Thursday, the Breaking News Team posted a press release from the Delano PD alerting the public to a possible gang initiation that would involve the gang members rear ending someone, then shooting the driver.

The media was all over it, as noted in this previous Bakosphere blog.

Lucky for us, blogger OldBlue56 pointed out the fact that the hoax was making the rounds. He found it on Snopes.com. The Californian didn't fall for it, and didn't print anything about the hoax in the next day's edition.

OldBlue, are you gonna take up the Breaking News Team's offer to come for a visit? Team leader Davin thanks you.

Incidentally, according to Snopes, the hottest urgan legends right now have to do with gas prices. Answer these true or false, then go to this link to see the answers.

TRUE OR FALSE?

Boycotting gas brands will bring overall gas prices down.
Participating in a "gas out" will do the same.
Signing a petition to President Bush will help lower gas prices.
Riding your bike or walking instead of driving will save you money on gas.

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For all the debating and dare we say arguing that goes on within the Bakersfield.com blogosphere, the bloggers seem like a friendly bunch in person.

Saturday, about 20 of them (organized by TomW) met up at Dagny's to see just who is behind each online personality. If you ever read the blog comments on Bakersfield.com and in the newspaper, you'll want to check out these links to see the faces behind the bloggers.

AudreyB posted tons of photos and bloggers are already planning a barbecue!

And WoofWoof has posted a few photos too.

So if you've lurked on the blogs but haven't participated yet, jump in! You won't get bit!

Is there anything to reports from Delano police about a possible gang initiation taking place in Delano and McFarland?

Bakersfield.com posted the press release on our Breaking News Team blog.  "This information has not been substantiated nor do we know if it is credible."

Channel 29 had the most in-depth story, including a remarkably to-the-point text message and quotes of scared residents. 

Channel 23 points out that police don't want you to get out of your car, but rather drive straight to the police station. A map might have been useful, but we've included one on this post.

Meanwhile, Channel 17's reporting left us a bit confused: "Criminals who want to be initiated into gangs will be asked to intentionally cause car crashes, and then will shoot the driver of other cars."

If there's even less reason to visit Delano or McFarland this might be it.

From the Urban Legend Web site on this type of thing.

This blog comes with a language warning, but the Mile High Ramblings blogger is angry about Kern officials giving the thumbs-up to a corn-powered ethanol plant. The blogger is particularly upset with Wendy Wayne's enthusiastic support.

The next blog post caught our attention because it stated: "Meet singles over 30 who want the same thing you want." Now isn't that kind of thing illegal?

And this one (going on about Condors tickets) makes absolutely no sense at all.

And just when you thought blogging was the domain of complete morons, a post promoting an event that looks pretty neat.

There's something for everyone on the Web.

Ever wondered what the urinals in our Amtrak station look like?

How about the Sequoia Sandwich urinals?

And those at Meadows Field?

The site was discovered by our health reporter. Go figure!

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Tehachapi soldier Matt McCool, who was injured in Iraq by a roadside bomb, is recovering in Germany and may be transferred to the U.S. soon.

McCool has been blogging at The Tehachapi News about his experiences in Iraq. His dad is providing news about his condition on his own blog.

He was "joking with his buddies" despite his injuries, Channel 23 reports.

Earlier this month, he had re-enlisted in the Army for four more years, his dad said in a recent blog post.

Here's wishing him the best of luck.

In Off to see the County, a couple travels arund North America in their motor home, stopping in Bakersfield for a birthday.

Meanwhile, the KRCA celebrated St. Patrick's Day at Noriega's.

And finally a blogger searches for a local recycling site that actually pays the CRV and not the weight of the bottles and cans.

First off, an Iraq veteran's wife feels for the family of a returning soldier who is being bombarded by news media and well-wishing strangers:

"i understand people appreciate what our soldiers do, but i am sure his family would like to have him to themselves for a minute."

Next up, councilman Zack Scrivner gets a shoutout from "an occasional blog of opinions by a politically independent, libertarian gun nut in Vermont."

And lastly, the hip-hop group Animal Farm blogs about their experience in Bakersfield: "Now I know that Jehovah’s Witnesses might not be the biggest hip-hop fans in the world, but they didn’t need to call the police when they found out we were having a show."

A disgruntled blogger and "Jericho" fan laments the show's cancellation and wonders if there's anything worth watching on TV anymore.

Well, The San Francisco Chronicle's TV critic has some news for him: You thought there was a lot of reality TV now? Just wait!

