Bakersfield Observed: A blog about life, media, politics and people
By Richard Beene
t Baseball
If it's almost spring it must be time for baseball, and there's no better place to take in some big time college baseball than Hardt Field out at CSUB. Now that we're competing in Division 1, the Runners will be taking on teams like UNLV, Southern Cal, North Carolina State, New Mexico State, Fresno State, Nebraska and the University of Washington. And this after taking on Kansas State and winning two out of three over the weekend. CSUB Athletic Director Jeff Konya has also announced a plan to raise funds to improve Hardt Field. If you haven't taken in a game, give it a try. This is a team worth supporting.
t Memories
From my mailbag comes this note from a reader named Dena, who wonders if anyone who grew up in South Bakersfield remembers the "Ray-Ray" ice cream truck that used to roam the neighborhood. "In his pristine little white truck with freezer attached, very clean ... Ray-ray was always a very dapper gentleman, always wearing a clean white shirt, little bow tie and black shiny shoes. He was so kind to all of us neighborhood children, and my mother relied on his summer rounds every day, keeping my 'ice cream money' in a special Ray-Ray jar."
t Overheard
Only in Bakersfield "will I drive out of my way just to get a look at a new gas station (Sully's Chevron market at Buena Vista Road and Ming Avenue)."
t Spotted
Former Bakersfield City Fire Chief Ron Fraze, along with wife, Shelly, at the outdoor Prairie Fire grill at The Padre Hotel this weekend meeting with friends and supporters, and talking politics. Fraze has submitted papers to run for the Ward One seat on the City Council to replace the retiring Sue Benham.
t Open house
The Independent Living Center, which helps folks with disabilities live independently and with dignity, is holding an open house this Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m.
There will be food, a silent auction, a boutique and even Plinko to honor everyone who has helped support this organization. The event will be held at 5251 Office Park Drive.
Richard Beene is president and CEO of The Bakersfield Californian. He blogs at www.BakersfieldObserved.com. These are his opinions, not necessarily those of The Bakersfield Californian.
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Measure G is not, technically, a ban on medical marijuana collectives and cooperatives in unincorporated Kern County. Practically, it comes very close to being one.
Q: Why are "motorized scooters" (two-wheeled, no seat) allowed on the streets? To my knowledge, they are not licensed, tagged, insured. They have NO lights, horns or other safety items.
The Kern County Republican Central Committee is set to decide Monday whether to revoke the charter of a local black Republicans group for endorsing a Democrat for elected office.
Many of the United Farm Workers of America's leaders and foot soldiers remain with the organization decades after its founding 50 years ago, but some have transitioned to other positions in business, government and advocacy.
A Bakersfield mother of two who took up competitive cycling nine months ago after an injury ended her marathoning career died Sunday while competing in a bicycle race outside Yosemite National Park.
A prostitution sting netted 15 arrests Wednesday. Three female Bakersfield Police officers and one female investigator for the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) pretended to be prostitutes at a motel located near three ABC licensed establishments, according to an ABC news release.
A Bakersfield police officer shot and killed a man who was armed with a gun in a northwest Bakersfield apartment Monday morning.
Two sisters were arrested on suspicion of breaking into a business with five children in tow Saturday night.