My Friend Casey

My Friend Casey Christie

My friend Casey is a photographer

He’s not famous but he should be

Many pictures and photographs in my life I’ve seen

But the photographs Casey has given me

Are the best. I guarantee. I got them all around me

His photographs you should see

They for sure will mark history

A good friend Casey has been to me

A great family Casey has too

And God they fear just like me

When in Kernville they came to be

I thank God for bringing them next door to me

Thank You God!

My Caring Doctor

* My Caring Doctor *

By: Topo Gigio

A conscientious doctor is hard to come by

I was lucky when I found mine

Dr. Dozier I thank thee for the smile you brought back on to me

When in Bakersfield I came to be. It took some time before I found thee.

Dr. Dozier

We’re lucky to have a caring doctor like thee

Your soothing voice & gentle eyes

Lets us know we will be alright

Keep it up & you’ll get the Nobel Prize

When I first came to see thee I wasn’t sure

you were the right doctor for me

But a few minutes of conversation with thee

I knew for sure; I had finally found the proper doctor

To ease my aches and pains that were destroying me

Dr. Dozier

Dr. Dozier I want all to know; Your first name “Emmanuel”

Means; “God with us” It’s no wonder you care for us

The hand of God is on you

Dr. Dozier you’re one of a kind.

Doctors like you I cannot find or see

Most have made lots of money and got a Villa in Capri

Dr. Dozier

It’s 2004 & Doctors are on the go

Little time they have to spent on sick people like me

You’re noble, caring & kind. And God will bless thee By:

Giving you’re family. Health & Prosperity

Doc. To you I toast; With a glass of wine called “Merlot”

Because you care for your patients so.

Praise God!

why are you so patient with me?don’t you know we love you so?me & all your patients Agree

Desperately Needing Host Families for French Exchange Students

Horizons Du Monde is desperately seeking Host Families for French Exchange Students. They will be arriving in and around the Bakersfield area on July 31- August 20. For the 3 weeks that they will be here students will be attending 3 full day excursions, (Magic Mountain, Hollywood/Universal Studios/Pismo Beach), and 3 half day excursions(CALM, Valley Plaza, Blaze Baseball Game). All of which host families are welcomed to attend and take advantage of group tickets. We will be transporting our students on charter bussess. The main purpose of this trip is to help students improve on their English and well as experience the American Culture. Our students do speak at least basic English. The majority of the time will be spent with their host families. The only obligations of the host families are: 1)Provide student with their own bed; 2) Provide student with meals and sack lunches on excursion days; 2) Speak English at all times; 3) Provide student with love and the ultimate American experience.
If you are interested or know anyone who may be , please contact the local coordinator , Ashley Brown, at 472-1688 or email: keala50@yahoo.com. If you know of any events that we can recruit families please let us know. Our students are very excited for this trip and if we can't find families they won't be able to come. We just need about 7 more families!!

What is happening in the Bakersfield Real Estate Market

One of the most asked questions these days, especially to me as a Real Estate Broker, is what is happening in the Real estate market, and what is going to happen in the future. I think many people are unsure of what to do and are fearful of their equity in their homes. Many investors ask the same questions for different reasons. Most of them have not bought anything recently because of the uncertainty they feel about the market. The biggest factor in this is fear. Though not totally unfounded, buyers and sellers should remember it is all relative. If you pay less for a home than last year, that is good for the consumer. Conversely if you are a seller and sell for less, its unfortunate, but that is way the Real Estate Market works. It's cyclical, and if you can wait the market out, maybe two years, you will probably recoup any loss of equity. If not, then you must bite the bullet and take your losses. I know that sounds a little hard, but its real.

The reality is if you bought a home, as I did 18 months ago, you probably paid too much for your property as far as the new market is concerned. To most people this is not real news. There has been a softening of the market, especially in the past year, with winter being the softest time, as is historically the time of year this occurs.

