Budget means relief

Tehachapi school cafeterias and the hospital budget will receive financial relief now that the California legislature passed a budget - after a tortuous gestation - that made no one happy.

The legislature did not renew funds to battle drug operations in rural areas.

Twenty-third Assembly District representative Jean Fuller, who voted “no” on the first budget version that Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger flatly refused to sign earlier in the week, changed her vote on one of the two revised measures on the table Friday.

According to a spokesperson from Fuller's office following the late-afternoon vote, she was willing to accept technical alterations to the state's rainy day fund, changing her vote to “yes” on that measure.

However, Fuller and the Republican Caucus rejected the amended accelerated revenue collection bill, SB28x.

“The bill still frontloads personal income and estimated payments,” the spokesperson said.

But the amended version was OK with the governor, he said.

“The budget passed. The governor will sign it and it will be enacted,” he said.
Fuller's budget vote included “yes” votes on trailer bills on education, she told the Tehachapi News last week from Bakersfield.

At that time, members of the Assembly were exhausted as they awaited word to return to Sacramento on a three-hour notice. Some of the legislators, she said, had been putting off personal plans during the then 78 days of budget negotiation, including one who was expecting to leave for his own wedding in Greece and another who had surgery scheduled.

The agonizing budget impasse was a result of two sides standing firm, not willing to budge, she said, and negotiations this year were hard.

“It was taxes/no taxes,” she said. “The groups stared at each other until they both blinked. One side said 'no taxes' and the other side said 'more borrowing.' They came up with withholding. Nobody liked it.”

Fuller, chairman of the Rural Caucus, said she fought unsuccessfully for a renewal of the funding that enables rural law enforcement agencies to combat drug operations.

“Kern County Sheriff Donny Youngblood called me personally about that,” she said.

Fuller said the California legislature found $6 milllion for a “Hydrogen Highway” in Southern California but “There is not $7 million for rural sheriffs to take meth off the streets. We had it last year but it wasn't funded this year.”

Less ‘basking’ won’t boost budget

Your Sept. 24 edition included a letter from a writer questioning our ongoing survey regarding future post office operations. The survey is underway and there have been a significant number of responses. One purpose of the survey is to gage the amount of public interest in the lockable boxes prior to incurring the substantial expense of placing the issue on a ballot. Hopefully, we will obtain some useful information which will be made fully available to the public.

The letter writer apparently feels that the post office revenue shortfall could be offset through more efficient use (and purchase) of district vehicles and by decreasing equipment and technology purchases within the police department. There is no doubt that all of this should be closely scrutinized. That said, some of her remarks should be addressed. The statement that the chief of police and several others are allowed to drive CSD funded cars out of Bear Valley “to where ever they want” is incorrect. There are any number of legitimate reasons for district vehicles to be out of Bear Valley for official purposes. Certain employees are authorized vehicles for commuting.

The vehicle I drive is a part of my compensation package and its purchase is a shared expense between the district and myself. The board and I recently agreed that the maximum expense to the district would be substantially less than the amount showing in the budget and cited by Ms. Mitchell. I am unable to comment on the comparative benefits of a Hummer H3 to the proposed vehicle which she cites.

Her question regarding the “alleged embezzlement” concerns the property owner's association (BVSA) — not the CSD.

She ends her letter by asking “instead of basking in “awards,” wouldn't you rather the CSD put some money back in the budget?” I'm all for more money in the budget but am unsure how less “basking” will put it there. The district has received a number of awards and I'm frankly proud of every one of them. In my opinion the board of directors and staff of the CSD have every right to be proud as well. If that includes “basking,” that's fine with me.

— John C. Yeakley, General Manager, BVS CSD

Safety and service are top priority

It is not the normal practice to respond to opinions and editorials about the Bear Valley Springs Police Department, as it is the right of anyone to voice their opinions.

A recent letter written to the Tehachapi News, asks a few questions about the department that have been some what of “a topic” as of late. The questions are all tied together by the final question, “what is rumor, or fact?” As the Information Officer for the BVSPD, it would seem appropriate to respond to her quest for facts.

