The cinemaplex at Valley Plaza mall has been upgraded to include new 3D technology, theater owner Reading Cinemas announced Tuesday.

The new system, Dolby 3D Digital Cinema, uses color filtering technology to present three-dimensional images in realistic color and sharp images visible from anywhere in the theater. Viewers must wear special, reusable glasses to get the effect.

The cinemaplex expects to show several 3D releases over the next several months, including new films by Pixar and National Geographic Entertainment.

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Two months, two maps.

We have our latest home sales data, covering Dec. 29 to Jan. 4, mapped online.

Because the one week of data covers dates that fall in both December and January, you’ll see updates to both months’ maps.

We regularly publish single-family home sale transactions that occurred between individuals, as well as foreclosures.

The homes are color-coded by price, with information from First American Real Estate Solutions compiled by reporter Jenny Shearer.. Highlights for Dec. 29 to Jan. 4:

• 78 homes are new on the two maps.

• Priciest? One sold for $539,000 in the 93311 ZIP code. It was 3,554 square feet.

• Cheapest? One sold for $41,000 in the 93306 ZIP code. It was 840 square feet.

Any thoughts on the prices?

— Christine Peterson

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Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield announced Wednesday that it will lay off more than 50 employees at its southwest and downtown campuses in the next 90 days. The cuts will impact nursing positions as well as employees in other areas, said Mercy spokeswoman Sandy Doucette.

"It's not a financial decision, it had to due with traffic" at the two campuses, Doucette said.

The exact number of individuals to be laid off is not yet known, according to Doucette.

The announcement comes following the closure of Mercy's skilled nursing facility at the Truxtun Campus on Jan. 1, a move hospital officials said was taken to protect Mercy's overall financial strength. Hospital officials said they would try to transfer the 22 nurses and nurse assistants at the facility to other positions.

Here's the full text of Mercy's news release:

“Mercy Hospitals has announced it will reduce its workforce in response to changes in the number of patients being seen and reduced Medi-Cal reimbursement rates due to California’s budget situation.

More than 50 employees may be impacted in the next 90 days.

The proactive measure, however difficult, will ensure that Mercy continues to maintain a staffing level appropriate for the volume of patients being treated in the hospital. It is not a choice arrived at quickly or without consideration for staff and patients. Responding to the change in business is necessary so that Mercy may continue on its mission of providing compassionate, high-quality health services to the Bakersfield community.

Regularly rated as preferred providers among Bakersfield residents, Mercy Hospitals is on firm financial footing and has achieved record-high patient and employee satisfaction levels in recent years.

Hospital staff was notified of the reduction by Mercy’s Executive Team in a series of employee forums. The employees directly impacted will be informed individually. Employees that are eligible will receive a severance package. 

The level of care patients receive will not be impacted nor will any services will be eliminated.

Other measures to help offset the impact of changes in patient volume and reduced reimbursement rates have been implemented. For example, a hiring freeze and a capital freeze among other strategies are already in place."

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It's fun, sometimes, to enter into a friendly wager if you can spare a few bucks.

Question is, can you spare a few bucks?

Sales of California Lottery tickets have dropped since the onset of the economic downturn, and casinos are having to work harder to woo reluctant gamblers.

Have you cut back on gambling since the recession began, or do you figure now's the best time, cuz you could really use the winnings?

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Whether you’re looking for a modest or upscale home, you can see what property is going for on our sales maps.

Our latest update, covering Dec. 22 to 28, is online now.

We regularly publish single-family home sale transactions that occurred between individuals, as well as foreclosures.

The homes are color-coded by price, with information from First American Real Estate Solutions that is compiled by reporter Jenny Shearer. Highlights for Dec. 22 to 28:

• 70 homes are new on the map.

• Priciest? One sold for $360,000 in the 93306 ZIP code. It was 2,684 square feet.

• Cheapest? One sold for $46,000 in the 93308 ZIP code. It was 1,308 square feet.

