News: Bakersfield.com

First Book-Bakersfield Accepting Applications

First Book-Bakersfield is accepting applications for a fall book

distribution to eligible pre-kindergarten through 2nd grade classes in

Kern County. Thirty classes will be selected to receive a series of six

books (one per month) beginning in late October. Applications are

available at these Bakersfield locations: KGET TV17 — 2120 L Street,

Junior League of Bakersfield — 19th and E streets, Beale Memorial

Library — 701 Truxtun Ave., GW School Supply — 4220 California

Ave., and The Learning Stop — 6655 Ming Ave. Applications must be

completed and returned by Sept. 19 to the following address: First

Book-Bakersfield, P.O. Box 2503, Bakersfield, CA 93303.

                Organizations wishing to apply for First Book distributions must meet the following eligibility requirements:
                • Incorporate literacy/reading as part of their program activities
                • Serve children and families from low-income households (typically 80% of                     participants come from low-income households)
                • Provide multiple book distributions to each child in the program with a                             minimum distribution cycle of one new book every six to eight weeks
                • Support the child’s ongoing education outside of the school classroom setting.

First Book-Bakersfield is a local Advisory Board of First Book, a

national nonprofit organization dedicated to providing children from l

low-income families the opportunity to read and own their first new

books. First Book-Bakersfield was formed in 2001 and since that time

has distributed more than 12,000 books to 2,700 pre-kindergarten

through second grade students in Kern County.

School Meal Programs

The Kern County Superintendent of Schools and all of Kern County's 47 public school districts (please see attached list) announce the policy for providing free and reduced-price meals for children served under the National School Lunch Program and/or School Breakfast Program. Each school or district office has a copy of the policy, which may be reviewed by any interested party.

The attached Income Eligibility Guidelines will be used to determine eligibility for free, reduced-price or full-price meal benefits. Children from households whose income is at or below the levels shown are eligible for free or reduced-price meals. Children who receive Food Stamp (FS), California Work Opportunity and Responsibility for Kids (CalWORKs), Kinship Guardianship Assistance Payments (Kin-GAP) or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) benefits are automatically eligible for free meals regardless of the income of the household in which they reside. Eligibility for a foster child is based on a separate application and solely on the amount of the child=s Apersonal use@ income.

Application forms are being distributed to all households with a letter informing them of the availability of free and reduced-price meals for enrolled children. Applications are also available at the principal=s office in each school. To apply for free or reduced-price meal benefits, households must complete an application and return it to the school for processing. Applications may be submitted at any time during the school year. The information households provide on the application will be used to determine meal eligibility and may be verified at any time during the school year by school or program officials.

Requirements for school officials to determine eligibility for free and reduced-price benefits are as follows: For households receiving Food Stamp, CalWORKs, Kin-GAP or FDPIR case number and the signature of an adult household member. For households who do not list a Food Stamp, CalWORKs, Kin-GAP or FDPIR case number, the application must include the names of all household members, the amount and source of the income received by each household member and the signature and corresponding Social Security number of an adult household member. If the household member who signs the application does not have a Social Security number, the household member must indicate on the application that a Social Security number is not available.

Under the provisions of the free and reduced-price meal policy, the determining official(s), as designated by the sponsor/agency, shall review applications and determine eligibility. Parents or guardians dissatisfied with the eligibility ruling may discuss the decision with the determining official on an informal basis. Parents may also make a formal request for an appeal hearing of the decision and may do so orally or in writing with the sponsor/agency=s hearing official. Parents or guardians should contact their child(ren)=s school(s) for specific information regarding the name of the determining official and/or hearing official for a specific school, agency or district.

If a household member becomes unemployed or if the household size increases, the household should contact the school. Such changes may make the children of the household eligible for benefits if the household=s income falls at or below the levels shown in the attached Income Eligibility Guidelines.

Households that receive Food Stamp, CalWORKs, Kin-GAP or FDPIR benefits may not have to complete an Application for Free or Reduced-Price Meals or Free Milk if their sponsor/agencies use direct certification. School officials will determine eligibility for free meals based on documentation obtained directly from the Food Stamp, CalWORKs, Kin-GAP or FDPIR office that a child is a member of a household currently receiving Food Stamp or FDPIR benefits or an assistance unit receiving CalWORKs or Kin-GAP benefits. School officials will notify households of their eligibility, but those who do not want their child(ren) to receive free meals must contact the school. Food Stamp, CalWORKs, Kin-GAP or FDPIR households should complete an application if they are not notified of their eligibility.

In accordance with federal law and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). The USDA is an equal opportunity provider.

Local leader to be honored with John Brock Community Service Award

The prestigious John Brock Community Service Award will be presented to Bernard J. Herman on Thursday, Sept. 4 at 6:30 p.m. at the Seven Oaks County Club. Herman, a longtime resident of Bakersfield, has three decades of experience providing strategic leadership within the health care industry. Currently, he is serving as executive director for the Bakersfield Museum of Art.

Herman has served in numerous leadership positions including terms on the board of directors for Vision 20/20, Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce, the Kegley Institute of Ethics and the Extended University advisory boards at California State University, Bakersfield, Rotary Club of Bakersfield, Target Reading First Collaborative, Bakersfield Music Theater, Klassen Corporation and others.

The sponsoring organization of this event is the CSUB School of Business and Public Administration Executive Advisory Council. The council is comprised of approximately 25 business and community leaders who provide advice and support to the school.

Proceeds from the event help to fund the John Brock Endowment, which provides scholarships for students in CSUB's School of Business and Public Administration. Scholarships will be presented at the dinner to this year's four recipients.

Award recipients in the dinner's 20-year history are Lou and Sheryl Barbich, Gregory Bynum, Jim Burke, Morgan Clayton, Joan Dezember, Ray Dezember, John Forney, Don Hart, Jimmie Icardo, Bob Karpe, George Martin, David Parker, Robert Price, John Pryor, Rev. Glenn Puder, Mary K. Shell, Jerry Stanners, Joe D. Stevenson, Ray Watson and, the inspiration for the award, John Brock, Sr.

Tickets for the event are $150 and can be purchased from CSUB School of Business and Public Administration. Corporate table sponsorships are also available. For further information and tickets, call (661) 654-2157.

Hispanic Excellence Scholarship Fund celebrates 25 years of student support

The Hispanic Excellence Scholarship Fund at California State University, Bakersfield will host its 25th annual awards dinner on Saturday, Sept. 20, at The DoubleTree Hotel at 6 p.m.

