User Posts : Tehachapi News

Letter to the editor: City Council term limits needed

Voice your concerns -To the city council

Here I go again. To all those who write the blogs and just whine (anybody want some cheese with that?) and moan and complain among themselves..and us, will not accomplish anything definitive. It will not change anything in the long run. There is only one way to do that. Attend the city council meetings and stand up and speak your piece. I urge everyone in attendance, if they agree with the speaker, Stand up and applaud. That’s the only way to get the attention of the city council and let them know it is not just the one opinion of the speaker, but that person is speaking for all of us.We are the electorate and we tell the council what is important to us.

I know that the 6 p.m. Monday evenings are not the best possible times for these meetings since many of you commute to work and are busy driving on the freeways at that hour, and many others are busy cooking dinner for their families. I approached Councilperson Hand at one point and asked her to introduce a motion to change the meetings to Saturday afternoons so that more people who would wish to attend could do so. She responded that it would not be a good time for her. Humph! I guess her business interests come before the interests of the city. She is so busy she can’t even wait to cross the railroad tracks while waiting for a train to pass.

Stan Beckham can’t do it all by himself. He needs our support and encouragement. Most of the others on the council seem distant and disinterested. That’s because they’ve been there too long (Smith will mark 24 years by 2010) and need to be replaced. The interests of the electorate must be made to be their number one priority…and they need to be reminded of that. We need to term have limits for the city council.

If those of you who live outside the city limits think that you have no rights or concerns for attending the city council meetings, you are very wrong. Any decision made by the city council will ultimately affect everyone who lives within the perimeter of the greater Tehachapi area. We are all one people and must act in each other’s best interests. What affects one, affects all. So, once again, I urge everyone who possibly can, to attend every council meeting and either write ahead to place your concern on the formal agenda, or stand up at the appropriate time and voice your oral agenda. It’s time we let them know who is the boss!

Respectfully,

Jim Richards

New Tehachapi Hospital

NEW TEHACHAPI HOSPITAL

The Tehachapi Hospital Foundation applied for a $15,000.00 grant at the General Mills website of Hamburger Helper at: myhometownhelper.com and our application was accepted.

The competition for these grants is heavy and they weigh the applicants against each other by counting the number(s) of Comments posted on each individual request post.

Our post was positioned there for 3 months and the program was supposed to close on June 15, 2007 but for some reason it closed on June 9^th. We didn’t even come close. We maxed out at a grand total of a measly 86 Comments from a potential resident base of some 30,000. That’s pathetic!

However, we’re going to give it one more shot. They have a new program starting August 1, 2007 and are now accepting notification addresses. Just type in the URL (address bar) myhometownhelper.com where you will be taken to the main opening page. Then point your curser to the top of the page where it says HELP MY TOWN.

That will open another page which displays two blank fields for you to enter your

e-mail address and date of birth (some legal reason for this) and then click on submit. You will be entered into their database and they will notify when the next post is up and available for you to weigh in and enter your Comments.

We are going to do the same at the invitation of American Express where the total awarded amount(s) is FIFTEEN MILLION DOLLARS!

Now, listen up people of Tehachapi, this will only work if we show them a cohesive, broad base of community support. We expect to see shovels turning over dirt for the new hospital building within the next 30 days. The hospital building will ultimately be there but it will be empty unless we can raise another three to five million dollars for staff and equipment.

No matter what are our differences in terms of politics, ethnicity, sexual orientation, skin color, religion…or whatever, we all have one thing in common. WE ALL BLEED RED BLOOD.

Help us to help each other!

Jim Richards

Councilman Beckham stops traffic

Councilman Stan Beckham stopped traffic to attend the second Farmer's Market festival and complimented all vendors who participated in the well attended event.

Several tour busses were seen passing by and he wondered why they didn't stop to let their passengers enjoy and participate!

Kudos are given to all those who planned and prepared for this enjoyable community experience.

There's sure to be something for everyone's pleasure. Every Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. so, COME ON DOWN!

RE: Tehachapi Hospital

REPLY TO BRITTANY CESAREO

Many thanks for sharing the information about your adverse experience in the Tehachapi Hospital Emergency Room in your Letter To The Editor of 5-16-07.

