From The Hart

Balloon Boy "Grounded"

2009-10-15T15:51:00.001-07:00

First would come relief, followed by a long hug, then maybe a crack on the backside.

The nation stopped and watched a UFO-shaped balloon flying up to 10,000 feet over the state of Colorado on Thursday.

News reports from the ground claimed a 6-yr old boy had climbed into his dad's backyard experiment and floated away.

Turns out, the boy never left. He was hiding in a box in the garage attic.

Balloon boy's brother allegedly told his parent's that he saw his younger brother crawl into the balloon shortly before it floated away.

Here's a link with plenty of video: http://www.turnto23.com/news/21307080/detail.html

The parents had been featured on the ABC show "Wife Swap" twice before.

A real-life drama this time.

Perhaps they need a visit from "Super Nanny". The child could have become "Lost" and been "Dancing with the Stars" if not for the fact the helium-filled balloon began a slow decent, and not a fast one, that potentially could have left his brother as "The Bachelor".

"Desperate Housewives" could only sit and watch the drama unfold on TV.

He landed in a dirt field. A faster drop in the woods might have resulted in rescuers finding little "Men in Trees". He definitely would have been "Pushing Daisies".

Rescue crews started the "Private Practice" of puncturing the balloon, giving it an "Extreme Makeover" to try and free the boy, but he wasn't inside.

Anyone with "20/20" vision can see there's much more to this story.

I only hope the "Big Shots" in charge of this will give the young man a stern talking to once everything calms down. And this wasn't just a publicity stunt designed to rake in more "Dirty Sexy Money" for the parents.

**I know, it's bad, but it's the best I could do on short notice.

Naked Man Confronts Intruder

2009-09-21T15:37:00.000-07:00

It's not uncommon for potential victim's of a crime to fight back and turn the tables on would-be criminals.
Many times, it has an element of humor. Sometimes the entire periodic table.

Take this story out of Florida:

A 91-year-old man trying to defend his home got out of bed naked and held an intruder at gunpoint until deputies arrived.

Robert Thompson said he woke up early Saturday morning and heard his dog barking.

He told police the intruder tried to get away through a screen door.

So Thompson grabbed the telephone and dialed 911.

He then grabbed his .38 special revolver, confronted the man and fired a warning shot.

The man stopped, and Thompson kicked out a chair and said "Sit down." The suspect did as he was told.

When Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office deputies arrived, they pulled their guns on him and told him to drop his.

When he did, the gun went off and bullet fragments struck him in the leg.

He was taken to the hospital.

Deputies said the intruder, identified as Jose Pasqual, 26, was intoxicated at the time.

Thompson was back on his feet today, attending his regular ballroom dancing class.

And what a great story for Mr. Pasqual to tell his fellow inmates in the holding tank.

"Yeah, so I was breaking in and this naked old man with a gun caught me."

What Were You Thinking??

2009-09-16T15:08:00.000-07:00

There are some stories (many, in fact) that come across the desk or spill out over the scanner that seem to effortlessly demand the immediate uttering, "What the hell were you thinking??"

Case in point:

BPD Press Release

On 9/16/09, at 9:17 a.m., Bakersfield Police officers responded to a report of a possible burglary in progress on top of the parking garage adjacent to the Stockdale Tower, 5060 California Avenue. Witnesses inside the upper floors of the Tower observed three suspects transferring property from one vehicle to another and at least one of the suspects was wearing gloves.

Officers Erik Forbus and Verion Coleman arrived first and observed the following three suspects on top of the garage:

Dennis Barton 37

Andrew Eugene Williams 24

Tara Marie Monti 20

Officer Forbus detained Williams and Monti who were in a black GMC truck but when Officer Coleman attempted to contact Barton, he drove away in a white Jeep Wrangler which was previously reported stolen. As Barton proceeded downward toward the exit, Motorcycle Officer Santiago Baltazar entered the garage and heard the radio traffic that indicated Barton was fleeing in the Jeep as well as the squealing tires from the Jeep as Barton approached him.

Officer Baltazar got off of his motorcycle and moved away from it as Barton approached. Barton did not strike the officer but narrowly missed the officer and the motorcycle as he disregarded the officer’s orders and continued to flee. As Barton passed Officer Baltazar he collided with parked cars causing the jeep to spin 180 degrees and stop. Barton then drove in reverse to get away, striking two more cars causing the Jeep to stop. Officer Baltazar approached Barton and the Jeep, ordering him to exit. Barton instead accelerated toward Officer Baltazar who fired his duty weapon at Barton multiple times and jumped out of the way to avoid being struck.

After Barton passed Officer Baltazar he struck the police motorcycle and another parked car which incapacitated the Jeep. Barton exited the Jeep but refused to obey the officer’s commands. Officer Baltazar transitioned from his firearm to his Taser and when Barton continued to ignore his orders, Officer Baltazar shot Barton with Taser darts. Only one dart struck Barton and the Taser was ineffective.

Barton ran past Officer Baltazar and out of the parking garage. Officer Baltazar pursued Barton and he and other officers were able to take Barton into custody on the center divider in the 5000 block of California Avenue.

Williams, Monti and Barton are all in custody and the investigation is continuing.

The Jeep and a Toyota Scion were taken during a residential burglary from a gated community in Seven Oaks early this morning. The investigation into that offense is continuing.

Officer Baltazar has been with the Bakersfield Police Department since January 2005. He will be placed on routine administrative leave pending the investigation and internal review.

End press release:

There you have it, taking a bad situation and making it worse. The definition of an idiot in action.

Mandatory Evacuation Means MANDATORY!!

2009-08-31T16:29:00.000-07:00

What part of mandatory don't you understand??

I understand that it's practically impossible to predict precisely where a wildfire will unleash it's destructive force.

Yes, I'm aware that by monitoring a variety of weather related instruments, taking into account terrain, the last time an area burned... yada... yada... yada... fire officials can plot a course of destruction.

It's using this information that the command center will issue evacuation orders for various communities.

So, when an order, er, request is given to evacuate, you might want to listen.

Yes, it can be an inconvenience for some people who live in fire prone area's. False alarms are probably part of life on the mountain.

The Station Fire is currently ravaging an area northeast of Los Angeles, burning 21 homes (so far) and thousands of acres. Not to mention, the possibility of roasting about two dozen TV, radio and emergency transmitter towers.

Then, we have a handful of people who refused to leave when firefighters told them to over the weekend, who became trapped by the flames.

They called for help, asking firefighters to put their own people into harm's way, to save their hides.

I listened to a co-worker last week discuss so-called "mandatory evacuation" orders with a producer.

She adamantly lectured the younger producer that there was "no such thing as a mandatory evacuation order" because in her words, "no one can make you leave your house".

Really.... unfortunately there IS such a thing as emergency crews, both law enforcement and fire, that are saddled with the task of rescuing people from themselves on a daily basis.

There are people out there who sadly NEED people looking out for them.

When you're told to leave, or excuse me, asked to leave forcefully, PLEASE LISTEN TO THEM!

If the fire passes your home or neighborhood afterwards, without so much as a burnt leaf, then you can complain about having to throw things in the car in the dead of night in some kind of fire drill.

It might be an inconvenience, yes.

But at least you won't be left wondering if someone will find it an inconvenience to risk THEIR life to pull you out of an inferno.

A Smoker's Reward

2009-08-24T15:49:00.001-07:00

I'm not a cold-hearted individual, despite sarcastic and insensitive tendencies when faced with the following story.

An L.A. jury has just awarded the daughter of a longtime smoker 13.8 million dollars in punitive damages.

The victim, Betty Bullock, died of lung cancer in 2003, but before she passed, filed a lawsuit against Phillip Morris USA for fraud and product liability.

If the name or case sounds familiar, it was seven years ago a jury awarded Betty a record 28 billion dollars in damages, until a judge reduced it to 28 million.

An appeals court reversed that decision last year, an ordered a new trial which produced today's award.

If it gets dragged out another six years, the award might vanish completely.

And I believe that would be the right decision.

I'm not one who gets all wrapped up in talk of addictions.

For example when I was younger I drank. I drank quite a bit at times. I drank quite often.

I then got married and slowed down.

We had kids and I slowed down even more.

Now there is dust on the bottles in my liquor cabinet and expired beer cans in the mini-fridge.

I enjoy a glass of wine or two at dinner with my wife, and the occasional beer or two during football season or my annual guys weekend in Las Vegas.

I don't get the shakes, I don't sit around craving alcohol... I never have and probably never will.

I smoked when I was younger and, the way I see it, grew out of it.

No one forced me to do any of those things. It was my choice. I knew all the warnings and read all the labels.

I didn't blame anyone then for my choices and I wouldn't now.

I understand that some people feel they are prisoners to such vices, I just don't understand the "addiction" or "disease".

I'm kinda like Tommy Lasorda.

The old Dodger skipper was talking to a small collection of reporters (me included) during opening day back in the mid-90's, when he was asked about Daryl Strawberry's suspension for cocaine addition.

Tommy lashed out saying it was a "weakness", not a disease and not an addiction.

I'm from this school of thought. Smoking is not illegal. You know the risks. You understand the consequences.

Now they want to make marijuana legal. I say let them. You know the risks. You understand the consequences.

But it won't stop someone from screaming "fraud" when faced with the possibility of death.

It's cold, it's final and it's something you can't rationalize with once it comes knocking at the door.

That's your final reward.

Blogging Difficulties

2009-08-24T15:47:00.000-07:00

ATTENTION... ATTENTION... THIS BLOG HAS BEEN HAMPERED BY UNKNOWN AND MYSTERIOUS HICCUPS AND CONNECTION ISSUES...
I WILL CONTINUE TO TRY AND POST FROM TIME TO TIME... AND MORE OFTEN ONCE THIS PROBLEM IS ELIMINATED.
THAT IS ALL....

Street Racing Sting!!

2009-07-27T14:13:00.000-07:00

The CHP is starting to take a keen interest in busting up illegal street racing in Kern County, targeting rural roads on the weekend.

They've already busted up two parties, the most recent last Saturday night on Garces Highway just west of Enos Lane near Delano.

The Task Force observed vehicles racing westbound on Garces Hwy with between 250 and 300 people lining both shoulders of the roadway.

Officers simply blocked the exits and proceeded to arrest 163 individuals.

The ages ranged from 13 to 26 years of age.

It was a few months ago that two CHP officers attempted to break up a street race and inadvertently fired several shots at a car that allegedly accelerated towards an officer. The shots hit a 14-yr old girl in the front passenger seat. Her family is currently suing the CHP.

Forget about the fact this 14-yr old was out after curfew, riding around with a couple nitrous nitwits and doing who knows what. We attempted to ask her attorney, who only said he didn't want to talk about that, only the officers disregard for proper procedure.

As long as we're busting 13-yr old kids, how about taking the child (not teen) to his house and locking up mom and dad while we're at it.

Let the kid stay home while the parents are downtown getting fingerprinted. I mean, they obviously feel he/she is responsible enough to be out at midnight on a weekend. And if he needs a ride anywhere, he's got a friend close by that can get him anywhere he wants to go FAST!!!

The Task Force reminds you to call 911, if you see anything that appears to be “Street Racing” activity in the dead of night.

Who knows, you might save someones teenager.

Such A Waste

2009-07-22T05:15:00.000-07:00

I know it's been awhile since I last posted, but the vacation has ended.

Sadly, many lives have ended in the past month. A variety of shootings and attacks starting with a senseless killing at a family reunion early in the morning on July 5th leading up to the violent attack of a would-be good Samaritan in the drive-thru of a Del Taco at the Northwest Promenade.

Police will tell you that violence increases with the mercury.

The hotter the temperature, the more people are prone to lose it.

But what would make a group of people beat someone to death?

27-yr old Josh Robertson was riding in a car driven by an ex-girlfriend around 2am last week, sitting in a drive-thru at Del Taco behind a car full of guys.

Robertson took issue with some of the things the men were saying to the employee and got out of the car. I'm told he is some kind of manager for Del Taco.

His mother said Josh was "extremely intoxicated" at the time of the incident and when he faced off with one of the men in the other car, he swung but never landed a punch, unless you count it when he hit the ground.

He may have missed, but the man and several of his friends did not.

They beat him as he laid on the ground, then, propped him up against a wall .

Family members say that Doctors tell them it was this position that cut off oxygen to his brain.

He now lays at Mercy Southwest with no brain activity, and the family hoping for a miracle.

A miracle would be charges of manslaughter or even murder being brought against one or more of the attackers.

While I normally don't take sides with anyone involved in a drunken brawl, there something pathetic about someone who would beat anyone who is flat on the ground.

I do believe that Josh should have just stayed in the car and waited for the idiots to pull away. Unless there was some direct threat to the employee, aside from ridiculous drunken comments, it could have ended when their order was finished or someone calling 911.

The only real threat was Josh calling attention to the rude and childish behavior of a couple jerks.

There are rumors that one or more of the accused are members of the CSUB wrestling team. No one from the University will comment yet, obviously, until the investigation is completed.

But it really doesn't matter who they are, only that what they did was reprehensible.

Screeching, Smoking Tires!!!

2009-06-03T14:41:00.000-07:00

It might be the closest I've ever come to serious injury or death.

I've done things in my life (younger days) that could have been perceived as risky, maybe stupid, but never found myself, intentionally or unintentionally, in the path of something potentially deadly.

Until this morning.

I was running errands between newscasts in southwest Bakersfield, just west of the Marketplace on Ming Ave.

Sitting at a red light, waiting to go west through the intersection of Ming and Old River. I was sitting in the middle lane with a dark colored mini-SUV on my left and another 4-door car on my right.

The light changed to green and the SUV on my left sped away quickly. Once I got about 15 feet into the intersection, the SUV was gone and I got my first look at the beige-colored Toyota Highlander Hybrid ROARING at me.

The dark-haired woman driver was going north on Old River at a high rate of speed, when the light changed to red and she was too busy to notice.

How did I know she was driving fast?

It must have been the screeching sound and smoke from the tires as she slid towards me.

New cars have anti-lock brakes that prevent it from "locking up" the brakes. You have to be pushing the brake pedal through the floor board to get a new car sliding.

My momentum carried me just out of reach, as I looked up in the rear-view mirror just in time to see her slide just past the back end of the car.

I stopped in the opposite crosswalk. I paused for a moment to make sure I was OK and no one else had gotten T-boned in the process.

I glanced just long enough to see the woman pause, then pick up her cell phone and continue through the intersection.

If there wasn't any traffic now starting to come behind me, I was half-tempted to swing around and go after her.

I wasn't angry, but irritated by her lack of attention. Annoyed by her use of a cell phone in the now blue-tooth state of California. Terrified by what might have been for me and anyone else in that intersection.

I started thinking of my wife who was struck by a red-light runner last December. It was foggy and the other driver apparently didn't see the light. Lori and my son Michael escaped without injury.

I, at least, didn't get hit.

I don't think there's a driver alive who hasn't been distracted at some point in their life and had a close call of some kind. We've all been there right?!

Only this time, I was the potential victim.

I hope the woman went through some of the same anxieties I did as she was sliding out of control through the intersection. I hope she drove another 100 feet, pulled off the road and reflected on what happened. I hope she didn't pick that cell phone back up and say to whoever was on the other end of the line, "Boy that was a close call (laugh)."

And I hope, we never cross paths again.

Different Ruling, Same Outcome

2009-05-26T15:31:00.000-07:00

It's the issue that will never die.

Same-sex marriage. Three words that have spawned a great divide between people across the state and around the world. And, sadly, it will never be bridged.

Yes, the divide has gotten smaller in recent years (52% to 48% in the last election) but it will always remain.

The California Supreme Court (which has done more flip-flopping on this issue than a presidential candidate) has ruled this time, that the voter-approved ban to be constitutional. The same court which ordered the state in May 2008 to recognize gay marriage.

Only difference this time, the 18,000 or so same-sex marriage licenses that were issued during the lull in the debate will remain valid.

But no matter what any court rules, no matter which way the electorate swings, no matter where the debate is broached, there will always be a void.

This goes way beyond any legal wrangling and lands smack dab in the middle of religion. That's where the right wants it and where the left wants to keep it away from.

Ultimately, this is where I believe the final battle will take place.

Gay marriage support groups are already planning to put the issue back before the voters sometime next year.

Let's say for the sake of argument the proposition passes and the right decides they've had enough. Gay marriage is now legal in California.

Is that it? Will we finally be at peace as a state?

I don't think so.

I, like many people, am tired of the debate, the screaming, the finger-pointing and the homophobic accusations.

And I don't think legalization will end it.

I believe same-sex marriage supporters will then go after any church's tax exempt status that denies a gay couple the right to marry and that might be their downfall.

Say what you want about a person's religious beliefs, but you attack their maker, and it's a whole other ballgame.

That's when people on the fence of this issue, might finally decide to get back in the game.

Miss Ridiculous Pageant

2009-05-13T15:24:00.001-07:00

Move over Miss California, one of your predecessors is getting into the fight.

I tried to ignore this ridiculous battle, but it's time to jump in.

One day after the "Don" backed the current sash-wearing recipient Carrie Prejean, former Miss USA Shanna Moakler has resigned as co-executive director of the Miss California USA Pageant.

She didn't like Donald Trump's decision NOT to fire Prejean.

Here's a little bit from today's AP story: "At a news conference Monday, Moakler had angrily accused Prejean of violating the contract she signed with pageant organizers by speaking out on behalf of organizations opposed to gay marriage and by failing to disclose she had posed nearly nude for racy photographs before entering the state pageant, which leads to the Miss USA and Miss Universe competitions."

He did call the photo's "risque", but added it's the 21st century.

Yes it is, now let's get a grip.

Moakler says she no longer believes in the Miss Universe Organization and what it stands for after she believes Trump gave Prejean a pass.

Gave her a pass? Let's back up and take a look at the video replay of the ambush supplied by celebrity (haha) judge Perez Hilton during the pageant.

The look on her face is total shock as she starts to answer. She stumbles a bit, as she begins to recite the politically-correct answer, then, in mid-stream, she speaks her mind.. her opinion.. and then, is crucified for it.

What did you expect? Hilton obviously knew what he was doing. Perhaps a pre-interview or questionnaire filled out by Prejean tipped her hand and gave Hilton the target he was fishing for.

She was served up on a ratings platter.

So, she went out after the fact and made a few speeches to support her beliefs and the pageant folks in California don't like it.

Trump does, if there's one thing he knows is controversy sells, and sells big!!

He won't fire her, Hilton or anyone else that provides HIS pageant with a spark.

Anyone who dares to wear the sash from this day forward needs to be prepared for a new generation of pageant pratfalls.

Gone are the days of world peace, prepare for the crowning blow!!!

Steroids Statute Of Limitations

2009-05-08T04:36:00.000-07:00

Leave Manny alone...

That's right, Manny Ramirez, mayor of Mannywood, the bulked-up bambino of Los Angeles.

So reality has finally slapped everyone in the face and the rumors of steroid use by MLB's biggest hitter is now making headlines.

So what...

He's reportedly been doing it for years, like many (not all) of the big names in baseball.

They're called the steroid generation for a reason, but they're not alone.

Performance enhancement supplements are everywhere and have been for a long time. Just take a look around your own neighborhood in any town U.S.A.

A wire copy story from two years ago surveyed nearly 2,000 people who went to the gym regularly and used anabolic steroids. It found the majority were white males in their late 20's or early 30's who held jobs in the private sector, made above-average income and were NOT in professional sports.

The reason: they just wanted to look better, no matter what the cost.

Take a look at some kids in local high schools or colleges. Some of the kids walking around the mall with the wife beater t-shirts. All bulked up (ripped) at a very early age. I've heard the argument "oh, well he's in the gym for 6-8 hours a day, he's a gym rat".

Yeah, I thought I smelled a rat!

Steroids, supplements, cream and clear, whatever, it's out there and law enforcement is powerless to stop it.

I've heard stories about players from a local high school football team in the mid-to-late 90's that would travel to Mexico to buy steroids and hide them in their car's rear speakers to bring them back across the border.

I've seen guys who came back from one season to the next, transformed into a monster seemingly overnight, with no second thought from the coaches.

No one who uses them seems to care. The risks are well-documented. No one can claim ignorance, just stupidity.

I've talked about a survey in S.I. years ago, asking Olympic athletes if they could take steroids and not get caught, that would guarantee a gold medal, but you'd be dead in 10 years. Would you take the drugs? It came back a ridiculously high number said they would!

Baseball just happens to be in the spotlight right now, but I say "SHUT IT OFF"!!

I'm sick of hearing about it. If you catch a steroid junkie using one particular type, they'll just return using something else. There are too many and not enough tests to detect them. (Although the visual test seems to be a pretty good indicator)

In the end, it's really not about the professional athletes who use them, but the young kids who start taking them and the parents and coaches who turn a blind eye.

Steroids for all my men (and women).

But don't come whining about your physical or mental deterioration when it comes back to bite you later on down the road.

I don't want to hear it.

And don't try to justify their use to me or dispel what you call the "myths".

I know, I know Manny, you didn't know what you were putting in your body.

If you don't care... well... you know my position.

Act Like A Champion

2009-05-04T15:40:00.000-07:00

It was pretty amazing to see.

Seven U.S. Olympic swimmers in one pool. A pool in Bakersfield. Spending the afternoon talking with more than 100 fellow tankers (slang for swimmers) who had visions of standing atop a podium sometime in the future.

Forget the podium, just wearing the red, white and blue speedo and racing for the U.S.A.

The world class caravan arrived with '96 triple Gold medalist Josh Davis leading the way.

The lineup was extremely impressive with Jason Lezak, Aaron Peirsol, Gabe Woodward, Elaine Breeden, Dana Vollmer and Tara Kirk.

I talked with Jason Lezak a few months ago when he visited my son's swim school to sign a few autographs and take pictures. He was polite, patient and professional in dealing with all the kids that descended on him.

