larger view

Today's news: Delta Air Lines will be pulling out of Bakersfield, taking away direct flights to Salt Lake City from Meadows Field. The service will end Sept. 1.

Read all about it here.

But that's not all — John Cox found out that prices on other flights out of Bakersfield could go up because overall, there won't be as many seats on planes out of the Thomas Terminal.

Will the changes interrupt your travel plans? Do you fly out of Meadows Field? What do you think of the prices?

larger view

Our latest home sales map is ready for a peek. Check it out here.

The map is updated with homes that sold in Bakersfield May 12 to 18, color-coded by sales price.

We regularly publish single-family home sale transactions that occurred between individuals. Since foreclosures, or bank-owned properties, now account for an increasing number of weekly sales, sales between banks and individuals are now being included.

Check out what homes are going for with the information from First American Real Estate Solutions compiled by reporter Vanessa Gregory.

Highlights for May 12 to 18:

• 76 homes are new on the map.

• Priciest? One sold for $1 million in the 93312 ZIP code. (It was 4,367 square feet.)

• Cheapest? One sold for $66,500 in the 93307 ZIP code. (It was 1,350 square feet.)

What do you think of the prices? Is now a good time to buy?

— Christine Peterson

larger view

Do you know what the woman to the left accomplished?

Read about her and many other people who are making a difference in business in Kern County.

People in Business is the place to announce professional achievements. Want to be in next week's list? It's best to submit to www.bakersfield.com/yourwords.

You can also mail contributions to The Bakersfield Californian, business editor, P.O. Bin 440, Bakersfield, CA 93302; faxed to 395-7519; or e-mailed to business@bakersfield.com. Sorry, photos that are submitted cannot be returned. For information, call 395-7345 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.

larger view larger view larger view larger view

I know what you're thinking: Why don't they put a trailer out there and let folks play?

At least that's what guys here in the newsroom said when I asked for golf contacts.

We're talking about the Greg Norman-designed McAllister Ranch course. It has weeds, big ones, growing in the fairways, another odd byproduct of the housing market downturn.

Other guys in the newsroom responded to the trailer suggestion: It's not a trailer kind of a golf course. (I figured there must be some insurance/liabilty issues.)

There are a few archive photos posted for your viewing pleasure (you can see them best if you click on the magnifying glass icon).

Now the golfers out there can figure out what to do with the course....trailers? Weed hazards?

-- Staff writer Gretchen Wenner 

Hello. I'm working to localize a New York Times story about people who moved to the boonies for more space but might now be thinking of returning to an urban setting because fuel prices are so expensive.

How about you, bloggers? Any one live in Tehachapi or another outlying area and  commute to Bakersfield? Ever think of moving closer to work to save on fuel costs?

I'd need to hear from you by 4 p.m. Friday, June 27. You can reach me at 395-7234. Or  post your thoughts to this blog.

Thanks,

Jenny Shearer, staff writer

A few news organizations around the country have reported on a renewed interest in yard sales among people looking to make some quick cash — or to buy some basics without breaking the bank.

The stories tell of people hard-pressed for funds, especially in the wake of high gas prices.

I have friends who love shopping yard sales because they might happen upon a great find, especially antiques or items just old enough to be of interest. They say they discover great deals they wouldn't find elsewhere. (I'm not convinced!)

Have you held a garage sale to raise money? Do you shop at yard sales?

— Christine Peterson

Most of you probably already heard about California's Attorney General suing Countrywide Financial, saying the company used deceptive practices to push homeowners into risky loans.

Why? Because in recent years, lenders like Countrywide stopped holding loans in their own portfolios, seeking instead to resell them on the secondary market. While the old system favored careful underwriting, the new gave an incentive to get folks into riskier loan products, a press release from the Attorney General's office says.

Anyway, if you're interested in how yesterday's lending practices contributed to today's foreclosures, the full lawsuit (attached) is a fascinating read.

-Vanessa Gregory, staff writer

Here's a "raw report" press release from the Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce:

REMINDER! The deadline for submitting Leadership Bakersfield applications is Friday, June 27 at 5:00 p.m.  Staff will be on-hand until the cut-off time, so please be sure to deliver your completed application to the Chamber at 1725 Eye St.
An application is available online at http://www.bakersfieldchamb...
 
