Ummmmm......maybe it should be "Not So Breaking News"?

Got-

For some reason the earlier post of this one didn't make it, so your title is about right!

Body found east of Manor?  There is so much junk that goes on at Gordon's Ferry.  I certainly hope he wasn't involved with anything there.  Most likely not because there is a large weir structure that would block the body from coming downstream.  Tragic end.  Mysterious story.

where was Carl Cole?

Was he wearing concrete boots?

Were David Crisp or Jose Arredondo any where near by?

I hear he was not doing well financially? That he owed a lot of people money. If true, I wonder if that had anything to do with his death??

I'm sure I'm not the only one who finds this odd (to say the least).  That's an odd location for a body to hang out for 24 hours.  Like May said, it's very unlikely that it went through the structures near China Grade and Round Mountain or just below BC campus. 

I read the articles on the local news site and the BC and found the information to be unnecessary.  Why does the news have to exploit his short comings? To air his DUI's and license information when a man is dead and not a hard criminal, is just disrespectful to the deceased and his friends and family.  He was clearly a troubled soul and the recent turn of the economy most likely caused him personal turmoil. 

I never met the man but I give my thoughts to the family and friends.  I hope all that knew him will remember the good, not his mistakes. 

This is not directed at any blogger or the BNT, I just had the need to air my persoanal feelings.

because it keeps people like you from assuming that he was killed.

he had a troubled past and anyone in the business knew he was having some money problems. Im not sure where he lived but being that he was found just downstream from gordons ferry and that mark swung both ways seems to be key. my guess is he was drunk and fell in.

GoBlue.  Just to set the record straight in case another reader sees the comment.  I did not elude to the thought that he was killed.  I have no thoughts one way or another.  Don't have a clue what Gordons Ferry is.

Since you got all the answers Blue you tell me...where was his car?? I really doubt Mark would have walked all the way out to Gordons Ferry in his trunks to go for an early morning swim..

This is so sad~ the corroners report is out and it says he died of drowning~ but the toxicology report will take a few weeks. 

He was way too young to die.

Hum.....Maybe he was fishing for pucker mouth brown? and slipped in the river.

I'm puzzled.  How can someone be this successful and have 11 run ins with the police.  He apparently had a dark side.  Too bad.

Business and/or financial success doesn't equate to good common sense, emotional stability or just plane happiness. There are way more miserable, successful people out there than you could ever imagine.

I don't know this guy, I only know of him.  Mostly through third party rumors.  Here is my point: whatever this guy did behind closed doors is just that, his business.  The new low TBC has sunk to should not amaze me. This paper is nothing more than a tabloid, and wannabe "TMZ" with less intresting, underpaid "Journalist".  The man is dead.  He is not here to defend these allegations. And they are just that, allegations. Let the man rest in peace, let his family grieve without having to read on some blog about how "Shady" he was alleged to be. Its all pretty sickening.  If TBC wants to show true journalistic metle, then go after someone who is alive.  Attack, and investigate things that matter to people.

theoppressedoneThank You and Im sure his family thanks you

tony..always a voice of wisdom..

audrey he had a wild side and he got rich young..not a good combo..even at that the offenses if you look at them close..the drunk were misdameanors..he finally got a dui..then his run in with the board is due to him not telling them about his arrests..so it gets reported he was being fraudulent..not that he commited fraud against a client..

I bet I knew him better then you sioux, im not degrading the man but he was known to swing both ways, and like I said its not a coincidence that he was found downstream from that area, BTW, gordons ferry is the bridge just south of where china grade loop is back in the oil patch, thats were most homos go to do thier thing. you will see empty cars there all throught the day. dont believe me? just drive by and look at the cars parked and no one in sight... my guess is mark had an altercation, was drunk and either walked to a certin area and was picked up or he called someone and made his way to gordons ferry.

Yeah Gordon's where us queers go to get our jollies on.  Along with Wildcat, Yokuts & Beach park.  He still has his ad on bakersfield.craigslist.org/m4m but there is nudity involved.

