Miller and Trapp engaged

CONGRADS, Julie! It's Stef D from THS! I wish you the best and may you have a marriage filled with Happiness & Love!!

Stallion Springs CSD General Manager David Aranda wins Award of Excellence

Congratulations to Mr. Aranda for being recognized for his contributions and receiving the William Hollingsworth Award of Excellence. Mr. Aranda's record of service is impressive and is reflected in the ongoing improvements seen throughout Stallion Springs. Not only has he brought positive change and growth to the Stallion Springs community, but he has had a postiive influence on many of those who have had the privilege of knowing him through the years. Good work, worthy of praise.

Walmart is welcome in Tehachapi

quote: "the store offers an average hourly salary of over $10 and excellent opportunities for advancement; and the store offers health care benefits to both full and part-time workers" I know first hand this is not ture...I have several family members who work for walmart in a small town in KY. Actually it is two of my sisters (i have 3). Anyway my sister Misty has worked for wal-mart for almost 8 years and her hourly wage is just over $8 per hour. She is a full time employee and does have health benefits. My other sister, Angela, has worked for wal-mart for about 4 years, she makes just under $7 an hour, and is not offered health benefits as a part-time employee. She says her managers make sure every week that she doesn't work more than 30 hours or else she will considered full time and would be offered benefits. If she makes it to the 29 hours mark and still has some hours left scheduled to work they will send her home or call her and tell her not to come in. In my small hometown Wal-Mart is the only place to shop. Well I can't say only they do have 1 other grocery store (a Sav-A-Lot). I don't think Wal-Mart would ever be able to put Sav-A-Lot out of business cause they are just too cheap and the avg salary in the town is around 30K per year. Before Wal-Mart came there there were 2 other "big" stores (a TG&Y and a K-Mart) those are both now long gone. There were also 3 grocery store and 2 of those are now long gone. I know Wal-Mart has cheap prices (and cheaply made stuff) but I think Wal0mart will cause us to see a lot of "Going Out of Business" signs here in Tehachapi. They do create jobs, but their business ethics are to me questionalbe. However even after all that I do support a Wal-Mart here, just cause I like cheap prices and saving gas! LOL

Kiwanis commended, Big Top time

From USDA affidavit of Byran M., former Carson & Barnes employee: "When she (the elephant Del Rita) refused to hand over her trunk Joe (Frisco) took his bullhook and, using it like a baseball bat, proceeded to hit her between the eyes four times. She still refused. At this point Joe and Ben started beating Del Rita with their bullhooks. Ben was on her left side hooking the top of her ear, jabbing her left rear leg and using baseball swings with his bullhook on her side and rear legs. Joe was hitting her across her forehead and hooking her trunk with his bullhook. When this failed ... Joe pulled the hand held black hotshot (an electric prod) ... out of his back pocket. He was shocking her left hind leg, her front leg, her face and her tongue. Joe then had Darren hand him the three foot long red hotshot. He shocked her at least fifty times. During the entire beating Del Rita was defecating and urinating. She was trying to get away ... but was chained up and could not go anywhere. She kept moving from side to side. The other elephants in the barn started trumpeting loudly and defecating, urinating excessively and moving from side to side during the beatings. Tim (Frisco) said, 'The only way to handle male elephants is to take them into the barn and beat the f--k out of them, shock till they drop.' " Shameful way to fundraise. Watch the abuse for yourself at: www.circuses.com

Kiwanis commended, Big Top time

While I was unable to attend the Carson and Barnes Circus this last week here in Tehachapi, I have heard nothing but ecstatic comments from friends who attended and took their children - from 3 to 30, It is an honor and an adventure to belong to this great group of people who do a great deal of good for our commumity. Yes, I'm prejudiced! Joeann King

Kiwanis hosts the big top

Thank God for friends and family Thank God for friends and family. Without all of you we

I am so sorry for your loss. You are all in my prayers. Julie Doughty

2nd Chance Rescue Ranch

Wendy, stand tall, and don't give up! There is nothing wrong with a little friendly competition, and especially when it was helping such a great cause. No one should force you out of business, but it just goes to show just how threatened some people feel. We live in the land of opportunity, and let's not forget that our country was founded by self starters. I hope you are able to sort through this all and re-open the store. Please everyone show your support for this truly wonderful person, who deserves better treatment than this.

Kiwanis hosts the big top

The Carson & Barnes Circus BEATS IT'S ANIMALS. For anyone with doubt, please go to: www.circuses.com and watch the 9 minute video of Carson & Barnes Circus "trainers" beating elephants with bullhooks and electric prods. It's sick. Do you ever wonder why elephants perform? Well, it's not for treats and affection like domestic animals. Elephants are wild animals. The "trainers" get them to perform by beating & shocking them into submission. This is all done where the public can't view it. They carry a bullhook in the ring to remind the elephants that if they don't do what they are told, they will be hurt. It's about fear. It's about the pimping of wild animals for profit. The 9 minute video at: www.circuses.com is undercover footage. This is what the circus does NOT want you to see. Gandhi said: "The greatness of a nation and it's moral progress can be measured by the way it treats it's animals". Watch the video and tell me what you think of our nation's moral progress.

Golden Eagle sighting

Very cool i've seen a couple of golden eagles out at the range at CCI and have had the opportunity to see 1 bald eagle as well. If you're patient enough or lucky enough you'll probably see them to.

Gerald Valdez

I was sorry to hear of Gerald's passing. May he rest in peace. Tim Sanders

Disgruntled

You dont have to come here if you dont want to, But I dont get why you now hate our whole Town because of A guy that is rude. I dont go in his store any more because he is rude.