Or you could get up off the couch and visit the new park that opened today in Bakersfield.

And finally, check out the investigative panache of Channel 17 as a father questions the child support he's paying to his ex-wife in an e-mail to the local TV station.

Bakersfield is often judged by its stores and restaurants, so today's double scoop of commercial news should have locals giggling with glee.

Our Money Talks blog has discovered the impending arrival of Williams-Sonoma (read the story here) and Ben & Jerry's (get the details here).

Among Williams-Sonoma plans are knive-sharpening classes, while Ben & Jerry's hopes to have its first scoop shop open by the summer.

You have your home and your workplace, but do you have a 3rd place? Join the interesting discussion on the blog, Creative Community Etc.

Perhaps Ben & Jerry's will fit the bill!

There's a local author who has a new novel coming out later this month called "Goldeneyes."

And there's a 10-year-old boy who produces homemade aerogels.

And if that isn't enough, don't miss the photos of a rock on the Streets of Bakersfield blog.

A little politics for you on this glorious Tuesday morning from Kern, and way beyond.

First off, it appears Hillary Clinton didn't dodge sniper fire when she landed in Bosnia 12 years ago. She 'misspoke.' Video footage shows her calmly walking from the airplane. Read the story here.

Dean Florez didn't misspoke when he called Gov. Schwarzenegger's budget proposal a "chicken way out."

Arnold's response: "He can't help himself. He has always been like that and he will always be like that."

Watch footage of Schwarzenegger in Bakersfield Monday.

And finally, N.Y. Gov. David Paterson admits smoking dope and snorting blow!

A blogger blames the Amber Alert for the boy who was buried alive last week for increasing his commute time in Los Angeles from 16 minutes to 1 hour and 9 minutes.

He writes that the alert should have been taken down immediately when it was determined the boy hadn't been kidnapped.

Read his blog post here.

A teenage girl writes about a trip her and fellow church choir members took to Universal Studios and Forest Lawn on the I-Shall-Remain-Nameless blog. Read her entertaining account here.

And talking of travels, a Kiwi arrives in Bakersfield and can't wait to leave. What? He's obviously not going to try the lamb stew at Noriega's.

Read reviews of Noriega's here.

The Bakersfield Hash House Harriers would probably prefer the Picon punches at Noriega's seeing as they bill themselves as a 'Drinking Club with a Running Problem." The running club is holding a run tonight.

And finally, some friends get together in downtown Bakersfield and take some photos. Check them out here.

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Sobering news today as the U.S. death toll in Iraq passed the 4,000 mark. Read the story here.

The number was reached a week or so after the fifth anniversary of the war in Iraq.

Check out our multimedia memorial to Kern troops who have lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan.

After meeting with his top commander in Iraq this morning, Bush is expected to embrace recommendations for a pause in troop withdrawals beyond those already scheduled.

Here is our moving slideshow honoring Kern's fallen heroes.

It seems like those darn terrorists are everywhere nowadays. Our story Friday about the diesel drums found in the back of a U-Haul on Brundage Lane made the National Terror Alert Web site.

Read our story and check out the orange booties worn by hazmat crewmembers here.

Also, Marc Deleon, owner of Mad Dog Tattoo in Bakersfield, gets a shoutout from Body Tattoo in his run for mayor.

There are wildflowers on Granite Road outside of Bakersfield, according to the Travels and Adventures blog.

And finally an inspirational story about a couple riding their three-wheeled bicycles from Sacramento to Las Vegas to raise money for charity have just completed the Wasco to Bakersfield portion of their adventure. Read about their travels here.

The blog, Rescue Dog Central, links to our coverage of Kern's pet euthanasia problem and warns mandatory spay/neuter proponents that they're in for a tough fight.

You can debate the merits of the program on reporter James Burger's Quirks of the County blog here.

Meanwhile, a sex offender asks the city of Bakersfield for help, according to a Channel 29 story.

Delia Latham, a local author, answers questions about her new novel, "Goldeneyes," in a blog about books.

And finally, Channel 23 has an interview with the best friend of the boy who died in a south Bakersfield sump on Wednesday.

What are you doing to save money now we're in a recession and gas prices are approaching $4 per gallon? Lots of good ideas on the Ganesh blog.

Neverbelacking wants to take an Easter day trip out of Bakersfield. Help him decide where to go at his Best Day Trip blog.

Should women be on SWAT teams? Our Breaking News Team opens the topic up for discussion.

And to wrap it all up a brilliant blog topic with some interesting responses on Dr BLT's Blog n Roll Studio. He asks "Are blog communities real communities? Are blog people real people?"

