Ask The Californian - askthecalifornian's Blog - Bakersfield.com

Is a new southwest Body Xchange coming?

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:22:56 PST

Q: For quite a while there used to be a sign on Stine Road (right off of Panama) indicating that a Body Xchange would be coming soon. I noticed this week that the sign has been removed.

Are there still plans for a future Body Xchange at this location?

- Denise Buzzini

A: We have left about a half dozen messages at Body Xchange headquarters over the last few weeks with your question and haven’t received a call back. We’ll continue to call, but wanted to let you know we’ve been trying to get an answer, to no avail.

Submit questions to asktbc@bakersfield.com or to The Bakersfield Californian, c/o Christine Bedell, P.O. Bin 440, Bakersfield, CA 93302.

Will The Californian allow new story commenting tools?

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:20:51 PST

Q: Does The Californian have any plans to allow readers to post comments on its Web site using Facebook or Twitter accounts? Some news sites are now letting readers log-in to their sites using their Facebook and Twitter accounts.

- Travis Anthony

A: Launching story commenting as well as Facebook/Twitter integration is high on our to-do list for early next year, said Logan Molen, the senior vice president and chief operating officer who oversees The Californian's online and mobile products.

We plan to implement so-called OpenID features that will allow you to use your Facebook and Twitter accounts -- as well as others like Yahoo, Google, MySpace and Windows Live -- to do things like comment on our stories and blogs or review local restaurants.

Another benefit of OpenID is those sign-in tools will make it easier for you to use all of our local websites, which currently number more than 12 (with more to come in 2010).

In the meantime, each of our news stories and blogs features “Share!” buttons that allow you to share interesting content via Facebook, Twitter or dozens of other social networks.

Submit questions to asktbc@bakersfield.com or to The Bakersfield Californian, c/o Christine Bedell, P.O. Bin 440, Bakersfield, CA 93302.

Why are tractors plowing on a no-burn day?

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:19:01 PST

Why is it on the first no-burn day of the season I see several tractors plowing their fields sending huge plumes of dust hundreds of feet in the air? I thought the point of a no-burn day was to reduce the amount of particulate in the air.

- Matthew Milbury

A: Scott Nester, director of planning at the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, responded:

The no-burn restrictions predominantly apply to fine particulates (PM 2.5), which is a different pollutant than coarse particulates (PM 10), which is the predominant criteria pollutant emitted from plowing. The PM 10 material typically settles close to its origin, the fields being plowed, and is not inhaled as deeply into the lungs as PM2.5.

So PM 10 usually poses less of a health risk than PM 2.5. Although to protect health, the district has a year-round Conservation Management Program that reduces PM 10 from agricultural operations, including plowing, by approximately 34.2 tons per day.

Submit questions to asktbc@bakersfield.com or to The Bakersfield Californian, c/o Christine Bedell, P.O. Bin 440, Bakersfield, CA 93302.

What is the Fairfax-178 "design flaw"?

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:13:03 PST

FYI, we're changing how we blog Ask TBC items. We'll post them one-by-one instead of grouped by day they run in the newspaper.

- Government editor Christine Bedell

Q: For months now it has been explained that the westbound off-ramp to Fairfax on 178 has been closed or delayed due to a “design flaw.” In all of my readings not one time has this “flaw” been explained, so can you please tell us?

- Wayne Baker

A: Here’s what city officials said:

Caltrans requires paved median area (which is called the gore area) between the ramp and the freeway to be relatively flat. This is in case a driver decides at the last minute to change his or her mind of using the ramp and crosses this area to either get to the ramp or get from the ramp back to the freeway.

This gore as constructed is too steep and does not meet Caltrans standards. To fix this problem, the ramp must be realigned and lowered.

Ask The Californian appears on Mondays and Thursdays. Submit questions to asktbc@bakersfield.com or to The Bakersfield Californian, c/o Christine Bedell, P.O. Bin 440, Bakersfield, CA 93302.

When will the Mount Vernon Avenue construction be finished?

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:39:33 PST

Q: When will the work on Mount Vernon Avenue be done? It is a pain to get to my house and to work, takes an extra 10 minutes, especially when the light on Columbus is flashing.

- Ricardo Reyes

A: City Construction Superintendent Rick Millwee said: the paving work is scheduled to be done by Monday of next week (weather permitting). Once the paving work is done, the contractor will only be closing traffic lanes between 8:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m. The project is currently scheduled to be complete in mid-December.

Q: Is there any update on plans to build a SuperTarget at the corner of Gosford Road and Panama Lane?

- Travis Anthony

A: Here's what we learned from Bakersfield Planning Director Jim Eggert:

An application was submitted by Castle & Cooke in early 2008 for this corner for consideration of a shopping center of approximately 786,000 square feet. It has been identified that one of the major anchor tenants would be Target, which would encompass approximately 138,000 square feet (about the same size and configuration as River Walk Target).

No other tenants have been identified. This center would generally be a continuation of what is being developed to the north in Gosford Village, though with a different look and configuration so that it has its own unique identity.

An Environmental Impact Report is being prepared for this center. In the summer of 2008, the applicant asked city staff to place processing on hold. We have recently been working with the applicant to re-commence processing and they have begun preparation of the necessary special studies that need to be incorporated into the EIR. Once those special studies are submitted to the city, the EIR can be completed and released for public review (anticipated early 2010).

Q: The corner of Stockdale Highway and Renfro Road often has a strong odor of sewage present, especially in the evening hours. What is the cause, and what is being done to remediate it?

- Trent Combs

A: The answer continues to be what Luis Peralez, street superintendent for the city of Bakersfield, told us when someone asked the same question in September 2007. Here's what we wrote then:

The offensive odor occurs in areas of new development, when there's not enough water in the pipes to move the contents along, Peralez said.

Without enough water flow, bad smells happen. He said the smells don't occur in older areas that are fully built out.

For an update, we turned to Mike Connor, city assistant street superintendent. He told us the smell is more noticeable when the weather cools and sewer gases -- like hot air -- rise. He said the city injects an odor control chemical into the sewer lines but it doesn't completely remove the bad smell.

Connor said lots more development has been planned for the area -- which will eventually help alleviate the smell -- but it's been delayed because of the sour economy.

Q: There is a steady stream of semi-trucks with trailers traveling north and south on Fruitvale Avenue lately. They appear to be lightly loaded on the southern trip and empty going north. The trucks are from a variety of trucking companies. What is the explanation for this recent activity?

- Gerald King

A: Gerald actually got this answered before we did. City officials said the trucks are hauling material to the Mohawk Street extension project. That extension connects Truxtun Avenue and Rosedale Highway, going over the Kern River.

Ask The Californian appears on Mondays and Thursdays. Submit questions to asktbc@bakersfield.com or to The Bakersfield Californian, c/o Christine Bedell, P.O. Bin 440, Bakersfield, CA 93302.

When will Bob's Big Boy open?

