Littles won't chew your furniture

I am Littles, a 6 - 8 month old, female, Chihuahua mix. I was surrendered by my previous owner who had too many dogs. I am a little shy at first. I am sweet, quiet and affectionate. I am not interested in toys too much and I won't chew up your furniture. I get along with other dogs and cats. I would love to have a visit from you!

Shafter Animal Control

661-746-2140

www.shaftercritters.petfinder.com

Hours:

Monday – Saturday 7 A.M. – 3 P.M.

Mondays and Wednesdays also from

3 P.M. – 7 P.M. by appointment only.

Bambi loves to be held

My name is Bambi. I am an eight month old, female, Beagle/Chihuahua mix. I am a quiet, shy girl at first. I love to be held. I am learning to walk on a leash. I get along with dogs and cats. I am approximately 12 lbs.

Shafter Animal Control

661-746-2140

www.shaftercritters.petfinder.com

Hours:

Monday – Saturday 7 A.M. – 3 P.M.

Mondays and Wednesdays also from

3 P.M. – 7 P.M. by appointment only.

Shelby is shy, but that will change

I am Shelby, a three year old, female,Dachshund/Chihuahua mix. I was surrendered by my previous owner who had too many dogs. I was extremely undernourished but I have since gained weight and I am ready to meet my new, forever family! I am good with other dogs and cats. I like children. I can be a little shy when I first meet someone but I warm up once I get to know you. Come visit me!

Shafter Animal Control

661-746-2140

www.shaftercritters.petfinder.com

Hours:

Monday – Saturday 7 A.M. – 3 P.M.

Mondays and Wednesdays also from

3 P.M. – 7 P.M. by appointment only.

Paris will climb into your heart

Hi, I am Paris, a two month old, female kitten. I was found as a stray and I am hanging out at the Shafter Shelter, hoping to find a forever home. I am very sweet and playful. I love attention and being held. I will climb all the way from your feet to your shoulder just to be close to you. I get along with everyone, cats and dogs. Won't you come by for a visit?

Shafter Animal Control

661-746-2140

www.shaftercritters.petfinder.com

Hours:

Monday – Saturday 7 A.M. – 3 P.M.

Mondays and Wednesdays also from

3 P.M. – 7 P.M. by appointment only.

Willow loves to purr and cuddle

Willow is a 5 month old sweet female purrmaster. Willow loves to cuddle, and loves to play. Willow and her kitty friends can be seen in the PetSmart cattery. Willow is already spayed, and is ready for a new home, perhaps yours!

Wasco Animal Shelter, 5409 7th St., 758-7240. Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. PetSmart adoptions, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturdays, 4100 Ming Ave., Bakersfield.

CSUB announces 2009 Alumni Hall of Fame recipients

The California State University, Bakersfield Alumni Association will induct its 2009 class of accomplished alumni into the Alumni Hall of Fame at a special awards ceremony on Saturday, March 14, at Seven Oaks Country Club, 2000 Grand Lakes Ave. The third annual event will honor four outstanding alumni.

“The Hall of Fame event recognizes alumni who have made significant contributions in their chosen field of endeavor or in their community, and whose accomplishments and careers have brought honor and distinction to the university,” said Nancy Chaffin, CSUB alumna and chair of the Hall of Fame committee. “The 2009 CSUB Alumni Hall of Fame class members serve as examples of graduates who have not only made a significant and lasting impact in their professions, but more importantly they have substantially improved the condition of our community for generations to come. We invite the community to join us in celebrating these distinguished alumni.”

A committee of university representatives and alumni board members selected the inductees. Nominations were obtained from campus deans, the alumni board, the CSUB president’s office and the president’s cabinet. “The 2009 CSUB Alumni Hall of Fame class compares well to any university Hall of Fame inductees nationally. Our community can be proud of this fact,” Chaffin said.

This year’s four inductees into the Alumni Hall of Fame are:

• Joel Heinrichs – Heinrichs, the CEO of Lightspeed Systems, earned his master’s degree in public administration from CSUB in 1989. He is also currently the vice president of the Kern High School District Board of Trustees.

In 1995 Heinrichs was appointed county administrative officer by the Kern County Board of Supervisors and successfully implemented a number of initiatives to streamline central services, welfare-to-work programs and permit processes.

Heinrichs has participated on numerous nonprofit boards and assisted organizations with strategic planning workshops and issues. He was awarded the John W. Doubenmier Award for public sector innovation for his work in implementing the principles of total quality management to improve public services. He, along with his wife, Arlene, have provided strategic planning, project management, fund raising and civic education services to United Way of the Central Coast, Kern County Superintendent of Schools and Kern County Waste Management Department.

• Pauline Larwood – A government relations consultant since 1995, Larwood is serving her third term as trustee of the Kern Community College District and a six-year term appointment by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges. Larwood received her master’s degree in history from CSUB in 1976.

As a 12-year member of the Kern County Board of Supervisors, Larwood guided policies for operation of the county, including her role as planning commissioner. Her leadership has brought attention to issues relating to air quality, land use, citizenship, international understanding and Valley Fever. Garden Pathways, Inc. named Larwood 2007 Woman with a Heart for Bakersfield, describing her as “a person of humility; she is interested in getting the job done and is not concerned about getting credit for making a difference.”

Larwood takes pride in her combined family with husband Tom, seven children and eight grandchildren.

• Wayne Montgomery – Montgomery has been the owner of Montgomery Insurance since 1977. He is also currently the pastor of Christ Community Church in Wasco. He is a two-time CSUB alum, having received a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1976 and master’s degree in education in 1978.

Montgomery has served on numerous committees over the years, traveled and preached on every continent, was a missionary to South America, has received the Wasco Citizen of the Year Award, Traveler’s Insurance Company Man of the Year Award and the Master Boardsmanship Award from the California School Boards Association. He also served in the United States Air Force.

Montgomery’s children, three of whom are also CSUB alumni, founded the CSUB Wayne and Sally Montgomery Scholarship in honor of their parents’ 70th birthdays. The scholarship fund recognizes their parents’ dedication to higher education and will be given annually to a CSUB student.