Sunday afternoon, that same character was evident with the rest of Team USA that spent a few hours talking and demonstrating technique with the clinic participants.

And I tried my best to reflect that same attitude.

My day started around 7am at a swim meet downtown. It transitioned into the clinic around 12:30 and continued until 5pm. I was hot, a little burnt and tired by the time it was over.

My son attempted to get autographs before the event started but got into line too late, and missed out in the pre-signing session. It was partly due to the fact that many people crashed the line ahead of us in their exuberance.

So be it. It happens.

Now, it's 10 hours into my day on the pool deck, I want to go home and I get into line as it starts to form after the session. The Olympians are moving back to their chairs. My son digs out his t-shirt and poster. We're 8 people back in a line that stretched to more than 50.

Then, the wayward mother pushes her teenage son into the line next to the people in front of us.

It's just 1 person, but it was the principle that started to irk me. I looked at the woman who was doing her best to avoid eye contact with me. She whispered to her son, looked toward the gold medalists, looked at her watch, etc, etc, etc.

Finally, she glanced at me, obviously feeling the stare that was digging into the side of her face.

She sheepishly asked me "is this the line for the signatures?!" I said, "Yes, and it ends back there."

I was very polite, almost too much so. I had a flashback to the movie "A Christmas Story" when Ralphie and his brother were trying to see Santa Claus, and they unknowingly cut into line.

But this woman simply smiled, ignored me, and continued to stand there.

The man behind me wasn't as kind. He nudged me, beginning to fume at this woman's obvious disregard for line etiquette.

I asked him what he wanted me to do. This woman and her teen didn't care. Maybe she had the same kind of day I did up to that point (although she lacked the sunburn I had attained).

He let out a heavy *sigh* that the line cutter heard. She turned and looked at me. I smiled and motioned to the man behind me. She gave him "the look" and turned back around.

At that point I glanced down at my son who was completely oblivious to everything going on, as he inched closer to getting the autographs that he so desperately wanted.

We moved through the line chatting and meeting each Olympic swimmer one-by-one. My son was having a ball. Every now and then, I'd glance back to see the other man still fuming as he glared at the line crasher.

We finished up with Tara Kirk, moved away from the table and took a long look at the T-Shirt and poster that would soon adorn my son's wall.

The cutter walked by giddy saying, "you're not gonna want to wash that t-shirt now, Dad!!"

I just smiled, knowing I acted like a champion in this situation.

I then moved away, so the other guy could have his say!!!

Supervisors vs. the Sheriff

2009-04-30T17:42:00.000-07:00

And the beat goes on...

The 5th District Court of Appeals has shot down the latest claim by former Sheriff Carl Sparks in his on-going battle to get compensated for his legal fees, in the now infamous struggle with the County over the nearly-forgotten premium pay lawsuit.

The court ruled that Sparks' attorney didn't file the paperwork in the proper order.

First, you file the claim, then you file the lawsuit.

His attorney disputes the ruling, and said it didn't matter, he has another petition that he hopes will bring the case from the 5th District court back to Kern County sometime this year.

I've forgotten what round this is, in a battle of hometown heavyweights.

Lest we forget, this entire fiasco began in November 2004 with the County wanting to recoup about $26,000 in overtime that they contend Sparks approved without the proper authority.

To date, Sparks estimates that his legal fees have reached about $350,000.

He says the County has spent more than that (since they went after the Commanders to begin with).

So for roughly $750,000, we will get to relish in another courtroom battle this year (and probably another after that) until someone cries "Uncle".

Which is not too far from the truth.

Sparks' attorney compared this trial to a book, which tells the story of a case that lasts for decades and is passed down from generation to generation.

He apparently has a sibling that might be going to law school and talked jokingly about passing the case onto her at some point down the road.

Is it possible that neither side in this dispute will finally blink and end this ridiculous posturing, or (more likely) will the costs just keep piling up until the debt becomes part of the County's annual budget?!

Now, remember, it's Sheriff Sparks who's still pushing the issue. The County has long since dropped this debate and is now only fighting to avoid getting stuck with the bill.

No dine and dash here!!

Nope, someone will end up paying.

Let's hope we're not the ones stuck in the kitchen washing the dishes.

On Fire Luncheon

2009-04-24T16:37:00.000-07:00

Hats off to Bakersfield City and Kern County Firefighters!!

The Outback Steakhouse was overrun by firefighters and restaurant employees serving up more than 200 lunches, all to benefit the new Ronald McDonald House at Memorial Hospital.

Men and women (mostly women) flooded into the central Bakersfield restaurant to plunk down $25 each for lunch, then dug deep for nearly a thousand dollars in tips.

All told, the fundraising event pulled in well over five thousand dollars.

Some firefighters were out of their element, while others showed some skills they attained before they ever picked up a hose. All in all, the customers were appreciative of the effort to benefit the families of children who are staying at the hospital.

There was one request for the next On Fire Lunch: single firefighters only, wearing muscle t-shirts and suspenders.

Ladies please, it's for the children... (plus there might be a health code issue :)

While Supplies Last...

2009-04-24T16:20:00.000-07:00

I told the person in the drive-thru that "I can take the heat".

She told me they were out until tomorrow.

Out?!

I wasn't given a timetable when I heard about this free promotion, but to be honest, the whole thing made me a little uncomfortable. I was brought up to believe when you get something for free, there are strings attached.

It's the same feeling I've been getting watching the whole bailout mess unfold. Billions upon billions of dollars doled out with occasional oversight, just enough to make us believe that someone is REALLY watching.

Maybe someone is, a little closer, than when this entire cash carnival began, but I think there are many people involved in this exchange of taxpayer funds, that don't feel the slightest bit uneasy about accepting our money.

It was recently revealed that the 700 billion dollar pot had about 100 billion left in it. Those in charge weren't very worried, because they were expecting about 25 billion to be paid back soon.

Exactly when will the check be postmarked?

G.M. took another two billion dollars today, as Chrysler is reportedly on the verge of collapse after it was carried by the taxpayers for a couple months.

How many other financial institutions will be following suit? Officials reiterate that anyone who received the bailout dollars were aware they would have to pay it back at some point.

Really?!

What if they can't? Will they continue on while the supply lasts, then shut the doors?!

The government might do what I did, spend a little more on what they didn't want (original chicken sandwich) and wait for tomorrow.

Model For All Americans

2009-04-13T15:11:00.000-07:00

President Barack Obama called it a "model for all Americans."

He was speaking of the "courage" shown by American freighter Captain Richard Phillips, at a time when many Americans in the business sector are showing a lack of character.

His unselfish and heroic actions not only saved his crew, but maybe this country's overall image in the international community. At least for the moment.

Before we get sidetracked on a rant about the nation's economy, I'll stick with the situation in the Indian Ocean.

The shooting of three Somali pirates by NAVY seals (one shot each, at night and in choppy water) has now forced the U.S. to deal with a problem that has plagued that region for years. The pirates do NOT operate in the Caribbean, but off the coast of Somali, as they have for more than a century. Considered a nuisance by some might be the reason no one has ever thought about taking them on until now.

Yes, I understand the political ramifications of the region, but the fact we took a stand (even if our hand was forced) I'm glad it was the U.S. not backing down to a terrorist in a pirate's costume.

I give the President a little bit of credit, after all he did give the green light to the Navy, in the event the situation escalated.

But let's not forget the crew of the freighter that fought to re-take the ship, and the Captain offering himself as a hostage to avoid a blood bath.

If that situation had never occurred, we could be negotiating with the pirates right now as the ship and it's crew sat in a Somali port along with hundreds of other hostages and ships.

The pirates are threatening to retaliate. Maybe they will, maybe they won't. The President has called for an international solution to piracy on the high sea's.

Thanks to a couple of crack shots from the US Navy, we will finally get the chance to explore it.

The Buildings at Riverwalk

2009-03-18T05:43:00.000-07:00

It was a view I was starting to enjoy more and more.

Driving to work along Stockdale Highway and glancing over at the Park at Riverwalk.

The peaceful looking ponds (when people aren't swimming in them), the walking/bike paths, picnic areas and the ampitheatre.

Well, the ampitheatre before the start of construction on the new Target. Thank goodness the powers that be decided to scratch plans for the upscale shops and put in a Target or some other big box retailer.

The view of the ampitheatre is now blocked as you drive past the main entrance headed east on Stockdale.

You get a brief glimpse of it before BJ's, then the other Castle and Cooke dome building obscures the ampitheatre, until you pass Changs.

You can look back and see the backside of the structure, until of course they finish putting in the other businesses on the eastside of the complex.

I understand that this was the plan (or the revision of the original plan) for the area, but I grew fond of the ampitheatre and the grassy knoll as a selling point to draw people into the park.

Soon the view will be gone, unless you pull into the parking lot.

Brighthouse might want to rethink the sponsorship, since their sign will soon be obscured by progress.

Officer Involved Shooting, Again...

2009-03-17T05:41:00.000-07:00

I've said it before, so I'll save the speech about obeying a police officer.

If a member of law enforcement is pointing their gun at you, ordering you to drop something, or get down, or hop on one leg, I'm doing it whether I understand why or not.

As of Tuesday morning, the BPD is investigating three officer involved shootings in three days.

Yes, three times someone did something in a threatening manner to cause an officer to pull their service revolver.

One person had a knife, another a gun and a third allegedly tried to run down an officer with his truck.

One was shot and killed, another wounded and a third was not hit by gunfire but later arrested. He's the lucky one.

But it's the reaction from some witnesses that baffles me.

In the case of the person wielding, not one, but two knifes, a witness told ABC23 he was concerned about collateral damage. The officer fired four shots, hitting the suspect twice.

The witness was worried about the other two bullets hitting bystanders. Fair enough. There have been plenty of instances over the years where innocent people have been hit by errant gunfire. Fortunately, no one else was injured.

Keep in mind, Officer Hinzo did NOT fire her weapon when the suspect threw the hunting knife in her direction. She ordered him to the ground as he pulled out a SECOND knife and unfolded it. Only after he began advancing towards her did she fire at him.

Another witness told us they never would have called police if they knew it was going to end in a shooting. Really?! Maybe Officer Hinzo should have tangled with the knife-wielding man using a taser, police baton or other type of non-lethal option. And, exactly what type of scenario do you believe warrants an officer shooting a suspect?

Police officials say they don't stop to try and consider a suspects mental condition when they are in possession of a weapon.

During a similar story I reported on nearly 10 years ago, a senior officer said this when it comes to confronting a suspect holding a weapon. If an officer shoots, he will keep shooting until the threat is neutralized. Does everyone understand?!

In another situation over the weekend, a boyfriend is trying to gain access to his girlfriend's home. There's reports of abuse. The guy shows up in her backyard HOLDING A GUN when he's confronted by a police officer who orders him to drop it. The man reportedly points the gun towards the officer and he's shot and killed.

What would you have an officer do in this situation? Let the person go free until a non-lethal alternative presents itself? Perhaps the officer should potentially sacrifice their life trying to physically disarm the suspect?

It's all so easy to quarterback after the fact, but put yourself in their shoes for a minute, if you dare.

This morning, a suspicious person is at a local apartment complex and when approached by an officer, tries to run him over with his truck. The officer fires a couple shots in self-defense. The suspect gets away and is eventually pulled over and taken into custody.

I hope this isn't a trend that we will see continue in 2009.

Pile on the Pork

2009-03-11T04:15:00.000-07:00

Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't we in a recession?? An economic slowdown?? A financial funk?!!!

With that in mind, and the current debacle that has swallowed up jobs and retirement funds around the nation, why in the world would our elected representatives do something like this:

Congress is sending President Barack Obama a massive bill funding domestic programs and awarding lawmakers their cherished pet projects after more than a week of partisan debate.
Senators passed the measure by voice vote after voting 62-35 to shut down debate. The White House says Obama will sign the bill. It finishes up last year's budget business, which stalled as Democrats feuded with former President George W. Bush. The huge bill encountered unexpected difficulty in the wake of Obama's economic stimulus bill and a budget plan forecasting a $1.8 trillion deficit for the current budget year.

I know that I'm not privy to a lot of the wheeling and dealings in Washington, but how do you justify more than 400 million dollars in pork spending when Nancy Pelosi is talking about a 2nd stimulus package, while the first one is still being passed out?!

Please, help me understand!!

The AP update is somewhat humorous in recounting the huge bill encountered "unexpected difficulty". Really?!! From who, the Republicans?!

Does it really matter...

The GOP has no leverage to do anything in Washington, but sit on the sidelines and watch as the Democratic Party leads the bailout recovery. Even the symbolic vote has already lost it's luster.

I'm just stunned that with the economy still teetering on the brink of collapse, ANYONE in Washington can still think about pet projects and pork.

I'm not naive enough to believe that the financial mess was somehow going to lead to a pork-free diet for lawmakers, but I can dream!!

Back On Line!!!

2009-03-11T04:13:00.000-07:00

The blog is working... it's working again!!!

It's been a difficult couple of weeks trying to figure out what's wrong with this blog (aside from some of my thoughts, apparently).

Everything appears to be up and running again, so here we go.......

I need a vacation, from my vacation...

2009-02-23T15:35:00.000-08:00

Why is it vacations are so much work??

It started on Friday, February 13th as I worked the Condors 5-3 win over Ontario.

The next morning, I set out for Stateline, NV (making it through the Tehachapi pass that had just re-opened following a snow closure) for a Boxing/MMA show I was ring announcing on Valentine's Night. A romantic affair with former World Champion Fernando Vargas on hand wearing a blue velvet pimp suit, holding a cigar in one hand and a large pit bull on a chain in the other.

The next morning the rest of my family headed out for Scottsdale, AZ for the Arabian Horse Show, while I got up early and drove to Burbank to board a plane for Phoenix to join them. (I know, why didn't I fly from Vegas, but I'll get to that later).

The Scottsdale Show is the largest and one of the most prestigious next to the US Nationals. I hung out for a few days helping around the barn and visiting my family (parents, sister and three brothers in the area) before returning home with my son Michael on Wednesday night.

We flew back to Burbank and drove to Bakersfield. Michael returned to school Thursday morning, while I drove back down south for a boxing show in Irvine that night. (Michael stayed at his best friends house) Good show with former World Heavyweight Champ Mike Weaver in attendance and former UFC Heavyweight Champ Andrei Arlovski (who's switching over to boxing).

Returned home Friday morning and picked up Michael from school. We headed to the Central California Junior Olympic Swimming Championships at Cal State where he was scheduled to swim in two relays beginning at 4pm.

We repeated the swimming schedule on Saturday, but worked in a Condors game that started at noon. So it made the trip to CSUB a little more exciting.

Rewind on Sunday, but the Condors game started at 2pm, so when we pulled up at the pool, the relay was being called to the blocks just a few moments later.

The rest of the family was pulling up with the horse trailer about a half hour after we returned home from the pool on Sunday.

Following a quick reunion, we collapsed around 9pm Sunday night, so I could return to work Monday morning at 3:30 am.

Now, I can get some rest.

Bailout Bonanza Part 2

2009-02-03T15:26:00.000-08:00

HOLD EVERYTHING!!!!!!

Moments after posting "Bailout Bonanza", an update on the Wells Fargo Bailout Bonanza.

From the Associated Press:

Bailed-out bank Wells Fargo says it's reconsidering whether to hold a corporate junket to Las Vegas amid criticism from Capitol Hill.
The company had planned a posh outing for its top mortgage writers to kick off this week at the Wynn Las Vegas.
The conference is a Wells Fargo tradition. Previous years have included all-expense-paid helicopter rides, wine tasting, horseback riding in Puerto Rico and a private Jimmy Buffett concert in the Bahamas for more than 1,000 employees and guests.
After The Associated Press reported that this year's event was about to kick off despite the company's $25 billion bailout, the company defended its decision.
But after swift outcry from Capitol Hill, a company spokesman says it's reconsidering its plan.

Smart move...

Bailout Bonanza

2009-02-03T14:49:00.000-08:00

Man, what a time to be working for Wells Fargo Bank!!

Still reeling, despite a 25 billion dollar check from Joe Taxpayer, the banking giant is headed to Vegas this weekend for a nearly two week stay at the Wynn and Encore hotels.

It's to honor the top mortgage lenders. You know, some of the same kind of people who got us into this housing crisis in the first place.

Before you attack, I don't blame one solitary person for the housing collapse, nope, I spread it around to everybody just to be fair.

From Fannie and Freddie who gave loans to people who couldn't afford them, to the real estate agents who pushed people into homes that were a *tad* out of their reach.

Wells Fargo is setting up shop for 12 nights in an annual tradition.

This comes of course after some other high profile bailouts that were followed up by some ritzy high price junkets, that begs the question: "What are you thinking?"

Or more to the point, "Do you care what the public thinks."

Company spokeswoman Melissa Murray told the Associated Press that recognizing employees remains part of the Wells Fargo culture. She went on to say "it's very important that employees know they're valued."

Good thing, they can sit around patting each other on the back the next time the company needs a billion dollar lift, and don't get it.

Risky Behavior

2009-02-03T14:42:00.000-08:00

From the Associated Press, it's time to find out if you're acting in a careless manner at home and abroad.

Consumer Reports called up 1,000 American adults and took a brief survey of everyday behaviors that might put you in danger, without your knowledge.

Here are a few excerpts of the AP story:

It found nearly 3 of every 4 Americans put cotton swabs inside their ears, risking a perforated eardrum. Nearly 4 in 10 admit eating raw cookie dough, which can carry salmonella.
61 percent don't have a rubber mat in the shower. Thirteen percent admitted sometimes drinking beer while using power tools.

Check out the full report at http://www.consumerreports.org/

**I can't believe I never contracted salmonella, after all those years helping my mom make cookies.**

I Wanna Be Like "Sully"

2009-01-30T06:39:00.000-08:00

It was only a matter of time, wasn't it?!

Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger pulls off a miraculous landing in the Hudson River, saving more than 150 lives.

I'm still waiting for the movie, but for now, people enamored with the idea of heroically landing a crippled airliner can take solace in a new on-line simulator of sorts.

http://www.addictinggames.com/heroonthehudson.html

Enjoy "Hero on the Hudson".

Blog Problems

2009-01-21T04:15:00.000-08:00

I've been having problems for several weeks now with the blog server saving my posts. I'm trying to get the issue resolved. Stand by for more thoughts at a later date.

Carjacker Wanted For Murder

2009-01-12T15:26:00.000-08:00

Update on the carjacker shot by the BPD at the Bakersfield Air Park, after running from officers on January 4, 2009.

The BPD's Critical Incident Review Board found that all three officers were within Departmental Policy, along with state and federal guidelines.

**A side note, apparently the suspect, Jose Peyan-Leal was being sought be Mexican police on an outstanding warrant for murder**

Riding High, Feeling Low

2009-01-12T04:36:00.000-08:00

What a weekend!!!

It began with another cameo on ESPN2 as ring announcer for Friday Night Fights. A great fight card that ended with up and coming featherweight Yuriorkis 'El Cyclone' Gamboa scoring a TKO with :48 seconds left in the 10th and final round. I was feeling pretty good.

On the drive home from Primm, Nevada on Saturday morning, I get a frantic call from home. One of the horses backed up into a piece of metal in his stall and sliced the two tendons and an artery in his right hind leg.

My wife Lori was holding a towel in place, while one of our vets, Dr. Chris Comeau raced to the house. "Merlin" (the 7-yr old Arabian) was patched up enough to take to the Bakersfield Vet Hospital where Dr. John Tolley did his best to sew the tendons and artery back together.
Toss in Dr. Laura Blanton, along with assistants Hector and Rachel, and a terrifying moment was made a little more bearable.

I raced from there back home long enough to get cleaned up for Saturday night's Condors game where despite a severely sore throat, I struggled through and watched the guys pick up a much needed 3-2 win over the Aces.

Sunday was spent reflecting on everything that transpired in the last 48 hours, while boxing up the last of the Christmas decorations.

You see, there are two X-mas celebrations in my house. The one on Dec. 25th and another sometime this month in Phoenix with my family.

I'm always glad to have the 2nd holiday with my side of the family, especially this year.

There's already a lot to be thankful for in less than two weeks.

Viewer "Sounds Off" On-line

2009-01-07T15:25:00.000-08:00

This e-mail was sent to ABC23 through our website. The viewer was reacting to the story of the carjacker who was shot dead by police at the Air Park. Tuesday night we had reaction from the suspects family, (which as you can imagine was filled with "police didn't have to kill him", "why didn't they shoot to stop him", etc, etc) the BPD and the neighbor of the victim.

Here's what the viewer wrote:

Why is it that you, and every other TV station, feels it necessary to spend so much time and energy trying to convince your viewers that a criminal being shot by police is a good, fine, upstanding, family man who wouldn't harm a flea? You show happy family photos, and endlessly interview family members and others, showing children left behind. I heard virtually nothing about the victim this punk shot in cold blood. What about him? Oh, yeah, that wouldn't fit with the punk's angelic image you try to portray. How about just mention that his family disagrees with what happened and then report about the crime itself and how the police stopped a violent criminal from continuing to inflict harm on society.

Well, we did report on the "punk" and what he did.

I think you can understand my take on the situation by reading the last two posts on this blog, but that doesn't mean that the suspects family doesn't have a right to be heard. To be truly fair, we go after both sides of the story, even if I personally don't care for it.

As for the picture of him, I've yet to encounter the family of a suspected criminal who provides the media with a "bad" photo?! I can only think of one time, and the family called right after the show to ask for the photo back and for us to stop running it, because it made him look guilty.

As for the endless family interviews, it was one person we used, with two short sound bites that had to be translated.

We buffered that sound, with bites from the neighbor who came to the aid of Julio Diaz after he was shot trying to stop Leal from stealing his car, along with Sgt. Greg Terry.

No one is trying to set up this suspect as something "angelic".

