Where is our homeless crisis in the national political dialogue, a virulent anti-church campaign involving Monsignor Craig Harrison emerges on social media and new pickle ball courts coming to Jastro Park downtown

Monday, June 17, 2019

 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 community such a special place.

 * ... HOMELESS: Does it strike you as odd that homelessness is never even mentioned among the

top candidates running for president in 2020? On the Democratic side, they talks about raising the minimum wage, universal (and free) healthcare, guaranteed housing for all Americans, reparations, open borders, dismantling ICE, capping credit card rates and forgiving student loans. All worthy aspirations I suppose, but what about the homeless scourge sweeping the nation? Not a peep, and it is happening all over. Meanwhile, just check out some of these photos of what is happening right here in our community.

 * ... SPOTTED ON TWITTER: "My husband would take a bullet for me. But he would also criticize my driving on the way to the hospital."

 * ... TBC SALE: The folks over at The Bakersfield Californian are a nervous bunch these days as they wait for the sale of the family-owned newspaper to take effect at the end of this month. Will they stay in the building on Pegasus after the sale (the family retained ownership of the building)? Where will the paper be printed? Will the new owners cut the number of days the paper is printed? Will the new owners hike the subscription rates and go more digital? Will the employees be forced to reapply for their jobs? Already the new owners have told employees they will cash our their accrued vacation pay (sorry, no money for accrued sick pay) and they have pledged to find a local CEO. Stay tuned because big changes are coming.

 * ... MONSIGNOR CRAIG: The accusations of sexual abuse against Monsignor Craig Harrison have become part of a nationwide campaign to discredit and hold the Catholic Church responsible for its actions. The anti-Harrison campaign has turned virulent, hijacked by anti-church militant groups hellbent on exposing church corruption. Consider, for example, this online video making the rounds and collecting literally thousands of views. Harrison, meanwhile, continues to push back and proclaim his innocence, and has returned to Bakersfield and is making limited public appearances. Stay tuned.

 * ... PICKLEBALL: The city is getting ready to christen new pickle ball and tennis courts downtown in Jastro Park. On the sight of the old tennis courts, there will now be six new pickle ball courts and three new tennis courts to serve the community.

 * ... MEMORIES: Enjoy these photos from our local history Facebook pages.