— Christine Peterson

RadioShack is working with the American Library Association to prepare television viewers for the transition to digital television.

The electronics retailer will hold a free informational presentation on the transition at 11 a.m. Saturday at Beale Memorial Library, 701 Truxtun Ave. 

On June 12, TV broadcasters will switch to an all-digital signal, effectively cutting off service to millions of analog televisions that depend on antennas.

Locally, all the major network affiliates have applied to the Federal Communications Committee to stop analog broadcasts Feb. 17.

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If you have ideas for a romantic but inexpensive Valentine's Day, do share. We'd like the lovers in and around Kern County to stay out of the doghouse, and stay out of the poor house, too.

A local company that offers IT services was recently ranked No. 61 out of 100 on an industry list.

ARRC Technology of Bakersfield is a managed service provider: It can help clients with phone systems and computer networks. 

The MSPmentor 100 index  includes small, medium and large companies. Companies must complete a lengthy online survey to be considered for it. A variety of criteria are used to calculate index rankings, including revenue and revenue growth, how many devices companies manage and number of technicians employed.

ARRC launched in 1992.

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It’s not often — and it may very well be the first time — you read about faith on this blog.

But for the 45 or so people who gathered at the Liberty Bell in downtown Bakersfield Tuesday night, it’s what they had in abundance.

They prayed for answers and solutions to what many described as the economic uncertainty and foreclosure crisis plaguing communities, including ours.

Among the words:

“Pray for families who are struggling,” said Pastor Victor Perez of Believers in Jesus Church.

“People aren’t seeing the whole picture, the children. We have to remember the children,” said Mary Lou Martinez, a seventh-grade language arts teacher, as she recounted the story of a student forced to move yet a fourth time in just a few months.

“We know that God makes a way in times when there seems to be no way,” said Pastor Vivian West of United in Christ Ministries, urging that people put their needs and trust in God during times of economic peril.

Tuesday was the night to pray, said Andrae Gonzales, executive director of Faith in Action Kern County, which brought people together for the evening.

Next week, at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, an action planning meeting will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 1515 Baker St. It will include representatives from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. All are welcome, Gonzales said.

One problem he’s hearing time and again, Gonzales said, is people facing foreclosure can’t get their lender to really talk with them. (The Feb. 17 gathering will focus on introducing policy requests to local and federal officials; it's not for one-on-one meetings with individual lenders.)

Those gathered Tuesday night expressed in spoken words and song their hope that things can get better. And it didn’t cost a dime.

— Christine Peterson, growth and economy team leader

El Popular Publisher and General Manager George Camacho sent this press release:

El Popular, Bakersfield’s oldest  active Spanish language publication, founded in 1983 by Raul Camacho, Sr.,  launched an online version of the weekly newsprint publication on February 6, 2009. The content of this site is also in Spanish but provides many English language informative links. News articles and pictures found in the print edition will be posted and archived, readers are also encouraged to be active participants by registering online. A bright new logo that is reflective of the San Joaquin Valley will be prominently displayed in both versions of El Popular.

Beginning on February 6, readers will also have noticed the smaller layout that will be forthcoming. The reduced width braodsheet provides for a more compact reader friendly publication and is also “green friendly” as paper usage and related costs are reduced.

“Many publications have already made the switch to this format and in keeping with industry standards, we follow suit in this regard.” Added Publisher George Camacho.

The address for the online edition is www.elpopularnews.com.
 

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The folks at Kern Schools Federal Credit Union sent this over:

Understanding a FICO score may seem like a puzzle. Don Goldammer, from California Credit Information Solutions will help consumers put the pieces together so they can understand how this important score can affect the consumers’ borrowing rates, terms, credit responsibility and more.

A FICO score is the most widely used credit score by lenders and creditors today.  The FICO score is used because it is objective, consistent, accurate and fast.  The 3 digit FICO score will determine what interest rate a consumer will pay on their credit cards, mortgages, and auto loans.

