Tehachapi News

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Long after the decorative signs of the holiday season have been packed away, holiday cheer will remain for the estimated 200 children who are placed into the foster custody of the Jamison Children’s Center in Bakersfield each month.

For nearly two decades, members of CCI Tehachapi’s correctional officers’ union (CCPOA), Stallion Springs Police Activity League (PAL) and a host of local business leaders have sponsored a Christmas party for the Jamison Center residents.

But unlike Santa’s one night world tour, the giving continues into the New Year. They received enough money to help each child who spends a birthday at the center — instead of at home — have at least one reason to smile.

This year, more than $5,000 was raised by CCPOA members, according to corrections officer Spencer Pike, the committee chair.

“I look at the economy this year,  and man, that’s outstanding!” he said.

Children of meth
“These kids are just like anybody else,” said Stallion Springs Police Chief Brad Burris. “They’ve had bad things happen in their lives — but they’re not bad kids. For whatever reason, they’ve ended up there. Usually the parents are on methamphetamines. For anyone who thinks  that drugs are a victimless crime, just take a look in these childrens’ eyes when they get off the bus. They are the victims of drug abuse.”

Burris said the meth problem in Tehachapi is “getting worse and worse,” and that removing minors from an unsafe home environment is “one of the worst things about the job.”

'Living on her own now'
Before the Jamison Center bus arrives at the Lodge at Woodward West each year, Burris gives a pep talk to the volunteers to let them know that the experience can be  highly emotional. Every effort is  focused on making sure the kids have a great time — and making  sure they know that they are valued.

Burris remembered encountering a Christmas party volunteer who had once been a ward in Jamison Center years before.

“When she saw me she said she was living on her own now, and the stuffed animal she had received from a party she attended back then was now on the mantle above the fireplace in her new apartment.”

First time volunteer Dmitriy Geler, a manufacturing engineer for GE Wind, said he’s already looking forward to next year’s experience.

“Either participating in a snowball fight or picking out the presents with the kids, nothing brought more joy than seeing them forget their troubles and enjoy the holidays for at least a couple of hours,” Geler said.

The stuff they carried
Along with sponsorship of the food and Santa-sized sack loads of gifts, GE Wind volunteers brought a life-size gingerbread house they assembled for visits with the Man in the Red Suit.

Each year, the children are also entertained with a variety of crafts and  treated to a pizza and cookie buffet before being allowed to choose their own presents from a bounty of holiday donations. Everything from bicycles to skateboards, baby dolls, clothing, make up and much more. These “luxury items” provide real comfort to a child who has left home under duress, often with little more than the clothing they are wearing.

In-line skating’s 2003 gold medalist, Richie Velasquez and his wife, Pam Velasquez, both of Woodward West, the event hosts, also arranged a professional in-line skating and bike demonstration after lunch. Velasquez travels the country speaking to kids about self esteem and setting goals for self improvement.

“When I talk at Jamison Center I tell them I grew up in New York in a pretty rough neighborhood. It’s always important to have a goal set in mind. It’s about improving themselves, and it’s very apparent they really relate.”

Velasquez said that he doesn’t pry into their private lives, but finds the kids are pretty eager to share their experiences, and open up with those who demonstrate interest —  and who don’t control their future.

“The best part is getting to talk to the kids, really befriend them and get to know them,” he said. “I always tell them you’re your own individual. Stay active and keep your mind out of negativity — keep positive.”

Soaring with The Condors
Committee chair officer Spenser Pike recently coordinated with the Bakersfield Condors to acquire tickets for the kids to attend a couple of  hockey games and meet the team mascott.

“The Bakersfield Condors franchise is a class act. The kids had a great time,” said Pike.

Pike is also working to create a monthly programs, aimed at familiarizing the Jamison kids with a positive side of law enforcement.

“Some kids have a street gang mentality. They don’t like law enforcement because of their situation, it can give a distorted view,” he said.