• Bill Rector – Rector, the chief of police for the Bakersfield Police Department, has been with the organization since 1982. He has worked a variety of areas including patrol, training, vice/narcotics and juvenile/sex crimes. He graduated from CSUB in 1989 with a master’s degree in education.

Rector was promoted to assistant chief in 1999 and served in that position for five years. Rector is one of the youngest police chiefs in the history of the Bakersfield Police Department. He was selected by Alan Tandy, city manager, to replace Eric Matlock, who retired in 2004. He is the city’s 17th police chief.

Under Rector’s leadership the Bakersfield Police Department was awarded the 2008 Helen Putnam Award for the top safety program in the state.

He and his wife Whitney have two children.

“We are pleased to recognize four more outstanding graduates of CSU Bakersfield,” Chaffin said. “Joel, Pauline, Wayne and Bill exemplify professional success as well as personal integrity. Each has excelled in their chosen field and been generous in their commitment of time and resources to the community and the campus. We couldn’t ask for a more distinguished group of individuals to represent CSUB.”

Hall of Fame event sponsorships range from the friend level starting at $500 to the platinum level at $10,000.

Reservations are $75 per person or $600 for a table of eight. Seating is limited. Social hour starts at 6 p.m. with dinner and the program beginning at 7 p.m. Proceeds from the black-tie event benefit the CSUB Alumni Scholarship Fund.

For more information, please contact CSUB’s Alumni Relations office at (661) 654-3211 or [ mailto:alumni@csub.edu ]alumni@csub.edu.

BC opens registration as one study lauds affordability, another highlights enrollment crisis

Whether you are starting or continuing your college education, planning to switch careers, or looking into ways to improve your job skills, Bakersfield College has classes and programs designed to fit your needs and your lifestyle at a very affordable price. Open registration for Spring 2009 classes began Wednesday and classes begin on January 20, 2009.

Course options at Bakersfield College include day, evening, weekend, online and television classes. Bakersfield College has three dedicated campuses which make education convenient for students across the southern valley: Panorama Campus, Delano Center Campus and the Weill Institute. The College also operates satellite facilities at Stockdale High School in southwest Bakersfield, at the Olive Drive Training Center in northwest Bakersfield, at the WESTEC (Westside Energy Services Training and Education Center) facility in Shafter, and in Arvin, a community 23 miles southeast of Bakersfield. A complete list of available Spring 2009 classes and locations where they are offered can be found online at bakersfieldcollege.edu.

The National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education study Measuring Up 2008 released on December 2 gave an overall flunking grade to the affordability of higher education across the country, and California’s passing grade was only as a result of the community colleges’ affordable fees. Fees for California residents to attend Bakersfield College are only $20 per unit and financial aid is available for those who qualify.

“In the current economic climate of California and the country as a whole, people are going to look for affordable ways to improve their careers prospects,” said Dr. Greg Chamberlain, president of Bakersfield College. “Bakersfield College provides our community with an affordable option for higher education and career training that is convenient for a working student’s schedule. We’re pleased that this was recognized in a national study.”

Bakersfield College has a nearly 100-year history of serving the community in times of crisis. As the current joblessness rate climbs, so does the college’s enrollment tally, which crested 18,000 students for the first time in the College's 95-year history. Coupled with the recently-announced enrollment cap at the state’s California State University system, Bakersfield College’s enrollment is expected to increase as the economy dips toward recession.

In a separate study released by Community College Week on December 1, Bakersfield College ranks number 8 in a national study of fastest-growing public two-year colleges with enrollments 10,000 or higher, at a rate of 9.8 percent from Fall 2006 to Fall 2007. Three other California community colleges appear in the top seven on the list.

“We know, and expect, our enrollment to increase dramatically. It’s almost as though our enrollment is an excellent predictor and indicator of recession,” explained Chamberlain. “We watch for sudden spikes in enrollment which indicate more people are seeking alternative career paths to pursue because of employment crises in their field.”

Also factoring into the struggles that Bakersfield College will face for the Spring 2009 semester is the looming budget cut to community colleges statewide. These cuts will most likely affect programs and services already being offered to students. The College, however, has worked to establish a reserve to carry through difficult economic times and delays in passing state budgets.

“Budget stalemates and cuts are inevitable in California,” said Tom Burke, chief financial officer for the Kern Community College District, which serves three colleges including Bakersfield College. “We set our watches by them. But this time we have a financial reserve that helped us bridge the three months that it took for the legislature to pass the budget. Our Kern Community College District board of trustees established that reserve following the last budget crisis to carry us through difficult periods.”

The reserve is what kept Bakersfield College among a select few community colleges in California which did not have to borrow money to make payroll or pay bills while the state budget was deadlocked in Sacramento. The reserve also allowed the college to pay out financial aid to students who qualified while the disbursements awaited a passed state budget.

“The fact is that the California legislation was unable to get a budget together and it is not fair to our students to be penalized for their lack of ability to pass a budget,” said Burke. “It was vital to the District and our board of trustees that students were able to continue with their education without any financial surprises during the course of the semester.”

While the College works to meet the needs of students during an economic crisis, students continue to enroll for classes at a growing rate. Before open registration began on December 3, the College had already met 45 percent of its enrollment goal. Registration for priority students and special populations started in mid-November. As of the close of business on December 2, the College had more than 7,300 students already registered for classes.

“This spike in registration numbers is expected,” said Chamberlain. “Where it will end we just don’t know. I wouldn’t be surprised if Bakersfield College had more than 20,000 students in the next year or so.”

With the influx of students, the availability of courses is expected to decrease. Bakersfield College encourages students to register for classes as soon as they are ready and to prepare to take classes in non-traditional hours such as evenings. Waiting to register increases a student’s chances of finding the classes they are interested in closed. Students can call 395-4301 for help with admission, 395-4421 for a meeting with a counselor and 395-4427 for financial aid.

French/Moroccan Artist Florence Arnold Exhibits New Figurative Works

Jill Thayer Galleries at the Fox presents figurative works of Florence Arnold in a solo exhibition. Meet the artist at an opening reception during First Friday, December 5, 2008, 6-8pm. Exhibit runs through January 24. Located under the marquee of the historic Fox Theater, the gallery celebrates 15 years.