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:32:48 PST

Q: What is the status with the old Bakers Square on Ming Avenue? The Bob's Big Boy coming soon sign has been up for a while with no construction happening.

- Chris Laramy

Q: What is the status of the Bob's Big Boy that's "coming soon" to the former Bakers Square building on Ming Avenue? The building is still being remodeled, however now there is a Career Services Center sign there.

- Lynette Smith

A: The opening date has been pushed back to at least after Christmas, said Syed Khizer, general manager of a local Coco's Restaurant. (The company that owns the Coco's franchise also owns the new Big Boy). It's just been difficult getting all the work done for it, he said, especially because we're heading into the holidays.

Q: When will the Highway 178 westbound off ramp at Fairfax be open? I understand there is a design flaw, but why the delay in correcting the problem?

- Darlyn Baker

Q: What is holding up the completion of the westbound exit from Highway 178 at Fairfax Road? When do they expect the exit to open? The new overpass there is a real plus to those of us who live east of Fairfax.

- Heidi Allison

A: As Darlyn said, there was a design flaw with the westbound off-ramp and so the ramp has to be redesigned and reconstructed.

Janet Wheeler of the Thomas Roads Improvement Program said again this past week there's still no ETA on when the work will be done.

"Were still waiting for the plans to come back from the designer," she said.

Q: Mustang Square, at the corner of White Lane and Buena Vista Road, was slated to have a Fresh & Easy, Walgreens and two fast food restaurants. Are these still in the works?

- Travis Anthony

A: The first tenants, Cruz Thru car wash, Taco Bell and Jack in the Box, should open by the end of this month, said project co-developer Tom Carosella.

Construction of Walgreens should start in December and take about six months to complete, he said. Fresh & Easy has also been planned for the center, Carosella said, but the company has put new stores including this one on hold.

Q: What is the string of crib-like buildings along the north side of Norris Road extending almost to Manor Street? They look like storage units but they have windows! What in the world are they?

- June Woeber

A: Those are office warehouses and behind that are mini-storage and contractor storage areas, said Ted James, interim Resource Management Agency director.

Q: What happened to the Pantry on Brundage Lane? It appears to be closed, and that place was always open 24/7.

- Syndi Pompa

A: Maybe Ask TBC readers can help with this one as we couldn't find an answer. If you know, e-mail us at the address below or call 395-7417.

Ask The Californian appears on Mondays and Thursdays. Submit questions to asktbc@bakersfield.com or to The Bakersfield Californian, c/o Christine Bedell, P.O. Bin 440, Bakersfield, CA 93302.

Why is Highway 119 being paved again?

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:14:37 PST

Q: I would like to know why Taft Highway is being repaved only after five years of previously being paved? Nothing is or was wrong with the road. I understand that 119 is under review to be widened, but this new paving looks to have nothing to do with that. Is this just a way to spend (WASTE) stimulus money?

- Paul Olivarez

A: The project is a maintenance overlay of rubberized asphalt and open grade mix to preserve the road in between major pavement rehabilitations, said Caltrans spokeswoman Holly Vogel.

Five years between work is a long time for a road as well-traveled as Highway 119, she said.

Vogel said the rubberized asphalt makes for a quieter ride and the open grade part of the mix allows rainwater to pass through to an underlying dense layer, cutting down on water spray from tires -- making the road safer to drive on during rain.

By the way, Vogel said, the project is not being funded with stimulus money.

Q: When will we see the dead bushes and trash cleaned up on Highway 178 at Oswell Street and Mount Vernon Avenue?

The new work on the new 178 freeway is quite a welcome relief but the off-ramps are in terrible shape.

- Diane (last name not given)

A: You should have been seeing it this week. We posed this question to Vogel at Caltrans last week and she said crews were to work on trimming bushes and cleaning up trash this week. Let us know if you haven't seen a difference.

Q: I have tried to locate and contact city code enforcement but it is very difficult to send in complaints as its e-mail addresses don't work when clicked upon. I live in the city in the northeast and have a problem with an early a.m. rooster.

How do I get ahold of them and get some action on this?

- Dana Shepherd

A: The city has a hotline for complaints at 326-3712 and they're taken down daily, said Randy Fidler, chief code enforcement officer for Bakersfield.

But it could be a couple weeks before someone in code enforcement can respond, he said, and then there's due process of about 45 days. So sometimes code enforcement is doing something but it's not evident to the person complaining, Fidler said.

Ask The Californian appears on Mondays and Thursdays. Submit questions to asktbc@bakersfield.com or to The Bakersfield Californian, c/o Christine Bedell, P.O. Bin 440, Bakersfield, CA 93302.

Can we silence ambulances during quiet times?

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:23:51 PST

Q: Is there anything that can be done about the nightly assault on the neighborhood peace by the local ambulance company?

Unfortunately I live near South H Street. Every night at least once, if not more, I am awakened by an ambulance running "code 3.” Many times this is during the very early morning hours when there is absolutely no traffic in sight. Many cities have adopted local ordinances limiting the use of sirens during these “quiet times.”

What can we do to stop this attack on the public peace?

- Stephen Humphreys

A: There are no ordinances regulating the use of ambulance sirens in the city of Bakersfield or county of Kern because it could endanger public safety or cause liability problems, said Paula Caughron, Emergency Medical Services coordinator for the Kern County Emergency Medical Services Department.

She'd heard of noise ordinances related to trains but not ambulances.

Even in the middle of the night there are cars on the road and those drivers could be sleepy or otherwise impaired -- further necessitating siren use, Caughron said.

She said there could be liability problems if there's an accident involving an ambulance that was being sped to an emergency without its lights and sirens on, Caughron said.

But if members of the public have questions or concerns about ambulances, Caughron said, they can call EMS Director Ross Elliott at 868-5200.

Q: In last Thursday's "Ask The Californian" you mentioned 24th and Oak Street intersection improvements as part of TRIP (Thomas Roads Improvement Program).

What exactly is planned for the improvements at the intersection? My husband and I have lived near this intersection for nearly 40 years and would like to see improvements made on the corner as well. Is there any timeline for the TRIP work?

- Barbara Jackson

A: Ted Wright, an engineer in the TRIP office, answered:

No final decisions will be made about this intersection until the final environmental document is completed and approved. But planning for the Oak Street/24th Street intersection currently calls for widening the existing signalized intersection to decrease traffic delays at the intersection and improve traffic flow in the area.

This widening would include adding additional turn lanes for northbound Oak Street as it approaches the intersection, and would also add westbound and eastbound through lanes on 24th Street through the intersection.

There was an initial public information meeting held for this project last year and there will be more as the project's planning and environmental process continues to progress.

The construction of these improvements is expected to begin in early 2013.

Editor's note: In last Thursday's Ask The Californian, we asked readers if they know what might be the source of a loud horn-like sound in the early morning hours around Gosford Road and White Lane.

City officials guessed it's a train; an area resident who originally posed the question to us didn't think so.

