Twitter Novel 'Small Places' Gets Nod For Innovation In Christian Science Monitor

The novel in microform. Not a new concept. That's called flash fiction. But the use of the social media tool Twitter for original literary fiction landed me a nod for literary innovation in an article appearing in both print and online versions of Friday's edition of the Christian Science Monitor.

The article, "The Novel By Tweet: The microblogging site, Twitter, launches into serialized fiction for bored cubicle dwellers," is by Matt Shaer, formerly of the Boston Globe.

Shaer writes, "Nick Belardes believes in brevity. He hews close to that hallowed maxim, beloved by middle school English teachers and old-fashioned newsmen alike: Keep it simple, stupid."

Well, I do believe more in brevity than ever. And in a twitter novel, you have 140-character limits. So I have to pay attention to constraints.

It's an artform that I started learning in college in the mid-1990s. My writing was too long-winded. So a professor had me writing 150-word summaries of entire history books. That was tough going. But those exercises paved the way to my success today in writing a short-form continuous-thread twitter novel.

I asked Matt Shaer why he was interested in writing about Twitter books. "I write a good deal about books – for the LA Times, for the Globe, for the Monitor – and in the face of seriously sinking readership, it's always a happy thing to stumble upon a hopeful trend," he said.

Read the full article

"Small Places" Twitter: www.twitter.com/smallplaces

Easy Read: First 200 Tweets

Related article: "The Novel By Tweet: The microblogging site, Twitter, launches into serialized fiction for bored cubicle dwellers,"

Related podcast: Nick Belardes, magic realism, bugs and 9/11

Related article: A Bug’s Life on Twitter - Interview with Twitter Novelist Nick Belardes

Related article: A Discussion Of My Twitter novel, 'Small Places'

MySpace site: www.myspace.com/twitterbook

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Get Truxtun Avenue updates via cell phone: www.twitter.com/nlbelardes

True Bakersfield Horror: Terror at the Preventorium

I heard the story about a year ago. I saw the battered people from the car wreck. There was still fear in their eyes. They’d become victims of their own storytelling, their own curiosity of a maddening place in the hills.

People who want to be scared sometimes step too far over the edge. A midnight drive can turn into a midnight car chase or shooting. A late night dip into the wrong alley can lead to nightmares for years to come.

John startled himself when he blurted it out. Three others sat on the couch nearby. They’d been telling spooky stories—true tales about Bakersfield and the surrounding hills. “We can go up to that insane hospital,” John had said to his girlfriend, Sherry, and friends, Matt and Beth. They didn’t know they spoke of the old Kernville Preventorium and Dark Creek Sanatorium. While Dark Creek was a tuberculosis hospital that opened in 1917, the Preventorium was a place where men, women and children with tuberculosis got some healing, or care while dying. One doctor had said the lack of foggy air was good up in the rocky hills for patients.

Read the full terrifying article

Man Surrenders In Connection With Niles Mini Mart Robbery

If you didn't think people who may have committed crimes never surrender, think again, Thursday the Bakersfield Police Department said detectives arrested one of two men wanted in connection wanted for the Oct. 20 robbery of the Niles Mini Mart at 1134 Niles Street.

Police said Orlando Serrano, Jr., 22, of Bakersfield, surrendered to detectives at theBakersfield Police Department.

VIDEO: Simpson's Underwear Artist? Bakersfield Comic-Con 2008

Does this Simpson's artist draw while in underwear? Watch:



Read related article: Bakersfield Comic-Con Pleases Local Comic Book Lovers

Mojave Woman Kidnapped, Stabbed With Screwdriver, Burned With Cigarette

A woman was terrorized in the small desert town of Mojave by a man officials said, kidnapped, stabbed her with a screwdriver and burned her with a cigarette, according to the Kern County Sheriff's Department.

The accused man, parolee Roque Larios, was arrested Wednesday.

Officials said on Oct. 26, deputies from the Mojave Substation responded to an assault-with-a-deadly-weapon call at 16171 I Street in Mojave.

Full story

'Witch Hunt' Film About Bakersfield Mean Justice, 1980s Child Molestation Trials

Sean Penn narrates a movie about Bakersfield justice?

It's true. There's a new documentary film in the spirit of the book "Mean Justice" and national television news shows like 48 hours, depicting the Bakersfield witch hunts, or, child molestation trials of the 1980s that were eventually overturned.

According to the official movie site, the documentary film, 'Witch Hunt' chronicles the unraveling of a Bakersfield's justice system in the 1980s. The site claims the main characters in the documentary are:

working class moms and dads who all were wrongly convicted of child molestation. They served lengthy prison time and were ultimately exonerated. All of the convicted were recklessly pursued by the same District Attorney who remains in office today.

The film by Dana Nachman and Joe Hardy of KTF Films is narrated by Sean Penn. Music is by Fresno's Joe Rosato.

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Former Bakersfield Jam Big Man O’Bryant Suits Up For Celtics Opening Night

It's NBA action and there's a little, or should we say, a lot of Bakersfield flavor involved. Former Golden State Warrior and Bakersfield Jam center Patrick O’Bryant suited up for a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers Tuesday night. The Celtics won 90-85.

The Bakersfield Jam said in a press release they provided O’Bryant with exactly what he needed during his two stints with the Jam between 2006 and 2008.

“My time in Bakersfield offered me the chance to get some valuable minutes, be game-fresh and stay in basketball shape”, said O’Bryant after a recent Celtics practice. “I was also able to work on my defensive rotations, pick-and-roll applications and basically keep my game from diminishing.”

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More Than 200 Inmates Battle At Lerdo Prison

Last Sunday more than 200 male inmates housed at the Lerdo minimum security facility fought with homemade weapons in a racially motivated attack, according to the Kern County Sheriff's Department.

In order to stop the fight, a Sheriff's officer fired two warning rounds from a shotgun, officials said.

Bakersfield.com reported that officials are allowed to make warning shots.

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New Desert Trails: BLM, Sheriff's Officials Also To Monitor Off-Roading In Ridgecrest Areas

In an effort to battle off-roading in undesignated high desert conservation areas, the Kern County Sheriff's Department issued a press release saying, they, along with the Bureau of Land Management will be patroling the Rand Mountain area.