Kern Schools Federal Credit Union is providing this complimentary educational workshop on Improving Your FICO Score, Tuesday, February 17th from 6:00pm to 7:30pm at KSFCU’s Administration Building located at 9500 Ming Ave, just west of the Marketplace. 

Kern Schools Federal Credit Union’s goal is to educate the consumer on understanding what credit scoring is, what their individual score means, and how they can improve their overall credit rating. Consumers can sign-up by calling 833-7045 or going online at www.ksfcu.org.
 

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Whether you’re looking for a modest or upscale home, you can see what property is going for on our sales maps.

Our latest update, covering Dec. 15 to 21, is online now.

We regularly publish single-family home sale transactions that occurred between individuals, as well as foreclosures.

The homes are color-coded by price, with information from First American Real Estate Solutions compiled by reporter Jenny Shearer.

Highlights for Dec. 15 to 21:

• 94 homes are new on the map.

• Priciest? One sold for $525,000 in the 93312 ZIP code. It was 3,208 square feet.

• Cheapest? One sold for $45,000 in the 93308 ZIP code. It was 904 square feet.

— Christine Peterson

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Afternoon, Everybody.

We are mere weeks away from having a third Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market in Bakersfield. The store at Stockdale Highway and California Avenue is set to open Feb. 25. It's next to the Sport Chalet.

The markets are smaller than typical grocery stores and feature national and private-label brands. Stores are at Olive Drive and Jewetta Avenue and Panama Lane and Stine Road.

For those of you who are parents/teachers/school employees or just plain like to help, there's a pilot Shop for Schools program that you might want to consider.

Here's how it works: Accredited K-8 schools — public, private and homeschool associations — within a 3-mile radius of Fresh & Easy markets are eligible. Every $20 spent at the market between now and March 31 earns the school a $1 donation. If you spend $40.01, that earns your school $2. Turn in receipts to your school's fundraising coordinator.

There's a $5,000 cap to the receipt-rewards component. 

The school in California, Arizona and Nevada, respectively, that raises the most money would receive an additional $5,000 bonus.

For more information about the program, call 866-969-9849 or write shopforschools@freshandeasy.com.

According to Fresh & Easy, the following Bakersfield schools are enrolled:

Almondale Elementary
Amy B. Seibert Elementary
Berkshire Elementary
Charles H. Castle Elementary
Country Christian School
Curran Middle School
Endeavour Elementary
Granite Pointe Elementary
Horizon Elementary
Laurelglen Elementary
Munsey School
Olive Drive Elementary
Plantation Elementary
Planz Elementary
Ronald Reagan Elementary
Rosedale North Elementary
Roy W. Loudon
Valle Verde Elementary
Veterans Elementary
William B. Bimat Elementary
Louise Sandrini Elementary
Panama Elementary
Norris Elementary
Patriot Elementary
Donald E Suburu Elementary School
Palla Elementary
Freedom Middle School
Harris Elementary
Endeavour Elementary

— Jenny Shearer, staff writer

Interested in what the city of Taft should do with 46 acres it owns in the downtown area?

The city bought the land from Union Pacific Railroad, and officials believe development on it could transform Taft.

You can chime in about how you'd like to see the land used at a charrette. Discussion starts at 6 p.m. tonight (Feb. 9) at the Fort, 915 N. 10th St., in Taft. Refreshments will be served at 5:30 p.m.

What's a charrette? It's a collaborative workshop in which participants discuss and brainstorm how they'd like to see an area grow.

Results from tonight's charrette may be presented at a workshop later this month.

— Jenny Shearer, staff writer

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Parents, weigh in on the best and worst kid birthday party venues in Bakersfield:

American Kids Sports Center, 3622 Allen Road, northwest, 589-2100; and 4401 Ride St., southwest, 833-3986.