I'd be interested in the toxiological analysis to see if he was drinking.  I know from my boating days that most drunk guys who drowned had their pants down because they typically fell overboard while urinating.

Here is a twist that people won't get to know about, but the media was contacted about it today.  Mr. Ponder was an ex-boyfriend of Madica Winchester Giangrossi.  Yes, you remember, the wife of the prominent businessman here in town that got away with murder recently.  In fact, he got RELEASED from jail a few weeks ago on house arrest, his bud Skiba is OUT as well on work release. Hummmm

I am making connections here.  Think about the Kern County judicial system and then it will all make sense.  Madica Giangrossi was linked to Ponder and as you know what she is capable of and gets away with when she gets mad at a lover and snaps her fingers! 

It's unfortunate that Mr. Ponder was an unfortunate victim.

AND media, please start thinking outside the box here.  Forget about digging up this poor mans DUI record for christ's sakes, so freakin what!  Look into the other possibilities here NOW THAT YOU HAVE THIS TIP AND YOUN WOULDN'T HAVE EVER KNOWN IT UNTIL NOW.  Use this information and start your investigations people!!!!!!!!

Wow that's an interesting last post. Who knows the connections here in town and where they lead people. I believe most times we truly only hear half the story. Perhaps those areas should be investigated. I'm sure there are few who don't find this all too suspicious.

Time can only tell.

Just to clear a few things up.

#1. Mark Ponder did not "swing both ways". He swung one way and that happened to be with guys.

#2 Gordon's Ferry is not where "most homos go to do their thing". Gordon's Ferry is were most men who are in the closet (married to females) go to have sex with other males. Most of the homosexuals I know don't go there. If "most" of them went there they would need a lot more parking. People also go there to go fishing.

I didn't know Mark Ponder, all I knew was that he was a local "real estate something" because of local billboards and newsstand real estate magazines .. but thanks to TBC and our local news station we all know more then we should.  No one is perfect, everyone has made choices in life that has taught a lesson whether good or bad, and we all have skeletons in the closet!! So why is it that every single time someone passes TBC or our local news stations dig up the 'dirt'?! Not once have I ever heard anything negative reported about Mark Ponder regarding the allegations being reported now,  whether or not these allegations are true ..  well I guess we'll never know the truth because he's longer here to defend his name.  And big deal he threw a bottle at a man or hit the man, whatever the story was ... Do you know how many fights happen during a 24 hour period in this town? But because he was "somebody with a dollar in his pocket" the cops were called.  Which I'm sure was for only one reason and that was so the person that was involved could sue!! Calling the police and pressing charges was just to note the incident and have a witness!! 

TBC and the local news stations take so much time investigating someone's life once they have passed and always seem to only report the negative once they have dug as deep as they could, well if thats the kind of reporters you're going to be at least be consistent about it ... Lets see how much dirty laundry TBC digs up about the murder/suicide that happen today involving PEACE OFFICERS.  Is funny how when something happens regarding a Peace Officer or their families its reported once(or never at all)and never spoke of again.

Well heres a suggestion for the TBC and for our local news teams instead of spending your time digging for dirt on the deceased why don't you dig for ways to help California's IDIOT GOVERNOR how to end the deficit so that he doesn't have to take from our children's school districts or take medical benefits away from those who need it most!! 

And for those who have posted rude comments .. regardless of what Mark Ponder did or did not do, whether you liked him or not, whether he did you wrong professionally or personally or you thought he was "shady"  ..  just remember HE WAS SOMEONE'S CHILD, SOMEONE'S FAMILY, SOMEONE'S BEST FRIEND, SOMEONE'S LOVE ... Let his family grieve and let the man RIP ... Only God can judge!! Im sure you all remember as children being told IF YOU CAN'T SAY ANYTHING NICE DON'T SAY ANYTHING AT ALL!! 

