Angry steers mix it up with cyclists during a Bakersfield off road cycling event, Kern County video targets disgruntled deputies in other areas and Garfield the sweet chunky tabby at Bolles Nursery passes on ...

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.

 * ... RECRUITMENT VIDEO: So did you see the 60-second spot advertising for deputies to come work for the Kern County Sheriff's Office? It's a crafty little video, seemingly targeted at LA County

deputies, touting the values and pro-police agenda known to Bakersfield. Of course, it didn't happen without the catcalls from the defund the police  crowd, who hold both the cops and Kern County in low regard. But both Sheriff Donny Youngblood and county chief administrative officer Ryan Alsop seemed pleased with the video and say they already are receiving inquiring about relocating to Kern. Kern County currently has more than 200 openings in the Sheriff's Office and has long struggled to keep other agencies from poaching our best officers.

 * ... SPOTTED ON TWITTER: "The lack of fires and police cars turned over is why people say there are no actual Rams fans."

 * ... SOLID SLEEP: When was the last time you got a solid seven, eight hours of sleep. Years ago? Ever? It's the bane of all of us, particularly when you get older and find yourself bolting upright in bed at 2 a.m. wondering if you ever will get back to sleep. Well now the New York Times said all this on again, off again sleep may actually be natural, and in fact they say it dates to Medieval times when we all practiced what they call "segmented sleeping." Here is how it works: back in the day before electricity it was common for people to go to bed at dark, then awake at midnight when couples has sex to expand their families, and then back to bed at 4 a.m. It worked like that for years, leading some experts to believe if it is unreasonable to expect a full eight hours of sleep in one setting. 

 * ... ROCK COBBLER: The Rock Cobbler is a painfully difficult, 83-mile race around the foothills of Kern County put on by Sam Ames of Action Sports and a band of volunteers. Top cyclists don't complete it under eight hours and it has virtually every hazard known to man. But this year, there was a new obstacle, an easily agitated steer that charged three cyclists after they came too close. It was horrific footage but we are told all three cyclists are fine and the race, which drew more than 550 riders, was a success. Videos of the steer-cyclist encounter have been featured on Fox News and shared on social media tens of thousands of times.

* ... RIP GARFIELD: If you spend any time at Bolles Nursery Landscape you are familiar with the older, sedentary cats that live peacefully amid the boxwoods and ground covers. Well now the good folks at Bolles tell us that Garfield, an orange tabby, has died and crossed the rainbow bridge. This was posted on the Bolles' Facebook page: "It is with a heavy heart we let you know Chonky man Garfield went to kitty heaven.  He was only with us a short time but quickly became part of our family.  We will miss him dearly.  We are so grateful for the time we had with him and all the joy and laughter he brought to all of us including our customers."

* ... MEMORIES: This blast from the past comes to you via Art Moore and the Kern County History Fans Facebook page. Check out Bakersfield back in the day.

Californians are stuck paying the highest utility rates in the nation, the movement toward electric cars is headed for a break through and just about everyone (Netflix, Amazon Prime, Chipotle) are raising prices these days

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.

 * ... CALIFORNIA SOLAR: If you pay for utilities here in California, none of this will come as a shock to you. But trust me, it will (and should) leave you angry. Thanks to California politicos on renewables

and natural gas, California's retail rates have increased 50 percent over the last decade. Part of this is due to the generous green energy subsidies that critics say only helps the rich in California, or at least those who can afford to upfront costs of solar. The Wall Street Journal said even the Sierra Club feels it is time to reduce the solar incentive.

 * ... ELECTRIC CARS: It looks like electric cars are about to make a big break through. According to The New York Times, sales of electric vehicles are so strong that dealers are requiring larger down payments and some models are sold out for the next two years. And, the Times noted a huge event is coming when Ford introduces its all electric F-150 pickup truck, which if successful will steer thousands of pickup drivers to the electric standard. The auto industry is on track to invest half a trillion dollars in electric vehicles over the next five years. And here is an interesting tidbit: in December, electric vehicles outsold battery powered cars in Europe for the first time ever. In all about 4 percent of all cars sold in the United States are electric.

 * ... SPOTTED ON TWITTER: "I was going to clean my house but decided to stop inviting people over instead ."

