Sand Canyon Volunteer Fire Department Panhandlers - Tehachapi City Council - longtimeresident's Blog - Tehachapi News

Feb 2, 2008 at 10:02 PM : I try...

I try to avoid all "panhandlers." I don't like being confronted when I need to get my groceries home before they melt (i.e. ice cream). I've complained to management because of people outside grocery stores: "support adults against kids taking drugs" and "sign my petition to help the youth" and "help for veterans" and "Jesus loves you and needs your support." I feel like I'm under siege. I'm a liberal and want every one to have food and shelter. California has hundreds of programs that do that. I pay taxes - a lot of taxes - to help make that happen. Why do parents send their kids out to assault me for money?

Feb 3, 2008 at 06:02 AM : I'm kind of in...

I'm kind of in the same boat. I don't give to the scruffy guy standing outside the store, I give to the homeless shelters, food banks, etc. I'll even buy a meal for someone that is hungry, but I'm not going to give money to anyone with a sign and a can. I encourage everyone else to do the same: give to causes that are close to your heart, but give to the accredited organizations that HELP people, don't waste your money giving to someone who may not even be needy (there are, seriously, those that make their living out of lying about where the money in the coffee cans goes).

Feb 3, 2008 at 09:02 AM : longtimeresident - of...

longtimeresident - of where? Obviously not Sand Canyon. You don't know jacksquat about SCVFD. If you did, you wouldn't be spouting off like a jerk. These are hard working men who go the extra mile for the residents. They are not panhandlers posing as firefighters - you might want to be careful with your slanderous words.They are selling raffle tickets, not just asking for money. We have to raise our own money to even exist. Just so you know jackarse, we sold all our tickets (only 50 left) and got some generous donations to boot (hey, good pun).

Christi, you disappoint me, you're the last person I though would be judgmental based on their appearance. Yes, some of them are a little "scruffy" - they are mountain men who love this canyon and are trying hard to put the fire department back together.

Do any of you complain about the Girls Scouts pushing their overpriced ($4.00 a box) sugar laden cookies? I used to be a GS leader, let me tell you, the girls don't see that money...

Why don't you call and talk to our chief, Bill Bender, or Mr. Maben instead of just mouthing off in a blog?

Shame on all of you!

Feb 3, 2008 at 11:02 AM : Joty, I'm not...

Joty, I'm not sure you want people calling Maben's office. According to them the SCVFD was not able to get workman's comp insurance. No one would cover them. So they are saying it's not even a MONEY issue!! They are also saying that because of this they were going to take back the money promised to SCVFD for a temporary shelter.

Now who do I believe? Maben's people or you and your chief because no one seems to be on the same page.

Feb 3, 2008 at 11:02 AM : Perhaps...

Perhaps longtimeresident needs to volunteer with something...perhaps he has too much time on his 'hands' and he feels the need to fill his time by criticizing people who are out volunteering and making a difference...My mother is a volunteer in the Sand Canyon Volunteer Fire Department, as well as my step-father, and they both have put in uncountable hours in training, etc, to make a difference along with all the other volunteers. What kind of sourpuss agenda is this to attack the volunteers - what's next? Meals on Wheels? Christmas Carolers? Good neighbors who shovel snow from neighbors driveways?

Perhaps you need to go read to old folks in an old folks home, or volunteer to drive for Meals on Wheels...We all live in communities, for gosh sakes, be nice!

Laurie Nelson, a "scruffy" mountain girl

Feb 3, 2008 at 06:02 PM : Countygirl, I have no...

Countygirl, I have no idea who "they" are, but whoever "they" are, "they" obviously don't know what "they" are talking about which is pretty typical for any politician's office. So you're right, maybe people shouldn't contact Maben's office since his staff can't find their ass with a flashlight in both hands. None of them live up here either!

You don't live up here, it's not your concern unless you've been supporting us in our efforts, but hell yes, it most certainly is a MONEY issue! It is an outright LIE stating "no one would cover them". You think for one minute our guys want to stand out in front of stores in town every weekend so people like 'concerned' and 'longtimeresident' can bad mouth them? Thank GOD most of the people in Tehachapi treat us as part of the community and are generous with their help be it outright donations or buying a raffle ticket. And THAT HAS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO DO WITH THE GRANT FOR THE FIRE STATION (not a temporary shelter) and no, they are NOT taking the money back which is already in our possession. The County is holding up the ground breaking for the building over a land split.