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Yesterday's story of the missing 9-year-old who was later found dead near his home is a tragic tale that sent swarms of police and media to the boy's peaceful south Bakersfield neighborhood.

Bakersfield.com called it a "tragic ending to a bizarre day," and had a sidebar story on a neighbor who rushed to help dig out the buried boy when his body was discovered. You could have followed the news as it was happening on our Breaking News Team blog.

Channel 17's coverage includes the story: 'Neighbors in shock following death of boy.', while Channel 23's news story links to a staff blog saying that we need to pay attention to what our kids are doing.

Channel 29 doesn't have much, but it does have a picture of the boy we haven't seen anywhere else.

And finally, if you like your news coverage a little drier, here's what the Associated Press is reporting.

Just to prove that there's a blog related to every imaginable topic, Bakosphere salutes Thumbing Through, a blog dedicated to thumbs.

In today's post, Thumbing Through recounts the story of Ronnie Gene Crowder, who grew up herding cattle from the Kern River Valley. Crowder was roping steers when he had his thumb ripped off and left hanging by a 'sliver of meat.'

Meanwhile on the blog, Miss Rodeo California, Maegan Ridley gives a thumbs up to the Kern County Sheriff's Mounted Posse.

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A man may have shot and kidnapped a 9-year-old boy in south Bakersfield on Wednesday morning.

All the local news sites are covering this story. Here's what they have so far:

Bakersfield.com: Police: Man may have shot, kidnapped child in south Bakersfield ("A man wearing a mask or heavy makeup got out of the car and shot Zane")

Channel 29: Breaking News Alert: Child shot and kidnapped ("He was wearing denim shorts at the time of the incident")

KUZZ: POSSIBLE KIDNAPPING IN SOUTH BAKERSFIELD ("Police say the weapon may have been a paintball gun.")

Channel 17: Police investigate possible child shooting, kidnap ("details are sketchy")

Channel 23: Boy, 9, Possibly Shot, Kidnapped ("he's a great boy")

Video: A Scot with a dodgy accent and two Bakersfield Condors with cool sunglasses and bald heads debate what's more manly, ice hockey or the upcoming Scottish Games?

Meanwhile, Dan and Teri Gregg travel from the midwest to the Pacific Coast and back. and recount their adventures. Yesterday they passed through Bakersfield from Tehachapi and loved the views.

And finally, a road trip to Bakersfield ends up in the Condors dressing room as detailed in michelleafshar's live journal.

The war in Iraq has now lasted 5 years.

We talked to the parents of Bakersfield's Clay Farr, who was killed in Iraq in 2006.

Watch a video of President Bush's words and views from the last 5 years of war.

Bush defended his decision to invade Iraq in a speech he delivered this morning.

Meanwhile, local blogger sagefever asks that the fallen soldiers aren't forgotten in her blog, Deep Thoughts.

With that in mind, here is our slideshow of Kern's brave departed.

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Actor Thomas Jane (The Punisher," "The Mist") was arrested on suspicion of DUI just outside Buttonwillow and it's no surprise the media is all over it.

He was driving a 2008 Maserati at 124 mph, according to the CHP. Read The Californian's story here.

Here's what the Hollywood Grind has to say about the arrest. Here is the Grind's disclaimer: " Hollywood Grind is a celebrity gossip site which publishes rumors, opinions, third party source opinions and rumors, and conjecture, in addition to accurately reported facts."

Bumpshack.com points out that Jane played baseball’s greatest drunk, Mickey Mantle, in "61*" and includes a bare-chested photo of the actor.

Most obvious headline goes to hollywood-newsroom.com 'The Punisher is Punished!'

Are anyone else's allergies kicking into top gear?

Makes you want to go on a road trip. Bakersfield's Andrew Feil, over at the Feil Life, is blogging about his travel experiences with his bride. They're in Portland now. Read about their trip here.

Benadryl is the current medicine of choice. What works for you?

Paul, over at Setting The Woods On Fire, is posing the question: "Who invented country rock?"

He lists such acts as The Byrds, Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley, The Everly Brothers, Jerry Lee Lewis and the Beatles.

Finally he lists Buck Owens. Down in the comments, Paul writes "I think a lot of credit should go to Buck Owens for electrifying his country style so much. Buck Owens was the country artist that most energized the rock crowd. His music could be called rock-country."

We want to know, what's the difference between country rock and rock country?

Dr. BLT, care to help us out with this one?

