EditorialsOpinion
Editorials
Our Opinion: Does it measure up
In November our community will cast their votes for board members for both the local school and hospital districts. Voters will also determine the fate of the hospital bond issue that is seeking an increase in local property tax dollars to fund a new emergency room, amongst other things.
More of this storyOn behalf of the Kern River Ranger District, Ranger Rick Larson would like to express our appreciation for your generosity during the recent Bull Fire.
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Together We Can Make A Difference
As you are likely aware, many changes have been made in reflection to California’s economic crisis. Public schools around the state of California have been hit hard with drastic budget cuts and have been asked to do more with less.
More of this storyRex Emerson
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Kern River Valley Chamber of Commerce
Our view: Thanks Firefighters ‘U R Great’
The devastation left from a wildfire leaves scars and reminders for many years; so many in fact the majority of us will never experience the full recovery.
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Letters
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Our View: Think Local
Readers may have noticed the Sun’s Editorial Page has redirected its focus to local issues such as the hospital bond, management of public lands, the local economy, proposed solar farms and cell towers, fires, schools, etc.; however, this does not mean that larger national, state, or international issues are being kicked to the curb.
More of this storyI know the State of California and Kern County is short of funds, but perhaps priorities are not in order.
More of this storyFor years now the Kern High School District/Kern Valley High School have been underfunded by the State, with no end in sight. This has created a crisis at our school and has resulted in classified/certificated staff “non-administrators” being terminated, programs/positions lost, and the cutting of periods being offered, especially in the electives area (Wood/Ag).
More of this storyI have seen the area somewhat respond to the lake being a littler higher this year. Restaurants are working, not like they used to be but the lake seemed to be getting some visitors because the lake was up. My first year up here was 1982 and Wofford Heights had five working restaurants and today they have one.
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Lot clearance citations should be enforced
In light of the recent Bull and West Fire destruction, the following letter of complaint was mailed to Supervisor Jon McQuiston on July 22.
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No follow though on lot clearance citation
I live on the west side of the valley north of Kernville. My neighbor’s house, across the street, and to the left of his house are two vacant lots. My neighbor has made numerous requests to both the Kernville Fire Department and to a local caretaker for the property to clean the lots to reduce the fire hazard, yet neither has acted. Forest Service crews have twice cleared a 20-foot swath across those lots adjacent to my neighbor’s property, but that hardly reduces the overall threat those overgrown properties present. That afternoon the wind was blowing from the south. Had the wind been blowing from the north, as it usually does, my neighbor would have probably lost his house and so would most of us in the neighborhood. For all public notices, postings and threatening letters, the Fire Department has never acted. Two years ago I notified the Kernville Fire Station regarding a hazardous brush condition on the two lots behind my own house. Those lots are adjacent to a heavily-wooded draw running up the hill past the backs of a number of properties. My concern was recorded (I saw him write it in the book), but nothing has ever been done there either.
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South Fork winds can create problems
Recently I wrote to this newspaper about the floods that formed this valley, and how they might affect the proposed Weldon Solar Plant. (Please note that I say “plant,” not “ranch.”)
More of this storyThe Kern Valley Sun might want to encourage readers to use the Sun’s online blogging site as a community bulletin board during disasters like the Bull Fire. Folks who live in the Kern Valley need a place where they can come together, offer help to their neighbors, and share photos of the fire.
More of this storyCan someone explain to me why CAL FIRE engine crews and overhead stay in motels vs a full service fire camp? Couldn’t help but to notice the Isabella Motel full of CAL FIRE personnel. Good for business, yes, but guess who fronts the bill? To the best of my knowledge, fire camps have everything firefighters need, from caterers to clothes washing services to showers. Some camps provide air conditioned sleeping units. During these times of serious bugdet shorfalls and directed fire suppression cost reductions, why the motels and additional costs?
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To our Kern Valley friends and neighbors
It has been over nine months since we have been dealing with severe breast cancer. The trauma of medical expenses and insurance companies is a nightmare. But all our friends and neighbors have been here to pray and support both of us. My sister Colette (Coco) has just finished both breast removal (Mastectomy) in Bakersfield Memorial Hospital and undergone heavy doses of Chemo, (still taking Chemo). We want to thank everyone in making us comfortable and hopeful for a brighter future in the Kern area. It is a long and very hard rocky road but we are OK and we know that it has to do with the community’s positive support in every way. It is impossible to list all the names, but we hope that they will read this letter to the community. It is meant for everybody that was and still is involved in our journey to recovery.
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Weldon Solar Project in flood plain
I was born in 1921 and grew up on Kelso Creek Road, and still live within ¼ mile of the Kelso Creek flood channel.
More of this storyI would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the organizations and individuals for contributing to my trip to the Junior Gold National Bowling Tournament in Indianapolis, Indiana. Without your support, this opportunity for me would not have been possible. I feel so blessed to live in a community that truly cares so much about their youth. Special thanks to the Preston’s for letting me take time off work, my dad for taking me there and back and my Mom and Grandma Lorraine for holding down the fort and giving me so much support and unconditional love.
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Columns
The Home of the Brave
Jackie Papandrew
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Daniel Pope
More of this storyJackie Papandrew
More of this storyBob Powers
More of this storyDaniel Pope
More of this storyDan Pope
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Marsha Smith
More of this storyGeorge Stahl
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Rubber Ducks Train for Race Day
Marsha Smith
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Daniel Pope
More of this storyJackie Papandrew
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