The HESF was established at the university in 1984 by CSU President Emeritus Tomás Arciniega to increase access to a college education for academically outstanding, financially needy, local students who demonstrate strong leadership potential. In its first year, nine students were awarded scholarships; since then, the program has grown and provided more than $2 million in scholarships to more than 1,000 students.

Thomas Martínez, chair of the public administration department, said the scholarship program has been very successful. “Due to the growing support of local businesses and individuals, the CSUB President’s Scholarship Matching Program, and endowment collaboration with the national Hispanic Scholarship Fund, our scholarship fund has become one of the premier scholarship programs of its kind,” he said. “This year 80 students will be awarded scholarship totaling $130,000. Most importantly, at the award dinner, the hard work and academic excellence of financially needy local students will be recognized.”

The HESF Advisory Board is comprised of local business, education, and community leaders. Supporters of this event include State Farm Insurance, Bright House Networks, Univision and Chevron.

Arciniega will be the keynote speaker for this year’s event. Tickets for the dinner are $60. To purchase tickets or to obtain sponsorship information, please call (661) 654-3406 or log on to www.csub.edu/hesf/.

Senior citizens invited to get active in CSUB’s 60+ Club

Kern County senior citizens are invited to attend California State University, Bakersfield's 60+ Club Possibilities Day on Thursday, Sept. 4, from 9 to 11:30 a.m. in the Runner Café.

Possibilities Day is the 60+ Club's annual kick off event, which invites retirees and community members more than 60 years of age to learn more about the club and explore a variety of interest groups and action network teams that are available to them. Interest groups include everything from bridge clubs to bus trips, and explore topics such as health, current affairs, investments, books and the arts.

Members of 60+ Club receive advantages such as special ticket pricing to campus events, use of the Walter W. Stiern Library and attending specially designed courses. They may also volunteer for campus action networks, which help with athletic and performing arts events, the CSUB Facility for Animal Care and Treatment, Stiern Rose Garden and Well Sample Repository.

Camille Gavin, 60+ Club president, said the organization is designed to provide senior citizens an opportunity to socialize, get involved and exercise their minds.

"It is the best organization for seniors in town," Gavin said. "If you're a senior and enjoy life, living and people, join the 60+ Club."

This year's Possibilities Day speaker is Kathy Miller, CSUB director of public affairs and communications. Miller will discuss intergenerational communication with a focus on the attributes of today's students.

Refreshments will be served. Admission and parking are free. For more information, call (661) 654-3211.

The 60+ Club was founded in 1986 to create a partnership between the university and the community of retired persons. It is a member-motivated and member governed organization. Its purpose is to provide personal enrichment, educational opportunities, volunteer challenges, and social activities in a campus environment utilizing the resources of the university and experience of its members. There are no educational requirements to join and participation in club activities is voluntary. The interest groups meet at various locations and different times of the month throughout the academic year.

Child and Adult Care Food Program

Community Connection for Child Care, operated by the Kern County Superintendent of Schools, announces sponsorship of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). Pursuant to Title 7 Code of Federal Regulations Part 226 [7 CFR 226.23(d)], day care home providers under our sponsorship shall provide meals at no separate charge. The meals are available to all participants without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age or handicap.

In accordance with federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

For more information, contact Mary Straw, child care food program manager, Community Connection for Child Care, 2000 24th Street, Bakersfield, CA 93301 or call (661) 861-5214.

11th Annual Kern County Child Development Conference

If your life revolves around children, the 2008 Kern County Child Development Conference is the place to be on Nov. 1, from 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m., at the Doubletree Hotel, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court in Bakersfield. Featuring 30 workshops to choose from, the conference is open to anyone interested in children, their development and welfare. You can register before Sept. 19 for $60 and save $15. After that date, registration is $75. Registration forms can be downloaded from the Kern County Child Care Council Web site, http://kcsos/kern.org/kcccc or obtained by calling (661) 636-4444.

Sponsored by Community Connection for Child Care (CCCC) and First 5 Kern, the day long conference promotes helping young children reach their growth and development potential. Workshops will provide plenty of useful information for family child care providers, early childhood education teachers and administrators, students studying for careers in early childhood education and development, students and parents.

The Banana Slug String Band, which has been “celebrating the wonder and miracle of the natural world” through song for 23 years, will perform from 8-9 a.m. Billed as a “group of loveable musicians and educators” the band provides “educational entertainment for children and families through interactive music and performance.”

Early childhood education vendors will have their products on display. An opportunity drawing will award useful prizes for the classroom. Registration includes a continental breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack.

Please contact Tammy Burns, at (661) 636-4444, for more information.

Kern County College Night - Sept. 8

Having a college degree can make a difference of approximately $875,000 in a person's lifetime earnings, according to the Employment Policy Foundation. That, among many reasons, is why high school students and parents are invited to attend the free, ninth annual Kern County College Night scheduled for Sept. 8 at the Rabobank Convention Center, 1001 Truxtun Avenue in Bakersfield. Taking place from 6-9 p.m., it will provide information for high school and community college transfer students and anyone interested in pursuing a college education.

Representatives from 80-100 public and private colleges, universities and trade schools from within and outside California will have booths at the event to provide information and answer questions such as: how much does college cost, what college offers the classes I need and what do I do before I enroll? Local high school and college counselors will also be available to offer advice.

Sessions dealing with financial aid, scholarships and public and private colleges will be available in English and Spanish to aid Spanish-speaking parents.

"Students and parents should attend to see the many options available to graduates once they leave high school," said Pat Alexander, one of the event organizers.

"It is critical for high school students to be college ready. Today's job market clearly demonstrates that training beyond high school gives students a significant economic advantage."

For additional information, contact Christine Goedhart-Humphrey, event coordinator, at (661) 636-4330.

Free Computer Training

Kern Assistive Technology Center has partner with COMPTIA to offer local individuals who qualify to receive free comptuer training. The Creating Futures program is offered locally through KATC thanks to a relationship the Center has with other Community Technology Centers around the country. Creating Futures provides IT career opportunities to individuals with disabilities; at-risk youth; transitioning military personnel, and dislocated workers worldwide. The program works with employers to identify their hiring needs, then tailors education and training programs to help individuals obtain the skills employers are looking for.

The Creating Futures program is offering the following online courses to Creating Futures candidates

§ CompTIA A+

§ CompTIA Network+

§ CompTIA Server+

§ CompTIA Security+

Individuals interested in obtaining online training should contact Kern Assistive Technology Center to register. Candidate applications will be screened and selected applications will be notified. Training and certification vouchers are at no cost to those applicants that qualify and have been selected to participate in the online training program. Individuals will be provided free access to the internet at Kern Assistive Technology Center. Only candidates dedicated to complete the online training with 90 days and take the certification exam within 2 weeks of completing training will be allowed to participate. For more information or to obtain an application call 852-3291.

