Photos: Tehachapi News

Up, Up and Away for Gracie Girl

Gracie Girl, a purebred Yorkie, couldn't get along with the other female Yorkie in the house and they fought constantly. Life was miserable for Gracie's family and they worried over the dogs hurting if not killing each other.

In desperation, Gracie's family called STOP, Save Tehachapi's Orphaned Pets, and asked if we could find a new home for Gracie. Luckily, we just adopted out a dog so we had a foster home available. But the question was--would Gracie get along with other dogs? Was she adoptable?

Yes. Gracie was fine with other dogs, even other female dogs. So what caused the problem between Gracie and her housemate? STOP consulted several experts in the field of dog care and everyone agreed that the problem was more than likely due to the fact that neither of the dogs had been spayed and that both dogs wanted to be alpha dogs.

Spaying at this late date may or may not have saved this relationship. Certainly, there wouldn't have been peace overnight and Gracie's family couldn't take the chance of the dogs getting into it again and the other female's puppies being harmed.

STOP posted Gracie on www.petfinder.com and told her story. A few days later an application to adopt Gracie came via email. The applicant said she was already in love with Gracie just from her picture and that she wanted to adopt her.

STOP reviewed the application and set up the adoption. On Labor Day at 12:15 PM, Gracie's new mom flew into the Tehachapi Airport
to pick Gracie up and take her to her new home in Santa Ynez.

Gracie's new mom reports that Gracie is doing well and that she is everything she dreamed she would be--a good little dog.

Airport accolades

Tehachapi Mayor Deborah Hand presents Francis Pugh, right, and Robert Meyer, Jr., left, with certificates of appreciation for their service as airport commissioners. Pugh served for four years; Meyer for three.

“The airport's in great shape, thanks to you,” Hand said as she made the presentation at the Aug. 18 city council meeting. The certificates say that the men, “represented Tehachapi Municipal Airport as an Airport Commissioner during a period of significant growth and numerous improvements.”

Fault not determined in service dog traffic death

A pedestrian traffic accident at Valley Boulevard and Aspen Drive that injured a 62-year-old legally blind woman and killed her service dog remains under investigation, Tehachapi Police Chief Jeff Kermode said.

“We haven't determined fault,” he said. “But the law is pretty strong in favor of a blind person.”

He said, on the other hand, that a seeing eye dog “is supposed to judge traffic.”

The intersection is midway between Curry and Tucker, streets where the closest traffic signal lights are. The section of Valley Boulevard where the accident took place has no painted crosswalk and is where two north-south streets, Aspen Drive and Mountain View, are offset and do not line up.

Diane Deutsch, the injured pedestrian, said in a report on KGET Channel 17 that she had asked the city to put in a cross walk at the location and that she could not bring herself to venture across the street there again.

According to City Manager Greg Garrett, the area is one of the sites the city has identified in its long-term planning and “we are trying to signalize.”

Garrett said he knows of no other accidents that have been reported at the site.

Deutsch and her service dog, a Laborador Retriever named Aki, were crossing Valley Boulevard northbound to Aspen at 7 p.m. on August 23 when they were struck by a westbound Toyota Corolla driven by Alexander John Hughes, 19, of Tehachapi.
Police said that Deustsch received emergency treatment at the scene and was flown by helicopter to Kern Medical Center. Her injuries included a broken wrist and facial bruises.

Police took Aki to a veterinarian, where he died of internal injuries.

Hughes remained at the scene and was interviewed by officers.

Police are seeking additional witnesses to the accident. Anyone with information is asked to call Tehachapi Police Department Senior Officer Scott Ketcham, 661-822-2222, ext. 113.

Public support makes the Tehachapi Depot fundraiser a huge success

The Aug. 23 concert fundraiser held at Marx Central Park was an overwhelming success, netting over $3,700 for the completion of the Tehachapi Depot. Those attending were treated to a concert by local musicians joined by special guests.

Speakers such as Del Troy, local historian, related the history of the railroad and the Depot and added their memories of the days when Tehachapi depended on the passengers and freight that passed through the Depot doors. Donations, drawings for door prizes, and T-shirt sales all helped raise funds.

