimmer Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. on KERN NewsTalk 96.1 FM/1180.

* ... STREET RACING: The crackdown on street racing in town - long overdue - is finally reaping some results. Over the weekend police arrested seven people and cited 80 others in a second consecutive weekend of street racing enforcement. Between 9 p.m. Friday and 2 a.m. Saturday, Bakersfield police cracked down on street racing, leading to 33 vehicles being impounded and dozens of citations.

Anyone with information regarding street racing or reckless driving is encouraged to contact the Bakersfield Police Department at 327-7111.

* ... BACK THE BLUE: If you were on the Central Coast this weekend you may have spotted a pro-police rally staged on an overpass on Highway 101. Protesters gathered at the overpass and hung U.S. flags and "Back the Blue" signs while they were cheered on by passing cars honking their horns.

* ... TEJON PASS: Check out these contrasting picture of the Tejon Pass over the years, and remember this the next time you drive to Los Angeles.

Saturday, August 29, 2020

The last time anyone saw Morgan Patten alive she was eating alone at an Applebee's, eager to meet her fiance the next morning. She would never make it, and a family is determined to find out what happened

THIS WEEK ON THE RICHARD BEENE SHOW (KERN NEWSTALK 96.1 FM/1180 AM) WE WILL FEATURE A SPECIAL REPORT ON THE LIFE OF MORGAN PATTEN, A 24-YEAR-OLD WOMAN WHOSE LIFE WAS CUT SHORT IN MYSTERIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES LATE LAST YEAR. ENGAGED TO A BAKERSFIELD MAN AT THE TIME OF HER DEATH, IT IS A STORY
OF YOUTH, HOPE, LOVE AND UNSPEAKABLE TRAGEDY THAT HAS LEFT LIVES CRUSHED FROM BAKERSFIELD TO BOSTON.

TUNE IN ON TUESDAY, AT 1:30 P.M. PACIFIC TIME, TO HEAR MORGAN'S LOVED ONES TALK ABOUT THEIR QUEST FOR JUSTICE. IF YOU ARE OUTSIDE THE BAKERSFIELD AREA, YOU CAN GO TO KERNRADIO.COM AND LISTEN TO INTERVIEW LIVE.

Philip R. Brandon grew up a block off Panorama Drive on a leafy street in Bakersfield, California, and like many of his neighbors, spent his early years attending classes at Our Lady of Perpetual Help and later at Garces Memorial High School. But Kern County and Bakersfield were not in his future, and his journey into adulthood took him 3,000 miles across the country to Massachusetts
where he found meaning in work, the Marine Corps and most of all, a woman who would forever change his life.

Morgan Patten

By all accounts Morgan Patten was remarkable: an ethereal presence who grew up in Bradford, New Hampshire, where her family owned a small family lumber mill. Her parents called her “Mouse,” and through them she inherited a work ethic and moral compass that reflected the core values of her family: loyalty, faith and family. It was hardly a surprise then that Morgan, the only child of Steve and Renee Patten, set her sights high to become an environmental lawyer. While waiting for law school to start, she pulled long shifts as a manager at the Hyannis Marina.

Philip and Morgan’s lives converged on Martha’s Vineyard, where Phil had moved after leaving Bakersfield, and in the parlance of their parents, it was meant to be. They were instantly inseparable, their bond only growing closer when Phil shipped off to Parris Island, S.C., where he would endure three months of basic training to become a U.S. Marine.

But this romance had no story-book ending. By now engaged, Morgan took a commercial airliner to Jacksonville, N.C. to reunite with Phil, who was wrapping up Advanced Infantry Training at Camp Geiger. The last time anyone would hear from Morgan was the night before she was to meet Phil. Hungry after a long day of traveling and anxious to get to bed early to meet Phil in the morning, Morgan walked to an Applebee’s next door to her hotel and ordered a garden salad with grilled chicken and a Sam Adams Boston Lager. She spent dinner texting both her parents and Phil.

The last time her parents would hear from her was at 9:42 p.m. on Friday, November 8. “Okay, going to sleep.” she told her mother, who responded with a simple, “Love you. Goodnight.”

There would be no more texts. Morgan’s short life would come to an end on a lonely country road 15 miles away from Applebees when a pickup truck carrying Morgan and two Camp Lejeune Marines - military police off all things - flipped and crashed, throwing Morgan from the vehicle. Police said the vehicle was going close to 90 mph when it veered off the road.

She was 24 when she died, her death cloaked in a mystery, a murder mystery some might call it, and it has consumed the lives of her fiancee Phil and her parents and friends.

How did Morgan end up in a truck with two strangers? Why did this young girl, overwhelmed with excitement to see her fiancee, a young lady known for her caution and good judgment, end up with two Marines who were complete strangers? Was she kidnapped? Forced into the truck by the Marines? Something more sinister?

