User Posts : Tehachapi News

Getting answers to problems

Just the other day I was sitting on my tractor, thinking about my children and grandchildren, and the future they may face in Kern County. And I was also thinking about some of our county officials and the way they confront problems. It reminds me of something Yogi Berra once said to reporters: “I wish I had an answer because I’m tired of answering that question.”

Too often we, taxpayers and voters, get responses that are long on wind but short on insight. I don’t know how many times I’ve heard a supervisor whine, “There’s no money!” That’s just not the kind of response I expect from public officials. Underlying this typical politician’s response, though, lies a deeper issue: the ineffective management of county resources.

Let’s just take a look at two examples from our own district two.

I recently learned that in areas of the second district where there are two-man fire stations, residents and fire personnel face an unconscionable dilemma. If your home is on fire and loved ones are trapped there, by law firemen are not allowed to enter. The law states that at least three fire personnel are needed for rescue, two to enter the burning structure, one to stay outside. Of course, it would be better to have four firemen at the ready, but the law states that three is the absolute minimum. The purpose, of course, is to assure the safety of firemen.

But those writing the law never counted on county officials misallocating precious resources at the expense of citizen safety.

Understand, this is not the fault of fire department officials. They worked hard several months ago to find a federal grant which would have provided 20 percent of staff salaries for all two-person fire stations for five years. After the fifth year, responsibility for funding would have fallen to the county. How did our Board of Supervisors respond? They voted not to spend the money and would not allow the fire department to take the grant.

Now, I’m just a hay farmer, but I translate that to mean, “Since we can only keep you safe for five years and then we’ll have to come up with the money, we’re going to save money now and later. Be careful. Don’t play with matches.”

The total cost to the county would have been $1.1 million. Keep in mind that the state of Californian will be returning between $7 million to $14 million in ERAF monies beginning in October of this year. Do you think, in light of this potentially tragic safety situation, that a creative-thinking official could have found a way to not look a gift horse in the mouth and accept that federal grant?

The second example is known to all of us because it resulted in such a high-profile lawsuit. I have in mind the county’s suit against former Sheriff Carl Sparks over a management misstep (costing $39,000) which he owned up to. In order to retrieve that amount, the Board of Supervisors pursued a civil suit which will end up costing county taxpayers well over a quarter of a million dollars. Do you see the contradiction? Let’s not spend precious county resources protecting the lives of Kern County taxpayers. But, by all means, let’s go after Sheriff Sparks.

Incidentally, if the board is so hungry for lawsuits and if it found absolutely necessarily chasing Sparks for $39,000, what about looking a little more closely at the fiscal debacle at Kern Medical Center. Didn’t physician over-billing warrant a lawsuit.

All I know is, public safety comes before bureaucratic maneuvering. And when you’re filing lawsuits with our money, think it through. Think it through real carefully. Otherwise, you’ll get even more tired of not answering our questions.

Letter: Be kind and put away petty resentments

As a person who worries about our community, Carol Holmes' editorial, "A case for civility," touched me deeply. I think most small communities have people who constantly try to bring others down by starting rumors, denigrating their accomplishments, snubbing them in public, and other put-downs. Unfortunately, Tehachapi is no exception, but it could be and it should be.

This is a beautiful mountain community with the potential for being a nearly perfect environment. However, we are facing an invasion of people from larger cities who long for the peace and quiet of a community such as ours. I recently heard that the projection for population growth here has been raised from 90,000 to 100,000 — within the next 15 years. Any number even remotely close to that will bring incredible congestion, with shrinking open space and increased criminal activity.

In order to survive this inevitable growth madness, the entire Tehachapi community must think as one cohesive entity. We must make a pact with ourselves to heed Ms. Holmes plea for kindness and civility. We must learn to help each other instead of viewing each other as enemies. Tehachapi is our city — all of us. We spend our money there, we spend our time and efforts trying to bring good things to the city, we care about the city's problems, and we want to see it develop carefully.

We can make this a community that we can all contribute to and enjoy, but we have to put all our petty resentments behind us. To borrow from one of my favorite peace activists, "I hope one day my little children will grow up in a land where they are not judged by the address on their mailbox, but by the quality of their contribution to the community."

