‘Local News’ Articles
Written by One Bakersfield on 27 January 2012
The members of the Kern County Bridal Association would like to show our support for the men and woman who serve our country. as a small token of our appreciation we will be giving away a complete wedding for up to 70 people.
For More information on the Military Wedding please Visit http://www.MilitaryWedd.com
The website Military Wedd is not connected with An Officer and a Wedding. The website and its participants are part of the Kern County Bridal Association and has no affiliation with the website http://www.anofficerandawedding.com or the Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/anofficerandawedding or the Wedding being giving away on April 20th 2012.
If you would like more information on the Military Wedding giveaway sponsored by the Kern County Bridal Association please call the Bridal Association at 661-633-9200
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Written by tgrJams on 06 December 2011
C.A.S.A. Is Here for the Children
Please be there for C.A.S.A.
Russo’s Books 3rd Annual Christmas Book Drive for C.A.S.A.
Needs Your Help to Succeed!
By Thomas G. Robinson, Fake Reporter
Mi casa es tú casa. Probably one of the easiest translations of a Spanish saying to English. You see this saying all over, but usually at the entrance to someone’s home, or out on the patio by the bar-b-que pit, near the table. We know what it means, ‘my house is your house’, but we never really look at the words, or genuinely mean them right? I mean, I prefer the other well known quote, “Friends and fish both smell after three days!” Right?
But take a little closer look at the true meaning of that phrase and you’ll end up in some kind of setting like the CASA headquarters over on 24th Street. The office is always busy and they are constantly trying to get these children the help they need while they are dealing with the most “unchildish” of situations. In this case, it truly is the about “mi casa”.
You see, when kids are in an unfortunate situation where they have been listed by the courts as abused, neglected or abandoned, they become separated from their families and begin their journey through the juvenile court system. The Juvenile Court then notifies CASA , and an Advocate is assigned to their case. The Advocate evaluates the child and discusses with the judge his or her report prior to the judge making a decision. This is a great help for the judge who will now use this very important insight to decide the course of action the courts will take for the betterment of the child.
Now, going through this horrible mess at any given time of the year is not a good thing for a child. But add to that, that it’s Christmas Season, and there’s a whole new set of loneliness and a stronger sense of abandonment that they feel now, that they don’t at other times of the year.
Russo’s Books wants to help take some of the grief out of these children’s lives, if not but for a minute or two, or ten, or a couple of hours! And you can help too! How? By buying a brand new book and giving it to us to give to CASA, you will ensure that these children will not feel like they’ve been forgotten this holiday season! For some of these kids, it may even be the very first book that they can truly call their own! Something happens when you own a book. You get a sense of self worth and self esteem. You cherish it more. You may even want to read it over and over again.
We think that when children own their very own brand new book, it will not only take their minds off of the very big and awful situation they are going through, but it just may increase their wanting to embrace reading just a little more!
Our goal this year is to raise 400 books for CASA. Each child will receive one, maybe even two books from this effort. Won’t you help us?
So help CASA help these kids! Stop by Russo’s Books at The Marketplace and donate a book to a CASA Kid. Give the gift of literacy! Porque, mi casa es en realidad su casa, y me allegro de que lo es!
Tags: abuse, advocates, casa, children, christmas, donate, family, giving, help, russo's books
Posted in Activities For Kids, Arts & Entertainment, Book Reviews, Business News, Community Submitted News, Local News, Out and About | Comments Off
Written by One Bakersfield on 23 November 2011
Details: On October 30th, deputies were dispatched to the residence at 2800 Alturas Dr. for a subject that was found unconscious. Medical aid responded and determined the subject, who was later identified as 25 year old Kevin Shively, was deceased. Deputies arrived and secured the scene. Detectives were called to the scene and began an investigation into the death as there were indications it was suspicious. As of this date, detectives have concluded their investigation and have found that there does not appear to be any indication that anyone else was responsible for the death of Kevin Shively. They are waiting for the pathologist to review the toxicology results to determine the exact cause and manner of death.