How did she die? Why did she die? Who will be held responsible, and where is the justice?

Next week on Tuesday, September 1, I will chat with Phil Brandon and Morgan’s parents, Steve and Renee Patten, about the search for justice in the death of Morgan Patten.

It is a story of love, hope, youth, promise and tragedy. And it is a story that at least today, has no ending.

The segment will be aired at 1:30 p.m Tuesday on KERN NewsTalk 96.1 FM/1180 AM. To listen to the broadcast outside the area, go to KERNRADIO.COM to listen to the interview live.

Thursday, August 27, 2020

Despite the pandemic CSUB posts a record enrollment for the semester, Bakersfield gears up for dove season and the long project to widen 24th Street starts to wind down

* ... CSUB: Despite the pandemic and millions out of work, Cal State University Bakersfield has set a new record for enrollment. CSUB president Lynnette Zelezny says enrollment for the semester that began this week stands at 11,700, a record high for our local university. All 23 CSU campuses have gone to
online learning, even though Zelezny said a few students remain on campus, some of them living in the on-campus dormitories. Zelezny noted that fully 80 percent of CSUB's students receive some time of financial assistance.

* ... CSUB FUND RAISING: Meanwhile, someone is doing a a hell of a job with fund raising out at CSUB. Largely through the efforts of University Advancement under vice president Victor Martin, the university has raised $10 million for students, a 34 percent increase from the previous year.

It’s a record fundraising year for California State University, Bakersfield during the 2019-2020 fiscal year.

CSUB president Lynnette Zelezny put it this way: “In a year of great challenge and sacrifice, CSU Bakersfield’s most loyal supporters demonstrated their belief in our students with generous gifts that will allow the university to expand research opportunities and other innovative programs for the benefit of our region, economy and residents. CSUB owes a special debt of gratitude to Barbara Grimm-Marshall and Kari Grimm Anderson for their visionary investment in the study of agricultural business, which is a game changer for CSUB and the families committed to this honorable way of life that feeds millions around the world."

* ... SPOTTED ON TWITTER: "One morning, the CEO of UPS woke up and was like 'Screw it, trucks don’t need doors.'"

* ... SPOTTED ON FACEBOOK: This picture pretty much sums up the year.

* ... 24TH STREET: The long slog to widen and improve 24th Street from Highway 99 through town is coming to an end, and not a day too soon. With most of the road widened and repaved, the city will use most of September to work on landscaping on both the north and south sides of the street. There will be periodic lane closures in each direction. Below are some artist renderings of how the landscaping may look.

* ... DOVE SEASON: Dove season opens next week, but opening day is celebrated as much in some of our iconic watering holes as it is in an open field. Traditionally the opening of dove season has been a gang buster's business at places like Woolgrower's and Pyrenees Cafe in east Kern and this year - despite the pandemic - the show will go on. Check out this post from Rod and Julie Crawford over at Pyrenees: "Opening Day of Dove Season is next Tuesday September 2 and our patio is open for service with a full Basque Breakfast and cocktails. Please try and come early since we do not take reservations that day, also remember we have limited outdoor seating due to COVID and once you are seated we cannot allow guests to walk around ... we ask that you stay in your seat. Also please have a mask on until you are seated. Thanks for understanding. See you Tuesday it’s going to be a fun day." (photo is from a previous year at Pyrenees)

* ... MEMORIES: From the archives of the Kern County History Fans' Facebook page comes this little treasure, who around 1988 at Paso Ranch.

Sunday, August 23, 2020

California's rush toward green energy is leaving residents in the dark, Amestoys closes and is left tagged and vandalized and CSUB president Lynnette Zelezny set for a radio interview on the first day of classes

* ... POWER BROWNOUTS: Just so we are all clear, it's important for every Californian to know that if your utility cuts your power because of the heat, this is something the California legislature brought on themselves. That's right because the truth is there is plenty of power in California, more than enough to

keep every air conditioner humming through the most extreme heat waves. But in California, in the name of climate change, the state requires that 60 percent of our power should come from renewable energy, and wind and solar farms simply cannot keep up. With the mandate in place, augmented by generous federal subsidies for alternative energy, perfectly functioning power plants have been closing, leaving our state increasingly dependent on wind and solar. In a report from the Institute of Energy Research, it is noted that "California's blackouts are a product of its politically-determined reliance on intermittent, unreliable renewable energy, not the heatwave. " Many of California's natural gas and nuclear plants have had to shut down because they cannot compete with heavily subsidized renewable energy," it said. "Also, California's state water regulations are forcing the shutdown of natural gas plants along the coast that can quickly ramp up generation during peak demand periods or when solar power plunges. Because of policies promulgated by California's anti-fossil energy politicians, Californians are paying for new renewable power when they already have natural gas capacity readily available to meet demand 24/7."