Official Press Release:

Beginning November 1, 2008 The Kern County Sheriff’s Office Off Road Vehicle Team, will be assisting the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) with patrols of the Rand Mountains Management Area.

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Stranger Danger: Watch Your Kids At Bus Stops, Especially In Ridgecrest

As it gets closer to Halloween, it's important to remind children of "Stranger Danger," especially those with kids who frequent bus stops.

According to the Kern County Sheriff's Department, there's still possibly some weird activity going on at bus stops in Ridgecrest that people should be aware about.

But that doesn't mean there isn't stranger danger fears at Bakersfield bus stops.

While one Oct. 16 case in Ridgecrest has been determinded as miscommunication between a Spanish-speaking individual and two children, another incident from that same day is still being investigated.

Read the full article

Officials: Two Men In Stolen Truck Crash After Chase, Driver Escapes

Two men in a stolen truck got pulled over for vehicle code violations, then led officers on a chase before crashing into a fence. The driver ran, according to Kern County Sheriff's Officials.

Monday evening, near Union Avenue and Terrace Way, officials said a deputy attempted to make a traffic stop of a blue Chevrolet pickup for several vehicle code violations.

The truck was driven by Ernie Machado, 30. Luis Ramos, 27, was the passenger.

Full article

Bakersfield Man Accused Of Attempted Child, Baby Abductions

Bakersfield officials finally announced the near-abductions of a 7-month-old baby and a nine-year-old girl were attempted by the same man already in custody.

KBAK reported that Stanley Tomlin, 38, who was foiled in both kidnapping attempts was arrested for both crimes.

“She says it is him,” said Alberto Davila, the uncle of the 9-year-old girl to Bakersfield.com. “I didn’t get a look, but she did.”

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Commentary: Will The Real Dow Please Stand Up!

Tuesday's massive 889-point Dow surge is just another reminder that the Dow Jones is on its own strange roller coaster of ups and downs.

If the Dow were a person, it seems to be acting as strange as some of the people whose live revolve around it. Oh wait, isn't that all of us?

The American people, on the verge of a vast mental episode and beer-drinking binge, has to be cross-eyed over the latest giant market surge. Should they drink a 12-pack tonight or not? And what does it all mean? Certainly the latest surge means the American and possibly the global economy is far from stable -- but not dead.

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The Moment Of Adoption: Becoming Craig's Mother

Would he love me? This time last year, while waiting for my son to be born, I worried that he wouldn’t return my love. I was certain that when he was a toddler he would, but as a newborn? Would he sense my love for him as I pulled him close or would he strain to hear the song and sounds of his birth mother instead? Would he feel fear and heartbreak and have to keep it locked tight in his body, unable to communicate anything more than a cry?

I also wondered about myself and if I possessed a mother’s sense with this child who was not biologically mine. At night when the baby whimpered or cried, would it be his birth mother, fifty miles away, instinctively waking up to reach for him while I slept?

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Protester Pummeled By Ken Mettler Becomes Ordained Minister

Rob Badewitz, 21, who is filing possible hate crime charges against Kern High School District Trustee Ken Mettler for being punched and kicked at a Proposition 8 protest, became an ordained minister on Tuesday.

In an interview with Truxtun Avenue, Badewitz said he became an ordained minister because he wanted to handle marriages, baptisms and perform house blessings. "I've believed in that stuff for a long time," he said.

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Plot To Assassinate Obama, Kill Black Students, Cold Reminder Of Nazi Flag Found At West High

The Associated Press report of a plot to kill presidential hopeful Barack Obama and 102 black students by two neo nazis in Tennessee is a cold reminder of the Nazi flag that flew at West High School earlier this year on the MLK holiday weekend.

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Bakersfield Comic-Con Pleases Local Comic Book Lovers

Bakersfield’s first-ever Comic-Con was filled not only with vendors, but old and young fans alike. They poured into the event, formed long lines, and all came to support the idea that people love comic books, toys and superhero social gatherings.

”I came to support a local event,” said local enthusiast Daniel Emery. He sat with his wife Keely while their toddler was in a stroller. He said that even though it’s harder to get out while having a toddler to chase around, Comic-Con was a great way to get out of the house and support the inaugural comic book event. He said they had also been to past San Diego Comicons, but hadn’t gone this year.

Collector Paul Rodriguez said he’s been collecting comic books off and on since the 1970s. He showed up because he said it’s the first comic book event with actual people.

Another couple, Veronica Casteneda and Kenny McCollough, bought graphic novels, put them in their car, then came back inside to listen to a presentation on Oddball comics. Asked why they came to the event, McCollough said, "There's nothing like it in town."

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Teachers Union Speaks Out: Civil Rights, Religious Issue? Sides Polarize On Proposition 8

In Bakersfield, just like the rest of California, people are faced with supporting or voting against Proposition 8. It's the kind of polarizing debate that affects the deeply Christian fundamentalist and civil rights activists just the same. Both sides are answering the question: should same-sex marriage be allowed?

Proposition 8 proposes to amend the California Constitution to make gay marriage illegal.

A Bakersfield College student who supports the civil rights aspect of Proposition 8, said, "While I don't believe in gay marriage for me, I think society is like a body. It's filled with so many separate parts that make it work. They're not all the same. Those parts work together, and in a way, have to be tolerant of each other in order for the body to be healthy."

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It Would Have Made A Better Story If 'Dog The Bounty Hunter' Nabbed Dog-Hoarder

It's the makings of a really bad TV movie. A Kern County dog hoarder possibly using the name of a dead Boston Globe journalist goes into hiding over the summer after being accused of animal cruelty. She's tracked down by a bounty hunter and is tackled and arrested. Cats are found in a nearby hotel room.

But wouldn't the TV movie version have been better had "Dog the Bounty Hunter" been involved?

Imagine all the muscles, bad hair and terrible dialogue. Would it do poorly in the ratings? Just think of the conflict: how a man named Dog might deal with a woman accused of animal abuse who had 60 dogs and cats rescued from her property?

KBAK reported the woman who went by the name Anita Gilbert is in custody. They said she was turned over to Van Nuys police Thursday night by bounty hunters.

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'Sign' of the Times: Are Campaign Clowns Crying Wolf Over Signs?

Enough already!!!