The event was emceed by City Councilman Ed Grimes. The musical program was put together by Tehachapi Mayor Debby Hand and the logistics were handled by Larry Barrett, of Coldwell Banker Realty. Many other volunteers helped, particularly Claudia Henson, Shane Reed and Holly Hart.

The funds raised at the concert will go to help in the rebuilding and to complete the Railroad Museum to be housed in the Depot. The Museum and park surrounding the Depot will showcase the Stokoe Collection of Railroad items, including the signals that were featured by Huell Howser in a segment of California Gold. Howser plans a return visit the once the Stokoe items are on display in the rebuilt Depot.

Several misconceptions about the funds needed to complete the Depot have been heard lately. While it is true that the City of Tehachapi had insurance on the building, the policy is for replacement value, not for $I million dollars as some have heard. At replacement value, the insurance will help rebuild the Depot to a level of completion at the time of the fire. There is no easy calculation as to what level of completion was reached, although there have been estimates ranging from 85 to 90 percent.

As the planning progresses, the level of completion will be determined. Once the insurance company pays its portion to help rebuild the Depot, RDA funds previously budgeted by the City will be used towards the project.

The “Back on Track” committee, formed to help make up the shortfall in funds, is made up of a of volunteers from the Friends of The Tehachapi Depot (FOTD), the Tehachapi Heritage League, Main Street Tehachapi and other individuals. Collected funds will be transferred to the City of Tehachapi, which is acting as the lead agency in rebuilding the Depot. Funds may be used for construction, landscaping, and installing the Railroad Museum in the rebuilt Depot. The goal for completion is to have the Depot open in time for the 2009 Tehachapi Centennial Celebration.

Donations are tax deductible under the IRS nonprofit status of the FOTD. To make a donation or to plan a fundraiser, contact Charles White, “Back on Track” chairperson at 972-0958.

Thunder on the Mountain showers cash upon local charities and scholars

The thunder has faded, the crowds have all gone home. The 11th annual Thunder on the Mountain 2008 Car, Truck, and Motorcycle Show is considered by all to be a “roaring” success, raising a total of $16,000 for local charities, scholarships and civic organizations.

A total of 321 registered vehicles ranging in age from a 1905 Horseless Carriage to PT Cruisers and everything in between to satisfy everyone’s tastes.
With almost 90 trophies awarded, there were a lot of happy entrants. With the registration fees, raffle tickets sold and the $50/50 drawing, proceeds of more than $16,000 was raised for local charities. This year two $3,000 scholarships for students pursuing teaching careers and a $1,000 scholarship for automotive education were awarded to graduating Tehachapi High School students.

Lynne Maize won the 383 Stroker motor from Adams Metalizing buying just one ticket. Clinton and Janet Gareis won the stainless steel BBQ from Home Depot.
As tradition demanded, at noon engines were started and revved to create the show’s name sake, Thunder on the Mountain. Everywhere one looked, there were smiles on every face as the roar took over the city.

The work the car show committee members put in was evident everywhere, from parking to trophies, trash cans to portable comfort stations, every aspect of the show planned in great detail, all coming together to host the greatest car show Tehachapi has ever experienced. Hoods up to the men and women of the Tehachapi Car Club who worked tirelessly for 7 months to put on the car show. When asked why they do it, they just smile and ask, if you had a good time... “that’s why.”

Thunder on the Mountain 2008 proceeds will benefit the following charities and civic organizations:
Relay For Life: $5,000
Eileen McPhee Memorial Scholarship: $4,000
Automotive Industry Scholarship: $1,500
Optimal Hospice: 2,000
Railroad Depot Restoration Fund: $1,500
Open Door Christian Ministry: $500
Tehachapi Humane Society: $500
Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce: $500
Tehachapi City Explorers: $300
Tehachapi Moose Lodge: $200
Checks will be presented Wednesday, Sept. 10, at noon, at Railroad Park.