All the sound bites and happy photo's in the world can't change what really happened.

Shooting Accusation Update

2009-01-06T09:39:00.000-08:00

New information, outcome the same.

Another day and more information is coming out in the case of Jose Leal, the carjacker who was shot by police as he attempted to run away.

There's been a lot of talk about the police and how they handled the situation.

Let me reiterate my stance from the previous post.

You have a positively identified suspect, who shot the owner of a car as he stole it, sitting in the stolen Dodge Durango with police all around it.

The suspect starts to run away, with gun in hand according to police, and he's shot from behind.

I don't have a problem with that.

What part of "Get out of the car" and "Show me your hands" don't you understand. Family members told a reporter that he didn't speak English.

Picture yourself in a foreign country where you didn't speak the language. You are surrounded by vehicles with lights or sirens blaring. People with guns are pointing at you, screaming things you don't understand. Is your first reaction to run? My answer is: only if you're guilty.

This isn't a movie.

The hero isn't escaping after being framed for a crime he didn't commit.

When someone dies however, we sometimes attempt to justify or rationalize his or her actions.

Family members say he had a wife and child. He came into the country illegally, but was trying to make a better life for himself.

I'll even overlook his past indiscretion.

But don't forget, the police gave him plenty of chances to give up.

Officers gave numerous commands, over and over.

They deployed a K-9 to take him down, but the dog became distracted by another dog.

Only then did they fire their guns and thus create a potential firestorm of controversy.

Don't try to run from the truth.

The media gets a bad wrap for jailhouse interviews. The public is sometimes angered by us giving the accused a chance to tell their side of the story.

Sometimes, like this situation, the suspect doesn't give us the chance.

And the media, police, family and victims are all left to wonder.

Where are the shooting accusations?

2009-01-05T04:40:00.000-08:00

A fleeing suspect is shot be Bakersfield Police on Sunday.

I've received a press release from the BPD, with two updates as of 3:30 Monday morning but so far no conspiracy theory.

The two usually go hand-in-hand.

Within minutes of an officer involved shooting (this one involving THREE officers) we get at least one e-mail and a phone call or two charging the police with being gun-happy mercenaries who target innocent people OR one-time criminals, who've been working hard to turn their lives around, up until they accidentally stole a car by shooting the owner, thus leading police on a high speed chase.

A chase that ended up at the Bakersfield Air Park, driving across the runway, around hangars, until the suspect hopped out of the car and started to run, with gun in hand, and was shot by three officers.

I was expecting the first e-mail within minutes of this story. Someone crying out, "But he was running away from police!!!"

Who cares which direction he was headed?!

If it was towards my neighborhood, I say "Open Fire!!!"

Police have a policy when it comes to a person holding some kind of weapon and is a danger to a person or property.

Shoot until the threat is neutralized.

I can already hear it, "Couldn't they have used a non-lethal device?!"

Let me answer for them by saying, "No".

There was no confusion in this incident.

The suspect shot the owner of the car and stole it. The call went out. The vehicle was identified and the driver matched the suspects description. Probably further verified when he took off leading police on a chase that went on the tarmac at the Bakersfield Air Park, crashing through several gates before overturning in a vacant field.

The suspect got out and ran, with gun in hand.

Police yelled for him to stop and drop the weapon. He didn't comply. He's now dead.

I've always been fascinated by people who run from police, then complain about how they deal with the situation.

Try this, stop and give up.

You'll save the police and grief stricken family members from trying to make sense of it after you're gone.

Broken Promises

2009-01-02T16:31:00.000-08:00

It's time to start initiating those New Year's resolutions!!!!

You know, the one (or one's) you came up with in the latter stages of 2008, that are meant to shape you and your life into a better person this year.

Scanning the web for a variety of resolutions that are typically broken, I've come up with a few to keep in mind.

Obviously, losing weight is a biggie, no pun intended.

Also on the list being more organized, becoming more of a people person and saving money are very popular promises.

Then, there are things like the desire to learn something new in the coming year. I could use this one when it comes to my computer and the world wide web, which after all these year's I've barely scratched the surface on.

Other vows include scaling back on the amount of TV you watch and giving up on-line games at work. (Maybe they should erase Solitaire from the windows system menu).

Another promise I found interesting on the list was the promise to never be late for work again. However in the news business, you're ALWAYS at work, so to speak. Breaking news never takes a day off.

The number 1 resolution of course is to quit drinking or smoking, which might explain the increase in TV ads for the patch and other nicotine quitting devices you see advertised at length during the holidays.

So, here is the list of the old standbys, just in case you didn't come up with something fresh for the new year.

If you're someone who constantly ends up with a broken promise by February 1st (at the latest) then you might want to start small.

Like promising to post more on your company blog!!!

Concert Behavior 101 - Clear the Air

2009-01-01T19:52:00.000-08:00

Consistency is the key.

There's been a lot of talk about the BPD's behavior regarding pot smoking at the Snoop Dogg concert last week.

Why didn't the officer bust the dozens of people *lighting* up during the concert?!

Talk of a potential riot, racial profiling, etc, etc. have been tossed around, turning the incident into a full blown blogging controversy.

I've been attending concerts for the better part of 30 years, taking in my first show (Fleetwood Mac, 1978 Chicago Amphitheatre) when I was 14.

From the rock chapter there was the Stones, Aerosmith, RUSH, AC/DC, Journey and The Who (Farewell Tour '83) just to name a few.

John Michael Montgomery to Frank Sinatra, a young Little Richard, KORN, George Clinton and The Grateful Dead, I've attended a large number of shows, from stadium gigs to intimate gatherings and just about ALL of them contained some form of stimulant or sedative that was floating around the venue in people's hands or in the air.

Sure, not everyone was doing it, but there were groups here and there.

Every now and again, I cover a concert for ABC23. It consists of getting escorted down to the sound board, where you plug in and record the first :30 seconds of the first two or three songs. Then, you're escorted out.

It's amazing what you can witness in that short time.
Like the time I shot the Brad Paisley concert, and while I was wading through a sea of people towards the front of the stage with my camera, I'm offered a joint.

C'mon, I'm working!!!

My message though is be consistent. If you're not going to bust someone in a large crowd of people at a concert for lighting up in plain sight, then you've got to leave the little guy alone.

I'm not going to try and differentiate between the people getting stoned at the Snoop Dogg concert and those who were spinning around in the grass, on grass, during a Jimmy Buffet show I attended in San Diego.

Stoners are stoners, only some now pack heat.

It's the consistency I'm after.

At a ZZ Top concert at Rabobank a couple years ago, I'm standing on a chair waiting for the show to start. A young man (when he started attending these shows) was very excited to be at Rabobank for the bearded brothers. He was screaming at me to put him on camera. I mentioned I didn't have night vision on the camera, but it didn't mean anything to him.

He had that "I've been smoking pot all day" stink about him. As soon the curtains parted and the band launched into the first song of the night, this gentlemen sparked up right below me, inhaled, and walked off with the joint in his hand, while screaming in his exhale.

He didn't make it 10 feet before security had him in a headlock and was escorting him to the door.

Are you kidding me??

The last few times a rap or hip/hop artist played at Rabobank, I clearly remember the smell of marijuana hovering over the crowd. Maybe I just missed the part where they were escorting people out. There was no riot and the people taking part weren't making any effort to hide it.

There have been calls for the BPD to shutdown concerts for this kind of illegal activity.

Maybe, just be consistent from now on.

It might free up some more tickets.

Holiday Mayhem

2008-12-01T15:19:00.000-08:00

A worker at Wal-Mart is trampled to death by a crowd of bargain-thirsty shoppers, hell bent on getting the best Black Friday bargain.

How pathetic.

It's not the first time someone has been injured or even killed during this annual shopping ritual, and yet, the practice continues on year after year.

Isn't it time to put this tradition to rest?!

There must be a tremendous boost to the bottom line as the holiday rush kicks into full gear or Corporate America would have given Black Friday the boot years ago.

No discount or savings is worth a person's life.

My wife and I argued over this fatality, trying to assign some blame to the tragedy.

I wanted justice in the form of charges filed against the people involved in the stampede.

I'm not talking about murder or involuntary charges, but reckless endangerment for everyone seen running over the man and not stopping to help.

Others who grabbed what they needed and raced to the checkout line while the man was being given emergency medical attention.

And especially for those who griped and complained when informed by the store employees that they were closing the doors because of the death.

My wife Lori was targeting her animosity at the big box retailer.

No savings is worth a person's dignity and compassion.

The Black Friday bargains and sales bring out the worst in people and the businesses know it.

But it doesn't matter.

Wipe up the blood while preparing for tomorrow's business day.

The animal-like atmosphere is somewhat contagious, infecting everyone who attends this ritual.

Yes, I said everyone.

Not some people or most people, nope, I'm going with everyone who got up in the wee hours and waited outside for the doors to open.

Everyone who surged forward with the crowd as the doors were being opened and felt that adrenaline rush.

It's a disease and we need to administer a vaccine.

Black Friday did nothing for this year's early holiday shopping season.

Instead of a kick start, Corporate America got a kick in the ass.

Prop 8 Scuffle Ruled A Draw

2008-11-18T15:41:00.000-08:00

Ladies and Gentlemen, we have a draw.

It's the worst decision I've ever had to announce inside the ring, which is usually met with a chorus of expletives and cat-calls.

In the 15 years I've been doing ring announcing, I've had to announce the "never" popular draw about two dozen times.

I can remember only one time where the fans, and even the fighters, were OK with the decision. It was an all-out melee with no clear cut winner in a six round fight.

People don't want a draw or a tie.

They want some finality, they want a winner and a loser.

The Ken Mettler vs. Rod Badewitz bout has been ruled a draw by the DA's office, after it was determined that charges couldn't be successfully prosecuted against either individual.

Personally, I would have called it a "no contest".

Scoring this as a sanctioned bout.
It was a ridiculous situation for both parties involved. I give a little leniency to Mettler for what he did, with the comments urging violence being hurled in his direction. But I also deducted a point for leaving his neutral corner without invitation by the referee and venturing into the Anti-8 corner.

Now, Badewitz is contemplating a civil suit against Mettler and I'm sure there will be plenty of legal types chomping at the bit for a shot at it.

After all, it's not the youngsters first square dance in the court system. For that matter, Mettler has been down that road as well.

Score: Tied

I agree with the DA's office not getting in the middle of it.

The altercation was a joke to begin with and continues to draw laughter.

Mettler wants to extend an olive branch, and Badewitz appears ready to knock it out of his hand.

Unfortunately, even legal intervention won't settle this dispute.

Once again, I urge Mettler and Badewitz to settle this in a cage match.

For that matter, let's bring in Pro and Anti 8 people and make this a battle royal.

It would end with both sides claiming victory, but at least provide everyone on both sides with the chance to land a few legitimate punches.

Practice What You Purchase

2008-11-12T15:16:00.000-08:00

You bought a Prius, now act like it!!

I'm driving along Stockdale Highway, on the way to my house, when the road merges to one-lane just past the stoplight.

I'm at the front of the line, when a new Toyota Prius slides up next to me in the curb lane, that is suppose to merge.

I see the new paint, pristine shine and start to wonder what it would be like to get that kind of gas mileage.

I mothballed my Expedition (with the exception of using it to tow the horse trailer) and have resigned myself to driving my wife's old car. A 2001 Toyota Avalon. A far cry from the '71 Cutlass 442 or '69 Mustang from my youth. But it's a solid car with air bags and some pretty decent horsepower and MPG's.

The older gentlemen driving the Prius is staring straight ahead.

I've seen that look before. When I was 18. Someone pulling up next to the 442, burning a hole in the stoplight with their stare as they prepared to punch the gas pedal threw the floor board in an attempt to roar away from the intersection first.

But this is a Prius.

Built for distance, not speed.

His gaze never left the light for one second. I started to chuckle, wondering if perhaps I was just a little delirious from my early workday.

The light changed and with the exception of what I use to refer to as a "burnout", the Prius sped away from the intersection as I began to accelerate alongside him.

With each passing 10th of a mile, he continued his rapid acceleration until he suddenly eased off the gas and slid in behind me as the road came together.

What was that all about?!

We've done stories about Prius owners, called hyper milers, who go to extraordinary lengths to try and get the most MPG's possible by coasting down hills and up to lights, anything and everything possible to boost the miles they squeeze out of every gallon.

One guy actually claims he went 110 miles on one gallon!!

Once I turned off of Stockdale Highway, Mr. Prius roared (more like a whirring sound) past me.

Perhaps the new Prius should come with a special section in the owner's manual that spells out how the hybrid system works and how old driving habits will have to be altered if the owner expects to see any gas savings.

Or maybe we should pass a law that requires Hybrid owners to use the slow lane, relinquish the right of way and carry a 5 gallon container of gasoline, so they can provide a little roadside assistance for the rest of us.

Sweetie, Honey and Baby

2008-11-07T15:47:00.000-08:00

I was standing in line, minding my own business, when the young female cashier uttered the first one.

"Is that all, Sweetie?!"

I did a double take. It's a phrase that's been uttered by my wife or other friends, but it's been a while since a total stranger hit me with it.

I was paying for the 16oz drink and shuffling through the change in my pocket when I asked her how much I owed her.

"That'll be $1.19, Honey."

A honey and a sweetie?!

I had a flashback to the ABC23 newsroom about 12 years ago, when we were informed in a memo, that this type of conversation was frowned upon, after a producer complained to the news director.

I wasn't the guilty party in this instance, but I had tossed out the occasional phrase without thinking to some of my friends of the opposite sex.

Since that time, the friendly talk, gestures and a kind touch were replaced by the cold, methodical proceedings of a company that was falling in line with rules regarding harassment.

Don't get me wrong. The culture of CEO's, managers and any one else in charge who abused their title to force women, or men, into compromising positions out of fear of losing their job, has completely decimated the emotional aspect of the working environment.

Perhaps it's partially responsible for the generation of hopscotch employment now, where people jump from job-to-job with little thought of making a career in one particular place.

It's mellowed in recent years, but a generation that grew up in a family like atmosphere at work has vanished. It's still there, but very antiseptic for the most part.

I smiled and handed the cashier $1.25, and dropped the change in the penny cup.

She smiled back and responded with a "Thanks, baby, we'll see you next time."

Yes you will.

"Sign" of the Times, Part 3

2008-11-05T14:27:00.000-08:00

Should we leave the signs up??

Absentee and provisional ballots aside, it appears Prop 8 has passed, thus striking down same sex marriage in California.

At least for the moment.

Opponents have already filed one legal challenge at the time of this blog and were preparing another.

So, here we are, just a few months after the state Supreme Court overturned the constitutional amendment outlawing gay marriage, and we're right back where we started.

In the months leading up to Nov. 4th, activists cited public opinion polls that they claimed would keep Prop 8 from passing.

But that didn't happen.

And, based on trends and locations of the absentee and provisional votes that are still outstanding, the margin of support appears secure.

The "No on 8" campaign says it won't concede.

No surprise.

What about the 18,000 gay and lesbian couples that tied the knot?!

Experts believe the legality of their unions will probably be decided in court.

Neither side seems willing to compromise in this ongoing dispute.

Same sex couples want the right to marry and conservatives want to protect traditional marriage.

So how about this.

Let's get rid of the word "marriage" in all government forms, applications, etc...

Replace it with "legally bound".

When you fill out a form, it will now read Status: Single, Legally Bound, Divorced

Let's face it, no matter what the constitution reads or a judge orders, same sex marriages will never be recognized by some religions and various other groups.

And, gay couples could probably care less, as long as they're able to refer to their relationship as a marriage.

So, stop forcing either side to re-define their definition, and change the way a city, state or the country refers to relationships.

"Legally Bound".

Most people would probably be OK with that.

While I don't agree with same sex marriage, I'm not willing to rewrite my personal definition for anyone.

But I'll more than gladly use the phrase "Legally Bound".

After all, most married people I know file their taxes under "Single" any way.

"Sign" of the Times, Part 2

2008-10-27T15:48:00.000-07:00

It was only a matter of time.

The highly publicized skirmish between High School District trustee Ken Mettler and several protesters of Proposition 8 is making headlines around the world.

Isn't "You Tube" a wonderful thing?!

As both sides now arm themselves for the stretch run to Nov. 4th, I encourage everyone to check out the *uncensored* version of the encounter that's available in cyberspace.

It isn't hard to find.

**Be forewarned, the uncensored version is not a Disney Pixar film, and neither are the people who claim to be the victims. This video is rated "R" for language.**

Listening to the protesters of Prop 8 asking Ken Mettler why he was taking back the altered "Yes on 8" signs is quite entertaining.

Maybe going to retrieve the signs in the midst of a rally wasn't the smartest idea in the world.

Maybe Mettler was looking for a confrontation. He says he wasn't but it's obvious the protesters wanted to mix it up.

The "No on 8" people were prepared with camera's rolling, like well trained paparazzi, to "spontaneously" capture the encounter for all to see.

Now, the video has been dissected to death. Accusations are flying that the video had been altered. Where are the missing frames, one local station began crying!!

The version that was given to ABC23 by the amateur cameraman at the rally did not appear to have any missing frames of video.

Just one long bouncy shot with random zooms, that might make it appear the video was altered.

As for the "fight" or "attack" as some have called this, here's a quick recap from the video as I see it.

You see a hand reach towards Mettler, followed by a woman's body obstructing the altercation long enough to see Mettler then try to kick the 20-yr old protester, while throwing an off-balance punch that may or may not have connected.

That's it.

The police looked at the video at the scene and decided not to press charges.

But you can bet this video will be played out again and again.

I'm surprised it hasn't been used in a "No on 8" TV ad yet.

A father-like figure gets into a scrape with his rebellious son, and daughter, and boyfriend, etc, etc, etc.

Both sides are claiming victory, but there's only one real way to solve this.

Get Mettler and the young alleged victim into the ring for a cage match.

It's obvious we are well beyond a civil discourse on this topic. Maybe we should round up another panel discussion so Mettler and another local conservative can get verbally assaulted by a heavily biased audience, instead of engaging in a spirited exchange of ideas.

Nope, maybe it's time to climb through the ropes.

We'll provide a referee, corner men, the whole deal.

My money's on the old guy who's passionate for his cause, not the youngster looking for a fight.

"Sign" of the Times

2008-10-24T09:04:00.000-07:00

Enough already!!!

Put the sign down and step away from the controversy.

The ABC23 e-mail inbox has been overflowing with charges of conspiracy, theft and destruction.

All involving campaign signs of every shape and size.

Cue the actor running out into the street screaming, "Oh the humanity!!!"

The majority of complaints involve the highly emotional Proposition 8 and how we will define marriage in the state of California's constitution.

**If anyone believes this issue will be resolved on Nov. 5th, you are sadly mistaken.**

I know which way I'm voting on that particular issue and no sign, propped up in somebody's front lawn, is going to change my mind.

It's gotten to the point that I don't look at ANY of the signs anymore.

I know who's running for what, who's pushing what prop and which group is behind them.

Trouble is, most people don't.

And with the potentially highest voter turnout in Kern County election history just over one week away, people are taking their signs and TV ads very seriously.

If you wonder what kind of effect it has on most people, consider the annual reader's poll in the local paper. Every year it seems the same people win the same awards. Is it because they're the absolute best at what they do? Or maybe their advertising campaign is simply the best in town

When filling out the ridiculously long form in the paper (usually just to vote on 1 or 2 of my favorite categories like best steak: Outback Steakhouse) I come across some categories that I've never had to use, or haven't used in years. That's when a jingle or commercial pops into my head for that particular business and I scribble down their name.

That's what most of the groups backing the candidates and issues have always relied on.

Name recognition and the pimping of propositions.

The attack ads aside, it seems like there is a disproportionately higher number of assaults on campaign signs this year.

Bakersfield police however are not reporting a higher than usual number of complaints in this department.

So is it all for the camera's?!

You bet it is.

We run a story about one side of the issue one day and the next, the opposition is banging at the door to the inbox slinging similar charges.

And it's only going to get worse in the upcoming week before the election.

I'm just hoping that someone or something (surveillance camera) will catch one of these campaign sign assassins in the act.

It makes some of the best news video.

The only thing better would be to punish these people by hanging a sign around their neck and making them stand on a street corner for a couple of days.

The sign could read "Political Pawn" or maybe "Campaign Clown".

Now that's a sign most people can really identify with.

Caught On Tape

2008-10-20T17:58:00.000-07:00

"Shame On" the "Shame On" people.

I've always viewed these people with a bit of annoyed amusement, if you will.

Since the first time I tried to talk with them and was handed a business card, to last Saturday night at the San Joaquin Community Hospital "Evening with Amy Grant".

Now, they're simply pathetic.

Let me set the stage for you. The "Shame On" people, here after referred to as SOP, were set up outside a big tent for the VIP dinner before the event.

The SOP had their usual sign, that most people I know simply drive by and ignore, but were also armed with flyer's and a video camera.

Video camera?

Oh, right, like some kind of demented paparazzi, right?!

Nope, they were video taping everyone who paid money to attend the event.

Not that anyone who attended really cared, but seriously, what do you plan to do with the tape or memory card?!

Figure out who these people are and picket them, too?!

Ever person who showed up for the dinner you protested, actually ponied up a little extra dough so the hospital can buy new equipment that will go into the facility's new burn care center.

What did they do to you, SOP?!

The event had nothing to do with whatever the hospital did that DIDN'T include union labor.

The facility is the first of it's kind between LA and Fresno that will allow burn patients to be treated right here instead of being shipped out of town.

The SOP have run their course and have become, quite frankly, pathetic.

Most of the people I talked to, who were protested by the SOP in the past, tell me the bid for union labor was so much higher than the non-union counterparts that it wasn't cost effective to use them.

Most time, there wasn't enough union laborers to do the job and had to be brought in from out of the area at an even higher cost.

Even the protesters are from out of the area.