 * ... POPE BENEDICT: So did you hear that a retired pope, Benedict XVI, is seeking forgiveness for mishandling cases of clerical sexual a use during his tenure as an archbishop in Germany? Given the church's dismal record is protecting pedophiles and covering up the actions of priests by continually transferring them, I am not sure whether to laugh or cry at a retired pope asking for forgiveness. Instead of looking for blanket amnesty, how about this retired pope apologize for the countless number of men and women who have been demeaned and shouted down after they made their accusations, only to find now they were correct? If all this sounds familiar, look up the case of Craig Harrison, the once popular Bakersfield priest who has been accused by multiple men of sexual abuse. The difference here: Harrison's case is wide open and he has been sued by a number of men who claimed he abused them over the years. Be prepared for to read some graphic testimony as this case makes its way through the courts. 

POCKETBOOK ISSUES:

  * ... AMAZON PRIME: Last week we told you that Netflix was raising its prices to $15.49 a month and now you can also expect to pay more for your Amazon Prime account. The retailer said its annual fee, which provides free shipping as well as access to its video library, was rising $20 to $130 annually.

 * ... STARBUCKS: Starbucks, which notoriously opened its shops and bathrooms to the homeless a few years ago, is saying thanks by raising the price of your non-fat latte. It looks like the price hikes will be virtually across the board. And while Starbucks prides itself on its social conscience, it should be noted that does not extend to unions. The coffee maker is fighting a union organizing effort in Memphis. So let's get this straight: it's okay for homeless people to strip naked and bathe in your bathroom (as I have encountered in Bakersfield twice) but not okay for people to join a union. One imposes hardships on your customers and the other on corporate management. Go figure.

 * CHIPOTLE: And finally, Chipotle Mexican Grill says it also is raising prices as it plans to build hundreds of more stores in the coming year.

 * ... MEMORIES: Lastly, courtesy of our friend at the Kern County History Fans Facebook page, we leave you with this magical picture of a parade down Chester Avenue back in the day.

Gunfire breaks out at The Lone Oak Lounge, fire guts a storage unit used by the Bakersfield Homeless Center and Zane Adamo learns that Texans have a special place in their hearts for Bakersfield

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. 

 * ... THE ADAMO BOYS: Everyone knows that Texans are sick of Californians moving to their state, but they just might welcome you with open arms if you hail from Bakersfield. That's what local boy Zane Adamo learned recently when he was in Austin and found himself chatting with Texas country troubadour Dale Watson. When Watson learned Zane was not only from California but from Bakersfield he told Zane

: "We have enough Californians in Texas, but we don't have enough  Bakersfieldians though." Zane and his brother Cooper are carrying on the long and proud Bakersfield tradition of playing homage to country music, and they are part of a Western swing band called "The Soda Crackers" that is now on tour. The Adamo lads are the sons of retired Californian photographer Felix Adamo and his wife Teresa, an accomplished local author.

 * ... LOST TOYS: Did you hear about the fire that gutted a building storing thousands of toys belonging to the Bakersfield Homeless Center? The Monday afternoon fire engulfed a storage unit the homeless center uses to store its stockpile of toys for the many homeless boys and girls who pass though its doors. BHC CEO Lauren Skidmore said more than 2,000 toys were lost, and the center is looking for donations to help restock the center. Skidmore said toys and gifts for chidren up to 18 years of age are needed. The generosity of this community is well documented, and I think its response to this tragedy will be overwhelming. Sit back and watch how Bakersfield responds to this need.

 * ... ELAINA RUSK: Last week we reported that longtime KERO meteorologist Elaina Rusk was leaving the station to spend more time at home with her children. Well that was then, because Rusk has done an about face and announced she will be joining KGET in a special midday role that will allow her to return to work and spend more time at home. "You will now find me producing and anchoring 17 News at Noon, allowing me to work during my daughters’ school schedules," she wrote on Facebook. "This is the most incredible opportunity! It’s a throwback to my early years as a journalist, and it’s a thrill to be back at the anchor desk... Occasionally I’ll get to do some weather forecasting too!"  (photo by KGET)

 * ... LONE OAK SHOOTING: Bakersfield police are still looking at whoever was responsible for wounding four people when they opened fire at The Lone Oak Inn Lounge on Rosedale Highway last weekend. Videos posted on social media show a chaotic scene of what first appears to be a scuffle of some sorts followed by the familiar "pop, pop, pop" of gunfire. The Lone Oak enjoys a loyal following and is normally a typical local watering hole not used to violence. But this is 2022, crime is rampant, prosecutors have backed off from seeking strong sentences, and this is what we are left with. Be careful out there.