Spotlight on local business: Hitching Post Theaters

Even if you’re a bonafide, high-tech, couch potato with Blu-Ray, DVD and a killer home theater system, you’re still likely to be among tens of thousands of local customers who enjoy “going to the movies” at the Hitching Post Theater.
The owner of one of Tehachapi’s most visible and thriving businesses, Wil Viner literally grew up in the movie business, frequenting his grandfather’s many theaters in the San Fernando Valley.

“At one time he owned all the drive-in theaters in Lancaster,” said Viner, who added with a hint of nostalgia in his moviephone voice, “but they’re all gone now.”
Viner has witnessed many changes during his 30-plus years in the movie business.

“Our business has changed,” he said, noting competition from new technologies — and comfy couches — “But people always want to get out of the house. Even with today’s movie prices it’s still a relatively cheap evening out, as compared to going to a play or concert.”

He continued, “Most independents can’t compete with the big megaplexes in the cities,” said Viner, who also owns two comparably sized theaters in the Big Bear area. “But we open all the big pictures same time as Lancaster or Bakersfield. Obviously we can’t play 25 screens, but sooner or later we’ll get it [the particular movie you are just dying to see on the big screen].”

He added that except for stadium seating, Tehachapi’s movie audiences have access to every amenity offered at larger theaters including state of the art digital sound, ticketing (and money saving coupons!) over the internet, and of course — great popcorn.

During school, Viner first went to work for his own father in film sales and distribution, before branching out on his own to open the Hitching Post Theaters in March of 1994. His own son now works with him, keeping the family business tradition alive.

“My former partner and I were interested in opening theaters in smaller communities, and Tehachapi just seemed to fit the bill,” he said.

The Hitching Post Theaters originally boasted three theaters, adding a fourth auditorium just one year later. The first movies to run on Tehachapi’s brand new big screens?

The Mighty Ducks II, Ace Ventura Pet Detective, and a third film appropriately suited to Tehachapi’s western roots, 8 Seconds, the story of a rodeo cowboy.
Although Viner resides in Valencia with his wife (and three dogs and a cat), he truly takes pride in actively serving the community of Tehachapi. He and his son personally pre-screen and selectively choose the movies they believe will appeal to the small town, family audiences of Tehachapi.

“Our bread and butter are family films,” said Viner, adding that he enjoys creating fun promotions that are easy on the family budget.

For nearly 15 years of Tuesday nights, his customers have enjoyed Viner’s Family Night promo, with $4.50 admission — and a large soft drink free with a large popcorn purchase.

Further testament to Viner’s dedication to his Tehachapi audience, is his generous involvement in recent Main Street Tehachapi promotions, including free holiday screenings. The Hitching Post also partners with Tehachapi schools and library reading programs, offering as many as 300 local kids the opportunity to attend a free movie party each year, as well as special PTO-sponsored incentive programs for good behavior.

Literally a pillar of the community, is the building itself — a vital part of Tehachapi’s history on several levels. In place of the former movie marquee sign, one of the newest of Tehachapi’s Historic Murals commemorates the first air mail flight from Tehachapi to Bakersfield, on May 19, 1938. The mural also honors the building’s early history as Tehachapi’s first post office. According to the Tehachapi Heritage League, the building was also simultaneously a department store, an electronics shop, a variety store, and a drug store. On the F Street facing wall, is Tehachapi’s third mural, "People of the Mountains." It is a depiction of Tehachapi's Native American Nüwa (or Kawaiisu) tribe.

When asked if it’s hard to run such a thriving business remotely, Viner said, “This type of business, no — because I have really good people working for me. My staff is top notch.”

Among a staff of about a dozen employees, Viner welcomes a new-to-Tehachapi General Manager, Chris Thurlow, who has worked at one of Viner’s Big Bear theaters for more than ten years. Viner said more staff is hired during summer months, with about 90 percent of those employees consisting of local high school students working their first jobs.

“Thousands of kids have worked for me,” he said adding, “Many come back after college, and some come to work the holidays. There’s very little turnover in our staff. That’s how it’s always been in Tehachapi. I think it’s fun for them. The perks are good — free movies!”

