User Posts : The Southwest Voice

Vandals In The Southwest

I'm a newspaper carrier for the Bakersfield Californian and I deliver to the Lauarlglen area, I have been throwing those neighborhoods for 6 years now and over the past month or two I have noticed alot of vandalism. I think it's getting worse and worse. Last night I noticed a window smashed out, seconds later my car went airbourn. I had ran over the very large rock that they used to smash their window with, it ripped a large hole in my transmission's oil pan and separated the transmission from the engine. Insurance is covering it and damage to my car was estimated at $2300.00. After I got ahold of a family member I used her car to finish my route, the next street over, 3 more cars got their windows smashed out with bricks. All 3 cars were in the same driveway. There has also been alot of graffiti showing up all throughout the southwest neighborhoods. I've talked with police because I report crime on my routes and he said the graffiti is from a well known gang and they are trying to move into the area. I would like to offer some tips so you can help avoid being a victim. Report any suspicious cars, report a crime in progress if you catch it. Park your cars in the garage if possible. Make sure your doors to your house and cars are locked. Also getting a neighborhood watch program would be great. I live in the lauarlglen area as well and I am willing to help organize and help in any way. Please e-mail and maybe we can get something going.

Thank You!

Buck Owen's Crystal Palace Discrimination

Hello, My girlfriend got a job at Buck Owens Crystal Palace about 6 months ago. Since then, I have been banned from the building, and name called and pushed around by management and security. Why? Am I a violent person? Am I rude or dangerous? No, No and No. I am a good Christian, never been arrested, never even been pulled over and never done drugs in my 24 years on this planet. I was banned from the establishment and asked to leave when enjoying the restaurant due to a few factors. I have dyed neon greenish yellow hair, and I have a few piercing on my face. When my girlfriend's shift was almost over, I joined a few other people who were there to pick up other workers. We talked for awhile and left. The next day a manager told my girlfriend that I was to wait outside in the parking lot and not to wait inside. As I sat in the parking lot, I watched as the regular group of people went inside to wait for others to get off work. My girlfriend said that they were allowed and I was not. While I was in the Crystal Palace I did not talk to my girlfriend as she worked, Instead i was on the other side of the lobby just looking at the Buck Owen's memorabilia. Tonight was Buck Owne's birthday Bash, I waited outside once again, waited to get an autograph from my favorite country singer Dwight Yoakam with a group of other's waiting their turn. I was then approched by 2 security guards who told me to leave the area (they used several swear words in the process). I left and will never return. My mom has worked for Buck Owen's/KUZZ for 20 years and I have still been very mistreated. I for one feel that if Buck Owen himself were here today he would be very ashamed of how his establishment is now ran. I strongly belive that having his name on the neon sign is a disgrace to him and everything he stood for after knowning him for all those years. "Only God Can Judge Me"

Motorcycle safety

Over the past six months, more and more people are buying motorcycles. Being a motorcycle rider myself, I feel this poem should be passed around.
I’ve seen some horrible accidents. I hope everyone will read this, it is a very big deal.
I ride everyday, and I literally have to avoid getting in an accident several times a day due to drivers not paying attention.
Us riders are, as I like to call, “the Good Book in a Bad Cover.”
Brandon Hardin

A Good Book In A Bad Cover

I saw you, hug your purse closer to you in the grocery store line. But, you didn't see me, put an extra $10 in the collection plate last Sunday.

I saw you, pull your child closer when we passed each other on the sidewalk.
But, you didn’t see me, playing Santa at the local mall.

I saw you, change your mind about going into the restaurant.
But, you didn’t see me, attending a meeting to raise more money for the hurricane relief.

I saw you, roll up your window and shake your head when I drove by.
But, you didn’t see me, driving behind you when you flicked your cigarette butt out the car window.

I saw you, frown at me when I smiled at your children.
But, you didn’t see me, when I took time off from work to run toys to the homeless.

I saw you, stare at my long hair.
But, you didn’t see me, and my friends cut 10 inches off for Locks of Love.

I saw you, roll your eyes at our leather coats and gloves.
But, you didn’t see me, and my brothers donate our old coats and gloves to those that had none.

I saw you, look in fright at my tattoos.
But, you didn’t see me, cry as my children were born and have their name written over and in my heart.

I saw you, change lanes while rushing off to go somewhere.
But, you didn’t see me, going home to be with my family.

I saw you, complain about how loud and noisy our bikes can be.
But, you didn’t see me, when you were changing the CD and drifted into my lane.

I saw you, yelling at your kids in the car.
But, you didn’t see me, pat my child’s hands, knowing he was safe behind me.

I saw you, reading the newspaper or map as you drove down the road.
But, you didn’t see me, squeeze my wife’s leg when she told me to take the next turn.

I saw you, race down the road in the rain.
But, you didn’t see me, get soaked to the skin so my son could have the car to go on his date.

I saw you, run the yellow light just to save a few minutes of time.
But, you didn’t see me, trying to turn right.

I saw you, cut me off because you needed to be in the lane I was in.
But, you didn’t see me, leave the road.

I saw you, waiting impatiently for my friends to pass.
But, you didn’t see me.
I wasn’t there.

I saw you, go home to your family.
But, you didn’t see me.
Because, I died that day you cut me off.

I was just a biker,.....
A person with friends and a family.
But, you didn’t see me.

May/June is Motorcycle Awareness Month, dedicated to honor those who ride and their passengers. Please pass this on for your friends who ride or who may have died while riding.

Cutest Pet in the Southwest Photo Contest Entry: Meet Valo

Here is a picture of my baby blue and gold Macaw, Valo. She just turned 1 on March 2.