League of Women Voters teams with Girls Scouts and AAUW for Women's Equality Day

Our Women’s Equality Day commemoration this month will have a brand new addition—Girl Scouts! For the past several months, the League of Women Voters of Kern County has collaborated with the local Girls Scouts and the American Association of University Women to plan a program that demonstrates to young women the hard-won importance of voting and the history behind the passage of the 19^th Amendment. Partnering with these organizations gives the League an opportunity to perform valuable community outreach. Working with the Girl Scouts, in particular, provides a chance to teach about democracy and the Constitution.

The LWV of Kern County will share this special day with the Girls Scouts and their mothers at a luncheon at the Petroleum Club on Saturday, August 23 from 11:15 to 1:30. Together we will celebrate the 87^th birthday of the passage of the Constitutional amendment that allowed women to vote. The program entitled Women Through Time will feature keynote speaker Kathleen Kress who will assume the role of Susan B. Anthony complete with costume. A short film about the suffrage movement and an original quiz show about the background leading up to the passage of the 19^th Amendment will generate participation from the girls.

A panel of women will discuss their professions and the challenges they face working in male-dominated careers. Panelists include Superior Court Judge Sharon Mettler; Rosemary Wahl, first woman chief deputy in the Kern County Sheriffs Department; and Danielle D. Wade, Vice President of Brighthouse Network. Girl Scouts who attend will earn a badge by completing the Women Through Time requirements.

Women’s Equality Day commemorates the passage in 1920 of the 19^th Amendment which granted women the right to vote. The fight for suffrage was a nearly 100 year battle in our country fought by women whose names still resonate in our history. Women like Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, Alice Paul, Carrie Chapman Catt (who became the first president of the League of Women Voters), Lucy Stone, and Ida B. Wells worked tirelessly over the century, building upon the work of their foremothers and sacrificing their freedoms in order to bring about the vote for women.

Because American women comprise more than half of our nation’s voters, it is crucial that middle school and high school girls understand the struggles of those who fought for equality in the voting booth. The right to vote should never be taken for granted.

Reserve your seat by Wednesday, August 21 by calling the League Line at 634-3773. Cost of the luncheon is $20. The Petroleum Club is located at 5060 California Avenue.

—Diane Williams, President and Lynne Rosenstein, Voter Editor

Meet Nonie Darwish, author of "Now They Call Me Infidel"

"Now They Call Me Infidel: Why I Renounced Jihad for America, Israel and the War on Terror"

By Mrs. Nonie Darwish

You are cordially invited to this special evening as we hear from this nationally renowned author and fellow republican who will educate us on these important current topics which effect our country and culture.

Thursday, Aug. 21, 6 to 8 p.m.
Petroleum Club of Bakersfield, 5060 California Ave. Suite 1200
$30 per person
Call 661-327-4971 for reservations

Make checks to "BRWF"
The Bakersfield Republican Women, Federated
P.O. Box 1564
Bakersfield, CA 93302

Considered a traitor and too liberal in her country of origin, Nonie Darwish is the daughter of an Egyptian Lt. General Mustafa Hafez, former commander of Army intelligence and founder of the Palestinian Fedayeen. Nonie's book "Now They Call Me Infidel" is a biography of 30 years of her life in Egypt and Gaza where she lived under oppressive dictatorships. The book describes the culture behind the jihad and worldwide terrorism and accounts of her transformation after she moved to America in 1978 into a supporter of peace in the state of Israel. Her book uniquely describes the impact of polygamy and oppression of women on Muslim society.

With a background in journalism and a degree in socio-anthropology from the University of Cairo in Egypt, Nonie is a spokesperson for progress, minority rights, human and women's rights in the Middle East. Like most Arab children, she was taught hatred, jihad, vengeance and retaliation. Nonie states, "When I was growing up, we had to recite poetry vowing jihad against Israel. We would have tears in our eyes, pledging that we wanted to die." She grew up listening to the cursing of Jews and Christians from the pulpits of mosques and says that "if you grow up with such cursing, it can feel and sound normal."

In July 1956 when Nonie was 8 years old, her father was killed in the first assassination by the Israeli Defense Forces. President Nasser of Egypt vowed that Egypt would take revenge for his death. Nonie remembers Nasser coming to her home and asking, "Which one of you will avenge your father's death by kiling Jews?"

After moving to America she struggled for years to look the other way when she would hear about the suffering of her people. 9/11 was a turning point as she realized "jihad has come to America." She began to speak out against the countless threats against Arab feminists and reformers whose voices were being silenced. She was featured in the documentary "Obsession" and is the founder of "Arabs for Israel," an organization of Arabs and Muslims who reject suicide terrorism as a form of jihad and promote constructive self-criticism and reform in the Arab Muslim world. Her mission is to promote "forgiveness" which she stressed in her interview with Al-Arabaya TV.

Both Wafa Sultan, Nonie Darwish together with other Arab and Muslim women have founded an Internet TV show "Dawry," meaning "my turn," which will assert the right for freedom and self-expression of women and men in the Musim world. She is married and a mother of three. Her second book, "Cruel and Usual Punishment: The Terrifying Global Effects of Sharia Law," is due for release in November.

Last of the Nighthawks Leaves Palmdale (F-117A retirement now complete)

Monday, August 11^th, 2008, marked the true end of the F-117A program, with the departure of aircraft 'ED' #85-0831, from Palmdale. Originally rumored to be departing on Thursday the 14^th, the last Nighthawk taxied out at about 9:30am, with takeoff on runway 25 occurring a little after 10am. The pilot did three low passes over the 410^th FLTS operations facility, before turning north and heading towards the Tonopah Test Range, where the aircraft first made its home before being revealed to the public in 1988. Tonopah is located west of the mysterious Area 51 / Groom Lake airfield, north of Las Vegas.

Last April, a retirement ceremony was held for the last remaining ‘operational’ F-117A Nighthawks. However, four test aircraft continued to operate from Palmdale, with the 410^th FLTS, until now. The squadron stood down on August 1^st, with three of their remaining airplanes being sent into storage the following week. The aircraft is being placed into ‘retrievable’ storage, which means their wings are being removed, and they are being placed, five at a time, into hangars at Tonopah.

Out of the fifty-nine aircraft built by Lockheed, there are currently four Nighthawks on permanent static display - one at Nellis AFB (YF-117A #79-10780), one at Wright-Patterson AFB (YF-117A #79-10781), one at Palmdale’s Joe Davies Heritage Airpark (YF-117A #79-10783 - one of several airframes to have been painted gray for daylight testing), and the most recent, #85-0816, is on display at Holloman’s Heritage Park.