THANK YOU, URPOINTIS!  Couldn't have said it better.

*deleted, because it really served no productive purpose at all*

Mark Ponder and I ran in the same social circle during the early to mid-90s. Tonight I wanted some nostalgia after the events of the last couple of days and pulled out some of the old photo albums: dancing at Mannequins, parties at Mark's house on "I" St., wild nights at the Padre, a whole - almost forgotten- world.  Scanning the faces I saw that just about everyone in those photos eventually grew out of the wild party scene, just about everyone except for Mark.  Therein lies the tragedy.

In those days Mark and I had a standing joke. I would accuse Mark of being a "terrible alcoholic" in front of a bunch of people and he would respond by saying that he was the "greatest alcoholic" that he knew.  After a while the joke ceased being funny. I told Mark that he needed help for his drinking and recreational drug problem, he refused to get any, and we drifted apart, but remained "casual" friends.

According to the various news stories Mark was last seen leaving a friend's house "below the Panarama Bluffs" Monday morning. By this I believe they mean one of the houses located between the Kern River and the Kern Island Canal east of Manor St. I believe that  Mark decided to go down to the river to drink, or toke, or take some other recreational drug.  In his impaired condition, with the heat of the day, Mark decided on a swim.  Mark was a very strong swimmer and an avid Kern River rafter.  Going into the river wouldn't have bothered him in the slightest. In his impaired condition he misjudged his abilities, and something happened. End of story.  Obviously, we will have to await the tox results, but I have a feeling they will be positive.

Any implications of suicide because of his problems are ridiculous to anyone who knew Mark. Mark could "roll with the punches" better than any person that I ever met.  He could have lost everything except for his smile, and been back in business in some capacaity in a month's time.

Any idea that this was a murder are equally ridiculous, in my opinion.  Mark was a fighter - a ferocious fighter .  If he had been attacked in any way, no matter how impaired,  there would have been physical evidence. As for any "Lords of Bakersfield" conspiracies, let's leave those to Mr. Belardes.

Alcohol can destroy lives. Drugs can destroy lives.  Sober, Mark was a wonderful friend. Drunk, he was a disaster waiting to happen.   Mark was my friend, and I turned my back on him and his problems, as did many others.  That is our guilt. If we had tried harder, perhaps things might have been different.

Gopherbro, it was the last sentence of your post that inspires me to take my judgment (and petty bitching about an irrelevant blog) elsewhere. I'm sorry you lost your friend.

GOPHERBRO, hit the nail on the head. but lets wait for siouxwang to come back and ask hwere his damn car is, since its so important.

furthermore, Mark did swing both ways. Maybe towards the most recent years he was strictly into men but not so many years ago.... maybe 10 years at best, I remember hearing he would have a girlfrind, then he would have a boyfriend... once again Im not bashing the guy. I knew him. wasnt frinds I just worked in lending and came across him a few times. to me he was cocky and arrogant, the "dont you know who I am, I have 25 bilboards in town" kind of person. But I never heard any anyone suggest he conducted business like david crisp, at least marks passing, though given the circumstaces, has drwan out the good in people remebering him for good things, unlike who most of us would have thrown stones at crisp if this story would have been about him.

 Alcohol can destroy lives. Drugs can destroy lives.   Truest words I  have read this week.   I'll be sure to repeat them to some of my friends and family.   To the friends and family of Mr Ponder -----I am sorry for your loss.  Remember your good times with him and the things about him that made you smile.

Im wondering of Mark was gay.

Gopherbro I never knew any of marks friends..he was in and out of our lives since he was born..we used to babysit him when his mom lived in the aprt next door when our oldest son was about his same age.they played together...his mom grew up around the corner from us when i was still living at home with my paents and she was and still is a very sweet person..their family was one of the upstanding and respected familys in our area...the last time i saw mark he came by to talk to my mom about selling their house after dad died..he wasnt there to get the sale he was there to give her advice and support due to pops death..just being a friend..