Fun now comes with a price:

The problem is the kids were not "policing" themselves at the skate park and there has been many incidents of bullying and injury to kids from fights/incidents. The area attracts kids (which is its purpose LOL!) but not parents, and some kids think they own the facility. So an attendant (babysitter) has to be hired to enforce the rules, which costs $$. To off set the cost, it now cost $2 to skate and kids can work for an hr to get in free for four days. So it is still free, with a little work involved. And kids never wore helmets as required, so someone had to be hired to enforce that requirement. This was not a pull it out of the air decsion, it is from the result of many problems the park was having.

ELK HERD HEARD EARLY

Elk on Stallion Spring Roads:

Hanging out near the roads has been deadly for our past herds of local elk, Elk crossing signs (big black on yellow elk signs) are posted on but a few roads in Kern County, Comanche Point Rd an extention of Banducci Rd in Stallion Spriongs would be one of those few roads. This crossing begins near St Andrews Dr. to just before Stallion Springs Dr. north end. Early morning and late afternoon commuters tend to drive a little fast in these areas and forget about the elk, killing 4 cows last year that I know of on Comanche Point Rd alone. Even the careful driver gets hit by these huge critters occasionally. Knowing the elk are out and about will help avoid serious damage to your vehicle and the elk. Just a heads up for our local commuters.

Two Tehachapi men charged in depot fire case

I am glad that a arrest has been made in the Depot fire. Thats the easy part. Getting a conviction in this case may be the hard part. I wouldn't be surprise to see a plea deal made. Plea deals are ussually made when prosacuters don't have a lot of evendence agaisnt the suspects. I hope that these two men are not being used as scape gaots just because they were playing with fireworks. No matter what the out come i'll always feel that something wasn't right.

Editorial: Some not so grateful for big screen

I've noticed all the unsupervised kids lately,What is playing tonight?

Third strike may net life term

Apparently, Kern County District Attorney Michael Yraceburn doesn't check his information very thoroughly before opening his mouth. My father Robert Fassbender, actually, had been out of prison, jail and any other kind of trouble from 1987-1998. During those years he was an excellent dad, husband and someone who served in prison ministry. He spent his time helping others who came from where he did. Pretty sure that more then a few months, a decade in fact, and pretty sure that's a selfless way to stay out of trouble! (Mr. Yraceburn's incorrect comment-..."hasn't exactly stayed out of trouble since those robberies. He's been in and out of prison since the 70s, never remaining free for more than a few months before committing another crime.") This really make me upset because I know my dad and he has done a lot of other things in his life then cause problems. He is still an awesome person and is turning his life around again. No one is perfect and bad things can happen to anyone of us at any time.

Investigation continues into motorcyclist fatality involving Stallion Springs police officer

California Vehicle Code or C.V.C. States:Authorized Emergency Vehicles21806. Upon the immediate approach of an authorized emergency vehicle which is sounding a siren and which has at least one lighted lamp exhibiting red light that is visible, under normal atmospheric conditions, from a distance of 1,000 feet to the front of the vehicle, the surrounding traffic shall, except as otherwise directed by a traffic officer, do the following: (a) (1) Except as required under paragraph (2), the driver of every other vehicle shall yield the right-of-way and shall immediately drive to the right-hand edge or curb of the highway, clear of any intersection, and thereupon shall stop and remain stopped until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed. (2) A person driving a vehicle in an exclusive or preferential use lane shall exit that lane immediately upon determining that the exit can be accomplished with reasonable safety. (b) The operator of every street car shall immediately stop the street car, clear of any intersection, and remain stopped until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed. (c) All pedestrians upon the highway shall proceed to the nearest curb or place of safety and remain there until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed. Amended Sec. 68, Ch. 1154, Stats. 1996. Effective September 30, 1996. so get your facts straight bud before you post a comment about something. ITS THE LAW THE RIDER BROKE IT!!!

Police protection

Hahaha! I know EXACTLY what you mean....RIDICULAS!!

A 'memo' from the City Manager

bycicle path!! are you kidding me. do we have others things that are more important!! like mybe a new hospital!! im willing to bet you that in a given day that more people will visit a hospital rather than a bycicle path!! go on community leaders you know whats best for the community

Depot Fire

50th year of Tehachapi Little League opening day this Saturday

Thanks for this article. I was a player in that first year of Tehachapi Little League. My father , L.E. Sanders, and my uncle, Grady Sanders were instrumental in acquiring the land and building the first fields. We had four teams in those first years which were sponsored by local businesses and merchants. We had great fun and learned baseball. Who would think that by playing and learning baseball in Tehachapi I would some day be able to play professionally, parlay that into going to college where I met my future wife, and so forth. By the way I still have my original mitt and some old trophies. Thanks again. Tim Sanders

Depot fire caused by two men shooting off bottle rockets

How sad, I know I did stupid things when I was young, just never caused an outcome of this. Atleast you can tell they are not "bad" kids, coming forward was the best thing they could have done.

Depot fire caused by two men shooting off bottle rockets

I bet two half a million dollar a$$ whoopins are in store for thoze boyz just being boyz! I hope dad's not a railfan or they'll likely never sit down again.

Depot fire caused by two men shooting off bottle rockets

Bottle rockets.........Boys being boys.

Local Firefighter

Shane, it was great to meet you yesterday. I thought you looked and sounded great on the news too. Wishing you the best....."Olivia".

Local Firefighter

I have known Shane for around 10 years now and know his heart is in this town. I know that despite others "smear tactics" Shane will come through and be the best choice for Tehachapi's future. Way to go Shane!!!!! You have my vote!!!

Local Firefighter

Good luck to you Shane. I am sure that your experience in public safety and your desire to work hard to improve the quality of life for the residents of Tehachapi will take you far in this race.

Local Firefighter

Way to go Shane. I second Bigdog's comments. I also live in the county area so I am unable to vote for you. I will do my best though to get your name out to all I know who live in the city. Best of luck. Jim

Local Firefighter

I would just like to wish Shane good luck in his quest to be elected to the city council. We don't need council members that will fight and bicker with each other. We need members that will work together for the good of Tehachapi. I'm sad to say that I live outside the city limits so I can't vote for you but I would if I could.

