Sound Off for March 11, 2007

Batch Data Processor | Saturday, Mar 10 2007 8:10 PM

Last Updated: Saturday, Mar 10 2007 8:15 PM

Reader: As a student of California's complex relationship with water, I was pleased that The Californian provided its readers with an overview of our water system in last Sunday's paper. A desert oasis like Bakersfield would be entirely uninhabitable without cheap and available water, and our agricultural economy would falter immediately without an adequate water supply.

Cities, farmers, industries and environmental groups have fought bitter wars over water in this state for 150 years. During my four days of final exams to earn my Ph.D., I had to spend a whole morning discussing California water policy and it was the most difficult portion of the exam. After studying this issue for 10 additional years, I still struggle to understand the nuances of prior appropriation, beneficial use, riparian rights and other aspects of water policy in the state.

Kern County seems to be in a relatively good position in our ongoing struggle with Southern California and environmental groups in securing our share of this vital resource. The various actors involved, most importantly the Kern County Water Agency, have led the way to greater water stability in the state through complex agreements and via the pioneering of water marketing, water banking and water conservation. (We still need to build more dams, and we need to construct the long-delayed Peripheral Canal to ensure a water catastrophe does not strike California.)

One of the most knowledgeable and important players in the state's recent water history is Tom Clark, who was the subject of a Californian "hit piece" published on the front page on Super Bowl Sunday. The story intimated that Clark was overpaid when he was director of the water agency and in his work as a consultant upon retirement.

Clark has been instrumental in establishing Kern County as a major force in state water politics, and he staffed his agency with competent and dedicated people who are clearly dedicated to upgrading our waterworks. He is also devoted to improving the social and cultural life of Bakersfield and his native Oildale.

In other words, Tom Clark is well worth our investment, as The Californian has illustrated over the years in articles praising Clark's visionary leadership.

Sincerely,

-- Randal Beeman

Jenner: First of all, I'm glad you liked the overview of our water system. I agree this is a complex and vital topic that's not often understood by many of us, and the more we can explain the issues and how it all works, the more our readers will benefit.

I do take issue with your calling our piece on Tom Clark's new role a "hit piece." Clark's prowess as a power hitter in the state's water world is well-known, and his prominence and talent were duly noted in the story.

We have no issue with him retiring, and certainly his expertise commands premium pay. But the fact is, at a minimum of $208,000 a year, Clark's five-year consulting contract will cost the agency more than $1 million more than if he had waited until the normal age of 65 to retire.

We thought that was newsworthy and something our readers would find interesting.

Reader: On Tuesday The Californian printed a report rating four local hospitals. It noted that the "tool" being used is still a work in progress. Even when running, regular posted data will be seven to nine months old.

Considering the age of the information in analysis, I believe it to be unconscionable to dump it in the public media.

-- Olga Scott

Reader: I hate to say it, but I feel the rating of local hospitals in Tuesday's Californian was in error and a disservice to our community, particularly to Bakersfield Memorial Hospital.

I was a patient at Memorial in the heart section for prostate surgery in January. My physician, Dr. Joseph, anesthesiologist Dr. Lee, along with nurses Cecely and Lisa and aides Gosha and Lisa, all gave me the best hospital treatment I have ever experienced. Not only was the service great, but even the food was outstanding. Whoever made the assessment that was reported did not talk to me or probably any other patients during my stay.

I have yet to write a letter to Memorial thanking them for the wonderful care they gave me. I hope they will at least see this epistle and know that this ex-patient feels they are a five-star outfit! I thank them for their superior treatment from the bottom of my heart.

Very truly,

-- John E. Boydstun

Jenner: We thought this assessment program could be a useful tool for consumers. This site allows local hospitals to be compared with others statewide, and that adds to its value.

However, I agree that the age of some of the data diminishes the relevance of some of the findings. A lot can change in four years.

The story points out that once the program is up and running, the regularly posted data will be seven to nine months old. That should create a much more accurate picture.

The bottom line: While I think this program is newsworthy, we probably overplayed it by placing it at the top of the Local cover.

And once the Web site is updated with fresh scores, we should revisit it and report what we find.

Reader: I want to thank you for your article on the homeless woman and her son. It was so moving it brought tears to my eyes. I can relate to the mother in the story.

I moved here in January because I was homeless and five months pregnant in Los Angeles with my 9-year-old daughter and my 4-year-old son. I, too, was living in hotel rooms and when it came to check out with no money for another night or gas in my car, I called my parents in Bakersfield for help. In one breath my dad said, "It's time to come home now. I know we can help you once you're here because Bakersfield has a lot of opportunities for you."

Within a couple of days of arriving, I had found so many resources that have helped me like no other city has ever done. For example, WIC for women and children provided me with groceries. The Department of Human Services helped me with medical insurance so I could be seen by a doctor. Also the caring, loving and supportive Bakersfield Pregnancy Center helped me with maternity clothing and more resources to help me.

My 9-year-old daughter was building a wall due to us being homeless, but the school she attends in Bakersfield, Columbia, has been wonderful. I told her teacher what Nichole had been going through, and guess what? They made things so good for her. I'm thankful so much for this wonderful city that I am going to build a life out here for all of us.

So your article touched me and I'm willing to share some of my resources with the mother from the article and her son, if needed. By the way, since arriving here I've already gotten a job and we will no longer be homeless again.

Sincerely,

-- Lena Verdugo

Reader: Your coverage of the state CIF wrestling tournament was great all weekend. We had the championship team, but your articles are far better when compared side by side with our local paper.

It is clear your reporters have great knowledge of the sport of wrestling.

Keep up the great work. I will be back next year to again visit the wonderful wrestling city of Bakersfield, California.

-- Rob Sesar, Vacaville