— B.J. Mitchell

Bouquet: Grateful golfers appreciate local support

The Tehachapi High School boys golf team would like to thank Oak Tree Country Club for its support throughout the golf season. Oak Tree provided range balls, golf rounds and use of their facilities. They made the team feel welcome and at home. They also provided us access during the men’s tournament for fundraising activities.
Support for local high school sports is very important and Oak Tree has stepped up to the plate. With their help, our season was a great success.

The Tehachapi High School boys golf team would also like to thank the Horse Thief Golf Course for hosting the April 27 South Sequoia League tournament. We appreciate their support for local high school sports. A big thanks is extended to Yumi Oh and the rest of the staff for the use of their facilities during the golf season. With their support, our golf season was a great success.

— Rick Scott, Dan Rosander
and Brad Burris
THS coaches

Bouquet: Family thankful for support during struggle

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for all of the support we received at the time of Marvin’s sudden passing. Thank you all for the prayers, cards, food, beautiful flowers and plants, gifts and hugs. It really helped.

Thank you to the Great Wall for doing such a good job with the food.

Thank you to Wood Family Funeral Service for making a very difficult time a little easier. You were all great.

Finally, last but definitely not least, thanks to everyone at VFW Post 8948 for once again coming to our rescue.

With love and thanks.

— Lynn Sprayberry and family

Bouquet: TVRPD thankful for community support with Cinco de Mayo

The Tehachapi Valley Recreation and Parks District would like to thank the following business for their donations to the Cinco de Mayo celebration: Albertsons, Fiesta Mexicana Meat Market, Domingo's, Carlos Donuts, Gracian’s Grill, Rosie's Sweet Shoppe, Village Grill, Kohnen's Country Bakery, Taco Samich and Pepsi of Mojave.
It was a wonderful success!

— TVRPD

Bouquet: Humane Society grateful for community support

On Saturday, May 13, the Tehachapi Humane Society held its annual rummage sale in the parking lot of Dr. Terry Warsaw. There was a tremendous turnout and it made for a hugely successful event. The Humane Society thanks Dr. Warsaw for the generous use of his facility and all his hands-on support during the sale.

Also, high on the list of folks to thank is Tehachapi Mini Storage for donating a storage unit in which we collected donated items prior to the sale. The use of the unit made it possible to get all these items together in one place.

Thank you Tehachapi Tea Company for doing inventory close-out at the sale and donating the proceeds to the Society. Long-term support of the Society has gone a long way in helping lost, forgotten and abandoned cats and dogs. You will be missed as you move on to a new phase in your lives.

Thank you radio station KTPI, the Tehachapi News, The Cub, Mountain Signal and all the local merchants who helped promote the sale through on-air advertising, newsprint and posters displayed in your places of business. A yard sale that nobody knows about wouldn’t be successful.

Last, but most important, thank you greater Tehachapi residents who donated items to the sale and to all who shopped at it. You got some great deals, had fun while shopping and have helped make a difference in the lives of many cats and dogs.

P. S. If you bought a ceiling fan and discovered one of the fan blades missing when you got home, call the Humane Society office at 823-0699. We found it when we were cleaning up and have it for you.

— Peggy Mikkelsen
Tehachapi Humane Society

In Memory of Theodore Jerry Sterling

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 23, for Tehachapi resident Jerry Sterling, 59, who passed away suddenly on May 17.

A viewing in the chapel at Wood Family Funeral Service, located at 321 W. F St., will be held on Monday, May 22, from 3 to 8 p.m. A horsedrawn hearse will carry him to the First Baptist Church, located at 1049 S. Curry St. for Tuesday’s funeral at 1 p.m. Reverend Mike Sheridan will officiate and there will be a brief interment ceremony at Tehachapi Public Cemetery, Westside.

Jerry was assisting his good friend Buck Brannaman at an equestrian clinic in Riverside when he was stricken. he was working on horseback and was truly doing what he loved most.