Best of luck
Jim Galagan

Councilman Stan Beckham files official recall response

Mr. Beckham,I have been to many city council meetings as an observer and am not a citizen of the City of Tehachapi so I have no personal ax to grind. You say you have worked tirelessly on behalf of the citizens. If this is true why is it that you have shown up unprepared for council meetings? You have had to be reminded that "the information is in your packet", in other words you either didn't prepare for the meeting or you do not understand what you have read. You have in the past not voted on many issues. When the mayor has asked for a yea or nay you offered no verbal response. Fortunatly Mayor Hand has been asking you how you voted so that a response is recorded. Is this so you may simply deny later having made whaterver decision was reached on any matter? You asked for a change in the term limits, a limit that was already in place, revealing a lack of knowledge on the city's own guidelines.You were the dissenting vote on whether or not the city Police should respond to incidences at the local schools, saying something to the effect that, schools should hire thier own law enforcement. This of course would result in tremendous costs to the very taxpayers you represent. You have gone door to door in the neighborhoods downtown which normally would be admirable, but during the course of which you accused certain members of the city council and school board of being dopers, smoking marijuana and painted the whole art community with the same broad brush. So yes this "steps on toes", and is in fact behaving unprofessionally and does "create a hostile environment" to say nothing of slander. Yes, YOU DID THIS.Transparency in government does not include revealing personal private information regarding city personnel to others. That is what closed sessions are for. You opened the city up to liability and possible lawsuits costing the city a lot of dough by doing just that.I could go on. You sir are unprepared, unprofessional and a boorish jackass.The City of Tehachapi deserves better.

Local history: Stony Brook Sanatorium in Keene

Agreed. It's haunted.

Commuter Railroad needed

I just took a neighbor to the Burbank Airport in my PU Truck. Total RT fuel bill was $65. A Metro Link train stops at the Burbank Airport. How neat it would have been for my friend to have ridden the train there from Bakersfield!

Savvy Senior: Adaptive Equipment for Aging Golfers

HEY

its really nice man and thank u for u tips i really adore to play and the whole time of my past is by playing it and getting antiques of golf products

I love Discount Golf Balls

Police presence

Obviously I must not be seeing the Police. My son is a student at JMS. I drive down Valley to Snyder and back twice a day. This week I didn't see a single patrol car. I agree, I see many car stops conducted by the PD. I applaud our new Police Department, they are doing a good job. It only takes two units patrol our school zones, One for JMS and the high school and one for Tompkins each morning and afternoon. I also agree that students need to pay better attention.

Police presence

jer72 i agree...i think it's a matter of perception, there's many times i see an idiot driver and think "where the heck are the cops now?" but other times i applaude the fact that i see many violaters being pulled over, daily

Police presence

I think it come down to the fact that most people only notice when an office isn't around that problems happen. It's a no brainer here, when police are near everyone follows the rules, when there gone only the law bidding follow the rules. Let's just face it, police can't be every where all the time unless you want a 100% police state.

Police presence

I drop off and pick up my daughter at tompkins every day and there is a unit there nearly every day at those times, which I would consider peak hours. For the most part, I think everyone seems to behave themselves. The only thing I see are younger adults, maybe high school age, driving a little faster than they should be around the school but I often see the police with an extra unit around pulling people over as well, so I can't complain. I'm really happy with the police presence at the school. It's a heck of a lot better than it was a couple of years ago.

Police presence

i don't know about the school zones but i know i see the TPD pulling over people pretty often...A LOT more than when we just had the sheriffs up here, it seems their doing a pretty good job...but if they aren't patrolling the schools enough i agree they need to step that up, my daughter isn't in school yet and i know when she goes i definetly want her to be safe from poor/inattentive drivers

Police presence

I see the police presence at Tompkins, JMS, THS. Where are you driving at? What about the kids that are constantly running out in front of cars and causing a hazard? I see kids run out in front of cars all the time including me. Children need to learn that cars cant stop whenever just for the own personal gain. Maybe sometmes its the kids being the problem and not the parents. Dont get me wrong I see plenty of violations by parents and the public that go by the way side. I also see plenty of violations by the high school age drivers. Its scary to think we were all once those same kids!!! LOL. But joking aside, the police officers cant be everywhere all the time. They do a good job. I see them more than I ever saw the last group (KCSO).

Police presence

Police Special Tax [Tickets} As the state and local tax revenues decline, we will see an increase in tickets[local tax] to sustain our local police department.

Police presence

I don't live in the city but every time I go there I see the police patrolling. I bet that the city is bringing in a lot more money now that they have their own police force because I also see alot of people pulled over........

Police presence

I only take my kids to school every other Monday and see them at bot Tompkins and JMS every time. I am sure that I am not that important that they only patrol when I am driving.

City crisis management

These fees are supposed to cover the resources taken used in developing the property. Regardless of whether the building is rented, they still have to connect to city water, sewage, power, etc. So why not collect them from the developer? These funds are supposed to be used for infrastructure development. The funds don't get paid until a tenant occupies the building. How can they plan for the future if they don't know when the funds come in? I'm not trying to make anyone look stupid, this policy has not been explained well.

City crisis management

Did Stan not just vote for mitigation payments????

Commuter Railroad needed

I whole-heartedly agree that with the rising fuel costs, a commuter train that goes to Bakersfield AND one that goes to Lancaster would be a terrific solution for many people who live in T-town!

