http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/soundoff/35558 Reader: I just wanted to tell you that I was really surprised at all the nega- tive comments that were made con- cerning the new format. From day one, I found the new size totally easier to handle. The expanded TV section is awesome, and I find the print extremely easy to read. And this comes from a person who sometimes uses a magnifying glass to read direc- tions. I really prefer the magazine-size papers as far as handling goes, but I am not going to complain about what you are doing about the smaller size.   As for the comics, I will leave that for another day. Thank you. — Norma Schmidt Reader: Since you have agreed to list Speed Channel again, please, please also list Travel Channel! This is the most important listing for my household. — Linda Cohen Reader: I want to complain about the new format. The printing in the classified ads and the TVsection is so small you can’t hardly read it. In most cases it’s blurred. The printing isn’t clear. The printing in the majority of the paper is way too small. If you can’t read it, there’s no sense in keeping your subscription. — Mrs. Neff Reader: I’m not happy with the new format of The Californian because of the smaller print. For older people, it makes it more difficult to read. I don’t know if that was a consideration before, but I’m finding that I cannot read the paper as easily as I used to when you had the larger pages. Maybe I’m wrong, but there are some things I can’t find. Maybe they’re just in another location which is also a prob- lem, but I am not happy with it. Thank you very much. — Leah Garthoffner Reader: I’m very fortunate. I retired early. I’m 60 years old. Our favorite thing to do in the morning is to come out on the patio, have coffee and read the paper. We sincerely enjoy the Cryptoquip. It takes a little brain power. We watch the funnies. The funnies you put in were Sherman’s Lagoon, Pearls Before Swine — we enjoyed them. You saw fit to remove Sherman’s Lagoon, but you left Retail, Brewster Rockit and idiot cartoons aimed at people who are brainless. I hope that you can bring back Sherman’s Lagoon. — Mr. Bussard Reader: I’m calling to comment on the paper’s new size. I think it’s great. It’s a lot easier to hold and handle. — Jan Winchester Reader: I will certainly miss Marvin; it was one of my favorites. I used to cut them out and mail them to my grand- children. I would just like to ask that when you do your survey that you include it in your survey. — Carolyn Bergman Reader: I’m calling about the new format of the newspaper which I like fine. The only thing that I miss that I really enjoyed was in the Weather sec- tion. You used to have the high in the nation and low in the nation for the day before. If possible, I would like to see you bring that back. — Janet York Reader: I just wanted you to know we really enjoy and appreciate the smaller paper. It’s so much easier to read and the darker print is good for our aging eyes. Thank you so much. — Ruby Tyree Reader: Love, love, love the new, smaller newspaper. It’s so much easier to handle. Thank you. — Mary Cummings Jenner: Thanks for all the com- ments and suggestions about our recent format change. Although we reduced the width of pages, we did not reduce the size of our body type. And while we did reduce the amount of spacing between the classified ads, we did not reduce the size of the type in classified listings. We’ve asked the company that pro- duces our TVlistings to bump up the size of type that appears in the grids, and we’ve lightened the color tints that appear over some of the boxes. We will launch our next comics poll on Sept. 7 in Eye Street, and readers may voice their opinions on our comics lineup, and on Sherman’s Lagoon. I appreciate every letter and call, and we’ll consider implementing all reasonable suggestions. Thanks for taking the time to com- ment. ■   ■   ■ Reader: Now every drunk in this town will now “KNOW” it’s better for them to just leave the scene of an acci- dent, thanks to your article. Do you really think this is smart reporting? When the statistics start showing an increase in “hit-and-run” accidents next year, will you think twice about your article? I don’t believe this was a good idea to write this article. Sure, it does get me thinking and fired up about increasing the punishment of leaving the scene of an accident; and maybe that was your point. But I guarantee you there is probably a young college kid who will one day find himself in this situation; and now his chances of staying at the scene are decreased because he will now contemplate the “easy route.” Thank you, —Rachelle Hunt Jenner: By merely reporting any crimes, we run the risk of encouraging “copycat” behavior. In this case, we reported on a problem that has been around for years. Few crimes are as reprehensible as hit-and-run driving. It’s outrageous that perpetrators often dodge the punishment