No employee of the Police Department uses CSD vehicles for “what ever they want.”

Whether inside, or outside of our community, Department issued vehicles are always used in a work-related capacity. These are not personal vehicles. Occasionally, a citizen will voice their dislike for seeing Police cars outside the valley gate. Traffic violators don't always stay inside the valley and it is not uncommon to observe a violation while patrolling the District owned common area outside the gate. If there is a way to keep criminals and violators from leaving the valley, please let me know.

As to the embezzlement that has been in recent news, the ONLY involvement of the CSD is in the investigation of the crime. The victim of this crime, and the location of its occurrence, is the Bear Valley Springs Association, not the CSD.

Finally, the letter writer addresses the purchases of equipment and vehicles by the Bear Valley Police Department, calling them “toys”, and questions why a “small community” Police Department might need to be so equipped. The short answer is, thank goodness we're so fortunate.

For some time now, all major (capital) purchases made by this Department have been funded entirely by grant monies, NOT directly from the budget and pockets of the community. As recently acknowledged by the Kern County Grand Jury, our Department has worked hard to seek out and acquire grant monies, all written in-house by Department staff. Only that which is named in each grant, such as enforcement activities, equipment, or vehicles, can be funded with grant money. To use the money for any other reason would be fraudulent.

As to “why”, the answer is simple: so that the Bear Valley Police Department can provide the best service possible, keeping residents and visitors as safe as possible, as well as providing the best possible tools to ensure that, at the end of every work-day, each Officer goes home to their families. Surely, the letter writer isn't inferring that it's acceptable to compromise ALL of our safety, just because we're “small.”

I trust this response answers the letter writer’s questions.

— Sgt. David Watts, Bear Valley Police Department

Thanks, Scouts!

The American Legion Post 221 and the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 221 would like to say a big thank you to Girl Scout Troop 383 and Tyler from Cub Scout Troop 136 for their wonderful help at our recent District meeting Sunday, Sept. 21. Your contribution to our luncheon was wonderful. Our special guests were truly impressed with your professionalism and helpfulness.

— Dennis Ragsdale American Legion Post 221 Commander,
Harriet Clendenin American Legion Auxiliary Unit 221 President

Fundraisers improve Senior Center

The Tehachapi Senior Center would like to shout out their appreciation to the Rotary Club and Kiwanias for sponsoring a raffle that helped raise funds for some much needed improvements to our building. Thank you so much for your support and kindness.

We would also like to give thanks for Hitching Post Theaters, Fitness Zone, Dr. and Mrs. Brady, RNS Heating & Air, On The Road Auto Detailing, Tehachapi Candles, Tehachapi Quilters, Mrs. and Mrs. Donald Stephens, J.V.J Jumpers and The Art Dept., Ink for donating all the wonderful prizes.

— Joanna Berman, Senior Center Manager

Special City Council meeting canceled

A special meeting of the Tehachapi City Council scheduled for today, Sept. 29, at 6 p.m. has been canceled. The sole agenda item was the possible revocation of the business license for the High Mountain Apartments.

"They don't want us to air their dirty laundry," said City Manager Greg Garrett, reporting the property owners' "11th hour" capitulation to all conditions and a fine set by the city.

According to City Manager Greg Garrett, at 2:40 p.m. today, High Mountain's attorney, Steven Glass, informed the city payment and terms would be met. The city had informed the owners, Cherry Mountain, LP/High Mountain Apartments, on Aug. 22, that "You are running a sub-standard business and we are going to pull your business license."

Residents had complained of conditions such as mold and rodent infestations. The city's terms and conditions will be reported in the Oct. 8 edition of the Tehachapi News.

The fine is $3,500, the highest amount allowed by law. Garrett went on to say that Chief of Police Jeff Kermode, the chief code enforcement officer for the city, would have directed the special meeting, with the city council acting as "judge and jury."

"The owners are working toward certification and they've done the right thing," Garrett said.