Editorial: Career opportunities and Woody Guthrie

Well, first off, I'm a bit concerned about the spelling and grammar errors produced by a staff writer of the H.S. newspaper. Once you do get to the point where you may want to create a resume to apply for a job, work on these things first.Second, I do understand where you are right now. There were probably very few people, during their high school years, who thought "I want to change the world, I want to be accountant". But, there are a heck of a lot of accountants in the world, and they are performing an important service to those they provide their service to. There are few vocations out there that pay the bills, and offer the excitement, fame, and "humanitarian rewards" you are seeking. You notice I said "pay the bills". Yes, this is a reality of living in a capitalist society; you must pay your own way. (Unless you are like Woodie, and can finagle some government hand-outs to support you while you "work for the people". Look up the NEA).Third, yes, you need a four year degree in this country to have a fair chance at success. It is the equivelent to a high-school diploma in todays economy. I am a hiring manager at a software company, and if there is no degree on a resume I recieve, it gets filed in the circular file immediately. (Worse than no degree, is "some college". That just tells me the person is a quiter.)You can find a "career" that is rewarding to you, and gives you a sense of worth to the world. You just need to give yourself time to see what is out there. It is there for the taking.So, anyway, good luck with your searching. (P.S. Watch "SLC Punk" for some insight that is close to what you're feeling now. Best quote in the movie: "I didn't sell out, I bought in". You'll find this to be true.)

Commuter Railroad needed

I've driven down to Lancaster or Santa Clarita many times to catch a Metrolink train. There's no reason the line couldn't run to at least Mojave. That would allow people from Ridgecrest, Cal City and Tehachapi to use the line. We should worry less about turning railroad depots into museums and focus on getting something real.

Tehachapi High Journalism students provide live Career Fair coverage

How cool is this! These students are really excited to have an audience for their craft. They are hard at work interviewing the vendors and learning about the many career and education choices available to them. Congratulations to The Voice News Staff - for setting a great example for your peers!

Tehachapi Hospital Uneeded

I worked at the Tehachapi Hospital for some time and I'm not sure if you realize or not that there are elderly people who live there as long term care residents. If we close the hospital to build an urgent care facility these residents will have no where to go. They will have to be transferred- most likely out of town (if their families can afford it) and with how expensive the price of gas is their families might not be able to visit them as often as they would with them living here. While I think an urgent care facility would be a good thing for our town to have, I think the residents already living in our current hospital (who are probably looking forward to having a new room at the hospital yet to be built) are more important.

Commuter Railroad needed

It would be fantastic if there were a commuter train here- going to either Lancaster or Bakersfield, preferably both! I know I'd use it. If high gas prices are making people more willing to consider mass transit, let's get connected!

Helicopter Rescue

Shane did you partake in this rescue?Good job KCFD

VFW thanks supporters

On April 25, 2008, Id like to thank Mike for such an awesome welcoming for my son US Army Specialist Matthew McCool, who has returned home from Iraq after being injured in a bomb blast in March. The people of our community have responded to another Veteran with an awesome welcome home. My son looking in the rear view mirror seeing those Bikes escorting us all the way from Bakersfield Harley Davidson to our home in Tehachapi just grinned all the way. My son later on the phone with some buddies at other locations in Iraq and around the US had shared his return which also boosted their morale knowing that the support goes on. Thank you Mike and all the others, Brian and Laura Wilcox Matthew's Parents

Hicks delivers hard news on ‘soft costs’

Thanks for the kind comment on my efforts, but you can thank the Chairman of the TVHD Board, Dr. Sam Conklin, a friend and neighbor who asked me to help out for the sake of the community that my family has been a part of for a long time. Sometimes you just have to set the "self" aside and do something for your friends, neighbors and fellow community members without thought of compensation. As to the question about other California hospitals with an Aspen Street modular design, that would be Sierra Kings hospital in Reedley near Fresno, and Healdsburg in Sonoma County. Theirs was only an add-on to an existing building but, yes, they have had several significant problems with their design/construction projects and much higher costs than originally budgeted for in the same way as we might be facing. Healdsburg recently completed their project while Sierra Kings has barely gotten its construction underway. But as to paying for our design effort, they were not a part of that, and in fact we have paid for our design totally by ourselves. To date that design cost to the TVHD has been about 1 million dollars, which I hasten to add did not come out of the original bond money the voters approved some four years ago. The design fund sources came from a combination of a federal grant and some other local funds as I understand it from the former TVHD CEO of that time.

Hicks delivers hard news on ‘soft costs’

Thanks for your good work on this project, John.

Did any of the other hospitals who joined with us in the Aspen design process get a hospital built? I thought we were one of several who were paying them for this.

How much has the design we have cost us?

Tehachapi Hospital not needed

Will a private business be allowed to turn away people? Where will those "non-paying patients" go? It's easy to sit on your money and health insurance and say 'close the public hospital', but what will happen to those who have nowhere else to go?

Color me confused

Thank you Mr Hicks for your timely reply. I would like to take a moment to expand on a few items to make sure I am on the correct path. Knowing that I have not yet had a chance to review the Approved plan I will be commenting with a certain disadvantage. Until then here are a few thaughts: 1. 40psf is as I said 'standard' I can only assume that the Approved plan indicates higher loads where required such as the corridor @ 100psf but, restrooms by code are to be equal to the adjacent design, so a 40psf patient room would only require 40psf restroom, then there is your concern with the X ray machine again the design code requires 'provisions shall be made for equipment..." therefore our Approved plan should have a structural detail to accomodate these items xray machines etc... so yes there will be different load zones and there are and they will be dealt with if in fact OSPHD/ASPEN managed to miss this item or any other item of structural intigrity. 2. this modular construction mistery needs to be dealt with, really. It is mearly Type V wood frame construction - biggy diff is the factory, the crane, the truck to haul it down the road - we still have a foundation, anchor bolts, hold downs and all the siesmic eng a conventional building would have with out the factory. The only big diff from schools is the corridor width and the mechanical requirements (med gas, de-ionized water, processed waste etc...)which should not affect the factory process - this maybe a prototype to some extent but as you stated its been done before -the upside is delivery - 3. 'cost & risk' name one type of construction that can avoid this item intirely.... 4.you requoted my statement 'professional opinions'as professional 'opinions'isolating opinion, this is not my intent, with all due respect, I am welcome to 'professional opinions' my point is, there are 'many'as in 'professional opinions'that can be offered and to extend this thaught....if one was to place 27 'professionals' at a round table and ask for their 'professional opinion' regarding any item of their expertize you would receive back 27.5 +- .05 different 'professional opinions'....therefore your consultant is just one of what could be many 'professional opinions'.... 5. you help here is uncommonly overwelming and of course welcomed....lossing you to the 'filling your days with your life' is a great loss for this hospital construction and understandable.....good luck with your next adventure. dm PS - PLEASE EXCUSE THE TYPO'S IF THER ARE ANY-