Basic: $170 for up to 10 children, $17 each additional child. Instruction and play time in gymnastics, dance, cheerleading or martial arts. Deluxe: $220 for up to 10 children, $22 each additional child. Activity time plus T-shirt for birthday child, party favors, pizza, drink, cake, paper products (plates, napkins, etc.)

American Sound Recording Studios, 2231 R St., Bakersfield, 93301. 864-1701.

$299 up to 10 kids, one hour of recording time for three songs, one hour to socialize and eat, if applicable. Each child goes home with a CD of the group’s music. $14-$20 extra per large pizza. Drinks are $5 per pitcher, unlimited refills. The $799 package includes a limo ride, invitations and goody bags.

Camelot Park, 1251 Oak St., Bakersfield, 93304. 325-5453.

 Pizza, soft drink, paper products, game tokens, gift for birthday child, $10.99 per child, minimum six guests, to $20.99 per child, unlimited outdoor attractions, 20 tokens per child.

CALM, 10500 Alfred Harrell Highway, Bakersfield, 93306. 872-2256.

Rent a picnic table at the covered bear pavilion for $25 to $60, depending on seating capacity. Birthday child gets free admission. Guests are charged at group rates with reservation: $4 per adult and $2 per child 3-17 years old. Children under age 3 free.

Chuck E. Cheese's, 3760 Ming Ave., Bakersfield, 93309. 397-7855.

$47.96 for four-child minimum, $11.99 per additional child. 20 game tokens per child. Two slices of one-topping pizza per child, paper products, unlimited soft drinks. Birthday show with Chuck E. Cheese.

City of Bakersfield Recreation and Parks Department, 326-3866.

Reservations for picnic table areas at city parks are $45, or $75 for one with a shelter cover. The Park at Riverwalk costs $100 to $150, depending on seating capacity.

Color Me Mine, 9000 Ming Ave., Bakersfield, 93311. 664-7366.

$18 to $36 per painter, depending on pottery piece, minimum eight. Some packages include ice cream cake, pizza, paper products.

Halle Rose’s Fantasy Tea Parties, 3000 Mall View Road, East Hills Mall, Bakersfield, 93304. 872-5110.

$295 for up to eight children, $25 per additional child. Dress up dresses, hair and makeup makeovers, fashion show, photo, party favor, gift for birthday girl, tea party and cake.

John’s Incredible Pizza Co., 3709 Rosedale Highway, Bakersfield, 93308. 859-1111.

Party packages range from $155.88 to $239.88 and include an all-you-can-eat buffet, unlimited soft drinks and game tokens. There is a 12-child minimum. Additional guests are $12.99 to $19.99 per child, depending on the package.

Monster Mini Golf, 4751 White Lane, Bakersfield, 93309. 397-8400.

Packages range from $150 Tuesday-Thursday, $175 Friday-Sunday for up to 12 children, redemption tickets for birthday child and guests, paper plates and cups, private room, 18 holes of golf to $350 for all that plus unlimited guests, toys for birthday child and guests, free return passes and more.

Pump It Up, 2841 Unicorn Road, Bakersfield, 93308. 392-8800.

$165 Monday through Thursday before 2 p.m., $195 after 2 p.m., for up to 15 children; or $215 Monday through Thursday and $255 Friday through Sunday for up to 26 children. Includes use of bounce houses, paper products and invitations.

Shabby Girls, 1920 F. St., Bakersfield, 93301. 325-2558.

$21 per child, add $5 per child for food. Hair and makeup makeovers, Karaoke, nail polish, lip gloss, each child chooses two favors from either wand, tiara or boa. Food is heart-shaped sandwiches, choice of cupcake or doughnut.

Skull Harbor, 3000 Mall View Road, East Hills Mall, Bakersfield, 93304. 872-5110.

