Kern River Valley Revitalization

Valerie Cassity - Special to the Sun

Kern River Valley Revitalization (KRVR) held their monthly Steering Committee meeting last Wednesday, Jan 9., at Cerro Coso College in Lake Isabella to discuss local current events and topics. KRVR is a collaboration of local agencies, business owners, and concerned citizens working to facilitate the social, natural, and financial health of the KRV for this and future generations. Everyone in the Kern Valley is invited to come share their ideas at the Steering Committee meetings, as everyone who lives here is a stakeholder in our community’s future.

Kern County Sheriff Lieutenant Gives Update

Lt. Brian Wheeler, who is the commander of the Lake Isabella substation along with the Walker Basin, Inyokern, and Ridgecrest substations, gave a report on the steps local law enforcement are taking to keep our valley safe. Lt. Wheeler announced that the Lake Isabella substation has approval for 12 Deputy positions and two Senior Deputy positions, and as of February there will be only one vacancy. Wheeler is focusing on getting Deputies that live in the Kern Valley to work here because, 'I think it’s very important for Deputies to be part of the community,' he said, 'We need to hear from you what your problems are so we can fix them.'

One issue that Lt. Wheeler touched on was the media attention that gangs have been getting lately due to the resources that Kern County has recently allocated for that purpose. He assured the group that although there was a small group of dirt bike-riding boys who had begun committing crimes, it seems that these kids have decided to stop their criminal activities and just return to riding their dirt bikes. He also touched on the incidence that had occurred with the Vagos motorcycle gang the previous weekend, which was quickly stopped, and says he does not believe that will pose future problems here. 'We don’t have a gang issue in the Kern Valley,' he stated.

One problem they do face on a regular basis in the Kern Valley is drug abuse, which the Sheriff’s Department is hitting as hard as they can. Lt. Wheeler said the Target Program, where people are encouraged to call a hotline to report suspicious activity, has been a big help in identifying drug houses, and asked people to continue assisting law enforcement in that way. He added that they are not only interested in arresting the dealers, but also the users, because, 'Those who adopt the drug lifestyle typically don’t work and so they don’t have money and therefore resort to crime.'

Lt. Wheeler wants to ensure a safe and healthy Kern Valley population, and said that he encourages his Deputies to respond to all calls in person as much as possible, not just make a phone call. The Sheriff’s Department will even do vacation checks on your home if you let them know when you will be out of town. 'We’re here to work for you,' he said.

Kern Valley Hospital Update

Jeanette Rogers of the Kern Valley Healthcare District announced that their new CEO, Rick Carter, is doing very well and that he and his wife love the Kern Valley. Currently, Carter and the KVHD are looking at a timeline for a new bond issue and alternatives for ensuring that the hospital meets the necessary seismic requirements according to California Law. Rogers said that Carter has requested that the hospital be re-evaluated for severity of danger, which, if reduced from the initial assessment, could possibly lead to a ten-year extension to the original 2013 deadline.

Work has Begun on Bob Powers Gateway Preserve

Tom Anderson, President of the Kern River Valley Heritage Foundation (KRVHF), announced that work has begun on a long-term project which will take an 18-acre parcel of the wetlands across from the Vons Shopping Center and create a wetlands preserve, nature trail, visitor center, and Kern River Valley Chamber of Commerce office. The first step has been to create a pond, which is already drawing wildlife. The foundation received a grant from the Fish and Wildlife Service and the necessary permit to enhance the wetlands and create the pond. They need additional funding to make this dream a reality. If you are interested in learning more, contact Tom Anderson at andersontj2004@yahoo.com, or send a donation to KRV Heritage Foundation, P.O. Box 1249, Lake Isabella, CA 93240.

Kern Valley Specific Plan is Delayed

KRVR President Chuck White announced that he had received an email from Ted James of the Kern County Planning Department stating that the consulting firm that the County had hired to create the Environmental Impact Statement for the Specific Plan has been reorganized, and will be unable to complete the EIS. The Planning Department will now bring the issue before the Board of Supervisors, requesting permission to cancel the original contract and hire a new consultant to create the EIS. James is uncertain when this will occur.

Vial of Life Program Returns to Kern Valley

Jeanette Rogers announced that the national Vial of Life program will be reinstated in the Kern Valley thanks to the generosity of the Exchange Club. The program places a sticker or magnet on the refrigerator of the elderly or infirm listing what medications they take, as well as a sign by the front door announcing that the Vial of Life is there for EMTs or Paramedics.

All Valley Heart Walk is Coming Soon

Jeanette Rogers also announced that the Kern Valley Hospital Foundation’s 10th annual All Valley Heart Walk will occur on Saturday, Feb. 23, at the Kern Valley High School Gym Track. Teams consist of four walkers and a manager from organizations, clubs, schools, and businesses. There is a $50 entry fee per team or $10/person for individual walkers. All walkers and managers receive a free lunch, and there will be prizes for a variety of categories. Rogers also said that they are seeking sponsors for the Heart Walk at all levels. 20% of the donation money collected will go towards purchasing equipment for the Kern Valley Hospital, and the remaining 80% can be donated to a charity of your choice or to the Kern Valley Hospital Foundation. For more information, contact Jeanette at 376-4419.

KRVR to Move Meeting Location

Due to the generosity of Cheryl Borthick, President of the Kernville Chamber of Commerce, the monthly KRVR Steering Committee meeting will now take place at the Kernville Chamber Building.

KRVR meets the first Wednesday of every month, and the public is welcome and encouraged to attend. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 6, at 9 a.m. at the Kernville Chamber Building. For more information, visit www.krvr.org.