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Written by One Bakersfield on 22 November 2011
The Bakersfield Police Department is asking for the community’s assistance in locating unknown suspects wanted for vehicle burglary and the recovery of stolen medical equipment.
Between 11/18/11 and 11/19/11, unknown suspect(s) burglarized the victim’s vehicle,
which was parked at the Marriott, 801 Truxtun Avenue, and removed medical supplies
and a laptop. Aside from the laptop, investigators believe the other supplies would have
been of no use to the suspects and they may have discarded them or tried to sell them.
Anyone with information regarding the burglary or the whereabouts of the property is
encouraged to call Detective Michael Golleher at 326-3504.
You can now send an anonymous text message to the Bakersfield Police Department. It’s quick and it’s easy.
Simply enter 274637 into your phone and text BPDCRIMES along with your message. The text is sent to the
police department and the sender remains completely anonymous.
Tips can also be anonymously sent through the smartphone “TipSubmit” mobile App or via email at
https://www.tipsubmit.com.
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Written by One Bakersfield on 22 November 2011
The primary cause of deaths on our local streets and highways remains drunk driving and the Kern Avoid
DUI Task Force will keep up with its DUI enforcement in Kern County as a result of a recent $253,000 grant
awarded by the California Office of Traffic Safety to the Bakersfield Police Department. The Bakersfield
Police Department will administer the grant for Kern County.
“The Kern Avoid DUI Campaign is named to send the message that if you don’t drink and drive, you will
avoid getting arrested by any of the 18 participating law enforcement agencies in Kern County,” said Chief
Greg Williamson.
The grant activities will specifically target those who drink too much and get behind the wheel. Officers will
be staffing DUI/Driver License Checkpoints, multi-agency DUI Task Force deployments, and local DUI
saturation patrols for each partnering agency. Additionally, funding will target the ‘worst of the worst’
repeat DUI offenders with Warrant/Probation Sweeps and Court Sting Enforcement Operations focusing on
DUI offenders who leave court hearings and drive away on suspended licenses after being ordered not to
drive by a judge.
“The Avoid DUI Task Forces have been an essential part of the phenomenal reduction in DUI deaths on our
roadways in the last five years in California,” said Christopher J. Murphy, Director of the Office of Traffic
Safety. “Tragically, DUI deaths remain the largest sector, at over 30 percent of traffic fatalities. This grant
will help combat that, making Bakersfield and Kern County a safer place to live and work.”
DUI/Drivers License Checkpoints are a key component of the grant. These highly visible, highly publicized
events are meant to deter impaired driving, not to increase arrests. Research shows that crashes involving
alcohol drop by an average of 20 percent when well-publicized checkpoints are conducted often enough.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), checkpoints have provided the
most effective documented results of any of the DUI enforcement strategies, while yielding considerable cost
savings of $6 for every $1 spent.
Motorists can expect to see special DUI campaigns during the winter and summer holiday periods as well as
on Halloween, Super Bowl Sunday, St. Patrick’s Day, Cinco de Mayo and during local special events with
identified DUI Problems. Funding for the grant comes from the California Office of Traffic Safety through
the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Kern Avoid DUI Taskforce 2
Agencies participating in the Kern Avoid taskforce include:
Bakersfield Police Department
California Highway Patrol
California Department of Alcohol Beverage Control
California State University Bakersfield Police
Kern County Sheriff’s Department
Kern County Probation Department
Kern High School Police Department
Delano Police Department
Shafter Police Department
Taft Police Department
Arvin Police Department
Tehachapi Police Department
Ridgecrest Police Department
California City Police Department
McFarland Police Department
Stallion Springs Police Department
Bear Valley Police Department
Maricopa Police Department
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Written by One Bakersfield on 26 October 2011
Halloween is just around the corner, and the search is on for that perfect Halloween Costume. Whether you’re entertaining, attending a party or just trick-or-treating in the neighborhood, the perfect costume is paramount for a successful Halloween. We’ve scoured our resources and developed this list of tips on designing a Halloween look sure to sway the judges of any respectable Costume Contest in your favor.
Tip #1 – Start with 3 or more costume ideas.