As a member of the Tehachapi Hospital Foundation I am helping to raise corporate funding for building our new hospital. That being said, we certainly don’t want to put the kind of doctor you described in our new Emergency Room (or anywhere else in the hospital, for that matter).

Unfortunately, you did not publish the name of this doctor. Neither did the Tehachapi News in their Editor’s Note, nor did the response by the Medical Director or the CEO.

Perhaps all were afraid of being sued by him for defamation. However, legally speaking, truth is a defense to defamation and you did have several witnesses.

The Editor’s Note stated that there are a total of 8 different doctors working in the Emergency Room and I, for one, would like to know just which one is this particular uncaring and rude individual. Frankly, if it was my time to receive Emergency Room treatment and he was the only one on duty, and I knew his name, I would probably just call a taxi to take me to Bakersfield!

Jim Richards

New Tehachapi Hospital

NEW TEHACHAPI HOSPITAL!

larger view

Here is an artist rendering of the new Tehachapi Hospital.

You can help bring this dream to reality by joining the Tehachapi Hospital Foundation team. Your ten dollar per year Membership will contribute. Help US to help YOU!

Log onto: www.thfinc.org

Or call: 661-822-6159

Jim Richards

Letter: Gang activity on the rise

I am a retired Criminologist and worked for five years at the Lancaster Sheriff's Department where I helped maintain a computerized database of the local gangs before I moved up here. I am considered a "Gangs Specialist."

Lancaster and Palmdale are currently in a fighting mode against gangs and the local citizens there have joined forces with law enforcement to sweep the streets clean and drive them out of town. Where do you suppose they will go? Hint...North.

Yes, we are seeing more gang activity up here and more are on the way. We even have local, home-grown gangs.

Why do kids join gangs? One of the reasons, and perhaps the biggest one, is for a sense of belonging. Many kids are largely left on their own or completely ignored by their families. So, they join the gangs to have someone who will look out for their interests and someone to hang with. Unfortunately, they are ultimately up to no good deeds and they enable each other.

We have to take a proactive approach and be on the lookout for gang activity in Tehachapi. Take pictures of any gang graffiti you see or anything that looks suspicious and turn them in to the authorities.

Most people today carry cell phones with camera's. Gang graffiti always leave clues. Some will give the name of the gang and/or their location and the name of the "artist". These taggings are not generally able to be read or deciphered by the average citizen but law enforcement knows how to do it.

We need to connect with todays youth and work with them BEFORE it gets to the point where they want to join a gang. I hear kids all over town complaining "there's nothing to do here". We have to find positive things for them to do, to get involved in, to volunteer to help those in need. A place for them to "hang." Parks and Recreation and sports activities are fine but not all kids are either sports minded or adept. They must all be included in civic minded activities. We must make them feel safe and needed and wanted and useful.

— Jim Richards

Stop a criminal at your door

Be Careful Who You Let Into Your Home

Almost 60,000 American homes are robbed each year. Hard to believe but. in some cases, homeowners actually welcome in criminals. In state after state, fake utility workers are robbing homes.

Your best line of defense is a steel mesh screen door with a dead bolt lock. This is a good investment and think of it as an insurance policy. Everyone in the household should have their own key to open it and LOCK IT behind them once inside. You can keep your front door open in nice weather and enjoy some light and fresh air, and still feel safe.

Criminals often pose as electricians or policemen to get into a house. It's not always easy to tell a fake ID or badge from the real thing.

Look for the things that are hardest to duplicate. A utility worker, a delivery person, a policeman, should all have an official vehicle. If a worker from the gas company comes around, his truck should have the company's name. That's the kind of thing most would-be crooks can't duplicate. If you don't see a vehicle, don't let him in!

Time to Judge a Book by Its Cover

If someone knocks on your door claiming to be a worker or official, take note of their appearance.

Judge a book by its cover. Most companies will not allow their employees to represent them unless they're dressed properly and look professional. If someone shows up unshaven, with street clothes, don't let them in until you check them out. If they are wearing a uniform, check to see if it has a clearly readable emblem.

It doesn’t hurt to be suspicious. Leave the person waiting outside. Keep the door locked, and call the company they claim to represent. DO NOT accept any phone number they give you. I’m sure you know why.