Happy St. Pat's! The celebrating has started early today.

The Tam O'Shanter started pouring the beer and serving up green eggs and ham this morning at 6 a.m.! Any drunk bloggers out there yet?

And at 8:45 a.m., Bakersfield.com blogger Dr. BLT gathered peeps together at Starbucks on Merle Haggard Drive to sing his new song, "Lucky Buck." Please let us know how that went!

Looking for something to do today? Check out this list of local events. And here's a map to help you stagger around town. (Bakosphere lesson of the day: Don't Drink and Drive)

epiScope, a blog that bills itself as "looking over the Episcopal Church," has posted a number of links to articles about the ousting of former Diocese of San Joaquin leader, Bishop John-David Schofield. The language in the articles is a study in journalist description, with words like "stripped," "deposed," "defrocked," "ousted," and "kicked out.

The blogger begins by clarifying some key points:

1. We’re Episcopalians, not “Episcopals.” (Just like those folks down the street are Methodists, not Methods.)
2. The ecclesiastical body known as the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin hasn’t left the Episcopal Church just because some of its members have.
3. +Gene Robinson isn’t the first gay bishop, or the first openly gay bishop, in the Episcopal Church, the Anglican Communion, or Christendom. He’s the first openly gay man to be consecrated bishop. (That we know of. 1,980 years--plus or minus a few--is a long, long time to go without the Internet.)
4. Deposed clergy are not "stripped." They may retain their frocks, along with other contents of their closets. It's the title and the property they can't keep.

So what do you call it?

For some background, check out Californian reporter Louis Medina's past articles on Schofield's split from the Episcopal Church.

KERO Channel 23's Mike Hart was chilling in hip Vegas nightclub LAX recently, but left just before Paris Hilton arrived.

Oh, to be a local news anchor.

Read his From The Hart blog post here.

Naughty, naughty. The driver of this archetypal Bakersfield vehicle was caught parking in a handicapped space. Love the close up photo of the license plate! Photos posted on the info4you blog.

A blog post on the Paw Print City Times blog urges local bloggers to get together and do something about Kern's animal overpopulation.

And finally on the God Things blog, an attack on cancer leads to a eulogy of sorts for Shane Champlain, a local guy who died recently of brain cancer. The last word goes to Shirley Buxton of aforementioned blog:

"I hate cancer, I hate this disease that wreaks havoc with families, that rapes lives and brings down tiny children and snatches life from virile handsome young fathers."

From Carver's Dog blog: "If the good folks of Bakersfield don't cotton to John Shannon’s The Devils of Bakersfield there’s another book release looming that may soothe their corn-fed souls."

It's a collection of short stories from some famous country music singers/songwriters. Read the Carver's Dog blog post here.

And while we're on the subject of music, did you know Black Tide is coming to play Bakersfield. Have you heard of Black Tide? Here's the post on that news. The band is playing at Studio 99. Not sure where/what that is? Check out its MySpace page (warning: turn the volume down!)

And lastly a Money Talks blog post which caught our attention about the new Cabana Palms ultralounge set to open in the northwest by late summer. Bakersfield ain't ready for no ultralounge, according to the discussion. Have your say here.

Lee and Elaine are touring the southwest and blogging about where they've been. They were in an RV park in Bakersfield Monday. Read about Lee relaxing by the pool here.

Another traveler glories over the road from Bakersfield to Tehachapi in his latest The Eastside View blog post. His blog post is called On the Road Again and it reminded us of the time Dean Moriarty and Sal Paradise thundered down the afore-mentioned road in Jack Kerouac's "On the Road."

Read that portion of the classic novel here.

Another blogger out there in cyberspace ranks Buck Owens' "Act Naturally" as the 768th best song of all time. He has quite a bit of info about Buck on his post. He calls Buck the Keith Urban of the 1960s.

And lastly, we have a new blog that you'll probably find useful. It's called Cheapskate and its purpose is to find the best deals in town. Essential stuff like gas prices and pizza. Here is its home.

A bakersfield.com blogger is taking on the local prostitution problem, but by highlighting the issue, including linking to various PROfiles on craigslist, the blogger's real intentions are being questioned.

Check out the discussion on lilypotpie21's blog and decide whether potpie's a concerned resident or a ... madam!

Meanwhile, in national news, 1 in 4 teenage girls has  an STD. Read the story here.

And who could forget this Bakersfield story about a skinny rapist who tried to mess with the wrong prostitute.

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A new book by John Shannon called "The Devils of Bakersfield" features fog, book burning and a paranoid pastor of the 10,000-member Olive Grove Evangelical Church.