they’re due by fleeing the scene. Editors and the reporter discussed in advance the possibility that some readers would voice such objections if we published this story. But we felt it was important to inform our readers about this prob- lem. Ibelieve the likelihood of a sus- pect fleeing the scene of an accident is more dependent on their character than what they may have read. And we don’t do the community any favors by ignoring real life. ■   ■   ■ Reader: I have always found Bak- ersfield to be an extremely supportive place to live, but I have to say that I am absolutely amazed at the lack of response and support from the public and local media. Bakersfield has, for the first time ever, placed a baseball team in the Cal Ripken League World Series in Aberdeen, Md., but no one seems to know or care. These boys have worked hard and played hard to earn the right and the honor to play, yet have had no local support. The Northwest Bakersfield team (Pacific Southwest in the league listings) went 4-0 until losing in semi- finals. Yet there were no announcements or stories, no support of any kind from home, even when they were two games away from playing in the World Series. Shame on Bakersfield’s public, local officials and the local media who have ignored a great story and/or the chance to support some very deserv- ing young men. In today’s society, when bad news is usually the only news you hear, it would be great for Bakersfield to know that we do have good things happen- ing and have the opportunity to sup- port those individuals. — Kellie Salmon Jenner:Here’s what we published: • Tuesday, Aug. 5 — A team picture and 10-inch preview story. • Wednesday, Aug. 13 — “NW clinches spot in Ripken semifinal,” a recap of the first 3 days, Page C5. • Thursday, Aug. 14 — “NW All-Stars finish perfect in pool play,” Page D6. • Friday, Aug. 15 — “Northwest elim- inated,” Page E8. These stories were produced by staffer Ron Stapp by gathering info from the Web. The team opted to not call us with highlights even though we told them beforehand we’d put stories in the paper if they did so. Ihope this helps reshape your feel- ing that there were “no announce- ments or stories”or that “bad news is usually the only news you hear.” ■   ■   ■ Reader: The Lowrider Nationals was a success as a car show and con- cert; however, there was an unfortu- nate incident near the close of the Lowrider Nationals event on Aug. 3. To the immense relief of all con- cerned, car owners and clubs, fans, staffers and organizers, things did not go sideways. The trouble was isolated and the event continued with the presentation of awards, prizes and trophies continuing until 8 p.m. We are deeply saddened that Mr. Aguilar was injured and we are reach- ing out to him and his family. We also express our deepest regrets to the fans that were put in harm’s way by a few unruly patrons. There is no excuse, nor should there be any tolerance, for this behavior at a fan-friendly event that attracts fami- lies and folks from all walks of life. The organizers will not tolerate this type of behavior and will make every effort to ensure that the safety of the attendees and competitors is first and foremost. We thank the sheriff and police departments for their quick response and peaceful approach to the situa- tion. Thanks also to the Kern County Fairgrounds management for their diligence and assistance in keeping everyone safe. Additionally, we thank the security company for their efforts to keep things calm. We apologize directly to those who have been hurt. The event seeks to provide a platform for individual car builders, owners, car and bike clubs and sports enthusiasts to showcase their creativity and artistry. The event’s producers uphold the car clubs’ principles of leadership, sports- manship and the spirit of community. We feel it is necessary to explain fur- ther in order to properly put this inci- dent in context. 1. The show was NOT completely shut down. The awards and prizes presentation continued until 8 p.m. Over 300 trophies and $30,000 in prizes were presented. 2. The trouble was isolated and most of the fans watching the concert were unaware of the incident. 4. Reports of large fights were incor- rect. 3. Organizers were on the stage and on the grounds and were NOT con- tacted by any media outlet for com- ment. As of this message, any media representative has not contacted us. 4. All performers performed. 