 * ... NETFLIX: Netflix has announced it is raising prices once again, the monthly subscription fee jumping to $15.49. The move comes as the streaming giant is facing competition from new streaming services also offering original content, from Paramount to Hulu to Apple+ to Amazon Prime.

 * ... CALM: There is some good news out at the California Living Museum where they announced plans for a new veterinary clinic to help rehabilitate animals brought in for care. A new 1,700 square foot facility is being built thanks to funding from a $350,000 grant from the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. Organizers say they need another $300,000 which they hope to raise locally. The facility will include a new surgery site where experts can attend to the more than 600 animals a year that find their way to the facility.

 * ... SPOTTED ON TWITTER: "When I got divorced, the ex wife and I split the house. I got the outside."

 * ... MEMORIES: From the Kern County of Old Facebook page comes this reader submitted photo of Buck Owens, John Brock and others around a Salvation Army giving bell at Christmas. The caption reads: "The BUCK stops here. . .Buck Owens that is! The Bakersfield Country Western singer is a Rotary Club Bell Ringer in 1975 with the Salvation Army. Update: mystery solved from left to right. James Sweeney, Salvation Army Major David Baker, Buck, John Brock, & Gerald Brock."

Kern County's CAO warns the Newsom administration its energy policies could devastate our economy, the strange case of Michael Bowers and we lose two civil voices in town: KERO's Elaina Rusk and The Californian's Herb Benham

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. 

 * ... ALARM BELL: Kern County's chief administrative officer has fired a warning shot across the bow of the Newsom administration, charging that its "Regions Rising Together" economic plan will "devastate" our economy by destroying thousands of high paying jobs in the energy sector. Alsop's warning came in an Op-Ed piece for The Californian where he denounced as "insufficient" a one-time $15 million fund to train displaced oil workers. "With 1 in 7 workers in Kern employed by or associated with the petroleum industry, the state's efforts to shut down energy production translates into layoffs, business closures, human suffering and greatly impacts the county's ability to provide necessary services including health care, police and fire, education and social service," he wrote. Alsop went on to argue that the state had "no realistic plan" for Kern County. "There is no ability to retain high quality jobs, no obvious industry waiting in the wings and no existing plan to expand a fraying safety net," Alsop said. Will Newsom listen? What do you think?

 * ... THE HOMELESS ISSUE: It's a new year but don't expect 2022 to be much different than the past couple years when it comes to the homeless. Let's just be honest here: a lot has been accomplished over the past couple years as the city and county have thrown millions into the fight against homelessness. Dozens of once homeless are now in their own apartments and more have been counseled out. Hundreds are being exposed to mental health and substance abuse counselors at the new homeless navigation

centers. All that is terrific, but this is also true: the homeless still rule our streets and alleyways, and no amount of cheerleading can change that. Our city is an awful mess. The Kern River Parkway bike path, once the crown jewel of Bakersfield, has been rendered a dangerous, filthy place. I ride that path almost every day and between the drug addicts and mentally ill, it is not a safe place to be alone cycling, walking or running. And yet, our city accepts it as our fate. When was the last time you heard our mayor or anyone on the city council lament what our city has become? Well, I haven't heard it either. And finally there is this: one day (and I take no joy in predicting this) there will be a horrific crime involving a vagrant. Someone will die, or be seriously injured. There will be the predictable press conferences and hand wringing, but by then it will be too late. And all the warning signs were there.

 * ... THEY DID WHAT? I don't know the full story behind the attempt by City Councilman Eric Arias to push Michael Bowers off the Planning Commission, but it doesn't sound right. In fact, it stinks. Bowers, a rising star and next generation leader in town who just happens to have worked for Republican politicians, said he is considering moving and that would render him ineligible to continue to serve on the Planning Committee. So far, so good. But along comes Arias, seemingly hellbent on putting a target on Bowers' back, leading a charge to get Bowers off the city panel before he has moved. At least that's the way Bowers put it and it took a groundswell of support for Bowers in the black community to retain his seat, even if it is only for a few weeks or months. I understand politics and Arias' desire to appoint his own people, but Bowers is a smart, articulate guy and Arias committed a huge blunder trying to speed the process. It made him look small, petty and undignified. Bowers dismissed it as all politics, which seems gracious in this case. 