Still, even without a union crew, these jobs manage to pass city and county code compliance.

And Saturday night, they had SIX SOP at the San Joaquin dinner.

I pray none of them, or anyone in their family or union, ever needs the services of San Joaquin hospital or any of the other medical offices they've shown up at in the past.

Maybe the next time they need care, they can lay on a gurney out on the sidewalk with a banner draped over them.

But not that anyone would notice them.

Host Gone Wild!!!

2008-09-25T16:40:00.000-07:00

Scott Cox is all about the outrageous.

From the things he says to, well, the things he says.

I usually flip him on for a couple minutes on my drive home after the No Bull Morning Show to hear him launch into an attack on something he heard, saw or read. It doesn't last very long these days, due to the new format at the radio station, but it's good for an occasional laugh, chuckle or shake of the head.

Anyone who listens to Cox knows that he deals in sensationalistic, shock value entertainment.

That said, I'm finding it hard to believe this entire political sign stealing stunt, from the first theft to the indefinite suspension, wasn't a giant ratings hoax.

And Cox is sitting back right now having a great big laugh.

Let's recap for a moment.

The talk show host comes up with a scheme to pilfer a dozen or more political signs belonging to KHSD trustee Chad Vegas (a regular on his co-hort's talk show) with the idea of breaking the news of the theft later in the week.

Then, he announces next week that he secured the return of the signs.

Only someone sees him taking one and writes down his license plate number.

It finds it's way to Mr. Vegas who turns it over to the Sheriff's Department.

As the plan starts to unravel, Cox comes clean (after denying the theft to numerous media outlets and station management).

A big press conference, involving Cox and the trustee candidate running for re-election, is held to capture the admission of guilt and apology.

Cox is going to put them all back where he got them, and though Vegas seems slightly annoyed, he seems content to absorb the media spotlight that this stunt has provided for him.

But the Sheriff's Dept. has one of their investigators looking into it, even after the truth came out.

It's gone beyond no harm, no foul. The Sheriff's Dept. says it's a misdemeanor that carries possible jail time and a fine.

Not that Scott will ever see the inside of a cell.

Then, just before the 6pm news, ABC23 is notified that Cox has been suspended indefinitely.

Strange timing, almost to ensure the *breaking news* reference.

And, the radio stations are in the heart of their ratings book.

Add it all up and you've either got a big-time blunder or a carefully orchestrated ratings ploy.

Given the suspension and subsequent Sheriff's investigation, the major gaffe is probably the likely answer, but I can't help but think we're all being taken for a ride.

Like the one Cox provides on his radio show.

Only time will tell which version is the truth.

And I hope, Cox is still able to laugh about it.

Fair Observations

2008-09-22T04:19:00.000-07:00

The Kern County Fair 2008 is off and running, but at first glance, it doesn't appear many people are joining in the race.

Yes, there was a good crowd the three days I attended out of the first five, but it was missing the feeling of suffocation.

You know, where you walk down the midway, doing more side-stepping than forward motion.

The crowd of people so thick you could stop walking and move with the flow of the crowd.

Not that I mind, mind you.

But it seems like something is missing. Actually, a lot of somethings.

Even the exhibit halls seem a little bare.

I understand we're still reeling from the economic downtown (recession, did I say that?!) and people might be trying to save a little as we head towards the holidays.

I mean, the fair is expensive. No, really, it is.

You can actually save money by going to Disneyland. No, really, you can't.

There was one incident that did irritate me just a bit.

My two sons and I visited one of the many BBQ shacks at the fair on Sunday.

It's the one that looks like a red barn.

My older one wanted some pit beef with sauce and a little shredded cheese on top.

That's all.

I scanned the menu and the only thing that came close was the pit beef sandwich minus the cheese.

I saw a container of cheese sitting on a ledge by the grill and asked if they could just sprinkle a little on top.

I was told no.

I asked for a side order of cheese to go with the sandwich.

It wasn't possible.

I walked one building south and my son opted for the tri-tip sandwich, which the good folks made to order.

C'mon, a little flexibility this year.

After all, it's not like there was a long line of people waiting to eat.

Goodbye Lloyd

2008-09-18T13:40:00.000-07:00

Lloyd Lindsay Young is a man who knows who he is and isn't afraid to share it with the world.

A rare thing in this growing age of anonymous blogging.

One of our first conversations at ABC23 more than 3 years ago was how he would be perceived in the Bakersfield market.

Lloyd acknowledged that the initial impression would be shock, dismay and confusion over his "act" which he had developed for more than four decades.

I found him to be funny, driven and truly committed to providing the most accurate forecast in the valley.

Yes, sometimes "really" committed.

The first newscast we ever did together, Lloyd reached over and stroked Jackie's hair telling her how beautiful it was to the touch.

It was a little unnerving for Jackie at the time, and I jumped on the opportunity.

The next night, I put my foot on the base of her chair (which had wheels) while we were on-air and began to slowly push her towards Lloyd at the end of his forecast.

Something she laughingly smacked me for in the commercial break.

My biggest complaint (and it was pretty minor) was Lloyd had no concept of time during his forecasts and would routinely go over, leaving us to scramble to "pinch" a few seconds here and there to get out of the show on time.

Most of the viewers who didn't care for his delivery couldn't get past all the "shtick" and realize he was right on the money about 99% of the time when it came to his forecasts.

Bottom line, he wanted to give people a weather cast that was informative, accurate and fun.

Seriously, how tough is it to say it's gonna be hot or foggy?!

But when it was time to get serious, Lloyd was no-nonsense.

He was very concerned about people's health during the summer and even put out his own health warnings about high temps and bad air.

He called up the Air Board to complain on several occasions when cooling centers weren't being opened for the elderly in the community, when his forecasts showed that the temperature was going to be higher than the numbers coming out of the National Weather Center.

So, I knew something was up when Lloyd pulled me aside last week to tell me the reason for his departure from ABC23.

It was one of the few times we didn't share a laugh.

For the record, he wasn't fired, he didn't take a TV job in Sacramento and his health is fine.

It was a personal family decision, one that I wish him nothing but the best as he moves forward.

I'm really going to miss him.

But if I get too lonely, I need only open my window and listen to his booming voice cascade down the valley.

Presidential Posturing

2008-09-10T15:32:00.000-07:00

Bring on the debates, please.

The latest from the Associated Press on Wednesday, Sept. 10th:
NORFOLK, Va. (AP) -- Obama accuses McCain campaign of "lies and phony outrage and Swift-boat politics"

This of course following the "lipstick on a pig" remark by Obama that McCain equated to a cheap shot at Palin.

Can't we just get along and stick to the topics.

Oh, and please leave the "race" and "gender" cards in the briefcase.

Not a chance.

The next couple of weeks will involve a whirlwind tour, through battleground states, in an attempt to move the percentage points in the always shifting polls, one way or the other.

Who gets the next big "bounce" will be decided in the next month.

The first of three Presidential debates is in just over two weeks at the University of Mississippi.

It will focus on domestic policy (if the candidates actually stick to the questions).

The only Vice Presidential battle is October 2nd in St. Louis.

The final two Presidential wranglings will be Oct. 7th in a town hall format and Oct. 15th targeting foreign policy.

Even though the debates are little more than a platform for doublespeak, they have historically provided a few zingers (insert "Read my Lips")

Will John McCain be able to ride the Pitbull express all the way to the November election?

Can Barack Obama reclaim the spotlight that was stolen by Sarah Palin?

Palin has stuck to the game plan of avoiding one-on-one interviews until now.

ABC's Charlie Gibson gets the first shot at Palin in a sit down interview from Alaska this week.

The nation's mainstream media is chomping at the bit for any and all Palin news that's fit (and unfit) to print.

But if you're Barack Obama, don't you have to be a little miffed that your DNC speech had a shelf life of about 12 hours?!

He had the pillars, the points and the prominence of a man whose star was on the rise.

Then, Palin stepped in and shot it out of the sky.

Unfortunately, Joe Biden doesn't have the punch or pizazz to battle Palin in front of the cameras.

When was the last sound bite from Biden used on the news that didn't involve a news magazine show on a Sunday.

If he attacks Palin to harshly, he's a bully and if he backs off he's scared of her.

The Democrats need an audible to regain the momentum and that could happen in the debates.

For the Republicans, once McCain takes the stage with Obama, he won't have Palin at his side helping raise the applause meter.

The debates will end in mid-October with a three week sprint to the finish line, and no matter what is said, insinuated or slung between the opponents, it's going to be the winner by a nose.

And it probably won't smell very good.

Trying Something New

2008-08-26T04:19:00.000-07:00

I spent Saturday night in Lancaster hanging out with a buddy of mine listening to a grunge rock band at a bar called Maxdon's.

The band, "Going for Broke", was shaking the timbers with a high energy sound that generated a small mosh pit by the end of their set.

It wasn't the kind of place I've visited in a few years, but one that use to see my shadow a long time ago.

I didn't have enough 'ink' to blend in with the crowd, but no one really stands out when your head is bouncing in unison with the beat and the mosh pit is bumping into the band and people seated up front.

Trying something new again at the age of 44.

Not old by presidential standards, but old enough to know better. Hopefully.

The Democratic National Convention (or the spring break of the campaign) is in full swing with the GOP waiting for their turn.

Inspirational speakers, party unity, lobbyists galore and the candidates make-all or break-all address to the nation.

Not a bad week.

I watched the DNC on opening night with anticipation and curiosity.

I'm trying to block out everything I've been inundated with at the station over the past six months about the candidates strengths and liabilities and give each man his chance in the spotlight.

Looking at the two candidates, I am reminded of the 1992 presidential election between George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton.

Older, more seasoned political veteran versus a young, engaging and energetic newcomer.

Bush was a former VP and head of the CIA, while Governor Clinton wailed on his saxophone on "Arsenio".

I'm not sure if Obama plays a musical instrument, but he's singing a song of 'change'.

I'm not afraid of change (hence the grunge concert), it's the 'direction' that both candidates are proposing that has me sitting up and listening intently.

Not that much of what any candidate says has any bearing on what they will actually be able to accomplish once they become President, but it's a start.

I'm just hoping for a little more clarity when the convention's are over.

And not the ear-ringing, mosh pit crashing confusion that political campaigns seem to emulate.

Mike's Traffic Rules Part 2

2008-08-08T17:44:00.000-07:00

I call it the Golden State drag strip.

It's the mile and a half raceway from the stop light at Golden State Ave. and 'F' Street, heading northwest, until the two-lane road merges just before you enter northbound Highway 99.

Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines.

The line of cars is constantly shifting before the light turns green, almost like they are trying to jockey for position at a dead stop to create some kind of advantage before the flag drops.

The race usually begins civilized enough, with cars pulling away at a pretty good click.

Once the field reaches the river bed, the acceleration picks up with the drivers in the left lane looking over, trying to predict who might be trying to jockey for position once the traffic begins to merge.

The speed limit is 65 mph, so it's ripe for this type of behavior.

There are some drivers in the right lane who are actually traveling faster than the rest of the pack, only to veer off at the Airport Drive exit.

That always baffles me.

BUT that leaves a hole on the right for the Andretti and Mears clones to break out of the draft and try to sling shot ahead down the final straightaway.

By the time the cars are lining up single file for the on-ramp to northbound 99, it's a good bet that most of the cars are going 10-to-15 mph faster than the traffic on the highway.

In fact, I've watched on numerous occasions, from back of the pack, as the sudden flickering of brake lights ripples from the lead car all the way back through the field.

The sudden braking makes it even more dangerous to try and merge with semi-trucks that inevitably swerve into the middle lane to avoid the high-speed conversion.

Sometimes it's even worse when you turn it around.

Drivers entering the Golden State Ave. on-ramp from southbound 99, go through an 'S' turn before crossing Airport Drive and racing the final straightaway to the light at 'F' Street.

But this race doesn't end there.

No, it continues over the Garces Circle with cars now making quick lane changes to the right, as they line up for the on-ramp to Highway 178 just past 'Q' Street.

This race usually involves more people being cutoff and riskier moves than the westbound raceway.

It's unfortunately one of the faster corridors to get from Highway 99 to central Bakersfield and with that, probably the most dangerous.

Maybe it's time to slow the field down to 55 mph.

Blame it on gas prices and trying to raise your mpg's instead of your mph's.

Just Say What You Think

2008-08-08T05:41:00.000-07:00

It was a different beast entirely.

When Ralph first called me about filling in for him on his radio talk show, I hesitated.

It wasn't the 3-hour time slot.

It wasn't the format.

It was tossing out my opinions and observations that made me pause for a moment.

That's not what I do at ABC23, that's not my job.

I present both sides of a story (or try to) and let you develop your own opinion on the matter.

I've got plenty of opinions and the people I've worked with at KERO for the past 17 years have heard me utter those thoughts plenty of times.

But "The Ralph Bailey Show" isn't the newsroom.

I had a good time sitting in for Mr. Googlie Mooglie (sp?) but every time I started to go off on a tangent, I found myself pulling back and censoring my comments.

A knee-jerk reaction perhaps.

To off-set the opinion-filled format, I scheduled a host of guests to talk about a variety of topics.

It was great having Chuck 'The Iceman' Lidell call in to talk about his upcoming UFC fight and his brothers inaugural brawl at the Pure Combat event in Visalia on Friday, August 15th.

I'll be doing the ring announcing for that show, so get your tickets now.

But I'll be following a script of sorts for that show too (with some ad-libbing thrown in).

Those who are close to me know where I stand, what I stand for and who I stand with in my life.

If I get the chance to fill-in for Ralph again in the future, I'll try to loosen the reigns a bit more.

Let you "really know what's going on".

Give a side of the story "you're not getting anywhere else".

Boy howdy!!

Mike's Traffic Rules Part 1

2008-07-30T15:43:00.000-07:00

I just received the form to renew my driver's license in the mail.

It's been about 7 years since the last time, with only one citation (thanks CHP in Lake Isabella).

I had it removed with a trip to on-line traffic school.

From time to time, I will use this blog to sound the horn about traffic snarls, stupidity and snafu's that occur on our local roadways.

I hope you find them informative as well as taking the opportunity to merge into the blog and sound off yourselves.

ISSUE #1 - Road construction project on Truxtun Extension near the City Maintenance Yard.

It seems rather silly that it's taking so long to install a right turn lane into the yard on eastbound Truxtun at Empire Drive.

Even more ridiculous is the long line of cars that begins at the railroad under crossing several hundred yards before the intersection.

The construction merges people into the left lane about 100 yards before the workers, yet people start moving over as soon as they see the sign.

That leaves a wide open right lane for impatient drivers (like me) to leap frog ahead of the line, then merge when the right lane finally ends.

This, of course, leads to a lot of angry looks, gestures, horn honking and bumper-to-bumper movement, all to protect a person's place in line.

It's the same kind of misplaced anger some people get waiting in line to buy tickets for a movie.

Another window finally opens up and someone from the back of the line sees it, and makes a move in front of others that are waiting in front of them.

I've had a better time watching and listening to people complaining about the inconsiderate person who jumped ahead in line, than the movie I was going to see.

I should have given them the $10.

For those of you traveling on Truxtun in the construction zone, if you want to move over early, when you see the first sign advising you of a lane closure, go right ahead.

I've done that several times myself.

But don't get upset or risk causing an accident because some people choose to stay in the right lane until it finally ends.

It's not worth the risk to your health or auto insurance.

Quiet Drive Through The Quake

2008-07-30T06:40:00.000-07:00

I never felt the 5.4 magnitude quake as I drove through Orange County and Los Angeles on my way home from a quick family trip to So Cal.

In fact, some friends were calling me on my cell phone, asking me if I saw any damage or fire before I knew what they were talking about.

The ground didn't move for the family truckster, and neither did the traffic in the usual hot spots along the I-5 in Los Angeles.

We had spent all day with our boys in Legoland on Monday.

There was plenty of movement in the park with dozens of kiddie rides to keep the boy's interested. (Mainly the 3-yr old Cody. Michael has maxed out on Legoland at the age of 10)

We then retreated to the confines of the Sheraton Carlsbad Resort and Spa for some relaxation, a fantastic meal at the restaurant Twenty/20 Grill and Wine Bar (ask for Noah) and a late night swim in the 24 hour pool. (The resort has been open 6 months and is over the top when it comes to personal service and amenities, but that's another blog)

No tremors at all, just peace and tranquility.

I was rather surprised by the lack of major damage from a 5+ magnitude quake. Then again, the USGS said this was no Northridge temblor, not even close.

For most people in California, the quake came and went with no ill effects.

Speaking of Northridge, I actually slept through the shock waves that rolled through Bakersfield. If it wasn't for my wife Lori waking me up, I would have missed it.

There were some people in the newsroom who swear they felt something.

Maybe I'm just not tuned into the planet's wavelengths to feel the quake, or maybe I've lived here long enough to not be affected by it.

I'm sure when the big one finally does hit, I'll feel it just like everyone else, whether I'm in the studio or on the road.

Something for Nothing

2008-07-23T15:27:00.000-07:00

I've had one car stolen and another broken into during my 17 years in Bakersfield.

The BPD found the first car in Porterville, after the thieves broke the clutch and had to abandon it.

Like most people who are the victim of theft, I felt violated.

Thieves are pretty slimy in my book and adolescent thieves are even worse.

Police will tell you that it's usually the start of something bigger.

BPD detectives recently stumbled across a couple of punks that were breaking into houses in the Rosedale area, after a patrol officer stopped the pair and discovered a stolen laptop in a back pack.

Then, the criminal masterminds sat in the back of the patrol car and proceeded to point out all the homes their "gang" had broken into, including a friend of mine.

It led police to a local business, Movement Bike Shop, where the owner was arrested for receiving stolen property after he reportedly bought "hot" items from the punk thieves.

Did he know it was stolen? Who cares.

Police didn't say if the property was in the original boxes or not, but it's probably safe to assume that it wasn't.

They say the investigation is on-going.

Police are working with the Sheriff's Dept. on this case, since some of the homes burglarized were in the county.

Someone asked me if my friend had insurance, which he does, and told me to lighten up because he's going to get brand new stuff.

Lighten up?

What about 20 years worth of pictures, music and personal documents that were stored on three separate hard drives that were stolen. Can insurance replace that?

Who's going to pay the almost certain increase in his policy?

The teens were released during the three week investigation that ended with the business owners arrest on Tuesday.

What about the other items they swiped that were probably dumped in a vacant lot somewhere after police initially contacted them.

My buddy's home was so trashed by the punks, he's still discovering things they stole more than three weeks after the fact.

How many other people have they ripped off and got away with it.

I'm glad they got caught, but so far none of my friend's possessions have been recovered.

An anti-climactic ending so far.

There's no talk right now if the kids will end up serving time in Juvenile Hall for their offenses.

Investigators can't release the names of the suspects or where they live to my friend, so he can attempt to recover any financial loss himself.

C'mon people, we need to protect our kids, even the bad or misguided ones, right?!

I hope the insurance company will try to go after the parents at the very least.

Someone needs to pay, instead of the victim.

Respect Rushing Water

2008-07-15T05:42:00.000-07:00

It didn't look like much.

The water was running down a grass-like canal along Hayden Road in Scottsdale, Arizona that was designed to handle water runoff during the monsoon season.

I was 18 yrs old and trying to cross the make-shift stream in my '71 Mustang.

Other cars, even trucks, were turning around and heading back up the street to find a bridge to cross over, but I was determined to make it across the flowing water.

It didn't look deep.

It didn't look treacherous.

I'm in a car that weighed several thousand pounds.

I was wrong.

The water was deeper than I thought and moving faster than I imagined.

As I started to cross, I didn't even get halfway when I realized the water was at the base of my door.

Then, I felt my the car start to move sideways.

A terrifying feeling when reality slaps you in the face.

The car was being picked up and started moving sideways as I threw the car in reverse and hit the gas.

I created a geyser of water over the top of the car, but was still traveling sideways.

Right before I left the roadway, the back of the car hit the sidewalk just enough for my tires to catch a little.

I gunned it and managed to fishtail my way, in reverse, back onto dry ground.

I sat there for a good 4-or-5 minutes staring at the rushing water.

All the usual emotions racing through my mind and body; fear, anger and stupidity.

An Arizona monsoon is a bizarre occurrence.

Usually nestled in July and August, it's like a warm shower filled with lightning and thunder that dumps a ton of rain on a desert that's unable to absorb it.

The resulting floods have buried towns in mud and debris, much like the aftermath were seeing in the communities around Lake Isabella.

Whether it's the mountains, desert or even downtown Bakersfield when people try to cross flooded underpasses, please try to have a little more respect for rushing water.

Cause it has no respect for you.

Deerhound Dilemma

2008-07-09T07:10:00.000-07:00

Bagger and Brillo have lived in the Bakersfield heat since they were born.

A couple of Scottish Deerhounds who reside in a kennel on our property, complete with shade, an over sized water bucket and a couple of fans running on high during the summer months.

Still, when I got home Tuesday night they looked like I felt.

It was hot and muggy.

The dogs were panting, but they were cool to the touch.

The deerhounds long, almost dread lock like coat gave the appearance that the pair were on the verge of passing out.

But they jumped up to greet me and scarfed down everything I put in front of them.

It wasn't much.

I don't like to feed them too much on really hot days, but I wanted to do something else to give them a little relief.

Not that they needed it.

These dogs are warriors, hunters by nature, and have survived in the extreme conditions for years.

So, I took out the hose as the red sun began to set, and gave them a sprinkler of sorts to play in.

When the play time ended, the dogs hopped on their over sized cushions in front of the fans and looked content.

I was tempted to hop through the water to join them, only I didn't have another cushion.

Hands Free Hysteria

2008-07-02T15:40:00.000-07:00

It's been two days since California went hands free and now the fun begins.

I admit that I've picked up the phone twice out of habit while driving down Truxtun Extension, before realizing I was breaking the law.