The last appearance by an F-117A, at an American airshow, was in October of 2007, at Holloman AFB, in Alamogordo, New Mexico.

Devil Pups Get Marine Corps Lessons on Growth Through Challenge

Preparing young men and women, ages 14 to 17, for what life will bring them may seem like a valuable goal for a summer camp, but it takes on a new meaning when it is instilled by sweat and by screaming Marine Corps Noncommissioned Officers (NCOs).

That’s exactly what happened for 300 teenagers from California, Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico, at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton this summer. The 10 day program ended with a graduation and awards ceremony at the base on Saturday August 9^th, attended by hundreds of family members and friends. The Devil Pups Youth Program for America was created in 1954 as a better way for young individuals to spend part of their summers in a military environment.

U.S. Marines were referred to as “Devil Dogs” in World War I by enemy troops for their battlefield accomplishments and ‘never give up’ spirit. The Devil Pups name is derived from this Marine Corps heritage.

The program is tailored to build self confidence and discipline, through a series of mental and physical challenges, and that is putting it lightly. Under the watchful eyes and “encouragement” of Marine NCOs, camp participants achieve a myriad of tasks like beach runs up to 5 miles, tower jumps into a swimming pool, and a formidable hike up ‘Ole Smokey’, a foreboding mountain overlooking the School of Infantry and the Pacific Ocean. They also learn teamwork, and respect for others, their family and their country.

One of those NCOs, Sergeant Douglas A. Hawks, is a Devil Pup Platoon Commander and an active duty Marine from Craig, Colorado said, “It’s not just building our youth, it’s building our Country. If you have squared-away citizens, you’re going to have a squared-away Country”.

Twenty four graduates of this year’s program were selected from Kern County: Joseph Armijo, Arthur Bermudez, Jordan Finch, Tyler Hayes, Daniel Hernandez, Rene Hernandez, Michael Machado, Brandon McClay, William Mosley, Denzil Nutall, Christian Peterson, Charles Porter, Aaron Ramirez, Wesley Ruments, Alejandra Tarango, Mitchell Taylor, Felix Trevino, Emilio Valdez, Warren Williams, Shanisha Wandick, Ali Willingham, Tommy Willingham, Charles Wise, and Matthew Wright.

At graduation, three young men and women from Kern County were presented additional awards for their accomplishments at camp by Colonel J.B. Seaton III, Commanding Officer of Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton. Joseph Armijo and Felix Trevino were recognized for scoring in the top five percent of the 300 participants for their exceptionally high physical fitness scores; Ali Willingham was selected as the female platoon Honor Graduate; and Joseph Armijo was presented the Robert Petersen Award for demonstrating extraordinary leadership skills.

Retired Marine Corps Chief Warrant Officer 4 Michael A. Rhodes, an instructor in the program says, “There’s a better way for kids to spend their summer and this is it. It’s the mentorship, the goal setting and dealing with difficult situations that makes a difference in these kids. Everyone experiences fear, but it’s the choice of what you do with that fear that sets you apart from your peers”.

For additional information on how to apply, visit the Devil Pups website at: www.devilpups.com

Local Marines get top honors

Rarely if ever does a recruit come out of Marine Corps Recruit Depot Boot Camp a Lance Corporal and almost never do two recruits achieve top honors and come from the same hometown. It's nice to know that we have some great youngters living in Kern County that deserve our congratulations and recognition.

On Aug. 1, Stephen Donald Felix Brewer received the Company Honor Graduate Award and the Meritorious Promotion from Bravo Company, 1st Marine Battalion. Stephen lived in McFarland until recently and moved to Bakersfield with his family, Pastor Donald Brewer and Nancy Felix Brewer . They head a small congregation at Kern River Church which meets each Sunday at 10 a.m. at Hodel's Country Restaurant. Stephen comes from a big family, eight brothers and sisters. Among Stephen's many talents, he has a beautiful voice.

The Meritorious Promotion Award is earned by the Marine that has demonstrated a high degree of proficiency and has shown exceptional leadership ability and may be promoted meritoriously to the grade of Private First Class. Stephen was promoted to Lance Corporal. Also, Stephen was homeschooled by his mom, Nancy Felix Brewer. Way to go mom. Way to go Escuelita Del Rey.

Stephen is 25 years old and left Sunday, Aug. 10, to report to the School of Infantry at Camp Pendleton for an additional nine weeks of training. He will then be moved to Washington, D.C., with possible deployment to the Middle East.

Also on Aug. 1, Eric B. Medrano took the Iron Man Award or the Company High Physical Fitness Award. He is also from McFarland and was a runner at the high school. The Iron Man Award, you would think, would go to a barrel chested giant. Eric is a runner and slightly built. To achieve the Company Honor Graduate Award you most demonstrate the highest degree of discipline, proficiency, bearing, physical fitness and basic leadership traits that exemplify the highest standards of the United States Marine Corps.

The The Iron Man Award or Physical Excellence Award goes to the Marine that has received the highest score on the physical fitness test and is awarded a certificate from the Company Commander denoting that he is the most physically fit Marine in his company. Way to go Eric B. Medrano.

These fine young Marines were congratulated by The Hon. Govenor (Texas) Rick Perry. At the end of the ceremony, a tough old gnarled Marine from Bakersfield came up to the parents of Lance Corporal Stephen D. Felix Brewer with tears in his eyes and said that this achievement has never been accomplished before where two men from the same hometown especially a small farming community would received the Marine Corps highest recognition. I was priviledged to welcome Stephen home and visit with him and family at dinner.

At the bottom of the graduation program is this quote: "Among all the honors, among all the postings, promotions, medals, that have been awarded me, the one in which I take most pride is to be able to say, I am a Marine." Maj. General John A. Lejeune.

Bakersfield Memorial Hospital Foundation grants nursing scholarships

Sixteen local college nursing students were presented scholarships by the Bakersfield Memorial Hospital Foundation. Jackie Hay, scholarship committee chair and BMH Foundation board trustee made the presentation at a breakfast on August 4.

"This year we received a lot more applicants than we've had in the last several years and they were of superior quality which made the screening process very difficult," Hay said.

Nineteen years ago, the BMH Foundation board formed a nursing scholarship program for local nursing students in honor of Ralph Smith, Jr., founder of Bakersfield Memorial Hospital. The Smith scholarship awards a total of $10,000 each year. In 1997 another scholarship endowment was formed to honor Dr. and Mrs. Leslie Riechel. The Helen and Leslie Riechel Nursing Endowment Fund provides enough funds for three nursing scholarships each year for employees of Bakersfield Memorial Hospital. Since 2006, Bakersfield Memorial Hospital has provided $5,000 per year for the BMH Foundation to use for nursing scholarships in honor of National Doctors' Day.