The National Association of Realtors has recently released two forecasts which reflect these assumptions. First they predict a 7% drop in the national median price of existing homes for 2007. Secondly, they have lowered the home sale outlook for the year to reflect the tightening of the mortgage lending criteria, which may make borrowing more difficult for home buyers without both a prime borrowing history with resultant FICO score, and also those people who need stated income loans, especially self employed. Our local market has seen and will see in the near future a slightly larger decline in prices due to the glut of listings on the market and to foreclosures and bank owned sale of properties foreclosed.

Several media journalists have been screaming “doom and gloom” for weeks, and anyone who hasn't’ heard them probably does not watch TV or listen to radio. I think we will see some of what they say come true, but I feel much of this is hyperbole to sell their column or TV show, and most of the worst scenarios will not play out.

Consequently, here I will go on record with my own prediction. First all should know, I have been wrong before, but I have also been right much of the time. I thought we would see a good selling and buying season this spring and summer in Bakersfield, but it has been less robust than I expected. Not like we’ve seen in the last 4 years, but for those sellers who price their house right and are willing to negotiate with buyers, they will sell their homes. Those buyers who are willing to pay a fair market price will be living in a new home. Most sellers are willing to cover at least some closing costs and home repairs which are necessary to sell the home these days.

Furthermore, we will see a down trend this winter, as per historical basis, where prices will recede, and sales will be slower. I think we will see a repeat of that next year. No gloom and doom, no sky falling, however no golden rainbows of easy cash flowing from just any investment.

There is still money to be made in real estate. The strategy is to buy right and sell at the right time and price. Of course, it is important to have a friend who knows the market. I recommend researching for a good Realtor to help. Several Web sites can aid in finding not only how to pick a good Realtor, but also make recommendations, such as gerealtor.com and bakersfield.com to search for Realtors as well as homes for sale.

Ground Breaking for New Educational Wing

Senior Pastor Jonathan Mullings and the congregation at Truth Tabernacle conducted a ceremonial ground breaking for their new educational wing on June 24, 2007. The new building will be a 28,000 square foot, two-story children’s and youth facility. It will be home to Gravity Student Ministries, Chosen Children’s Ministries, Awana International and a 108 child preschool.

The preschool will boast its own assembly theatre, spacious classrooms, large outdoor and indoor play areas, and kitchen. Chosen Children’s Ministries and Awana will also use the building for their weekly activities which currently minister to over 200 children weekly.

Gravity Student Ministries will occupy the second story of the new facility. It will provide a positive environment for the students of Olivier and Stone Creek Jr. High Schools and Golden Valley High School which are all within walking distance. The Gravity Zone will be equipped with game and computer stations, game tables, dining and hang out lounge along with a150 seat music and worship zone. Ultimate plans are to provide after school and mentoring programs and a weekend hot spot for the youth of the community.

Truth Tabernacle is a community church that is actively involved in bettering their community. The church serves as a booster for Golden Valley High School Sports and Activities Department by providing pre-game meals to the Football and Basketball teams and indoor practice facilities for the color guard. Additionally, the church is actively involved in the Adopt-a-Block Community Enrichment Program which provides free labor services and community events in Rexland Acres Housing Development. Supporting programs such as Parenting, Marriage, Divorce Recovery and Financial Classes are also offered.

The new facility will be in addition to Truth Tabernacle’s previous buildings: an 8,400 square foot Family Center and Gymnasium and 10,800 square foot sanctuary. You are invited to visit Truth Tabernacle during its building program. Construction is slated to be completed and the facilities ready for use by the school year of 2008. The church is located diagonal from Golden Valley High School football stadium in Southeast Bakersfield. For more information on the church and its ministries or to request a ministry information packet, please call 832-6994 or send your request to 214 Hosking Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93307.

Joey Cook voted Kern County's Most Talented Kid

Joey Cook has been named Kern County's Most Talented Kid. He entered the Kidsfest 2007 contest just hoping to be one of the top twenty kids, so that he could perform on the stage at Yokuts Park. He was then notified that the judges had picked him to be one of the top five contestants. On Monday June 6, 2007 they aired a portion of his performance on channel 17 Sunrise program. They also aired the other 4 contestants the rest of that week. Finally it was up to the computer voters to pick their most talented kid. Once again Joey got a call, this time to say that he had won the contest.