Once you open the door, they can do anything they want. So, keep them waiting outside, and call the company. Keep a list of phone numbers for utilities, delivery companies, and other services you might need. The company will tell you if that person is legitimate, and can verify their request. If you don’t have the number listed, look it up or call information for it.

If the person really isn't who they claim to be, it's likely they'll be gone before you start dialing. You’ve just prevented yourself from becoming an alarmingly increasing statistic!

Tehachapi is growing…and so is the crime rate. We can all help by being savvy and street smart…and proactive.

Steps to help avoid home burglary

Take steps to keep your home safe from burglars

One common fear of every homeowner is the fear of someone breaking and entering into your home. It is an act that not only results in damage and loss to your property, but leaves you with feelings of violation and fear. Don't be a victim; take steps to prevent your house from being burglarized.

First of all, you would do very well to install a monitored security alarm in your residence. This is one of the most effective ways of keeping burglars out of your home. If you want to ensure the effectivity of the alarm system, also make sure that your alarm system is clearly indicated to anyone who approaches your house. Most security firms provide you with yard signs and window and door stickers. The security system must also be wired to make a loud noise if triggered, and at the same time send an alert message to a local security service. This security service has the job of monitoring your home security and it will respond if your alarm has been activated.

Even with an alarm system, it is important to take the usual precautions. You should make a conscious effort to develop the habit of locking your doors every time you leave the house or go to bed. And even when you are home! And you should install locks on all of your windows, even those located on upper floor levels. If you go away on a trip, you want to be secure that your house is tightly locked up.

Do not rely on regular locks on any of the doors leading to the outside. Be sure these doors are fitted with keyed deadlocks as well as being hooked up to your alarm system. By installing a deadlock, you will make a burglary much harder for a potential thief, and most likely prevent them from stealing large items such as television sets. Make sure that external doors are very strong as well. Solid wood is the best material for an external door. Install a peephole in your front door and install a steel mesh screen door with a lock on it. This will put an extra barrier between you and anyone who approaches your front door. You should be aware that sliding glass doors are a potential weak spot for entry. If you do have sliding doors, you can install patio bolts on them.

Don't leave a spare key in a hiding place outside your door. It is very likely that a burglar will be able to find it. A better idea would be to leave your extra keys with a trusted friend or neighbor.

Taking these small precautions will help you avoid becoming a victim of burglary. The important thing is to be pro-active. Don't wait for something to happen, but take measures in the here and now to ensure your home safety in the future.

With the increase in general population in Tehachapi comes a commensurate increase in crime. We citizens need to be the eyes and ears of the police. They can't be everywhere, all the time, but we can...and are!

CITY HALL WEBSITE-A JOKE!

When's the last time you tried to get some current information from the City Hall website?

The latest posting on the Police Chief is circa last November. It is listed there as still "interviewing," even though Chief Kermody was sworn in on November 27th!

And, get this, the latest "Newsletter" is dated November. 2004!

I mentioned this to Jason Caudle several weeks ago at a City Council meeting and even sent him an e-mail. No response or acknowledgment.

Now, SOMEONE there is keeping this site up to date because 3 weeks ago they added SNOWFLAKES to the site. Isn't that important? I mean, hell, I can look out my window and see snowflakes but I can't look out my window to see the latest news from City Hall.

Ed Grimes and/or Stan Beckham, if you're reading this, can you light a fire under someone's backside there to keep us, The Citizens and Electorate of the City of Tehachapi, aware of CURRENT status from the City Hall web site?

DRUG TESTS FOR WELFARE CHECKS?

This article makes emminet sense to me. What say you people?

Record City Council meetings!

Wanna know how to "put the fox in a box"? Record it!

Under California's Brown Act, Chapter V, RIGHTS OF THE PUBLIC:

"A legislative body may not prohibit any person attending an open meeting from video recording, audio recording or broadcasting the proceedings, absent a resonable finding that such activity would consitute a disruption of the proceedings." Section 54935.5, 54953.6, Nevens v. City of Chino (1965) 233 Cal. App. 2d 775; see also 6091.

Just imagine memorializing all their words and actions and deeds, for all time to come. To be reviewed, broadcasted, and otherwise disseminated for future determination.