5. Next year’s event is scheduled for Aug. 9, 2009. — Oralia Michel Jenner: We didn’t report any large fights. While awards indeed were pre- sented after the incident, deputies did take the stage and announce that they were shutting down the event. We did not overplay the news about the stabbing and the response. We ran two stories in the Aug. 4 edition, and the stories and photos on the event dominated the short piece we did on the stabbing. ■   ■   ■ Reader: Regarding the Aug. 16 story reporting the death of Bakersfield Christian High School player Patrick Allen, why was the last paragraph of that story published? This is a news story. I want facts, even if the facts are, “They don’t know exactly what (the cause of death) was” — a quote from Derik Washington. But you go on to print a quote from an anonymous source from a Web site, “For the record, it wasn’t ‘heat stroke’ but that may have been a trig- ger that led to further problems.” It goes on to say things like “I’m not sure” and “I heard.” Wow. What is pre- sented as on the record is nothing but total speculation, rumor, hearsay. Is this person a doctor? Can you identify him/her? What authority does the person have that would lead you to quote him “for the record?” Give me facts in the news article and leave the anonymous postings to other sections, please. In my opinion, you missed it this time, guys. — Brian K. Wohlgemuth Jenner: I agree. The staffers who put that story together were working under extreme deadline conditions and were strug- gling to include context in the story. But we shouldn’t have relied on an anonymous blog post for a medical opinion. ■   ■   ■ Reader: “Tails of Bakersfield”is a great idea for a fundraiser for the S.P.C.A. Kudos to The Californianfor contributing the cost to print the pic- tures of our precious pets. I’m sending in my second picture of my Australian shepherd today. Keep ’em coming, Bakersfield. — Patsy Sadler ■   ■   ■ Reader: I have been looking at the paper and various news reports about the participating countries and the Olympics. I looked in the Sports sec- tion and found the section where “all” the countries that participated showed the medals they won.  Where is tiny Israel? Why don’t we show the medals they won? What is it about us that has the disgust not to show “all” the winning countries.  This nation that is founded on the principles of freedoms of everything can’t publish the winnings of a coun- try that is beloved by some and espe- cially God? What am I missing and why doesn’t this local newspaper publish that? — Bruce Neal Jenner: The omission of that medal in Thursday’s Sports section had nothing to do with God’s love for Israel and everything to do with deadlines. Shahar Zubari won Israel’s only Olympic medal in the early morning hours Thursday, well past our 11:25 p.m. press deadline. The medal has been included in subsequent listings. This feedback forum is designed to give readers an easy way to voice criticisms and compliments or ask questions about news coverage. Reader: I just wanted to tell you that I was really surprised at all the nega- tive comments that were made con- cerning the new format. From day one, I found the new size totally easier to handle. The expanded TV section is awesome, and I find the print extremely easy to read. And this comes from a person who sometimes uses a magnifying glass to read direc- tions. I really prefer the magazine-size papers as far as handling goes, but I am not going to complain about what you are doing about the smaller size.   As for the comics, I will leave that for another day. Thank you. — Norma Schmidt Reader: Since you have agreed to list Speed Channel again, please, please also list Travel Channel! This is the most important listing for my household. — Linda Cohen Reader: I want to complain about the new format. The printing in the classified ads and the TVsection is so small you can’t hardly read it. In most cases it’s blurred. The printing isn’t clear. The printing in the majority of the paper is way too small. If you can’t read it, there’s no sense in keeping your subscription. — Mrs. Neff Reader: I’m not happy with the new format of The Californian because of the smaller print. For older people, it makes it more difficult to read. I don’t know if that was a consideration before, but I’m finding that I cannot read the paper as easily as I used to when you had the larger pages. Maybe I’m wrong, but there are some things I can’t find. Maybe they’re just in another location which is also a prob- lem, but I am not happy with it. Thank you very much. — Leah Garthoffner Reader: I’m very fortunate. I retired early. I’m 60 years old. Our favorite thing to do in the morning is to come out on the patio, have coffee and read the paper. We sincerely enjoy the Cryptoquip. It takes a little brain power. We watch the funnies. The funnies you put in were Sherman’s Lagoon, Pearls Before Swine — we enjoyed them. You saw fit to remove Sherman’s Lagoon, but you left Retail, Brewster Rockit and idiot cartoons aimed at people who are brainless. I hope that you can bring back Sherman’s Lagoon. — Mr. Bussard Reader: I’m calling to comment on the paper’s new size. I think it’s great. It’s a lot easier to hold and handle. — Jan Winchester Reader: I will certainly miss Marvin; it was one of my favorites. I used to cut them out and mail them to my grand- children. I would just like to ask that when you do your survey that you include it in your survey. — Carolyn