Jerry was born in Ridgecrest on July 8, 1946 to Ted and Eva Sterling. He grew up in the Owens Valley and went to school in Bishop and Olancha and Lee Vining, Nev.
He went to work for the Los Angeles Department of Water and power when he was 21 years old and retired from the DWP as a construction and maintenance superintendent after 31 years of service.

Jerry married the love of his live, Belinda “Bo” Brock, on Nov. 12, 1966 in Hawthorne, Nev. They lived in Lee Vining initially and then moved to Boulder City, Nev. where they resided for six years. Their son, Kurt, was born in 1967 and their daughter, Jeanie, in 1968.

AFter several transfers working for the City of Los Angeles, Jerry transferred to the DWP’s Mojave yard in 1977. The Sterlings bought property in Tehachapi and built their own home on Cherry Lane in 1978.

Jerry’s life revolved around his family and his love of horses. He assisted local ranchers for many years during roundups and brandings because he was an excellent roper and all-around cowboy. He also did side work as a horseshoer for years after learning the craft from veteran cowboy Tom Blake.

Jerry was a man of continual activity who generously donated his time for many local equestrian events and he was a mentor to scores of people interested in horses and horsemanship.

Survivors include his wife of nearly 40 years, Belinda “Bo” Sterling; son, Kurt and his wife Julie; daughter and her husband George “Pidge” Marantos; grandchildren, A.J., Brooke, Shannon and Gus, all of Tehachapi; and brother, Kenneth and his wife Jowanda of Kenai, Alaska.

In Memory of Donald Paul LaGaly

Rosary was recited on May 18 and a Mass of the Christian Burial was celebrated on May 19 at St. Malachy Catholic Church for Donald Paul LaGaly, 82, who passed away on May 15 in a Bakersfield hospital.

Don was born on Jan. 14, 1924 in Toledo, Ohio to parents Carl and Ella LaGaly. He served in the United States Navy during World War II form 1943 to 1946 as a ship’s cook. In 1955 he married the love of his life, Lillian Mary Bruder, in Sherman Oaks.
Don began his working career as a butcher for Swift Meat Company. He was employed there for 15 years before changing careers into the lumber industry. After 33 years in the industry, he retired as foreman.

Don was an extremely kind and gentle man, loved by all who knew him. He was a particularly good neighbor, willing to help anyone. Don was a very handy carpenter and enjoyed tinkering of all kinds. He loved gardening and raising flowers, but most of all he was a family man, dedicated to his wife, children and grandchildren. He will be missed by many.

Don is survived by his wife Lilian of Tehachapi; Christina Parks and husband Edward of Tehachapi; and Carla Cowan and husband Manney, of Wasilla, Ala.; sons, Timothy LaGaly and wife Carolyn, of Sherman Oaks; and Patrick Andrew LaGaly of Tehachapi; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brother, Richard LaGaly of Billings, Mont.; and sisters, Caryl Dugan and Joan Kersick of Billings, Mont.

Wood Family Funeral Service handled the cremation arrangements.

One Earth, one chance: now

April 22 is a special day set aside to celebrate Earth Day and the students at Cummings Valley Elementary School worked hard towards that inspiring day. Many events took place during the week leading up to Earth Day.

The students in Ms. Hinkle’s class picked up all of the trash from the entire campus and turned it into recycled art posters. Ms. Hinkle’s students also recycled juice cans and deposited them into collection cans that were delivered to every classroom.
The student body then donated their spare change for the purpose of planting two trees near the new bluebird boxes. A total of $230 was raised for this project.

The students of Mrs. Wagnon, Mrs. Thiesse and Ms. Theotig once again planted beautiful flowers in the upper campus area.

Additionally, Ms. Theotig’s students learned about the native plants and trees on the CVS campus. Ms. Theotig’s students are also learning the names of different plant species and making name plates for the trees. This activity will soon be followed student-guided tours of these plants and trees to other students at school.

Another exciting event that connected students to the earth was an assembly given by CALM of Bakersfield. CALM educational specialists brought with them a great horned owl, a peregrine falcon, a kangaroo rat and a gopher snake that were displayed up close for the students to see. The specialists also taught the students about animals native to the Kern County landscape.