Read a review here.

Check out the book at Amazon here.

Bakersfield has had its share of gay bars and nightclubs over the years, but according to a blog post on Project Revolution, our city is in danger of losing its final gay-friendly bar.

The blog is headlined, "The night the lights went out in Bakersfield."

The photos we ran online and in Sunday's Californian documenting Kern's rising animal euthanasia rates have provoked criticism and praise.

The reporter who wrote the A1 story has a blog post on the subject on his Quirks of Kern County blog.

Californian columnist Lois Henry says the best way to fix the problem is to fix the animals in her No Holds Barred blog.

You can read the story and watch the video here.

Do you think anything will change now our story detailing the problem has published?

A Web site providing information about animal issues in Los Angeles wants to help, but an animal rescuer in Conejo Valley who tries to save Kern's unwanted animals might need rescuing himself.

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Another vacant house full of young partygoers Saturday night and another police bust.

But this time the kids left behind a stereo, a hookah tobacco pipe (wonder if it was really for tobacco) and a bucket full of beer. Read the story here.

Apparently deputies told the son of the homeowner he could keep the items, but he said he'd return them, except for the beer.

As far as recent similar incidents, Saturday's seemed the most tame. There were no baseball bat beatings or broken pieces of glass stuck in a girl's head (party on Yellow Rose Court) nor were there apparently any appliances stolen (party on Whitegate Avenue).

And the latest homeowners get to keep the beer.

We say, bring back Kid N Play.

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You've still got a month to wait, but CMT's "Can You Duet" is airing all kinds of promos for its "American Idol"-type show.

Here's one promo featuring a song familiar to anyone who's spent any time in this dusty old town. Watch the promo here.

More into cars than country? No fear, Gay Wheels is here!

The auto reviewer for this gay friendly car site spent yesterday test-driving the new Chevy Cobalt SS on mountains roads outside of Bakersfield and at the track at Buttonwillow. The car performed fabulously. Check out the review and video here.

For most dog owners, it's a similar reaction one would have if one's child was involved: Do what you can to save your best friend.

A local man did just that Thursday night, but he paid the ultimate price for trying to rescue a dog on Rosedale Highway.

Channel 29 says it was his dog, but that's not for sure yet. 29 and Channel 23 haven't ID'd the man as of this morning, but the Californian has.

From bakersfield.com, "Phillip Terry Hagar, 45, of Bakersfield, died at Kern Medical Center Thursday night, according to the Kern County Coroner's Office."

Still regardless of whether it was Hagar's dog or not, he died doing a selfless act.

Isn't that how we'd all like to think we'll go?

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As reporter James Burger points out in his County Beat blog post, the "kill rates in Kern County animal shelters are climbing again."

So prepare yourself for more really, really sad photos, like this one which ran about 3.5 years ago when Burger wrote his award-winning package of stories on the dead animals.

The truth hurts, but if Kern County didn't have so many irresponsible pet owners the problem wouldn't exist.

If Los Angeles can pass a pet sterilization law then why can't we?

Californian columnist Lois Henry also tackles the issue on her No Holds Barred blog.

And the next time you're looking for a dog, don't pay $800 for a pathetic purebred toy Yorkshire terrier that is so small it can't even keep up with you on a walk. Instead, go to the county animal shelter and adopt a great dog that is literally dying to find a good home.

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It's a heartbreaking, tragic and captivating story and it's no surprise the Bakersfield soldier accused of killing two other soldiers is generating considerable amounts of news coverage.

Here's the latest from Bakersfield.com with photos, video and links.

Truecrimeweblog claims it was the "first publication to name Ivette Gonzalez Davila as a suspect." Regardless of the veracity of these claims, the site has lots of interesting information on Davila including a video she made, some racy photos and comments from Davila's MySpace page.

The Seattle Times is also covering the case. Their latest story is kinda long and yawnish, but it includes info on military law and what process the former West High grad may go through.

The Tacoma News Tribune's breaking news blog also has some great stuff, including links to a profile of one of the victims.

If you've found any other sites with fresh information, include the links with your comment.

First Bakosphere post of the day navigates the often treacherous waters of local radio.

On our ride in this morning HOT 94.1's Romeo was arguing that since he had to pay an ATM fee of $2 when he loaned a friend $60 then surely that friend now owes him $62. Romeo turned down the $60 and opened up the discussion to the airwaves. Best response: "playing with my money is like playing with my emotions."