We got four responses as of Friday afternoon.

Two readers said it’s definitely a train. One said San Joaquin Valley Railroad switches over Gosford Road right past Home Depot and probably blows its horn when it approaches the intersection. She said it blows again when it switches back over.

“The sound of the train really carries a long way,” she said in a voicemail message.

But Marie Schroepfer, who lives in the area, said one recent morning she heard the sound emanate from a black pickup truck.

She guessed the owner had the truck horn modified to sound like it does and that person either lives in or visits people in the neighborhood.

Agreeing was Derek Davis, another area resident.

"It definitely is NOT the train that cruises through a few blocks south," he e-mailed us. "I heard this in the middle of the day and it seemed like it was right in the intersection of White Lane/Gosford, but it was only one short burst. I believe this is a train horn mounted in someone's truck.

"Here's the link to one type of kit available: www.hornblasters.com.

"I believe they are illegal, but some of the videos online are pretty funny."

Ask The Californian appears in the newspaper on Mondays and Thursdays. Submit questions to asktbc@bakersfield.com or to The Bakersfield Californian, c/o Christine Bedell, P.O. Bin 440, Bakersfield, CA 93302.

Any local stations going high def?

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:55:18 PST

Q: Are any T.V. stations in Bakersfield considering going H.D.?

- Rob Linares

A: We were able to talk to general managers at two local television stations and here's what they said:

KBAK Channel 29: Most of its network programming is offered in high definition but local programming like news is not - yet - because buying and converting to needed equipment is very expensive - more than $1 million, said General Manager Teresa Burgess.

But the station is working toward those upgrades, she said.

If your television set is digital, she pointed out, you likely can access the station's high definition offerings via an antennae.

KERO Channel 23: At least 95 percent of programming through the ABC network is in high definition, with one of the exceptions being some reality shows, said General Manager Steve McEvoy.

The station recently updated its servers so programs such as Live! with Regis and Kelly, Ellen, Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune are also broadcast in high definition, he said.

KERO is getting ready to take its news in high definition, McEvoy said, and it's pegged to happen sometime in 2010.

The HD programs are on BrightHouse channel 1008 and anyone watching over the air will see HD programming, too, he said.

Q: Is there any plan to extend Mountain Vista Drive down to Panama Lane? Currently those living in the neighborhood between Harris and Panama must wind through the neighborhood to get to Harris or turn right on Panama and flip a U at Buena Vista to go east.

- Kim Rofkahr

A: This would typically be an improvement constructed with new development, said Arnold Ramming, a city civil engineer IV. He said he's not aware of any proposal to have the city construct this road as part of its capital improvement program.

Q: In the last month or so we have started to hear a loud horn-like sound in the early morning hours. It almost sounds like a fog or air horn. We're located in The Oaks right off the corner of Gosford Road and White Lane.

This horn is very loud and I'm sure other people are hearing it as well. It seems to go off at weird times, too - there is no consistency to it. One night it'll go off at 11:33 p.m. whereas on other nights it goes off between 2 and 3 a.m. Each time it sounds three times in a row and then oftentimes, a couple of minutes will pass and then we'll hear it three more times.

We're curious to know what this is. With the Coca Cola, Nestle and other factories in this area, we're wondering if it isn't coming from one of those locations. We were also wondering if it might be an overnight construction team building the new Wal-Mart.

- Jenae Bingham

A: We asked several city officials and their guess was it's a train. But if any other Ask TBC readers have a different possible answer, send us an e-mail at the address below or call 395-7417.

Ask The Californian appears on Mondays and Thursdays. Submit questions to asktbc@bakersfield.com or to The Bakersfield Californian, c/o Christine Bedell, P.O. Bin 440, Bakersfield, CA 93302.

Why is the San Lauren dog park such a mess?

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:42:14 PDT

Q: The condition of the dog park at San Lauren Park has been a problem for many months. Irrigation water from over-watering sits stagnant in a massive "pond" along the south side of the fenced-in area, while there are patches of bone dry bare dirt in other areas due to poor sprinkler maintenance. It's so bad they won't even mow the soggy area, and grass is left to grow wild.

Tree roots are sitting in waterlogged soil and some have already died as a result. An irrigation control valve is also leaking, resulting in a muddy mess near a bench at the entrance to the park. This has made the park unusable for many of us with dogs that like to play in water for fear of stinky, muddy dogs and intestinal diseases.

Are there any plans for North of the River Parks and Recreation District to address the condition of the park?

- Eric Kelley

A: Roger Perez, NOR marketing director, answered:

NOR has had challenges with water at San Lauren Park, specifically the area along Krebs Road under the power lines, including the dog park.

This area is a water run-off and retention basin for street water from the surrounding neighborhood. Because the portion of the park under the power lines had been kept free of vegetation for many years, the soil is very compacted and it is difficult for the water to seep into the ground. This condition will improve as roots from the grass and trees there begin to loosen the soil.

While this happens, the challenge is to determine the right amount of water to lay down to keep the plants green, yet avoid standing water. In one of the lower areas of the retention basin where much of the run-off water collects, the district has installed two dry well tanks filled with gravel to get the water below the hard pan, the installation of which has eliminated water ponding in that area.

District staff is reducing nozzle sizes on many of the sprinkler heads close to where the water has been collecting in the lower areas of the retention basin. The larger-sized nozzles will be retained to provide sufficient water in the areas that are dry and need to receive more water.

The challenge during the hotter months has been to provide sufficient water to keep the park green and, compounded by the percolation problems, to avoid standing water. With the cooler temperatures we are now experiencing, the district has the opportunity to experiment with the sprinkler nozzles to regulate the output and create an irrigation balance for the varying water needs in the dog park and retention basin areas.

Q: Any idea about what is planned for the dirt lot on the southeast corner of Allen Road and Hageman Road directly to the east of the feed store and at approximately 12892 Hageman Road on Google maps?

- Darren Boor

A: The site is in the county but it and areas east and south are being annexed into the city, said Principal Planner Martin Ortiz of the city Development Services Department.

The city has been speaking to the property owner and a representative about developing the site but they haven't submitted any formal application for development. They must wait for the annexation to be complete before doing so, Ortiz said.

The annexation will take another nine to 12 months, he said.

Q: Is the Bass Pro Shop deal dead? I noticed in my last catalog that Bakersfield is no longer listed as a future site.

- Jim Hanley

A: The company's initial plans to build a store here were postponed because of the bad economy. There is no new information to share, Bass spokesman Larry L. Whitely said this past week.

Q: What is the new building that looks like a restaurant next to BJ's going to be? Also, what other restaurants are coming to Bako?

- Jason Chamberlain

A: That's a Panera Bread, which is expected to open by the end of the year.

As for other restaurants, city Planning Director Jim Eggert said there's nothing new for his office to report, likely due to the slow economy.