The city is represented in this matter by outside counsel, Bob Joyce, of LeBeau Thelen of Bakersfield.

50th Anniversary Celebrated

On June 1st at 3 o'clock, Geraldine Bird walked down the aisle at Catalina Methodist Church in Tucson, AZ., to become the bride of her high school sweetheart and best friend, James A. Laubscher. It was the beginning of a joyous and wonderful life together. This union is blessed with 4 children, 10 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Their oldest daughter, Laura, died in 2000. Their other children, Robert, President and CEO of American Tombow Company in Suwanee, GA., Daniel, a California Highway Patrol Officer and Elizabeth, a Certified Interior Designer, and their spouses joined together in sending them to Hawaii for a week's cruise in January to four islands as their gift to them. Jim and Geri say, "It was a generous and awesome trip to be remembered for years to come."

Jim received his BS and MS degrees in Agriculture and Agricultural Chemistry from the University of Arizona. Shortly after receiving his degree, they moved to California where they lived for two years, then moved to Memphis, TN, where he was president of Woodson-Tenent Laboratories, Inc. for seven years. They then moved back to CA where he started Morning Star Laboratories, Inc., which they had for over 20 years. They tested foods, feeds, cosmetics and othr products for various companies. Geri stayed home with their children until they were grown, then had various jobs; secretary of their laboratory, manager of a Christian bookstore in Thousand Oaks, CA and after moving to Tehachapi was secretary of Christian Life Assembly Church there. They love the Lord and have sung in choirs and together since they were kids. They moved to Talking Rock, GA. two years ago. Jim is now building a house there and Geri stays busy with the quilt guild and the Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) whre she is a member.

God has blessed us with a wonderful life together filled with love, family and friends. They say they are "kinda retired."

Still More on Railway Noise

I agree with your recent correspondents who are in favor of trying to obtain a ban on locomotive horns in the Tehachapi area.

Other letters stated that the sound of train horns was somehow romantic and nostalgic and should be retained.

My bet is that those same residents live more than half a mile from the tracks and are not bombarded by the 150 decibel blasts at all hours of the night as are we downtown residents. They argue that we complainers have only ourselves to blame for moving into Tehachapi in the first place.

Part of the blame must fall on the local real estate industry. How many of us who moved into Tehachapi in the late building boom used an agent honest enough to disclose that train noise and exhaust pollution could be a major drawback to lthe quality of life in the city. If by chance we happened to view houses during a quiet time on the railway ,we had no idea what we were getting into in the way of noise pollution.

Previous city councils have failed to act on this problem claiming that crossing safety is more important than the general wellbeing of city residents.

Why should thousands of residents be jolted out of their slumbers by massive horn blasts at 3 a.m ,on the off chance that some traveller may be using the Green Street crossing at that time. The crossing barriers, red lights , bells and train headlights should surely be enough warning without the use of horn blasts.

Be sure to ask those persons presently running for council seats where they stand on the issue of establishing a railway QUIET ZONE in Tehachapi and vote accordingly. Remember Bakersfield did it, and so can we.

— D. Lodge

Tehachapi Community Theatre Offers Three Classes For Fall

Monica Nadon, a member of TCT, will teach her popular children’s class, Acting for the Theatre, for children aged 8 - 14 years old on Tuesday afternoons from 4:15 to 5:15 in Room 507 at Jacobsen Middle School. Class dates are October 7, 14, 21, 28, November 4 & 18. The fee for this six week course is $60. The class will cover the basics including theatre and improvisation games, stage direction, blocking, auditioning, monologues and scene work. In addition, diaphragmatic breathing will be taught to help the actors project their voices.

Monica Nadon has a degree in Theatre Arts from CSU Fresno and has been a member of TCT for over six years. She has performed in and directed numerous plays for TCT, including favorites such as Little Women and The Adventures of Robin Hood. Nadon is also the director of TCT’s improv troupe, Comedy Under Construction.