Bergman Reader: I’m calling about the new format of the newspaper which I like fine. The only thing that I miss that I really enjoyed was in the Weather sec- tion. You used to have the high in the nation and low in the nation for the day before. If possible, I would like to see you bring that back. — Janet York Reader: I just wanted you to know we really enjoy and appreciate the smaller paper. It’s so much easier to read and the darker print is good for our aging eyes. Thank you so much. — Ruby Tyree Reader: Love, love, love the new, smaller newspaper. It’s so much easier to handle. Thank you. — Mary Cummings Jenner: Thanks for all the com- ments and suggestions about our recent format change. Although we reduced the width of pages, we did not reduce the size of our body type. And while we did reduce the amount of spacing between the classified ads, we did not reduce the size of the type in classified listings. We’ve asked the company that pro- duces our TVlistings to bump up the size of type that appears in the grids, and we’ve lightened the color tints that appear over some of the boxes. We will launch our next comics poll on Sept. 7 in Eye Street, and readers may voice their opinions on our comics lineup, and on Sherman’s Lagoon. I appreciate every letter and call, and we’ll consider implementing all reasonable suggestions. Thanks for taking the time to com- ment. ■   ■   ■ Reader: Now every drunk in this town will now “KNOW” it’s better for them to just leave the scene of an acci- dent, thanks to your article. Do you really think this is smart reporting? When the statistics start showing an increase in “hit-and-run” accidents next year, will you think twice about your article? I don’t believe this was a good idea to write this article. Sure, it does get me thinking and fired up about increasing the punishment of leaving the scene of an accident; and maybe that was your point. But I guarantee you there is probably a young college kid who will one day find himself in this situation; and now his chances of staying at the scene are decreased because he will now contemplate the “easy route.” Thank you, —Rachelle Hunt Jenner: By merely reporting any crimes, we run the risk of encouraging “copycat” behavior. In this case, we reported on a problem that has been around for years. Few crimes are as reprehensible as hit-and-run driving. It’s outrageous that perpetrators often dodge the punishment they’re due by fleeing the scene. Editors and the reporter discussed in advance the possibility that some readers would voice such objections if we published this story. But we felt it was important to inform our readers about this prob- lem. Ibelieve the likelihood of a sus- pect fleeing the scene of an accident is more dependent on their character than what they may have read. And we don’t do the community any favors by ignoring real life. ■   ■   ■ Reader: I have always found Bak- ersfield to be an extremely supportive place to live, but I have to say that I am absolutely amazed at the lack of response and support from the public and local media. Bakersfield has, for the first time ever, placed a baseball team in the Cal Ripken League World Series in Aberdeen, Md., but no one seems to know or care. These boys have worked hard and played hard to earn the right and the honor to play, yet have had no local support. The Northwest Bakersfield team (Pacific Southwest in the league listings) went 4-0 until losing in semi- finals. Yet there were no announcements or stories, no support of any kind from home, even when they were two games away from playing in the World Series. Shame on Bakersfield’s public, local officials and the local media who have ignored a great story and/or the chance to support some very deserv- ing young men. In today’s society, when bad news is usually the only news you hear, it would be great for Bakersfield to know that we do have good things happen- ing and have the opportunity to sup- port those individuals. — Kellie Salmon Jenner:Here’s what we published: • Tuesday, Aug. 5 — A team picture and 10-inch preview story. • Wednesday, Aug. 13 — “NW clinches spot in Ripken semifinal,” a recap of the first 3 days, Page C5. • Thursday, Aug. 14 — “NW All-Stars finish perfect in pool play,” Page D6. • Friday, Aug. 15 — “Northwest elim- inated,” Page E8. These stories were produced by staffer Ron Stapp by gathering info from the Web. The team opted to not call us with highlights even though we told them beforehand we’d put stories in the paper if they did so. Ihope this helps reshape your feel- ing that there were “no announce- ments or stories”or that “bad news is usually the only news you hear.” ■   ■   ■ Reader: The Lowrider Nationals was a success as a car show and con- cert; however, there was an unfortu- nate incident near the close of the Lowrider Nationals event on Aug. 3. To the immense relief of all con- cerned, car owners and clubs, fans, staffers and organizers, things did