Q: In the last month or so we have started to hear a loud "horn"-like sound in the early morning hours. It almost sounds like a fog or air horn. We're located in The Oaks right off the corner of Gosford and White Lane.

This horn is very loud and I'm sure other people are hearing it as well. It seems to go off at weird times, too - there is no consistency to it. One night it'll go off at 11:33 p.m. where as on other nights it goes off between 2 and 3 a.m. Each time it sounds three times in a row and then oftentimes, a couple of minutes will pass and then we'll hear it three more times.

- Jenae Bingham

A: We asked several city officials and their guess was it's a train. But if any other Ask TBC readers have a different possible answer, send us an e-mail at the address below or call 395-7417.

Ask The Californian appears on Mondays and Thursdays. Submit questions to asktbc@bakersfield.com or to The Bakersfield Californian, c/o Christine Bedell, P.O. Bin 440, Bakersfield, CA 93302.

What's with the dirt pile at 24th and Oak streets?

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:26:16 PDT

Q: The large mound of dirt at Oak Street is slowly being trucked away. Where did it come from? Where is it going? And what will become of that corner lot?

It is such a highly visible area with many people passing by on their way to and from work as well as out-of-towners attending events at Rabobank who stay at one of the many motels nearby. I would think it's in our city's best interest to give thought as to what becomes of that area.

- Darlyn Baker

A: Brad Underwood, city assistant public works director, answered this one:

The large mound of dirt is being hauled off for use on the Mohawk Street project. The dirt is from the sump that was built on the site in conjunction with the 22nd Street storm drain project that was completed last year.

The corner lot was purchased to improve the intersection of 24th Street and Oak Street as part of the TRIP program. The lot will remain vacant until the intersection improvements are complete.

Q: There's a canal that runs down South H Street toward Taft Highway, and recently there were installed some large pipes along the canal bank that pour what looks like water into the canal, especially between Berkshire Hosking.

Before the pipes were installed, it looked like they were drilling for oil in the same locations.

What are these pipes, and is that really water, clean water, pouring out of them? Where does that water come from?

- Whitney Weddell

A: Underwood fielded this question, too:

The Kern Island Canal is owned and operated by Kern Delta Water District. KDWD drilled water wells along its canal system to pump groundwater that the district had previously recharged as part of a groundwater banking and extraction program. The pipes discharge pumped groundwater into the canal.

The water is clean and can be used to irrigate crops but is not to drinking level standards.

Q: My family travels Highway 178 at least four times each day. We see CHP, county sheriff and Bakersfield police all patrolling it. There is rarely a trip that we don't see one of these law enforcement representatives between Fairfax and the mouth of the canyon.

Why are all three agencies apparently targeting this 55 mph stretch of Highway 178?

- Guy Greenlee

A: They all belong out there. That stretch is mostly in the city limits with a couple county pockets. So the police patrol most of the side streets off the highway for traffic and crime incidents, while the sheriff's department takes the side streets in the county pockets for non-traffic incidents. The CHP handles traffic and accidents on state highways, including Highway 178.

Q: I heard rumors that there is a planned development on the Kern County Power Plant site on Rosedale Highway and Coffee Road. If that is true, what type of development is it?

- Joshua Jones

A: This is the Bakersfield Commons project, a 255-acre mixed-use development constructed over 20 years, starting with a retail center, parks and open green space. Office space is slated to be built in the first, second and third phases and the third phase includes new single-family and multi-family homes.

City staffers are still working with the applicant on completion of technical studies so a draft environmental impact report can be prepared and released for public review, said city Planning Department Director Jim Eggert.

Q: What is the new building that looks like a restaurant next to BJ's going to be? Also, what other restaurants are coming to Bako?

- Jason Chamberlain

A: That's a Panera Bread, which is expected to open by the end of the year.

As for other restaurants, the city's Eggert said there's nothing new for his office to report, likely due to the slow economy.

Ask The Californian appears on Mondays and Thursdays. Submit questions to asktbc@bakersfield.com or to The Bakersfield Californian, c/o Christine Bedell, P.O. Bin 440, Bakersfield, CA 93302.

Ask TBC: What's with the odd-sized paper in The Californian?

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 16:34:36 PDT

Q: When do you expect to run out of the odd-sized paper you use for part of the paper on weekends?

- E. Suorez

A: John Wells, The Californian's vice president of advertising, marketing, circulation & operations, took this one:

I assume the reader is referring to the over-sized DRIVE auto section we run each Saturday in The Californian.

This was originally pitched to the auto dealers to use up old 54-inch newsprint when we made the switch to a 46-inch web. The dealers found it so effective that we have ordered more newsprint and continued the program.

At this time there are no plans to discontinue the over-sized DRIVE section.

Q: Why don't the emergency call boxes in the canyon and Kern River Valley work? Each call box is covered in black plastic.

Where the emergency call boxes are located, there is no cell phone reception and in case of an auto accident, etc., the time required to reach cell phone reception areas could mean the difference between life and death.

- Sherian Van Matre

A: The phones have been inoperable for about six months but as of this writing, they should be working again, according to officials at the Kern Council of Governments, which operates the boxes.

KernCOG had to change service carriers to AT&T to ensure coverage in the area and it was in the process of reactivating the call box phones when we called over there with your question Monday.

Q: I'd like to know two things about the swine flu shot. First, here we are at the middle of October and I can't find a doctor, clinic, etc., that has the shot available. Is the county health department hoarding? Second, I notice that there are several drive-thru shot clinics coming up around town but the swine flu shot is not part of the clinic. Why not?

- Barbara Braid

A: Kern County Public Health Department officials said this week the H1N1 vaccine is not yet available in large numbers and they don't know when it will be.

There's a nationwide shortage of the vaccine because producers haven't been able to make adequate amounts.

The Associated Press reported Wednesday that the federal government initially projected there would be 120 million doses of swine flu vaccine by now but only 13 million have come through.

The AP said there have been other bottlenecks, too, but it's unclear how the delays will affect public health.

There eventually will be enough vaccines for H1N1 and the seasonal flu for everyone who wants them, federal officials say.

Q: Does anyone know what the construction at the Valley Plaza mall is about? Are they expanding it?

- Janett Mendoza

A: A Target has been planned for there (the site of the old Robinsons-May) but it's

on hold indefinitely. The Minneapolis-based retailer says talks with the developer continue.

The mall began demolition of the former department store last year, but construction abruptly halted after contractors filed lawsuits complaining they had not been paid.

Q: I have been to the (Valley Plaza) mall two or three times now, and driven by other times, and noticed that the old Gottschalks building has FULL lighting on day, evening. Is there a reason for this?

If we're all told to conserve as much of everything that we can, why would a space that big, that's empty, need its lighting to be on full blast, when there's no need for it? It's a locked, closed building, to which no one can access, yet it's lit up like the Vegas strip..

- Becky Thomas

A: That space is being remodeled to become a clothing retailer Forever 21 store. It's expected to open in mid-November.