TCT President, Karl Schuck will teach Beginning Acting for Adults (high school and up) in an eight week session on Thursdays, October 2 to November 21 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Room 507 at Jacobsen Middle School. Tuition is $60 which includes the text.

Schuck is a graduate of San Jose State University’s Theatre Arts Department and has directed and performed for non-profit and professional theatres. His career with TCT began with a comic role in Barefoot In The Park and has included roles in The Diary of Anne Frank and Sweeney Todd, as well as appearing with TCT’s improv troupe, Comedy Under Construction.Schuck’s directing assignments have included My Three Angels, 6 Rms Riv Vu, and his own adaptations of Miller’s Tale and A Christmas Carol.

A Playwright’s Workshop, led by TCT member Tanis Galik, will be held on Monday evenings in a five week session on October 6, 13, 27, November 3 & 10 from 6:00 to 8:30 in Room 507 at Jacobsen Middle School. The workshop is free of charge and open to anyone interested in exploring the craft. Some work from the class may receive a public reading staged by TCT as resources allow.

Tanis Galik is an experienced writing instructor and is a member of the Dramatist’s Guild, a member of ALAP (Alliance of Los Angeles Playwrights) and a member of the Academy for New Musical Theatre in Los Angeles. She has a Master’s in Playwrighting from CSU Dominguez Hills and was recently awarded the Winner of the International Mystery Writers’ Festival 2007. She is proud of the many plays she has written which have been produced throughout the country.

To register for any of these classes please call the TCT Hotline at 822-4037.

Is KTUT [k-toot] taken?

Spurred by the city's need to communicate with residents during emergencies and just for the challenge of it, people gathered in two workshops recently to discuss the possibility of launching a community radio station.

Mayor Deborah Hand, a principal organizer of the project, said a radio station would help people understand their neighbors.

“We need to get information both in emergencies and for daily information to the public,” Hand told the Tehachapi News. “We need to communicate with each other. As a community we don't communicate well.”

Hand introduced radio industry consultant Rick Dearborn of Elsa, Ill., who spent several days studying the area's physical features and collecting information about the community.

While the goal is to secure a low power FM license, Dearborn said the window for such licenses is narrow and availability is limited, and he suggested that the proposed station be up and running on the Internet first.

The FCC is more inclined to grant a license, he said, if they see station is already functioning.

“Internet we can do by next school year,” Hand said. “We can get the bugs worked out.”

The station organizers, she said, “could make a very good case [for an FM license] if it were up and running.”

Those in the community who lack computers will not have access to the station in its initial Internet form, organizers admitted, but the transition to FM will bring them into the fold.

A low power FM station, Hand said, would increase the number of listeners and offer vital emergency assistance.

“It would bring the station to a broader number in our community,” she said. “We are in the mountains. We have earthquakes, fires, floods - all those possibilities. The train goes through - there's the possibility of chemical spills. There's one highway going in and out and one other mountain road.

“We are 425 square miles, spread out in six or seven different valleys. We don't have a way to communicate with each other. [With a station] if the power goes out, the city will be able to pre-empt it for the emergency.”

The station would be run along the lines of National Public Radio, with underwritten programs but no commercials.

The project organizers plan to set up a Tehachapi Community Radio Foundation that will own and manage the station.

“Neither the city nor the school should own the radio station,” Hand said. “That would restrict political and church programming. The churches should be able to participate. They can't if the school district or the city owned it. They [city and school district] can be partners on the foundation board.

“In a week or two we will get everybody together.”

The area boasts a wealth of people who can set up and run the station.

“Technically, we're fine,” Hand said. “I was impressed with the backgrounds of the people who came to the workshops.”

There will be two or three paid positions at the radio station, she said.

Hand said she would like to be part of the operation as a volunteer - as advisor, programmer or news director - but “It's not right for me to take a paid job because I am promoting it.”

Dearborn said the FCC requires 12 hours of local programming.

Suggestions from the first workshop for programming included local sports events, broadcasting from the library, talk shows, a book club that takes call-ins, a series on candidate information, local live performances of plays, automated music, business spotlights, interviews and conversation with elders.