 * ... ADIOS AND FAREWELL: Bakersfield lost two of its strongest voices and personalities this week, both due to retirements of sorts. First, longtime Californian columnist Herb Benham announced his retirement, ending a few decades of column writing that paid a tribute to family, neighbors, the weather and whatever issues Herb was tackling at the time. He will now write once a week, on Sunday, in a special contract arrangement with The Californian. Also leaving is Elaina Rusk, the KERO-TV meteorologist whose professionalism, wit and grace was on display for more than 13 years. For Rusk it was a family decision. Both Rusk and Benham will be remaining in Kern County but their contributions to civility and our community will be missed.

 * ... MEMORIES: Compliments of the Kern County of Old Facebook page, take a look at the old Kern County Courthouse and other shots of old downtown.

The Post Office takes out drop boxes citing theft and problems with the homeless, dog and cat food is in short supply at grocery stores around town and remembering the time that Babe Ruth made a stop in Bakersfield, or did he?

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. 

 * ... THE INDIGNITY: Nobody in Kern County needs to be reminded of how out of control homelessness is here, or how our City Council and others have simply failed to make a measurable dent in the problem despite millions of dollars spent. While some in the homeless effort applaud a handful of once

homeless now residing in apartments, the drumbeat of crime, trash, harassment and inconvenience is piled at the doorstep of our citizens. Businesses are trashed, neighborhoods are invaded by swarms of drug addicts and the mentally challenged, and little changes. Want more proof? Citing theft and safety, the U.S. Post Office has now taken out postal drop boxes at the downtown postal facility and other facilities, the latest indignity caused by rampant crime and homelessness that we have allowed to grow worse daily. (photo behind the downtown Post Office where drop boxes once stood)

 * ... EMPTY SHELVES: The ongoing supply chain issues coupled with grocery stores struggling to retain employees has led to the empty shelves around town. The shortages seem to affect almost all items, including chicken and meat and in many places, pet food. Both dog and cat food are in short supply across the nation and when you can find it, the prices have skyrocketed. Said Fox Business: "The continuing shortage of aluminum and shipping issues have led to shortages in dog and cat food across the country, with several local papers reporting bare shelves at the pet stores. According to Fox Business, even big retailers like Target and Amazon are facing shortages of pet food, leaving many pet owners scrambling for their furry friends’ staple food and treats."

 * ... CUTTING THE  CABLE: Paying for cable television is going the way of the typewriter as thousands of Americans turn in their cable boxes for app-based streaming services. As recently as a decade ago, fully 85 percent of all U.S. households subscribed to cable whereas now the percentage is closing in on 50 percent.

 * ... SUPERVISOR RACE: One of election campaigns to follow this year will be the race to succeed Mike Maggard in District 3 on the Board of Supervisors. Jeff Flores, Maggard's longtime aide and a trustee on the Kern High School District, announced his bid this week, following former CHP officer Brian Smith and former homeless center director Louis Gill. The office is bipartisan in name only, and it will be interesting to see how the election breaks down between the Republican Flores and the Democrat Gill, both of whom enjoy widespread name recognition. Smith, for his part, wanted to run for sheriff but opted for District 3 when Donny Youngblood announced he was running for reelection. Gill also wanted to run for another office - the congressional seat held by Rep. Kevin McCarthy - but opted to enter the supervisor's race at the last minute. For his part, if it is worth anything at all, Jeff Flores is the only candidate who has been consistent about what role he wants: District 3 supervisor. (photo of Flores)

 * ... KEVIN HART: Comedian Kevin Hart has apparently grown found of Bakersfield, or at least the historic Fox Theater downtown. After holding two sold out concerts last week, the comedian has announced he he returning to the Fox on February 4, apparently using the Fox to rehearse a new act. 

 * ... BABE RUTH: Did you know Babe Ruth came to Bakersfield in 1919 to play an exhibition game? At least that appears to have happened according to an old newspaper clipping that heralded the Boston slugger's trip out west. The Los Angeles Evening Herald reported on its front page that Ruth was visiting Los Angeles but also planned to make side trips to San Diego, Santa Barbara and Bakersfield. Did the Babe ever make it to Bako?