Ask The Californian appears on Mondays and Thursdays. Submit questions to asktbc@bakersfield. com or to The Bakersfield Californian, c/o Christine Bedell, P.O. Bin 440, Bakersfield, CA 93302.

What's the latest on the Isabella Dam?

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 11:48:37 PDT

Q: What is the latest on the work being done at the Isabella Dam? Are there any updates on the safety issues there? What is the current condition of the dam?

- Mona Twocats-Romero

Q: I know there is some testing going on at the dam but we really miss the lake being full. When will they restore the water level?

- Elroy Mann

A: There aren't a lot of answers to these questions yet.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers just started exploratory drilling and trenching to help assess the integrity of the auxiliary dam due to seepage and seismic concerns. It's expected to last several weeks.

When the water levels will be restored depends on what work is deemed necessary to ensure the integrity of the dam and when that work is completed, said Army Corps spokesman Tyler M. Stalker.

Right now water conservation storage is limited to 2585.5 feet, or 360,000 acre feet, and that could be lowered after an evaluation is done, Stalker said. The lake's normal maximum storage capacity is 568,000 acre feet.

Q: I have seen a sign on the corner of Panama Lane and Gosford that advertises the coming of the Panama Grove Plaza. What is the status of this project? Is it going to be built or is it another recession casualty?

- Jay Bee

A: Bakersfield Planning Director Jim Eggert said:

"That shopping center was approved in February 2008 by the Planning Commission. It is a mixed retail center of approximately 580,000 square feet. We have had no further contact with the developer since its approval.

"Considering that housing development in that area slowed significantly to support this center, I would agree that it is another development waiting until there is an improvement in the overall economy."

Q: Living in an established neighborhood near Bakersfield College, we find an onslaught of alley cats that roam the neighborhood and poop all over our lawns. These cats clearly are not being vaccinated or altered.

I have seen a do-gooder stopping in the alleys to feed the cats and I don't believe this person realizes that her actions are irresponsible. She's only perpetuating the alley cat population that breeds pretty much like rabbits.

Our neighborhood has considered "doing something" about the cats, but I wonder is there something besides popping pellets into the cats that we can do? Should this cat-loving "good samaritan" be approached? Is there someone we can call to get a handle on this situation?

My main interest is controlling the population and reducing the spread of disease to our properly contained animals in our yards.

- Athena Cole

A: Here's some advice from Tammy Davis, animal control supervisor for the Bakersfield Police Department:

"Any private citizen can trap cats on their own property but must then transport them to the shelter, not relocate them. Neither animal control agency picks trapped cats up. You cannot set a trap anywhere other than your own property, though.

"There is also a private business that will provide the service, but there is a fee. It is called Bakersfield Cat Control. Contact Konnie at 616-8182. It also has a Web site, www.BakersfieldCatControl.com.

Ask The Californian appears twice a week. Submit questions to asktbc@bakersfield.com or to The Bakersfield Californian, c/o Christine Bedell, P.O. Bin 440, Bakersfield, CA 93302.

Why are the Mark Ponder billboards still up?

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 11:45:17 PDT

Q: Why are Mark Ponder's billboards still up all over town? He died in July. It's kind of unsettling and it must be hard on his family and friends.

-- Numerous callers and writers

A: We contacted the Fresno office of CBS Outdoor, the billboard company that handled Ponder's account. Trenton Suntrapak, who manages that office, e-mailed this response last Thursday:

"We are saddened by the untimely death of our longtime client, Mark Ponder. The billboards bearing his image will be replaced shortly."

Q: I don't know if I have an opinion, or a question. I heard some disturbing news today from a friend. I was told that our local court, now owned and operated by the state, has dictated when our Liberty Bell can be rung. Local citizens, groups, committees, etc. wishing to celebrate special occasions by briefly ringing our Liberty Bell are restricted to noon to 1 p.m.

This is apparently because it "disturbs the court." ... Perhaps there should be limitations of frequency and duration of bell ringing, but limiting it to one hour per day seems like trampling on our First Amendment rights to me.

...Does the court do this and why?

- H. Edward Lynch Jr.

A: Yes, the state has asked that the bell ringing be limited to the lunch hour so the noise does not interfere with court proceedings, said Bob Lerude, director of the Kern County Parks and Recreation Department.

But on one recent occasion, a group wanted to ring the bell before noon and the state made an exception, he said.

The timing of Liberty Bell ringing really wasn't an issue until about a year, year and a half ago when the bell was rung for an event and a deputy came out and asked it be stopped because of the noise, Lerude said. It's since then that the state has wanted the timing limited.

Q: I was wondering what is going on with the fountain between the new police and fire station on Buena Vista Road. It has been broken for over a year.

Does the city ever plan on repairing it?

- Bill Jones

A: Bakersfield City Manager Alan Tandy tracked this one down. Here's what he found: The fountain did not have an automatic filling device and the pump burned out. The pubic safety guys were apparently so busy they didn't notice. It is now assigned to the Bakersfield Fire Department and should get up and running soon.

Q: What are the flashing blue lights in the oilfields that can be seen at night from the Panorama Bluffs?

- George Richaud

A: We answered this in September 2008 but for those who missed it, here's what we learned:

The blue locator strobe lights mark the automatic well testing sites (and the equipment required to do the testing), said Roger Christy, spokesperson for Chevron.

They are used by the night operators to locate the sites on hazy and foggy nights. In other words, the blue lights are a safety feature.

"Before we installed them, the engineer who was in charge of the project stood on the bluffs to look at the lights we already had at the gates to make sure that more lights were not going to be a distraction," Christy said. "We didn't want them to be overly bright."

Ask The Californian appears twice a week. Submit questions to asktbc@bakersfield.com or to The Bakersfield Californian, c/o Christine Bedell, P.O. Bin 440, Bakersfield, CA 93302.

When will Fairfax-178 be completely done?

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 14:07:18 PDT

Q: The Highway 178 expansion looks almost finished. However, they seem to have stopped with finishing the off-ramp when you are going westbound on 178. All the other on-ramps and eastbound off-ramp are complete. When is that one going to be completed?

- Linda Kuban

A: It’s not clear. There was a design flaw with the westbound off-ramp, said Janet Wheeler, spokeswoman for the Thomas Roads Improvement Program. The ramp is being redesigned and then will be constructed. Wheeler did not know how long this process will take. By the way, the designer is on the hook for the extra work that now needs to be done.

Q: I would like to know what is going on with the condemned apartments at 2312-2316 Eye St., next to the Red Door Interiors.

Also, the storage units at 1831 Golden State Frontage Road landscaping is almost completely dead.

Is the owner responsible for keeping this up as I'm sure when they got approval to build the landscaping was part of the plan?

— Karen DeWalt

A: The city has issued permits for a portion of the Eye Street properties to be demolished.

The permits give the owner of the property six months to complete the work. The permit for the project was issued about two months ago, according to Randy Fidler, chief code enforcement officer for Bakersfield.