This has been a dream come true for Joey. He performed live on Mondays Sunrise 17 broadcast. He keeps saying "Pinch me please, I think I'm dreaming." Joey is a very down to earth kid, always smiling and playing his guitar. His love for performing and his drive to get people to just let him play for them shows he will succeed in his passion to share his music.

Joey would like to thank the people who showed their support for him. He would like to thank his dad Ron Cook and the Guinn Construction family, Uncle George Anderson and Tule Trash employees. Uncle Jackie Bowers for filming his entry tape, his grandma, all of his Brothers, Uncles, Aunts and cousins and all the people who voted for him. He would like to thank his biggest fan who is silent but always there in the background cheering him on, his mom. Most of all he would like to thank God for giving him the talent to share with Kern County and hopefully someday the world.

A letter to Korean War veterans

The following is a letter from Dr. Owen Kim, M.D., as a thank you to all veterans who served in South Korea during the Korean War. As most know, the Korean War is known as the Forgotten War, yet over 50,000 American servicemen and women died during the war years from 1950 to 1953. Dr. Kim, a South Korea-born oncologist, practices in Porterville and on the weekend at the Comprehensive Blood and Cancer Center in Bakersfield. May this letter serve as a "thank you" to all Korean War veterans in Kern County this July 4.

To: U.S. veteran of the Korean War

From: Owen Kim, M.D.

I want to express my sincere appreciation to you for being a veteran of the Korean conflict, participating in the saving of the country of my birth — South Korea. For many years, I have felt that Korean War veterans like yourself have not been given the proper appreciation by the saving (U.S.) or the saved (S. Korea) nation. There has been much publicity toward Viet Nam veterans and of how belatedly this country recognized their sacrifices. It is most unfortunate that Korean War veterans still are thought to have fought in the "forgotten war."

I am also aware that there were nearly as many fatalities and far more MIAs that resulted from U.S. involvement in the Korean conflict than in Viet Nam. But unlike in Viet Nam, the U.S. was successful in liberating the South from the Communist North's aggression. Our family was then able to immigrate to this free and prosperous country, later becoming naturalized U.S. citizens.

South Korea is now also a free and prosperous nation, thanks to your efforts. Although the media may give attention to some ignorant ingrates, I know that the vast majority of Korean nationals are deeply grateful to people like yourself. Permit me, as an individual representative of the Korean people, thank you, from the bottom of my heart. You will always be my hero.

Wars - Wars

Wars - Wars

By: Topo Gigio



   How can this be? It's only Greed & Vanity

Our Greed has enchained our Integrity;

Our morals and Values they are taking away too

   War’s here war’s there war’s everywhere;

   Stop those war‘s! It's peace I want to see!

War’s here War’s there War’s everywhere --

Nothing but War’s I hear and see.

   Wars are making Birds and Animals pay the price too!

   War’s - War’s; I only hear and see; Much pain is causing me!

Stop these War’s stop those War‘s;

In peace with one another we should be.

   War’s - War’s; There is nothing left in this world for us to enjoy by;

   Stop this War’s stop those War‘s; Love is all we need; Not war‘s.

War’s come with greed and they are making us loose

Our values & integrity.

   War’s are robbing our virtues and our liberties!

   Each government in control wants to be!

Why can’t each control is own; And leave the others alone?

Greed is causing us to loose control & God is watching us all !

   To God we must go & no more war.

   They should know that God not the people is in Control !!

War’s -War’s is all I hear & see; But God they don’t see.

   This the reason why It’s hard for us to get by.

                                       God, Please Help us!
War’s here war’s there war’s everywhere!

Star Wars: the newest generation

Joshua, Luke and Joel Haun, all of Bakersfield, posed with a Stormtrooper at LEGOLAND California’s Star Wars Weekend. The family theme park celebrated the 30th Anniversary of the saga June 23-24 with a weekend full of activities including a costume contest, a scavenger hunt and LEGO Star Wars product displays. Legoland is located in Carlsbad.