Should you have any questions or if you need additional information or assistance, please e-mail tsterling@bakersfieldchamber.org, go online for program details <http://www.bakersfieldchamb... or call 661-327-4421.

larger view

With gas prices soaring and rising food costs, brides are having to find ways to scale back their dream weddings to meet a budget.

Eva Soto managed to save $4,000 on her wedding by using artificial flowers, making her own veil and crafting her own centerpieces.

"With all the money used for gas and food, people don't have the money for these big weddings you see on TV," she said. "You can still make your dream wedding elegant just through decorating and lighting."

Another bride, Vicki Garcia, said her wedding day was too important to scale back.

What do you think? Would you scale back your big day? Do you have any money-saving tips on ways to cut wedding costs?

Here's the link to the story and video: http://www.bakersfield.com/...

- Maggie Creamer

larger view

Our latest home sales map is ready for a peek. Check it out here.

The map is updated with homes that sold in Bakersfield May 4 to 11, color-coded by sales price.

We regularly publish single-family home sale transactions that occurred between individuals. Since foreclosures, or bank-owned properties, now account for an increasing number of weekly sales, sales between banks and individuals are now being included.

Check out what homes are going for with the information from First American Real Estate Solutions compiled by reporter Vanessa Gregory.

Highlights for May 4 to 11:

• 76 homes are new on the map.

• Priciest? One sold for $650,000 in the 93312 ZIP code. (It was 4,273 square feet.)

• Cheapest? One sold for $68,000 in the 93305 ZIP code. (It was 867 square feet.)

What do you think of the prices and the current market?

— Christine Peterson

The Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce is holding "Stars and Stripes 2008," a business after hours trade show mixer on Tuesday.

It's from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Holiday Inn Select, 801 Truxtun Ave.

About 50 businesses will be there, plus there will be prizes and food.

Admission is $5 at the door without a coupon, but there are "free admission for two" coupons floating around, too.

larger view

Kern County’s unemployment rate has gone up over this time last year, according to data released by the state’s Employment Development Department on Friday.

Kern unemployment rate slipped slightly to 9.5 percent in May, down from a revised 9.7 percent in April but above an estimated 7.6 percent in May of last year. 

This compares with a May unemployment rate of 6.5 percent for California and 5.2 percent for the nation.

Gains in other sectors offset the loss of 7,100 Kern County farm jobs over the past year so that overall local job losses totaled 4,900. Construction jobs continue to be casualties of the ongoing housing slump, with 1,000 fewer positions in Kern County compared with May 2007.

The public sector enjoyed the biggest gains. There were 900 more government jobs here last month compared with the same month last year.

larger view

Valley Plaza Mall will add three new stores in time for back-to-school shopping.

Mrs. Fields, G by GUESS and Select Comfort will join aboujt 130 stores at the mall and should open by late summer. COACH will also open around the same time.

“We are excited to add all these merchants to our retail mix,” General Manager Donna Berlin said in a press release.

Mrs. Fields sells cookies, G by GUESS is a men’s and women’s clothing store, Select Comfort sells mattresses and COACH sells designer handbags.

What do you think of the new places? What do you want to see at the mall?

— Maggie Creamer

larger view

Do you know what the man to the left accomplished?

Read what he did in this week's People in Business column.

People in Business is the place to announce professional achievements. Want to be in next week's list? It's best to submit to www.bakersfield.com/youwords.

You can also mail contributions to The Bakersfield Californian, business editor, P.O. Bin 440, Bakersfield, CA 93302; faxed to 395-7519; or e-mailed to business@bakersfield.com. Sorry, photos that are submitted cannot be returned. For information, call 395-7345 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Hello out there,

I'm working on a story about nightlife locations in Bakersfield. Some of our city's most popular spots are in shopping centers or industrial areas, which I find a bit quirky, being a relative newbie.

Think Lengthwise and RJ's and newer options such as Randolph's Lounge and Rockstarz Party Bar (both off Meany Avenue in the northwest). 