A code enforcement notice has been sent to the owners of the property at 1831 Golden State, Fidler confirmed.

Q: I would like to know who’s responsible for the maintenance of Capitan Drive and Hosking Avenue.

There is very little cleanup being done in the area, which has become unsafe for runners, walkers, and children playing around the area.

It has a lot of tumble weeds creating this area very unsafe.

- Martha L. Ruiz

A: The Hosking property owner is responsible for the side yard outside the wall (a wall mentioned in the question), per an agreement made when a wall was built to enhance the property appearance, Fidler said.

Once code enforcement receives a call, it typically takes two or three weeks before code officers can inspect the property, and about 45 days before cleanup begins if the city gets involved in the cleanup, said Fidler.

The cost of non-compliance with code enforcement is steep:

• If an owner doesn’t comply with a code enforcement letter: $105.

• If there is a hearing: $300

• If the city cleans up: $600

• If a warrant is required to access the property: $500

Bakersfield weed and code enforcement hotline: 326-3712.

Q: What is the purpose of the stoplight on Wible by the auto mall and Rosedale Highway past Landco?

A: Here’s the answer from city traffic engineer Ryan Starbuck:

The intersection of Wible Road and Barber Way warranted a traffic signal several years ago due to the volume of vehicles there. The signal was just recently funded and constructed.

The signal at Rosedale Highway and Mohawk Street is part of the new Westside Parkway freeway project. Mohawk is being extended from Truxtun Avenue, over the Kern River, to Rosedale Highway. After that project is complete, the city expects a large number of vehicles to be turning at that intersection.

Ask The Californian appears on Mondays and Thursdays. Submit questions to asktbc@bakersfield.com or to The Bakersfield Californian, c/o Christine Bedell, P.O. Bin 440, Bakersfield, CA 93302.

Why is CSUB allowing trees to die?

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 11:27:30 PDT

Q: I'm concerned that Cal State Bakersfield is allowing 70 15- to 20-year-old trees to wither away and die at the old Southwest Baseball fields due to lack of water and maintenance. It is hard to believe given the fact that Bakersfield is a nationally noted "Tree City" that this can be allowed to happen.

Given the emphasis on "Green Living" and the demonstrated ability of trees to help remove pollutants from the air we all breathe (and see before breathing) that CSUB could be a much better role model for our community.

- John Turner

A: Patrick Jacobs, CSUB assistant vice president, facilities planning, development & operations, answered:

There are several issues with the trees on that portion of campus and we are trying to find a solution.

The trees were planted by Southwest Baseball while it leased the area for its youth baseball program. At the end of the lease, it could not relocate the trees to the new facility because the trees were not a species approved by the city of Bakersfield. When Southwest Baseball cleaned the area on campus where it had played, the irrigation system was removed. Thus, the trees have not been watered.

Regardless of the current situation, in the long-term master,plan for the campus, the trees would eventually be removed to accommodate campus growth. The poor success rate and prohibitive cost does not make transplanting trees of that size a viable option.

We are proud of the number of beautiful trees and greenery we have planted on campus, and this particular situation is not ideal. However, we are talking with both the Kern Tree Foundation and private contractors to find a solution that will allow someone to remove the dead trees and utilize the live trees in another location.

Q: With the many intersections that need signals, I wonder why the intersections of Panorama and Meadow Vista and Fairfax and Auburn Oaks need signal lights. Regarding Fairfax Road there isn't any sound traffic engineering reason to place this signal, one block from Auburn, unless you can justify the rare pedestrian or car that needs access to Fairfax.

Pedestrian traffic (including students) can cross at Auburn. Fairfax traffic should not be stopped for the rare Auburn Oaks car. All it can possibly do is stop the free flow of Fairfax traffic and add to the pollution to our air. If this was a mitigation of the the traffic planning for the gas station and car wash on the northeast corner of Fairfax and Auburn, it was a poor planning/development requirement. And, in the case of Panorama Drive, this signal was placed one block from the very busy and dangerous "T" intersection of University Avenue and Panorama Drive - the scene of several recent accidents. It only has a stop sign.

And also, why isn't Panorama Drive traffic given the default green light when no pedestrian or vehicle "calls" from Meadow Vista have occurred? Driving on Panorama, I have had to stop many times when there are no cars or pedestrians waiting to cross on Meadow Vista.

- Will Winn

A: Here's what Ryan Starbuck, city traffic engineer, had to say:

The intersection of Panorama and Meadow Vista is signalized due to the high volume of morning and early afternoon vehicles and pedestrians generated by nearby Highland High School. Meadow Vista is the main entrance to and from Highland High School.

At the intersection of Panorama Drive and Meadow Vista, Panorama Drive is given priority for vehicle flow. Due to the small size of this intersection, however, this signal operates on a "split-phase" timing pattern. Since there is no room to install dedicated left-hand turn lanes on Panorama Drive without removing parking in front of nearby homes, this signal must operate in this manner. A "split-phase" timing pattern allows all through vehicles and turning movements in one direction to go at the same time while all other vehicles at the intersection wait. Then, the through vehicles and turning movements in the opposite direction get their turn. The signal only turns green for Meadow Vista when a vehicle is on the side street waiting to go.

The signal at Fairfax Road and Auburn Oaks Drive was installed as part of the new freeway interchange improvements to Highway 178 and Auburn Street. Prior to the new interchange, the existing post office's main entrance/exit was off Auburn Street, west of Fairfax Road. Due to the new interchange off-ramp for westbound traffic on 178, post office workers could no longer use their main driveway. Post office officials agreed to reconfigure their parking lot and move their entrance/exit from Auburn Street to Auburn Oaks Drive. The new traffic signal was installed at Fairfax Road and Auburn Oaks Drive to help facilitate the increase in traffic at the intersection generated by post office vehicles and provide them with signalized access to Fairfax Road like they had before having to reconfigure their driveway access.

Q: At various locations there are traffic signals at places where canal workers cross major roadways. They are apparently activated only when a worker's truck needs to cross. I would think this would be seldom and the need is low. Who pays for these lights?

- Bob Braley

A: Starbuck fielded this, too:

According to current canal company regulations, when a new city street crosses an existing canal, the city of Bakersfield must provide one of the following: a grade separation project (overpass or underpass) or a traffic signal to allow unimpeded access to the canal. A grade separation project is prohibitively more expensive than a simple traffic signal, hence the reason traffic signals are installed. The cost of new signals for canal access are usually built into the road project's total cost.

Ask The Californian appears on Mondays and Thursdays. Submit questions to asktbc@bakersfield.com or to The Bakersfield Californian, c/o Christine Bedell, P.O. Bin 440, Bakersfield, CA 93302.

What's with all the spiders?

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 15:41:58 PDT

Q: Several area residents who communicate with The Californian on the social networking site Twitter have remarked recently about a perceived increase in spider populations in neighborhoods around Bakersfield. Many say they have never seen so many spiders on their patios and porches, or in their garages and houses.