 * ... MEMORIES: More memories of the old Hotel Lebec from the Kern County History Fans Facebook page.

 * ... MORE MEMORIES: And for our friends over at KBAK, how about this trip down memory lane?

Leticia Perez jumps into the race for the state Assembly, supervisor Brian Smith is questioned about his non political columns in the local paper and who would stead life sized statues depicting the war on cancer?

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. 

 * ... LOCAL POLITICS ROUNDUP: This year will be an important election year as redistricting and retirements have introduced both confusion and opportunity in local political circles. First, Supervisor Leticia Perez make it official this week she is running for the 35th Assembly District, which has also

drawn interest from Taft Dr. Jasmeet Bains. Rep. David Valadao will be running in the 22nd Congressional District instead of the 21st, where Assemblyman Rudy Salas is running. And on the Board of Supervisors, Mike Maggard's retirement has opened the door to a hot race featuring Maggard aide Jeff Flores, former Homeless Center director Louis Gill and retired CHP officer Brian Smith. In the 16th state Senate District, former Assemblywoman Nicole Parra is running after briefly flirting with a bid to unseat Rep David Valadao. Stay tuned because things are just heating up.

 * ... CAMPAIGN SHENANIGANS? Brian Smith is a retired CHP officer who has been talking about running for Kern County Sheriff for at least two or three years. So far, so good. Knowing that he intended to run for office, Smith teamed with our local newspaper, The Bakersfield Californian, to begin running a weekly series of seemingly non-political stores focused on life as a law enforcement officer. So far, so good, but just to be clear, let's assume Smith knew he was a virtual unknown who needed name recognition to run for a countywide office, and what better way than a weekly column in your local paper? But now some are questioning if Smith didn't skirt the law when the paper kept running his column (it has since killed it) while he was openly running for the District 3 seat on the Board of Supervisors. (Smith made it clear he would not run against Sheriff Donny Youngblood, and when Youngblood said he would run again, Smith turns his eye on the supervisor seat held by retiring Mike Maggard.) Former city councilman Mark Salvaggio was among those questioning his intent and he sent Smith this email: "Brian, Who is guiding, advising your campaign for District 3 Supervisor? Has Brandon Martin moved on? Your last "Cop Tales" column was published in The Bakersfield Californian on December 12, after the Oildale Christmas Parade, where you campaigned with a banner proclaiming "Brian Smith for Supervisor." You have been campaigning for several months. This is true. You filed your Campaign Form 410 with the Secretary of State to officially run for Supervisor on October 21; 6 "Cop Tales" were published subsequently (October 31-December 12). You did an endorsement interview with the Kern County Prosecutors Association on September 10. You also interviewed with the Kern County Firefighters Union on October 4 for its support. What tangled webs we weave when we first practice to deceive," to borrow an applicable line from Sir Walter Scott." Now here is the ironic part: Smith had his hands full already in the District 3 race where incumbent Mike Maggard's chief aide, Jeff Flores, is expected to run. Flores enjoys wide name recognition, has served on the Kern High School District and is deeply involved in Republican circles. Flores was trouble enough for Smith and it just got worse when Louis Gill, former head of the Bakersfield Homeless Center, just entered the race, another formidable opponent.

 * ... DECISION 2022: Local elections and how Kern's demographics are changing will be the topic of this week's Bakersfield Observed podcast, which will be released Thursday. Joining me to review the political landscape will be Russell Johnson, a former Bakersfield city councilman and now head of Common Sense Consulting. Tap into your account on Spotify or Google, or wherever you access your podcasts, to Russell and I chop it up about local politics.

 * ... SMELLY HOMES: For the past two years the pandemic has forced most of us to spend more time at home. Home gyms and offices have proliferated, more of us are working from home, some of us have acquired more pets and some of us are home schooling our children. In short, home is where the heart is and in that case, it means our homes can get stinky with so much activity. So said the Wall Street Journal: "Housebound Americans are buying more air fresheners, scented candles and pungent cleaners to overcome one of humanity's deep social fears - that visitors will think their abodes stink to high heaven." 

 * ... SPOTTED ON TWITTER: "Remember the old days before free social media when we had to buy newspaper ads to publicly announce our courage, thoughtfulness, virtue and nobility? It’s so much easier now!"

