Opinion
Editorials
Hindsight is 20/20
It is regrettable that a quote in last week's article reporting the death of Ben Gaylord was included in the story. Even though the quote from the neighbor, who along with his wife found Ben's body, was accurate, its inclusion in the article was unfortunate and insensitive. Ben's family, you have enough grief; we apologize for adding to it.
More of this story
Letters
> Submit a letter to the editor
If it’s a special, honor it
I believe that most all of our local business owners try to create goodwill and support the community. It was business owners who encouraged me to write a letter to the editor, so appalled were they by the following event:
More of this storyIs the Postal Service still working to give “service” to the public or are they just there to fill their time card? Why is it open only about two hours on Saturday? I can remember when the postal employees really performed service; now it is all for their benefit. At one time a person went to work there for job security; now it seems they are there to find ways to inconvenience the public. The higher the stamp goes the less service is given. Some act like they are doing us a big favor by being there.
More of this story
Remove Kern River from no-stock list
We need your help, the local biologist for California Department of Fish and Game has informed me that, DFG is getting ready to negotiate with the Center for Biological Diversity and Pacific Rivers council about removal of certain bodies of water from the no-stocking list. That would be good news but, she indicated that the Kern would not be included in those negotiations. She also indicated that she did not understand why not but the decision came from the head of Fishery Department.
More of this story
Community Voices: Lake Isabella: Recreation Opportunities Knock
Tina Terrell, Forest Supervisor
More of this story
Sequoia National Forest
Warranties and customer service
I have had to deal with a lot of product warranties lately. I bought a chair for my mom with a lifetime warranty from a store right here in Lake Isabella. After eight months of use by a 120-pound female, it looks like it is worn out. I called the store and talked to the owner and was told that I was out of luck as the manufacturer had gone out of business the previous month. The owner said there was nothing he would or could do about it, even though his business sold me the chair, they would not stand behind it. I ask you what good is a lifetime warranty if the manufacturer goes out of business? I am out $399 for a piece of junk! You can guess that I will never shop at that store again.
More of this storyLate Sunday evening, June 7, in Lake Isabella, I had taken my daughter and her twin babies home. I had just taken one of the babies out of the car and started into the house with her in my arms. As I was walking around the back of the car, I stepped on some loose asphalt and twisted my ankle. Then down I went, baby and all. I hit my head on the ground when I fell and, of course, I dropped the baby from my arms. I was in so much pain I was unable to move. But as soon as I fell, a young man was at my side trying to console me and keep me as comfortable as possible until paramedics arrived.
More of this storyCamp KEEP has been in our school tradition for over 30 years. If you ended that, then that is like wearing shoes without socks, a very sticky situation.
More of this story
Reality of Postal Service plight
Re: Postal service lacking, Letters, 6/10/09Maybe Mr. Yearwood should really take a look at what is going on in the USA today and hope that the Postal Service can maintain the prices and service we have now and not have to pay as much as the rest of the world, especially European countries.
More of this storyThe aforementioned letter stated the following opinions:
More of this story
Protect California’s social services
California revenues have declined, the state owes about $23 billion, and social services for citizens could be cut unless additional revenues are established. Coca Cola, Nestle, and other companies profit from California’s resources. Chevron’s 2008 4th Quarter profit was $7.89 billion. California legislators should establish a Resource Extraction Tax on businesses that benefit from the sale of California’s resources (like oil, minerals, water, energy, and timber, etc.) to pay for social services (like libraries, education, police, fire fighters, health care, elder care, transportation, etc.). Call your California lawmakers and let them know you want social services protected.
More of this storyI have never written to a newspaper before, but I am sick of all the bad news I hear about California being is such trouble. Instead of laying off people, cutting health care, and forcing people to take days off without pay, why don’t we,as taxpayers, ask out lawmakers in Sacramento, who by the way got us into this mess, to cut their pay, and give up some of their perks, like free cars that we pay for. I know it won’t solve all of our problems, but it might help. I would like a better accounting of what they get paid, including all the perks. How about the rest of you?
More of this story
If you don’t like it, make it better
I was telling a friend recently about my hometown, and she reminded me that we never remember the negative, but dwell on our happy memories. So true in my case. I had many happy memories there, and was not a part of the bickering and gossip. Unfortunately when a kid graduates KVHS there is little hope of a future there unless your family owned a big business you could join. The ones left there often have too much time on their hands, which can turn to depression and substance abuse. I would like to salute those who volunteer in some way or another to make the valley better. That said, I would like to suggest a community garden where people have to put time in a large garden with fruit trees, and rows of vegetables, possibly working with animals for meat, as opposed to just handing out all the food they want for nothing. Let them feel proud of what they do. Let those who know teach those who don’t. Make a compost heap, and learn organic gardening. Someday this might come in handy, and the intergenerational involvement can help us understand each other better and become more tolerant. Start a clothing bank with nice clothes you can go to church in, or get a good job. I want to come home someday, but not to the negative bitterness I read about in every comment. If you don’t like it...make it better!