I was very impressed with how he had grown up. He was very buisness like and he made us all feel very comfortable with the way he carried himself and sound advice. I remember he was in a buisness suit and driving that black hummer..thats back when all the status seeking folks were buying them..

I was kinda proud that he had done so well after having such a ruff start..his mom was a single parent and struggling with working and going to college back when he was a child.and i respected her for that...I dont know what happened to his father I never felt it was any of my buisness ..

when he left that day it was the last time i saw him..except for the bill boards etc..I heard he had a wild side but he didnt deserve to die like this..he was too young and had too much too offer..the whole thing is just sad.

i called my sister yesterday to see if she talked to his mom yet..she said she was going to give her a few days to grieve and have her personal space..after our mom just passing we totally understand the process of losing someone close...all thats really left to do now is bury him and pray the haters will stay in their boxes instead of on top of them.

hopefully it wasnt a murder...I know that would be even harder for her to get over..I also asked her to mention to his mom she might steer away from these blogs because of some of the things that were being said about mark..TBC has been busy deleting some of the comments but a few have still snuck by..I cant understand why people feel the need to stomp on people when they are gone..they wouldnt have the balls to do it when they are alive so what makes them so tuff now..these types are sick individuals and should get no respect from anyone..i would imagine they are gay and were jilted for one reson or another..in marks case being gay or bi doesnt mean he should be dead..you guys just picked a harder road than other people..no i dont condone it but i dont wish death on any one because of their lifestyle either..ok im starting to ramble ..just have some personal emotions im dealing with right now and his being gay had nothing to do with it..

he was a human being that had a ruff start.. and actually made something out of himself..Thats the way I choose to remember Mark Ponder...God Rest his soul

"Im wondering of Mark was gay."

Why ?

--virgil

Well said gopherbro and SRC.

gopherbro~ you should know you could have "tried harder" but until Mark wanted to change he would not have listened. A friend turning away from you is a loud clear message.

 Talking trash about a dead person is beneath contempt~ sorry but that is how I was raised. When I grew up you could impugn a persons character to the ends of the earth~ but it stopped right there.

In those days when you passed a funeral,you pulled over,got out of the car,men took their hats off,you bowed your head. For people you did not even know.Those days are long gone.

At the bare minimum this trash talk should take place in the gutter~ that is were it belongs.

Mark,I never knew you and I think I am the less for that~ R.I.P.

 goblue dont you know who I am, I have 25 bilboards in town" kind of person

and if he did he had every right too...he earned it...tell me you wouldnt and you would be lying..

I think it was an accident due to his drinking. 

 Im wondering of Mark was gay."

Why ?

--virgil

Simple, Virg, to ascertain whether he is a member of a protected class of citizens.  He already had two strikes against him, he being white and male.  However, if he is gay, then he is a member of a protected class with certain additional rights and protections afforded him by law.  

This comment is not meant as a slight to Mr Ponder in any way.  I never experienced him behaving as anything other than a gentleman.  I personally do not believe that anyone can ever earn the right to be rude. I have raised my children to believe that just because a person has been successful in business and has more money than others does not ever give them the right to behave rudely or act with an attitude of entitlement.  Sadly I have been able to point out an abundance of  examples of how not to behave in the media lately.

Gopherbro,

I wish you peace.

goblue  lets wait for siouxwang to come back and ask hwere his damn car is, since its so important.

 WOW just caught this snark attack..seems your lack of investigative skills are painfully obvious ..keep talkin..Ill keep laughin

I came in to write about Mr. Ponder when I read Sage's comments....those are my sentiments exactly. 

And Gopher, please take solace in knowing that you could have "tried" thousands of times over, but until the person is ready, there is nothing you could have done.  Don't beat yourself up over something that you could not change. 

People should never talk badly about the dead.  We have all done things that we are not proud of, let this man rest in peace now and let his family mourn their loss...they love him irregardless of any of his defects. 

Alcohol can destroy lives. Drugs can destroy lives. 