Put the sign down and step away from the controversy!!!

It's "go time" in the political world with just over a week away until the general election.

With some races and propositions running neck-and-neck, the barrage of ads, accusations and assinine behavior will intensify over the next 11 days.

read the full article

Officials Raid Home On Taft Highway, Find Meth, Guns, Money; Arrest 4

Kern County Sheriff's officials said a multi-task drug enforcement team arrested four people in a raid on a home on Taft Highway Thursday where they found meth, cash and a loaded gun.

According to a press release, the California Multi-Jursidictional Methamphetamine Enforcement Team or Cal-Mmet served a search warrant at 9947 Taft highway, which is located in Bakersfield.

Officials said at 7:40 a.m. they found Sherry Texceira, 39, in the home's main bedroom. In the same room they said they found a loaded 9 mm handgun, Methamphetamines, nearly a pound of marijuana, and $3,092 in cash.

read the full article

Tough Times: 'Housing Crisis’ And ‘Economy’ Aren’t Just Words Political Candidates/Government Throw Around

Last year at this time my dad and I started talking about how housing prices were down and I should think about buying a house. It was time. I had worked hard to rebuild my credit after a divorce and bankruptcy. I had no debt. And I finally had enough saved for a down payment. Almost every house I looked at was vacant and either a foreclosure or a short sale, victims of the housing crisis and the sub prime mortgage mess.

After a couple months of looking I found a cute 1948 house that had been upgraded in the Oleander area of Bakersfield. It was my dream home. It was also a short sale, which I soon learned as a first time home buyer was a very long process. A short sale also meant I was negotiating with a bank and banks don’t negotiate like homeowners. The seller’s bank and I finally came to an agreement only to have the appraisal come in lower than the agreed upon purchase price due to the continuing downward spiraling housing market.

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Interesting Sheriff's Department Details On Dog Hoarder With Mystery Name, Anita Gilbert

Looks like the dog hoarder with the mystery name of Anita Gilbert isn't coming back to Bakersfield anytime soon.

This press release was just released by the Kern County Sheriff's Department:

On 10-23-08 at about 6:37 PM, the Kern County Sheriff's Office was notified by the Los Angeles Police Department that their agency had arrested Anita Gilbert. The Sheriff's Office provided the Los Angeles Police Department with the warrant information related to Gilbert’s Kern County criminal cases. Gilbert was booked into a Los Angeles...

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Camino Real Restaurant Offers Best 'Shame On' Sign Ever On Bakersfield Streets

While ABC23's Mike Hart screams his Irish lungs out about 'Shame On' Shenanigans and the rest of us cross our eyes in agreement, suddenly there's a "Shame On" sign worth mentioning.

This shameful sign is a "Shame On" rip-off, poking fun at all the annoyance the real "Shame On" signs cause. Only this one says, "Shame on Camino Real Restaurante for having $2.00 beers..."

Alejandro Ocampo of Camino Real Restaurante said he started the advertising campaign about a week ago and that it has drawn a lot of people. He also said some of them were worried. "I get a lot of concerned customers," he said.

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Soccer Doesn't Rule After All As Inline Hockey League Forms At Bakersfield SMUF

After what local roller hockey enthusiasts feared might be a complete soccer takeover of an LA Kings donated hockey rink, the Saunders Multi Use Facility (SMUF) is accepting team fees of $1,000 for its inaugural 8-week season.

Just after the grand opening in May, 2008, the facility was mostly contracted to the potentially more lucrative venture of soccer. Hockey enthusiasts held out hope and now a league is forming.

Hockey enthusiast Chris Fleming is putting together a team for the silver league. He said, "I think that we were scared that they (SMUF)were going to try to push us out. But they are definitely being inviting and giving us an opportunity to do kids and adult leagues. We're organizing a little more than expected. If we can organize it right, they will continue to support it."

Read full article, see photos, video

Bakersfield Comic-Con And 'Batman Blows A Knee' Video

The Bakersfield Comic-Con that's coming up this Sunday reminded me of some local comic-book-related superhero videos I shot over the past year. One of them has almost 20,000 views on YouTube. Check out the Batman fan film shot in downtown Bakersfield and the "Batman Blows A Knee" video...

Video videos and read article

Tip: If You're On Parole In Oildale, Don't Hide In An Attic With A Gun

There was a stand-off between Kern County Sheriff's deputies, a SWAT team and a parolee on Wednesday in Oildale.

According to KBAK, a person called deputies and said, Daniel Koch, 24, who is a parolee, was hiding in the attic of the house with a gun.

Read full article

Is Election 2008 Bakersfield Sign Vandalism Just Sign Of The Times?

Truxtun Avenue reported on Oct. 19 that signs related to Proposition 8 were being vandalized in Bakersfield. Bakersfield.com went a step further to discover that many campaign signs and proposition signs were being vandalized.

According to Bakersfield.com, "Local campaigners say thousands of political yard signs have been stolen, defaced or destroyed in Bakersfield as a polarizing presidential race and proposition defining marriage have split neighborhoods."

The newspaper reported nearly 10 percent of McCain-Palin yard signs have been vandalized while around 33 percent of Obama-Biden signs have been stolen.

Full article

Bakersfield Condors Bury Stockton Thunder 7-4 For First Win Of 2008-2009 Season

It was the kind of game Bakersfield Condors fans appreciate: a come-from-behind 7-4 win filled with high scoring and two periods of domination on the ice. Yet hardcore fans would find the win bittersweet as the hard-hitting and fiery defense of past seasons was mostly left off the ice.

The Condors showed lackluster defense during the first period as about 3,500 fans watched their team quickly slide in a Thunder 2-0 run.

Read the full article, see photos and twitter highlights on Truxtun Avenue

What Will Women Do With Less Shoes In Bakersfield?

Women all over Bakersfield might be wondering what they're going to do now that a local shoe Mecca is liquidating and shutting down. Where will high-heel shoppers go? Where will fabulous shoe deals be made?

KGET announced the local Shoe Pavillion in the Mervyn's shopping Center (Bakersfield Plaza) is closing. They said, "The signs of a sagging economy here at home are hard to miss. Nearly everywhere you look in town, storefronts are empty."

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Bakersfield Commentary: 'I Drink Your Milkshake!'