The informal first meeting on Sept. 16, held at Mama Hillybeans restaurant, attracted a dozen residents who brought a depth of experience in the radio industry to the table, including programmers, builders and managers. About 20 people attended the second meeting, held Sept. 17 at the old Jacobsen Junior High school board room.

The city is paying Dearborn $5,000 for his consulting services and report.

Tehachapi students win honors at the County Fair

Five Tehachapi students were selected from among 613 entries originating from 47 schools, to be honored as finalist in the Kern County Fair’s Children’s Art Display.

Entries were received in May. Each one had to be original in both design and color. Only the top two or three from each classroom survived tough preliminary judging. The Fair Children’s Art Committee pared the submissions down to the final competitors.

In the Special Needs category, 1st place was awarded to Arthur Gonzales, now in the 6th grade at Jacobsen Middle School. Honorable Mention in the same category went to Arthur’s classmate, Sierra Jones.

Both students were completely surprised to learn of their awards, and wanted to thank their teacher, Mrs. Ruziecki, for submitting their classwork.

“I think it was the tulip thing,” Sierra said adding that she doesn’t really consider herself an artist, noting a preference for sports and video games.

“He likes to draw!” Sierra said, demonstrating enthusiastic communication skills worthy of the performing arts. “He’s really good! He draws animals and cars and cartoons.”

Arthur, more the quiet type, said this was his first award of any type, and he would like to take more art classes, although he also likes football and video games.
Destine Rahberger, a 7th grader at JMS, won an honorable mention for her still life in oil, depicting a bowl of fruit.

“I don’t really paint, actually,” said Destine, who’s preferred medium, like Arthur’s, is drawing.

Destine said her family was very excited and surprised to find out she had been selected from among so many. Following in her grandfather’s footsteps, her mother signed Destine up for the oil painting class that netted her the honor of displaying her art before thousands of Kern County residents.

Also receiving an honorable mention, was a pencil sketch of a sunken ship, by Andrew Hansen, now a freshman at Tehachapi High School.

Like Sierra and Arthur, Andrew was encouraged to submit his art by a teacher, Mrs. Myers, at JMS.

“She only gave the entries out to certain people,” said Andrew, quickly downplaying his accomplishment. “I used to draw when I was a kid, I just slowly got better.”

Andrew is a THEMA student, and hopes to pursue art, as well as the study of engineering and technology.

Andrew first received recognition for his artistic skill at the 5th grade level, making it all the way to the state level in a youth art contest, sponsored by St. Malachy Church.

Golden Hills Elementary student Andrew Bernard also received an honorable mention in the Kindergarten category. Andrew’s parents did not respond to requests for an interview.

The Tehachapi News congratulates these talented young artists!

Capt. Harris Bowen,

Capt. Harris Bowen, 75, of Weirsdale, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2008 at The Villages Regional Hospital in Georgia.

Born in Bowen, Ga., he came to the area from Atlanta. Mr. Bowden was a retired pilot for Piedmont Airlines after 27 years. He was a member of Twin Cessna Flyers Assoc., Piedmont Silver Eagles Assoc., Stearman Restorers Assoc., Experimental Aircraft Assoc., Aircraft Owners & Pilots Assoc., and Antique Airplane Assoc. While flying for Piedmont he was contracted to L & N Railroad to be a corporate pilot and mechanic. He earned the Master Pilot Award and master Mechanic Award from the FAA. He loved flying, wood working and restoring antique cars. Mr. Bowen served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict.

Survivors include his wife, Ann Bowen of Weirsdale; sons, Miles C. (Karen) Bowen of Tehachapi, Calif., Jeffery H. (Nikki) Bowen of McDonough, Ga., Carl R. (Andrea) Bowen of Gastonia, N.C.; sister, Betty Hough of Flat Rock, Mich.; granddaughters, Jeanine, Amanda, Rebecca, Reba; grandsons, Michael and John.