Where are your favorite bars and why do you like them? How does a bar's location register with you when deciding where to go? Do you give it a second thought? Yes or no, I'd like to hear from you.

If you'd like to be interviewed for possible inclusion in my story, please call: 395-7234. I'd need to hear from you by 11 a.m. Friday. Or you can post your comments to this blog, and we might use them to complement the story.

Thanks in advance...and cheers.

— Jenny Shearer, staff writer

What's important? Maintaining open space? Having enough water? Plenty of affordable housing?

The Kern Council of Governments is putting on a Kern Regional Blueprint Summit to gather answers to those questions. Leaders there have invited all county supervisors, and councilmembers from throughout the county, according to a Kern COG press release. The public is invited too.

What: Kern Regional Blueprint Summit

When: 6-9 p.m. Thursday, June 26, 2008

Where: Doubletree Hotel, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court in Bakersfield

Why does it matter? According to Kern COG's press release on the summit, the county's population is projected to grow to 2.1 million people within 50 years.

Yep, that's nearly triple the people we have now!

The IRS believes more than 14,000 Kern County residents, especially retirees and disabled veterans, haven't filed for an economic stimulus payment to which they are entitled, according to an IRS press release issued today.

The IRS plans, later this summer, to send those folks a letter explaining their eligibility and how to file a tax return, according to the IRS press release.

According to the press release:

"The Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 generally provided for payments of $600 ($1,200 for married couples filing joint returns or the amount equal to the 2007 net income tax liability, whichever is less, ), plus $300 for each qualifying child. Payments also begin to phase out for individuals with adjusted gross incomes greater than $75,000 ($150,000 married couples filing jointly). "
 
"For people who have no tax liability or no tax filing requirement, there is a minimum payment of $300 ($600 for married couples), plus the $300 for each qualifying child. To be eligible for the minimum payment, individuals must have at least $3,000 in qualifying income.  Qualifying income includes any combination of earned income, nontaxable combat pay and certain benefit payments from Social Security, Veterans Affairs and Railroad Retirement."

"People not otherwise required to file an income tax return should file Form 1040A with basic information to ensure they receive the economic stimulus payment. This information includes name; address; dependents, if any; amount of qualifying income (which must be $3,000 or more); direct deposit information and signatures. Forms 1040A and instructions are available at www.irs.gov."

larger view

Feeling richer?

According to data out today, the personal income of people in the U.S. grew 1.1 percent in the first quarter of 2008 over the previous quarter. That's from the Bureau of Economic Analysis.

The bureau offers a neat little chart about all the states.

It's good to be in North Dakota, where personal income grew by 7.6 percent.

In Arkansas, it dropped 1.9 pecent.

How about California? Our personal income grew by 1 percent, ranking us No. 21 in the country.

Click here for more tables and charts.

— Christine Peterson

Here's a "raw report" press release from the Auto Club's Bakersfield office:

(BAKERSFIELD, June 18, 2008) – The Automobile Club of Southern California’s Bakersfield office, 1500 Commercial Way, will host a winter vacation planning Open House on Saturday, June 28, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The open house will introduce travelers to vacation packages available exclusively through AAA Travel. These unique winter itineraries include:

•    A Canadian polar bear safari
•    A trip to witness the Iditarod Race in Alaska
•    Yellowstone National Park and a Wyoming tour by sleigh or snowmobile
•    A “Norman Rockwell Christmas” tour of the Berkshires
•    A Sundance Film Festival Tour
•    A New York visit to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Each escorted winter tour, operated by AAA SignaTours, includes lodging, some meals and access to the featured attractions. Auto Club members will receive special benefits and discounts on the packages.

For more information, contact the Bakersfield Auto Club office at (661) 327-4661.

Loading...

Larger Map

larger view

Bakersfield bicycle shop Action Sports was named to a bicycle trade magazine’s annual “Top 100 Retailer” list of specialty bike sellers.

“Bicycle Retailer and Industry News” hired Boulder Sports Research Inc. to survey sales representatives for seven bicycle manufacturers and seven bike accessory manufacturers who know and visit stores on a regular basis. The sales reps were asked to vote for the leading retailers in their territories based on market share, community outreach and store appearance. The top 100 list was culled from about 5,000 specialty bicycle retailers in the United States.