I had an epiphany. It was about the movie, "There Will Be Blood," and my favorite drive-thru coffee house Supreme Bean closing. I realized my milkshake had been had by someone else.

I took a walk just down the street to where the coffee house drive-thru sat strangely quiet. A cup sat symbolically in the window. The last latte poured. A final cup waiting to be thrown away.

Who really drank that last coffee? It might have been a worker. But in some mad universe, perhaps it was Starbucks itself standing like some Daniel Plainview from "There Will Be Blood," waiting to drink my coffee milkshake from afar.

Read the full commentary

Bakersfield Inmate Dies After Reporting Stomach Ache, Collapsing

An inmate died after reporting stomach pain while at the downtown Bakersfield jail. Officials said there was no foul play, according to media reports.

Fernando Ozaeta, 47 reported having stomach pain to jailers around 8 a.m. According to Bakersfield.com, nurses were called to treat the man, but he collapsed. KBAK said he fell in front of medical staff.

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Spandex Gods Await At Bakersfield Comic-Con

Troubled kids, tough neighborhoods, tough times. Just buy them comic books for some good escapism. They’ll find solace in spandex gods like millions of other youth who turn to their imaginations rather than urban streets. I mean, what kids want to hear the commotion over at the El Don, you know? Only now there’s a chance for such kids to meet some comic book artists and win some prizes right here in Bakersfield

While comic book conventions are a rarity in Bakersfield, they’re not a rarity to society. Just go to the San Diego Comicon for one of the weirdest experiences of your life. Locally, Bakersfield’s Comic-Con: Comic Book And Fantasy Convention at the Doubletree Hotel on Sunday hopes to take America’s obsession with spandex gods and cause a little pre-Halloween ruckus for only a $5 entry fee.

Read the full article and get event details

Does Tagger Death, Uncleaned Park, Indicate Rising Bakersfield Graffiti Problem? By N.L. Belardes

Bakersfield is a city of graffiti-cop wars, gang-cop shootings and increasing violence among taggers. Yet the Bakersfield Police Department said in a recent news report that they’re receiving half the calls about graffiti than they did last year. Couple that with a TV news report Monday night about frustrated northeast Bakersfield residents who said their calls to a local police graffiti phone line went unheeded.

Is there a growing graffiti-related problem in Bakersfield?

In early October, Moses Ramiro Villegas, 18, was found dead lying next to freshly-painted graffiti. Bakersfield.com reported a footprint in blue paint near the teen’s body at a Highway 178 street crossing.

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Weird Video: Largest Rat Balls On Earth Found In Bakersfield Petco

You can find this video posted on www.truxtunavenue.com too! lol...

Jeffrey Chitwood, Accused In Abduction Murder Of Woman, Smiles In Court

Bakersfield media talked about Jeffery Chitwood's not guilty plea in court on Monday. He was charged in the abduction and murder of Chantha Meas last week.

KGET gave a very brief report of “Murder Suspect In Court.”

KBAK , however, quoted Chitwood’s daughter. And while KBAK only mentioned a 4-year-old daughter in the article, Bakersfield.com mentioned another daughter who would not give them a comment.

Following Monday's arraignment, KBAK said Chitwood's daughter, J'Breann, defended her father.

Read full story

Bakersfield Weird Photo: Office Space Kinkiness?

This photo was taken near White Lane and Gosford Road, behind several office-type business buildings. It leaves the mind wondering just why a tie would be knotted around a fire hydrant.

Read full article and see photo

Does Bakersfield Need Another FarmerBoys Restaurant?

It looks like a fast food war is building up in southwest Bakersfield. This latest FarmerBoys restaurant is being built in the 'fast food cult nation' of Bakersfield along Gosford Road, just north of White Lane.

Already there's a Denny's, Popeye's Chicken and three pizza parlors near the same location. More fast food is located on White Lane and Gosford. There are other restaurants nearby as well.

Read the full article

Learning To Accept My Autistic Son - By Mother Of Confusion

My son was born after midnight during the cooler days of May, before the Central Valley could blaze triple-digit temperatures.

The delivery room was packed full of people. The doctor, several nurses, my husband, my parents and my mother-in-law were in attendance. As my son emerged into the world, I expected him to gasp and then cry about the abrupt ejection.

He did not.

Instead he was quiet and blue. The umbilical cord was wrapped around his slender neck several times. Of course I didn’t know that yet, but the jubilant faces of the others gave way to peaked, pinched expressions.

When I asked what was wrong. The response was, “Nothing. Everything’s okay. It’s okay.”

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Bakersfield Advice Column: Hey chingpea, 'He’s Still In Love With His Ex'

Hey Chingpea,

Here’s my dilemma:

I work at a four-star hotel and have been dating a co-worker off-and-on for about six months. He’s handsome, sweet and brutally honest. We’re happy and are talking about moving in together, but he made it clear to me that he’s still in love with his ex-wife. The marriage ended because of mistakes he made and admitted to, but she made it clear she doesn’t want him back. They’ve been divorced for 6 years now. Thing is, they’re also still friends. Whatever happened, they managed to work things out and build a friendship because of their son. He says that no matter what, she’ll always be his best friend...

Read the full column

Election 2008: Everything You Didn't Want To Know About Local Media Endorsements For President - By N.L. Belardes

Your hairdresser supports McCain. Your neighbor supports Obama. Your kids support Mickey Mouse and half the time you just support the best presidential candidate portrayals on Saturday Night Live. But who does your local media endorse for president? Are they conservative John McCain fans or a little more liberal with their endorsement of Barack Obama? Or are they not saying anything at all?

Here’s a breakdown of mostly my guesses...

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Bakersfield Woman Gets On California Lotto Big Spin, Only Wins $4,000 - By N.L. Belardes

A Bakersfield woman was on the California Lotto Big Spin on Saturday but only came away with $4,000.

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Proposition 8 Reverse Discrimination As Video Claims 'Yes on 8' Signs Vandalized - By N.L. Belardes

While gays have long been victims of discrimination and harrassment, a video released on YouTube claims the reversal. The video claim harrassment against people supporting Proposition 8, which proposes to end same-sex marriage, while a Fresno Bee article discussing the video included Bakersfield in the alleged harrassment of Prop 8 supporters.