So we asked some experts: Is this a case of mass arachnophobia or are the eight-legged bugs truly experiencing a mini baby boom?

- Staff writer Steven Mayer

A: David Haviland, an entomologist and farm and home adviser with the UC Cooperative Extension, said he's not buying the theory of a spike in spider populations. Sure, there may be localized increases in arachnids, he said, but there's no evidence of an overall spider infestation in and around Bakersfield.

David Oxley, the owner of Oxley's Pest Control, agreed.

"August and September are going to be the highest months of spider activity," Oxley said. But he hasn't seen an unusual increase in calls from customers complaining about spiders.

Q: I read or heard somewhere that a WinCo market is going to be built in the southwest. When and where is this market going to be opened to the shopping public?

- Gary Hemingway

A: A WinCo has been planned for the corner of Panama Lane and Ashe Road. It was held up by a lawsuit challenging an environmental report; a local court sided with the city, finding the report was valid.

City Attorney Ginny Gennaro said she's not aware of any appeal being filed and there is no injunction stopping the project from going forward. The deadline for an a appeal to be filed is Nov. 10, she said.

WinCo has not been in touch with city planners since the court decision, city Planning Director Jim Eggert said.

If WinCo decides to move forward, Eggert said, its next step would be to prepare building plans for submittal to the building department for plan check. It may take WinCo a few months to put these drawings together and it may still need to put together financing, so it could be a year or so before there's any actual activity on the site, Eggert said.

WinCo officials did not return calls seeking comment this week and last.

Q: Who takes care of the maintenance and watering of the landscape left at the former Three-Way Chevrolet facility on California Avenue? It looks like everything is dying and starting to become an eyesore because of lack of cleanup or maintenance.

-- Bette Addington

Q: I used to enjoy watching the trees in front of the old Three Way Chevrolet on California Avenue change with the seasons. Over the last several months they appear to be dying a slow and macabre death, no doubt from lack of water. Since this is a major street visitors travel to and from our city, and ever mindful of trying to present a positive image, is there no way for some entity to rescue these poor trees -- soon?

-- Maureen Buscher-Dang

A: Local investors Tim and Tina Lewy purchased the property June 30 from Three-Way Chevrolet Co.. They plan to market it for lease to retailers, restaurants, office-users and hospitality-related businesses.

To make the 10-acre frontage property more attractive to potential tenants, Tim Lewy said the property will be cleared "down to bare soil." That will involve tearing out any and all landscaping within about two months.

Ask The Californian appears on Mondays and Thursdays. Submit questions to asktbc@bakersfield.com or to The Bakersfield Californian, c/o Christine Bedell, P.O. Bin 440, Bakersfield, CA 93302.

What's going up by Sam's Club?

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:19:41 PDT

Q: I was wondering if anyone knows what is being built at the Sam's Club parking lot in the southwest; there seems to be some construction going on there.

- Janett Mendoza

A: City Planning Director Jim Eggert answered this one:

The construction is their fueling facility for members (similar to the fueling station in front of Costco). Another pad that is under construction next to Petco is a Del Taco restaurant.

Chili's also had building plans in for review to construct a new restaurant, but recently withdrew its application. It said it's no longer planning to build at Gosford Village because it's not able to secure corporate funding or support for new restaurant development at this time.

Q: When will Greystone Park and fire station be finished on Harris near Buena Vista? The fire station looks almost done, but the park hasn't even broken ground as it was planned to be done Spring 2009.

- David S. Petruncio Jr.

A: Nick Fidler, a city civil engineer in the Public Works Department, answered:

The city will advertise bids for construction of the park in early 2010. The project design was delayed because the scope of work was increased to include a parking lot, restroom and splash pad, which will be bid with the first phase.

These additional features were originally planned as a future phase, but due to the improved bidding climate, we are able to include them earlier than anticipated. (Note: These features will be added to the park as funds permit in the order listed).

Q: Do you know if and when the shopping center will be built on the corner of Allen and Brimhall?

- Barbara Benson

A: Developer Ron Froehlich said he's waiting for the economy to improve before moving forward with the neighborhood shopping center. No specific tenants have been identified, he said.

Q: I am wondering when the street will be finished on Kern Canyon Road and Mesa Marin Drive near Highway 178. It has been at this stage for months now.

- Rick Garcia

A: Rick Millwee, city construction superintendent, fielded the question:

The widening of Highway 184 at Mesa Marin Drive is on hold until AT&T poles can be moved out of the area to be paved. This area is being widened as part of the construction of a new storage facility on that corner.

I have contacted AT&T and they indicate that the poles should be removed from this area within the next three weeks. After the poles are removed, paving operations can take place and the roadway construction can be finished.

Ask The Californian appears on Mondays and -- we're announcing now -- Thursdays. Submit questions to asktbc@bakersfield.com or to The Bakersfield Californian, c/o Christine Bedell, P.O. Bin 440, Bakersfield, CA 93302.

When will Super Wal-Mart open?

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 13:27:59 PDT

Q: When is the Super Wal-Mart on Panama Lane going to open?
- Jessica Potter

A: Unofficially, Oct. 28, said Bakersfield Planning Director Jim Eggert. That’s based on city inspections of the site and from talking to construction personnel.

Wal-Mart should get temporary occupancy to begin stocking the store any time now, he said.

Multiple calls to Wal-Mart over the last several weeks (we keep getting asked about this and the Gosford Road Super Wal-Mart) have not been returned.

Q: I have noticed construction on the southeast corner of Panama Lane and Stine Road. Does anyone know what is being built there?

- Janett Mendoza

A: This is part of a newer commercial center, Eggert said. Permits were recently issued for construction of a fueling station/convenience market/car wash. It will complete what the city has approved for that center, he said.

Q: What are the “rules” on the bike path? I walk three mornings a week with two other women (we are all three over 70). We walk from three to five miles each day. We walk on the right side of the path and one usually walks ahead of the other two so we aren't three abreast.

Cyclists sometimes pass us so close and so fast that if we so much as move our arms, we'd hit them and all of us would go flying. Some cyclists are very, very rude to walkers. Any rules of the road?

- Caroline O. Reid

A: There are no official rules, just an expectation that people use “common sense and courtesy to anybody,” said Allen Abe, assistant director of the Bakersfield Recreation and Parks Department.

Polite cyclists will slow down as they approach walkers and say something like “behind you” or “coming up on your left,” he said.

“There’s nothing written down,” Abe said. “Everybody should be courteous to everybody else.”

Q: Who is in charge of removing the broken glass off the roadway after a “major” (or any) vehicle accident?

- No name given

A: Tow companies are responsible for clearing out safety hazards such as car parts and oil/gas leaks, Bakersfield police traffic Sgt. Allan Abney said. Police service technicians carry brooms to help and street sweepers have been called out on major wrecks, he said.