So, I activated the speaker while dropping the phone into my shirt pocket.

It actually made for a pretty clear connection.

My Bluetooth doesn't work with my new phone, so I'm being forced to buy a new one.

Problem is, I haven't made the time to pick one up.

So, I'm letting the phone go to voice mail, or pulling over to the side of the road to take a call.

Some people are following suit, while others seem oblivious to the law or are daring the cops to stop them.

On Day 1 of the enforcement, Bakersfield Police reported 11 citations for people holding the phone to their ear while rolling down local roadways.

We tagged along with a CHP officer Tuesday morning and listened to the excuses.

"I forgot today was the day the law took effect."

"I was holding it, but not talking on it."

And my personal favorite, "I wasn't talking on the phone, you can check my recent calls."

In each case, the officer and an ABC23 reporter followed the law breakers for several blocks before initiating a stop, watching the cell phone scofflaw chat away without regard for this law meant to reduce distractions.

But is a Bluetooth or hands free headset really that much better.

Have you listened to someone talking on an earpiece lately?

You may have overheard their conversation from across a store, in a busy parking lot or at the ball game.

The use of a Bluetooth has this uncanny ability to raise a person's decibel level, while at the same time, straining to hear the conversation on the other end of the line.

I was behind a woman who had the earpiece pop out, then swerved into the lane to her right as she tried to retrieve it.

The change in chatting was meant to allow drivers to keep both hands on the wheel.

I think forcing people to use the hands free device will give those hands something else to do.

Now, you can talk on the phone, eat and change the radio all at the same time.

Rockets Red Glare

2008-06-30T13:47:00.000-07:00

When I was about 15 years old, my brothers and I spent the 4th of July firing bottle rockets at each other in my backyard outside Chicago.

We were armed and dangerous with a heavy supply of rockets, M-80's, firecrackers, aerial displays and sparklers.

My father, who owned a Ford dealership in Aurora (Wayne's World) , was friends with the guy that operated the exploding scoreboard at Comiskey Park (home of the White Sox).

Needless to say, we had an abundant supply of Independence Day explosives.

Once a year, my father would pull into the driveway with a large box filled with 4th of July fun.

There was no drought, only green lawns as far as the eye could see.

The only warning we were saddled with before the summer assault began was to make sure the fuse was long enough, and not to hold the firework too long after lighting it.

My father never thought we would actually carry the empty Pepsi bottle around with a bottle rocket in it to shoot at each other.

Yes, it was stupid and irresponsible, and not something I would ever let my own son do in this day and age.

Yet, when I listen to people argue against a ban on fireworks, using the logic that it's infringing on their freedom to celebrate the country's independence, I laugh.

There was no thought of our forefathers in 1979 when my brothers and I turned the backyard into a wasteland of firework debris.

Only MY father.

It was the chance to blow things up once a year.

Thankfully, no one in my family, or any one in my neighborhood was ever injured by a firework and no houses burnt down, despite our apparent disregard for safety.

But that's not the case in California, let alone Kern County.

A couple years ago, I went on a ride along with fire crews looking for illegal fireworks.

We responded to dozens of complaints and they put out a couple small brush fires, including one behind the Bakersfield Speedway at a LEGAL fireworks show.

What we're left with today is overpriced safe and sane fireworks that don't carry any punch at all.

Not to mention, bone dry conditions in Kern County and throughout the state.

The primary purpose of these legal booths is to make money for various charities.

People that operate the booth's have told ABC23 on numerous occasions that it's the biggest fundraiser of the year.

Maybe it's time to come up with some other way of making money.

I spent Saturday night at the Bakersfield Brigade game (which was very entertaining) and then sat through a very impressive fireworks display with my two sons that lasted 20 minutes.

It was far better than anything I could have produced back in my youth and a monumental leap above the safe and sane display on the street in front of my house.

There are a number of firework shows around the county.

People need to put down the legal, altered and illegal fireworks and rediscover the wonderment of a professional fireworks display.

Most of the at-home celebrations I've witnessed throughout the years had nothing to do with patriotism, only destruction.

With the price of gas, who wants to drive to Vegas to purchase the illegal variety?

Save your money and take in the show at B.C.

I could always dig up the old 8mm film of my brothers and I causing some holiday havoc.

It's good for a laugh, and that's about it.

It's Not OK

2008-06-25T05:43:00.000-07:00

I try to be a good Dad.

I do all the traditional Dad things to give my son's a solid foundation they can build on for the rest of their lives and safety is a big part of it.

Yes, my 3-yr old still loves to climb to the top of the pipe fencing around our pasture and perform a high wire act while petting the horses, but I feel like I'm doing a pretty good job.

Besides, he's got great balance.

One thing I really harp on is avoiding strangers.

A registered sex offender moved into a home about a half mile from my house last year for a short time.

My cul-de-sac became a base of operations to keep an eye on him.

We knew what kind of truck he drove, looked him up on the Megan's Law website and had a game plan in place in the event our kids ever saw him on the street.

But the story about 58-yr old Rick Wagher taking nude pictures of three boys in his trailer is really disturbing.

And it's not the first time we've reported on this type of situation.

The kids were between 6-and-13 years old.

I can understand a small child not saying anything, but a teenager?!

There are very few details being released, but plenty of questions.

Why were they there?

Were they related to him?

He didn't show up on the Megan's Law website, so how long was this kind of thing going on?

Why didn't the 13-yr old leave, or did he think everything was OK?

Sheriff investigators found evidence of molestation involving other kids, along with numerous nude and partially nude photographs.

Neighbors told ABC23 that Wagher would take kids to Disneyland and buy things for them.

One called him a nice guy, but no one at the trailer park that we talked to was good friends with Wagher beyond a casual acquaintance.

Take this opportunity to talk to your kids again about strangers.

That it's not OK for adults to touch them in any way, to tell you if it happens and to run home if possible.

Watch for warning signs, like an adult male, living alone, who has young children at his house and buys them things.

I know there are many parents out there who believe this could never happen to their children.

It's a very familiar response when I've covered sexual assaults, shootings and drownings.

There's no such thing as a stupid question when it comes to your kids.

Only regret after the fact.

Paparazzi Punching Bag

2008-06-24T05:41:00.000-07:00

How many times have you watched one of the tabloid shows, waiting for a celebrity, or someone who thinks they're a celebrity, to blow their lid and attack the poor, helpless, I'm-just-doing-my-job member of the paparazzi?!

There's no other reason to watch.

It's the Jerry Springer syndrome.

Yes, the "I'll get in your face until you snap" mentality that feeds the insatiable lust for people who want to see a meltdown on camera.

How pathetic.

We either get the spoon fed promotional press conferences concerning a star's upcoming project or dark video on a sidewalk outside a Hollywood eatery where someone spotted a celeb having drinks with an unidentified person.

OOOOOHHHHHH!!!!

Hats off to the surfers who confronted the papa-RAT-zo's.

The celebrity hounds usually rely on the star's packing the punch so they can get paid, but it doesn't appear this confrontation will make them any money.

For those of you who didn't hear or see the incident, Matthew McConaughey is doing some surfing in Malibu, when some "locals" didn't appreciate the gathering of some photographers invading their beach to snap a few photo's and grab a little video.

Well, they got their video.

Pictures of surfers going after the photog's, even throwing one camera into the ocean.

Threats, taunts, etc, etc, etc...

While ultimately I believe the celeb's should hold themselves to a higher standard to ignore the flash-popping papo's, I find it humorous when the paparazzi claim to be the VICTIM.

You get exactly what you're hoping for, then you complain?!

You giggle every time a star "stumbles" while trying to avoid the barrage of flashbulbs, you cackle when you surround a car so the driver can't leave the area and you belly laugh as the vein in a star's head begins to pulsate with anger.

I think back to classic Jim Everett versus Jim Rome interview in 1994, when the NFL QB plants the childlike Rome on his butt for his ridiculous name calling theatrics.

I laughed like crazy in delight of Everett's attack.

But when considering the highly volatile stars, I don't blame their actions when "relating" to the paparazzi.

Everyone has a rage trigger, and papo's are trained to keep pushing until they find it.

It's what you want after all.

The tabloids would argue their point by "pointing" to sales figures.

If people didn't buy it or watch it, they wouldn't print it or show it.

Maybe, but that doesn't make it right.

There are very, very, very few instances that require that in your face style of reporting and celebrities rarely fall into that category.

So, it's refreshing that someone outside the lines of the celebrities and punk-arazzi jumped into the fray.

It's fun to watching the hounds get hunted for once.

Gay Marriage Debate, Please Say Something

2008-06-16T14:54:00.000-07:00

Why can't they just come out and say it...

Everyone is a genius when it comes to figuring out exactly what Ann Barnett is thinking when it came to her reasoning for stopping civil ceremonies, the day after the Supreme Court overturned Prop 22 outlawing same sex marriages in California.

Only she didn't say what they wanted and still hasn't to this day.

Some of the other media in the market have camped out in her office, trying to get the golden sound bite. They've even touted interviews they've gotten as "Ann Barnett Answers Questions!!!"

No she didn't.

Unless Barnett comes out and says on camera or tape that she dumped all civil services because they conflict with her personal religious beliefs, then you have nothing.

Put all the pieces together you want. Draw all the inferences you can. Play Sherlock Holmes and analyze every little scrap you can dig up.

But without the admission by Barnett, you have innuendo.

Circumstantial evidence will not do in this case.

And all the hounding and ambush tactics in the world won't get the confession you're looking for.

Ask all the media types who've chased David Crisp across the parking lot if they've gotten the confession they were hoping for on tape.

What the media is left with in this story is this: same sex couples loudly celebrating their victory on June 17th in Kern County and anyone who will stand up and voice their disapproval with the decision.

Enter Chad Vegas.

I've had my problems with Chad in the past on a couple issues, but find him to be a straight forward man, firmly grounded in his religious beliefs.

I personally believe though he was pulling a Barnett on the whole "In God We Trust" poster debate, but I'll leave that alone.

There has been a backlash against the media for shining a spotlight on Vegas in the wake of his e-mail to Supervisors in which he demanded their support for Ann Barnett.

He confirmed the e-mail to ABC23 when asked about it and defended his stance.

In the e-mail, Vegas wrote that he would work vigorously to remove from office any supervisor that does not support her in this difficult time.

He continued with this quote: "As we face one of the most important constitutional issues in the history of this great Republic, I want to make it clear that nothing short of complete opposition to homosexual marriage will be tolerated!"

HOORAY!!!!

Someone who opposes gay marriage that actually stood up and said it clearly.

I mean, we didn't know about it until Whitney Wedell forwarded us a copy from the Kern Democrat website, but still he was the first person to say it out loud.

I asked a couple people in the newsroom their thoughts on same sex marriage and got an uncomfortable response.

Others said they didn't care one way or the other.

Still, everyone has an opinion, but few who oppose it will stand up and talk about it. Who wants to get labeled, right?!

Before you pick up the next rock to bash the media, (TV and print) for covering this story, think about why you are doing it.

It's a story whether you like it or not, support it or not, discuss it or not, and the only people talking about it publicly are the ones celebrating the decision.

Despite opinion polls (I've never trusted) that seem to indicate there is a much different social climate in California since Prop 22 was passed eight years ago, I still believe that voters will define marriage as a man and a woman in November.

I will be voting in favor of traditional values.

I was raised in an Irish Roman Catholic household, in case your wondering.

One of my brothers is very active in the church and e-mailed me an explanation when it comes to the church and marriage.

Here is one excerpt:

The Roman Catholic Church cannot recognize a same sex relationship as a marriage simply because it is not marriage. Marriage is more than a contract - it is a covenant. The term the Catholic Church uses for the Sacrament is Holy Matrimony - Matrimony means "the way of making a mother".

What the Supreme Court did was approve a contract.

That is why I believe many people have not been driven to protest in the streets or will even show up to picket the ceremonies on Tuesday.

Maybe one day Ann Barnett will feel comfortable enough to cough up the "Golden Sound Bite".

Maybe the county really can't afford to keep doing weddings.

Maybe voters will vote for tradition in November and overturn the Supreme Court ruling.

Then, we'll be back to square one again.

Maybe this time, we'll get the answers and sound bites we're looking for.

Egg On His Face

2008-06-03T16:01:00.000-07:00

Anyone who hasn't felt like jumping over the counter at a fast food restaurant when you didn't get what you thought you ordered, can throw the first stone.

Michael Richards, a former associate attorney for the city of Bakersfield, apparently lost his temper and his job, after his anger got the better of him at the McDonald's on Niles last month.

Sheriff investigators say Richards placed an order in the drive-thru and didn't get what he wanted.

He headed inside, where the problem wasn't rectified to his satisfaction, when he hopped the counter, grabbed his original order and left.

Richards reportedly resigned following his arrest on a felony robbery charge.

All this over $6.44.

The case has been reduced to petty theft, with stupidity as an accessory.

I can't say I don't sympathize with him.

I've driven miles away from a fast food drive-thru before realizing what they handed me was the wrong order.

The problem has always existed, but I blame technology for shortening the fuse.

The cash registers that are linked by computer to monitors in the prep and bagging area's would seem to ensure that the right food is placed in the right bag.

But a person still has to make the order, then bag it and hand it to the person in the window or at the counter.

And herein lies the problem.

People are human.

People make mistakes.

Only it seems that hunger and the guilt at satisfying the craving with something you really shouldn't be eating, only intensifies the reaction.

I was at a fast food chain not long ago when the computers crashed and the employees were taking money and making change without the help of the high-tech calculator.

It took a hard stare and several attempts at air arithmetic before the cashier was able to give me change.

Then, he tried again and got it right.

When you consider the volume of traffic and food that people in the industry dish out on a daily basis, it's amazing this type of thing doesn't happen more often.

Richards will probably get let off with a fine, maybe community service.

How about making him work the counter at McDonald's for a month?!

Economically Stimulated

2008-05-28T15:41:00.000-07:00

I did what the President asked.

I spent part of my economic stimulus check for an anniversary trip to Napa over the Memorial Day weekend.

It was a relaxing two-days traveling up and down the Napa Valley, dropping by some familiar vineyards while trying out a number of new ones.

Some tasting and a little buying to add to our small but impressive wine collection.

I'm not in the income bracket to purchase "cases" of wine, however my wife Lori and I still managed to snag a couple bottles here and there and enjoy a couple fantastic meals.

From Turnbull to Rubicon, to Regusci and Frank Family, we stopped by nearly 20 wineries to see what they had to offer that was only available on site.

**Disclaimer: We didn't sample at every place we visited**

It became apparent to me that many other people were doing the same thing, just a little differently.

A constant parade of BMW's rolled up and down Highway 29 from Yountville to Calistoga, filled with wine aficionados who were sampling and purchasing some of Napa's finest.

Only I don't think they were feeling any "stimulus" about helping the economy.

I struck up conversations with a couple of people at each winery.

The usual information, where are you from, what are you doing here, etc, etc...

It always ended with a joke about the economic stimulus check funding our trip and all but one couple responded with a blank stare.

These were people who weren't feeling the pinch of a slumping economy or at least they were hiding it very well.

A couple from the Midwest were the only one's who picked up on my stimulus satire and said they had used part of their kickback for a plane ticket on their anniversary.

Due to airline regulations, part of their cash was also being spent on shipping fees to get their vino back home.

I don't usually throw money around under any circumstance, and on this trip I was keeping a close eye on the running total at all times.

As we waited for our table on Sunday night, some high rollers stumbled into the restaurant, still reeling from a day of wine tasting.

I recognized the leader of the group from one of the wineries we visited earlier in the day.

He gave me the blank, brush off stare during my failed attempt at small talk.

Dapper Dan (as I'll call him) had no reservation, and was poorly attempting to slip the hostess a little cash to get his party seated in front of the pack of 12 hungry diners in front of him.

It was only then I realized that "he" was in need of a little stimulation.

Dan was trying to grease the gal with a $5 bill.

He's either in the same boat as the rest of us or just cheap.

Let Me Explain...

2008-05-13T15:00:00.000-07:00

I believe there are three words or phrases that have become lost in translation in this day and age.

They are please, thank you and I'm sorry.

I'm a big believer in all three, but they seem to have fallen by the wayside in everyday conversation.

The first two should be automatic, ingrained in our psyche from the time we could speak, but the third has become almost a dead language with some people in our culture.

It's almost as if the phrase indicates some sort of weakness in a society where everyone thinks, or wants to think, they are in charge.

A nation full of generals and no infantry.

Part of the reason for this lies in the 'explanation' generation.

A logic that dictates that no one is at fault for anything.

There's a good reason for everything that happens.

Here let me explain it to you.

The resulting debate over guilt results in an on-going need to explain one's position, even if they are wrong, to the point where emotions boil over and the conflict goes unresolved.

A situation that could be defused with two simple words, "I'm sorry".

Throw in "my bad" if it's more to your liking.

A friend of mine said lawyers are to blame for the inability to accept responsibility.

Hey, lawyers gotta eat too and some have gotten pretty stuffed on liability suits.

But the beauty of "I'm sorry" is the way it can end a debate, sometimes almost instantaneously.

Then again, if the offense is too deep, the phrase might need to be accompanied by some time.

But at least we're on the road to recovery, and not stuck in an endless rut of mindless reasoning that serves only to prolong the agony.

I'm done with the explanations.

Cue up the "I'm sorry", whether I'm at fault or not.

And if the explanations continue anyway, I'll add another phrase to my list of favorites.

"Shut up".

Rosedale Development Delay

2008-05-09T16:17:00.000-07:00

Traffic study?!

County supervisors postponed a decision on three controversial housing developments planned for the Rosedale area on May 6th, so that a more thorough report could be compiled regarding the impact traffic would have on the area.

For those of you who don't live or drive on the far west side of town, let me give you a break down when it comes to roads.

The road which connects my small neighborhood to Stockdale Highway was paved by the homeowners.

It turns to dirt on the west side of my property, before returning to asphalt that was generously put in by recent builders, who were required to pave the road adjacent to the homes they were putting up.

The dirt to pavement to dirt scenario is played out all over the area.

Hop scotch development has created this street virus with no real cure, unless the remaining farm land is paved over and we plant subdivisions as far as the eye can see.

That's becoming a real concern for the folks who moved or lived west of Allen Road many years ago to enjoy country life.

As one of my new neighbors so eloquently put it not long ago, this ain't the country anymore.

Still, part of the reason for the transplant was to own a larger parcel for our four-legged family members, away from people who might not have a tolerance for the fragrance of nature.

Now, developers want to put lots that measure between 10,000 and 20,000 sq feet in an area where current homeowners reside on homesteads that start at an acre and increase up to five acres and more.

It doesn't work, like the proverbial square peg in a round hole.

I'm not against development, in fact, you could see it coming for years.

Just make it fit.

Supervisor Ray Watson, who's up for re-election on June 3rd, called for the motion to postpone the vote on the developments until the traffic study could be complete.

He had said he was in favor of the developments.

The issue will now come back to the supervisors on June 17th.

Two weeks after the election.

Coincidence?? I hope not.

I hope he'll realize the ridiculous amount of traffic that will be left to navigate farm roads, in some cases, in order to find the major arteries back to town.

Ray, please apply the tourniquet before it's too late.

Successful Escape

2008-05-01T20:03:00.000-07:00

It was over way too fast.

All the buildup, all the preparation, all the anticipation of the swim from Alcatraz to Aquatic Park in San Francisco was over in less than an hour.

And it was one of the GREATEST experiences of my life.

I was swimming with 10-yr old Antonio Ramirez, a young man who was hell bent on racing across the bay from the moment we hit the water.

We met up on the Hyde St. Pier around 7 am Thursday morning with nearly 100 other people who were taking the plunge in this 2nd annual fund raising event.

My brothers Tom and Bob, and nephew Colin were also along for the swim.

The three brothers stood around reminiscing of stupid things we had done in our youth and very few things measured up to what we were about to attempt in our 40's.

Three boats would ferry all the swimmers out to Alcatraz Island, with ABC23 photographers Evan and Lee along for the ride and my father-in-law Gordon with his high-speed telephoto camera at the ready.

Our boat, the "Kitty Kat", was the first to arrive off the southeast point of the island.

We were told that we might actually try to land all the swimmers on a patch of sand called "Barker's Beach" on the west side of the island.

It was there, many years ago, that one of Ma Barker's boys had tried to escape, but was shot dead.

Apparently, some of the security types on Alcatraz were alerted to our presence so we steered for a position just off shore.

The worst part of the swim was waiting on the boat for the other two to show up.

They got a late start so we sat, ready to go, for about 15-20 minutes.

Some of the kids began to think a little too much about what we were about to do, so we started goofing around while we waited.

This is not something that needs deep thought.

Swimming Alcatraz is very simple.

Put your head down and GO!!!

A flotilla of two dozen boats had surrounded the group, forming a swimming lane that would lead us through the current to shore.

But we didn't really need it on this day.

A beautiful day, no clouds, 55 degrees at jump time and the bay was like glass.

We hit the water at 8:40am, and I never realized how cold the water was for about 15 minutes.

The wet suit I acquired for the swim was the thickest I could get and proved to be a little too snug.

We started out with my brother Tom on one side and Bob on the other with Colin and two other boys in tow.

The water is murky and it's almost impossible to see your hand in front of your face.

The salt water had a distinctly petroleum taste to it and I'm sure other chemicals that I'd rather not know about.

But it was all inconsequential when we stopped to look around after about a half mile in the ocean.

Alcatraz was getting smaller with each stroke.

Antonio was so focused on getting across he wasn't stopping to enjoy the view.

This wasn't a race, it was a lesson in survival.

We stopped about half way across and floated on our backs for a while.

The ABC helicopter was flying over head taking pictures and we started to wave.

Forgetting of course that when you wave, it alerts the nearby kayaks and zodiac boats that you're in trouble.