In music class that week, Mrs. Gamble taught all the students an inspiring Earth Day conservation song.

During Friday morning’s flag salute on April 21, champion of conservation John Muir’s birthday, the student body had a visit from the naturalist himself (played by Caleb Ellms). Mr. Muir gave a brief speech to the student body about the importance of conservation and taking care of the earth. His speech ended with his famous quote, “Climb the mountains and give their good tidings.”

The best part of this year’s Earth Day activities was the installation of five new bluebird boxes on the lower playground. This was accomplished with the help of the Tehachapi Birding Club’s bluebird monitoring leader Karen Pestana and local woodsmith artisan, George Hammond.

In addition to making and installing the boxes, Pestana and Hammond visited all the classrooms, displayed a box for students to view and answered a myriad of questions about bluebirds, their boxes and nesting habits.

Pestana and Hammond were assisted with the installation of the boxes by students Brittany Roach and Taylor Cole. Each grade level will be in charge of monitoring one of the boxes throughout the year.

A good time was had by all who embarked on these wonderful Earth Day activities, but if we ask “Who benefited the most?” it would probably be a tie between the children of Cummings Valley School, the bluebirds of Cummings Valley and the earth. But in reality, it can’t be a tie because each child and bird came out a winner as did the earth.

That we could all do as much, like the song says, “What a wonderful world it would be!” As adults and role models in our children’s lives, let’s set an example and make every day Earth Day.

Tehachapi Valley Recreation and Parks Department

High school summer basketball

A summer high school freshman basketball team will be holding tryouts soon. All players must be a freshman in high school starting in September of 2006. There will be a boys and agirls team.

For more information, call 822-3228 extension 14.

Swim lessons summer 2006

Cost: $40 per session

Session One: June 12 to June 23

Parent and Me: 9 to 9:30 a.m.

Level one through three

9:30 to 10:20 a.m.

10:30 to 11:20 a.m.

Level one through five
4 to 4:50 p.m.

5 to 5:50 p.m.

6 to 6:50 p.m.

Session Two: July 10 to July 21

Parent and Me: 9 to 9:30 a.m.

Level one through three

9:30 to 10:20 a.m.

10:30 to 11:20 a.m.

Level one through five

4 to 4:50 p.m.

5 to 5:50 p.m.

6 to 6:50 p.m.

Session Three: July 31 to Aug. 11

Parent and Me: 9 to 9:30 a.m.

Level one through three
9:30 to 10:20 a.m.

10:30 to 11:20 a.m.

Level one through five
4 to 4:50 p.m.

5 to 5:50 p.m.

6 to 6:50 p.m.

Introduction to watercolor

Try this class — no experience needed. Let our instructor introduce you to the wonderful world of watercolor painting. Use simple techniques to paint easy watercolor paintings you will be proud to hang in your home. The instructor will provide step by step instruction, demonstration and personal assistance while you learn this popular art form. $15 cash material fee due first class includes all watercolor supplies needed except for brushes.

Instructor: Bobbi Rossi

Cost: $35

Dates: Wednesday, June 21 and Wednesday, June 28

Time: 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Place: West Park Activity Center

Aerobics

Come and get fit with Kathy: cardio and muscle conditioning, high energy and low impact.

Mondays: aerobics, all levels

Wednesday: step aerobics(bring your own step)

Friday: muscle conditioning

Starts: June 2

Days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday

Times: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Place: Gym

Cost: $40 per month or $7 to walk in

Quilters to learn about dating

No, not about going out with their favorite man, but rather about determining the age of fabrics.

Eileen Trestain, a quilt appraiser and fabric expert, from Vancouver, Wash., will share some of her knowledge with the members of the Tehachapi Mountain Quilters at their next 9:30 a.m. meeting on June 5 at the Christian Life Assembly. On June 6 Trestain will conduct a workshop on a special technique she has developed.

Eileen Trestain’s book about dating fabrics, Dating Fabrics: A Color Guide 1800-1960, is a must have if you want to know about your family quilts or how old the fabrics are in your stash.