Civil Air Patrol get First Air Training at VFW by Carol Schaubschlager

Adults and cadets from Civil Air Patrol Squadrons from Edwards, Rosamond and Tehachapi, met at the Tehachapi VFW Post for a 9-hour course in CPR and First Aid. The course was presented by Samantha and Danny Lack, of the Bakersfield Red Cross Association. Sam and Danny are also Civil Air Patrol members of the Bakersfield Squadron.

Initial CPR and First Aid training, along with maintaining it's currency, are required for all CAP members--both adult and cadet. Emergency Services is a core mission for Civil Air Patrol, CAP personnel support Disaster Relief efforts nationwide and are tasked by FEMA or State OES for support to their communities. In order to work Ground Team search missions for downed aircraft, members must also be CPR and 1st Aid qualified. Some members of California Wing Civil Air Patrol seek EMT training per the guidelines of California Healthcode and Regulations Title 22 to enhance their support for disaster relief missions.

Civil Air Patrol is the non profit US Air Force Auxiliary serving the Nation with Cadet Programs (ages 12 to 18), Aerospace Education and Emergency Services. For more information on how you can serve, www.cap.gov <http://www.cap.gov> or call your local unit (661)867-9934, evenings.

Short street finally finished

A short stretch of Commercial Street in Old Towne that begins at Santa Lucia Street, crosses South Street, and until recently stopped several hundred feet short of Woodford-Tehachapi Road - much to the consternation of area businesses and shoppers - has finally been finished.

“It's easier to come in and out now,” said Art Schaefer, owner of Ranch Supply, which is located at the corner of Commercial and South streets. “We lost business in this area because of it.”

The new access also has created an easier, safer way to exit Highway 202.
Schaefer said the effort to finish off the short stretch of road, which passes through one contiguous parcel, began long ago.

“We've been working with the county for eight years to get this accomplished and they finally got it done,” Schaefer said. It took a petition, a Chamber of Commerce committee and a political push, he said, saying Kern County Supervisor Don Maben “is the hero involved.”

Maben said he started working on the project four years ago.

Maben declared that the road “makes a whale of a difference. You don't have to fight to get onto 202 anymore.”

The county resorted to exercising prescriptive rights to build the short portion of Commercial Street, he said.

The absentee owners of the property, Maben said, “would never respond.”

People have driven across the property on a makeshift dirt road for years, he said, opening the owners to prescriptive loss. If a property is used by the public without objection by the owners over a period of time, it becomes a right, he said.

The county engineered the road, graded it, smoothed out what used to be a dropoff at Woodford-Tehachapi Road and installed base and pavement. The construction took six weeks.

The cost, Maben said, was $85,000.00.

“And it came in a little under budget. It was a nice fix. I love those kinds of projects. The people benefit.”

Tehachapi Healthcare District firms up finances and future

The financial health of the Tehachapi Valley Healthcare District is looking up after a year of tough decisions by the board, including firing the designer/builder of the proposed hospital in June, and closing the California City radiology office in July.
Also in recent months, Medicare has withheld reimbursements of more than $1.8 million in what that federal agency concluded were overpayments going back five years; and Medi-Cal payments to the district have disappeared until the California legislature approves a budget.

Nevertheless, Chief Financial Officer Joseph Demont, reporting Aug. 20 to the district's board of directors at the Golden Hills Community Services District meeting room, said, “By our calculations, we have lots of reasons to be happy.”

Demont, with his internal, unaudited projection of $27 million in gross revenues, $13.3 million in expenses and $15 million in contracted allowances for fiscal year 2007-2008, predicts the operating loss for the year will be approximately $752,000, which is less than the fiscal year 2006-2007 loss of $822,886.00.

He reported that the month of June showed an historic all-time record cash collection of $1.5 million — but, “We were a little slow out of the gate in August.”

There are two pieces to the district financial puzzle. The first is the hospital and clinics: “Everything we do in the way of providing medical goods and services to the community,” Demont said. “That piece of the district doesn't make money.”

The second piece of the puzzle is non-operating revenues from taxes, investments, interest and grants.

“We rely on non-operating funds to make money. All in all, the hospital district is in the black,” Demont said.

The completion of a budget for fiscal year 2008-2009 has been delayed for a month by the absence of the controller.