Within 1 minute, a voice from behind us yelled out, "Are you alright?"

We looked at each other and laughed, before continuing on.

It was at this point I realized that the tight fitting wet suit was preventing me from taking deep breaths.

Without concern for the 52 degree water, I pulled the suit away from my neck and let it fill with water, while I took a deep breath of air.

It felt great!!

We continued on as the break wall now got larger and larger.

We were on the inland side of the opening with the tide now starting to go out to sea, in perfect position for the push to the beach.

Once through the wall, our pace picked up a bit, stopping every once in a while to let a little more water into my suit.

It actually felt great at this point.

Just under 50 minutes into the swim, it was over.

We came on shore to the cheers of a large contingent of my family members who came to see 4 Hart boys walk out of the bay.

I was completely amped at this point and felt absolutely no chill.

I grabbed the microphone and started interviewing people on shore, wanting to share my stories with their own.

One of the last people out of the water was Joe Underwood.

An 11-yr old swimmer with spina bifida that also made the swim.

The other media crushed around Joe for the trademark inspirational sound bite, but he offered only responses of "yes", "great" and "no".

Not the stuff lasting statements are made of, but he had already provided the cap to the entire event.

The slogan, catch phrase or whatever you want to call it for this year's swim was "Escape your Limitations".

I had done that.

Joe went way above that.

It's the kind of moment where you already start thinking about next year's swim, and maybe beginning your preparation by starting right now.

It was a moment that sank in with my son Michael, who came within 20 minutes of qualifying for this year's swim.

He says he definitely wants to swim next year.

I think I have Joe to thank for his new found motivation.

Alcatraz 2008 Departure

2008-04-29T07:12:00.000-07:00

It's amazing the reaction you get from people when they find out you're going to do something that's a little bit outside the realm of normal activity.

I'm not skiing down a sheer cliff or base jumping, just going for a leisurely swim in the San Francisco Bay.

The comments have been pretty consistent.

Don't you know how cold it is?

Aren't you afraid of sharks?

Is there something wrong with your pool?

The answers: yes, yes and no.

These have been the more popular responses since word got out that I was going to join a group of swimmers from my nephew's swim club, for the 1.5 mile dog paddle from Alcatraz Island to Aquatic Park on May 1st.

The kids are doing it as part of a fund raiser for drowning prevention awareness.

I was doing it to chaperon my 10-yr old son Michael who wanted to try it.

He didn't finish the final qualifying swim and will watch this year from one of the chase boats.

I decided to push forward and will be accompanying a 12-yr old swimmer who I'll meet tomorrow.

It's not a race, but a chance to do something that 99% of the people on this planet will never attempt.

I was one of those people until this opportunity presented itself last year.

My childhood was immersed in year-round swimming from the time I was 8-yrs old until I graduated high school.

Of course, I wasn't swimming in 53 degree water, with swells and currents pushing you all over the place.

It's those glaring statistics that fuel questions about my reasons, and the same questions over and over again about my state of mind.

Aren't you scared?

NO!!!

Nervous, maybe.

But it's the kind of anticipation that fuels the competitive soul.

And no, this is not a stepping stone for some other bigger and badder stunt.

I want to see if I can do it.

Then, I'll try it again next year, hopefully with my son.

Get Off The Gas!!!

2008-04-10T18:06:00.000-07:00

If you want to be frustrated, try asking someone associated with the petroleum industry for an explanation into high gas prices.

There is a basic line of logic with each answer, but the reasons can differ with each person giving the explanation.

So what can we do?

I had a viewer tell me they weren't going to start driving their SUV again until gas dipped back down to around $2 dollars a gallon.

Two dollars?

It's unlikely you'll ever see $3 dollars again.

One simple answer from Triple-A is to try and use less gas.

Carpool, do all your errands in one trip or not waiting until the tank is empty to fill up.

Using less gas is suppose to equal a drop in price.

But maybe the answer can be found in your right foot.

Ease up on the gas.

I'm sitting at a stop light recently, right next to a jacked-up Duramax Diesel truck.

The light turns green and the DD driver punches the gas.

I'm driving my wife's Avalon.

It doesn't look, sound or feel like a race car. It gets good gas mileage and has a little giddy-up if you need it.

I didn't.

Despite my mild acceleration, I managed to stay next to DD for several hundred yards, when he backed off the gas.

As I started to SLOWLY pass him, he jumped the gas AGAIN.

With the price of diesel already eclipsing $4 a gallon I looked over in disbelief and laughed.

One of the cars I drove for a short time in high school and college was a '71 Cutlass 442 convertible.

A monster of a machine with a 455 Rocket Olds, 4 barrel carb, competition cam, hi-rise intake manifold and posi-traction.

You could hit the gas from a dead stop and not move.

The back of the car would lift up off the ground as both tires spun, before the heat and traction finally took hold of the asphalt and rocketed you forward.

Of course, that kind of driving usually resulted in about 6 miles per gallon.

Then again, regular gas was about .75 cents a gallon when I started driving in 1979.

It's almost 30 years later and gas is around $3.50 and diesel even more ridiculous.

Hey Mario, SLOW DOWN!!! It's a truck for goodness sake.

You're making gas more expensive for the rest of us.

Alcatraz Update

2008-04-06T17:19:00.000-07:00

I don't ever want to be one of those Dad's...

My son Michael and I went to San Francisco over the weekend to qualify for the Alcatraz swim in three weeks.

We hit the water on Saturday afternoon and again on Sunday.

Michael made the distance on Saturday (with a lot of in-water coaching from me) but failed to complete the swim course on Sunday.

Quite simply, he couldn't adjust to the water temperature, the salt water and possibly the wide open expanse of the Bay.

The water was in the 50's on Saturday, but had dropped to sub-50 on Sunday morning and it was too much for him.

I thought about the cold water lake swims we had done in January and February to prepare for this day.

All the time and energy spent by both of us to prepare for the physical and mental challenge.

It drove me, to drive him, on Sunday morning, when I had a flashback of a parent-child encounter in 1993 in Bakersfield.

An unnamed coach was berating his 10-yr old football squad in front of the other team and the home fans.

He yelled how they were embarrassing him!!

I was floating in Aquatic Cove as Michael approached me, obviously frustrated by his failure to completely adapt to the 48-49 degree water.

He kept trying, but it wasn't going well.

I encouraged him for a couple more yards when it became painfully clear that I would be doing the swim without him on May 1st.

He turned for the shore and swam off with another group of kids that were headed for the beach.

I continued on without him, wondering if I forced him into this adventure.

I finished the swim and came out of the water to find my son looking discouraged.

We talked for a while and he mentioned that he thought he let me down.

I told him it couldn't be further from the truth.

There will be 50 kids in the water in three weeks, with only a handful of them 10 and under.

The overwhelming majority are teenagers.

He said he wanted to try again next year.

I told him I want us to do this swim together, hopefully before I turn 50.

So now I push on with my brother Bob, Tom and his son Colin.

But I'll be thinking of Michael the entire swim.

Tragic Accident

2008-03-21T10:46:00.000-07:00

It's one of the worst stories to cover as a journalist.

A child is killed.

Zane Newton was buried in a tunnel he was digging with another kid from his neighborhood.

Now as we try to make sense, or even attempt to explain what happened and why it happened, it's almost inevitable that people look for someone to blame.

You can't help it. People are in pain. They want some kind of resolution for their pain. But blame won't take it away, only continue to fuel it.

Where do you start?

The friend who didn't go for help the second it happened?

The kids weren't suppose to be in the sump in the first place and most believe the prospect of getting in trouble fueled an incredible lie that wasted precious resources that could have gotten to Zane a lot quicker.

Well, the first person who can tell me what goes through a 9-yr old's head when he witnesses something like that, feel free to point a finger.

I was as upset as anyone at first, trying to make sense of it.

People are calling in to the station, angry at the child who didn't go for help, then the parents for not keeping a better eye on him.

How many times do you think the parents told him to stay out of the sump? I don't know. I'm not in his family, but I'll bet it was a hot topic.

It didn't stop there. Bring in the neighbors for not pestering the neighborhood kids to stay out of the sump and finally the city for not doing a better job to keep kids out.

I'll bet the kids were told time and again to stay out, but they're kids.

I went home after the 6pm news that night and picked up my son from swim practice.

He's 10 yrs old and has done his fair share of digging around our property and our neighbors.

He's never dug a hole or attempted a tunnel, but we talked about what happened to Zane and the importance of getting help when something like that happens, even if you think it will get you in trouble.

I reiterated it over and over again.

It's the kind of thing you talk about with your kids that changes with age and responsibility.

He understood. He began to ask questions about Zane that I had no answer for.

Why didn't the boy go for help? Didn't any other kids see them go into the sump? If they did, why didn't they get help? Who would leave their friend?

I had no answer for him.

I can only hope that if he's ever presented with a similar circumstance, he'll act differently.

I pray that day never comes.

What happens in Vegas...

2008-03-12T19:13:00.000-07:00

It's been almost 22 years since I graduated from Arizona State University.

A simple time with no rules or restrictions. When life's problems could be solved with a hearty "YEAH" screamed at just the right time.

Each year since the pomp and circumstance, a group of friends has gathered together at various points around the country to tell stories and relive our youth for a couple of days.

And each year, the weekend has carried a greater toll.

I'm not an old man, but then again, I'm not 21 anymore.

That's a fact my wife Lori enjoys pointing out every once in a while.

For the past five years, my buds and I have descended on Las Vegas for a couple days of golf, gambling and what not. (Let's leave it at that)

This year's expedition landed us at the Luxor and thanks to an early reservation and low occupancy, my best friend Dave and I got bumped up to a suite on the 30th floor.

Livin' large, baby!!

We began with a pre-tournament reception for 15 guys, followed up by tickets to see "Linkin Park" at the Joint inside the Hard Rock Casino.

The Desert Pines Golf Club (beautiful course) played host to our golf outing this year with a trip to the Orleans to see the Condors BEAT Las Vegas.

By Saturday night, it felt like Monday morning.

An old college friend who's stationed at Nellis AFB drove down to Vegas to see Dave and I on Saturday night and thanks to his connections, got us into "LAX" inside Luxor.

This is where I really started to feel old.

A large gathering of good looking young people standing around paying premium drink prices to stare at each other.

We hung out for about an hour, did our share of looking, then retreated to the casino for a little more privacy.

It was after we left that we heard Paris Hilton had shown up to tell everyone the club was "HOT".

A couple of young ladies standing near the craps table squealed with delight.

I didn't have the energy for a hearty "YEAH". Then again, she's not worth it.

Maybe next year.

The Death Watch

2008-03-05T14:59:00.000-08:00

A news organization has an internal memo "anonymously" sent to them from the Kern Co. Sheriff's Department detailing a warning to employees about the possibility of a gang "hit" against one of them.

It spells out in detail who might be involved, where it might happen and other intimate intelligence.

So, is that news?!

The sensational, tabloid journalist would scream "YES" and immediately begin organizing the coverage.

A map of the area where it might happen, we have to let the public know where the killing might take place.

Maybe use an "X" to mark the spot of previous shootings over the past five or 10 years to show potential killing grounds.

Interviews, yes interviews. We need deputies telling a camera how they "feel" about being a potential target for gang members who are irate with officers for killing one of their own.

And plenty of video, what we call B-Roll, showing deputies putting on their bullet-proof vests. Maybe slow motion, yes it's more dramatic.

Don't forget a copy of the memo.

Yes, a department internal memo, like some secret war document, that contains the information the Sheriff Department likes to keep somewhat confidential so as not to create a panic.

Panic among deputies and the public.

What a joke.

I have no problem with telling the public that threats have been made against a law enforcement official, it happens all the time.

I'm not sure of the percentage, but the probability that someone actually carries out that threat is very slim.

I agree with Sheriff Donny Youngblood who said to print or report the details of the alleged attack is irresponsible.

I find it mildly pathetic.

What news value does it hold?

Oh, right, you're informing the public.

They have a right to know.

And, if it never comes to pass, at least you scared the viewer or reader to stay tuned for a couple more days.

Enough "Is" Enough

2008-02-26T00:00:00.000-08:00

Coach Marty Raymond said it best; enough is enough.

He was referring to the call in Sunday's loss to Fresno that set him off, triggering a tirade on the bench that resulted in a dry erase board, dozens of sticks and one Gatorade cooler being flung, tossed or kicked onto the ice.

It's what followed his outburst that made me stop and think hard.

Coach Raymond's fire storm also triggered a rain storm inside Rabobank, in the form of rubber pucks, drinks and even cow bells to come raining down on the ice.

The onslaught was aimed at the referee, for what the crowd and Raymond believe were some bad calls by T.J. throughout the game, culminating with the downpour.

Let me stop for a moment to say this.

I love Condorstown. It's a family.

I've been to other arena's in this state, and a few in Minnesota, and have yet to find a franchise that gets the kind of support (minus a championship) that this club has received in it's 10 years of existence.

However, with all families, there are a few knuckleheads that do stupid things, but you still love them and hope someday they'll straighten out.

No more waiting, somebody needs a timeout.

The objects that rained down on the ice included a souvenir cow bell that slammed against the Plexiglas about two inches above the head of my com padre, and official scorer, Fred Olague.

It hit with such force, I briefly thought the glass had shattered.

It came from the upper deck, flung by a disgruntled fan.

I'm assuming the person was disgruntled, I'd hate to think it was hurled for fun.

I hopped up on my seat and scanned the audience for some help.

Who threw it? A couple of points led me to the upper deck, where a couple season ticket holders I'm familiar with seemed to believe one loud gentlemen was the possible culprit.

He denied it.

I wanted to find the person that was responsible, but it didn't appear likely.

Either people didn't get a good look, or no one was willing to speak up.

Condors fans this behavior has to stop and we need you to step up and get involved.

Even Brett Lutes can be seen in the video shot by ABC23, motioning to the crowd NOT to throw anything onto the ice.

His attempt at peacemaker was in vain.

I talked to a season ticket holder who said their child was terrified and crying when the barrage began.

But it's not the first time, not by a long shot.

There's a person who throws coins onto the ice at the north end of the arena and has been doing so for most of the season.

The coins freeze and create a hazard for the players from BOTH teams.

We've put up with the obscenity-laden screams and throwing of paraphernalia for too long.

Please give security a hand in identifying and removing these few clowns so we can yell at the referee's in peace.

Also, if you happen to know who threw the cowbell that crashed into the announcer's booth, please let me know.

I'd like to return it to them personally.

Don't forget the video originally posted on the Bobblehead on Condors blog.

Bombs Bursting In Air

2008-02-22T19:51:00.000-08:00

Talk about a slow news day.

I can't believe the asinine commentary being slung around town regarding a photo of a Cal State Bakersfield player during the national anthem.

Nikki, I hope you're not taking this too seriously.

I'm not going to rehash the entire debate up to this point, but some self-absorbed types are slinging mud at a CSUB women's basketball player, who they believe was observing the playing of the National Anthem inappropriately.

Hands behind the back and not over the heart.

Anyone who's ever played organized sports knows the athlete's pose all too well.

Hands clasped behind the back, facing the flag, chin up.

I've done it before, while singing along, never thinking for one moment that it was showing disrespect.

Now, I put my hand over my heart. (Any Condors fan who's ever looked at the booth during a game I'm working can attest to that.)

Nikki did nothing wrong and the torment that she's probably been put through is shameful.

Anyone remember Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf?

The former Denver Nugget who converted to Islam and refused to stand or face the flag during the Anthem back in March 1996?

He took a beating for it and was even suspended for one game while the league worked out a compromise.

For those of you who've lashed out in the paper and blogs, get a life.

To the paper, give it a rest.

*Although they did add a nice photo of Bill Thomas to keep the debate going.

Locked In The Car

2008-02-04T23:42:00.000-08:00

I had to do a double take as I pulled into a parking space at the Costco on Rosedale Highway Monday afternoon.

The little girl, probably 3 or 4, was asleep inside a Volvo station wagon in the parking lot.

An employee of Costco was walking up to the car as my wife and I got out of ours right next door.
The child never stirred or seemed to even realize three adults were staring at her through the glass.

The mom was no where in sight.

Before I get too carried away with how wrong and dangerous this is, I've left my 2-yr old son buckled in his car seat twice as I ran inside a store for something.

Once to grab a receipt for gas at the pump, and another time to tell the clerk at the AMPM that the gas pump was not working.

Both times I was inside for about 15 seconds, and both times I never stopped staring at my car as I talked to the clerks.

A combination of paranoia and guilt about leaving my son in the car that I tried to compensate by the fact that he was never out of my sight.

I know, I ran inside for just a second, and that's all it takes sometimes.

But running inside the Costco?

I've been inside Costco for 1 item before and it usually takes about 15 minutes at the very least.

Plus, there's no way to see your child.

The manager walked out as we stood there, and checked the scene before he called the police and CPS.

A quick reaction?

Maybe, but he's thinking of the child's safety, not to mention, the store's responsibility.

The mother reappeared a couple minutes later, carrying a portable car seat with an infant in it.

I was already inside the store, when the manager found me and said the police wanted to get a statement from me.

I went outside and saw the mom sitting in her back seat with both kids.

Officers had talked with their superiors and were going to give her a ticket.

They didn't need my statement after all, since they were not taking the child into protective custody.

I didn't have a camera with me at the time.

I then wondered if I did, how that might help put an end to such a dangerous practice by many American's by picking on one mother.

It's not fair.

She's not the only one.

Then I realized what an effect it had on me, watching the scene unfold.

Especially when informed by the Costco manager that it's not the first time this has happened in their parking lot.

Talk about a double take.

HGH Free For All

2008-01-28T15:25:00.000-08:00

It's official.

Someone finally said it and took credit for it.

Sylvester Stallone says he used human growth hormone to bulk up for the new Rambo movie.

See this blog article talked about on ABC23:

Not only that, he also says HGH is nothing.

Well, it has to be something.

A 61-yr old man doesn't get a body like that without A LOT of help.

Rambo, aka Rocky, told Time magazine that he juiced.

Although, Stallone went on to say that HGH is not a steroid, just pure testosterone.

He says that all men over 40 should look into it to increase the quality of life.

Maybe I will, if I can look like him.

Problem is, not everyone who takes HGH or steroids or other substances deemed illegal will look like Stallone.

He also says in 10 years, HGH will be available over-the-counter.

That should be of great comfort to the hundreds of young people in Bakersfield that are already taking it or some kind of steroid.

Maybe thousands.

I've been hearing the rumors for years.

People tell me how they witnessed steroid use first hand and participated in the south of the border runs to buy the drugs.

A young man who walked through a local gym carrying a backpack filled with steroids to sell to various clients.

A local football team that had a high number of players using steroids when they won a valley title in the 90's.

It's out there, it's in use and has been for years.

Every time we try to get someone to go on the record and talk about it, the person gets laryngitis.

No one wants to be the most unpopular person in town when it comes to people who run in these circles.

The people who use these types of drugs to attain the physique of a Greek god don't care about the possible long-term effects.

Anyone willing to take the risk associated with HGH or steroids will gladly trade health concerns for a six-pack.

So I say let them.

Take as much as you want.

Unlike Sly's apparent concern for the well-being of men over 40, the people who inject, rub or swallow these magical pills and elixirs are doing so not for health reasons, but for the "look".

The herculean look use to be unique and relegated to a select few.

Now, the ripped look is everywhere.

It's not special.

Yet, young people will still try desperately to attain it.

I'm not asking for some kind of government regulations, I'm just tired of hearing people lie about it.

Let those who want to juice, use it.

But I don't want to hear about it down the line.

Don't come back five, 10 or 20 years down the line and start crying about some disease that turned your insides to mush or caused a massive tumor or turned a perfectly healthy 25-yr old into a 75-yr old.

You want it, use it and be done with it.

Keep injecting until you explode.

Now that might make a good movie.

A Colorful Woman

2008-01-23T15:17:00.000-08:00

She was beautiful.

A high maintenance gal with a whole lot of attitude.

You might call her a pain in the ass. I did. But when she was doing her thing, she was amazing to watch. At least to me.

We put down our Purebred Arabian mare "Cleo" this morning. She had been suffering from several serious ailments. She was the second horse I've lost and I'll tell you it's worse than any dog or cat I ever had to bury.

Her show name was "Outrageous", due to the large patches of white hair that covered her body.

Not to mention, blue eyes more seductive than Elizabeth Taylor.

I wanted to call her "Cleo-splatra" as a tribute to her unusual markings and her Arabian Egyptian blood lines. So, we compromised on Cleo as her barn name.

She was unique and a real head turner.

It took a few years before judges were comfortable enough to acknowledge her in the Arabian Horse Show ring.

After all, purebreds simply didn't look like her.

She went on to win a half dozen U.S. National Top 10 Awards and numerous regional championships.

But she wanted to do it her way and she tested you at every turn.

I had a roper tell me one time that Arabians were too stupid to be a good horse.

He lectured me about quarter horses and how superior they were, after all, they did what he told them.

My wife Lori responded by saying, "You ask any horse to go right, it goes right. Left and it goes left. You ask an Arabian to go right, and it wants to know WHY."

I went to the Vet hospital last night after the late show with Lori to say our goodbyes.

Cleo was heavily sedated to help with the pain and would lean on you for a few moments.

Then, as if to declare she was still in charge, nudge you away.

She was one to remember, with a look you'll never forget.

Ignore The Flag

2008-01-21T20:37:00.000-08:00

It's not something you see in Bakersfield, and I'm glad we didn't show it.

In fact, I'm glad we didn't even talk about it on the news tonight.

No one was hurt.

No one was injured.

I'm talking about the idiot who raised a Nazi flag above the football field at West High on the eve of Dr. Martin Luther King's annual celebration.

Was there a connection?

We'll never know unless the clown is caught and charged by police with trespassing.

Maybe a hate crime.

I'd throw in a misdemeanor of stupidity if it was possible.