Funeral services were held Saturday, Sept. 27, at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, The Villages with Rev. Terry Robertson officiating. Burial took place in Buchanan, Ga.

Contributions may be made to Silver Eagles Charitable Fund, Inc., 13115 Centennial Commons Highway, Huntersville, NC 28078-4605.

Lester J. Anderson

church obit hooks-25
Lester “Hooks” Anderson passed away on Sept. 12, at home in Tehachapi with his wife and daughters by his side.

Lester was preceded in death by his five sisters, three brothers and one granddaughter.

All the wonderful memories and stories of Lester’s life will be honored now and in future generations to come by his wife of 71 years, Leatta, at home in Tehachapi; his two daughters, Laura Weltin and husband Roman, of Utah, and Della Robbins and husband Glen, of Nevada; five granddaughters, Kathy, Leslie, Terri, Lori, Roberta, Lynnette; and three grandsons, Steven, John and Richard; 25 great-grandchildren and 21 great-great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews and a wealth of friends.

Lester was born to Nels and Susan (Thompson) Anderson on July 2, 1917, in a log cabin located near Milford, Utah. Soon after, his parents and the younger members of the family moved to Delano, Calif. Upon the death of his mother, Lester, then seven years of age, and his older brother and sister moved to Tehachapi with their father. At that time, Lester lived with his older sister and her husband, Edwin “Brick” and Laura Jones.

Lester attended school in Tehachapi, but was forced to give up his education and work to help the family during those difficult times in our history. This finally ended with a 46 year career at Monolith Cement plan where, he retired as a repair foreman.
Lester met Leatta Ford, his beloved wife and best friend, when they were both attending the 7th grade in Tehachapi. Later, when Leatta moved away, he would walk from Tehachapi to Red Mountain to visit her. The eloped and were married in Las Vegas on Sept. 8, 1937.

Lester built the family home on Cherry Lane in 1943 and the house and backyard are still very popular places for friends and family to gather, especially in the shade of the huge elms on hot summer days. It’s been said, “there’s always been a cool breeze in Hooks’ back yard.”

Lester loved life, and over the years enjoyed fishing, hunting, rock hounding, antique collecting, creating whatever his active mind envisioned, and visits from his ever-expanding family and all his friends.

A service was held on Sept. 17 at the Wood Family Funeral Chapel, followed by interment at the East side Tehachapi Public Cemetery.

The family would like to acknowledge and express their gratitude for the cards, flowers, food, kind words and prayers given in support during this loss of our loved one.

Beatrice Ann Husar

Stallion Springs resident, Beatrice Anne Husar, passed away Thursday, Sept. 25, 2008 in Bakersfield, following a brief illness. She was 77-years -old. Visitation is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 29 from noon - 6 p.m. at Wood Family Funeral Service. The Vigil Service will also be held on Monday at 7 p.m. at St. Malachy Catholic Church. The Mass of the Resurrection will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 30 at 10 a.m. also at St. Malachy.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested that donations be made in Betty’s honor, to the Catholic Daughters of St. Malachy Catholic Church. A full obituary will appear in next week's paper.

Amelia ‘Emily’ Acuna

Amelia “Emily” Acuna Estrada, a lifetime Kern County resident, passed away Sept. 20, 2008 in Lancaster following a lengthy illness. She was 87.

Emily was born June 12, 1921 in Mojave to parents Daniel and Nativida (Cortez) Perez. She married Antonio S. Acuna and they had three children. Emily was a member of St. Malachy Catholic Church and had been active in the Ideal Club.

She is survived by her children, Victor Acuna, of Tehachapi, Daniel Acuna of Chico, and Gloria Marco, of Lancaster.

Services were held Saturday, Sept. 28, at Wood Family Funeral Service. Father Roger LeDuc officiated and Pastor Ray Serrer gave the eulogy. Mrs. Estrada will be buried at Tehachapi Public Cemetery - Westside. Wood Family Funeral Service, Inc. handled the arrangements.

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