Color me confused

To clarify a couple of items for Mr. Mayberry, the 40 psf floor loading called out on the room plans "meets minimum code" according to OSHPD but will have to be reinforced for heavier floor loading from medical equipment such as x-ray machines or even toilets in the patient rooms to something on the order of 100 psf or more according to info I received from OSHPD. And as to the modularity comment, yes, office buildings and schools are routinely built today with modular construction but not to hospital design margin standards (that are much higher than even schools) and have not been applied to hospitals for many years in this state. So the modular manufacturers I've spoken with have indicated that many such companies either went out of business in applying their technology to hospitals (too risky) or have simply not used the required tooling and manufacturing procedures required to meet the much higher hospital standards in many years, and so have sort of "lost the art" for hospital work. And as our architect has made clear to me on a number of occasions, this is a "prototype" design and an "experiment" to be developed for the future benefit of other rural hospitals in California. So, it is a technology development effort using our TVHD/community and as such has admittedly a certain degree of increased risk as is true with any prototyping effort,similar to new rockets, aircraft, spacecraft or a new race car. And, yes, we do have an OSHPD-approved set of plans that fundamentally can be built, but the question is at what cost and risk level - achievable or not for the funds, risk level and within the timeframe we can manage is the issue. And, finally, professional "opinions" from an architect who has exclusively designed hospitals for the last 25 of his 40 years as an architect and a construction cost estimator who has specialized in that for over 27 years is more than just an "opinion" in my mind - say, compared to my personal "opinion". I would not have pushed so hard to get this design through OSHPD, done a pre-screening search for the best qualified contractors, and carried out an independent review to identify potential risks and nail down our total budget shortfall if I didn't intend to figure out the best way to build this approved design - but with an approach with the least risk and most affodable cost. I've tried to stay neutral in all this and just act as a conduit to pass all the information I could to the Board/CEO from all industry and government sources. I've written detailed weekly progress reports to the Board/CEO of virtually everything I could find out about current hospital development in California. But I would not hold up my "opinion" as the definitive perspective compared to professional engineers, architects and contractors that I have spoken with in the field that specialize in hospital development in California.

Golden Hills Elementary School fundraising champ becomes ‘Principal for a Day’

WOW hunny, i am so proud of you. As your mom i could not have raised a better kid. You have grown so much and really put forth effort into a lot. Your grandma would be proud of you, and the steps your taking in life. and think about it . you will have this the rest of your life to look back on and make you smile. wtg my loving daughter..... Love your mom and stinky brothers.

Low income housing is a plus

Why is Low Income Housing a plus for our community? I would like to see this list of the 81 families that are currently living in Tehachapi that will be approved for this housing. I doubt there is such a list. They can not discriminate against people outside this community for housing here. I don't see anything magical about this at all. So where are all these people who need low income housing living now. I do agree some elders and disabled do need some type of assistance. But 81 units. I doubt it. What you will see is section 8 moving in along with the crime. When section 8 gets here on this large scale, you will notice it in our shopping centers, schools and crime stats. It has become a way of life for people on section 8 Tehachapi PD will be overwhelmed from just this one complex. We will need a little magic from our local PD to control the crime wave that "will" come. I have seen to many complexes where the majority of it is assisted living. I can tell you, we don't want that here. I have seen to many new complexes where promises where broke and there is nothing the city can do about it. We already have our share of low income housing in Tehachapi. I don't think we need more.

Tehachapi Hospital Uneeded

I agree with Gardnews Tehachapi does need a 24 hour urgent care. But to not have a hospital that is a little absurd. Bakersfield and Lancaster are a little too far away for someone who is critical.

Tehachapi Hospital Uneeded

TK, if a law needs to be changed to allow ambulance transport to an acute care center, that's what Jean Fuller is for. The California Code is chock-full of special exceptions that recognize the circumstances of specfic localities.

But its nice to see that the consultant who has clarified the extent we were sold a bill of goods is not being badgered for his "negativity" and "fault-finding", like others have!

Tehachapi Hospital Uneeded

I went to a 24 hour clinic 2 years ago in ambulance. The amublance company told my husband that they would take me anywhere he designated. Since I was in the Los Angeles area and the emergency rooms were full they took me to urgent care. The purpose of my comments were to mention that our Tehachapi hospital is nothing more than a public urgent care. The hospital doesn't perform surgery and won't treat trama. If we had a urgent care then those heart attack paitents could be treated in our own facility. I haven't heard of anyone being treated by a heart specialist at the Tehachapi hospital anyway.

Tehachapi Hospital Uneeded

You may need to check with CA State law about ambulances and urgent care clinics. I don't think an ambulance can take a patient to anything but an ER. It's a very long way to Bakersfield while doing chest compressions. When this hospital closes we'll see a lot of people dying that are now being saved. The ER sees 800 to 1000 people every month.

‘Garrett is well qualified for the job’

Greg Garrett is a fine man and has a fine family. The job pays $140-160, according to a ad place in the City Managers Journal+++another $50,000 plus in benefits. He will not come close to being at the top of canidates. We need someone with more executive experience

Is low income housing necessary?