“We are scrambling to put together a budget by the end of September for board approval,” Demont said. “A budget is the blueprint for the kind of business development we plan to do for the coming year.”

Six months ago, the district hired Brenda Magee as the new director of billing.

“We are being more proactive,” she said. “We are taking the initiative.”

Hospital bills that make sense to the patient make collecting payments easier.

“Our focus is on billing accurately, quickly and efficiently,” Demont said. “If the bill is not accurate, that's when people dispute the charge and they don't pay.”

Payment plans include a sliding scale and discount for cash.

“We have a fairly well-established charity policy and a cash pay policy. If you get treated you get a 40 percent discount of the price of any of the services,” Demont said.

The billing department provides a patient counselor to review situations and recommend payment plans, he said.

“Because we are community-based mission, our focus is on fulfilling that mission.”
He said they are also “Getting better at collecting from contract payors,” such as Blue Shield and other programs.

In his report to the directors, Demont — who, like Chief Executive Officer Alan Burgess — came on board as administrators less than a year ago said, “Over the last 10 months we faced some of our most serious challenges — Having the courage to take action on letting go of Aspen Street Architects [hospital design/build firm] and having the stamina and capabilities to absorb large withholds from Medicare for prior overpayments. Letting go of Aspen Street took enormous courage on the part of the board and the CEO. But doing so finally helped set the stage for a new beginning and a positive direction towards our goal of a new hospital.”

He said that with the Medicare withholds, “We weathered and withstood one of our most serious financial hardships ever…but we are happy to report that during this same timeframe:

• We never bounced a check, stiffed a vendor or missed a beat;
• For the first six months of 2008, we raised operating cash by more than $1.5 million vs. the same period one year. While sales were up only 5 percent, cash was up 15 percent;
• We were able to secure a half-million dollar credit line, but never had to borrow a penny;
• We improved our healthcare coverage for our employees…We got better benefits, better coverage and set the stage for yearling savings of $100,000 a year;
• We restored our LAIF [investment] funds to amounts greater than they were one year ago and funded our company match for our employee deferred compensation program;
• We managed to still give a 3 percent across-the-board inflation adjustment increase for the entire 170-plus workforce; and
• We showed significant improvements in all measurable patient care areas, based on LUMETRA Survey on patient safety culture.”
In a later interview with the Tehachapi News, Demont said, “We have a positive story to tell. We are fixing many, many things.”

He said that new reporting methods enable better tracking of expenses for the district's four operations — the hospital in Tehachapi and clinics in Tehachapi, Mojave and California City. Demont emphasized that in California City, only the radiology clinic was closed, and the clinic remains open.

One result of keeping closer tabs on expenses has been a retreat from 24-hour staffing in the respiratory department. In 2006, the hospital began increasing the hours of staffing the department and by September of 2007 the department was staffed 24 hours a day, for an average bi-weekly pay of $11,078.

“We said, 'Let's take a closer look at how the staff was organized. We didn't have many patients between midnight and three to four a.m. There was not enough usage during the night.”

As of June, 2008, the respiratory department schedule is 12 hours “on,” or staffed, and 12 hours “on call,” with staff available at a moment's notice, for an average bi-weekly pay of $8,127.

“There hasn't been a degradation in service levels,” Demont said. “We are staffing the work force to meet the needs of the business. At a 24-hour WalMart, at 3 a.m. there are not a lot of cashiers and bag boys. They put the staff they need for the people they expect.

“Alan and I and the board feel the need to fulfill our community responsibility by doing so intelligently and not wasting money.”

The most recent audit of the healthcare district confirms its correct accounting on three levels: financial statements, internal controls and compliance with federal programs.

The receipt of more than $500,000 in federal money from a variety of payors in the course of a year triggered the need for an audit that was more detailed than previously. The audit dated June 30, 2007, conducted by outside firm TCA Partners, LLP, of Fresno, found that “the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Tehachapi Valley Healthcare District.”
The audit also found “no deficiencies in internal control over financial reporting that we consider to be significant deficiencies.”

Finally, the 29-page audit found that “the hospital complied, in all material respects, with the requirements referred to above that are applicable to each of its major programs for the year ended June 30, 2007.”