In closing, I do not give the proverbial rat's ass who you believe.

Feb 3, 2008 at 07:02 PM : Another month, another...

Another month, another load of libel against the dedicated men and women of Sand Canyon. We got it already, you don't like the SCVFD. What, did one of them spit in your cheerios twenty years ago? Get a new focus, you're demeaning yourself. And why not stand up and give your name? Afraid someone will know you and know exactly why you hide behind an anonymous moniker?

Feb 3, 2008 at 09:02 PM : TK and Joty, I have no...

TK and Joty, I have no idea why the Sand Canyon Fire Department is not operating now. Maybe you can enlighten us. What I was complaining about is a woman coming up to me and ask if I would like to support the fire department. Nothing was said about a raffle. Nothing was said about it being Sand Canyon Fire department they were asking me to support. I am against all people asking for money (panhandlers) and people asking to sign petitions and yes, Girl Scout Cookie sellers.

Feb 3, 2008 at 09:02 PM : Joty, I don't...

Joty, I don't know what is libelous. I had panhandlers ( Panhandler- noun- one who approaches strangers and asks for money)

asking me for money. I consider that act panhandling.

Feb 4, 2008 at 07:02 AM : You're right, the...

You're right, the word is libel since you wrote it for the world to see. Libel (n): action, crime, or an instance of injuring a person(s) reputation especially by something written ~(v) libeled, libeling: make or publish a libel. You sir, are guilty of just that. "...a bunch of panhandlers posing as firefighters trying to make a buck."

It's been explained a couple of times why we are not operating at this time. And as I said previously in a comment - Thank GOD the majority of people in Tehachapi are supportive, generous and care about their neighbors in SC.

Feb 4, 2008 at 08:02 AM : Panhandle=to stop or...

Panhandle=to stop or accost people on the street and beg for food or money (Merriam-Webster)

Was this on the street? No, this was on private property.

Was the request for food or money? No, the request was for "support" which can take many forms other than cash.

Equating the fundraising activities of organizations like the Scouts with panhandling is ridiculous. Do those little girls really scare you so much that you feel accosted when they sell cookies? Get a grip.

Feb 4, 2008 at 08:02 AM : Joty - I am still...

Joty - I am still waiting for answers to my questions, you throw accusations around, but never answer any questions. So why don't you take a shot at answer these questions, maybe this time I will get and answer. Maybe you could talk to your Chief and see if he can answer these questions.

"I find it funny that joty says I could not have a valid rebuttal but time and time again I posted material backed up by national recognized standards, and joty would not answer the questions. The only way you try to get your credibility is by trying to make the person you are arguing with look stupid, but you do not answer any of the questions. I am still waiting for an answer to my questions.: Why can the SCVFD not enter a burning building without breaking the law? Is it because their turnouts, SCBA's, apparatus are outdated and out of compliance? Is it because the members lack the necessary training to run a fire incident? Do you carry automatic defibrillator's on your equipment? Do you keep track of your monthly training, and submit it like you are supposed to? Do you keep track of the incidents you go on, do you fill out the required incident reports and submit them for tracking to the proper agencies? Does the SCVFD have a physical fitness program, do they track and monitor the health of the volunteers, to make sure that the volunteers are fit for duty? Who dispatches the SCVFD to their calls, are they even dispatched or do you just listen to the scanner and jump the call when you hear the county fire dept responding? Why is the SCVFD not recognized as a volunteer fire dept? Is it true that if you are a Sand Canyon resident and trapped a burning house, or you are having a heart attack you will have to wait for the county fire dept to show up to be saved. I have no problem with volunteer fire depts as long as they meet the safety requirements, have the proper training and qualifications, and show up on scene and make a difference and don't contribute to the problem. I have worked with some great ones in the state of California, If any of you are curious look up NFPA Standard 1500 it spells out requirements for every aspect of health and safety in career, volunteer, private, and military fire departments. NFPA 1500 covers everything from training, vehicles and equipment to protective clothing, emergency operations, and incident stress. Or NFPA 1720 This document specifies organization and deployment standards for initial attack structural fire suppression capabilities in volunteer fire departments. NFPA 1720 also provides guidance for those volunteer departments that provide emergency medical services and special operations. Then call the SCVFD and see for yourself if they are in compliance with recognized safety standards, and training requirements."