Since 1989, 238 nursing scholarships totaling $250,000 have been granted to local students.

All local nursing students are encouraged to apply for these scholarships. Applications are available in January each year in the nursing departments at Bakersfield College, California State University, Bakersfield, and the BMH Foundation office. Beginning in 2009, applications will be available on the BMH Foundation website at www.supportbakersfield.org. The scholarships range from $625 to $1,250 each.

Biologist

This is in response to a recent column by Lois Henry, Agency mows over public input.

Wow!

Lois Henry, you mow over an agency for cattle!

You are very good at slinging cow chips about subjects in which you have no formal training and obviously know very little to next to nothing about! You got any salsa to go with those chips?

Let us review your bull dung, you wrote, together shall we? Her work is within quote marks my words are not.

“If you’ve never visited the Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuge area, you should. It’s incredible country in southwestern Kern County. Its rugged, stark beauty can take your breath away.”

You are probably right on here. The dung you write also took my breath away.

“Unfortunately, it’s being run by a unit of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that also leaves me breathless (OK, sputtering), for their incredible arrogance.”

Your ignorance of range management, refuge management, and Wildlife Management is astonishing and your arrogance really irritates us folks with degrees in the Natural Resources Profession. Oh yeah you are a journalist so we are used to your type getting it all wrong. I have a BS degree in Wildlife Management, which one of us might have a clue as to range management techniques on a refuge. No I do not work there. I just find your ignorance/arrogance so irritating and annoying that I had to respond. :-0

And remember, it is not you I dislike; it is the cattle dung you write that really pisses me off.

“I learned about the Bitter Creek controversy last week when the Kern County Board of Supervisors was told by the Planning Department that refuge managers, located in Ventura, proposed to limit grazing as a management tool on the refuge and instead use fire — on more than 9,000 acres. Granted, they wouldn’t burn it all at once, but that’s a lot of grass to torch, even a little at a time.”

Burning is a natural occurrence and a valid management tool. Try to remember that Good folks managing our National Wildlife Refuges have at least a 4 year degree (not in journalism), some have MS degrees, and many have PhD’s in some specialized biology or other natural resource field. The bottom line is they know what they are doing and Joe, Jill Public, and Lois Henry likely Do NOT!

“Fish and Wildlife held no public meetings on the proposal and when our Planning Department stumbled over the plan (they weren’t even notified) and requested a public hearing, Fish and Wildlife said no.”

“In its environmental assessment, Fish and Wildlife says a public meeting wasn’t considered because of the limited “intensity of environmental impacts anticipated” and the lack of “anticipated controversy.”

“Uh. Wrong.”

Uh. Correct! You may be incorrect?

“Funny thing, but we in Kern County might think burning off thousands of acres of grass would have an “Intense environmental impact” on our already fouled air basin. And some of us might like to have a say in the matter before it’s a done deal.”

Yeah, air quality is a concern for all of us. The stink you write is hard to tolerate too.

“That’s just scratching the surface, though. Dig deeper and things get worse.”

“After reading the environmental assessment, which includes the bone-headed burning proposal, I was shocked by the contradictions contained in the document as well as what it lacked.”

“But here’s the bottom line: They don’t like cows.”

Not true, however, livestock grazing has caused all the problems you mentioned below plus a few more even you are unaware of.

“Seriously, if Fish and Wildlife could load up a crop duster with “cow-b-gone,” I think they’d coat that refuge an inch thick, no matter how much the Fish and Wildlife spokesman I spoke with might deny an anti-cow bias.”

Yeah, maybe, Journalist-B-gone would be nice too. Boy I would like to have a patent on that.

“Chris Barr, deputy project leader for the Hopper Mountain National Wildlife Refuge Complex, which includes Bitter Creek, stressed that the proposal prefers seasonal grazing. It’s really a pro-grazing document, he told me.”

I believe that to be true, however, you seam a skeptic? It is about grazing in season when the forage is at its best for cattle. I'll bet you that most all of these folks eat beef, thus, it is not an anti-cattle thing. It is a refuge management concern.

“But seasonal grazing as outlined in the proposal wouldn’t be economical for ranchers, according to Richard Snedden who ranches next to the refuge and Art Steinbeck who had leased the ground for nearly 20 years before he was shut out by Fish and Wildlife in 2005 while they “rested” the land.”

Most grazing allotments operate on a seasonal basis, because the forage is seasonally green and edible.

“The seasonal grazing concept doesn’t allow ranchers any flexibility, they explained. The document even lays out what type of cattle are preferred — steers, not cows. Steers, according to Fish and Wildlife, don’t bunch up like cows and don’t revisit already overgrazed areas.”

I am not a cow expert, although, cows do bunch up, steers may be a better grass management tool on this refuge.

“Actually, according to both ranchers and a U.C. Davis rangeland specialist I talked to, the exact opposite is true. Clearly, a rangeland specialist did not help prepare the environmental assessment.”

You do know that rangeland specialists are usually very biased towards cattle, i.e. pro cattle, pro-rancher, anti-wildlife that get in their way.

“The assessment also states that “stair stepping” — the trails cattle make across hillsides — promotes erosion. The rangeland specialist I spoke to said he’d never heard of a study showing that to be the case.”

Stair stepping, the trails cattle make across hillsides, promotes erosion is a fact. I can show you areas, around Bakersfield, the Kern River Valley, and Slo County, of livestock induced erosion.

“Responsible grazing is a natural way to reduce fire hazards and increase biodiversity, Snedden said.”

The refuge manager is trying to use seasonal responsible grazing as a management tool. I can show you many examples of irresponsible over grazing in the Kern River Valley.

“They know they need it, but there’s just a negative bias toward cattle,” he said.”

“For background purposes you should know that Bitter Creek was a working cattle ranch for more than 100 years before the U.S. government bought it in 1986 as a refuge for the California condor, which had been feeding and nesting there, right alongside the cows, for as long as anyone can remember.”

“The environmental assessment, however, is rife with anti-cow angst.”

Someone is rife with anti-agency management of a Federal Refuge for wildlife, not for cattle. I do not believe we have a cattle refuge, maybe you are thinking of BLM Public land?

“It cites a number of studies (some not specific to the land in question and many from decades past) that say, among other things, that cattle introduce noxious weeds and non-native grasses, cause soil compaction and erosion, push out native deer and other hooved animals, foul the water, step on kit fox burrows and are just flat ugly.”