Gallery Hours: Fri - Sat 1 - 4pm and by Appt. Call 661 428 4611. www.jillthayer.com

Belly Dance/Caribbean Fusion Workshop

"Free" Belly dance/Caribbean Fusion Workshop. Workshop size is limited to the first 20 people, so sign up early. Workshop will begin promptly at 10 AM.

Learn to Meditate!

The Bakersfield Meditation Society offers Free classes in meditation, relaxation, and personal and professional development. Beginners are always welcome! Meditation is a process of quieting your thoughts and reaching higher and happier states of mind. Meditation instruction and a short meditation are included in each class. Classes are held at the Greenacres Community Center from 7-8 pm.

WarmLine Luau and Silent Auction

WarmLine is a Division of La Cresta Foundation, a small, Kern County, non-profit organization dedicated to the development of healthy family relationships for families with young children. WarmLine operates a telephone/email support line for parents of young children, helping families develop healthy relationships with their children through the early years. WarmLine has no paid employees; all of the services are provided by volunteers.

This event is a fundraiser to help continue our work in the community and allow us to grow. Please join us for a night of dinner, entertainment and fun. Thanks.

Guided Meditation Workshop

This workshop will be a short lecture on hypnotherapy, it's benefits and applications. During this workshop you will: - Explore exercises in mindfulness and breathing in daily life. - Take a brief journey into the hypnotic state to become aware of excess stress and to reduce it. For more information on this workshop or Gloria Gorce, please feel free to give us a call or send us an email.

Community Vegan Potluck

The first Sunday of every month our studio hosts a Vegan potluck and everyone in the community is welcome to attend. This is a family friendly event with good food and great company. If you have never tried vegan food before or don't know what it is this is a great opportunity to try something new and different. Vegan food is food made without any animal products, no meat, dairy, or honey. Go online and try a new recipe or just come down to the studio Sunday night and enjoy the food prepared by everyone else.

Christmas Parade Open House

Bakersfield's annual Christmas Parade strolls right past our downtown studio and this year we are hosting an open house! Bring friends and family and warm up with some hot cocoa and apple cider before heading back out into all the festivities. This is a great opportunity to meet our staff and learn more about what we do. Take a look around, check out our boutique and ask about our gift certificates. Hope to see you there!

Confidential Address Programs: What every Domestic Violence & Stalking Victim Should know

If you are a victim of domestic violence or stalking and you are considering using a state offered confidential address program or if you are considering an identity change, there is some information that you must know before utilizing these programs.There are far too many victims of crime relying upon these programs living with a false sense of security.

A person does not have to look far beyond the latest news headlines to learn that even experienced high-tech investigators, politicians, news anchors, celebrities and members of law enforcement fall prey to breaches of their privacy. Government privacy protection programs such as confidential address are not immune from security breaches either. Confidential address programs have their weaknesses and they can be penetrated by abusers and stalkers- and they are often.

Privacy protection is becoming more and more challenging for everyone today this is evident from the escalating numbers of identity theft cases across the nation.

Privacy protection for 21st century domestic violence and stalking victims is even more challenging today primarily becuase of the vast amount of consumer private records available to the public via the world wide web. Therefore, programs like confidential address are often penetrated and victims security breached all with the click of the mouse- making victims of abuse more vulnerable than ever before.

Victims of crime including stalking and domestic abuse victims particularly, need to become aware and informed of the pitfalls surrounding state offered privacy protection programs prior to making a decision that may jeopardize their safety and the safety of those that they love.

There are 19 confidential address programs within the United States. California is one of the 19 that offer the confidential address program to victims of crime.
There are many misconceptions in regards to the programs privacy protection capabilities. Victims and their family members should not rely upon the program as their only defense mechanism to protect their privacy.

1. Confidential address programs do not allow for victims to have packages delivered to their private mail box accounts, this also includes certified mailings and deliveries. These types of packages will be returned to sender. This can be alleviated by opening a private mail box account with a UPS Store or similar mail receiving station because these entities will receive certified letters, packages and other deliveries that the state confidential address programs won’t.

2. Utility records including water, gas, electric, cable bills will have the victims name, physical address location as well as the confidential mailing address on file. This is cause for concern because then the victim’s new “confidential private address” is co-mingled with the crime victim’s actual physical location which may allow for a breach of the victims privacy. Note, presently, California law makers are reviewing legislation that will provide for privacy mechanisms for victims of crime pertaining to utility accounts.

3. Property record ownership information is not private. Victim’s utilizing the confidential address program must take caution and note that their real estate property ownership records are public records and available to anyone including convicted felons and domestic abusers. Property records are compiled county by county state by state and many of these records are available on-line through the county recorder clerk’s office. Victims of crime, law enforcement, prosecutors and other vulnerable members of the public should not have to live in fear. Legislation is presently being reviewed to help safeguard property records for these vulnerable groups.

These are only a few of the pitfalls involved with the use of the confidential address program. A victim’s privacy is far too often a matter of life and death, that is why it is very important for victims and their loved ones to be informed of the pitfalls of these types of privacy protection programs before they rely upon them as there only source of privacy protection.

If you or a loved one is a victim of crime and would like to learn more about privacy protection programs contact Alexis A. Moore, cyberstalking and privacy protection expert for more information on what you can do today to safeguard your private information from 3rd parties. Allexis@survivorsinaction.com

No one should have to live or work in fear!

Playful Teddy is housebroken too!

Take a Look at Teddy! Teddy is a 1 1/2 year old male Border Collie Pit mix. He is full of energy and quite playful. Teddy is housebroken and will sit on command. Teddy gets along well with other dogs his size but doesn't much care for smaller dogs. He loves to play in the yard and will be your best Buddy!

Bakersfield SPCA, 3000 Gibson St., 323-8353, www.bakersfieldspca.org. Open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, Friday and Saturday; noon to 6:30 p.m. Thursday.