The video, "Where's the Love? Yes on Proposition 8 (Prop 8) - Yard Signs" claims supporters are not against individuals but are for families. They say they are being harrassed because "Yes on 8" signs are being vandalized across California.

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Free Drive-Thru Flu Shot Clinic To Be Held At Bakersfield College - By N.L. Belardes

While flu shot clinics being held by the Kern County Department of Public Health typically cost $2, flu shots this season just got easier with the announcement of a free drive through flu shot day on Friday, Oct. 24.

Bakersfield police, Bakersfield College and the Kern County Department of Public Health announced that flu shots will be free to people nine years of age or older who are not pregnant. Vaccinations begin at 1 p.m. on a first come, first serve basis.

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Weird News: McFarland House Fire Started While Man Burns Cobwebs - By N.L. Belardes

It's almost as if Halloween started more than a week early for one homeowner, as a man started a fire Saturday in a McFarland home while using a torch to burn away cobwebs.

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Real Estate Bust, Local Store Closures, Failing Economy Putting Bakersfield On Mental Edge

While the U.S. economy shoots up and down its roller coaster tracks of uncertainty, local busting real estate markets and the announcement of local store closures, may be putting Bakersfield residents on mental edge.

Mervyns, Linens and Things and Supreme Bean stores have recently either closed or announced the closure of their Bakersfield locations. Coincidence? Economic pinch? Hard times to accept?

Could be, real estate isn’t faring any better.

Last Sunday the Sacramento Bee’s article, “3 posh projects go bust as Valley dreams bite the dust” had an entire section called “Bakersfield Boom Turns To Blues.”

Read entire article

Bakersfield Girl Kidnapped From Home - By N.L. Belardes

A nine-year-old girl was abducted from her home by a stranger on Wallace Street early Sunday morning.

KBAK reported the girl began screaming after being taking from her home, which scared off her kidnapper. She suffered minor scrapes and bruises.

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2008 October Madness: Biggest Baddest Bakersfield Halloween Events Guide

Bakersfield and Kern County Halloween events just got a little easier to find. Here, you get the most local Halloween events listed in one place. There's scary houses, a night at the museum, library events, pumpkin patches, crafts, clubbing for adults and even Day of the Dead music! If you have another event to add to this list, just let us know... Now go get scared to death, compliments of Truxtun Avenue! And keep checking back for more additions...

LINK: CHECK OUT THE FULL 2008 HALLOWEEN EVENTS LIST

Local Tehachapi Group, S.T.O.P. Attempts To Impact Kern County’s High Rate Of Pet Euthanization - By N.L. Belardes

Two dogs were rescued from being euthanized on Thursday as part of an ongoing effort by the nonprofit, Save Tehachapi’s Orphaned Pets, as they hope to impact the high rate of pet euthanizations by Kern County Animal Control.

According to ABC23 (KERO) Kern County Animal Control has collected more than 13,000 dogs in their shelters so far in 2008. They said 7,300 of those dogs have been put to sleep.

While realistically, S.T.O.P. (www.thestoppers.org) has only had a minimal impact on those numbers since launching in January, the TV station said the group is “trying to make sure those numbers don’t increase.”

The group has rescued and adopted out around 65 dogs, according to the TV station.

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Why The Public Never Saw The Last-Known Photos Of Kevin Johnson - By N.L. Belardes

The photographer moonlighting for a local magazine snapped images of the moments just after Kevin Johnson, 29, was punched by Matthew Scott Reed, 34 at the Festival of Beers in Bakersfield. He had his camera in the nearby crowd, heard the commotion and made his way over.

Johnson’s body lay motionless. There were people gathered around, bent over his body. The photographer could clearly see the EMT administering first aid. He snapped images of the crowd and Johnson.

As of the posting of this article, the public would still not see the photos.

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Three Members Of Oildale Family Missing; Last Seen Walking To Bus Stop - By N.L. Belardes

A grandmother, an aunt and the aunt's nephew are missing after last being seen walking to catch a bus to a pharmacy, and now the Kern County Sheriff’s Department say they are investigating.

According to KGET, Julia Ann Cano, 50, Rose Cano, 21, and David Carlos Cano, 3, were last seen Wednesday afternoon walking to the Golden Empire Transit bus stop at Roberts Lane and North Chester Avenue. They reported the family was headed to a pharmacy near San Dimas and 34th Street.

Read the full story

Woman Abducted From Shell Gas Station, Shot To Death; Man Arrested - By N.L. Belardes

Chantha Meas, 32, was shot to death after being abducted from a local gas station on Monday where she worked, according to reports.

Meas was shot in the head and dumped in an oilfield near Round Mountain Road just north of Bakersfield. The man accused of murdering her, officials said, had been making unwanted advances and was caught on tape confronting and abducting her.

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Train Crashes Into SUV Stuck On Shafter Railroad Tracks - By N.L. Belardes

A Shafter woman died Thursday after her SUV was hit by a train.

According to media reports, the woman got her SUV stuck on railroad tracks after driving around a flashing signal.

KGET said, “It's another graphic example of why you don't try to beat a train across the tracks.”

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Election 2008 Commentary: Enough Already: I Vote For Joe

I've written, about politicians wearing makeup and I've written Prudent Candidates Need Not Apply. I’ve had enough of Obama and McCain. This election year is exhausting. It seems I can relate more with Joe the Plumber and Joe Sixpack. I can't but ponder: are they related? I wonder if they are twins? Brothers? Cousins? They are hopefully not inbred.

I would like to have a new election in the final weeks. Joe the Plumber against Joe Sixpack. Apparently these Joe dudes have all the answers. (I don’t even know anyone named Joe).

I think Joe the Plumber would be a valid candidate because he is fully loaded. No one wants crappy problems and he takes them head on. He has experience in taking care of back logs. He has a loaded bag full of tricks. He clears and takes care of all pipes, thus keeping things moving freely. He will keep Washington clean. We all know a straight flush beats a full house. Although the argument could be he has a crappy job that stinks.

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A Beautiful Day For Volkslauf Mud Run

The day was beautiful, windy and perfect for Saturday's Volkslauf event off Lerdo Highway. Watching all the teams and participants push themselves to their limits to achieve a common goal of finishing the 5 or 10K course was inspiring. The comradarie was apparent in watching friends and teammates motivate each other by holding hands through the mud pits and screaming encouraging words like, "I'll meet you at the wall and help you get over." One man even carrying a partner on his back for part of the run.