* ... AMESTOYS: Amestoys, the iconic east Bakersfield bar that held court for more than 70 years before closing last year, has been reduced to a sad pile of graffiti-strewn trash and rubble. The River Boulevard bar closed in June of last year, and already it has turned into an eyesore. It has been broken into, set afire and tagged with graffiti on virtually every wall.

* ... SPOTTED ON FACEBOOK: "I am getting tired of being part of a major historical event."

* ... LYNNETTE ZELEZNY: The pandemic has turned the college experience upside down and no where is that more true that out at Cal State Bakersfield. The CSU system kicks off virtual classes Monday while other schools - notably in the Southeastern Conference - are planning to have students on campus and continue with sports. I will chat with CSUB president Lynnette Zelezny on Monday at 2 p.m. on KERN NewsTalk 96.1 FM/1180 AM to get her views as we kick off a new academic year.

* ... CALIFORNIA FIRES: There are literally hundreds of fires burning in California today, many of them clustered in northern California from Santa Cruz to Vacaville and all along the I-80 corridor. And one problem plaguing California is the lack of firefighters, which was aggravated when Gov. Gavin Newsom patrolled hundreds of fire fighting inmates because of the coronavirus. State officials say there are normally some 3,000 inmate firefighters ready to serve, but that number has been reduced to around 1,000 because of the paroles.

* ... IBERIA HOTEL: Check out this picture of an old Basque Hotel in east Bakersfield. A precursor for the now closed Noreiga Hotel?

Thursday, August 20, 2020

Experts warn of a "twindemic" this winter as the common flu and Covid collide, pastor Frazier holds onto hope, Kevin Keyes joins the CSUB Runners and a trip down memory lane

* ... TWINDEMIC: It's hard to think about fall or winter during the height of the Bakersfield summer heat, but experts are already warning of a possible "twindemic" this winter as the common flu converges

with Covid-19. Both the flu and Covid-19 share similar symptoms like fever, a cough, sore throat, fatigue and a headache. Experts are now predicting that a record number 98 million flu shots will be given this year in the country. Still, fully 50 percent of American adults say they may opt out of vaccines for the common flu and Covid-19.

* ... THE POWER OF HOPE: Angelo Frazier is a pastor at Riverlakes Community Church and if there is one theme that is emerging from this pandemic, he says it revolves around the concept of hope. "Be an ambassador of hope," he says. "Choose hope." It is a simple yet powerful message that speaks to our heart, and reflected in our behavior, during difficult times. Hope, he reminds us, is life and life without hope is not living at all.

* ... SPOTTED ON TWITTER: "One day you’re young and hip and the next day you’re buying a pair of pants at Costco."

* ... GO RUNNERS: Kevin Keyes is joining the men's baseball team at Cal State Bakersfield as a volunteer director of Player Program and Development. Keyes is a lifelong resident of Kern County and has worked for decades as a coach, community advocate and broadcaster. He recently retired from the Kern County Superintendent of Schools, where he worked as a community prevention specialist mentoring at-risk youth. Prior to that, Keyes had served with the Kern High School District as a community specialist for 11 years, while also coaching football at Liberty High School.

* ... WATER ASSOCIATION: Congratulations to Jenny Bertagna Holtermann who has been appointed executive director of the Water Association of Kern County. Holtermann is a fourth generation California farmer and a graduate of Cal Poly. She has worked as a social media advocate as well as in public relations for several agricultural firms in the San Joaquin Valley. She replaces Beth Pandol who held the position for a decade. Along with her husband, Holtermann is a co-owner of H& H Family Farms, an almond farming enterprise in Wasco, CA. She is past president of the Kern County branch of the California Women for Agriculture and past chair of the City of Wasco Planning Commission.

* ... HOMELESS WAVE: The director of the Mission of Kern County, Carlos Baldovinos, is warning of a new wave of homelessness. The triggers are all there: a massive disruption in the workplace caused by the pandemic, 18 percent unemployment, the reduction in federal benefits and the end of a moratorium on evictions in California. All the factors are there to bring on yet another wave of homelessness, he warns.

* ... OLD KERN: My friend Kevin Keyes (*mentioned above) posted this incredible picture of members of a church on Cottonwood Road. His take: "This is my Families Old Kern. Shout Out to the Church of The Living God, Pillar and Ground of Truth 1949 Cottonwood Road ( Lakeview Ave. / Martin Luther King Blvd). The Family Ties ...well they are deeply Rooted in History. Keyes, Sherman, Nichols, Edwards, Jamerson, Carter, Osborn, Grissom, Guilder, Stephens, Newton, Roberson, Brothers. Roll Call!" Thanks to Kevin and Archible W. and Norma H. Sherman Jr. for sharing this remarkable photo.

