Concerned Trail Lovers,

 

A big “Thank you” to those who took the time to write letters, call the councilmembers and/or attend the meeting! I know our efforts made a difference! Also, a round of applause to Councilmember Carson, who announced yesterday that she will endorse the Hillside Development Ordinance. It is exciting that she is sharing the vision of others on the Council who want the best for Bakersfield. I hope the remaining three councilmembers will join her “yes” vote and make the approval unanimous.

 

Rich O’Neil stated at Wednesday’s meeting that he and Bill Cooper were called “communists” and “violators of private property rights” when they started the Kern River Parkway over thirty years ago. Some councilmembers showed vision and supported their plan in 1974, and now the Parkway is a jewel in Bakersfield’s crown. Bakersfield has a similar opportunity now with the bluffs. On Wednesday night, some councilmembers recognized that preserving the edges of our fragile bluffs not only makes sense from a health, safety and aesthetic standpoint, but it gives the bluffs the chance to become as big a jewel as the Parkway is today. How wonderful it will be to look back in thirty years and be proud of the work we did to preserve our bluffs.

 

I do, however, agree with Mark Salvaggio, (I’ll cut and paste his comments from the Californian below) when he expressed his disappointment at the lack of vision and knowledge shown by some of the councilmembers on Wednesday. To be clear- the Hillside Development Ordinance does not regulate whether or not there will be development on the bluffs. Development will happen on the bluffs. The ordinance simply requires developers to set their houses back from the edges of the bluffs. These setbacks will provide space for the trails required on the Specific Parks and Trails Plan for Northeast Bakersfield and will allow all Bakersfield citizens to enjoy the views from our bluffs, while still protecting them from erosion. General Holding’s original plan included houses all the way to the edges of the bluffs. They only included the trail setbacks because they are a current requirement based on the Specific Trails Plan.

 

Although Councilwoman Carson’s support does provide the necessary fourth vote for approval, we cannot relax yet. The opposition, which is infamous for its vicious attacks, will undoubtedly redouble their attempts to influence the council. Please write and/or call Councilmembers Hanson, Sullivan and Scrivner and encourage them to be part of the vision for a beautiful Bakersfield, where citizens can enjoy walks along the bluffs in the future the way they enjoy walks along the Parkway now. Remind them of the disaster of past and current Northeast development, and encourage them to protect both the safety of our firefighters and the iconic views of our bluffs.

 

I was going to try to address some of the falsehoods spoken by the opposition on Wednesday night, but the amount of typing required would, no doubt, lead to carpal tunnel. One of my favorite comments, though, came from General Holding’s soils guy who stated something to the effect that Northeast Bakersfield’s soil is very stable. I can only think that he was looking at his notes for another city. His comments were misinformed to the extent of being hilariously funny.

 

Contact information:

Letters to the editor: opinion@...

City Council: city_council@...

 

Harold Hanson: 664-9241

Jacquie Sullivan: 834-4943

Zack Scrivner: 205-7607

 

 

Happy Trails!

Michelle Beck

Bakersfield Bluffs and Open Space Committee

 

 

Mark Salvaggio’s comments, as published in the Bakersfield Californian today:

 

What does former Councilman Mark Salvaggio think about the postponement? Salvaggio e-mailed Councilman Harold Hanson Thursday: “Words cannot adequately express my deep disappointment over your motion and vote to delay passage of the hillside ordinance (Wednesday). Regrettably, I wish I had not stayed up to watch this segment of the Council meeting. Given the amount of public input, staff time and energy, import, and absurd machinations by some of the opponents, there was no logical reason for delay. The comments made by some Council members were downright embarrassing and pathetic. It brought me much pain to hear them ... We only have one Bluffs to preserve and protect for now and future generations, Harold. The Planning Commission, by a unanimous vote, understood this. Where is our vision? Bakersfield should grow up healthy, not just big. I hope you will rise to the occasion and support the hillside ordinance when it comes before you again in two weeks.”