A WISH

IF I COULD WISH
FOR WHAT I NEVER HAD
I WOULD WISH FOR ME
A REAL MOTHER A REAL DAD
WHEN I WAS LITTLE
AND NOT VERY OLD
MY PARENTS ONLY SPOKE
WHEN IT WAS TIME TO SCOLD
SOMETIMES A WHIPPING
SOMETIMES JUST A RAP
AND INSTEAD HUGS AND KISSES
I GOT A SLAP
SO IF I COULD WISH
FOR WHAT I NEVER HAD
I WOULD WISH
FOR EVERY LITTLE BOY & LITTLE GIRL
A REAL MOTHER A REAL DAD
I AM OLDER NOW
AND I THOUGHT I WOULD FORGET
BUT I DO REMEMBER
AND MY EYES STILL GET WET
NOW I HAVE TWO SONS
AND FOR THAT I AM SO GLAD
FOR MY WIFE IS A REAL MOTHER
AND I AM A REAL DAD

The Man who gave me another piece of life

It was 5 June 1972 my dad was declared MIA in Vietnam. Who knew that a wonderful man bye the name of Fred Walburn would give me such a great gift. I was sitting ot the computer one day and I came to website where I was able to post information on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall and I did I asked if anybody remembered my dad or who had met my dad while he was on Board the USS ASHTABULA A0-51 anytime from 1970 to june of 1972 there was a couple of years that went by then I saw this posting that said hi you don't know me but we have something in common and that is your dad. He had told me that in 1972 in front of a store the lady was taking donations for the poppies and she gave this man FRED this red MIA bracelet with my dads name on it and he wore it for a while until this time where he decided to look for information on him and came across that he left his name and his number and said it was up to me if I wanted to call because those are some hard times and I called him and he and I talked for a while and he spoke to my mother even though we have never met this man gave me a piece of my dad and the greatfulness of honoring my father for his courage and life then we exchanged addresses and he said that he wanted to send it to me it is time to give it up to the home where it belongs so he sent it to me. Just to know even strangers in another place have feelings care and concern for those who gave there life I of course like the others that have lost there dad or mother we would love to have them home but this is the service they choose and I am proud for the things he did for me and my kids Thank you always

Congressman McCarthy Holds Fundraiser at Taft Petroleum Club

On Saturday, June 23, Congressman Kevin McCarthy and Assemblymember Jean Fuller visited Taft for McCarthy's "Salute to Taft" fundraiser event. The $50 per plate dinner was held at the Taft Petroleum Club and attracted a crowd of roughly 55.

McCarthy spoke about his experience in Congress thus far, focusing mainly on the United States’ involvement in the Middle East and the War in Iraq. "One of the most difficult parts about being back there [in Washington],” said McCarthy, “is the issue that has taken up most of the time is Iraq.”

McCarthy voiced his support of the President's plan to remain committed to the conflict, saying as of last November America had the choice to either stay the course, leave the region, or try to find a new direction. “I thought, of those three ways, I would want to try and find victory,” said McCarthy.

But the freshman congressman does not agree with everything the President is touting, saying he disagrees with the Bush-supported plan for immigration reform, which is currently making its way through the Senate. “If we create a bill that allows twelve million people to get ahead by breaking the law,” said McCarthy, “then that breaks down society.”

McCarthy will likely be heading back to Taft some time in July for a Taft Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting.

TODD SCHROCK AND CATFISH

Todd Schrock

Bakersfield, CA

June 2007

Don Pedro Lake (by Sonora)

Catfish

Over 5#

Piece of hotdog

Taft adopts resolution against Senate and Assembly subcommittee recommendations

On Tuesday, June 19 the Taft City Council voiced its non-support of the State Senate and Assembly Budget Subcommittees on Transportation regarding the allocation of funding from proposition 1B.