Emilio, a great companion for the outdoorsman

Emilio is an adult male Husky. Emilio would be a wonderful companion for anyone who likes to go hiking, camping, or just likes to hang out. Emilio will be nuetered upon adoption. A good home for Emilio would be one with a large yard, and a family with lots of love to give. Come by and visit Emilio and his friends at the shelter, including Binks, the pointer mix puppy.

Wasco Animal Shelter, 5409 7th St., 758-7240. Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. PetSmart adoptions, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturdays, 4100 Ming Ave., Bakersfield.

Arvin High wins 'We the People' competition

Arvin High School has its sites set on Sacramento where it will represent Kern County at the California “We the People — The Citizen and the Constitution” congressional hearings competition from Feb. 4-6. Arvin earned the right by defeating Centennial High School in the Region Four championships held Dec. 2 at California State University, Bakersfield.

Arvin and Centennial emerged from a field of 12 Kern County high schools to be crowned district winners. Teams competed in either the 22nd or 20th Congressional Districts with Arvin winning the 20th Congressional District trophy and emerging as the overall champion based on total team points. Centennial was the 22nd Congressional District winner.

Centennial’s loss to Arvin does not necessarily mean it is out of a chance to compete in the state championships. There are 10 regional representatives. In past years, as many as two regions have not sent representatives leaving wild card openings for teams with the best statewide scores among runner-ups. Last year, regional runner-up Arvin received a wild card selection.

The event is unique because the schools never compete face-to-face. Each team individually presents testimony in six mock congressional hearings. Congressional committees, consisting of community scholars and civic leaders, pose one of three study questions to the students prior to the competition. Each team is allowed four minutes to present testimony. Then, for an additional six minutes, teams answer questions posed by judges involving constitutional issues raised by events in history. The combined totals of all six team unites determines the winner.

Approximately 300 students participated in the competition giving testimony on questions relating to their study of the U.S. Constitution. Competing schools were: Centennial, East, Foothill, Golden Valley, Highland, Liberty, South and West high schools from the 22nd Congressional District, and from the 20th Congressional District — Arvin, Delano, Ridgeview and Shafter high schools.

Overall Finalists

20th Congressional District — First Place — Arvin High School

20th Congressional District — Second Place — Ridgeview High School

20th Congressional District — Third Place — Shafter High School

22nd Congressional District — First Place — Centennial High School

22nd Congressional District — Second Place — Liberty High School

22nd Congressional District — Third Place — Foothill High School

Hearing #1

20th Congressional District — First Place — Arvin High School

20th Congressional District — Second Place — Shafter High School

20th Congressional District — Third Place — Ridgeview High School

22nd Congressional District — First Place — Centennial High School

22nd Congressional District — Second Place — Liberty High School

22nd Congressional District — Third Place — Foothill High School

Hearing #2

20th Congressional District — First Place — Arvin High School

20th Congressional District — Second Place — Ridgeview High School

20th Congressional District — Third Place — Shafter High School

22nd Congressional District — First Place — Centennial High School

22nd Congressional District — Second Place — Liberty High School

22nd Congressional District — Third Place — West High School

Hearing #3

20th Congressional District — First Place — Arvin High School

20th Congressional District — Second Place — Ridgeview High School

20th Congressional District — Third Place — Delano High School

22nd Congressional District — First Place — Centennial High School

22nd Congressional District — Second Place — East High School

22nd Congressional District — Third Place — Liberty High School

Hearing #4

20th Congressional District — First Place — Arvin High School

20th Congressional District — Second Place — Ridgeview High School

20th Congressional District — Third Place — Delano High School

22nd Congressional District — First Place — Liberty High School

22nd Congressional District — Second Place — West High School

22nd Congressional District — Third Place — Centennial High School

Hearing #5

20th Congressional District — First Place — Arvin High School

20th Congressional District — Second Place — Ridgeview High School

20th Congressional District — Third Place — Delano High School

22nd Congressional District — First Place — Liberty High School

22nd Congressional District — Second Place — Centennial High School

22nd Congressional District — Third Place — South High School

Hearing #6

20th Congressional District — First Place — Arvin High School

20th Congressional District — Second Place — Ridgeview High School

20th Congressional District — Third Place — Shafter High School

22nd Congressional District — First Place — Centennial High School

22nd Congressional District — Second Place — Foothill High School

22nd Congressional District — Third Place — East High School

Kern County Superintendent of Schools Larry E. Reider presented perpetual trophies to (School) and (School) at the awards ceremony in CSUB’s Doré Theater that will remain in the schools’ possession until next year’s competition.

Robert Ruckman is Arvin High School’s teacher/coach. Centennial High’s teacher coach is Ryan Coleman.

The Center for Civic Education in Calabasas, CA, originated and administers the nation-wide competition. Locally, it is coordinated by the Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office and made possible by a grant from Chevron. Other sponsors include CSUB, Congressmen Kevin McCarthy and Jim Costa and United States Department of Education.

HOWL AT THE MOON PARTY

ROADDAWG

SATURDAYS

1ST SATURDAY OF MONTH

LIVE MUSIC

6 TO 11 PM

EAT, DRINK, AND HOWL

Free e-waste collection at BC Saturday

Bring us your unwanted, dead or alive! Electronics, that is.

To help keep potentially toxic electronics out of landfills and waterways, Bakersfield College is holding an electronic waste (e-waste) collection event on December 6 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the college’s southeast stadium parking lot at the corner of Mt. Vernon and University. Residents and businesses can drop unwanted electronics free of charge at the collection area set up in the stadium parking lot.

Bakersfield College will accept most equipment with a circuit board, such as computer monitors, television sets, printers, PC systems, laptops, copiers, scanners, fax machines, toner cartridges, UPSs, PDAs, tower supplies, main frame units, networking equipment, mother board systems, VCR/VCD/DVD players, home entertainment systems, landline and cellular phones, as well as small portable devices. We also accept car batteries; fluorescent bulbs, batteries and ballasts.

According to a California State Law that took effect in February 2006, e-waste must be recycled rather than thrown in the trash. Consumer electronics contain low levels of hazardous metals that can contaminate soil and water.

DID YOU KNOW?

· Electronic discards are one of the fastest growing segments of our nation’s waste stream.