Cattle and other livestock types do introduce noxious weeds and non-native grasses, cause soil compaction and erosion, push out (compete with) native deer and other hooved animals, foul the water, step on kit fox burrows. You do know all of this is true and well documented in many scientific journals, although you seam to believe it is not true. Oh yeah, you are just a journalist whom does not verify fact before going to print. Oops! Shame on you Lois Henry for not verifying your false facts in which you put in front of the public.

Cattle may be dumb looking, but in a cute way. We call them white-faced deer or slow elk, with affection of course.

“I’m not making that up. Of all the alternatives listed in the study, only cattle get an F in “aesthetics.” (Oh, the refuge is closed to the public, by the by, so I’m not sure who’s so offended by the sight of cows.) Cows are also dinged because their manure is visible from the road. Not even burning and its inherent scarring gets a mention for aesthetics.”

“Once you read something like that, it’s hard to take the rest seriously.”

It is difficult to take you seriously. It is closed to the public to protect wildlife and the California Condor. Some wildlife does need human protection from stupid humans. Sad, but true, we have met the enemy and it is us.

“My biggest concern, however, was about what wasn’t in the document — studies that show whether grazing has adversely affected the condors, or any other species for that matter.”

Dead cattle do feed the Condors this is a good thing. Especially since the cattle, other livestock, and ranching has pushed out the native wildlife in which the California Condors historically fed upon, such as deer, elk, pronghorn antelope, and desert mountain sheep.

“Not in there.”

“Barr told me that surveys had previously been done on the land, such as one in 2002 that assessed the grazing fees and program.”

“That’s not the same as a study that looks at whether responsible grazing harms a species. I asked several times about baseline studies as well as why a rangeland specialist wasn’t consulted and continued to get a polite but evasive, non-responsive response.”

There is lots of data if you know where too look.

“As for the lack of public input, Barr told me the agency has received 53 comment letters and would accept any new ones even though the official public comment window has already closed. But the National Environmental Policy Act doesn’t require public hearings.”

“Supervisors and U.S. Rep. Kevin McCarthy are still going to try.”

“They’ve sent letters to Fish and Wildlife seeking a hearing and, if they decline, McCarthy and the Planning Department will hold their own hearing and Fish and Wildlife will be invited to participate.”

“I hope someone in U.S. Fish and Wildlife figures out that this refuge is a part of Kern County.”

I’ll bet they are better with map and compass than you will ever be. Remember, this is range and wildlife management not politics.

“But they’re already so far out there, we may be waiting till the cows come home.”

Someone is pretty far out there and I believe it is you, your false facts, untruths, pro-cattle anti-wildlife bias ignorance, and arrogance in which you think you know how to manage a wildlife refuge.

“Opinions expressed in this column are those of Lois Henry, not The Bakersfield Californian. Her column appears Wednesdays and Sundays. Call her at 395-7373 or e-mail lhenry@bakersfield.com”

False opinions expressed in this column are those of Lois Henry, not those of any intelligent Wildlife or Rangeland Professional.

My ideas are not opinions. My thoughts are my own, yet based on a solid education and 29 years of biological experience.

Have a nice day!

Sincerely not yours,

Bruce

Desert Mountain Sheep Specialist

A Wildlife Professional not a journalist!

Truck explosion on 99

A refrigerated truck traveling southbound on Highway 99 exploded at about 3:30 this afternoon. Employees of Jennings Transfer and Storage grabbed garden hoses and raced to help the truck driver. Firefighters were quickly on the scene to put out the blaze.

No word on the condition of the driver. At least one lane of Highway 99 was still open at the time of the fire.

Saying Goodbye to 96.5 KBKO Bakersfield Country Radio Station

Apparently Caden McCloud the son of Morning Show host Kenn and Crystal McCloud also found it hard to say goodbye to KBKO 96.5 Bakersfield Country!

Michael Montgomery is a victim too

In my opinion in the Michael Montgomery case I believe that injustice is being objected. He was below the legal alcohol level. I think that he should be in the hospital getting the treatment that he needs. I understand people died but I don't think he should get hard time because he wasn't drunk. Yeah he may not have a licence but the people that died in the accident weren't forced in the car. In the accident his closest friend died. Isn't that bad enough on him that he has to live with that for the rest of his life? But what people need to realize is that he's a victim too. He got hurt just as bad. He can't use his lower half of his body. Michael's past should not reflect on this present situation. The people of the law should not exploit his past. What's in the past should stay in the past, it doesn't have anything to do with what's going on now.

He was the driver but he shouldn't be treated badly in the death of those two people

I think the way that people are treating my brother Michael is wrong. Yeah, he was the driver in the accident, but he shouldn't be treated badly for their deaths. Everybody has their time when God calls them home and it was the time. Don't you people believe in God at all and in faith? If you all don't, I do! People say that the judge should take my brother's case to trial. Well, don't you people belive in second chances and in forgiveness? How would you all feel if it was your son or daughter that was in a car crash and two people died in the accident with them? You guys would feel the same way we do. It's bad enough that I haven't seen my brother in over three years. Don't take him away from me and the rest of our family and his kids forever. Be faithful and forgiving. God works in mysterious ways and at any given time the show could be on the other foot and it could be your son or daughter sitting behind jail cell bars for something serious. How would you feel?

Plumbing shut CALM down Saturday

Plumbing problem shut down CALM for Saturday morning and afternoon.

Work was under way to repair a plumbing problem at the California Living
Museum so the zoo could reopen in time for the Twilight at CALM visitors
on Saturday (7/19) evening. The problem was discovered Saturday morning
and interrupted water flows used for toilets and drinking water which
required staff shut the facility down in the morning and afternoon.

We apologize to our many friends and visitors who support CALM
throughout the year,” said Lana Fain, CALM manager, “but we are
happy that the repairs will be completed in time for Twilight at CALM
which begins at 5:30 p.m. and continues until 8:30 p.m. every Saturday
through Aug. 30.”

Kern County Network for Children Moves

The Kern County Network for Children (KCNC), operated by the Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office, has moved its office location from 2000 K Street to 1212 18th Street in Bakersfield. Under the supervision of Director Tom Corson, KCNC works with neighborhood collaboratives to solve daily issues families face such as safety, health, and economic development. KCNC is the county’s administrative agent for Foster Youth Services, serving the educational, psychological, medical and transitional needs of participating group home children, while ensuring educational rights of dependents and wards in foster care. The Get Moving Kern: Healthy Eating and Active Learning program, administered by KCNC, offers strategies geared toward reducing obesity in Kern County.

For more information, please contact Corson at (661) 636-4480.

