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| Quick Tabs: 1991 Tour CVPA News #17 December 1994 Buddhist Retreat 1995 Tour Guide CVPA News #36 January 2000 McCollough Editorial 2001 Citizen of the Year |
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| CVPA
News As PDF's to Download CVPA News #1 December 1990 CVPA News #2 CVPA News #3 CVPA News #4 CVPA News #5 December 1991 CVPA News #6 CVPA News #7 CVPA News #8 CVPA News #9 December 1992 CVPA News #10 CVPA News #11 Anyone have it? If you would share a copy of CVPA News #12, Please contact WebMester CVPA News #13 January 1994 CVPA News #14 CVPA News #15 CVPA News #16 CVPA News #17 December 1994 CVPA News #18 CVPA News #19 CVPA News #20 October 1995 CVPA News #20 January 1996 CVPA News #21 CVPA News #22 CVPA News #23 CVPA News #24 January 1997 CVPA News #25 CVPA News #26 CVPA News #27 CVPA News #28 January 1998 CVPA News #29 CVPA News #30 CVPA News #31 CVPA News #32 January 1999 CVPA News #33 CVPA News #34 CVPA News #35 CVPA News #36 January 2000 CVPA News #37 CVPA News #38 CVPA News #39 January 2001 CVPA News #40 CVPA News #41 CVPA News #42 CVPA News #43 January 2002 CVPA News #44 CVPA News #45 CVPA News #46 January 2003 CVPA News #47 CVPA News #48 CVPA News #49 November 2003 CVPA News #50 CVPA News #51 CVPA News #52 CVPA News #53 September 2004 CVPA News #54 CVPA News #55 CVPA News #56 CVPA News #57 October 2005 CVPA News #58 CVPA News #59 CVPA News #60 CVPA News #61 CVPA News #62 October 2006 CVPA News #63 CVPA News #64 CVPA News #65 August 2007 CVPA News #66 CVPA News #67 CVPA News #68 CVPA News #69 CVPA News #70 December 2008 CVPA News #71a CVPA News #72 2010 CVPA News #73 CVPA News #74 Early letter to Rogers 1991 Stowell Tour |
CUMMINGS VALLEY
PROTECTIVE ASSOCIATION
SECOND DISTRICT SUPERVISORIAL
ELECTION
As most of you know, Steve Perez won out over Dick Rutan by a large margin on November 8th. We are looking forward to a good working relationship with Mr. Perez as he has shown a great deal of knowledge and sensitivity about land use issues of concern to the CVPA. He will take office on January 3rd so will be a decision maker on the Buddhist retreat/temple proposal now scheduled to be heard by the Board of Supervisors on February 6th.  The response showed very strong opposition, with 89% opposed, 8% in favor, and 3% not caring one way or the other. Ninety percent thought it would be inappropriate land use. CVPA members were slightly less opposed than nonmembers, which may reflect relative proximity of their properties to the project site. Reasons for opposition or support were as follows:
Of the 30 responses favorable to the Conditional Use Permit, 24 reasons were expressed which may be characterized as expressing property rights, freedom of religion and willingness to accept the Buddhist religion. We were told by County planner, Kris Cardoza, that the results of our survey cannot be used as a basis for a negative recommendation from the Planning Department to the Board of Supervisors because it was conducted by a private organization. What she needs in order to make a recommendation against the project is a large number of letters from individuals, and especially from those owning property near the proposed site. We placed articles in the Tehachapi News asking that people write letters and also compiled a list of 146 nearby property owners to whom we mailed an information sheet and a letter urging them to write. Some follow-up personal contacts have also been made. All letters have an impact, and we urge members who have not written to do so. Something as simple as, "I am opposed to the Buddhist retreat at the proposed location because it will be an eyesore that will decrease my enjoyment of the scenic beauty of this area, which is important to the quality of my life" will do. Of course you should express your own concerns in your own words. Letters should be sent to Kern County Planning Department, Attention Kris Cardoza, 2700 "M" Street - Suite 100, Bakersfield, CA 93301. Top Board
of
Supervisors Hearing
The hearing has been delayed until Monday, February 6th as of the last information on December 27th. We have met with Supervisor-elect Steve Perez, to find out what we can do to support him in making a recommendation that reflects community wishes while considering legal aspects. It was agreed that CVPA would continue the letter-writing campaign, would prepare a slide presentation illustrating the State of California designation of Visual Class I (prime) scenic beauty of the area, and would work to get a large number of people to attend the hearing. (Conventional wisdom is that the more bodies you have at a hearing, the better your chances are.) We have made tentative arrangements with Knute's Express bus service of Tehachapi to transport two bus loads (90 people) to the hearing. This will be an easy and fun way to have an impact on the Board decision. You won't have to worry about weather problems, where to park, or where to go. On the way home we might have a bit of a party with some refreshments and nibblies. Preliminary cost estimate is $8.00 per person including refreshments. Part of the cost may be paid from the CVPA treasury if our Board approves in January. Buses will be non-smoking for the one-hour trip. Of course those who prefer to go on their own should feel free to do so. Top NOVEMBER