· 56 percent of American households have functional e-products that they will no longer use.

· Less than 10 percent of e-waste is currently being properly dismantled or recycled.

· 70 percent of heavy metals, 40 percent of lead and mercury contents found in today’s landfills come from e-waste.

Once equipment is turned in at the December 6 event, it will be taken to the Bay Area for processing. No equipment can be returned, so please take care in removing personal data or other important files from these electronic devices.

Taft oilworker monument making progress

The building of an Oilworker Monument in Taft, which was initiated in 2006, is making progress.

A new sign has been installed marking the spot where the monument will stand along the Rails to Trails Walking Path east of 6th Street.

A committee has interviewed four artists and have at this time narrowed the field to three and will soon select one of the three to design and sculpt a bronze monument honoring oil workers.

The Oilworker Monument Committee continues fund raising by selling plaques and bricks and soliciting donations from companies. It is essential to raise funds now so that construction may begin in early 2009. The Oilworker Monument is scheduled to be unveiled in 2010 during the Oildorado Celebration and to mark Taft's 100th anniversary.

Those wishing to become an everlasting part of this monument may do so by purchasing a plaque, brick or making a donation. For more information, please contact the Taft Chamber of Commerce at 765-2165.

A PLAQUE OR BRICK WOULD MAKE A VERY NICE CHRISTMAS GIFT.

BAD GIRL DESIGNS CHRISTMAS PARTY & GRAND OPENING

BAD GIRL DESIGNS CHRISTMAS PARTY AND GRAND OPENING

1511 19TH STREET

327-7522

WE ARE FINALLY SETTLED IN (MOSTLY!) AND WILL BE CELEBRATING OUR GRAND OPENING AND CHRISTMAS PARTY ON FRIDAY DECEMBER 5TH ALL DAY. IT COINCIDES WITH THE FIRST FRIDAY DOWNTOWN. WE WILL BE HAVING REFRESHMENTS & COFFEE & TEA ALL DAY 9AM-9PM. WE ALSO WILL BE GIVING EVERYONE A CARD TO SCRATCH OFF TO CREATE YOUR OWN SALE. PRIZES RANGE FROM 25%-50% OFF OR $5-$50 OFF. DON'T MISS IT!

Underwriters Laboratories Mobile Safety Tour

Underwriters Laboratories is bringing its mobile safety tour to Lowe's of Bakersfield. The tour includes a fire escape obstacle course for young children and hands-on, high tech activities for children and adults. It's a great way to learn about safety.

Cookies at the Clock Tower

Mark down December 14 to attend another of the Kern County Museum’s fun

Clock Tower Holidays events, Cookies at the Clock Tower, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., inside

the Lori Brock Children’s Discovery Center at the Kern County Museum, 3801 Chester

Ave. in Bakersfield. Admission is at a truly family-friendly price, just $5 per person, with

children under age three admitted free.

As the name implies, there will be plenty of cookies to munch on, as well as hot

drinks to warm the body on a chilly day. Children can participate in all kinds of activities

designed with the Clock Tower Holidays’ Visions of Sugar Plums theme in mind.

Planned to provide entertainment for the whole family, Cookies at the Clock Tower will

include something for everyone with magicians, opportunity drawing prizes and visits

from that jolly old man who hangs out at the North Pole.

Learn more about Cookies at the Clock Tower by checking the museum Web

site, http://www.kcmuseum.org where you can download coupons that offer group

discounts for Clock Tower Holidays events and $5 off a family museum membership.

For more information, call (661) 852-5000.

Mento Buru's "Feliz Skavidad Bash" at Fishlips!

PRESENTS
"FELIZ SKAVIDAD 2008"
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20!
9PM / $5 / 21 & OVER
WITH
MENTO BURU

AND GUESTS FROM LOS ANGELES!
LA BANDA SKALAVERA

AT
FISHLIPS
1517 18TH ST.
DOWNTOWN BAKERSFIELD!
661-324-2557
CALL FOR RESERVATIONS! WILL PACK OUT!
DON'T MISS THIS SHOW!

Women's Council of Realtors Sip and Shop Holiday Bazaar

Come join us for holiday cheer, snacks and shopping in a beautiful Phil Gaskill model home!

Vendors include:
Silpada, Mary Kay,
Pampered Chef, Fresh and Green,
Kamri's Candles, Letters by Lisa,
Abby's, Christmas Ornaments, Jellies
and Jams, Cookie Lee, Swim Lessons, Purses, Belts, and Sunglasses.

When: **December 4, 2008
***3:00 pm -6:00 pm
Where:**12611 Harrington Street
***Bakersfield, CA 93311
Free Admission! Open to the Public!

Local nonprofit donates $30,000 to local children and families

The Mendiburu Magic Foundation is a non-profit public benefit organization that is a recognized 501c3 entity, according to the United States Internal Revenue Service. MMF was founded in loving memory of Nancy Ann Mendiburu on June 19, 2000, and is 100% volunteer.

Monday, December 1, 2008 the Mendiburu Magic Foundation announced its expenditure financials for the fiscal year 2008, thus far. “This organization has enthusiastically grown since its inception in 2000, and we are so thrilled to be able to give back to our community in this sort of fashion,” announced Founder & President, Brian Mendiburu this morning. “The organization has an amazing Board of Directors and Community Advisory Board of Directors, led by Dr. Larry Reider as Chairman, that has infused the necessary capacity and leadership that makes this a reality for Kern County children and families.”