Man arrested for riding his bicycle...

Drunk driving is still drunk driving, even if you’re pedaling on a bicycle, a Tehachapi man learned recently.

Tehachapi Police Chief Jeff Kermode said on the afternoon of Aug. 17 police observed a man on a bicycle weaving left and right in an alley between Pauley and Currey Streets.

“His feet were coming off the pedals.” Kermode said.

An officer in a patrol car, observing that the bicycle rider neglected to stop at Curry and pulled out in front of a car, turned on its lights to make a stop.

“He rode into the curb, almost falling over,” Kermode said the officers reported. “There was a strong odor of alcohol.”

According to the police report, the bicycle-rider said he had ingested 24 ounces of Bud Ice and a pint of vodka. The officers asked the man to take a field sobriety test.

“I can’t pass them,” he allegedly responded. “I’m too drunk.”

Two Preliminary Alcohol Screening (PAS) tests showed the man’s blood alcohol level to be .20 and .24.

“That’s three times the legal limit,” Kermode said.

The officers arrested Edwards Louis Foley, 31, of Tehachapi, under section 21200.5 of the vehicle code, DUI on a bicycle.

Foley provided a blood sample and was released on a promise to appear.
Kermode said that a person also can be arrested for riding drunk on a horse, as a horse is considered a vehicle.

School board debates counselor conundrum

The Tehachapi Unified School District Board of Trustees deadlocked at their Aug. 26 board meeting on the matter of hiring a new counselor/dean based at Jacobsen Middle School who also would serve Monroe High School.

During the discussion, trustees expressed concern that filling the position would have a fiscal impact on a shrinking budget, while there was general agreement that the students are in need of additional counseling services.

“We need a decision,” Superintendent of Schools Richard Swanson. “We have a continuation school with no counseling services. If we are audited, we will lose funding.”

Chief Administrator of Personnel Bobbie Wieder, who put forth the agenda item, said the administration of Monroe High School “is very concerned that the students at Monroe are not receiving counseling services.”

Chief Administrator of Instructional Services Lisa Gilbert said most of the money is available in the form of a grant.

“I know we have the funding there and can only be spent in that way,” she said.

The discussion re-emerged after the trustees voted 3-3 on the original agenda item that combined the position of counselor and dean. Trustees Patty Snyder, Mary Graham and Kim Armbrecht voted no. Trustees Jackie Wood, Judy Walsh and board President Gary Warner voted yes. Trustee Holly Hart was absent.

The board agreed to revisit the matter at their next meeting and vote on two new agenda items separating the positions of counselor and dean.

“I came in ready to vote on this,” said Trustee Armbrecht. “Then when it's analyzed, it makes the staff look awkward. If we can't afford it, we can't afford it. I appreciate the urgency.”

In other business, public speaker Liz Fox asked the board to review the school bus rider policy to enable youngsters who do not ride every day to utilize the bus in case of need or emergency.

“There should be a procedure to address an 'as needed' ride system,” she said. “I suggest a punch card system.”

Fox, who had been calling the school district administration staff in regard to the matter, had earlier received a letter from Al Harris, attorney for the district, telling her not to communicate with the staff any more.

“I have also beenadvised that your demeanor during these contacts has been frequently rude and inappropriately hostile,” Harris wrote. “As I see it, your behavior has been unreasonable and your continued persistence is interfering with TUSD staff performing their duties. Accordingly, I have directed TUSD staff not to communicate with you regarding your reimbursement/transportation issues.”

Animal control workers detail findings at alleged hoarder's

The stories from animal control officers were stark. A do-not-enter sign is taped to the front door of the property Anita Gilbert rented in Tehachapi after it was raided by Kern County Animal Control in mid-July. Gilbert is facing felony animal cruelty charges.

Urine and feces leaked from the cat carrier where a female Chihuahua with atrophied hind legs huddled, trapped against the top of her cage by the sheer volume of trash and her own waste.

Rotting rotisserie chickens and cans of spoiled pet food sat amid piles of trash on the floor.