This sounds a little bit of an elitist letter. It also sounds like a person who doesn't know what we already have. First of all we already have one low income housing with some rather good people in them, not to say that there are bad eggs in them, just like the rest of the population base has. Next I would not say we are even close to a village anymore and already have many low income people in the town. Then you say that we need a nice community center, library, and theater. Well two out of those three we already have. The library is next to City Slickers and the theater is down town, and if you mean a theater that does plays, there is a groups that does that. The TCT does plays regularly in various locations. Sorry but this is not the same small town I grow up in anymore. We now have to deal with theproblems of bigger towns and cities.

State to begin environmental impact study for prison expansion

They should invest in better education, crime prevention programs and alternative sentencing for non-violent crimes instead of simply building more and more prisons, which doesn't do a thing about lessening crime. And that's what we all want, isn't it? Less crime. Buy a clue Sacramento!

A vineyard of thanks

What a friendly sentiment for visitors to our area. "Give us your money, now leave." Perhaps the City Council can use that as the new City motto.

Here, have some dust and noise to go along with that nice house

I live in Oak Knolls and don't agree. I rarely see off-road vehicles on the roads in the neighborhood. When I do see them it's on the weekends and they tend to stay on their own property. When I've seen people ride on the roads, it's for a short time and never at night. With so few areas for people to ride, I don't blame them for wanting to get out and about.

The reason the roads are torn up is people drive like maniacs in their cars. That is a much bigger problem than dirt-bikes & ATVs. I hope they don't fill in the pot holes because that is the only thing to slow people down!

Sue McCloud North

Mom you are loved and missed. i still can't beleive that your not around anymore to just talk, or stop by to say hi to the kids. or even just look at. Going to your house now is not the same. i keep thinking you will pop up but you never will, the house is now so empty from the memories i gave you and the kids gave you. it seems so vacant now. the kids miss you so much we all have stayed a part of your life for 30 yrs for me and 11 for jelly.. and the boys there hole life too. i can't wait to see you again. this town is just not for me now without you. i can't bare to stay here anymore. I love you and hope that you are happy and smiling all the time now. till i see you again. remember you are never forgoten.

Critical news for new hospital construction

Hello: While this is a newspaper article, and therefore, the information must be considered from the perspective of a reporter, it is nonetheless disturbing. First, before addressing key elements, it is important to note, the Tehachapi Valley Healthcare District (TVHD) contracted reviewers did not interview or contact Aspen Street Architects, Inc. (ASAI) for any design rationale, owner’s goals or future anticipations, information, background or history, as would be expected in an evaluation of this type; if the resultant information is to be meaningful. Without the contracted reviewers understanding the design rationale it is simply impossible to understand the final design. Further, in an effort to make these reports useful to the Board and the Community, ASAI requested from TVHD administration, copies of the reports from the reviewers, in advance of the scheduled Board meeting of 4/16/08, wherein the content could be reviewed, pertinent information provided and the Board could be spared the embarrassment of this report going directly to the public without input from the Design Team. In the article, Mr. Nowicki opined that: “It’s not a good plan. Does it make sense to do this?” Nowicki said, going on to list a number of considerations. “In my assessment, you have a Modular Structural System (MSS). This is not a modular hospital. This is a MSS that a hospital is being put into, and that system has no tolerances in it. There’s zero tolerance during installation, and there’s no expansion allowed.” If ASAI had been contacted, we could have illustrated why it is a small rural hospital designed using modular construction concepts and while a “hybrid” of modular and “stick built”, or onsite construction, still comprises a modular hospital with maximal flexibility and planned for expansion, of over 100%, with minimal to no disruption of operations. Mr. Nowicki went on to describe other problems with the plan including: • Security - Since Mr. Nowicki did not contact the Design Professionals on the project we can only guess as to any Security issues - Parking and entrances are lighted, front entry is through a front desk controlled sally port - ER entrance could be through a sally port but that would be expensive and unusual for a small rural facility. • Parking issues - Since Mr. Nowicki did not contact the Design Professionals on the project we can only guess as to any parking issues but the parking as designed will accommodate the current and foreseeable 100% expansion of the hospital using land banked in the master plan for parking expansion • Hallway issues - Since Mr. Nowicki did not contact the Design Professionals on the project we can only guess as to any Hallway issues but we can say that all hallways are of 8'or greater width and access all patient areas. The length of hallways is kept very short by using the pod design. The maximum length from the furthest point in the provider area to the furthest point in on the Medical-Surgical floor is shorter than the norm in a larger facility. • Patient flow - Since Mr. Nowicki did not contact the Design Professionals on the project we can only guess as to any Patient flow issues but we can say that the patient flow specific to department locations, privacy, storage, receiving, lobby, public vs.. private, etc., were designed in concert with the Hospital staff in the first phase of the work. We realize that none of the current administration took part in these intensive discussions because they all came to work at TVHD after the plan was complete and therefore understandably can not know the reasoning or background for the current layout. • Receiving and storage - Since Mr. Nowicki did not contact the Design Professionals on the project we can only guess as to any Receiving or storage issues. The only discussion, during the pre-design, construction document production, page turning, (where the Hospital administrator reviewed and signed each page of the construction documents), or approval at OSHPD, was a discussion at OSHPD where the reviewing staff questioned the code requirement for the Dietary department to be "directly accessible to the exterior of the building". After OSHPD reviewed this issue, it was understood that the Dietary department must access the exterior without going through an intervening room - the plan conforms to this requirement. Storage is provided as required and as requested by TVHD staff. • Food preparation area infringement on public areas - Since Mr. Nowicki did not contact the Design Professionals on the project we can only guess as to any infringement issues - the Dietary department is co-located to serve both the public on the Lobby side of the department and access the service corridor to storage, receiving, and distribution on the other side of the department - this is a fairly new concept of providing quality services to the public while efficiently providing dietary services to the patients. It is understandable that someone with out the rural hospital background of ASAI might not understand this concept. • Load bearing/structural concerns for floors - Since Mr. Nowicki did not contact the Design Professionals on the project we can only guess as to any load bearing issues - the project is designed and OSHPD approved for the use intended - neither we or OSHPD know of any floor load issues • Additional personnel requirements based on the design - Since Mr. Nowicki did not contact the Design Professionals on the project we can only guess as to any staffing issues - the design was done very specifically in a way that is useful to the smaller rural hospital - the design contains the expansion of staff while allowing all staff to be as efficient as possible - this facility is designed to be run by a handful of personnel at 3am and still serve all needs for a much larger operation at 3pm. Someone reviewing the design with little or no knowledge of small rural hospitals may not understand the operational issues involved. If ASAI had been contacted, we could have addressed each of these elements, and could have illustrated how each had been addressed, and each approved by TVHD. Mr. Nowicki also pointed out four “primary deferred submittals.” These are things that are not in the plan, but will have to be added later at additional cost, such as fire alarms, sprinkler system, floor reinforcement and installation of the X-ray system. If ASAI had been contacted, we could have illustrated why each of these customarily deferred submittals DO NOT ADD COST TO THE PROJECT!!!, how each is a part of the basic bid price, how they would be addressed by the specific contractor and how each would be a part of the bid price. Of note, however, it is usual and customary for a small hospital to defer purchasing high end capital equipment until close to or during construction, e.g., diagnostic imaging equipment is continuously evolving so delaying a purchase agreement a couple of years before the equipment will be installed makes good sense. However, structural considerations for installation are addressed. Patrick Schlosser, PE, presented an estimate of $32,259,569 ($717 per square foot) for the modular design build, and $26,659,641 ($593 per square foot) for conventional build out. He noted that the conventional design, referred to as “stick” construction, would require a redesign and approval by OSHPD, due to the structural differences from the modular design. Since ASAI was not contacted, we have no idea upon what facts Mr. Schlosser based his cost estimate for the current design. To date, in California, the full capability of factory based construction, versus, site based construction has not been addressed. In one instance, William Scotsman, a well known company, has estimated the construction cost for the current TVHD design to be in the $25-28 million dollar area; this number based upon a maximum percentage of completion, in the factory environment. While third party reviews can be assistive, without full consideration of what has transpired, the review only adds additional opinions, not answers. ASAI suggested to the TVHD Board that having the review done was a fine idea and that the Board should instruct the people doing the review to contact ASAI for background as to the rational for the many decisions made by ASAI, the TVHD Administration and the TVHD Board throughout this design process. Unfortunately the people doing the review did it in the dark and therefore the end result is questionable at best. TVHD has a wonderful opportunity to provide a first class facility for the community and we hope that they will proceed instead of second guessing every decision made by the Board and previous Administrations.