Challenging yourself to thinking of at least 3 possible costumes will result in greater creativity. The first costume idea may have some drawbacks in the final analysis. For example, a sword looks great for a Saimiri warrior, but don’t count on being able to get into your local nightclub with it; and if you aren’t already a belly-dancer, there’s hardly time at this point to take belly-dancing lessons. Expand the original ideas with accessories, makeup and other ways you’ll truly be able to stay in character.
Tip #2 – Stay away from “stock” costumes to create your own unique look.
A costume shop or variety store is a great place to get ideas, or even create a base for your final costume, but you won’t win any contests by being the 100th replica of Cat Woman. The costumes available at party stores also tend to be on the flimsy side, which could result in a “wardrobe malfunction” moment. Instead, try to couple the ideas from the store with your own twists (and perhaps a layer of real clothing) to be truly unique.
Tip #3 – Avoid the obscure.
Try to keep your costume mainstream enough that most people will “get it” and understand who you’re trying to be. Either stay with what’s popular now, or what has proven to be timeless, Dracula, for example. Avoid characters so little known you’ll have to spend the night explaining yourself.
Tip #4 – Use popular culture to your advantage, if you dare.
Tried and true Halloween rules are that funnier the costume, the easier it is to win the contest; and nothing is funnier than a joke at someone else’s expense. If you’re going to use a popular culture jab as your costume base, just be sure that the news is relatively current so everyone gets the joke. For example, a pee soaked David Hasselhoff is current; but the Hoff accompanied by Kit is outdated (at least until the new series picks up). Also be ready to take the bad with the good, some people may appreciate your humor more than others.
Tip #5 – Play up your best points by picking a costume that fits your personality and your body.
Let’s face it, not everyone can pull off a stripper or a Charlie Chaplin. Pick a costume that accents your strong points. Do you have great legs? Are you funny? Has anyone ever told you that you look exactly like a celebrity? Can you make little kids cry with your evil laugh? Stay away from anything that makes you feel uncomfortable when you’re in character; to win a contest you’ll have to act continuously like whoever (or whatever) inspired you.
Tip #6 – Couples only.
This tip is for couples attending a function together: being his-and-hers and original is almost impossible. Romeo and Juliet, Cinderella and Prince Charming, Two Peas in a Pod, zzzz. It’s easier to be creative by coming up with your own unique ideas and leave the contest judges to figuring out who you came with.
Tip #7 – More is more – dress from head to foot and accessorize.
No winning costume is complete without the extra touches. Make sure every inch of your costume is in character from your shoes to your hat, and accessorize with props and makeup. Maximize your look by keeping in character with your speech and mannerisms; act as if you’re on a stage the entire time you’re wearing that costume (unless you’re scaring small children, then it’s okay to become human for a moment).
Tip #8 – Last but not least
Run your final costume by at least 5 trusted friends before the big night. We all love our mothers, but they may not be impartial enough to give great costume advice. When you think you’re ready, show your costume to five trusted friends who will give you their real opinions. If you have to explain what you are to any one of them, start over at Tip #1.
Happy Haunting from your friends at Good Time Entertainment, & The Karaoke King trusted with Halloween parties and other special occasions since 1991.
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Written by Laura on 19 October 2011
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Lauren Knight: On the Event Horizon
How to maintain your momentum: Featuring Coach Lauren Knight |
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 Lauren Knight doesn’t say, “If you go, I’ll go” to her Coaches. She says, “Let’s go!” She no longer tries to drag the unwilling. She runs with the willing.
And she never waits for the right moment. She creates it.
Since becoming a Coach in January 2010, Lauren has built a nearly six-figure, 4 Star Diamond business with little more than a great attitude and a ton of passion. It’s remarkable, but not impossible! Call in and find out how this Coach is turning her “never miss an event” philosophy into an endless wave of momentum.
What you’ll learn from Lauren:
- How to leverage local events and accountability groups
- Post-event goal setting and progress reports.
- Team accountability and leadership development
- RECAP: 2011 Success Club Leadership Retreat
We’ll see you all tomorrow on the National Coach Call—where leaders become legends.
