Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Bakersfield, brings us his weekly update. In his words:
"It was another sad week for the community of Rosamond and our larger Kern community as we learned about the loss of Lance Corporal Joseph C. Lopez, U.S. Marine Corps. Lance Corporal Lopez was serving with the 3rd Battalion based out of Camp Pendleton in Afghanistan. Our condolences go out to his family and friends in Rosamond as we remember him for his ultimate sacrifice in defending our freedom.
"This week the U.S. Army recognized one of Bakersfield’s own, Sgt. Zachary R. Reese with the Silver Star, the third-highest military decoration awarded to a member of the Armed Forces for valor in the
face of mortal danger from the enemy. Last April, Sgt. Reese, a sniper by training, was serving in Afghanistan, and while on patrol was able to warn his platoon of a large number of insurgents heading
in their direction. He organized an ambush which would be one of the most successful operations linked to changing the momentum of the spring campaign in the Kunar province. Again, we are so grateful for
our warfighters like Sgt. Reese who put their lives on the line every day to defend our freedom.
"In economic news, California once again was ranked number 3 when it comes to jobless rates in our nation. Coming in behind Nevada and Michigan, our state has a 12.4% jobless rate. Apparently, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) doesn’t seem to pay attention to vital statistics like this. Thursday, as a result of the Clean Air Act, which is enforced by the EPA, the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District voted to impose an additional $12 fee on vehicle registrations in the Central Valley due to certain Federal requirements not being met earlier this year. While it is important the air we all breathe is clean, this action will result in a unacceptable $29 million fine, which is another example of inflexible
Federal environmental policies. This will punish hardworking Americans and contribute to economic uncertainty as our local communities struggle to create jobs. Residents in the Central Valley
need jobs, not another fee that takes money from hard working families.
"I head down to Taft again this weekend for the conclusion of Oildorado Days and Taft’s 100th Anniversary celebration. This time I hope to be a part of breaking a world record. Bob Leikam, the owner
of Taft’s Domino’s Pizza, will be working to break the Guinness Book of World Records for the most medium pepperoni pizzas sold in 24 hours. As a former deli owner, I may not have that much experience
making pizza, but I will be lending Bob a hand to make this record a reality. Come down to Taft and order a medium pepperoni for you and your family.
"This week the U.S. Army recognized one of Bakersfield’s own, Sgt. Zachary R. Reese with the Silver Star, the third-highest military decoration awarded to a member of the Armed Forces for valor in the
face of mortal danger from the enemy. Last April, Sgt. Reese, a sniper by training, was serving in Afghanistan, and while on patrol was able to warn his platoon of a large number of insurgents heading
in their direction. He organized an ambush which would be one of the most successful operations linked to changing the momentum of the spring campaign in the Kunar province. Again, we are so grateful for
our warfighters like Sgt. Reese who put their lives on the line every day to defend our freedom.
"In economic news, California once again was ranked number 3 when it comes to jobless rates in our nation. Coming in behind Nevada and Michigan, our state has a 12.4% jobless rate. Apparently, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) doesn’t seem to pay attention to vital statistics like this. Thursday, as a result of the Clean Air Act, which is enforced by the EPA, the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District voted to impose an additional $12 fee on vehicle registrations in the Central Valley due to certain Federal requirements not being met earlier this year. While it is important the air we all breathe is clean, this action will result in a unacceptable $29 million fine, which is another example of inflexible
Federal environmental policies. This will punish hardworking Americans and contribute to economic uncertainty as our local communities struggle to create jobs. Residents in the Central Valley
need jobs, not another fee that takes money from hard working families.
"I head down to Taft again this weekend for the conclusion of Oildorado Days and Taft’s 100th Anniversary celebration. This time I hope to be a part of breaking a world record. Bob Leikam, the owner
of Taft’s Domino’s Pizza, will be working to break the Guinness Book of World Records for the most medium pepperoni pizzas sold in 24 hours. As a former deli owner, I may not have that much experience
making pizza, but I will be lending Bob a hand to make this record a reality. Come down to Taft and order a medium pepperoni for you and your family.