 * ... CANCER STATUE DISAPPEARS: Just when you think people can't stoop any lower, sure enough they do something that simply astonishes you. This time it appears a group of people took the time to plan and execute the theft of a series of life-size bronze statues that once stood in Beach Park as a testament to those who fought cancer. That's right, the statues of men, women and children gleefully emerging from a maze to celebrate beating cancer have disappeared, and no one seems to know what happened. One of the first to notice was local clinical  psychologist Cory Gonzales who posted this on Facebook: "I remember the grand opening of this inspirational tribute to cancer survivors. I also remember making a speech (here) on how important this was for us survivors & the culture of our community. I just heard that all of these statues were stolen, absolutely heartbroken! Is there anything sacred? Are there no more ethics in our society? Where is our collective conscience? A sad day indeed."

 * ... MEMORIES: Now take a look at these historic pictures from the Kern County History Fanssite. Just look at that armory at Gordon's Ferry back in the day.

Mike Maggard announces his retirement, Tesla has sold almost 1 million cars in the United States and the median price of a home in California reaches almost $800,000

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. 

 * ... MAGGARD RETIRES:  Kern County Supervisor Mike Maggard is retiring after a long career on both the City Council and Board of Supervisors, opening the door for a June election when his his chief aide Jeff Flores will attempt to fill the seat. Up until today, Flores likely thought his opponent would be

retired CHP officer Brian Smith, who has no elective experience. But all that changed when Louis Gill, the former head of the Bakersfield Homeless Center said he was joining the District 3 race instead of challenging Rep. Kevin McCarthy in the 23rd Congressional District. Kudos to Gill who should have seen his challenge of McCarthy has nothing more than a costly political suicide mission. Joining the District 3 race at least gives him a shot, while rendering Smith a curious afterthought. Maggard's retirement was expected - he cited spending time with his family as one of the reasons to let go - and it sets up free for all with Flores, Gill and Smith. By all accounts, Flores should be considered the odds-on favorite: he is a politically savvy known commodity, has served on the Kern High School District for years and he has carefully nurtured political allies over the years. And, let's be clear here, Flores is a Republican  and Gill a liberal in a conservative part of the state. Smith, by contrast, is not that well known outside of the regular readers of the local newspaper where he ran a "Cop Tales" weekly column. But given the realities of the newspaper business the number of readers has shrunk so considerably, that what once seemed like a grand idea to capture eyeballs likely provided a lot less than he expected. Others could enter this race, so stay tuned.

* ... TESLA: If you live in California, then you know just how popular the new lineup of all electric Tesla sedans are, and now the company says it delivered 87 percent more cars in 2021 than it did the previous year. The now Texas based company said it delivered more than 308,000 vehicles in the fourth quarter alone, a 71 percent increase from the same time a year earlier. In all, Tesla said it had delivered 936,000 cars in the United States. The overwhelming majority of Teslas sold in the United States are purchased right here in California.

 * ... KERN RIVER: Have you noticed there is some water in the Kern River, particularly west of Beach Park as the river winds through the southwest? Recent rains have no doubt contributed to this, but it is a constant reminder of the efforts under way to have water in the river year around. But there is one problem: the sheer number of homeless encampments in the river bed, along with mountains of trash, pose a problem and safety hazard to water entering the riverbed. Despite the city's best efforts, and this should not be minimized even though it has been an abject failure, the homeless live where they want, use the riverbed as their personal toilet and soil the place with mounds of trash without any repercussions. (photo by The Bakersfield Californian)

 * ... CALIFORNIA HOUSING: Last year was a difficult year on many levels but the price of housing in California continued its almost ridiculous rise. The median sales price of a single-family home in California has now reached $798.440, up 12.3 percent from a year earlier. Suburbs like in Sacramento and Riverside showed the highest increases while population centers like San Francisco posted more modest gain. According to Zillow, the typical home in San Francisco is now selling or $1.53 million.

 * ... MEMORIES: Who remembers Lake Isabella when it was just a sleepy outpost back in the day. Enjoy these old postcards.

 * ... MORE MEMORIES: And from the Kern County of Old Facebook page comes this note about the old Pennys building on Chester Avenue: "Exterior and interior photographs of the J.C. Penny's store at 2018 Chester Ave. 1930 and 1927, respectively."