Animals' skin, eyes and noses had been burned by the ammonia from their urine. Fur was caked with the animals' own feces.

Animal Control officer Julie Sugg told a county hearing officer Thursday morning what she uncovered at the home of accused animal abuser Anita Gilbert on July 16.
She backed up the stories with 14 grim photos taken inside the warehouse during last months' animal control raid.

Gilbert's civil attorney Clayton Campbell, who was not allowed to cross-examine Sugg, offered no evidence to counter Sugg's story.

His client wasn't there to testify.

Gilbert, who faces two felony warrants for her arrest, did not show up for Thursday's hearing - which she requested in July in an effort to get her animals back.
If she had shown up, she would have been arrested.

Two Sheriff's deputies attended the meeting but left after it was clear Gilbert was not going to show up.

The warrants are tied to her failure to appear in court on criminal animal abuse charges and to an alleged threat she made against a Kern County public defender previously assigned to the criminal case against her.

Campbell said Gilbert has told him she is in a hospital undergoing cancer treatment.
But he only has contact with her by phone and does not know what hospital she is in, he said.

“I've advised her to turn herself in,” Campbell said.

Hearing officer Brian Pitts will now consider the testimony and determine if Sugg, other animal officers, Sheriff's deputies and veterinary officials were justified in seizing 34 cats and 18 dogs from Gilbert under a search warrant served that day.

The investigation into Gilbert's situation started with a public complaint about terrible odors that was made on July 14, Sugg said.

Sugg said she could smell the stench coming from the metal warehouse building on Bear Valley Road from 50 feet away when she visited the property on July 15.

She caught her first glimpse of Gilbert as the woman tried to shove pieces of cardboard into a window to block Sugg's view into the building.

Sugg said she talked to Gilbert and was allowed a glimpse inside the warehouse - where she saw trash, feces and animals.

When Sugg asked to tour the building, she said Gilbert told her to leave unless she had a search warrant.

The next day Sugg came back with the warrant, six other animal control officers and Sheriff's deputies.

Sugg described a small studio apartment where Gilbert was living in one portion of the warehouse. It had feces-covered kitchen counters, an overpowering smell of ammonia and flooring that was “spongy” with soaked-up urine and filth.

The rest of the warehouse contained dog runs, open areas and freezers with 12 animal carcasses wrapped in plastic or paper towels.

Sugg testified that she and other animal control officers seized Gilbert's animals because they were suffering in the conditions they had been forced to live in.

Three animals have been euthanized since the raid.

Campbell tried to postpone the hearing, but his request was denied by the hearing officer, who had already postponed it once at the request of Gilbert and her former attorney George Boyle.

At the end of the hearing Campbell argued that Gilbert's animals should be released to rescue groups or, at the least, Kern County Animal Control should promise not to euthanize any further animals.

His client is worried that animal control will put them to death.

County Attorney Charles Collins said the county will keep the animals, and keep them safe, unless a veterinarian determines a specific animal needs to be put down for humane reasons.

ELK HERD HEARD EARLY

Bear Valley Elk images by Denis Mayberry

Local man heads out for one year in Baghdad

United States Air Force Airman First Class Ryan A. Sibley was deployed to Baghdad Iraq on Aug. 20. Ryan is the son of La Bella Amore Italian Bistro owner Cathie Sibley, of Tehachapi, and Rhon Sibley, of Quartz Hill. Ryan is a 2005 graduate of Quartz Hill High School and will celebrate his 21st birthday in Baghdad. After his one year deployment Ryan plans to return to California, complete the California Highway Patrol academy, and become a CHP officer. Please keep Ryan and all of our troops in your prayers.

Congratulations to Jonathon & Ashley Trone

Longtime Tehachapi residents, Bret & Denise Trone would like to announce the marriage of their son, Jonathon Trone, of Tehachapi, California, to Ashley Cunningham, of Reno, Nevada. The event was an amazing family wedding/reunion, held in Carlsbad, California, on June 28th, 2008. Jonathon's grandfather, Pastor Dan C. Fore, married them in a rose garden, overlooking the ocean. Jonathon and Ashley are still residing in Tehachapi. We would like to wish them well on their new journey!