MEETING
A record crowd of 107 members and guests packed the Belly Union Hall of Boomtown in Stallion Springs to hear geologist Don Lindsay's slide-illustrated talk, "Geology of the Tehachapi Area." The presentation was prepared by Geologists Lindsay and Chuck McCollough, with help from local journalist Jon Hammond and David Wood, a doctoral candidate in geology from CalTech. The talk illustrated the major earthquake fault systems of California and the Significance of the Garlock and White Wolf faults that bound the Tehachapi area on the southeast and northwest respectively. The smaller local faults responsible for creating the four valleys of our area were illustrated by maps, a cross-section, and slides showing how they are identified. Lindsay explained the origin and age of our local rocks and how they got where they are. The oldest rocks are the metamorphic marbles and quartzites, which date back approximately 220 million years. Specimens of 14 different rock types were displayed on tables, with smaller pieces to pick up and examine. Six display samples of Brite Valley marble or rose quartz mounted on wood bases were given as door prized, and there were free samples of Brite Valley marble for everyone. Top FEBRUARY
3, 1995 MEETING
Our speaker will be meteorologist Miles Muzio of KERO TV in Bakersfield, who will speak on weather and the microclimates of the Tehachapi area. If you are often perplexed by the wild variations in weather around our area and why it so often doesn't do as predicted, you won't want to miss this one. Miles will be prepared to answer all of your weather questions. MEMBERSHIP
CVPA welcomes 23 new members from Brite Valley, Alpine Forest Park, and surrounding areas. Our total membership now stands at 526 although 110 of these are in arrears on their dues. We expect to find that while some of these have moved away and others no longer choose to belong, the majority have simply put off sending their dues renewal. We will contact these people by phone early in 1995. If you don't know your status, look at the center top line of your address label. If it shows 95, you are paid up; any earlier year shows that you are in arrears. To renew send your $12.00 check to CVPA, c/o Chuck McCollough, 17851 Tejon Dr., Tehachapi, CA 93561. Top |
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Welcome
to the Cummings Valley
Historical Tour, June 10, 1995 Introducing, Your Tour Guides: Mary Farrell - Born in Tehachapi, Mary is one of this area's leading historians and a historical writer of considerable merit. Many of her articles have appeared in the "Bakersfield Califomian " and the "Fence Post". Many of her local school mates were members of some of the pioneering families mentioned in today's tour. This provides her historical narrations with several interesting- and personal- anecdotes. Aside from her many civic activities she is an active board member of the Tehachapi Heritage League & the volunteer program for the new Tomo-Kahni California State Park. Jon Hammond- Jon is the third generation of a pioneering family of the Tehachapi-Weldon Valley areas and was raised in the Tehachapi Valley. With such a background Jon has become one of Tehachapi's leading historians, naturalist and writer and has conducted several programs for Elderhostel and Senior Ventures. For several years his column "With Pen in Hand " has been featured in the Tehachapi News providing his readers with interesting insights into local history, flora and fauna.  #2- Holly Brooke Ranch= Estimated date, early 1900-1908.Once an important stopover on the Old Sheep Trail, a route to the San Joaquin Valley used by early settlers.Local sheep and cattlemen raised funds to build a road which was completed, under county supervision, in 1896 and designated as County Road No. 159. Several pioneer names, including J.P.Ansolabehre, a prominent sheepman, have been associated with this ranch. Francois Chanac, for whom Chanac Creek is named, is thought to have built his first home, a two-story adobe, in this area in the middle 1800's. Nothing remains to mark the exact location. #3- Cummings Ranch= Established by George Cummings in 1854, this ranch remains in the Cummings family and has been officially recognized as a state historical ranch and a member of the One-Hundred Year Club, a registry of historical sites. #4- Banducci