In dating antique quilts, fabric identification is importance. This practical handbook compiled by Trestain, an experienced quilt appraiser, includes photos of more than 1,000 color fabric swatches many from the author’s collection covering the period from 1800 to 1960.

Trestain devotes a chapter to each of six different eras: before 1830, the settling of the West, the first centennial, the turn of the century, the Roaring Twenties, the Depression and World War II.

For each period Trestain gives us fascinating information about how textiles were made, dyes were used and prints created in the making of fabrics during that time period. She prefaces the fabric swatches for each period with historical background and information about print styles, colors and quilts of the period.

If you are a fabric or quilt collector, who wants to know specifics about fabrics or quilts, this program is for you. Trestain’s book will help you identify, date and recognize antique fabrics and their uses in quilts and clothing.

If you have quilts and question the dates they were made, or would like to know their present value, Eileen Trestain is the authority. You may contact Sally Fimbres to schedule an appointment with Eileen as soon as possible.

For participation in the workshop, call Sally Fimbres or Margaret Clark at 822-3381.

Debra Riley, a mother first

As a mother, my job is to take care of the possible and trust God with the impossible.

– Ruth Bell Graham

Ask Debra Riley what her job is and she will laughingly tell you that she does many things, but before anything she is a mom.

This is true to her character because she does do many things for many people, but being a Christ-like wife and mother is her first priority. Not only is her family extremely proud of her and everything that she does, they are honored to call her Mom.

Debra is a Godly woman who is an amazing wife and incredible mother to her son, daughter and two stepdaughters, a wonderful grandmother to her four grandchildren and an inspiration to everyone she meets.

Debra is a creative and extremely positive woman who insists on leading her life as Christ would. This woman goes out of her way to help and is always first to volunteer, even when she is tired or sick. She exceeds her own boundaries and pushes to be the best that she knows how.

Proverbs 31:29 says, “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” Debra Riley truly does surpass them all, which is why we are honoring her as Mother of the Year at Christian Life Assembly.

County mental health department presents art exhibit

The Kern County Department of Mental Health and its contract providers throughout Kern County are exhibiting, in the month of May, the artistic creations of individuals living with mental illness.

Recovery is cited in the Transforming Mental Health Care in America, the Federal Action Agenda as the “single most important goal” for mental health systems. Recovery is a journey of healing that enables a person with a mental health problem to live a meaningful life in a community of choice while striving to achieve his or her potential.

In the past, the mental health system focused resources on the problem areas without much attention focused on strengths and talents that are also a part of the individuals we serve. The recovery vision encourages us to celebrate the accomplishments of each person as a means of empowering and giving hope to those who courageously move toward health and well-being.

The “Expression of Recovery” art exhibits being held in various cities and communities are steps in recognizing an individual’s ability to live, work, learn and fully participate in society. The Kern County Department of Mental Health invites the community to attend the “Expressions of Recovery” exhibit being held in the east training room of the department’s administrative offices, The Commonwealth Building, located at 3300 Truxtun Ave., on May 24 from 3 to 7 p.m. Admission is free.

We all reap the benefits when individuals with mental illness contribute to community life because our communities become stronger and healthier.

Preschoolers learn about fire safety

On Friday, May 5, Sonshine Place Preschool was visited by the Kern County Fire Department. Fire Captain Randy Kit and firefighter Andy showed the children the fire engine and all of its wonderful capabilities.

Students were excited to hold the fire hoses and spray the parking lot. The children learned why the firefighters wear their equipment and that children don’t have to be afraid of firemen.

It was a wonderful day for the Sonshine students and our local firefighters are so appreciated.

Baccalaureate for graduates

Local churches are collaborating for Tehachapi’s 2006 Baccalaureate. All high school seniors and their families are encouraged to attend Baccalaureate at First Baptist Church, 1049 S. Curry St. on Friday, June 2 at 6:30 p.m. Home school, private and public school teens are invited.

Baccalaureate is a religious sermon to a graduating class. With magnificent special music and an exciting guest speaker from Hume Lake Christian Camp, this will be an awesome celebration as 2006 graduates commence into the next phase of their lives.