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It's Official! David Crisp Loses Real Estate License - By N.L. Belardes

While it was reported weeks ago that Crisp and Cole's real estate licenses were revoked by the state Department of Real Estate, it was announced Wednesday that David Crisp did not appeal the stripping of his license.

KGET reported that Crisp had until the close of business Wednesday to file an appeal after a state commissioner determined he and his former business partner, Carl Cole, defrauded lenders in an attempt to obtain millions of dollars in mortgage loans.

They said they tried to call Crisp but he didn't return their phone call. They also said Cole successfully filed for a 30-day extension while he files an appeal.

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Former Maricopa Police Officer Garry Ferguson Sentenced To 9 Years For Sex Crimes - By N.L. Belardes

It was a plea deal that got former Maricopa Police Officer Garry Ferguson out of more than 24 years in prison for molesting young teenage girls. Instead, he got 9 years, which Bakersfield.com reported, was the maximum for such a plea deal.

Ferguson’s defense attorney, according to the newspaper, said it “was a good business decision” as Ferguson was accused of molesting a 13 and a 15 year old. He also possibly faced more prison time for possibly molesting other girls, the defense attorney agreed.

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Bermuda Triangle Of Pet Death Outside Bakersfield Old Folks Home - By N.L. Belardes

Three pet deaths within one month outside of a Bakersfield old folks home? What could be causing this Bermuda Triangle of pet death over the past three weeks outside of the Oakdale Heights Senior Living Center? Cars? Kids? Rogue city trucks? Mysterious beings or even ghosts from the old folks home punishing the pet kingdom?

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Man Dies After Van Smashes Into Boulder, Tumbles Into Kern River Canyon - By N.L. Belardes

Another canyon crash occurred on Tuesday when a man driving a minivan in the Kern River Canyon lost control, smashed into a boulder, then careened over the side, according to reports.

Traffic came to a standstill after the Toyota minivan tumbled and crashed into the rocks below, according to KGET.

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Bakersfield TV Crew Enters LA-Fire-Ravaged San Fernando Valley - By N.L. Belardes

Out of all the major Bakersfield news sources only one took it upon themselves to head into the Southland to pull a story out of the LA fires.

While Truxtun Avenue and ABC23 both reported that Kern County firefighters were helping battle the Marek and Sesnon wildfires, KBAK traveled into LA’s fire-threatened areas on Tuesday.

They entered near-burning neighborhoods to find families in distress who were being evacuated.

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Kern County Fire Department Sends Strike Team To LA's Marek, Sesnon Fires - By N.L. Belardes

The Kern County Fire Department has sent a strike team consisting of 5 engines to help battle LA County's raging Sesnon and Marek fires in the San Fernando Valley, according to the KCFD Web site.

The Type 2 Strike Team, consistsof 5 engines from Tehachapi (Engine 12), Ridgecrest (Engine 74), Greenfield (Engine 52), Norris (Engine 61) and Lebec (Engine 56). They were scheduled to meet at Station 56 in Lebec yesterday. The strike team leader is Battalion Chief Kinsey. This equipment has been requested as soon as possible due to the dynamic events of these fires.

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Guy Kawasaki's Latest Book, 'Reality Check' Energizes Start-Ups, Job Seekers - By N.L. Belardes

If ever there was a writer with a book that both creates and finds a new pool of irreverent-minded, work-passion-obsessed entrepreneurs, that’s Guy Kawasaki. Notice, the key word wasn’t "help," but “find.” That’s because his latest book, “Reality Check: The Irreverent Guide to Outsmarting, Outmanaging, and Outmarketing Your Competition” may just be the perfect tool for those who are smart, hard-working, and benevolent-minded enough to not just have a successful business start-up, but perhaps network with a man who has a golden touch.

It’s a bumpy ride, though. So after you get a copy, you might want to Velcro yourself to that office chair.

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Commentary: Why Weren’t You At The Bakersfield Obama Rally? - By N.L. Belardes

On Saturday I attended a Bakersfield political rally where ethnic groups didn’t seem to be in support of ethnic groups who are obviously in support of Barack Obama.

What am I talking about?

On a top political level the support was there. State Sen. Dean Florez teamed up with Joey & Christy Porter and several other top dogs to throw the “Get Out The Vote” Obama Family Rally at Beach Park on Saturday.

While Latino political leaders and musicians showed up, the Latino people en masse weren’t there. There were mostly blacks, a handful of Latinos and even fewer whites. Where was the balanced mix?

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Bakersfield's Backyard Bugs: Caterpillar vs. Ants - By N.L. Belardes

Bakersfield News: 'Hey Mom, Can I Go To A Bakersfield City Park After School Today? It's Friday!' - By N.L. Belardes

Get Your Game On: Bakersfield Jam, NBA D-League, In NBA 09 The Inside Video Game - By N.L. Belardes

Whoever thought the Bakersfield Jam were just a small town team were wrong. PlayStation announced the Bakersfield Jam will be one of the many teams featured in a new video game where gamers can take a player from the streets into NBA greatness.

All 14 teams of the NBA Development League 14 are featured in Sony Computer Entertainment America’s (SCEA) NBA 09 The Inside videogame. Available in retail stores nationwide on the PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™), PSP® (PlayStation®Portable), and PlayStation®2 systems, the basketball video game will give fans the chance to experience players seeking to transition from the NBA D-League to the NBA.

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Reporter Suspects Banished SGA Students Exposed In 'Renegade Rip,' Retaliated, Stole $1,000 In Newspapers - By N.L. Belardes

The story reads like a bad 80s movie pitting student government against campus media. Only this plot includes busted underage-drinking Bakersfield College students in Washington, D.C., potentially crushed youthful egos sent home dry, and an alleged retaliation against the exposing campus media who splattered the students’ misconduct as front page headlines.

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My Husband’s Nuts California Flavored Almonds Appears On ‘The View’ - By N.L. Belardes

My Husband’s Nuts, a Kern County producer of flavored almond snacks appears on “The View” Friday in a segment by the Supermarket Guru.