Ranch & Original Road= Settled by Angelo & Jane Banducci in 1890. A diversified venture combining farming, raising livestock and making charcoal. The original road followed the bottom of the canyon, dissecting the ranch and was used until the county constructed a new (Banducci) road in 1930. #5-Old Marble Quarry= During the 1870's-80's several thousand tons of marble were taken from this site and shipped to San Francisco where it was used in many of the hotels and municipal buildings. The marble sidewalk on McAllister Street in front of the City Hall came from this quarry but was removed along with the rubble from the San Francisco earthquake. #6- Indian Hills Ranch= Original site of the Kiser Apple Orchard, one of the first commercial orchards developed in this area during the early 19th century. Later purchased as a site for the Enchanted Lakes Development and now a privately operated campground. #7- Leiva Corners= The Leiva family first appeared on county census roles in 1880 but it is believed Antonio (Joe) Leiva first settled here much earlier than mat. Joe was an excellent horseman and a top hand for the Tejon Ranch where he remained employed until 1922. He was then 84. Members of the Leiva family all became prominent figures in the development of Tehachapi and Kern County. #8- Brite ValIev= John & Amanda Brite came, via covered wagon from Texas, to the Tehachapi Valley in 1854 to become the first permanent white settlers in the area. Their first home was a log cabin built in the vicinity of Golden Hills. A few years later John bought this small fertile valley which now bears the name Brite Valley. This adobe was home for the family of thirteen children, most of whom built their own homes nearby. The two-story Victorian home at the base of the mountain was built in 1892. #9- Sulphur Springs= Brite's Canyon was once filled with numerous mineral springs including sulphur. Dr. Russell Peery built a hotel with healing sulphur baths for tourists but the venture proved unprofitable and was torn down. Only a cement cistern and trough remain. #10- Crofton Ranch= This was part of the original Hill Ranch which grew to almost 100,000 under the banner of the Tehachapi Land & Cattle Company. In 1927 James Crofton paid a little over $700,000 for the land and holdings. He loved the ranch headquarters to Keene and used this ranch as his own. By the late 1940's Crofton had begun selling off parcels of his holdings until 1950 everything was sold. This ranch was bought by Rex Ellsworth and used to raise and train thoroughbred horses including the famous Derby winner "Swaps". #11- Souza Guest Ranch= Elijah Stowell settled here in 1879 and promptly fell in love with Chloe Brite. He built this home in 1888 as her wedding present and she lived here for 90 years. A tireless worker Elijah introduced the first combination reaper/thresher to the area and by 1890's had harvested over 15,000 acres of wheat and barley. Later he planted a small productive orchard of Bartlett Pears. Bob and Patty Souza are the third owners and have converted the old house into a Bed & Breakfast Inn, retaining all of its original Victorian charm with modern conveniences. #12-Sites of the Sprinkle. Diaz and Sasia Ranches= Giraudo Road passes between the sites of two historical ranches; To the south was the Sasia Ranch which dates back to 1895. Three generations have lived in this area and maintained the family's tradition of raising grain and cattle. North was the Diaz home built in 1895 where the family raised wheat and sheep. The old Sheepman's Trail passed close by. Giraudo Road honors the Giraudo family which once owned most of this west end. Milo and Marjean Sprinkle bought the site at the end of the present road and built an adobe house. (Note; Many of the original adobes were later framed in to preserve the adobe.) Sasia Road is the site of many of these original homes including the Sweetwater Ranch. #13- Cummings Vallev SchooI= The first school district for the Cummings Valley area was formed in May, 1872 and the first school was at Bear Valley with 23 pupils. By 1898-99 the attendance had dropped to seven students and the school annexed to Cummings Valley School District which had been established in 1870. In 1910 a new schoolhouse, built at a cost of $3,160 replaced the old wood buildings and in 1956 the school district was annexed to the Tehachapi Union School District. #14-Site of Perrier Homes= Both around the early 1900's. Frank Perrier purchased the original house and moved it across the mountain to this area using logs and mules. Working alone, and partially blind, it took him over a year to make additions and several improvements. His brother Alfred (Fred) built his two-story home just west of Frank's. Fred's house was later sold to Frank Pellisier. #15- Tehachapi Ostrich Farm= There were two separate Sprinkle Ranches in Cummings Valley and our last stop enjoys the hospitality of the Hansen family who have converted one of the old Sprinkles Ranch into a full service ostrich farm. We trust you will enjoy this site as another look into the past as well as a look into the future of Cummings Valley.  