The Mendiburu Magic Foundation (MMF) will directly contribute to worthy community need, and in particular:

(1) Ongoing medical research for cancer

(2) Help children and families affected by any catastrophic or life threatening illness

(3) Community impact programs with an emphasis on positive youth development

The organization raised and donated $10,000.00 in each division mentioned ($30,000.00 total) -

Cancer Research-National Cancer Institute, American Cancer Society, Los Angeles Children’s Hospital, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, MD Anderson, and City of Hope

Youth Development & Community Asset- Nancy Ann Mendiburu Scholarship Fund for Kern High School District graduating seniors, Muscular Dystrophy Association, Bakersfield City School District Educational Foundation, Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County, Leaders in Life Youth Conference, MOVE International for Handicapped Children, Bakersfield Firefighter’s Relief Association, East Bakersfield Thanksgiving Give-Back, Joe Lopez Scholarship Fund, Carrie Lomas Scholarship Fund, and St. Francis Catholic Church

Mendiburu Magic Funds (patient assistance funds for Kern County children & families)-Bakersfield Memorial Hospital, UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital, Central California Children’s Hospital, and Los Angeles Children’s Hospital

“When the organization started in 2000, the operating budget was only $1,200.00 so the growth that we have seen until now is result of many long days and countless volunteer hours on behalf of some wonderful people in this community. This sort of announcement really makes us all feel good about the investment that we can make in the community,” says VP of Public Affairs, Valerie Mendiburu.

For more information about the Mendiburu Magic Foundation, please visit www.mendiburumagic.org

Serving our community through adoption

When I hear the words “community service,” what comes to mind is, a selfless, caring individual or group that is offering themselves to serve, in any way needed, for the good of our community. What also comes to mind is adoption.

The month of November was National Adoption Month, Families celebrated their child’s adoption through a finalization hearing at juvenile court. National Adoption Month also brought awareness to our community about the need for adoptive homes. Although I have worked in some aspect of the foster care system for many years, this was the first year I had the honor and privilege to work so closely with my agency’s, Aspiranet Foster & Family Services, adoptive families. In doing so, it has become personalized to me as well, as I have been enlightened on how many people in our community, in our country and even the world are affected, in one aspect or another, by adoption. With that, I wanted to give our wonderful community the opportunity to also feel the adoption connection, by allowing an Aspiranet adoptive family to personally share their perspective of adoption. I recently asked the Vasquez family three questions: Why did you want to adopt; How has adoption changed your life; and lastly, in three words describe what adoption means to you.

The Vasquez family responded;

“We wanted to adopt because we want to help and make a difference in a child’s life. Adoption has changed our life from being a loving couple to becoming a loving family. Our new role as parents for our son is awesome. I would not trade that experience for anything else in the world. Adoption for us has been a wonderful experience. Adoption to me means a new beginning.”

Adoption is the ultimate “community service.” For the Vasquez family, they have now been given the greatest opportunity to serve their community their commitment of being a forever family to a wonderful child. Some say it takes a “village to raise a child.” I believe all it takes is a loving, dedicated family who is willing to offer themselves and their family through adoption.

If you would like more information on fostering or adopting a child, please feel free to call us: Aspiranet Foster & Family Services 323-1233.

CSUB Kern Economic Journal reports county’s economy declines, unemployment grows

Kern County’s economy experienced a downturn during 2008’s third quarter and the housing market numbers were mixed, according to the latest issue of the Kern Economic Journal, published by California State University, Bakersfield.

“The county’s economy declined at an annual rate of 1.8 percent. Compared to the previous year, the economy fell 4.1 percent,” said Abbas Grammy, professor of economics at CSUB, and publisher of the Kern Economic Journal. The county’s economy generated $15.7 billion in personal income, $70 million less than the previous quarter. With continued growth of the labor force, personal income per worker decreased $800 to reach $42,400.

He added the county’s labor market indicators were mixed. “The county added 5,410 members to its work force and created 1,690 jobs. This increase in employment consisted of 2,660 more farm jobs, 500 less non-farm jobs, and 470 less informal jobs (self-employed workers and those working outside the county),” he said.

Meantime, the jobless rate grew. The number of unemployed workers increased by 3,720 and the rate of unemployment climbed from 8.8 to 9 percent. Still below the county average, the rate of unemployment averaged 6.6 percent in Bakersfield, 7.4 in California City, 5.4 percent in Ridgecrest and 6.3 in Tehachapi.

Yet businesses have become less pessimistic about local economic conditions. The Business Outlook Index rebounded from a sharp declining trend over the previous five quarters. The index stood at 88 compared to 82 in the previous quarter and 116 four quarters ago.

Several identified factors that brightened the business outlook included families spending money on kids going back to school, increased tourism and recreation during the summer months, and increased spending during the election months.

In contrast, consumer confidence fell once again. The Bakersfield Consumer Sentiment Index declined for the sixth consecutive quarter, reaching its lowest level since CSUB began tracking household expectations in 1999. The slippage was barely perceptible – to 74 in the third quarter from 76 in the previous quarter.

“Data on Kern County’s housing market were mixed,” Grammy said. “While the median housing price continued to fall, sales volume increased. In Bakersfield, the median housing price plummeted $25,600 (or 11.8 percent) from $216,500 to $190,900. Depreciation in prices caused housing affordability to rise from 18.7 to 21.9 percent. The number of homes sold increased from 2,667 to 3,190 in Kern County and from 1,955 to 2,462 in Bakersfield.”

The county’s foreclosure activity slowed 39.3 percent from 3,459 to 2,196. And as a result, 1,263 fewer homeowners received notices of loan default from their mortgage bankers.

The latest issue of the Kern Economic Journal also has a detailed article by Craig Kelsey, dean of CSUB’s Extended University and professor of public policy and administration, on strategic planning in government and business.

The journal includes a CEO profile of Bernie Herman, the executive director/CEO of the Bakersfield Museum of Art; and examines “Increased Business Valuations Based Upon Patents” by Charlette Crissman, from Klein DeNatale, Goldner, Cooper, Rosenlieb and Kimball, LLP.

The Kern Economic Journal is a quarterly publication focusing on local economic trends and developments. The journal provides the community with economic information produced by the CSUB Economics department. “What we provide is local economic data and data analysis which are not readily available in the community,” Grammy said. “This helps local business people make better decisions. We study local economic trends to determine how the local economy is progressing.”

The journal is available to the public free of charge at [ http://www.csub.edu/kej/ ]http://www.csub.edu/kej/. For more information contact Grammy at (661) 654-2466 or by e-mail at [ mailto:agrammy@csub.edu ]agrammy@csub.edu.

Jaeger Sports Baseball/Softball Clinic

Is your high school baseball or softball player hoping to play in college? If so, you'll want them here for the Jaeger Sports Throwing Clinic.