Phil Lempert, better known as The Supermarket Guru appears on the ABC morning program to promote several new products in a regular segment called “Five in Five.” According to his Web site he considers himself one of the leading consumer trend watchers and analysts. He has appeared in many television broadcasts, radio shows and newspapers, including the New York Times, USA Today and the Wall Street Journal.

The My Husband’s Nuts Web site sells T-shirts as well as 5 oz bags of various flavors of almonds, including, onions garlic flavor, natural smoke flavor, chili con lemon flavor, raw nonpareil and butter toffee. The also sell a special blend of coffee.

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2008 Playoffs: October Baseball, Dodgers Predictions In NLCS

Who would have thought we would still be enjoying Dodger baseball in October? Since 1988, when they won the World Series, the Dodgers had only one playoff win. Not only have they changed their losing ways, they swept the Cubs in the National League Division Series (NLDS), first round of the playoffs, winning 3-0 in a five game series.

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Bakersfield News: Truxtun Avenue Launches 'Nightlife' Section

Check out our 'Nightlife' section on Truxtun Avenue where you can see all kinds of photos of Bakersfield after dark. There's local bands at various venues including The Marketplace, Element Lounge, Fox Theatre and The Gate. There's movie premiere photos and a whole lot more...

I'm posting both older and recent photos. I posted some from Merle Haggard at the Fox, and the very recent Fatt Katt and the Vonzippers CD release party.

Post your own photos, videos, photo sets or write-ups about Bakersfield after dark...

Controversial Arvin Mayoral Candidate Says He Wants To Rid City Of Gangs - By N.L. Belardes

While writing the article, "Arvin’s Former Rogue Mayor, Juan Olivares, Again Runs For Office," Truxtun Avenue had several questions for Juan Olivares. He is a 2008 city of Arvin mayoral candidate and also a former Arvin mayor between 2000-2004.

The original article didn't reveal why Oliveras' Arvin video store closed. It was reported that because Olivares believed he was receiving unnecessary fees regarding that store opening was why he ran for mayor in 2000.

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Bakersfield News: 'Cuban Flavor' Restaurant Closes Its Doors - By N.L. Belardes

Cuban Flavor, one of the highest-rated Bakersfield restaurants in recent memory, has closed its doors.

Located on the corner of Chester and California avenues, they were well-known for their buffet style of authentic ethnic dishes, friendly atmosphere and sizeable portions.

"It's extremely disappointing. There was a good vibe in that place..."

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X-Rated Materials, Forgery Denials Raise Questions About Local Boy Scouts - By N.L. Belardes

Once again, there’s alleged misconduct within the local Boy Scout’s organization in Kern County. In recent weeks there have been allegations of X-rated gifts given to Eagle Scout camp staffers at a summer party, an ensuing Boy Scout Council investigation, denials by the council claiming no illegal activity, and further denials that camp staffers forged training documents and lacked training.

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Missing Loved One Identified As Body Family Discovered In Kern River - By N.L. Belardes

Family members searching along the Kern River, discovered the body of their family member wedged between boulders in the river, the Kern County Coroner confirmed.

Read full article on www.truxtunavenue.com

ABC23/KERO Traffic Reporter Doug DeRoo Arrested - By N.L. Belardes

In one of the strangest of broadcast television traffic reporter ironies, ABC23/KERO Traffic Reporter Doug DeRoo has been arrested for traffic warrants.

DeRoo has worked at ABC23 on the “No Bull Morning Show” and other morning news programs since 2005 as a contracted worker. He is a veteran of local radio. His comedic antics are a favorite to many of the show’s morning viewers.

Read the full story on www.truxtunavenue.com

Bakersfield news: Two Men Shot While Sitting In Car, One Dies - By N.L. Belardes

Just after 11 pm Monday night a man was shot to death while sitting in a car in East Bakersfield.

KGET reported that two people were sitting in a car on the 300 block of Hayes Street when a maroon-colored SUV parked nearby.

Full article on www.truxtunavenue.com

$50 Free Gas Given Away On Rosedale Highway - By N.L. Belardes

The California Lottery gave away $50 of free gas on Tuesday to customers at a Chevron station purchasing $10 of the Daily 4 lotto tickets. View Pics on www.truxtunavenue.com!

Arvin Police Find Documents Related To 60 People In Woman's Car - By N.L. Belardes

A woman was found to have information on more than 60 people in her car after a routine traffic stop in Arvin.

KBAK reported Hilda Perez Rodriguez was arrested Sunday evening at Wooner and La Madrid streets in Arvin. In her car were boxes and bags filled with Social Security cards, California ID cards, California driver’s licenses, checks, duplicated child support checks, duplicated money grams with templates, U.S. Treasury checks, credit cards and other identity theft documents.

Read the full article on www.truxtunavenue.com

Inga Barks Talks Arvin Mayoral Candidate Juan Olivares - By N.L. Belardes

'Punisher,' 'Mutant Chronicles' Actor Thomas Jane Gets Out Of Serving Jail Time - By N.L. Belardes

”Punisher” actor Thomas Jane, 39, caught speeding and drunk driving through Kern County last March, will now serving his remaining jail time on a work release. Strangely, a clerical error almost got him Jane out of serving his remaining time.

Jane was pulled over three times on Interstate 5 March 17 while driving his late-model Maserati at least 100 mph. On Highway 46, he was arrested on drunken driving charges.

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Family Discovers Body In Kern River - By N.L. Belardes

Family members searching for a loved one that likely drowned in the Kern River over the summer, discovered a body wedged between boulders in the river.

Family members of Gonzalo Acosta discovered the body near Live Oak Campground on Sunday, reported Bakersfield.com.

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Rosedale Home Invasion Robbery; Four Arrested, Guns Found - By N.L. Belardes

There was only one minor injury reported in a home invasion robbery Sunday night that netted four arrests, Bakersfield.com reported.

The newspaper said three occupants of a home in the 10600 block of Eagle Ranch Drive were robbed at 7:10 p.m. Sunday, by people wielding guns. There was one minor injury, but the victim refused medical help. The newspaper also said Sunday night and early Monday morning four people were arrested in connection with the home invasion robbery.

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Bakersfield News: Man shot in leg in drive-by shooting - By N.L. Belardes

A man was shot Sunday in the leg while walking in what's been called a drive-by shooting by local police in East Bakersfield.