Thank You for Coming with us today. If you agree with us that the Cummings Valley is a beautiful, rural & historical setting & you would like to retain it this way; if you enjoyed this tour & would like other informative programs dealing with the history, geology, flora & fauna & other topics related to this area, we urge you to join the Cummings Valley Protective Association. Annual dues are only $12 per family. CVPA Membership c/o Chuck McCollough 17851 Tejon Drive, Tehachapi, CA 93561 Much of today's historical information was provided by the Tehachapi Heritage League. If you would like to be part of preserving this area's history & supporting the Tehachapi Museum (located at 310 South Green Street) your membership will be appreciated. Memberships start at just $5 per year (Srs.62 & over & Students) - $10-Single & $15 -Family. Tehachapi
Heritage League
P.O. Box54 Tehachapi, CA 93581 Tour schedule designed &
printed courtesy of; Yellow Rose Publications
Publishers of "The Joshua Tree" and "Antelope Trails & Pioneer Tales". Both books are available at the Tehachapi Museum, 310 South Green Street. Tehachapi, |
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CVPA
News
Published Quarterly by Cummings Valley Protective Association, Inc. 17851 Tejon Drive, Tehachapi, CA 93561 (661)822-3478 No 36 January 2000 MEETING
DATE CHANGE
Our normal meeting in February is being
delayed until March 2 in order to have a fascinating slide talk by
Sandy Hare about a part of Tehachapi many of us are unfamiliar with.
Following are some enticing tidbits of what is in store: Title: Middle Knob Memories - “Tehachapi’s public lands, at first glance, seem to possess insignificant resources: no valuable timber, no rich mineral veins, no vast groundwater reserves. These largely overlooked, ignored and fortunately unabused public lands are dramatically rich in those things valued by the public.” On March 2, we’ll be sharing some of the “small wonders of the Middle Knob region, which forms the bulk of eastern Tehachapi’s public lands. The short forests and deep canyons of Tehachapi’s semiarid east side are full of surprises. One of these surprises is the spectacular non-Sierran geology. The exposed lake bed sediments are home to significant vertebrate fossil finds. The exposed volcanic rocks are clothed in some of the most colorful yellow, black, rust, violet, chartreuse and flame-orange lichens to be found anywhere. Tiny, rare native plants, known to only a few, make their home here. Tough little C4 plants live here. These plants, with their extremely efficient use of atmospheric carbon dioxide, could someday mean the difference between survival and extinction as our maturing sun increases its energy output. A discerning observer can see the complex relationships unfold in the natural world - whether in your own backyard or along a wilderness hiking trail. Learn about some of these Kern County treasures and how they make your life more interesting! After the presentation, sign on for a hands-on nature experience, or try your luck with some drought resistant, fire-retardant native species in the garden.” Sandy Hare is a California native who moved to her Sand Canyon home with her husband, Jon, in 1984. She teaches first grade in the Tehachapi public school system, and has a wide range of interests in nature and the great outdoors that should be an inspiration to all of us who came to this area to enjoy the area's rural character. Meeting of November 4, 1999 Clark and Jean Moore provided an evening of education and entertainment with their wonderful slides on Tehachapi’s annual Turkey Vulture migration and update on the California Condors. For centuries, the turkey vultures have migrated over Tehachapi Pass on “wind river” air currents which lift them over the mountains. The Moores described how they gather teams of “bird counters” to determine the number and species of birds identified in the Tehachapi area twice each year. They have also started a group of birding enthusiasts who meet several times a year. Watch the local papers for announcement of their next meeting. Many of the condors taking up warm weather residence in the Tehachapi area were “teenagers”. The Moores described the antics and curiosity of the huge young birds and the havoc they can create for some homeowners. We learned that the young Condors are not frightened by people. Each of the magnificent birds is numbered at the time of release to monitor and track their location and make certain the Condors adapt to living and foraging in the wild. One important lesson we learned, DO NOT FEED THE CONDORS! The Moores have certainly earned CVPA’s sincere appreciation. KERN COUNTY