not go sideways. The trouble was isolated and the event continued with the presentation of awards, prizes and trophies continuing until 8 p.m. We are deeply saddened that Mr. Aguilar was injured and we are reach- ing out to him and his family. We also express our deepest regrets to the fans that were put in harm’s way by a few unruly patrons. There is no excuse, nor should there be any tolerance, for this behavior at a fan-friendly event that attracts fami- lies and folks from all walks of life. The organizers will not tolerate this type of behavior and will make every effort to ensure that the safety of the attendees and competitors is first and foremost. We thank the sheriff and police departments for their quick response and peaceful approach to the situa- tion. Thanks also to the Kern County Fairgrounds management for their diligence and assistance in keeping everyone safe. Additionally, we thank the security company for their efforts to keep things calm. We apologize directly to those who have been hurt. The event seeks to provide a platform for individual car builders, owners, car and bike clubs and sports enthusiasts to showcase their creativity and artistry. The event’s producers uphold the car clubs’ principles of leadership, sports- manship and the spirit of community. We feel it is necessary to explain fur- ther in order to properly put this inci- dent in context. 1. The show was NOT completely shut down. The awards and prizes presentation continued until 8 p.m. Over 300 trophies and $30,000 in prizes were presented. 2. The trouble was isolated and most of the fans watching the concert were unaware of the incident. 4. Reports of large fights were incor- rect. 3. Organizers were on the stage and on the grounds and were NOT con- tacted by any media outlet for com- ment. As of this message, any media representative has not contacted us. 4. All performers performed. 5. Next year’s event is scheduled for Aug. 9, 2009. — Oralia Michel Jenner: We didn’t report any large fights. While awards indeed were pre- sented after the incident, deputies did take the stage and announce that they were shutting down the event. We did not overplay the news about the stabbing and the response. We ran two stories in the Aug. 4 edition, and the stories and photos on the event dominated the short piece we did on the stabbing. ■   ■   ■ Reader: Regarding the Aug. 16 story reporting the death of Bakersfield Christian High School player Patrick Allen, why was the last paragraph of that story published? This is a news story. I want facts, even if the facts are, “They don’t know exactly what (the cause of death) was” — a quote from Derik Washington. But you go on to print a quote from an anonymous source from a Web site, “For the record, it wasn’t ‘heat stroke’ but that may have been a trig- ger that led to further problems.” It goes on to say things like “I’m not sure” and “I heard.” Wow. What is pre- sented as on the record is nothing but total speculation, rumor, hearsay. Is this person a doctor? Can you identify him/her? What authority does the person have that would lead you to quote him “for the record?” Give me facts in the news article and leave the anonymous postings to other sections, please. In my opinion, you missed it this time, guys. — Brian K. Wohlgemuth Jenner: I agree. The staffers who put that story together were working under extreme deadline conditions and were strug- gling to include context in the story. But we shouldn’t have relied on an anonymous blog post for a medical opinion. ■   ■   ■ Reader: “Tails of Bakersfield”is a great idea for a fundraiser for the S.P.C.A. Kudos to The Californianfor contributing the cost to print the pic- tures of our precious pets. I’m sending in my second picture of my Australian shepherd today. Keep ’em coming, Bakersfield. — Patsy Sadler ■   ■   ■ Reader: I have been looking at the paper and various news reports about the participating countries and the Olympics. I looked in the Sports sec- tion and found the section where “all” the countries that participated showed the medals they won.  Where is tiny Israel? Why don’t we show the medals they won? What is it about us that has the disgust not to show “all” the winning countries.  This nation that is founded on the principles of freedoms of everything can’t publish the winnings of a coun- try that is beloved by some and espe- cially God? What am I missing and why doesn’t this local newspaper publish that? — Bruce Neal Jenner: The omission of that medal in Thursday’s Sports section had nothing to do with God’s love for Israel and everything to do with deadlines. Shahar Zubari won Israel’s only Olympic medal in the early morning hours Thursday, well past our 11:25 p.m. press deadline. The medal has been included in subsequent listings. This feedback forum is designed to give readers an easy way to voice criticisms and compliments or ask questions about news coverage. en-us Fri, 17 Oct 2008 17:36:57 PDT