Also a friend of mine said that the Chief of SCVFD told him that he had a meeting with Maben and the Chief of the county fire dept today, maybe you could tell us what happened at that meeting. Also in the same conversation with the Chief he said that they (SCVFD) finally found someone that would cover them for workmans comp insurance. So why is your Chief saying one thing and you are saying another. Also according to Mabens people, they have not yet given the SCVFD the $40,000 yet, and they are re-evaluating if they are going to still give it due to the circumstances surrounding the SCVFD at this time, It seems to me joty that you don't have a clue what is going on, nobody is backing you up on your claims, not your Chief, not Maben. So who should we believe?????

Feb 4, 2008 at 08:02 AM : Again, I don't...

Again, I don't give a rat's ass who any of you naysayers believe. Read my comment about "Maben's people" above. Gee, I wonder where that $42K came from that is sitting in our special building fund account? Hmmm, thin air I guess. I live here, am a member I'm well aware of what's going on.

If you care so much...why don't YOU call Chief Bender and ask those questions of him? Why do you have such a hair up your arse for our fire department? (and by the way, we've figured out who you are) If indeed, we aren't recognized, why do we have a number? And I don't mean telephone number. Why doesn't your "friend" who supposedly lives up here answer the questions for you? Or is he another complainer that doesn't bother to join?

If you lived in Sand Canyon, I would gladly take the time to answer all your questions. I'm not going to repeat myself with explanations for the likes of you. Go get some anger management, or better yet, offer to help the SCVFD with all your "expertise"....LOL!!!!!!

Feb 4, 2008 at 09:02 AM : Joty countygirl talks...

Joty countygirl talks out of her azz because her meal ticket is a county fireman. BIG WHOOPI. She needs to get her own identity. Kern county firemen are over paid whiners that assist Hall ambulance. If you want to find a fireman just look in one of our fine restaurants and you are sure to see them eating food that they mooched. SCVFD are a bunch of scroungy looking fellows, so what! They are there to help the neighbors and i feel that is a good deal. There is a lot of false information out there and the last thing we need is for an unemployed wife of a overpaid county fireman bad mouthing the SCVFD.Volunteers are what makes small towns like ours great.

Feb 4, 2008 at 09:02 AM : I don't know that...

I don't know that much about the Kern County firefighters, but I do know that my son-in-law who is a Captain up in the Sacramento area holds them in high esteem. He says they are the best at fighting wildfires.

Thanks for the kind words about SCVFD. I like scroungy scruffy mountain men, lol, my husband being one!

Feb 4, 2008 at 10:02 AM : Ok Sherlock, who am I....

Ok Sherlock, who am I. I will tell you a little about myself and see if you have the right person. I have lived in Tehachapi for 30 years, I work for one of the Los Angeles Fire Dept's I won't tell you if it is city or county. I have been in the fire service for 24 years, I have been a Company Officer for 17 years, and acted as a Chief Officer. I have a Bachelors Degree in Public Admistration. I am a certified Company Officer, Chief Officer, Fire Investigator 1 & 2, Hazardous Materials Specialist, Fire Instructor 1, 2 & 3, Fire Marshal, Driver Operator, Rescue Systems 1 & 2, Trench Rescue, Swift Water Rescue, Strike Team and Task Force Leader, Safety Officer, Public information Officer, to name a few. Why don't you tell us about yourself? I too have much respect for Kern County firefighters, I have worked with them on many wildfires, and I have good friends that work there. This whole discussion goes back to the safety of the public. If you are a public servant you have a duty to provide a safe service, And by that you have to comply with safety regulations. If the SCVFD updated their equipment, attained proper turnouts, SCBA's, fire engines, and attained the proper training I would have no problem with them.

Feb 4, 2008 at 10:02 AM : If the SCVFD wants to...