As I scanned the news feeds on Monday night, I noticed several stories about MLK day that had a negative slant.

From a shooting in Las Vegas to a disturbance in New York, every year there tends to be a story from somewhere in the U.S. associated with some kind of negative act on MLK day.

I'm sick of it.

The media is constantly bashed for not reporting *good* news.

Well, I think leaving this flag raising fool out of the limelight is *good* news.

Alcatraz 2008 Update

2008-01-21T15:49:00.000-08:00

He told me I was the worst father ever.

My son Michael and I were floating in Bartlett Lake, northeast of Scottsdale, in 50 degree water in the first of several swims to prepare us for Alcatraz.

The water was cold.

The refreshing, yet ice headache feeling you get when you drink something *really* cold, really fast.

The stinging pain that fired through our bodies each time we put our faces in the water had started to affect him as we swam the first of three legs out to a buoy 400 yards from shore.

"I don't want to do this", he said as I realized this would not be as easy as I hoped it would.

The wet suits were fine.

Thick enough in the chest and shoulders to contain the warmth, but flexible enough to let us swim through the chop of open water.

Your hands and feet became numb in the first few moments, but it was the pain each and every time you put your face down in the water that was doing in my son.

I tried the Knute Rockne speech, I told him about facing obstacles in your life and having the character to push through and it was having absolutely no impact on him.

Not like the ice cold water.

I finally switched to the Drill Sergeant approach, when stuck with the "worst father" label and encouraged him to the buoy and back to shore.

He completed one lap. One of three that will equal the distance from Alcatraz to the shore.

I really just wanted to get him acclimated to the cold water.

I didn't care how far he swam or how long he was in it. I just wanted him to understand how cold it was going to be.

I left him on shore and headed back out to complete the swim. The stinging sensation had stopped by the time I began the first leg back from buoy.

When I returned he walked up to me and said, "Dad, I really didn't mean..."

I stopped him and said, "Me too, son."

Not a Kodak moment, but good enough for me.

He told me he was still committed to making the swim in May.

Funny thing was, the entire time I was finishing the swim, he had been splashing around in the water, never realizing that his face had gone numb, and it didn't hurt anymore.

I pointed that out, to which he began laughing.

Let's see if he's still laughing in two weeks, when we hit the water again.

When It Rains...

2008-01-09T22:22:00.000-08:00

It began with a clogged line in my furnace that leaked into the wall and created mold in my 10-yr old son Michael's closet.

It ended with a $30 dollar service fee from Best Buy.

The past two months have been a monumental pain in the pocket book, one that I pray never raises it's dreadful head again.

I discovered mold in my son's closet right after Christmas, while clearing out a mountain of stuff he doesn't play with anymore in his closet.

The leak started in a pool closet that sits adjacent to his bedroom closet around Thanksgiving.

A quick call to my State Farm agent began my first odyssey through home owner's insurance claims.

I can pick anyone I want to repair the work, as long as it's one of their preferred providers.

A few arguments later, the repairs are in the works.

Two days before Christmas my wife Lori and Michael are hit by a red-light runner in the fog.

They're both OK, but her car needs a new front passenger door, quarter panel, wheel, etc.

It's currently in the shop, both claims paid minus my deductible.

Then, my car doesn't start late one night after work and it's in the shop for a quick fix.

No insurance coverage, that's out of pocket.

The coup de gras, provided by Best Buy.

A new laptop for Christmas came complete with a 2-yr service warranty, plus a virus plan that they installed for an extra bill.

The HD Video player didn't work.

I took it back to discover that the HD player is not covered under the $150 warranty they sold me.

That's for hardware issues. The driver is software. Who's the geek now?

They want an extra $30 to fix it.

Maybe I shouldn't complain, it's the cheapest fix.

Only 357 days left in 2008.

After all, it's a leap year. One I'd like to skip over so far.

Illegals Welcome In California

2008-01-01T22:39:00.000-08:00

Will new immigration laws in Arizona cause a flood of illegal immigrants to cross into California looking for work?

I watched an interesting report from a TV station in Phoenix that examined the new law.

Arizona officials are calling the laws some of the toughest ever that target businesses and the estimated 500,000 illegal immigrants who work within the state's borders.

The same officials believe thousands of immigrants are already fleeing the state.

And it could be far more than a half million illegals, or undocumented, workers leaving Arizona.

Officials said the estimate doesn't include farm or service industry workers who officials say they can't track accurately.

So, are they going back to Mexico or their country of origin? Hardly.

California has shown itself as a state that resists any real legislation that clamps down on illegal workers, but we don't have enough jobs for all the illegals who already call the Golden State home.

Will Arizona be a blueprint that other states will follow to deal with illegal workers in this country?

Maybe, but not here.

Arizona employers stand in danger of losing their entire business if they have any illegal workers on the payroll.

An Arizona legislator who crafted the law put it simply, "It's like Disneyland learned a long time ago, if you want the crowds to go home, turn off the lights and shut down the rides, enough is enough, we're no longer going to tolerate it."

Employers must check worker's names and social security numbers through a federal database called "E-Verify".

A first time violation can suspend a company's business license for 10 days.

A second violation gets the license pulled for good.

If the illegals are coming to California, what will we do with them?

Same thing we do with all the others, try to find them a job and look the other way.

After all, it's a problem for lawmakers in Washington, not Sacramento.

Right?

Driving In A Fog

2007-12-23T11:58:00.000-08:00

I didn't pick up the cell phone when it rang the first time, I was busy.

On the second ring, I answered.

It was my wife Lori, who told me she had just been hit by an SUV that ran a red light at an intersection near our house.

My heart skipped a beat.

Our son Michael was with her.

They were meeting some people from her restaurant to do some Christmas shopping for a needy family that they had adopted for the holiday.

She told me everyone was OK, but Michael was shaken up a bit.

I jumped in the car and began driving through the fog to reach the intersection.

Despite the increased heart rate, I drove as safely as possible through the thick fog.

The stop lights were hard to see until you were about 50 yards from the intersection, but I had driven this road a million times. I knew where the lights were and the four-way stops.

The driver of the SUV that caused the accident had driven through the red light, smashing into a car next to Lori's, before careening into my wife's front passenger door.

Michael was sitting on the driver's side behind her.

It was his first accident.

I gave everyone a quick hug, checked on the other drivers. Everyone was fine.

Then, I turned my attention to what happened.

I've covered so many crashes, minor and deadly, as a reporter over the years the questions started pouring out of me.

What happened? Where was the other driver? Did you see the SUV coming before it hit you, and so on.

I began to get angry.

How many times have I seen people driving like idiots, watched close calls and dialed 911 to report someone weaving all over the road.

The anger gave way to relief that no one was hurt.

The only serious accident I was ever involved in happened on Christmas Eve in Arizona when I was 18.

The other driver was turning left and smashed into my driver's door as I was coming through the intersection.

I woke up on the sidewalk with my sister and an off-duty nurse looking down at me.

I had a concussion. Some bruises to my left side.

The driver crushed the outer door up to the frame, which was buckled up under the driver's seat.

My head hit the top of the door. The window was down or I probably would have hit that instead.

It was a clear, beautiful Arizona winter day, but today, it was the first real day of morning fog in west Bakersfield near our house.

I wanted to know what the other driver was doing. Why didn't she see the red light? Was she driving to fast for the conditions?

The police believe some kind of distraction was involved.

Talking on the cell phone, changing the music, who knows.

I've been driving in Bakersfield fog for about 16 years now, and I've come out unscathed. (knock on wood)

Something happens to me, and I'm sure to other people as well, when the fog rolls in.

I turn off, or down, the music. Leave the cell phone in the glove box. Slow down to about a 1/3rd of my normal speed.

I even flick my brights on and off briefly when I come up on intersections, so someone trying to pull out might see me a little better.

There's no scientific proof that it works, but it makes me more attentive.

I'm grateful that no one was hurt. I'm adding it to my list of things to be thankful for this year.

I wonder if it's too late to ask Santa for a new passenger side door and mirror for my wife's Toyota Avalon?

**A quick reminder to give all your attention to the road in front of you, now that the Tule Fog has officially arrived for 2007-2008.**

Don't Blame The Dog

2007-12-19T17:41:00.000-08:00

I'm a big fan of police K-9's.

They do a dirty job, putting themselves in harm's way to protect their human partners.

They are trained to search out suspects, drugs and a number of other tasks.

But they are dogs.

If you resist, they will bite.

If you attack them, they will bite.

If you hide under a blanket, after officers have given you the option of exiting a house that is about to be searched, chances are, they will bite.

Basically, if police have to use the dog, a bite is probably a foregone conclusion.

A local mom has taken the first step towards filing suit against the BPD, after a K-9 bit her teenage son during the search of her home on the night of December 17th.

Police were at the home looking for suspects in an armed robbery at a Fastrip, where the suspects brandished a knife, all to steal some beer.

Witnesses traced the men to the woman's house on Gary Place.

Police ordered everyone out, key word in this sentence "everyone".

The woman and two sons exited the house, as another person ran out the back into the arms of waiting officers.

After awhile, another teenage son came outside.

The mom, through her attorney, said she told officers her 15-yr old son was inside sleeping.

Apparently he didn't hear the commotion outside.

The police department's press release said before the K-9 entered the home, they confirmed with the mom that everyone was accounted for.

The teen supposedly didn't hear the K-9 and his handler entering the home to do a sweep, announcing their presence before they entered, after they entered and during the entire sweep.

The dog reportedly lunged at the covers on a bed inside a room that hadn't been searched and ended up biting the teenager.

The teen suffered a laceration across his forehead, puncture below his right eyebrow and a cut above his ear.

The mother's attorney said the woman believes if her son's robbed the store they should pay, but if the police committed a crime, they should pay.

What crime?

And who's really at fault?

If your son really is sleeping inside the house, with police swarming all over the place and a K-9 unit preparing to go in, wouldn't you tell police EXACTLY where he was in the house.

A couple of your sons (according to the release) were just involved in the ARMED robbery of a store with a weapon.

Police say the teenager who was bit, was not involved with the robbery.

Is someone at fault?

Yes, I'd begin with the mother.

The Price Of Murder

2007-12-13T20:07:00.000-08:00

Is it just me, or does $500 seem like a bargain to kill someone and firebomb their home?

When the investigation into the murder-for-hire scheme revealed the suspects in this case were hired for anywhere from $500 to $1,000 to kill the intended victim, I was stunned.

This was not a Hollywood movie, where a mysterious individual pulls into a dark parking garage and hands over a bag of money to a hit man to snuff out a person that's proven to be expendable.

No, a local business owner ALLEGEDLY asked a younger subordinate (and family member) to find some guys and rub out a man who ALLEGEDLY had a former relationship with his current wife.

The go-between knew some "guys" who could do this, arranged the hit (complete with code words and all) and waited for it to be carried out.

All this for $500?

Even the getaway driver was reportedly promised $100.

Are you serious?

Does this concern anyone else but me?

Are there people in this town willing to end someones life over the price of a video game console or iPhone?

Come on, hold out for more money, after all we're talking about a crime that carries a pretty hefty sentence if you're caught.

For the man hired to carry out the hit, he was killed.

Put a price on that.

Road Rage Rules

2007-12-05T11:47:00.000-08:00

It's not that difficult.

In fact, most of the rules are right there in the DMV handbook.

You know, the book that you're suppose to read and know before getting your license.

I'm talking about traffic and speed.

One of the biggest triggers, when it comes to road rage, is the flow.

Someone messing up the flow.

A self-appointed speed monitor who pulls into the No. 1 lane and becomes a pace car.

The monitor refuses to give way to other drivers and will not move into a slower lane when approached by a faster motorist.

This person is a catalyst for rage.

I was returning from Anaheim on Tuesday, with traffic moving fairly well.

There were the usual congestion points, like downtown, but all in all, it was a bearable commute.

Once traffic freed up and started to move, the monitors came out.

After witnessing more than two dozen close calls, obscene gestures and slingshot lane changes, I was glad to be back in Bakersfield.

But the home town is not immune to this disease.

Speed kills, but also ignites a rage greater than someone who won't make a right turn on red or doesn't realize that there are TWO left turn lanes and nearly drifts into you.

I'm not sure if it's ignorance or indignation that fuels the speed monitor, but it's a danger to everyone on the road.

Slow drivers in the fast lane (or insanity lane as I like to call it) forces the quicker current into the slow lanes, causing all kinds of potential problems.

I've heard the excuses:

"It's not your road, it's all of ours."

"If you don't like it go around."

"I'm driving the speed limit, you're breaking the law."

Say whatever you want, you are endangering the public.

Take it from a guy who drives in the lane next to the fast lane, and occasionally ventures into the No. 1 lane.

There will always be someone faster than you, no matter how fast you drive.

A simple lane change to allow the faster cars to move on, will not only create less frustration than being tailgated for several miles, but keep 'that' traffic where it belongs.

And don't try to enforce speeding laws yourself, unless you plan on making a citizen's arrest.

Road rage is a condition that we don't need to agitate any further, and it will never be cured.

Unfortunately, sooner or later, it usually ends in tragedy.

Alcatraz 2008

2007-11-28T16:24:00.000-08:00

It's been more than 20 years since I swam laps in a pool.

I swam so many in my life, that when I gave up competitive swimming, I walked as far away as possible.

The stench of chlorine, blood-shot eyes and speedo swim suits were all a memory.

I figured more than 10 years of swimming year round was enough.

Then, my son discovered the sport.

His cousin Colin, who's about the same age, swam Alcatraz last year with his swim team in Arizona, as part of a fundraiser for drowning prevention.

Michael's been swimming for a club team and wanted to try it this year.

After all, that means a wetsuit!!

Trouble is, anyone under 18 has to have an adult chaperon.

Someone to jump into the 55 degree water with them.

Someone to swim the one and a half miles from Alcatraz to the shore.

Someone to help navigate through choppy waters and water freshly saturated with oil.

Someone who didn't realize that after all this time he was aching for a reason to get back in the water, and now there will be plenty of aches to go around.

Not to mention, how many more bonding chances will I have with my son?

And yes, maybe I feel like I have something to prove to myself.

A mid-life crisis, nah, I'm not there yet.

So, I'm back in the pool, with several people helping me out, to transform my body back into Aquaman.

Or at least what an out-of-swimming-shape Aquaman would look like at 43, after being dry-docked for 20 some odd years.

Black Friday Hostilities

2007-11-26T15:17:00.000-08:00

I hate Black Friday.

It's like an excuse to be rude for a day, on the first official shopping day of the Christmas Holiday.

People swinging elbows, knocking down their mothers to get a great deal on a plasma TV.

Then, there are people who act like every day is Black Friday.

A young, pregnant woman was shopping with her mother in Toys-R-Us over the weekend.

What I believed to be the woman's child was attempting to ride a razor scooter around the bike section, when she came very close to ramming into an older man.

The man reached down and grabbed the handlebars to stop the child from slamming into him, and touched her arm to stop her from falling down.

He said something to the effect of "watch out little lady!!!"

The little girl was one of several kids, mostly unsupervised, racing around the bike section at the time.

It was at this point, mom turned to see the man talking down to her daughter.

This is where the story begins.

Within 5 seconds, the mother is in the man's face as her voice begins a crescendo so everyone in the bike section can hear her.

"Don't touch my child" and "Don't lecture my child", are just a few of the fragments spewing from her now curled lip, as the man starts to raise his voice to obviously try to explain what had happened while mom was ignoring her child.

Then, Grandma started in with the occasional repetition, as if to try and add credence to what her daughter was saying.

"I'll sue you!", to which she replied "Yea, she'll sue you!"

It has always amazed me how smart some people become in regards to the law, when reading someone the riot act.

She asks him to "touch her", the obvious touch me and I'll sue routine, then in the same breath wishes her husband or boyfriend was there so he could pulverize the older man.

Happy Holidays!!

The verbal assault was launched, I believe, to cover up for the fact that mom was paying no attention to her child.

Then, to top it off, the woman wants a manager and proceeds to follow the man through the store, yelling for security or a manager, as if the man is trying to flee the scene of the crime.

Yes, he was trying to flee alright, to get away from her.

Afterwards, I talked to a woman, who I assumed was in charge, after she listened to both sides of the story.

I told her I witnessed the confrontation and filled in some holes left by the woman.

She told me the man had two artificial knees.

I'll bet he still could have used one to give her a swift kick in the backside.

Condors Jerseys & The Jerk

2007-11-19T16:37:00.000-08:00

I love the Condor's commemorative jersey auctions.

The fans are some of the most generous I've ever encountered and they never fail to leave their mark.

The 10th anniversary jerseys raked in nearly $21,500 for the Ronald McDonald House charities on Sunday night.

Keep in mind, the fans were shelling out big bucks for a team that has struggled in the early part of this season.

Fan favorites like Reagan Leslie still command top dollar, his #3 jersey going for $2,150.

But a charity auction is not the time to air your discontent with the team's progress through the first month of the season.

I became aware of the heckler about 4 jerseys into the auction, as his snide comments became louder as I introduced each player before the bidding began.

He was hidden, of course, up in the bar area, concealed behind 2 people, where he courageously offered up tips and suggestions for each player as they skated out to do their part for charity.

I pressed on, ignoring him, although I was half-tempted to award a high-priced jersey to him just to shut him up.

Then again this was for charity.

Win or lose, the Condors are approaching the half-million dollar mark with their jersey auctions in the 10 years since the team's inception.

Plus, I'm sure whatever Coach Marty Raymond said to the guys in a closed door meeting before the auction was a bit more harsh than anything this disgruntled fan could ever dream of.

"In God" We Debate

2007-11-08T18:19:00.000-08:00

It's over, finally.

Sadly, the myriad of amendments to the "In God We Trust" proposal of the Kern High School District's Board of Trustees did more to dilute the patriotic message than strengthen it.

I was led to believe that the trustees were going to post other U.S. documents in each classroom, along with the national motto, in some sort of historical settlement to the religious debate that erupted shortly after the posting was proposed.

Now, each class will get a single poster with the documents overlapping.

Only a small portion of each document will be decipherable.

Sad.

It was meant as a compromise.

Instead, the board created a confusing constitutional collaboration.

And to top it off, it's going to cost $12,000.

I think Councilwoman Jacquie Sullivan's religious action group should foot the bill.

It was her idea that Chad Vegas brought to the table.

I just wish they would have acknowledged and admitted the obvious religious connection right off the bat, instead of insisting their motives were historically driven.

The opposition would still have shown up to be heard, but at least the back room whispering and talk show posturing would have abated quickly.

If you listen closely, you'll still hear the debate faintly, every time you see one of those posters in your kids class.

Our Nation's Finest & The Worst

2007-11-05T10:33:00.000-08:00

I didn't know Uncle Frank personally.

I knew of him, through my friend, his nephew Carlos.

A quiet, mild-mannered, unassuming veteran who survived one of the most horrific battles in our nation's history.

PFC Frank Magana was drafted into the Army in January 1943 and went into the medical corps.

His first action was in June 1944 at Omaha Beach on D-Day.

Carlos recounted the story of that day to me on several occasions, each re-creation sending chills through my body.

Surviving the landing on the beach, PFC Magana spent most of the first few moments of that onslaught racing back into the surf to pull wounded GI's to shore, even though he couldn't swim.

The death and destruction that riddled around him with each passing moment was a blur and when it was over he sat there wondering how he managed to get out alive.

PFC Magana survived that day and many more like it.

A member of the 1st Infantry, the infamous "Big Red One", Uncle Frank marched across France, Belgium and into Germany.

He was honorably discharged in Nov. 1945.

He returned home and left medicine behind, perhaps witnessing too much during his time in the Army, he became a television repairman.

He died on Halloween morning at the age of 83.

A couple weeks before his death, this amazing human being was walking near his home on Sunday, Oct. 7th when he was attacked by one or two men and robbed.

It happened in a dirt lot on the southwest corner of Brundage Lane & 'P' Street.

I bet the young Frank would have cleaned the lot with these scumbags, but the older more frail Frank wasn't able to defend himself.

A good Samaritan found him and called for help.

He was taken to the hospital, where he remained until he was released into hospice care for the final moments of his life.

The police are investigating, but it doesn't appear his death was related to any injuries he sustained in the attack.

Currently, the case is being called an incident of elderly abuse pending further investigation.

It breaks my heart that a man who survived so much at a terrible time in history, or any senior citizen for that matter, would be assaulted for a couple of bucks.

To say that he didn't deserve to go out this way is a huge understatement.

It's not how his family will remember him, or myself for that matter.

I hope someone will come forward and turn in those responsible.

These lowlifes need to be held responsible for robbing Bakersfield of a real treasure.

The Big Squeeze

2007-10-27T12:18:00.000-07:00

I use to think the gas stations at Stockdale Highway and Interstate Five were pretty bad when it came to jacking drivers at the gas pump.

I wasn't even close.

I'm driving my Expedition back to Bakersfield from Albuquerque, New Mexico on Sunday, pulling a trailer loaded down with 2 horses and all of our gear.

The 5.4 liter engine was hauling the 6-to-7,000 pound load easily but I was only getting about 9-10 miles per gallon.

I hit Needles, CA on I-40 about 9 hours into the trip and had just over a 1/4 tank left, when a sign told me next services 35 miles.

My 2-yr old son Cody was asleep in the car seat, my wife Lori was reading and I felt like we could go another 35 miles before stopping for gas.

Barstow was still another 105 miles and I would stop there for some food.

I got to the gas station oasis on Interstate 40 at the Goffs Road Exit.

Remember, the GOFFS ROAD EXIT, this is important later.

We drove around to the station which resembled something out of a 2nd rate horror movie.

It was 7pm, the full moon was out and there were about a dozen people milling about.

It wasn't until I pulled up to the pump that I saw the price.

$4.39 a gallon. Yes, $4.39!!!! An early halloween scare.