SUPERVISORS MEETING OF 1/4/2000
Steve Perez, Second District Supervisor, took the lead to Amend the
General Plan to downsize 20 acre estate zoning on property located at
21134 Jury Street to 5 acre suburban estate parcels. The down- zoning
was requested by Randall and Betty Clagg. Last fall, three members of the Kern County Planning Commission approved the requested downsizing over objections by several Jury Street residents. Chris Babcock, the appointed Commissioner for the Tehachapi area did not attend that meeting. The matter was then referred to the County Supervisors for a final decision. The parcel in question is located at the cul-de-sac of Jury Street which terminates at B.L.M. (Bureau of Land Management) public land. All properties along Jury Street are zoned as 20 acre estates and the majority of those owners spoke against the requested down zoning at the January 4 meeting. It was pointed out that Jury Street is a dirt road maintained by the residents, not Kern County. Jo Anne Huckins, CVPA President, spoke of our organization’s strong support of the County’s General Plan which established existing zoning in 1971. We believe that the Plan should not be amended unless there are clear and compelling reasons. Further, it was suggested that the rights of individual property owners to continue established property use should have priority over one owner’s wish to change the use of their property. She stated that the Land Use, Open Space and Conservation Element of the Kern County General Plan was fitting and proper for the parcel and requested that, in this case, the General Plan not be amended. Nevertheless, public comments concluded and Supervisor Perez recommended that the requested down-zone to “5 acre estate-suburban” be approved. The Board voted unanimously to approve his recommendation. Supervisor Perez then asked County Counsel to determine the impact of the zone change for this property on which real property taxes are delinquent. CVPA will continue to monitor future requests to amend the General Plan with respect to Cummings and Brite Valleys. Yellow Starthistle
CVPA is continuing the war on Yellow Starthistle in Cummings and Brite
Valleys. The roadside infestations we have been working on in Cummings
Valley are pretty well under control. We are hoping this will be the
last year we will need to fund spraying. There are still some major
infestations on private lands that we are trying to assist the owners
with, however.In Brite Valley our efforts began last year with funding the spraying of non-county roadsides. We are continuing that program this year. Our cost for the two programs will be $693. April Meeting
You may have heard or read about the Tejon Ranch being a favorite spot
for movie makers, but did you know the Ranch actually has a Filming
Location Manager? Her name is Chris Regan, and she has graciously
agreed to come to the April 6 meeting to tell us about filming
activities on the Ranch. She has put together a video just for CVPA
made up of film clips from movie scenes and commercials such as Star
Trek 7, a Janet Jackson video, a J. C. Penny advertisement and many
more. There will be lots of photographs from filming scenes on display.
This promises to be an outstanding program. June Annual Meeting
On Thursday, June 8 we will be celebrating CVPA’s tenth anniversary
with festivities at the Souza Ranch. We will supply beer, wine and soft
drinks and ask members to bring hors d’oeuvres and desserts. There will
be music and reminiscing along with recognition of some of the early
“pioneers” who helped get CVPA up and running. We’ll be outside if the
weather is nice or in the barn if it’s not. More details will follow in
the March newsletter. BVSA Adopts Rule for
Preservation of Trees
On December 18, 1999, the Bear Valley Springs Association took a major
step forward in the preservation of indigenous trees. Oaks were
especially targeted. Five major provisions of the rule are: 1. Owners wishing to build must submit plot plans to the Environmental Control Committee that will preclude removal of trees and the invasion of the root zone (out to the drip line). 2. During grading and construction phases temporary fencing must be erected at the drip line to avoid compaction of soil in the root zone. 3. If invasion of the root zone cannot be avoided, a plan prepared by or with the assistance of a certified arborist must be submitted to the EEC. Such a plan will minimize the long term damage to the root zone. 4. Dirt, soil or other fill materials may not be removed or added to the protected area. 5. Finally, if the EEC must grant
approval for tree removal due to topography or other factors, the EEC
will specify a tree replanting program of indigenous trees.