If the SCVFD wants to try and raise money by asking for donations or selling raffle tickets in front of public establishments then they have the right to do so just as much as kids have the right to do public car washes or people have the right to stand on the corner of major intersections with anti-abortion signs. If they have the business owner's permission then it is ok.

Any who have read some of my previous blog postings probably know that I often disagree with the way that both the local and county governments choose to operate, but voicing my concerns is all I can do. In the end, money talks and BS walks. Or, paying developers and investors talk, and county and local governments walk, and pretty much let them do whatever they want. But I am digressing.

It is a shame that all places do not have adequate fire services, in a perfect world they probably would. The fires in California last year are a good example, people build their homes in remote places, do not conduct sufficient fire prevention on their land, and then pay the price for it. A fire department, volunteer or otherwise, has limited ability to control fires if the land-owner does not perform their own fire-prevention.

What is the really issue that is upsetting people over SCVFD fund-raising issues? Is it because a lot of people look down on Sand Canyon? If the Kern County Fire Department was doing a fund-raiser in front of a local business would people be so upset? If the SCVFD, as a legitimate organization, is conducting a fund-raiser, then they have as much right to public access as anyone else. If they are not a legitimate organization then their bluff will be called soon enough and they will have to find some other means of getting money.

At any rate, if someone does not want to donate money then they do not have to. If the person seeking the donation is trying to intimidate the other individual into giving the donation, then they are only hurting their own productivity. Is the issue that locals like to thumb their nose at Sand Canyon, or is the SCVFD acting inappropriately while asking for donations?

Feb 4, 2008 at 11:02 AM : Gube, I find it funny...

Gube,

I find it funny that you will jump on me. I didn't bad mouth anyone. I simply told Joty what Maben's people were saying. Yes, I am the wife of a Kern County firefighter and I am damn proud of that. If you have a problem with me that is fine, but leave my husband and the fine men and women of KCFD out of it! I know why you have a problem with me......I can't help it if you're not as smart as you think you are! As for me being unemployed, yes, I am. My husband and I made a choice( a choice that has kept us from our dream of owning our own home for a long time) for me to stay home with our 3 children. You being a single father should know what that is like. May I ask what you do that allows you to be on the computer all the time posting pictures of illegals and jumping on people who have done nothing wrong? Whatever it is it must pay well because you seem to be EATING OUT all the time. BTW that claim that the firefighters are mooching is BS. They are not ALLOWED to take free meals! They pay for all of their food! As far as them being overpaid...... Will you tell me please how much firefighters are worth?

Thank You Joty for your positive comments. The KCFD is VERY good at what they do, and if Gube thinks they are whiny maybe he should go fight fires for 12-24 hours and then sleep on the floor for a few hours, get up and do it all over again.

Feb 4, 2008 at 11:02 AM : lol

lol

Feb 4, 2008 at 03:02 PM : I don't live in...

I don't live in Sand Canyon but I do support the volunteers who are willing to take their own time, energy & caring to help others in need. I simply cannot understand how someone could not support a fire department (whether or not it's volunteer). Anyone who is willing to put their own life on the line in order to save your life and/or home, family, pets, etc is a saint in my eyes. I am glad that they are there to help those in need.

Feb 4, 2008 at 04:02 PM : concerned - Who are...

concerned - Who are you? Well, to me you are nobody. When I used the word "we", I used it figuratively. Someone in SCVFD said they'd figured out who you were, not me specifically.

My first impulse was to poke fun at your puffed up feathers. I decided that wouldn't be right because you are entitled to be proud of your accomplishments. I just find it very very sad that you choose to sit behind your computer and cast stones at a group of hard working and dedicated people instead of offering some help, doing something constructive. Maybe you did offer and it was turned down. Is that why you're so bitter about SCVFD?

I'll put my life in their hands before I'd put it in yours...they are my friends and neighbors. I know I can depend on them.

Blendonw - thanks for the verbal support! lol, there are people in town who "look down" on Sand Canyon. Instead of making me angry, it makes me giggle. Most of those people have never even been to SC, instead, they've listened to the rumors of the "olden days" when the west really was wild, lol. Believe me, I'd much rather live where I am free and not behind a gate with a Gestapo-wannabe HOA trying to run my life. I can live with people turning their nose up when I tell them where I live, but I do draw the line when certain individuals feel they can attack our VFD!