Trivia question: Which movie does that quote come from?

Think, don't google!

Bakersfield and Kern County pop up in several off-site blogs. Here are a few fresh posts:

A traveling adjunct professor learns to survive in Bakersfield while driving between here and Santa Barbara every day (and adding in a weekly trip to Palmdale). Snow storms? No problem.

Owls, sandpipers and plovers are just a few of the myriad birds that can be seen in parks and waterways around Bakersfield. Macbirder shares some favorite spots for birding.

Why did the housing bubble inflate the most in California -- and Bakersfield? Steve Sailer gives his reader base a quiz on his iSteve Blog.

And, lastly, jenny angel blogs on an upcoming Dusk Devil's show at Trouts and their contribution to the Bakobillly Sound.

Bakersfield.com blogger FreeCognate urges nomination watchers to go back for another round of popcorn. And politicsanyone wonders if democrats are shooting themselves in the foot.

After two major wins in Ohio and Texas (and a third win in little Rhode Island) yesterday, democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton seems to have made a leap forward. Barack Obama won just Vermont.

But the size of Obama's lead didn't change despite Clinton's triumphs. CNN.com shows, combining pledged delegates and superdelegates, Obama has 1,515 total and Clinton has 1,424. That's a lead of 91.

The candidates started yesterday with Obama ahead by 102. A candidate needs 2,025 to win the democratic nomination.

So the gap seems to be inching closer, but both candidates are still in a very hot race. They will battle in Wyoming Saturday, then in Mississippi Tuesday and Pennsylvania on April 22. Ten more states have primaries in May and June. How long will this thing drag out? And who's going to ultimately win?

Want to decide yourself? Take a stab at these online games:

Forbes Delegate Counter

CNN's delegate counter game
 

Our Money Talks blog is the best place to search for local stories, reports and observations on the local housing market and Kern business in general.

Here's a few topics for discussion on this popular blog:

Free counseling for those going through the foreclosure process will be offered Friday.

The sessions might be crowded because Kern foreclosures reached another new high last month, according to our reporter Gretchen Wenner's latest report on the market.

But it's not all doom and gloom. If you're a first-time home buyer, or perhaps an investor looking for a bargain, check out how much recent homes are selling for with our map.

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Seems like the downtown Padre Hotel deal is almost done and the would-be owners are shelving condo plans in favor of a boutique hotel, according to our story.

You can discuss these plans and wonder whether such a hotel will make it in gritty downtown Bakersfield on our Money Talks blog.

But what we really want to know is whether the new bar will bring back the swing girl, the piano singer, the ridiculously stiff drinks. There is talk that the new bar will be called Spartacus bar after the legendary Padre owner Milton Spartacus. Check out the bar in all its glory in our Lost Treasures section.

Do you have any ideas for the name or theme of the bar? Do you want to spend a few minutes reminiscing about your hours spent listening to "Midnight Train to Georgia" while cocooned in this one-of-a-kind bar?

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A Bakersfield soldier who went to West High School is accused of killing two soldiers in Washington.

We think the story first broke locally on KBAK Channel 29. Here it is.

But now we have loads more on this story, including high school photos and links to other news organization's reports on this story.

And a big-rig forgot to stop at the dead end of Highway 58 and Real Road, according to KGET Channel 17.

And here's an interesting story from KERO Channel 23 about an infested motel you probably wouldn't want to check in to.

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Citizens of Bakersfield and Cal State Bakersfield sports fans can sleep easy tonight safe in the knowledge that Rowdy the mascot's costume wasn't stolen, it was merely misplaced.

The Californian has covered some pretty inane stories in its long history, but when we heard Friday about Rowdy's missing costume we quickly wrote it up and put it on the Web. We even included the following quote from Karen Langston, CSUB Director of Sales and Marketing.

“We’re like grieving parents,” Langston said. “We just want him back.”

Now, this is a mascot incident we'd like to see at the Rabobank.

At last, a positive to come out of Bakersfield's nightmarish housing market and the plethora of foreclosed and empty houses around town:

Now our teens have somewhere to party on the weekends!

In two separate incidents this weekend (on Yellow Rose Court and Whitegate Avenue), youths took over empty houses and used them to stage raging parties resulting in police calls, baseball bat beatings, broken glass and stolen appliances.

And you thought the Marketplace was bad on a Friday and Saturday night.

Apparently, a similar problem exists in Freno, as this story from their newspaper points out.

Still, if it's house parties we're talking about, no one can beat the rager thrown by this Aussie teen. Watch the video here.