According to Bakersfield.com, the shooting happened on Clyde Street shortly before noon on Sunday. They said Gordon Skinner, 20, of Bakersfield, was walking on Clyde Street with another man. They were north of East 4th Street when Skinner was shot in the leg.

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Burglars Use Vehicles To Smash In Doors, Windows Of Local Businesses

Bakersfield police say they need help solving a string of 30 burglaries where criminals are using vehicles to smash their way into businesses.

According to Bakersfield.com, the commercial burglaries in southwest Bakersfield have been targeting doctors offices, commercial buildings and retail outlets.

They said money, laptop computers and televisions have been listed among stolen items. Bakersfield.com posted video of the suspects.

KGET claims business owners are on edge from being terrorized.

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Commentary: I'm Fed Up With Bakersfield Park Trash - By N.L. Belardes

I'm really fed up with all trash: alley trash, park trash, sidewalk trash, gutter trash. Bakersfield, plain and simple, is one of the trashiest cities in America. I've walked through some cities that just sparkle. But in Bakersfield you can find a diaper or dog crap on a sidewalk just feet from each other.

I took this video recently while taking a stroll at Hart Park. I could have shot more video where there seemed a mountain of trash and beach balls stuck to plants in the lake.

Disgusting.

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Bakersfield's Backyard Bugs: Black Widow Spiders - By N.L. Belardes

You like that video? Go to our YouTube page and select high resolution for a really creepy view. Don't forget to add us.

Welcome to the new series on Truxtun Avenue News called Bakersfield's Backyard Bugs. All through the month of October we'll be creeping you out with the creepiest of crawlies from Kern County.

You'll get video reports, articles and all kinds of news that's both informative and Halloween scary on insects and crawlies that might be sneaking across your living room carpet right now!

Stay tuned to more reports on black widows, caterpillars, millipedes, bees, scorpions and crunchy worms!

Truxtun Avenue loves October and hope you do too.

Big Brothers In The Scene: Bakersfield Band Lost Ocean Drops EMI Sub-Label, Helps Shape Young Band - By N.L. Belardes

Note: Low Res Video: Please View In Small Format

It made sense to meet Lost Ocean, the current big brothers of the Bakersfield music scene, at a local church. They normally practice in a trailer behind a house of God. Besides, it all makes sense if you take into account their music's fun, wholesome lyrics about life and love.

As the sun beat down outside, Lost Ocean members Skyler Johnson, Jeff Gray, Bret Black and Christopher Short spoke with Truxtun Avenue. They were on hand to make a special announcement that they parted ways with EMI sub label, Credential Recordings.

And the band has been no slouch either. They have two new songs on their MySpace, and a deep reservoir of songs they're not even sharing with the public.

With more than 150 songs in their arsenal, that's still not enough. They just keep creating more.

"We've been working really hard focusing on our sound," vocalist/guitarist Jeff Gray said. He added that the band recording an album with Credential Recordings was an important growing point for the band. He said now they're writing bigger songs. And it shows with the two they've released, "Good Morning" and "Every Word She Said."

Keyboardist Skyler Johnson said the band wanted to take more control for itself. He said sometimes people get the wrong impression that labels take care of bands. "You need to be keeping accountable for yourself," he said.

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Marshall Neal: Teacher Who Had Sexual Relations With Student Released Early

Bakersfield area media followed the arrest and no contest plea of former Garces High School teacher Marshall Neal. They did not follow his early release, which comes less than a year after he was charged with oral copulation of a student.

Neal was arrested in Dec. 2007. He pled no contest in January of 2008.

In exchange for the no contest plea, one of the felony charges of oral sex with the teenager was dropped.

At the time of his plea, Neal was taken into custody and was to serve one year in county jail with his sentence beginning immediately.

According to the Kern County Web site, Neal was exonerated after less than a year in jail. The site said he must pay a $920 fine and register as a sex offender.

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Doctors On Drugs: Local Nurses Speak Out About Physicians With Drug Addictions - By N.L. Belardes

According to an article on the American Medical Association Web site, as many as one out of ten doctors will face drug and/or alcohol addiction throughout their career. Such addictions, the article states, are often not revealed to employers.

But what does that mean in the shadow of the recent arrest of the former chief of staff of San Joaquin Community Hospital and the potential related web of healthcare professionals, including physicians, who may be facing drug addiction in Kern County?

While recently, Dr. Jeff Freesemann and his wife have been arrested for transporting and selling drugs, and that the doctor may have treated patients after drugs were allegedly seized from his home, nothing has come out in the Bakersfield media on whether Freesemann has battled any kind of substance abuse.

And that goes for the healthcare professionals he may have supplied drugs to as well, as it has not been determined whether local healthcare professionals have frequented the local nightclubs where Freesemann’s alleged drug supplies were used.


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Did Kern County's Surging Childhood Asthma Rates Land CSUB Its Largest Grant Ever? - By N.L. Belardes

CSU Bakersfield held a press conference announcing a landmark $10.4 million grant, the largest in the school's history, as part of the $3.2 billion nation-wide National Children's Study of children before birth to 21 years of age.

But what landed CSUB the grant?

According to Bakersfield.com, Bakersfield was a random choice and is one of 105 locations around the country, and one of nine in California.

That article, as well as local online television articles, does not state whether the random choice is out of a pool of selected cities that include at-risk polluted areas with abnormal rates of childhood illness, autism, poor nutrition, obesity and asthma.

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Shooting Outside Bakersfield Ice Cream Plant - By N.L. Belardes

A Lamont man was arrested after a shooting outside the Bakersfield Dreyer's/Nestle ice cream facility on District Boulevard.

KGET reported the shooting occurred early Saturday morning and in their headline wrote that shots were fired at the ice cream factory.

Read the full article on www.truxtunavenue.com

Arvin’s Former Rogue Mayor, Juan Olivares, Again Runs For Office - By N.L. Belardes

Image by Jesse Rivera

Political scandal doesn't get any uglier than in the rural Central Valley California town of Arvin where the former mayor, Juan Olivares, was once arrested on child molestation charges. He's running again. The LA Times is sure to jump on this story after I tip them off. Read the soap opera. - n.l.