As always, if you can’t catch the call in real-time, we’ll post it on our Facebook OR Twitter page shortly afterward. You can also find it in the archives of your Coach Online Office under The Basics > Webinars/Conference Calls > Archive. |
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NATIONAL COACH CALL
MONDAY, OCTOBER 17TH
9:00 AM PT / 12:00 PM ET
(605) 475-4408
FEATURED SPEAKERS
Coach Lauren Knight
CEO Beachbody®, Carl Daikeler
SVP Global Sales, Jeff Hill
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CALL AGENDA
PRE-CALL CONTESTS. Call
in early, we’re giving away
TWO more prizes.
NEWS FROM CORPORATE.
Business updates and
announcements by Jeff Hill.
RECOGNITION. Shout-outs to
all the rising stars by Denise Needham.
ON THE EVENT HORIZON.
4 Star Diamond
Coach Lauren Knight.
MESSAGE FROM THE CEO.
Inspirational close form Carl Daikeler. |
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CALL DETAILS
DATE
MONDAY, OCTOBER 17TH
TIME
9:00 AM Pacific Time
10:00 AM Mountain Time
11:00 AM Central Time
12:00 PM Eastern Time
PHONE NUMBER
Phone: (605) 475-4408
Password: 90405# |
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Posted in Health and Nutrition, Local News | Comments Off
Written by Laura on 19 October 2011
Posted in Community Submitted News, Employment, Health and Nutrition, Local News | Comments Off
Written by tgrJams on 14 October 2011
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Doubt: A Parable, Poster designed by Mathey, McClure and Rodan
MATHEY DIRECTS DOUBT – ‘A MUST SEE!’ At BCT!
By Thomas G. Robinson, randomly writing
Bakersfield Community Theatre’s first main stage production for their 85th Season began last weekend with the play Doubt: A Parable, directed by Roger Mathey. The play won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Play in 2005. Writer John Patrick Shanley originally called the play Doubt, and it originally opened off-Broadway at the Manhattan Theatre Club in November of 2004. It was a one-act play that ran about 90 minutes. When audiences left the theatre with differing opinions of the events Shanley added a second act. When the play was published in 2004, the title was changed to Doubt: A Parable.*
I found the English North American Dictionary’s definitions of the main words used in the title rather interesting in describing the kind of play you’re in for, read on:
Doubt – (transitive verb) [dowt] to think something unlikely, to feel unconvinced or uncertain about something, or think that something is unlikely. To not trust somebody or something. To suspect that somebody is not sincere or trustworthy, or that something is not true, likely, or genuine.
Parable – (noun) [párrəb’l] Moral or religious story. A short simple story intended to illustrate a moral or religious lesson. Story ascribed to Jesus Christ. A parable that appears in the Bible, as told by Jesus Christ.
With definitions so succinct, so definitive of the characters in the play, it’s only right that you feel like you’re in for something much more than your regular drama. This play holds your attention, keeps you wondering who is right, who’s at fault and what if… just what if the accusations are wrong… What if there is doubt?
I was taken aback when I learned that Mathey had agreed to direct this play. Not that he’s not a great director (which he clearly is), it was just strange to me since I know he just finished wrapping up a huge production in Los Angeles. Roger spent a good portion of the year writing, planning, successfully fundraising and networking for a show called You Make Me Physically Ill (a well received production that was given rave reviews by several Los Angeles theatre magazines).
When I asked him why he was so interested in directing this play, having just come off of a long production in Los Angeles, he responded, “Directing Doubt came up way before You Make Me Physically Ill”, adding, “Sheila (McClure, Director of Shows at BCT) asked me awhile ago and I committed. She showed me a list of the shows that were planned for the next season and out of all of them I wanted Doubt. I wanted to keep it simple in scope.”
And so he did. The set is black box, but on a much larger scale. It is dark and demure. With it you get a little hint of Catholicism with the stained glass and pulpit, and Sister Aloysius’ office is exactly how you would imagine it to be. Cold. Uninviting. Unmerciful. Or is it?