More of this story
Forest just as flammable
Re: Beware of information from Sequoia ForestKeepersIn reply to Mr. Perry’s letter of June 16, in which he defends the Forest Service practice of allowing loggers to “thin” the forest:
More of this storyThe story of the little boy that kept crying wolf so often that when it really happened no one believed him. Well how about Cal Trans putting out signs and not doing the work they advertise? There have been such signs out east of the freeway for over three weeks. Now would be a good time to either produce or get off the pot. We,as drivers, are expected to drive with special caution when the signs are placed but if they are seen and no one is working it could become a wolf situation.
More of this storyI read with interest that the Forest service had closed the campground at French Meadows in the Piutes. The reason given was that tailings from mining operations in the early 1900’s and before had contaminated the ground with arsenic.
More of this story
Three cheers for the young men of Camp Owen
I live in Squirrel Valley and have been involved in Chipper Day for seven years and have worked side by side with the young men (wards of Camp Owen), and have marveled at their enthusiasm and dedication in making a hot, dusty, dirty and noisy project such as Chipper Day a success by assisting the KCFD Fuels Reduction Crews in making our community more resistant to wild fires.
More of this storySpecial thanks to Kern Valley “Last Call Tent Revival” sponsors. We would like to thank Bill Sheffer for the use of his property, Tim Connor (Connor’s Construction) for lot preparation, Gary and Maryiann Harkey (of Mobile Home Care) crew put up/down tent & other tasks, and Pastor Bill Blanton (of Christian Service Center) use of his many services. And thank you to all of the other various businesses and organizations, for their support. You made a difference. You all know who you are! We pray the Lord will bless you for all you have done. Many were touched by the power and presence of the Lord. And we pray the “revival” has made an impact on this community. Once again, we say “thank you” and God bless you.
More of this story
Brief stint in journalism leads to questions
In what school of journalism did it say that it was proper reporting of a news story to write deflamatory (sic) opinion without substantiated facts, to sensationalize a piece in a reputable newspaper? I thought only the cheap tabloids did this kind of trash! Twice this week I read articles that trashed people who were deceased, so that the Sun could make something more of a news story. I worked at a newspaper for a while and nothing of personal opinion was ever allowed to contaminate a news story.
More of this storyThe week I spent in Camp KEEP was the best week of my life! All my memories from camp are the best memories. I’m sad that the younger kids will not be able to have that experience. My little brother has wanted to go since I got home from there, and now he is sad that he can’t go. I wish that we could find a way to keep this tradition around school.
More of this story
Twist of events leads to happy ending
Last week I had the opportunity of relaxing at the River Lodge. While I was there I met two brothers, Dan and Neal. They told me the story of a lady who was passing fliers looking for her lost dog. It turns out that Dan and Neal went to Kern River to fish and decided to go to a location which was not there usual place to fish. When they arrived Neal went down by the river and was surprised to hear a dog growl at him. Much to his surprise it was the same dog that was on the flier. The poor dog was trapped and was not able to get out. He had been trapped there for several days and his paws were red and sore.
More of this story
Power outage cause for concern
Regarding the recent and presently ongoing power outage, I’m dismayed that Southern California Edison did not have any spare transformers available and had to truck one in from afar. This short-sighted supply policy does not portend well for the valley if/when a calamity such as a major earthquake or fire occurs.
More of this storyI have often wondered why the quips, quotes, comments and recipes from Don Tolle’s Cook’s Corner have not been published in a book. I for one would be first in line to purchase one. It certainly would be a tribute to his years with the Kern Valley Sun.
More of this story
Beware false, anonymous information
Someone has been posting anonymous notices around town regarding last year’s destructive fire in the Piutes, accusing Sequoia Forestkeeper, a local environmental organization, of preventing the Forest Service from properly managing the forest. The notices imply Forestkeeper’s legal actions, designed to protect forest resources, are causing fires such as this one.
More of this storyI was very saddened to hear about the death of Brian Sarver. I had only met the man on one occasion but found him to be a very friendly and polite young man. I think the article in the May 27 newspaper describing his murder was a great disservice to this man. I understand printing the “facts,” but why was it necessary to mention his prior offenses? What did this accomplish? This poor man lost his life to a senseless crime....where is the compassion? This young man’s life is over. The least he deserves is respect and the right to rest in peace.
More of this story
Columns
Beauty or bags
Jackie Papandrew
More of this story
Children given tattoos, body piercing, advice for living as adults
Bob Powers
More of this storyBrandon Muncy
More of this storyKathleen Brown
More of this story
Twelve-year-old credited with heroic actions
Marsha Smith
More of this storyDaniel Pope
More of this story
Don’t forget to spoil dad on Father’s Day!
Brandon Muncy
More of this storyDaniel Pope
More of this story
KRV Chamber raising fireworks funds
Marhsa Smith
More of this storySusan Barr
More of this story
Who’s heading out to the Kid’s Fishing Derby?
Brandon Muncy
More of this storyValerie Cassity
More of this story
Special to the Sun
Marsha Smith
More of this storyDaniel Pope
More of this storyJackie Papandrew
More of this storyBrandon Muncy
More of this storyDaniel Pope
More of this story
