Good intentions and asking people to "join the fight" against homelessness isn't enough. Frustrations grow over concerns about health and public safety issues.

Thursday, September 27, 2018

 Welcome to Bakersfield Observed. Our mission is to celebrate life in Kern County by focusing on newsmakers and events and the local characters who make this such a special to live. Send your news tips to rsbeene@yahoo.com.

 * ... HOMELESS: Homelessness in Kern County is growing steadily worse, and as the problem

spreads to neighborhoods that never previously had to deal with it, there is a growing frustration that we simply aren't doing enough.  Short of real solutions, we have the predictable, well meaning but empty platitudes from the Kern County Homeless Collaborative asking for us to "join in the battle" against homelessness without giving us a clue how to help. (Check out Jessica Janssen's recent opinion piece in The Californian).  While Ms. Janssen cautions it will take "time and conversations" to deal with the issue, a real health and human crisis is playing out before us and nobody seems to have a clue to where to start. If you want the average citizen to join the cause, tell us how we can help. And it better be more than just a call to "join the fight."

* ... SINK BATH: Consider this note from Michael Thibodeaux: "I had a homeless encounter this morning that I can't unsee. I ordered a coffee at the Starbucks across from the Outback. Went to use the bathroom, opened the door and there is a buck naked black man washing his privates at the sink!!! WTF? He kinda screamed, I may have also. I closed the door."

 * ... MEANWHILE AT BURGER KING: Responding to Thibodeaux on Facebook, Jason Absey chimed in with this: "I was in Lake Isabella Saturday. Before heading home we stopped at Burger King, I went to was my hands in the bathroom, and there was a homeless guy with his shirt off washing his armpits. WTF is wrong with people."

 * ... NEAR MISS: And finally, a friend of mine who delivers beer and other beverages for a local company told me this: "I was listening to you on the radio (KERN NewsTalk 96.1 FM) talking about the homeless in the streets when one walked right in front of my truck. I almost hit him."

* ... HOMELESS CENTER: The folks over at St. Vincent de Paul Homeless Center have been dealing with this issue for years, and once again they will hold their annual barbecue to help fund the effort. On  Thursday, Oct. 4 volunteers will fire up the grills for the traditional fall barbecue at St. Vincent de Paul Homeless Center at 316 Baker Street. This is one of the biggest and most successful events of the fall in town, and money raised goes to provide meals and services to 400 men, women and children who visit the center daily. The center receives no government funding and relies on this event. The doors open at 5 p.m. and they will start serving at 5:30 p.m. The menu features local businesses - your choice of a NY steak or Teriyaki chicken, Wool Growers salsa and salad, a Pyrenees french roll, Casa Munoz beans and Smith's Bakery cobbler. Drive-thru and take-out, along with complimentary valet parking are also available. You can purchase your $30 ticket at the door.

 * ... DOWNTOWN THEFT: Check out this post from Jerry's Pizza about a grill that was stolen. Seems like this truck should be easy to spot. "So two men in a red Chevy pick up decided to steal our grill this weekend Sunday September 23 at 7 AM. Please keep an eye out for this truck and our grill we were not the only one’s hit this weekend downtown. Will post a video later. There will be a reward for Information leading to our barbecue grill 661-633-1000 or Msg is here.

 * ... MEMORIES: Remember The Plunge on Union Avenue? Enjoy this old clipping from its grand opening, courtesy of the Kern County of Old Facebook page.