Critical news for new hospital construction

In reply to Mr.Carter's question, I don't believe the independent reviewers ever said the new hospital design was "unbuildable", but rather that it would be a lot more expensive than the funds we now have, more expensive than a conventional construction approach, and more to the point would be "inefficient", which could be costly to operate in the future. So far this modular approach appears to be coming in at higher costs than conventional methods based on limited results, although given sufficient time and industry experience it should be cheaper in future hospital applications. As to the state's OSHPD, they have stressed a number of times to me that they do not evaluate a design as to whether it is "buildable" or not, just to whether it meets the minimum building code requirements for, in this case, a hospital. The current design was judged and approved by OSHPD strictly and narrowly along those building code guidelines and those lines only. Our community issue here (besides the obvious one of can we afford it when we only have less than half the needed funds) is that of - "Is the design of an acceptable risk level to build (i.e., not a "money pit" or worse yet we get stuck halfway and can't complete it at all) and can we then operate it in the future without losing money due to design ineffiency and operability problems?" I think it is certainly "buildable" in the strictest sense, but we have to ask ourselves at what cost in the end and can we then afford to run it? The problem here, as I see it, is that the community does not have an "open checkbook" to just pay for construction no matter what the final bill, and we don't have a lot of time (and money) to waste if confronted with some tough construction problems that we then get hung up on in the building phase.

Critical news for new hospital construction

LETS JUST GIVE UP ALREADY!! ITS NEVER GONNA HAPPEN. 4 YEARS AND COUNTING! MAYBE WHEN MY CHILDREN BECOME OF AGE THE NEW HOSPITAL MIGHT BE OPERATING!

Naomi Lynn Christy

I LOVE U I ALWAYS HAD LOVED YOU. I MISS U TO WE MITE HAVE KWN EACHOTHER VERY WELL BUT STILL U DIDNT DESERVE TO GO. BUT LIKE EVERYONE SAID BOUT CASSE IT WAS TIME 4 HER TO GO...THE SAME GOES 4 YOU. IT WAS UR TIME Y SO YOUNG???? THE GOOD ONES DIE YOUNG...

In Memory of Krista Michelle Jorgensen

KRISTA!!!! I MISS YOU! I LOVE YOU! I WISH U CLD COME BACK AND TELL ME UR OK. I WISH U NEVER PASSSED I WISH I CAN TAKE THE PASSED AWAY AND MAKE U BETTER. BUT U BETTER NOW NO SUFFERING NO NOTHIN. I LOVE YOU AND MISS U. LOVE NIKKI RICHARDSON

Daniel Patrick Mahoney

uncle dan,uncle dan, uncle dan..... i miss you soo very much. life sux wit out u. i wish we had more time together goin to domingos and watching wrestling skool.... its ight i guess. kaylynn and taylah,mike and the baby are great. mike is getting so big! hes so cute that my lil son. haha. and mom n dad..... eh well moms cool. dads locked up. but its cool ima have to take care of my self 4 now. but im not trippin. well imma go now. tell granny and grandpa ray and aunt jodie and grandma billy that i love em and miss them. and imma see them soon.......... I LOVE TYOU UNCLE DAN.....AND I MISS U.....I REALLY DO. LOVE: NIKKI RICHARDSON~

Critical news for new hospital construction

Did the State approve these plans that are unbuildable?

