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Kern County could deal final blow to medical marijuana
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City examines selection process
| U.S. Rep. Kevin McCarthy |
Vice mayor questions
median maintenance
median maintenance
By REBECCA NEIPP,
News Review Staff Writer
News Review Staff Writer
Budget battle escalates on national scene
As Congress struggles to keep the United States from potentially defaulting —
John Boehner each brought their cases to the American public in dueling
primetime addresses Monday night.
While the Democrats are calling to raise the debt ceiling in order to keep the bills
paid, Republicans are decrying further debt without significant cuts in spending.
Democrats argue that cutting programs alone, without increasing tax revenue, is
not enough to balance the budget. But Republicans are adamant that taxes
should not be raised, particularly those that would further hamper revitalizing the
small-business sector.
Local Rep. Kevin McCarthy weighed in during an interview that night with the
News Review, saying that leaders need to put aside partisanship and find a
solution before the delay causes unknown consequences for our national
economic stability and international credibility.
John Boehner each brought their cases to the American public in dueling
primetime addresses Monday night.
While the Democrats are calling to raise the debt ceiling in order to keep the bills
paid, Republicans are decrying further debt without significant cuts in spending.
Democrats argue that cutting programs alone, without increasing tax revenue, is
not enough to balance the budget. But Republicans are adamant that taxes
should not be raised, particularly those that would further hamper revitalizing the
small-business sector.
Local Rep. Kevin McCarthy weighed in during an interview that night with the
News Review, saying that leaders need to put aside partisanship and find a
solution before the delay causes unknown consequences for our national
economic stability and international credibility.
| A VX-31 F/A-18C Hornet flies over the snow-capped Sierra Nevada. The aircraft is retro-painted and carries 1960s-era armament in homage to the A-4 Skyhawk, which participated in numerous tests of Shrike and other China Lake-developed weapons of that era. The photo was taken in celebration of the 100th anniversary of naval aviation, a milestone now being celebrated by naval installations all over the country. |
| U.S. Navy photo by Cmdr. Ian C. Anderson |
| ( click for larger version ) |
By REBECCA NEIPP,
News Review Staff Writer
News Review Staff Writer
When city crews stopped maintaining the
landscaping on medians, members of the
community stepped up to take the job (see
related story, this page). But one councilman
brought the issue forward at last week’s
regular meeting of the Ridgecrest City
Council, asking why the vegetation was
being ignored. In response, City Parks and
Recreation Director Jim Ponek reported to
the council that “because of increasing fiscal
constraints, the workforce dedicated to
maintaining these areas has been
decreased substantially.”
landscaping on medians, members of the
community stepped up to take the job (see
related story, this page). But one councilman
brought the issue forward at last week’s
regular meeting of the Ridgecrest City
Council, asking why the vegetation was
being ignored. In response, City Parks and
Recreation Director Jim Ponek reported to
the council that “because of increasing fiscal
constraints, the workforce dedicated to
maintaining these areas has been
decreased substantially.”
By KENNETH C. CURNOW, News Review Correspondent
Medical marijuana will no longer be available in Kern County, following an expected Aug 2 amendment to the county’s
ordinance code. Emboldened by Section 11362.768 (f) of the California Health and Safety Code — which states that
cities, counties or both shall not be prohibited from enacting “ordinances or policies that further restrict the location or
establishment of a medical marijuana cooperative, collective, dispensary, operator, establishment, or provider” — Kern
County’s council announced Friday that it will propose an amendment to permanently “prohibit the operation of medical
marijuana collectives, the outdoor cultivation of medical marijuana, and the sale and distribution of any edible products
containing medical marijuana,” stated the July 22 edition of the amendment proposal.
ordinance code. Emboldened by Section 11362.768 (f) of the California Health and Safety Code — which states that
cities, counties or both shall not be prohibited from enacting “ordinances or policies that further restrict the location or
establishment of a medical marijuana cooperative, collective, dispensary, operator, establishment, or provider” — Kern
County’s council announced Friday that it will propose an amendment to permanently “prohibit the operation of medical
marijuana collectives, the outdoor cultivation of medical marijuana, and the sale and distribution of any edible products
containing medical marijuana,” stated the July 22 edition of the amendment proposal.
Sheriff warns public
of treacherous waters
of treacherous waters
By REBECCA NEIPP, News Review Staff Writer
In a recent trip to Ridgecrest, Kern County of
the unusually treacherous nature of the Kern
River, which has claimed at least eight lives
this year alone and threatened dozens more.
“The river is running faster than I have seen it
in my lifetime,” said Youngblood.
His report followed several county advisories
of missing-person reports and confirmed
drownings in the river. Sgt. Mark Baldwin, who
oversees the Sheriff’s Search and Rescue
Team, said that high snowmelt has increased
the flow of water beyond the typical speed of
recent years.
the unusually treacherous nature of the Kern
River, which has claimed at least eight lives
this year alone and threatened dozens more.
“The river is running faster than I have seen it
in my lifetime,” said Youngblood.
His report followed several county advisories
of missing-person reports and confirmed
drownings in the river. Sgt. Mark Baldwin, who
oversees the Sheriff’s Search and Rescue
Team, said that high snowmelt has increased
the flow of water beyond the typical speed of
recent years.
By REBECCA NEIPP, News Review Staff Writer
regular meeting last week, a discussion item that would determine
how the city selects a new contractor to provide trash- and recycling-
collection services for local residents.
An arbitration judge recently found that the city’s contract with Benz
expires in September. “In anticipation of the imminent expiration date,
we’re moving through the process quickly,” said Wilson.
Once proposals — the number of which has been estimated as
between three and seven — are in hand, they will have to be examined
to determine substance so that they can stand up under apples-to-
apples comparisons. “You have a consultant on board for part of that
process,” said Wilson. “I just want to know what level of involvement
[the council] wants.”
Councilmember Jason Patin said he is not opposed to having the
consultant drive the process. He further recommended keeping at
least one staff person involved in the process, and perhaps
presenting the three best options to the council.
how the city selects a new contractor to provide trash- and recycling-
collection services for local residents.
An arbitration judge recently found that the city’s contract with Benz
expires in September. “In anticipation of the imminent expiration date,
we’re moving through the process quickly,” said Wilson.
Once proposals — the number of which has been estimated as
between three and seven — are in hand, they will have to be examined
to determine substance so that they can stand up under apples-to-
apples comparisons. “You have a consultant on board for part of that
process,” said Wilson. “I just want to know what level of involvement
[the council] wants.”
Councilmember Jason Patin said he is not opposed to having the
consultant drive the process. He further recommended keeping at
least one staff person involved in the process, and perhaps
presenting the three best options to the council.