Stunned I sat and stared at it, thinking fatigue had blurred my vision.

The pumps were old, no credit card slot to speak of, so I ventured inside.

I walked past a 15-yr old teenager doing his best Eminem impersonation sitting on a chair outside the station smoking a cigarette.

Upon entering, I came face to face with Lurch. Not the Adams Family character, but the real life equivalent.

I asked for 20 bucks worth, 4 1/2 gallons to get me to Ludlow, CA about 30 miles up the road.

He stared at me, and activated the pump.

When I blurted out, "$4.39, are you kidding?', he just stared at me and said, "Nope!"

I felt like any further communication would result in a machete coming out from behind the counter so I left, repeating the phrase to "Snykers" (pronounced Snickers), the kid I nicknamed while I was inside, and he also stared back without a word.

I filled up and left for Ludlow.

Just 40 minutes up the road, I pulled off in Ludlow, encountering a similar group of people, but a better price.

The $3.49 a gallon made me feel much better, having been soaked for a handful of gas at the last station.

For those of you experienced travelers on I-40 between Barstow and Needles, you already know this, but for the occasional motorist, a couple words of warning.

Stop in Arizona just before the CA border if you're headed westbound.

An Arco AMPM was advertising $2.87 a gallon and I blew by it thinking I'd find a better deal.

It goes without saying Barstow should be a topping off destination as well.

Think of it like Nascar, when they time out pitstops to maximize fuel consumption to the end of the race.

The last thing you want is your finish line to be Goffs Road.

If you're as unfortunate as I was, say hi to Lurch for me.

Please share any other nightmare pitstops, so others won't encounter a similar fate.

Drunken Explanation

2007-10-19T14:09:00.000-07:00

To let a DUI suspect speak, or not to speak.

That is obviously the question on this Friday as we head into the weekend.

Jose Hernandez hopped into his SUV last Sunday and headed home with his 2-year old daughter in tow after a couple beers.

He got into an acceleration contest with a 22-yr old in a little sports car.

You've seen it a million times at almost every stop light.

It's not a planned street race.

One car pulls away quickly, the other catches up and nudges ahead, the first car then speeds up a little more and before you know it, you've got two guys racing down the street.

Only last weekend, an innocent couple were caught in the middle.

A woman is killed and her husband remains in critical condition.

We asked for a jailhouse interview with Jose Hernandez this week and he agreed.

That decision has riled a few feathers on local airwaves and blogs.

It seems not many people wanted to hear an apology, or in this instance, an outright admission of guilt.

Well, 99% of the time the people in our community who end up in prison decline the media's request for an interview.

But we got the interview and reported what he said, for better or worse.

Hopefully, for the better.

I guess I could stand here and "What if" this thing to no end like many people have been doing, but it's done.

Where was this, why was that, he should have known, and so on.

I'm hoping his face and his confession will burn a lasting memory in your brain.

Think of that this weekend, when many of you will have one or two beers and get behind the wheel of their car for a quick drive home.

The BPD will tell you that about 90% of the time that someone is pulled over for weaving or some other telltale DUI sign, that the driver tells them they only had one or two beverages.

Many DUI's involve people who are at, or barely above, the state mandated .08 limit.

Does that stop people from doing it?

The newest DUI law in California involves a signature, acknowledging the fact that if you drink and drive and kill someone, you could be charged with murder.

Stack that on top of the thousands in fines, jail time, license suspension, counseling sessions, ignition locking devices, and so on and so forth.

Is drinking and driving still a problem?

Will drinking and driving every really end?

Not even if you brought prohibition back, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't stop trying.

I've interviewed numerous families who've been victimized by drunk drivers and become friends with many mom's and dad's whose sons and daughters were killed by someone who "made a bad decision."

We've broadcast their pain and anguish on our news dozens and dozens of times.

And we will keep showing the devastation this type of behavior causes until it finally sinks in.

As for Jose Hernandez, he faces 2nd degree murder charges in a DUI crash.

No amount of apologies in the world will keep him from a lengthy prison sentence.

But maybe his face and words will keep someone from joining him.

Military Courtesy

2007-10-16T23:12:00.000-07:00

I just got back from Albuquerque, New Mexico.

I worked a 10-hour day shift on Monday, got off around 6:30, came home and fell asleep for about 2 hours.

I woke up and packed my Expedition and horse trailer, then drove my wife Lori, our 2-yr old son Cody and her father to Albuquerque for the U.S. Arabian and Half-Arabian Horse Show Championships.

We left at midnight and got into New Mexico at 3:30pm Tuesday afternoon.

I then unloaded everything, got them set up, and raced to the airport to hop a flight back to Bakersfield at 6:10pm. After all, I had to work Wednesday.

I made the connection through Phoenix on U.S. Airways only to be informed my connection home was delayed. Typical.

As I'm sitting by my gate, I see a young man, dressed in his Marine Corp uniform, running through the airport. He's looking for his gate. Mine was switched, so I felt for him.

What I didn't know was he was looking for the gate right across from mine, to catch a flight to Monterrey. I'm guessing he was going home.

The lighted sign said "Doors close at 7pm" and a quick glance at my watch showed it was 7 or 7:01pm.

He realized where he was and bolted for the door that had JUST closed.

He knocked, no answer.

He knocked again, nothing.

He started to walk away, when the door opened, and I'm guessing the woman that emerged informed him that he was too late.

I started looking around in our waiting area, and about a dozen people were all watching this show, mouths open and heads shaking.

I was ready to give up my seat home to help this grunt get a little closer to his home, when he suddenly disappeared as fast as he arrived.

Not many other flights leaving Phoenix at that hour on a Tuesday night.

A moment later, a man walked over from that gate to ours and we asked him about the Marine. He shook his head and confirmed the non-verbal exchange we all witnessed.

Would anyone on the plane complain if they pushed back up to the gate to let this man in uniform get on?

How many times have you missed a connection because your original flight was late? How many lousy hotels have you stayed in, courtesy of the airline, because your flight was delayed again and again until they had to shuttle you off to a hotel and try again the next morning?

I can hear it now, security issues, schedules, etc...

My flight left about 90 minutes late. Our captain boasted about how he was going to make-up for the lost time in getting us back to Bakersfield.

Guess he wasn't worried about the extra fuel cost.

Small price to pay for someones service to our country.

Buyer Beware

2007-10-14T22:30:00.000-07:00

Get use to hearing that a lot in the next year.

The variable rates are beginning to reset which I'm told will result in a massive flood of foreclosures.

People are scrambling to get out of loans that many will probably tell you they never should have been in, in the first place.

And the real estate machine will blame the buyer.

Should have known better, shouldn't have committed to a loan that burned up more than 30% of your monthly nut, etc, etc, etc...

But shouldn't the real estate community have stopped these people at some point in the process to point that out.

I mean, someone must have crunched some numbers and figured out the disaster that awaited a family just a few years down the road.

And this isn't just about loans, no, no, no.

What about all the things that go into buying a home.

We just had a family on ABC23 that got into a home that had an addition, and was reportedly told by the seller, that all they needed was a permit and some minor modifications.

Once the ink was dry on the contract, the buyer found out the addition was really a subtraction.

City code had cited 12 violations that had to be corrected in 30 days or bye, bye baby.

I can hear the cry now, "Buyer Beware".

C'mon, be serious.

When I bought the property that my wife and I live in now back in 2001, I had at least a handful of people from different organizations walking us through the entire process.

Was the surge in real estate prices just too much to resist for some?

No, not everyone took advantage of it, but if more than 1 or 2 of your clients are going to lose their home in the next year, then yes, that's a problem.

BUYER BEWARE??

What am I paying the 6%, or 6 points for??

The closing costs, etc, etc, etc...

A friend told me that a colleague in the real estate community wanted to know when all these stories about fraud and foreclosure were going to end.

She said it was hurting business.

I'm sure it was, like this the last time the bubble burst and the time before that.

The long time realtors will survive, the people in it for the quick buck will go back to what they were doing before the boom, and the people who got in to deep will drown.

Yup, Buyer Beware.

Let's hope next time, someone is listening.

Rest In Peace

2007-10-11T21:47:00.000-07:00

I didn't know Gary Foster of Bakersfield, but I'm getting to know the families he left behind.

And it's not pretty.

In case you don't know, Foster is the local man killed in a Colorado pipeline fire at a hydroelectric plant. He was coating the pipe with epoxy when it caught fire.

Foster was one of five people killed in the fire.

In the days following his death, we talked to both sides of Gary's family. His immediate family and his extended family that includes step-relatives.

I'm not privy to the intimate dealings of this family, especially during such a difficult time, but it made my job a lot more difficult.

One side would tell us something about Gary or the investigation, only to have it rebutted by the other side.

I'm not going to go any deeper into the details out of respect for the families, but it suffices to say, that this game of political ping pong is uncomfortable, especially when you're trying to write a story that tells viewers about the person who died.

I won't begin to pretend to understand what Gary's wife, mother, father or anyone else is going through right now, but I'm pretty sure Gary wouldn't be happy about it.

Growing up, the Hart family spent most weekends and holidays with my dad's brothers family.

We had six in our family at the time and they had seven.

Our time together saved for prosperity on 8mm film.

But one day, I'm not even sure when or how, we drifted apart.

I saw them twice over the last 22 years when my father's parents died.

Then, this summer, my cousin Teresa died. Not much older than me. There were all my cousins, my aunt and uncle, all of whom looked and sounded like strangers.

We spent the funeral and part of the gathering afterwards getting caught up.

It was awkward and depressing.

How did I let this relationship become so strained that I couldn't keep in touch with family more frequently over the past two decades?

The fact we live in an age of texting, e-mails and cell phones made this all even more pathetic.

I hope the Foster family will find strength and support in numbers, and dispatch any individual grievances.

There's nothing worse than regret, when there's no way to correct it.

Crabtree Investigations

2007-10-05T22:41:00.000-07:00

I want to be the first person to nominate local appraiser Gary Crabtree as the lead investigator for the future Real Estate Fraud Unit.

Let me first state that Gary probably doesn't want this job. Not because he can't do it.

Crabtree has been looking into potential cases of mortgage fraud for nearly two years and told a forum this week that he uncovered 202 possible cases to the tune of 114 million dollars.

Most of those are under review by state and federal authorities, but Crabtree approached the DA's office with a handful of cases on the advice of legal counsel for the Bakersfield Assoc. of Realtors Executive Committee.

Ed Jagels told Crabtree that he would forward these cases to his "White Collar Crime" unit.

That's where it ended, for now.

Crabtree told me during a conversation with someone in the unit, he laid out his findings to the investigator who looked back at him and said he wouldn't know where to begin.

Yea, but Gary does.

Gary stated that for the recent mortgage fraud bonanza to take place, you need an appraiser.

Someone to certify the marked up prices.

Who better to stop a thief?!!

I don't think he wants the job, but at the very least, maybe the BPD could get him to do a little freelance with the department.

Since as Gary says, "these "fraudsters" have stolen more money with a pen and paper, than could ever be robbed from a bank with a gun. Let's not let Bakersfield become a sanctuary city for mortgage fraud."

Maybe ease up on the sanctuary talk, that's still a sore spot.

Name Calling Non-Sense

2007-10-05T22:22:00.000-07:00

I was neutral on the "In God We Trust issue, not wanting to voice my support and push my religious views onto other people's children in the Kern High School District.

But after several days of badgering on the radio and in the newspaper, I raise the white flag.

After listening and reading all the self-righteous, condescending, ultra left and right leaning, finger pointing and bible thumping, I give in.

Commies, atheists and pagans, oh my!!!

Ken Mettler jumped into the mix on Friday, tossing his support firmly behind Chad Vegas, by downplaying the small (20 or so fanatics he said) group that opposes the idea of hanging "In God We Trust" from the walls of classrooms all over Kern County.

He stated that Jacquie Sullivan's action group brought the idea to the school board and any one of the members could have brought it to the meeting for action.

So why didn't someone else? Why didn't you Ken?

I'm guessing that the hysteria being generated would have been less if one of the other trustees introduced the idea than the Pastor of a local congregation.

Or, if Chad just admitted, yea, I like the idea of "God" in whatever form, being part of young people's lives, just as he is in the foundation of this country, then maybe people will let it go.

Not completely of course.

Will the posters end up in the classroom, most certainly.

Do I mind, not really.

But can we get this over with quickly, the kids in the back of the class are falling asleep.

"In God We Trust"

2007-10-01T14:17:00.000-07:00

Chad Vegas in the ABC23 Studios, 5pm news...
Photo by N.L. Belardes

First, it was changing winter and spring breaks, back to Christmas and Easter.

Now, Kern High School Trustee Chad Vegas wants to redecorate every classroom in the district with the phrase, "In God We Trust".

In a press release from Vegas, he stated that it was the "logical first step in making sure our students are informed and grounded in these basic tenets."

Which ones?

I don't have a problem with the phrase in the Bakersfield City Council chambers, in fact, I silently supported the idea from Jacquie Sullivan.

Take another step back.

I openly complained about the lawsuit brought by an atheist in San Francisco wanting to erase "under God" from the Pledge of Allegiance.

But "In God We Trust" in the classroom?

Why not the Bill of Rights or maybe the U.S. Constitution?

Even if some people believe the phrase might inspire some kids, I think that needs to start at home. My two sons are 10 and 2, and will learn about God and religion at home or in church.

I learned Monday morning while stumbling past a local radio talk show, that part of the confusion and/or resistance is being supplied by the LIBERAL media.

As Chad and the host berated, what I believe they meant to be the local media, I started to laugh.

The conservatives call the media liberal and vise versa. That's the stuff bumper stickers are made of.

It's our job to question everything, especially from our elected leaders. If ONE person has a problem with what you're doing and we report it, suddenly we're the enemy.

But despite our personal feelings, the media is beholden to present BOTH sides of an issue on a daily basis. That job can difficult at times, but not on the topic of religion, where everyone has an opinion and are not afraid to express it.

Good thing this isn't real estate.

I looked back at the story we did in 2004 shortly after Chad Vegas was elected to the board.

Some people were worried about a possible religious agenda, to which Chad replied he was elected to represent the people of the district.

We in the media understand that you can't please everyone and the trustees will have the final say on Chad's plan for new wallpaper.

So perhaps for now, the rest of us will trust in them.

Related Video:

Resolution Repercussions

2007-09-26T21:52:00.000-07:00

A "resolution" is defined by the American Heritage Dictionary as:

- A resolving to do something.

- A course of action determined or decided on.

- A formal statement of a decision or expression of opinion put before or adopted by an assembly such as the U.S. Congress.

I personally think it's a lot of ballyhoo. Political posturing. This is Bakersfield, not Washington, DC.

And it's not legislation or law.

Bakersfield City Council member David Couch wanted to send a message through two or three resolutions, that the city was taking a side.

Maybe not a popular one for many in opposition, but one that would declare English the official language and that the city would not become a sanctuary.

Both resolutions were defeated.

A series of resolutions from Council member Sue Benham all passed.

Those resolutions pitted the city of Bakersfield against the U.S. Government basically demanding Washington to enforce immigration laws, develop policies and order the BPD to continue cooperating with federal agencies on immigration matters.

Not the same as Couch's proposal, but one that he even agreed sent a message.

But not the same message.

It's almost as if the council made the safe play, passing the buck to the federal government, just as city's and county's have been doing for years in regards to immigration.

I think English should be declared the official language in Bakersfield, even though the California Constitution already takes care of that, and that there should be no sanctuary status for undocumented workers.

Some council members who voted down Couch's resolutions, later stated they would vote down the sanctuary idea if it ever came to a vote. It did, Wednesday night.

If you want to make a statement, look south to San Diego.

Supervisors wanted to know what kind of an impact illegal immigrants had on their area. A study found that 10% of the county's annual budget was spent on services for illegal immigrants. That amount topped $100 million last year alone.

They are now trying to enlist the help of a San Diego Congressman to enact legislation to seek reimbursement from the federal government, for failing to stop illegals from crossing the border and using services that taxpayers pay for.

Supervisor Bill Horn said Tuesday that he did not intend for the board's vote to be a symbolic gesture, even though previous "illegal immigration bills" sent by the county to the federal government in 1994 and 2001 have not been paid.

I know, that's an issue for Kern County to follow, not the City Council.

But the Council had their chance Wednesday night, to send a message to the residents of Bakersfield.

And decided to bend it like Benham, instead of sitting on the Couch.

San Diego information provided by the North County Times

The Other Half

2007-09-25T14:44:00.000-07:00

I'm still adjusting from a whirlwind 4-day, 3-night trip to Cabo.

It was unlike any vacation I've ever taken, from the Gulfstream Jet, to the One & Only Palmilla resort and private yacht, this was one to remember.

And I've got the pictures and videotape to prove it.

This trip was courtesy of my wife. Actually, she and five other Outback partners were tops in California last year, earning the five star trip from the man behind all 63 restaurants in California.

They all got to bring their spouses. No rules, just right, baby.

I've had a lot of great vacations in my life, from my 1st trip to the Grand Canyon when I was 8 yrs old, to my family's annual pilgrimage to Disneyland during the Christmas holiday. (There's nothing like fake snow on Main Street)

I've never measured a vacation by the amount of money I spent, or this time, didn't spend, but instead by the memories and there were plenty.

For those of you who haven't been to Palmilla in Cabo de San Jose, let me set the stage for you.

You walk to the pool to find what appears to be a queen sized futon. An employee approaches and places his hand over his heart (a resort tradition that means "my pleasure) and asks if you'd like a bottle of water or anything else to drink. He brings a towel and fan to deal with the 95 degree heat and 100% humidity.

Later, he returns with ice goggles and suggests a massage.

In the room, our butler (complimentary) makes sure the bed is turned down, with flowers in the shape of the resort insignia at the foot of the comforter. Cocktail snacks arrive everyday at the same time, with a note asking if we needed him to refresh the fruit. Yes, refresh the fruit.

I didn't look at the bill, even though I wasn't paying, because I didn't want to know. This was a fantasy of sorts, one that I didn't want to spoil.

Our host treated us to a lavish dinner at three phenomenal restaurants every night during the trip. He popped for golf and drinks, refusing to let anyone else pickup the tab.

This was his way of thanking my wife and her business partners for their extremely hard work in 2006 and I was along for the ride.

I expressed my gratitude at every turn, to which he simply smiled and said, "No, thank you."

This might be how the other half lives, but he's in a class by himself.

Thanks Tom.

Blog 101: The Bubble Bursts

2007-09-14T14:05:00.000-07:00

I'm new to the blog game.

It's a different beast, that relies on anonymity, trust and the willingness to take the heat in a spirited debate.

Point taken.

Our new website managing editor and seasoned blogger gave me some advice before we started this new venture.

Rule #1: When posting don't get into a back and forth banter with a blogger, because it takes away from the issue.

Yea, forgot that one.

I hopped over to a real estate blog site yesterday, Bakersfield Bubble, and happened into a discussion about the FBI Raid involving Crisp & Cole.

The blood was everywhere.

Amidst the conversation was the occasional media bashing for not being on top of this story sooner. Fair enough.

We've keeping an eye on the story for about a year, and did the occasional piece.

The latest juicy tid bit involves Crisp selling off gold faucets, handles and other fixtures in his home for cash. Still trying to track that one down or at least get a picture from inside the house.

But all the rumors and innuendo's don't mean anything without someone willing to stand up and talk about it on camera.

Perfect example: News Bulletin - Housing market on a downhill slide, sales decline, rates could rise. But that's not what people in the biz tell you here, where everything is fine and dandy.

Yes, we know that's not right, but again, no one willing to step forward and go against the tide.

Sometimes that unwillingness to help break a story you've been dogging for a while can get the best of you.

Especially when you read comments from people who insist your not doing your job.

This is not my story, but KERO takes a team approach to reporting, pitching in whenever something pops up.

I asked for help from an arena that clearly seemed to have their ear to the ground on this one and has so for some time.

That's what a reporter does. That's how you dig. You want documents, background, etc. You talk to people and dig.

Maybe I didn't ask in the right way, because I certainly didn't respond in kind and it got the best of me.

I've been in the news game a long time and work hard to make sure both sides of any story are heard.

But airing opinion and gossip with no one to attribute it to is not journalism.

Better for a blog than the news.

A big thanks to Bakersfield Bubble, or BB, for e-mailing me once the dust settled, along with a couple other people who will go unnamed.

Simply because I don't know their name, only their blog identity and e-mail address.

Crisp & Cole: The Beginning

2007-09-13T18:18:00.000-07:00

It's amazing how many people knew this would happen.

How many people predicted this would happen.

But opinion is not fact.

I've been reading a lot of blogs on a variety of web sites in the past two days.

It's like the real estate world has been waiting for the other shoe to drop and are now using it to kick the once prominent pair in the backside for destroying the housing market.

There's joy in Bakerstown with the collapse of the high-profile duo.

But the accusations had a side effect; creating an atmosphere of mistrust for everyone else in the business.

One lender tells me that buyers are leary of everyone in real estate across the board.

But did they wreck the local market, or are they simply being set up as the scapegoats?

The foreclosures will definitely hurt the surrounding property values in the respective neighborhoods and banks will eat the loans.

I've read about the properties listed in the Dept. of Real Estate's accusations and a few other we managed to dig up. I've also scanned a few on various blogs.

But was it something bigger?

As the market soared, so did housing prices.

I had friends who say realtors were fighting over their property before it ever listed and got their client to pay $50,000 more than they were asking for it.

Who fueled this anxiety?

I know, the media. No, not really.

What about the fly-by-night realtors who jumped into the market to make a quick buck, and are now jumping right back out again.

The inflated appraisals, the easy to get loans and plenty of homes to buy.

Now, the investigation has begun with no real end in sight.

In the wake, the market is left to readjust.

I'm told it could take until 2009.

That should be just long enough to sell off three years worth of housing inventory that's sitting in the market's wake.