The stores were ranked alphabetically, not by the number of votes, so everyone who made the list was honored equally.

Action Sports, 9500 Brimhall Road, called making the list “a huge compliment.”

The 20-year-old store prides itself on its ongoing training programs for employees and extensive inventory of 13 bicycle brands, said owner Kerry Ryan.

The top 100 list appeared in the magazine’s February issue.

— Courtenay Edelhart

Loading...

Larger Map

larger view

A chicken wings pick-up and delivery service opened Tuesday inside a Pizza Hut store on Panama Lane in southwest Bakersfield.

The WingStreet location, 3351 Panama Lane, sells chicken wings in a variety of styles, as well as appetizers and side orders. Operating hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday.

There are more than 700 WingStreet stores in the United States, Australia and Canada.

Homeowners can learn about options after falling behind on house payments at a free foreclosure prevention workshop.

It will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. June 26 at the Kern Schools Federal Credit Union Administration Building, 9500 Ming Ave., just west of the Marketplace.

Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Kern & Tulare Counties will conduct the workshop.

Staff members will be available to talk with individual homeowners who have questions about their existing mortgages; bring copies of your loan documents.

Sign up at 833-7926 or www.ksfcu.org.

Here's a dispatch from assistant editor John Cox:

A Nebraska company is looking for franchisees to open one or two new home health care locations in or near Kern County.

The county’s first Right at Home office, owned by franchisees David and Terri Mazone, launched in Bakersfield in September. Now the Omaha, Neb.-based company wants to open more offices serving Kern’s growing number of senior citizens.

“What’s really more important to us is finding that right partner,” company founder and President Allen Hager said.

Right at Home provides in-home companionship and care to people age 65 and older. For more information, visit www.rightathome.net, or call 877-697-7537.

larger view

The Sequoia Sandwich Co., a Bakersfield-based chain of delis, is opening a fourth location this month in the Clovis Commons Shopping Center in Fresno County as part of the company’s long-term growth plans in the Central Valley.

The new store, to open June 25, is company-owned.

“We have thought about franchising from time to time and are open to the possibility, but there are no short-term plans to do that,” said co-owner Gary Blackburn. “Our plan is to open maybe two to three more company stores over the next five years.”

Read more here.

larger view

Congressman Kevin McCarthy, R-Bakersfield, rang the opening bell at NASDAQ today.

McCarthy is on the House Financial Services Committee, which oversees capital markets and financial institutions.

He is on a one-day trip to New York to "make Wall Street more aware of housing and energy costs in California communities, and tour trading facilities," according to a press release from his office.

You can see more pictures here.

McCarthy also talked with Fox Business about housing and gas prices. I couldn't see the video on my computer, but I did find a transcript of his comments.

larger view

Our latest home sales maps are ready for a peek. You'll find our April map here, and also a map for the first part of May.

These maps are updated with homes that sold in Bakersfield April 28 to May 4, color-coded by sales price. Since there is data for April and May, you’ll find the information on two maps.

We regularly publish single-family home sale transactions that occurred between individuals. Since foreclosures, or bank-owned properties, now account for an increasing number of weekly sales, sales between banks and individuals are now being included.

Check out what homes are going for with the information from First American Real Estate Solutions compiled by reporter Vanessa Gregory.

Highlights for April 28 to May 4:

• 53 homes are new on these maps.

• Priciest? One sold for $625,000 in the 93312 ZIP code. (It was 3,337 square feet.)

• Cheapest? One sold for $75,000 in the 93306 ZIP code. (It was 1,235 square feet.)

What do you think of the prices and the current market?

— Christine Peterson

larger view

Are you putting off a computer purchase because you're using every bit of your money for the basics, like rent/ mortgage, food and gas?

Reporter Courtenay Edelhart has found that to be true after talking to folks at several computer stores. Read her story here.

Some people who want more memory or other bells and whistles are trying to add to their old computers.