Mathey has directed many plays in his vast career under his production company (Seat of Your Pants Productions), and has won some prestigious awards in Los Angeles, so it is no mistake that he knows how to put a cast together. He has managed to round up some of Bakersfield’s biggest talents for this production – Brian Sivesind, Barbara Gagnon, Ellie Sivesind and Althea Williams; all cast to perfection.
The two most notable are veterans of the local theatrical scene. Brian is the Executive Director at The Empty Space Theatre (a venue he founded in 2003 and just recently returned to the helm), and Barbara has been seen in various productions around town entertaining us for several years, never failing to shine. For this show, Barbara was able to win the role over many talented actresses who auditioned. When watching her in this production, it’s easy to see why.
Sivesind was pre-cast for this show by Mathey months before he set up auditions. This practice is usually frowned upon by actors who feel that it’s not a fair shake, to be left out of the opportunity to be a part of an intensely popular production. It’s an option that, if taken, had better be a call that is a connection from actor to character that an audience will consider a sure thing! It’s a risk not too many directors will take. However, when you watch Doubt, you can see that Sivesind’s portrayal of Father Flynn as a shaken, frustrated and overwhelmed priest on the wrong end of the constant accusations beset upon him by Sister Aloysius, why Mathey wanted him in this role.
“I precast Brian for multiple reasons”, Roger explained, “First, he is a tremendous actor, and as the Executive Director for The Empty Space Theatre, it’s good for BCT in relations. As for the women, there was real talent that read for the role of Sister Aloysius”
Brian has had some great roles over the years in Bakersfield, but who can forget his stirring performance in I Am My Own Wife, a one-man show that he did a few years ago at the Spotlight Theatre that simply blew me, and everyone around me, away. I can remember watching him become this person who, if you know Brian, is completely outside of him; he was engulfed in the character.
The night I saw the play, at the end, the standing ovation and thunderous applause he received was overwhelmingly delivered from a very enthusiastic and appreciative audience, and was so richly deserved. Where does one go from a performance like that?
I asked him why Father Flynn… Why now? “This role means a lot to me. It’s about people’s conclusions to situations when they don’t even have all the information”, Brian continues, “It’s a never-ending cycle, even if it’s not true”.
I noticed that he really looked good on stage, comfortable. He says, “It’s been over a year since I’ve been on stage, it’s time. The last time I performed at BCT was in 2003 in The Grapes of Wrath”.
Roger has no regrets on his casting choices, “I cast Barbara and Ellie because I’ve never worked with them before. I’ve been very lucky! All four actors are very talented. There is no weak link.”
One would doubt that Mathey will attempt to mirror anything done in the film version either. “I never saw it”, he says, “I refused to watch it. I wanted to wait until this play was done with before I see it.
It is my opinion, given the choices of theatrical productions in town, if you decide you want to view a show where it seems like all the planets have lined up to create the ‘just right’ mix of actors in a ‘just right’ script from a ‘just right’ director, there clearly is no doubt that this play would be the ‘just right’ thing to do.
Doubt runs at the Bakersfield Community Theatre for two more weeks. Tonight and Saturday at 8:00 PM (doors open at 7:30 PM) and Sunday at 2:00 PM, (doors open at 1:30 PM). Tickets are $15 for Adults and $12.00 for Senior Citizens, Students (with valid school ID) and Military (with an Armed Forces ID). Call 831.8114 for more information or to make reservations.
*** If you’ve read this far, you’re in luck! This weekend only, BCT is presenting BLACK FRIDAY, BLACK SATURDAY AND BLACK SUNDAY! Mention that you heard about their Black (fill in the day) Deal, and you’ll get a Buy One, Get One FREE deal for Adult tickets! That’s two tickets (a $30 value) for $15.00! Students, don’t feel left out. The same mention gets you in for HALF PRICE! That’s right. Mention the Black (Day) at the box-office and your $12.00 ticket becomes $6.00!
Go see Doubt: A Parable – This year’s MUST SEE production!