Veterans Fighting for Increased Reimbursement for Health Care Travel

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Today, Veterans living in the suburbs and rural areas of the country must often travel between forty (40) and one hundred and fifty (150) miles one way to get to a Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic (VAOPC) or Medical Center (VAMC) to receive critical health care. With gas prices exceeding $4.11 a gallon on average, Veterans are fighting for increased mileage reimbursement above the $.285 cents a mile minus the $15.54 deductible (round trip) they currently are receiving, or it will become a matter of money or health care visits for far too many.

Veterans did receive an increase from $.11 cents to $.285 cents last year, but of course, the average price per gallon of gas was $2.62 but a substantial portion was taken in a deductible added by Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison at the last moment. Today, if a Veteran lives 35 miles from a VAOPC or VAMC, they would file a request for reimbursement for $19.95 minus a $15.54 cent deductible or $4.41 for a round trip. But their gas expenses in an average passenger car (average 22 miles a gallon) would be $13.07 (70/22 = 3.18 gallons * $4.11 = $13.07). Therefore it is the deductible that has generated the problem with travel reimbursement.

Veterans look to the Congress for assistance in dealing with health problems incurred during their service to the United States of America, regardless of the war. Instead, Congress seeks to balance the costs of this legislation on the backs of Veterans rather than on the government responsible for the Veterans’ conditions. For someone living on the edge, suffering from a traumatic injury, wounds, or disease incurred during service, the cost of seeking therapy or treatment three or four times a month can be financially devastating. It is the difference between life and death, getting better or regressing, maintenance of a health condition and preventive health care and sitting at home slowly dying.

While there were attempts to introduce legislation in both the House and Senate, the legislation died in committee. A group of Veterans from across the United States is actively involved in contacting their comrades, families, and friends, writing numerous emails seeking consensus from individuals representing scores of Veterans and Wounded Warriors. That consensus clearly established support for the language in HR 1472. H.R. 1472 - Disabled Veterans Fairness Act was submitted by Representative John Barrow (D-GA) to amend title 38, United States Code, to eliminate the deductible and change the method of determining the mileage reimbursement rate under the beneficiary travel program administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

However, Veterans have been informed that HR 6287 - Veterans Travel Equity Act; and S 2162 - Mental Health Improvements Act of 2007, which was sent from the Senate to the House Veterans Affairs Committee are currently being considered.

A review of HR 6287 found that the coauthors, Representatives Souder (R-IN) and Ellsworth (D-IN), side-stepped the "applied deductible" issue, which under current conditions is the most contentious part of the Travel Program because it enables the VA to take back a substantial amount of a Veteran's mileage reimbursement that helps pay for the fuel cost of getting to and from VA medical appointments. There is every reason to believe the "applied deductible" will rise in tandem with any increase in the mileage rate. As a matter of fact, this happened with the rate increase this year when the "applied deductible" increased from $6 roundtrip to $15.54. While HR 6287 is "stand alone legislation", it does not mention the "applied deductible", which makes it unreasonable and unacceptable.

A review of S 2162 found a much watered-down version of HR 1472 integrated and woven into a mental health care bill, (Title I -- Health Care Matters) at Section 101, Veterans Beneficiary Travel Program. While Veterans appreciate some of the language and intent from HR 1472 being part of the Senate version, the wording allows the Secretary of the VA to modify the amount of allowances or reimbursement to be paid, apparently at his discretion. Considering current events, the Senate’s trust of the Secretary is not only outrageous, but also unreasonable and totally unacceptable. Quite frankly, Veterans are appalled that this legislation ever passed the Senate.

Those voting in favor of S 2162 will surely be confronted by the ire of Veterans and Wounded Warriors in the voting booths across America in November. Veterans are hopeful that Representatives of the House and the House Veterans Affairs Committee will stand firm and united against this egregious legislation and make the appropriate modifications of Bill HR 6287.

On behalf of thousands of Veterans a call must go out by email, fax, and telephonic communications about HR 1472, HR 6287, and S 2162. Contact Representative Bob Filner as soon as possible and urge him to revise HR 6287, the current House version of S 2162 to mirror HR 1472, the Bill of choice of Veterans across America.

Kurt Priessman, MSgt, USAF (Ret)

Vet Advocate

Fires Put Pregnant Women, Infants at Risk

Fires Put Pregnant Women, Infants at Risk

March of Dimes provides tips to protect those most vulnerable during disaster

(Bakersfield, CA , July 8, 2008) March of Dimes urges pregnant women and families with young infants to take special precautions as fires burn east of Bakersfield.

“Expectant mothers and babies are at increased risk during disasters and we are doing all we can to provide information to help keep moms and babies healthy,” said Dani Montague, State Director of the March of Dimes California Chapter. “The entire country learned hard lessons from Hurricane Katrina.”

City and County officials have urged pregnant women and babies to stay indoors or wear protective masks to avoid inhaling smoke and pollutants. For families who must leave home for the safety of an emergency shelter, March of Dimes provides the following guidelines to help protect the health of expectant mothers and infants:

Special information for Pregnant Women:

Bring copies of medical records, including prenatal medical records and contact information for your health care provider
Immediately notify shelter of your pregnancy and get information about the location of hospitals in the area
Ensure you have plenty of water and high-protein snacks
Bring with you any medications, including prenatal vitamins and prescriptions
Do all you can to reduce stress – stress is a major factor in preterm labor
Learn the signs of preterm labor and contact shelter officials immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Contractions every 10 minutes or more
- Leaking vaginal fluid or bleeding
- Feeling that baby is pushing down
- Low, dull backache
- Abdominal cramps

Special information for Families with Infants:

Bring copies of baby’s medical records and contact information for health care providers
Pack a large supply of diapers (approximately 70 diapers per week for newborns)
Bring plenty of ready-to-serve formula – never use water treated with iodine or chlorine tablets to prepare powdered formula
Shelters can be loud, bring pacifiers and any other items that may soothe baby
Stress can affect a woman’s milk supply if breastfeeding. Even if breastfeeding, have on-hand ready-to-serve formula

For more information about caring for pregnant women and babies during disaster, visit marchofdimes.com/ca. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/wildfires/facts.asp has more information about safety during wildfires.

The needs of a pregnant woman and babies during a disaster are unique. March of Dimes urges families to follow any evacuation and preparation instructions given by local state agencies. For questions about the health effects of the disaster, please talk with a health care professional.

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies ^sm, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org.

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CSUB adds second class in accelerated nursing program, seeks applicants

Students interested in applying to California State University, Bakersfield's impacted accelerated nursing program are getting another chance. The campus will offer a second class of its accelerated bachelor's of science in nursing in late June 2009.