$325 for up to eight children, $25 per additional child. Three pieces of pirate booty for each guest, photo souvenir for each guest, invitations and thank you cards, two deck hands/hosts. Guests don costumes and board a “pirate ship” where they get sword fighting lessons, then dine on fish, fruit, grog and skull cake.

The Wild Child Fun Center, 8500 Harris Road, Bakersfield, 93311. 747-3626.

$90 weekdays, $125 weekends for up to 10 children, $8 each additional child. That’s for use of three bounce houses and indoor toddler playground. Or $200 weekdays, $250 weekends, $10 each additional child for all that plus souvenir animal cups, pizza or sandwiches, party favors and drinks.

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A sale might not be the only way to solve the problems that have shut down Big West refinery on Rosedale Highway. But industry observers say it is the most likely resolution.

But this only begs the question: What kind of buyer are we talking about? People in the business shared their thoughts with reporter John Cox, who in turn put together a story for Sunday's Californian.

Read the exclusive story in Sunday’s Californian, available at newsstands and via convenient home delivery.

The performance of Bakersfield’s credit unions last year provides a view of what’s to come.

Since most credit union business is small and local — loans for cars, personal items and second mortgages, the losses add up to a unique, street-level glimpse of Bakersfield’s pocketbooks, reporter Gretchen Wenner writes. And the view from the street may surprise you.

Read the exclusive story in Sunday’s Californian, available at newsstands and via convenient home delivery.

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Everybody's cutting back on spending as we sink deeper into recession, but Courtenay Edelhart reports that according to a new National Retail Federation survey, certain expenditures are untouchable.

The Internet is sacred, it seems. So is cell phone service, followed by cable TV.

Luxury handbags were considered expendable, as were satellite radio, specialty clothing and high-end cosmetics.

What are your must-haves in the economic downturn?

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A new commercial real estate survey you may find interesting is out. (Once you get to this page, click on the download button on the right. Once you pull it up, you can subscribe to continue receiving the surveys.)

Here are the details from the people who put it out, in their words:

This report is generated by a partnership between Allen Matkins, the largest real estate and land use law firm in California, and UCLA Anderson Forecast, one of the most widely watched and often-cited economic outlooks for California and the nation. 

The Allen Matkins/UCLA Anderson Forecast California Real Estate Survey and Index Research Project polls a panel of California real estate professionals in the office space and investment market, and ask a series of questions to report various trends in the commercial real estate market.  The Survey and the resulting Index provide a measure of the commercial real estate supply-side participants’ view of current and future conditions.

Our own Gretchen Wenner wrote about the state of Kern's commerical real estate market in the February issue of Kern Business.

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Real estate auction company REDC swung through Bakersfield Jan. 26 as part of a week-long blitz to sell foreclosed homes in Southern California.

Here at the Rabobank, 82 properties were auctioned for $4.5 million, according to a news release from the company.

(Do the math: That averages less than $55,000 per property.)

“We’re the bright side – the silver lining, so to speak -- of today’s real estate foreclosure crisis,” Jeff Frieden, CEO of REDC and USHomeAuction.com, was quoted as saying in ther release. “We turn houses back into homes. It’s quite satisfying to be on this side of the equation.”

In all, the company says it auctioned 1,301 foreclosed homes for $129.4 million in seven days.

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Whether you’re looking for a modest or upscale home, you can see what property is going for on our sales maps. Our latest update, covering Dec. 8 to 14, is online now.

We regularly publish single-family home sale transactions that occurred between individuals, as well as foreclosures, with information compiled by reporter Jenny Shearer.

The homes are color-coded by price, with information from First American Real Estate Solutions. Highlights for Dec. 8 to 14:

• 94 homes are new on the map.

• Priciest? One sold for $910,000 in the 93311 ZIP code. It was 4,579 square feet.

• Cheapest? One sold for $22,000 in the 93307 ZIP code. It was 785 square feet.

Read our story about hope in the housing market.

Or check out our 12 homes and 12 photos showing what sold on one recent day.

— Christine Peterson