How long do you hold onto a computer? Have you tried to repair an old one rather than spending money on a new one?

larger view

Do you know what the woman to the left accomplished?

Read all about her achievements, and those of many others, in this week's People in Business column.

People in Business is the place to announce professional achievements. Want to be in next week's list? It's best to submit to www.bakersfield.com/yourwords.

You can also mail contributions to The Bakersfield Californian, business editor, P.O. Bin 440, Bakersfield, CA 93302; faxed to 395-7519; or e-mailed to business@bakersfield.com. Sorry, photos that are submitted cannot be returned. For information, call 395-7345 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.

larger view

Yikes!

I was beyond astounded last night when I pumped $44.01 worth of gas into my nice little Saturn. The meter just kept flashing higher numbers. Past $20. Knew that much. Past $30. Figured that much too, of course. But then, suddenly — $35. It didn't stop at $40 either, but continued on to $44.01.

I have never in my life put $44.01 of gas into a car at once. Never.

In fact, as I drove away, I was thinking of the days when I didn't even need a $20 bill to fill an entire tank.

Remember the days about a decade ago when gas, for a brief time during the summer, was 99 cents a gallon here? That same summer, when I spent a week in the Midwest, it was only 89 cents a gallon. 89 cents!!

I really am starting to think about where I drive.

(This photo from the Associated Press is from a Shell gas station in San Mateo on Tuesday.)

— Christine Peterson

larger view

Bakersfield's options for a Saturday night on the town may soon expand.

Knoxville, Tenn.-based Regal Entertainment Group plans add a digital IMAX theater next year to the Edwards Bakersfield 14 on Ming Avenue near Cal State Bakersfield.

IMAX, in case you haven't been to one, is considered the most complete movie experience going. It gives the viewer a greater sense of immersion with more light and detail on a bigger screen. The sound is better, too.

For years the format was known for science films, but lately blockbusters have been produced with the IMAX system, including Kung Fu Panda and Speed Racer. A Regal marketing manager said the Bakersfield venue will show three-dimensional films as well.

There's an added cost to be paid to get in, though the company hasn't released the amount yet. So our question to you is, how much might you be willing to pay to see an IMAX film once the theater complex opens in about a year or so?

Here's a "raw report" press release from the Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce:

Graduation ceremonies for the Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce Leadership Bakersfield Class of 2008 are set for Friday, June 20 at The Petroleum Club, 5060 California Avenue Ste. 1200. Twenty-eight participants representing a diverse range of businesses will be honored for completing an intensive leadership- and community-awareness development program.

Program graduates are: Ian Anderson, Kern Schools Federal Credit Union; Lynnette Bailey, Kaiser Permanente; Kelly Barber, San Joaquin Community Hospital; Chad Brock, NAI Capital Commercial; Renante Cadiz, Frito-Lay, Inc.; Ed Flickinger, Kern Council of Governments; Michael George, Agape Mortgage; David Gordon, Bakersfield Museum of Art; Patty Gray, DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen; Karina Gutierrez, Global CTI Group, Inc.; Joe Hay, Jim Burke Ford; Alice Huang, Aera Energy LLC; Sandra Juarez, Kaiser Permanente; Catherine Kibbey, Bakersfield Police Department; Roy Kintz, University of Phoenix; Kevin Klockenga, Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield; Carlton Lennon, Bank of the Sierra; Roy Marchetti, Kern County Superintendent of Schools; Jarrod McNaughton, San Joaquin Community Hospital; Patricia Mitchell, McIntosh & Associates; Kimberley Mudford, Chevron North America Exploration & Production; Joe Mullins, Bakersfield Police Department; Vicki Norman, kern Schools Federal Credit Union; Tim Scanlon, Klein, DeNatale, Goldner et al.; David Szabo, Wells Fargo Bank; Dave Taylor, Hall Ambulance Service, Inc.; Lori Tolleson, Get Moving Kern; and Jeff Watts, Bakersfield Police Department.

Evening festivities begin at 6:00 p.m., featuring keynote speaker Dr. Sandra Serrano, Chancellor, Kern Community College District. Emcee is Jeff Lemucchi, KBAK-TV 29.
Cost is $40 per person. For additio