But small glass bits generally disperse on their own, he said.

Editor’s note: We received this e-mail in reference to a recent Ask the Californian item:

“I am the outgoing lead pastor at Laurelglen Bible Church and the question to you by Forrest G. Wood in yesterday’s “Ask the Californian” obviously captured my attention, for it implied that we have no regard for the laws of the city.

Several years ago we had a parking issue at the church and asked the city for permission to park on Ashe Road – permission which was granted to us, the evidence being that under the signs “No Parking At Any Time” are the smaller words “Except Sundays.”

Admittedly that exception cannot be seen while driving by, but it is there.

Please assure Mr. Wood and your readers that we do respect the laws of the land, state, county and city and that we did not park on Ashe Road until permission was granted by the city.

Thank you,
Roger Poppen

Ask The Californian appears on Mondays. Submit questions to asktbc@bakersfield.com or to The Bakersfield Californian, c/o Christine Bedell, P.O. Bin 440, Bakersfield, CA 93302.

Why aren't the 24th Street lights synchronized?

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 12:18:07 PDT

Q: According to the article I read previously in The Californian about the new signal light at 24th and L streets, the lights were to be synchronized with the lights at 24th and M streets.

On a daily basis I find myself irritated at the fact that “someone” did not do what they promised! Did I misread the article?

- Robin Acevedo

A: You did not misread it. The lights are not yet synchronized but soon will be, Caltrans spokeswoman Holly Vogel said Thursday.

She didn’t have an exact date but was seeking out one. We’ll keep everybody posted.

Q: I would like to know why vehicles are allowed to park on both sides of Ashe Road at the intersection of North Half Moon Drive (south of Ming Avenue) on Sunday mornings.
There are signs that read: “No Parking at Any Time.” There is no “except Sunday” sign. Also, there are bike lanes on both sides which are completely blocked.

There is an evangelical Christian church at the intersection and cars obviously belong to churchgoers.

Does the city make an exception for churchgoers? Is this a violation of the separation of church and state? Would the city be so accommodating to members of a Muslim mosque? Or members of an atheist or agnostic meeting hall?

— Forrest G. Wood

A: Bakersfield Police Detective Mary DeGeare said this is the first she’s heard of the situation.

“Typically our limited parking enforcement resources are complaint driven and we have not had any complaints there that the traffic lieutenant was aware of,” she wrote in an e-mail, adding: “No exceptions are made; we will take a look at it.”

Q: Who is responsible for the maintenance of the north side of Stockdale Highway between Stine Road and North McDonald Way? The city in the recent past erected a concrete wall between the sidewalk and existing homes most likely as a sound barrier for the addition of an extra traffic lane. However, it appears since the wall was built there is very little clean up being done in the area, which has become an eyesore.

— David Collins

A: Chris Lee of the city’s code enforcement division took a recent drive to the site during his lunch hour. Lee believes the area between the sidewalk and masonry wall does indeed belong to the city and, if so, should have been maintained by the city. He’s forwarding your message to the street maintenance staffer in charge of that area, so hopefully you’ll see a change soon.

Q: What is being built at the River Walk other than the Target?

- Christine Aguirre

A: It’s not clear yet what’s going in at the new Target at River Walk on Stockdale Highway. The Californian’s president and CEO spoke with the developer, Castle and Cooke, which told him there are no signed leases but the company is in talks with Panera Bread. Target is scheduled to open Oct. 11.

Q: Has anyone else in the northeast noticed the water bubbling up out of our streets?

This has been going on for the last couple years. California Water Service comes and puts up caution signs, then comes back anywhere from one to three weeks later to dig up the street to repair these leaks. Meanwhile, in an area where water is so precious, we lose a lot, not to mention the possibility of cave-ins occurring under the road from erosion.

The area I am talking about is on Fairfax, from Auburn to Panorama and on Panorama from Fairfax to Meadow Vista Court. I have counted at least nine patches on the road on Fairfax alone and some of these have been dug up more than once. This month, we have had three leaks on Panorama and one on Rancho Sierra. At this point, it probably would have been cheaper to replace the whole thing.

- Cindy Hall

A: Tim Treloar of Cal Water answered the question:

“We very recently repaired three service leaks in this area, and have one service leak pending, which is scheduled to be repaired by Friday.

“We utilize a code system, rating leaks from code 1 (minor leak) to code 4 (major leak, property damage potential, lots of water). These leaks in the Panorama area have all been internally classed as code 1s. It can take up to two-three weeks to schedule repairs, making certain permits are obtained, and USA Dig Alert is notified (so other utilities have time to mark the location of their particular utility pipes, conduits, etc.).

“Our crews may potentially encounter high pressure gas and oil lines, underground power, telephone, fiber optic, cable, gas, etc. Unless it is an emergency, we don’t just start digging up the street. There is a protocol we follow in order to assure the safety of the repair work for our employees and the public. We do realize that there is some apparent water waste, but typically the code 1 leaks run less than 1 gallon per minute, although to a water conscious customer, this can be a lot of water.

“Our engineering department is initiating a more in-depth look at the service material in this area. We are sending representative samples of the failed material to engineering for their analysis. It’s apparent that some of the service material in this area is not holding up well, and not lasting as long as anticipated.”

Q: I would like to know who's paying for the signal light at Wible & Barber Way. Barber Way is only one block long. At $30,000, I hope it’s Barber Honda and not us taxpayers.

— Fred Evenson

A: About 90 percent of the cost of the Wible and Barber signal installed on Aug. 26 was funded through the federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality program. The remainder of the $200,000 cost (maintenance and electricity runs about $2,600 per year thereafter) came via the Regional Traffic Impact Fee Program, fees collected from developers to mitigate increased traffic, according to Ryan Starbuck, a traffic engineer with the city of Bakersfield.

The city of Bakersfield installs about eight new signals per year, based on traffic volume.

UPDATE: HERE'S A LAST-MINUTE ADD TO ASK TBC THIS WEEK:

Q: An eyesore has developed on the east side of Oswell between Auburn and Columbus across from the Green Frog Market. A windowless building has been under various phases of construction for a long time. No recent activity has occurred except for an increase in ongoing graffiti and the growth of weeds. Why isn’t the owner required to paint over the graffiti and remove the weeds? What type of business is due to eventually be there?

- Darlyn Baker

A: In what may turn out to be an encouraging sign, three men were working inside the building site on Friday, though graffiti was still present on the outside wall. Construction foreman Jose Nevarez said there was a delay in the work caused by changes in the plumbing, but that the construction effort is now back on track.

Workers have repeatedly painted over graffiti but taggers often come back the next day, Nevarez said. He said they would take care of the most recent graffiti tags.
The building will eventually house offices.

Ask The Californian appears in the newspaper on Mondays. Submit questions to asktbc@bakersfield.com or to The Bakersfield Californian, c/o Christine Bedell, P.O. Bin 440, Bakersfield, CA 93302.