Feb 4, 2008 at 06:02 PM : 'Past' being...

'Past' being the key word here dreamkiller. No, I didn't say the Chief had issues with everyone. What I said was: "Because politics and individual egos led to infighting, the Sand Canyon Volunteer Fire Department has been shut down. I don't know if it is temporary or if they can get their s**t together and work for the community again but for now the trucks are parked..."

They have worked hard to "clean house" and have done a fairly good job of it. Egos will always come into play, that's just the way it is.

And by the way you SNOB, we're all Tehachapi - there is no 'your' or 'our' neighborhoods.

I won't be responding any further to blogs/comments about SCVFD - so smack away!

I do appreciate all the positive comments and support!

Feb 4, 2008 at 08:02 PM : "SNOB,...

"SNOB, we're all Tehachapi "

Why don't you follow your own saying. You are the one who belittle's those who post on here who don't live in Sand Canyon. You act as if we don't live in Sand Canyon then we shouldn't be posting about the SCVFD. But when it suits you we are all from Tehachapi. In your posts you make it out like there are yours and our neighborhoods. Maybe you should re read some of your posts.

Feb 4, 2008 at 08:02 PM : "You...

"You don't live up here, it's not your concern unless you've been supporting us in our efforts, but hell yes, it most certainly is a MONEY issue!"

"If you lived in Sand Canyon, I would gladly take the time to answer all your questions"

"longtimeresident - of where? Obviously not Sand Canyon. You don't know jacksquat about SCVFD"

Refresh you memory Joty, kinda looks like you are pulling the my neighborhood, your neighborhood thing. You are obviously the pot calling the kettle black, can you say hypocrite!! But of course all rules don't apply to you joty, you are free to do whatever you want, judge who ever, belittle who ever, force your opinion on who ever, but nobody else is allowed to do so without you jumping all over them. Why don't you take some of your own medicine. Why doesn't your Chief get on here and redeem you SCVFD, I know he has to read these things, why doesn't he defend the SCVFD against these accusations? Maybe because these things are true, and allegations are true.

Feb 4, 2008 at 08:02 PM : I agree with...

I agree with dreamkiller, if you ever want to have a great volunteer fire dept you have to get rid of the ego's it isn't going to get you anywhere just look at the Tehachapi City Fire dept. Maybe if you did some reorganization, took steps to build good ties with the county fire dept, put guys throught the fire academy and EMT, got good training for your regular volunteers, maybe get some good turnouts and SCBA's that are safe and in compliance, maybe talk to a fire dept about maybe getting an engine they are going to retire, that is still in compliance. Then you guys would be taking steps in the right direction. If you burn bridges you will never get any help, and that seems to be what the SCVFD has been doing for the past few years, so you have a steep hill to climb.

Feb 5, 2008 at 06:02 AM : I do not speak for...

I do not speak for Sand Canyon Volunteer Fire Company. I am just the daughter and stepdaughter of two of the volunteers. I know their dedication to helping people and the endless hours of training they continually do. It floors me how bitterly some people criticize SCVFC. I suppose it's the negative side of human nature...A couple of the bloggers here seem to have some agenda to throw mud at these hard working volunteers. The pettiness and downright schoolyard bulliness is appalling. Are not we all adults? Some people only feel good when they have tromped on another and that is downright sick. Sadly this sort of thing happens all over, in any town...petty, shallow people looking down their noses at others...the arrogant slashing people's lives so they feel mighty...Some people just want to be the big cheese and the heck with anybody they step on to do it. There are good people all over and somehow we must keep on keeping on and not let the oral flatuence of the naysayers cloud our lives...

Laurie Nelson

Feb 5, 2008 at 11:02 AM : concerned, I guess I...

concerned, I guess I owe you a word of thanks. I did go back and reread what I wrote. It made me realize that by letting pissants get under my skin like that, I have some real issues to deal with. So I just got off the phone with an anger management therapist. If she helps me resolve whatever it is that has me so angry (it's not you, you're just an irritant!) I'll gladly refer you to her!!

dreamkiller, you're right. Last year SCVFD was in much better shape, and it was male egos that broke it apart. And no, letting Street go was a great decision...