“B”F
Note: CVPA does not become involved in issues in communities where controls are enforced by a CSD or property owners’ association, nor are we currently considering any tree ordinance for Cummings or Brite Valleys. The foregoing BVSA plan is included here for information for those wishing to do the right thing to preserve their oaks in construction situations. More than 100 years ago the Supreme Court wrote “ALL PROPERTY IN THIS COUNTRY IS HELD UNDER THE IMPLIED OBLIGATION THAT THE OWNER’S USE OF IT SHALL NOT BE INJURIOUS TO THE COMMUNITY.” Who then, is “the community” and who is to say whether or not it will be injured by an owner’s land use? In our local rural situation “the community” often consists of a few land owners all sharing common rural character and a quality of life that was instrumental in their decision to purchase their property. If land owners in that community feel that their right to enjoy their land will be infringed by a change in land use by one member of the community, then the community will, indeed, be injured. It follows the simple concept that if you FEEL you are injured, then you ARE injured. Those whose rights are protected by adherence to the Kern County General plan must certainly be placed ahead of the one person who wishes to amend the General Plan. It is time to say “You do not have the right to change the use of your land if doing so unfavorably impacts the rights and wishes of your neighbors or community.” We often hear “I bought this ranch so I could subdivide to provide for my retirement” as if possession confers some inalienable right to break it up whenever they wish. When land is acquired, it comes with a specific land use zoning designation as prescribed by the Kern County General Plan. Amending the General Plan to allow a change of land use is a serious business in that it may impact negatively other properties in the area. People need to understand that using land as a future nest egg carries risk, and like investing in the stock market or playing the lottery, does not guarantee a secure retirement. Calendar of
Approaching Events
March 2 - CVPA Meeting (postponed from February),
slide talk by Sandy Hare, "Middle Knob Memories".April 6 - CVPA Regular Meeting, Chris Regan, Tejon Ranch Filming Location Manager, photos, a special video. June 8 - CVPA Annual Meeting, tenth anniversary grand celebration with festivities at the Souza Ranch. |
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By Priscilla Mester
Although almost every member of CVPA knows Chuck McCollough, some do not. Here is a brief glance at his personal history. Born in Yucaipa, CA, November 1927, graduated Redlands High School in 1945, joined the Navy in 1946 and was honorably discharged a year later. The following year he entered the Colorado School of Mines where he belonged to the Blue Key service fraternity, Theta Tau honorary engineering fraternity and was also president of Tau Beta Pi academic fraternity. Graduating with a geological degree in 1952, he went to work for Shell Oil Company in Bakersfield that July. Over the years he worked in Ventura and Long Beach. While in Long Beach he met Lorraine (his wife to be)at a party thrown by the Bachelors' Club, of which he was president at the time. In February 1956 he and Lorraine were married, moving to Canada where he worked in the prairie provinces for five years. Continuing to work for Shell in locations that included Los Angeles, Bakersfield and Houston until 1976, at which time he went to work for Occidental Exploration and Production Company in Bakersfield. In 1980, Chuck and Lorraine moved to Bogota, Colombia working as the location's exploration manager. While there he guided a three year exploration effort of some 12.6 million acres resulting in the discovery of a billion barrel oil field. Returning to Bakersfield in 1983, he was soon Vice President of Exploration for Latin America and the Caribbean in 1985. In 1990 he retired from Occidental. During this time Chuck managed to graduate from the UCLA Executive Program in Management in 1986. Chuck and Lorraine had three daughters, all living in California, two grand-daughters and two grand-sons. In 1982 Chuck and Lorraine purchased property in Stallion Springs, building a retreat/vacation home in 1985, naming it "Lions Head". This became their permanent home in 1993. While Stallion Springs was not yet their permanent home, in 1989 Chuck was the driving force founding the Cummings Valley Protective Association, to help preserve the beauty and rural character of Cummings Valley and later Brite Valley. In addition, two large community service projects Chuck has been involved in locally have been eradication of the tumbleweed (Russian Thistle) problem in Stallion Springs, which was effectively eradicated in 1996, and the ongoing Yellow Starthistle removal efforts. Chuck discovered yellow starthistle in 1995 while removing tumbleweeds in the Stallion Springs area. Not knowing what it was when he first saw it, it did grab his attention. Contacting a farm advisor to see what this weed might be, the advisor visited the area and his worst fears were found to be true. Yellow starthistle is said to be the worst weed in the state of California. With this, Chuck helped to quickly mobilize a group of volunteers and the Stallion Springs CSD crew to fight this pest. According to Chuck, only about 50 percent of the weed is left to be eradicated from the Tehachapi Area. With backing of the Tehachapi Resource Conservation District, which has a state charter for such activity as mass removal of yellow starthistle, Chuck has been able to head the local eradication program. All this has taken countless hours, phone calls, not to mention gasoline and plain old ware-and tear. Through all these many years, Lorraine was there with support whenever and where ever needed. Lorraine passed away in September of 2000 from liver cancer, which she faced with courage and dignity. To those of you that never had the pleasure of meeting her, you missed something very special, and those of you that had the good fortune to call her friend, there are no words. There are many other things, and projects that Chuck has been involved in over these years since coming to Stallion Springs, which makes us very fortunate to have him. Chuck, as Citizen of The Year 2001, has been honored by the Kern County Board of Supervisors, the Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce and Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce at a local reception. This recognition of Chucks' dedication, efforts and accomplishments was very surprising to him, this is just what he does! One comment he made, after being told of his selection was,
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