Big Thank You

George & Ruthanne, thank you for your efforts to reunite this dog with his owners. STOP needs more caring volunteers like you. Hope to see you at the next meeting! :-)

Fostering is rewarding

Thank you very much for writing about your experience with STOP on the Tehachapi News. I truly believe that a non-profit organization is only as good as the volunteers who give their time to support it. We are grateful for every person like you who steps forward to help us make a difference. :-)

Pets of the Week

What a beautiful kitten! I'm sure you'll find homes for them very quickly.

State to begin environmental impact study for prison expansion

When (this is an o'clock number) is the 14 Apr meeting?

Where (this is an address and/or a facility name in Stallion Springs) is this meeting going to be held?

Army Spc. Matt McCool doing well at Walter Reed Hospital

Do you have an address we can send cards to? Get well Matt! Cub Scout Pack 135

Police protection

Not sure what you mean, just a phone outside the office. I have seen Sheriff's cars patroling the area and coming and going from their new station. Fortunately, I have not had a need for them but have a friend who is a volunteer for the Sheriff's Dept. and am assured we are protected. Vicki Tones

STOP says Thank You

Tehachapi is lucky to have so many kind-hearted animal lovers. I would also like to thank the very nice people who donated $500 to STOP at our pet rescue fundraising event this Saturday. If they are OK with the publicity, please post their names!

Tehachapi Progressive Christian Community

I tried the link to your yahoo groups and got an error notice... May I suggest that you join Change.org with your progressive Christian Communities? I find a wonderful diversity of thought leading to action on that site. I teach about wind energy. I direct a mission outreach called RE Power Missions, focusing on clean energy and water projects in poor regions and communities.

The future is a breeze for local ROP wind technician students

Great article; great to see the updates on our local training programs. RE Power Missions is focusing on wind energy training missions, for any group who wants to take what we learn about wind energy into the mission fields. Thanks again for the article.

Police protection

I actually see more sheriffs now then before.

LCPL Christopher B. Cleeland

Chris, What a fine young man you are (and have always been)! Congratulations to your parents also! Love, Laurie (Josh's mom)

Tehachapi soldier injured in Iraq

Get Well soon. Thank you for your service. We are looking forward to an update

Police protection

Not sure how this is a city issue? If you have a problem with the sheriff not patrolling the Golden Hills area call the Sheriff or Don Maben.

Does this small town favor a "Big City" news style?

As I read the article in "Editor and Publisher" for March 29, 2008 http://www.editorandpublish..., I see that the overall advertising incomes for newspapers are down by 9.4%. I also have noticed that a lot of the Tehachapi-friendly news and advertisers are no longer in the Tehachapi News. I am not for certain sure as to why the changes have taken place as of lately, but it would seem that the News would be concerned and try to find out what they are doing wrong.Of course, the editors could go to the same ole rhetoric and blame it on the internet, but in reality, I don't see all the papers suffering alike. In fact, some local papers are actually fun to read and interesting to say the least. I would like to suggest that the News take a close look at the changes it has allowed or made to cater to certain "special interests groups" over the past year and perhaps reconsider the stance that has been taken to dissolve the relationship it has had in the past with the bigger advertisers. Perhaps, the old was was actually better than the new ways that are being forced into our community?Patrick Young, Owner, Custom Home Integrators, Tehachapi.

Civil Air Patrol Squadron 46 ‘pilots’ 25,000...cars

good job guys i remember parking cars with yall out there, but never 25000!!!

4-way stop sign now at Dennison and Tehachapi Boulevard

i think it is a very needed stop sign!!! the high school kids leaving never seem to slow down let alone stop. after a couple days of the police sitting there watching it should stop everyone.

Tehachapi soldier injured in Iraq

Thank You Matt for defending us. I hope and pray for a speedy recovery. Any updates are welcome.

Emergency Medical Services

Remembering Those Who Serve

hello thank you so much for raising such a hero,cant wait to see matthew blogging again,please stay strong.thanks for sharing your story.

Fastest chick in the race

I was just wondering, why you did not put the winners name or photo in the article? Amelia Corral won first place and was really excited for her family and friends to see her in the news paper. However, when they bought the paper, her name was no where to be seen. She is only six and did not really understand why she was not in there and the other kid who did not even place was on front page. The article makes it look like he won and Amelia was a little upset. To a six year old who had waited for many hours racing over and over to win and finally won first place she was heart broken when she did not get to show it off to her family and friends. JUST WONDERING!

4-way stop sign now at Dennison and Tehachapi Boulevard

That'll put a crimp in some peoples' get-along. Thank you, thank you.

STOP! Save Tehachapi's Orphaned Pets Needs Volunteers

The newly formed STOP organization is an extremely worthile and necessary cause; hopefully those who are reading the TN will also agree and participate in this wonderful community based program.

"What you do makes a difference and you have to decide what kind of a difference you want to make. Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter"

4-way stop sign now at Dennison and Tehachapi Boulevard

FINALLY!!! Something to slow drivers down at that end of the boulevard

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Tehachapi Hospital Uneeded

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Hicks delivers hard news on ‘soft costs’

Hicks delivers hard news on ‘soft costs’

Tehachapi Hospital not needed

Color me confused

Color me confused

Golden Hills Elementary School fundraising champ becomes ‘Principal for a Day’

Low income housing is a plus

Tehachapi Hospital Uneeded

Tehachapi Hospital Uneeded

Tehachapi Hospital Uneeded

Tehachapi Hospital Uneeded

‘Garrett is well qualified for the job’

Is low income housing necessary?

State to begin environmental impact study for prison expansion

A vineyard of thanks

Here, have some dust and noise to go along with that nice house

Sue McCloud North

Critical news for new hospital construction

Critical news for new hospital construction

Critical news for new hospital construction

Naomi Lynn Christy

In Memory of Krista Michelle Jorgensen

Daniel Patrick Mahoney

Critical news for new hospital construction

Big Thank You

Fostering is rewarding