*Information provided by Wikipedia – Doubt: A Parable
Doubt: A Parable, Poster designed by Mathey, McClure and Rodan
Posted in Arts & Entertainment, Community Submitted News, Local News, Out and About, Play Reviews | Comments Off
Written by Laura on 18 September 2011
Responding to President’s Call to Action, Key Effort by Leaders in Industry and Universities to Transform Learning Technology
Today, the White House and Secretary of Education Arne Duncan announced the launch of “Digital Promise,” a new national center created by Congress with bipartisan support to advance technologies to transform teaching and learning. Digital Promise will receive startup funds from the Department of Education as well as the Carnegie Corporation of New York and the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. It will be overseen by board made up of prominent leaders in education and technology appointed by Secretary Duncan based on recommendations from the House of Representatives and United States Senate.
Digital Promise will work with leading researchers, entrepreneurs, and schools to identify and spur breakthrough learning technologies, determine quickly what’s working and what’s not, and transform today’s fragmented learning technology market, paving the way for the widespread use of learning technologies that deliver the best results for students, parents, and teachers. These efforts build upon the President’s call to create jobs by out-innovating, out-educating, and out-building the rest of the world, including the Administration’s efforts to bring all of America’s schools into the 21st century.
“Digital Promise is a unique partnership that will bring everyone together – educators, entrepreneurs, and researchers – to use technology to help students learn and teachers teach. There’s no silver bullet when it comes to education, but technology can be a powerful tool, and Digital Promise will help us make the most of it.” President Obama said.
“Created by Republicans and Democrats and championed by a coalition of educators and business leaders, Digital Promise is an independent nonprofit that will help spur breakthrough learning technologies. And it will help make sure Americans of all ages and races, regions and backgrounds can benefit from them. By harnessing the extraordinary work being done by educators, innovators, and citizens across this country, Digital Promise can help prepare Americans – and America – to succeed in the 21st Century,” said Secretary of Education Arne Duncan.
To realize the potential of learning technology, Digital Promise will work with educators and leading researchers, technology firms, and entrepreneurs on three key challenges:
- Identifying Breakthrough Technologies. For years, researchers have been working on developing educational software that is as effective as a personal tutor. Preliminary results from a DARPA/Navy “digital tutor” project suggest that we can reduce the time required to become an expert in IT from years to months. Achieving similar results in subjects such as math would transform K-12 education. Digital Promise will begin its work by partnering with technology firms and researchers to map the R&D landscape, identifying opportunities for similar breakthroughs in learning from cradle through a career.
- Learning faster what’s working and what’s not. Internet startups do rapid evaluations of their sites, running test after test to continually improve their services. When it comes to education, R&D cycles can take years, producing results that are out of date the minute they’re released. Digital Promise will work with researchers and entrepreneurs to develop new approaches for rapidly evaluating new products.
- Transforming the market for learning technologies. With more than 14,000 school districts, and an outdated procurement system, it’s difficult for entrepreneurs to break into the market, and it’s also tough to prove that their products can deliver meaningful results. Meanwhile, the amount we invest in R&D in K-12 education is estimated at just 0.2% of total spending on K-12 education, compared to 10-20% of revenues spent on R&D in many knowledge-intensive industries such as software development and biotech. Digital Promise will work with school districts to create “smart demand” that drives private sector investment in innovation.
Today, Secretary Duncan announced the inaugural board members of Digital Promise and the Administration made several additional announcements, including $15M in new awards from the National Science Foundation to support research that is developing next-generation learning environments. In addition, a number of private-sector partners announced an array of related efforts, including an initiative by schools and school districts to improve educational outcomes through the wider use of effective teaching and learning technologies; the launch of a new national alliance of top education-policy researchers focused on improving outcomes among the Nation’s disadvantaged children; and a number of new challenges and prizes for the development of video games and other forms of digital entertainment that spur learning and interest in science, math, and engineering.
Today’s event will be livestreamed at www.whitehouse.gov/live. For further details about Digital Promise and related initiatives please visit www.digitalpromise.org and http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/09/15/fact-sheet-digital-promise-initiative.
Posted in Government, Local News | Comments Off