Prop 1B, passed by the voters last November, is a $19.9 billion dollar transportation bond in which $2 billion from the 2007/2008 fiscal year was to go to cities and counties, spread evenly at $1 billion each.

The Senate Budget Subcommittee on Transportation recommended amending that amount to $400 million to be spread evenly between cities and counties, accounting for just 20 percent of the original $2 billion. The Assembly Subcommittee recommended a slightly higher $600 million, which is the same amount Governor Schwarzenegger pushed for in his budget revision recommendations.

The issue is currently headed to the Budget Conference Committee where the Assembly and Senate proposals will be debated.

In the meantime, the City of Taft has unanimously adopted a resolution supporting the $1 billion state budget allocation of prop 1B funds that was originally supposed to be headed to California cities.

According to Taft Mayor Paul Linder “I think it is ludicrous that the senate thinks that the cities of California will settle for $200 million of the $1 billion that was originally promised … it’s ridiculous, we kind of bit on that carrot and now we’re not going to get fed … we want them to fully fund what was promised, I know this city could certainly use the money.”

Being a young grandparent isn't so bad

The commercial seemed like a typical ad for a medication. A man concerned for his high cholesterol explains the benefits of this new wonder drug that promises to reduce the clogging in his arteries by 30 percent. After a voice over goes on to quickly describe the half dozen side effects of the medication, the man is then shown to go out and play catch with his grand son.

The man should be worried about cholesterol. He is a grandpa. Grandpas are old. Most of them have been around long enough to have witnessed the renaissance first hand. I am pretty sure my grandpa retired long before Henry Ford helped bring in the Industrial revolution.

But then something strange happened. 2 years ago, at the young age of 39, I became a grandpa. How could this be? Grandpas are not men in their 30s. They are typically 2 years older than Christ. I wasn’t worried about cholesterol at that time. In fact a double bacon cheese burger with a large order of fries sounded like a pretty good meal. I didn’t wear baggy slacks and a Yogi the Bear hat either. That was grandpa attire. I had nothing but Levis and tshirts in my closet. The term Grandpa didn’t fit me. At 39 the title was another 39 years away.

I had it easy as a parent. My only child was a girl. While I loved my daughter very much, I didn’t understand raising a girl. That was up to my wife to understand. Skirts, Barbies and jump ropes were not things I was familiar with. I liked things that explode. Destruction is an ingredient in mine and every other male’s DNA. I may have grown older but I had not grown up yet.

When the news came that I was going to be a grandpa I wasn’t listening to Lawrence Welk. I am pretty sure I was on Ebay looking for tickets for the upcoming Pink Floyd tour. The night my grandson was born I was watching an action movie on TV. The movie had lots of chases, crashes and explosions. Things my daughter and wife could not appreciate as much as me. I was ready for the birth of my daughter’s son. But I was not ready to be Grandpa.

When my wife and I arrived at the hospital I saw a baby boy wrapped tightly in a blanket. I held him until his little eyes looked at me. My first words were “hello grandson”. Yes, I was indeed a grandpa and have never felt any different. I was proud to be a grandpa.

2 years later my grandson chose to call me “poppa”. I love the name! My daughter called my dad "Poppa". Unfortunately my Dad passed away when he was young and I remember how hard it was for my daughter to lose her Poppa. Now all of a sudden the man I had watched in the cholesterol commercials seemed to make some sense. I want to be around for my grandson for as many years as I can. After all, I now have someone to enjoy explosions and car chases with.

Recent Posts : Bakersfield.com

My Friend Casey

My Caring Doctor

Desperately Needing Host Families for French Exchange Students

What is happening in the Bakersfield Real Estate Market

Ground Breaking for New Educational Wing

Joey Cook voted Kern County's Most Talented Kid

A letter to Korean War veterans

Wars - Wars

Star Wars: the newest generation

A WISH

The Man who gave me another piece of life

Congressman McCarthy Holds Fundraiser at Taft Petroleum Club

TODD SCHROCK AND CATFISH

Taft adopts resolution against Senate and Assembly subcommittee recommendations

Being a young grandparent isn't so bad