No matter what position you play, a stronger arm is going to help you in getting that college scholarship! So don't put your career in jeopardy by not taking care of your arm.

Jaeger Sports has worked with hundred of professional and collegiate athletes. They know what it takes to play at a higher level and they want you to get there as much as you do!!

At the Jaeger Clinic hosted by Pair & Marotta Sports Performance you'll get:

Instruction from professional pitching coaches
Education on how to take care of your arm and keep it injury free...
A resistance band to keep with you to warm up before each game and practice
A DVD with the band program, shoulder warm up program and long toss program
A book to have with you on the field to help you get the most out of each component of the program
A stronger, more accurate arm that will improve your game and keep you injury free.
A proper stretching program and mental training to help you focus on throwing and pitching

How can anybody pass this up? We don't know either.

Call or email us today at 661-912-9991 or aaron@pairmarotta.com for more information.

Registration is limited and due by this Friday. So don't wait!!

In Bakersfield on Dec. 7, 1941

In 1941, Bakersfield was just beginning to get its head above water from the lean years of the Great Depression. Jobs in the private sector were beginning to appear and business in general was improving. Our family was even realizing a little extra spending money.
Sunday, Dec. 7th, 1941, that date of infamy, is vividly remembered by all who lived in Bakersfield at that time. They can also recall the anxiety and fear felt by everyone because of the news flashes that kept popping up on the radio stations telling of Japanese aircraft attacking oil refineries along the Pacific coast and enemy ships sighted near Santa Barbara.
Of course these reports all later proved to be false reports, but it was quite a while before all the true facts were revealed.
The morning of December 7, my family and I had attended church and about noon, when the Pearl Harbor attack was announced on the radio.
I was 10 at that time and remember my amazement at all the neighbors talking among themselves because until that time they had never even made acquaintance with one another. That day will forever be remembered for more than the Pearl Harbor attack. It brought about the personal bonding of a town and a nation into a unified force with only one objective; to fight for our freedom. No matter what your age or who you were that day, your life was never again the same.
As I Christmas shopped downtown a week later, all the usual happy mood of Yuletide seemed to be gone and everything seemed so quiet.
All city and county governments were quickly converted to wartime status which called for scores of new boards and agencies to be formed. In a short time, volunteers by the thousands began war duties in Bakersfield and Kern County.
Air raid wardens, block wardens, airplane spotters, draft boards, ration board workers, the list of necessary wartime civilian duties was endless and our citizens gladly lined up to fill those positions.
I was attending Mount Vernon School at that time and Monday our teachers explained to the students all about the tragic war in which our country was now engaged.
The safest downtown basements and structures were posted with “air raid shelter” signs. Buckets of sand were placed on the roofs of buildings such as the Fox Theater and the Padre Hotel to extinguish incendiary bombs in case of an air raid.
Rationing of most everything began in a short time and for all of us it was difficult at first to completely reorganize our everyday lives but in time it became our new way of living, trying to aid in the war effort and protect our country and our way of life.
Most drivers were allotted four gallons of gas a week on their “A” ration stamp and the national speed limit was 35 miles per hour.
Scrap drives began in Bakersfield to gather metals and rubber to aid the war effort. Street dances were regularly held downtown to sell war bonds or gather scrap materials.
One street dance was held at the Garces Circle featuring the Minter Field Air Corps Band. It was attended by more than 4,000 people and lasted until after midnight. Admission was a piece of scrap metal and 13 tons of metal was collected. A big war bond rally and dance was held at Chester Avenue and 19th Street featuring Hollywood stars and radio personalities. Thousands attended the all day show which produced hundreds of thousands in war bond sales.
School teachers and students all helped harvest the farm crops of Kern County when the manpower shortage was so critical. School districts even bussed teachers and students from the schools to the fields two or three days a week to save the crops from ruin. Everyone felt they were doing their part to assist in the war effort.

Bakersfield Yellow Jackets Athletics present the First Lacrosse Practice

The Bakersfield Yellow Jackets would like to welcome everyone to come out and enjoy a day of lacrosse on Dec 7th. Starts at 1 pm and will end at 3pm all ages welcome. Must bring own gear and if possible spare gear so others may join in the fun.

Bakersfield's Annual Public Menorah Lighting

The Chabad Center of Bakersfield invites the entire community to celebrate the Festival of Lights at our annual public Menorah lighting ceremony. The grand Chanukah celebration will take place on Sunday, December 21, at 6:00 PM THE MARKETPLACE, 9000 MING AVE.

Following the lighting, the program will feature Chanukah gifts, treats and live music.

Chanukah, a celebration for all time is highlighted by the kindling of the Menorah each night of the holiday. "It is a holiday that enriches our lives with the light of tradition" said Rabbi Shmuel Schlanger, director of the Chabad Center. "In ancient times our ancestors rededicated the Temple in Jerusalem with the Menorah. Today, we rededicate ourselves to making this world a better and brighter place."

Chanukah also propagates the universal message that ultimately good will prevail over evil, freedom over oppression and light over darkness.

In its Chanukah outreach campaign, Chabad of Bakersfield joins thousands of Chabad centers across the globe that are staging similar public displays of the Menorah and its symbolic lights. From Australia to Africa, Columbia to Hong Kong, New York City’s ground zero to the White House lawn, hundreds of thousands will experience the joy of Chanukah with Chabad.

Join Chabad in a public display of unity at this exciting Menorah Lighting Ceremony. Bring the kids and make this your special Chanukah celebration.

For more information, contact Chabad of Bakersfield at (661)835-8381 or visit us on the web at www.chabadofbakersfield.com.

Toys for Tots

Please join us for our Toys for Tots event. Registration is $10 to be donated to our Team participating in the Junior Olympic Nationals this year AND a toy to be donated to Kern County Toys for Tots. We will be projecting our GAMES onto the entire wall. Special Bonus points for dressing in character. Mario Cart will start at 3pm. Rock Band will start at 5pm. Pre-registration is preferred. Registration cuts off after first round of play. Prizes awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.

Please help support a sport which builds confidence, self-esteem, morals, and character.

Thank you.