I know that all too well within my own family.

My condolences to Mark's friends and family.

LOL @ car comment, go blue.

Sorry for your loss Gopher. I've talked to a few people who had good times at Mannequins.

However, if he is gay, then he is a member of a protected class with certain additional rights and protections afforded him by law.  

Which, given that he is dead and cannot enjoy such rights and protections, is irrelevant. 

However, it would enable certain individuals to class him as subhuman.  Which is all they care about in life.

  gopherbro  I also new Mark and I wanted to let you know that anyone who knew Mark could not have said it better then you.  Thank you for a well thought out post.

OMG!! ALL OF YOU PEOPLE SERIOUSLY NEED TO GO BACK TO YOUR SIN FREE, NEVER MADE A MISTAKE, IM SO PERFECT LIVES!!

I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW OUT OF ALL THOSE POSTING THEIR 2 CENTS REGARDING THIS MAN'S LIFESTYLE, HOW MANY OF YOU EVER SAID OR WOULD HAVE SAID THE THINGS YOU'RE SAYING NOW TO HIS FACE?!  ESPECIALLY THE POSTING BY THOSE WHO CLAIM TO HAVE KNOWN MARK .... I'D PUT MY MONEY ON NONE OF YOU!! 

WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES IT MAKE WHAT MARK PONDER'S SEXUAL PREFERENCE WAS? WHO CARES?! 

JUST REMEMBER .... WHEN YOU POINT THE FINGER AT SOMEONE ELSE THERES THREE FINGERS POINTING BACK AT YOU!!  SO TO THOSE MAKING REFERENCE TO MR. PONDER'S LIFESTYLE I CAN ONLY WONDER WHY?  AND THE ONLY REASON I CAN COME UP WITH IS THAT PERHAPS YOU ARE STILL IN THE CLOSET AND ARE AFRAID OF BEING FOUND OUT!! 

KEEP IN MIND WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND AND LETS NOT FORGET ABOUT GOOD OL' KARMA!!  

Has anyone ever thought about why a "jogger" was jogging in 107 degrees heat that it was that day?  We are in a heat wave right now and I think the last thing people are doing is being physically active in it. 

Just my thoughts!  I like to analyze things that only make sense.

WHEN YOU POINT THE FINGER AT SOMEONE ELSE THERES THREE FINGERS POINTING BACK AT YOU!!    That never made any sense to me..still doesn't.

I find it odd that people who ragged on Michael Jackson lifestyle (and others in the news) are upset at others commenting on this mans sexual preferences and lifestyle.   It seems to boil down to whether or not someone knew the victim personally.

We tend to have a different perspective when it hits closer to home.

The truth is we never really know people as well as we think we do.  I didn't know this guy, never even heard of him but people WILL be asking questions and sensationalizing.  For those who knew him, I'm sorry for your loss.  We just went through this with the death of a friend and although he was a GOOD FRiEND, we were not blind to his faults.  And none of that changed just because he died.

1.  The 3 amigos that found Mr. Ponder were not joggers.  No way.  The area is not for joggers.  They were not dressed appropriately for jogging.  It was one hundred gazzillion degrees.  They were not jogging.  Who are they?  What were they really doing?

2.  What happened to the chap that was belted on the head with a beer bottle early Sunday morning?  Who is he?  Where did the bottle bashing occur?

Very tragic.  Very mysterious.

 #2 Gordon's Ferry is not where "most homos go to do their thing". Gordon's Ferry is were most men who are in the closet (married to females) go to have sex with other males. Most of the homosexuals I know don't go there. If "most" of them went there they would need a lot more parking.
Well it's where me and mine go to get on our nasty.  But I agree, they need more parking.  No, not just parking, VALET parking!

Yep and the bigger the lure the more they catch!

Why do people skirt around a drug problem by calling it a recreational drug?  Meth is death, don't you know that?  Death, and a whole lotta baby laxative cut-in.