Thursday, August 13, 2020

Brace yourself for a long heat wave with temperatures nearing 110 degrees, the Starlite Silver Fox lounge unveils its new classic neon sign, and who remembers Peacock Ice Cream from back in the day?

* ... HEAT WEEK: Remember those balmy evenings last week when the wind was soft and it was perfect to dine outside? Well enjoy that memory because that cooling trend is now officially over, and if there were ever a doubt about what month we are in, just check out the calendar. For the next week, we will see

temperatures around 105 and above, true to the dog days of August that we all know too well here in the valley.

* ... REGISTERED FIREARMS: Ever wonder where your state stands in terms of how many guns are owned by residents? Well, a recent survey based on registered firearms had the answers, and here are the top states with the highest numbers of registered firearms, starting with No. 9 and counting down: Wyoming, Washington, D.C., New Mexico, Virginia, Idaho, Alabama, Nevada, Alaska and Louisiana.

* ... SPOTTED ON TWITTER: "Common sense is like deodorant; those who need it most don’t use it."

* ... SILVER FOX: Well look who is back! The classic Silver Fox sign is back at the iconic watering hole across from Mexicali downtown. Owner Rod Crawford said the original sign was donated to the Kern County Museum and is now on display, so he was forced to have a replicate sign made by a local artist. Crawford and his wife, Julie, also own Pyrenees Cafe, which they have restored to its original grandeur.

* ... PEACOCK ICE CREAM: Who remembers Peacock Ice Cream? A banner featuring the ice cream showed up in an old picture of a picnic for Standard Oil Co. employees here in Kern County. This picture dates from 1924. Thanks to the Kern County of Old Facebook page for this gem. Word has it that the ice cream company was owned by Wayne Peacock, who also owned Wayne's Dairy back in the day.

* ... MEMORIES: Courtesy of the Kern County History Fans Facebook page comes this classic old photo from 1938.

Sunday, August 9, 2020

Public distrust will be a challenge for any Covid-19 vaccine, a study show asymptomatic people carry just as much of the virus as others, and a local lad turns out stunning custom made knives in Old River

* ... COVID VACCINE: Public distrust, or at the least public skepticism, could turn out the greatest challenge when a vaccine is eventually rolled out for Covid-19. That's the word from Dr. Brij Bhambi of

Centric Health who noted that in some surveys, up to half of all adult Americans say they will be reluctant to take a vaccine for the coronavirus. "Even the best vaccine can be undermined by the lack of trust," Bhambi told me during a chat on The Richard Beene Show. And given the political nature of this year as we head into the Nov. 3 presidential elections, it seems certain that public distrust may only grow. Stay tuned.

* ... MORE COVID: One of the curious things about Covid-19 is how many people carry the virus but remain asymptomatic. But new research shows that even among those who show no symptoms carry just as much virus as those who become gravely ill. That's the word from a new study in South Korea that offers definitive proof that those without symptoms carry just as much virus in their nose, throat and lungs and those with symptoms, and for almost as long. According to a story on the study in The New York Times, experts believe "that asymptomatic people are unwitting broadcasters of the virus." Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, estimated that about 40 percent of the population have no symptoms when they get infected. And yet, they spread the virus like all others.

* ... SPOTTED ON TWITTER: "The guy I use for odd jobs around the house is amazing; in the last month alone he’s repaired a leaky roof, fixed a broken gate, retiled the bathroom and according to the wife it was him that somehow reversed my vasectomy, too!"

* ... CRAFTSMEN: Darin Buoni grew up on a farm in Old River, played in a rock band, shot skeet and dabbled in a number of hobbies like most young people. His latest hobby, if you can call it that, has taken off by storm: he is making custom chef's knives and cleavers by hand, lovingly sharpening the carbon steel blades to a razors edge and attaching beautiful wood handles that are stunning to the eye. While he can't sell them fast enough, Buoni cautions this remains a "hobby" and he has no intention of quitting his day job to devote his life to handmade knives. To hear his story, catch Darin Buoni on The Richard Beene Show this Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. on KERN NewsTalk 96.1 FM.1180 AM. A small sample of some of his knives are below.

* ... NEW INFINITI: Congratulations to Chuck Mackey of Bakersfield who won a 2019 Infiniti Q50 in a raffle to support the CSUB wrestling team. The drawing was held at the Infiniti of Bakersfield showroom before most of the wrestling team and local supporters, include Craig Tobin, Janis and Vern Varner and others. This is the third year that Infiniti has partnered to help support CSUB wrestling.

* ... LAKE ISABELLA: Here's an old photo of the Kern River Valley in 1927 before Lake Isabella was added in 1953. Paradise Cove/Southlake at the Base of the Mountain. Kissack Cove would be to the left just out of view. The photo would have been taken around Rabbit Island near the back road to Kernville.