What an odd combination of topics, eh? Well, today was a very busy day at The Voice.

First, I learned (very early this morning) that I had tickets to giveaway for the Junior Achievement Ice Cream "Sunday" social this weekend -- so I had to quickly post the contest on both sites (in my jammies, no less) so that y'all would have enough time to get your email and enter.  I'm sorry to anyone who didn't get the word in time!  I posted the contest as soon as I could.  We had one winner in the Southwest, "raychopra1" who won a 4-pack of tickets for Sunday (a sundae on Sunday).  We had two winners on the other site.

Next, I attended a luncheon hosted by the BPD activities league (PAL), along with others from every other media outlet in town. Here's what I learned and the point I want to get across to our neighbors: At any given time, there has been and can be 75 emergency calls holding at the Bakersfield Police Department. So, when you call about a break-in or a stolen car, or a suspicious person in the neighborhood, and it seems as if you've been on hold for an hour (or it IS an hour), THAT is why!  There are only roughly 250 cops to patrol our city of nearly 350,000, and those 250 police officers are spread out into 5 shifts (allowing for vacations, illnesses, etc., too).  They are getting to our calls as SOON as they can, but each call can require a squad car, and if every squad car goes and takes care of something, then those calls holding have to keep holding until an officer is available.  How awful, huh??? 

Just makes me appreciate the job they are doing all the more.  Thank you, BPD.

Wow... I can't remember a time when 10:00 at night is the first time I logged onto the Voice web site, but today I had a great excuse... I was at the Bakersfield Women's Conference put on by Options Unlimited at the Rabobank Arena, and it was FABULOUS!  I encourage ALL women to attend it next year. There are vendor boothes, selling everything from purses to lipstick (oh, ya!), to life insurance policies, delivering nformation on college, photography (Hey, Inky-Dinky-Do!) and so many other interests to women of all ages and stages in life. There are three sessions of classes from which you can choose to listen to speakers giving presentations on a variety of topics.  At noon, there's always a keynote speaker -- this year it was Soledad O'Brien -- the amazing CNN anchor.  What a treat!

Sooo...if you get a chance next year, try to make it -- you will not regret it.  :)

Hi everyone!  I just wanted to point out that Ridgeview is IN THE HOUSE!  Check out the prom photo just posted HERE... it's GREAT!!

Also, don't forget to get your questions to our new columnist, Dad.  Dad is ready and waiting for our questions or concerns.

Talk soon!

Dana