So, bring your gear, set up your tripod, and let it rip! Maybe, just maybe we "outsiders" can get the attention we deserve.

Jim Richards

One small step forward

It appears that Henry Schaeffer's Write-In didn't pull enough votes so we are going to have to put up with still ANOTHER 4 years of Phil Smith. (Isn't 20 + years enough?)

At least we won't have Marianna Teel for ANOTHER 4 years and I, for one, am looking forward to Stan Beckham's tenure to replace her.

Now, get this people, we DON'T have to accept 4 MORE years of Phil Smith's mantra of wanting to ensure "same old-same old". (He calls it "continuity"...HA!) Let's hold his feet to the fire for these 4 years and make sure he responds to US...THE ELECTORATE, whom he is here to serve...and NOT his own agenda.! More of the PAST will not enable us to move into the FUTURE! Don't you all agree?

Jim Richards

City Council in Violation of Brown Act

To my fellow City of Tehachapi citizens:

Please join me on Monday, Sept. 18, 2006 at the City Council meeting where I have asked to be placed on the agenda to address the Council regarding their continued requirement that “ Each person addressing the Council shall stand up, shall give his name and address in an audible tone of voice for the record.” This is stated in City Ordinance #357 which is a 36 year old Ordinance. However, effective January 1, 2004 the State of California enacted The Brown Act which affects all public and open meetings and which expressly prohibits, in Section #54953.3, any City or County entity from the requirement that citizens in attendance and in addressing their officials at said meetings must “Register” their name and address. The Brown Act states the reason is to “prohibit government from harassing citizens when they disagree with elected bodies.” I am requesting the City Ordinance words in #357 to be stricken in their entirety.

I am requesting this as an emergency resolution which would allow it to be read into the record and voted on immediately without any further discussion or delay and all City authorities have been provided an advanced copy of this proposal.

I have no personal ax to grind in this matter and am not running for any public office. It is simply a matter of personal security and safety.

I encourage all citizens to regularly attend these Council meetings and get involved in local affairs. We are all voting and tax paying residents and are entitled to hold our elected officials responsible for their actions. We are the Electorate and they must answer to US, not the opposite. Step up to the plate and voice your opinion.

Respectfully,

Jim Richards

Letter: It's a matter of personal security

I intend to address the Tehachapi City Council meeting on Monday, August 21, 2006 and ask them this 3 part question:

Before allowing a citizen to address this august body, the citizen is required to publicly announce his/her private street address. I have done this on several previous occassions.

I have NO idea who is in the audience. Is there a terrorist there who would target me? Perhaps a home invasion robber who now knows exactly where I live? Perhaps some one who would dislike what I have to say and wish to come and do me bodily harm?

As a retired criminologist and board certified polygraph examiner I have spent many years in the criminal justice system in both Los Angeles and Lancaster before moving to Tehachapi 2 years ago. My interest in security is well known to the city officials.

I have personally spoken to many concerned citizens who privately confided that they have certain issues they would like to bring to the attention of the City Council in a public meeting but are fearful of announcing their specific home address. As a result, they have either stopped attending or alternatively sit quietly and listen only.

A. I would appreciate someone from the Council or perhaps the City Attorney to cite me the exact statute or ordinance which states this as a requirement for speaking to the Council at their public meetings.

B. If this rather arcane position must be strictly adhered to, then I would request that the City Manager, the City Councilpersons and other city officials present to also stand and announce THEIR home addresses before speaking.

C. If they feel they are exempt from this requirement...why?

Letter: Citizen appreciates city council

Although I was not entirely in the Mayor Grimes camp when the consultants for a local police department made their first presentation, with each successive meeting I began to perceive the thoroughness of their preparations.

At the final consultant's meeting last Wednesday, I stood up publicly and thanked them for a job well done and their comprehensive presentation. The audience burst into applause and I think both Rich and Tom were quite surprised and pleased.

Ed, you and Jason Caudle and the entire city council, as well as the many who worked behind the scenes, are to be congratulated for your vision and tenacity in seeing this major project through to its logical conclusion.

As a citizen of the city of Tehachapi, I know I will feel safer at a lower cost when the Tehachapi Police Department hits the streets.

— Jim Richards