"The accelerated B.S.N. program is designed to help ease the region's nursing shortage," said Peggy Leapley, chair of CSUB's nursing department. "It provides a faster pace for prospective students with their prerequisites met and evidence of academic ability."

The aim of this program is to educate people interested in becoming registered nurses.This program is unique in that it offers those with a non-nursing bachelor's degree an opportunity to enter the nursing field after completing a rigorous and accelerated program of study.

In this accelerated format, students are involved in an intensive full-time educational experience that does not allow for breaks between academic years. As a result, after 18 months students will be eligible for the registered nurse licensure exam. The accelerated students will graduate at the end of fall quarter 2010. Completion of this same level of education through the traditional program would require 33 months. Discussions are still ongoing but there should be about 44 slots available in this second class. The curriculum is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing.

CSUB launched the accelerated nursing program in January 2008 as another answer to meeting the critical need for nurses in the Central Valley. In response to the growing nursing shortage, the department has gradually increased the number of students admitted annually to the undergraduate program by 25 percent, from 60 to over 80 students, over the past several years.

Funding for the accelerated B.S.N. program is provided through a local nursing education partnership. The partnership includes three local hospitals and the County of Kern. The threes hospitals include Memorial, Mercy and San Joaquin Community Hospital. The County of Kern includes Kern Medical Center, Department of Public Health and the Department of Mental Health.

Leapley added CSUB's community partners seem happy with the results. "Our current nursing education partners are pleased with the performance of the students they are sponsoring in the current accelerated B.S.N. program," she continued. "The nursing department greatly appreciates the support received from the local nursing education partners. We will continue to look for funding opportunities that address the goal of preparing more registered nurses for the citizens of Kern County and California."

Eligible applicants will have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university and will complete the thirteen nursing prerequisite courses no later than March 27, 2009. Once a student is determined by the nursing department to be eligible for the program, students will be considered by the partners for sponsorship. Sponsored students are responsible to pay for their own tuition and commit to working for their sponsor organization for a period of two years.

To learn more about the prerequisite courses, timing associated with completion of prerequisite courses and application period, visit [ http://www.csub.edu/nursing/absn.shtml ]www.csub.edu/nursing/absn.shtml.

Information sessions on the accelerated degree will be held at CSUB in September and October. Interested parties can register to attend an information session on the website.

For more details, contact Kathy Lewis at (661) 654-2508.

CSUB to host educational summit on social work in corrections

California State University, Bakersfield will host an educational summit to develop competencies for social work in corrections on Wednesday, July 23 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Icardo Room.

The day is a joint effort between CSUB’s social work and criminal justice departments to bring together educators and community professionals in order to address the mental health needs in the field of corrections. Department officials said with the number of prisons in Kern County and the difficulty in finding staff, a residual benefit may help the campus become a leading institution in this field in the state.

“This is a response to the Coleman decision, which placed the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) in violation of the 8th amendment by not adequately providing mental health services to individuals who are incarcerated,” said Bruce Friedman, chair of CSUB’s social work department.

Discussions will include addressing the needs of social work within corrections, an overview of competency categories and forming a core committee. Educators from across the country will be in attendance as well as prison wardens, social workers and chaplains.

The summit is free and open to the public. It is co-sponsored by the National Association of Social Workers, or NASW.

For information or to RSVP contact Patricia Henry at (661) 654-3452 or Robert Fong at (661) 654-2434.

Tips for Surviving the Kern River

So you wanna tube the Kern? In light of the recent missing persons up at the Kern River, I thought I'd post a few tips for people thinking of swimming in the Kern, or taking their inner tubes up to the River this summer.

I've been tubing the north fork of the Kern for about five years now, and it never ceases to amaze me how reckless people are up there. The South fork seems to be the more dangerous of the two. One thing people really need to do is to spend some time at various pullouts along the river, checking out the water level and the current. Watch the rapids, especially the stronger ones. There are points in the rapids that create a sort of 'vaccum'-like effect, which causes people to get sucked under the water's surface. Having survived one of these myself, needless to say I am much more picky where I enter the water!

If you have any doubts about any particular set of rapids - just play it safe and don't go in them. Right now, the river's water level is just too high in most places for swimming and tubing. And trust me, the current is stronger than it looks. The safest time of year to go tubing is between August and October in terms of the water level. And even then you need to know the river a little bit before entering. Do your homework, and you'll find many safe places to ride the river. Many of the safest spots are in and around Kernville. But please respect the private property nearby.

If you're a weak swimmer, you should probably avoid this until your skills are a little stronger. Consider wearing a life jacket at all times. If you have children with you, please keep an eye on them at all times.

There are several alternatives to getting in the river itself - South Creek falls, way up the north end of the canyon, is a great place. The hike to its base is a challenge, but well worth the effort. Just south of SC falls, and directly across the road from a large dirt parking lot, is a set of 'mini' waterfalls. Further up the canyon, is the well-known natural waterslide. The water is almost always a lot colder than the river, but it's safer as well.

If all else fails, there's always the Owens River, to the northeast, along hwy 395. No rapids, but again, a lot safer place to ride the water if you've got the itch. One final note: Leave your boom boxes at home (as much as I like loud music too, they have no place in campgrounds where people are looking for peace and quiet), and please PICK UP YOUR TRASH!!

NEA Convention in Washington DC

Twelve-hundred delegates from the state of California are in Washington DC for the annual convention of the National Education Association (NEA). The California delegation is here to take part in a discussion of current topics in American Education and to revise resolutions expressing our official positions on issues related to education. It is my first time to be a part of the delegation from Bakersfield and I find it very exciting to be a part of this democratic process in which almost 9,000 national delegates enter into four days of active debate in the general assembly on the convention floor.

The highlight of Thursday's afternoon session was when North Carolina Governor Mike Easley addressed the general assembly as NEA's first-ever recipient of the America's Greatest Education Governor Award. Governor Easley is recognized nationally for setting up a Teachers Advisory Cabinet, for collecting annual surveys of teacher working conditions, for demanding fiscal accountability of North Carolina state legislators, for working to reduce the high school drop out rate, and for working with his state legislators to make college affordable and even free to most people in his state.

Governor Easley told the national delegation of educators, "I am not only interested in building the best possible workforce that I can for my state. I am interested in making sure that every child in my state is using their God-given talents and meeting their highest potential."

Governor Easley is the author of a children's book called "Look Out College! Here I Come!" and, on the eve of Independence Day, he charged his audience to remember that, "The most patriotic thing you can do today is to learn as much as you can from the high chair to the rocking chair of life-long learning."