Surface Gallery December 5th 5-9pm

Join us for the "Downtown Holiday Shopping Night" at Surface Gallery. We will be offering a one night only discount on our current exhibit "Chromatic" and also on items in our gift shop. We will be serving apple cider along with holiday treats and the BHS carolers will be singing in front of the gallery!

Friday, December 5th 5-9 pm

A Christmas Wedding: Christmas as it Should Be... Happily-Ever-After!

The Annual Downtown Christmas Parade will take on a special meaning for one lucky couple, who were selected as the winners of this year's Christmas Parade Wedding. Crystal Rustman and Roger Towns will tie the knot in front of thousands of witnesses aboard the Kern County Bridal Association's Christmas Parade Float live on Thursday night.

The Association, comprised of local wedding businesses, sponsors the entire wedding at no cost to the bride and groom (with the exception of their marriage license). After the live wedding atop the parade float, the couple and fifty of their closest friends and family will enjoy a private cake and punch reception. "This is the third year we've done the Christmas Parade Wedding", said Kern County Bridal Association founder Kyle Brown, "and we're more excited than ever for this year's winners! All of our members, even those who aren't directly involved as sponsors, love this event. It's a way for us to give back the community by helping one couple have a wedding they might not otherwise be able to afford in today's economy.

Participating businesses include:

Be Our Guest! 25-Free Wedding Invitations
Bella Noche Events
Bridal Indulgence
Cookies Couture
Good Time Entertainment
Hair by Carleen at Le Vuitton Full Body Boutique
OccasionOgraphy
Kern County Bridal Association
Ladies & Gents Bridal
Mr. Tuxedo
Randy Urner's Outside
Reverend Albert M. Haywood
The Links at Riverlakes Ranch
Uniquely Chic Florist Boutique
Vintage Limousine
With Love Photography

The wedding includes gown, tuxedo, flowers, disc jockey, officiant, coordinator, hair, makeup, transportation, photography, announcements, favors and of, course, the float in the parade. "They are way too cute", says Tara Fernandez, owner of Bella Noche Events and the sponsoring wedding coordinator, "I'm so happy to be a part of their special day!". "We're thrilled to add our facility to the list of sponsors this year", adds Cathy Frampton, Special Events Coordinator for The Links at Riverlakes Ranch, who are sponsoring the cake reception. "Well, it's always a challenge for us to get a couple from a contest entry to marriage in less than two weeks", concluded Kyle Brown, "but it's worth it!"

Kern County Bridal Association will be decorating the float for this year's parade entry in the parking lot of Mr. Tuxedo at 2409 Brundage Lane beginning at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 4th. "The Association is an active part of this community.", said Carl Leech, owner of Mr. Tuxedo and sponsor of the tuxedos, "and this gives us a chance to show off what do what we do best ... make some one's wedding a great experience!". Members of the community are invited to stop by the float decorating area to help out or just share their good wishes before the parade. We hope to see everyone there clapping their congratulations during the Christmas Parade beginning at 6pm on Thursday. For more information on the Parade Wedding, contact The Wedding Center at 633-9200.

A fishing prize!

Hazel Abbott with a 25-pound Dorado caught on lure in Cabo San Lucas with her husband, Douglas, on Nov.19. Fishing with Juanita's Sport Fishing, the couple caught six Dorado and one 150-pound Marlin on live bait.

Updated: Lia has been adopted!

Meet Lia! Lia is a one to two year old Poodle mix. She is a small, fluffy, lovable dog. She has had some basic training, as can be seen by how pretty she sat for her photo. Lia would make a great lap dog for anyone.

Wasco Animal Shelter, 5409 7th St., 758-7240. Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. PetSmart adoptions, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturdays, 4100 Ming Ave., Bakersfield.

Update: Cade has been adopted!

Meet Cade! Cade is a 6 to 8 month old Shepherd mix. This handsome pup was turned in to the shelter by his previous owner who had too many dogs. He still has some growing to do, and would love a home with an active family with lots of love to give him. Don't let his size fool you, he is a gentle fellow and would love to meet you.

Wasco Animal Shelter, 5409 7th St., 758-7240. Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. PetSmart adoptions, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturdays, 4100 Ming Ave., Bakersfield.

Caravan for Compassion fills 3 trucks for the needy

The Caravan for Compassion traveled the Kern River Valley Saturday collecting food and clothing for the needy.

Al Steuart and Dr. Holly Spohn-Gross organize the monthly effort. Al initiated the call to action when he heard about the crisis at one of the food banks, “The Food Pantry was actually rationing what they gave to the people so they really needed the food and this time the Food Pantry asked us if we would also collect the warm winter clothes.”

Terry Parks, of the Food Pantry, says that the economy is not the only factor exerting pressure on their resources, “We had fires over the summer so we provide emergency food, clothing and stuff like that. So now there’s a bigger need because we got depleted early.”

Pastor Bill Blanton, with the Salvation Army Helping Hands Ministry, says that valley residents below the poverty line really struggle in winter because the main heating source is propane and last year a minimum monthly delivery cost $300, “And if you look at that and say three hundred a month when the average income is under a thousand dollars, they’re paying $550 to seven hundred dollars in rent…it just doesn’t come together.”

Seventh grader, Elijah, is thirteen years old and heard about the Caravan for Compassion at his grandmother’s church. He said it was worth it to spend his Saturday helping the Caravan load food and clothing into three trucks because he wants his neighbors to be more comfortable, “It’s helping people that really need help in the winter and now. It’s really helping them get through it and at least stay warm through the winter.”

The Caravan for Compassion collects donations every third Saturday. It starts the day in Kernville and stops in Wofford Heights, Lake Isabella, Mountain Mesa, Southlake and Southfork. The food and clothing collected on November 22 was split between the Food Pantry and Salvation Army in Lake Isabella, and God’s Storehouse in Weldon.

Pyrenees Cafe

Pyrenees Cafe, 601 Sumner, 323-0053; 8 p.m. to midnight Saturdays. karaoke.

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Updated: Lia has been adopted!

Update: Cade has been adopted!

Caravan for Compassion fills 3 trucks for the needy

Pyrenees Cafe