What's up in Stallion Springs?

Neighborhood Watch held its regular meeting on Monday, Jan. 20 in the Emergency Operations Center at the Stallion Administration Building with over 40 residents in attendance. Police Chief Mike Grant said, “The police department has had some challenges with staffing and it’s groups like this that help us in a serious manor to patrol the area and to be the eyes and ears in the community.”

Grant reported, “Last month we had a significant number of people complaining about scams that are going on. Most of the scams are phishing scams that are going on by email, calls or texting trying to phish information from you. One of the things to watch for is that the wording and the grammar are off. These are major things that should be your first clue. If you get these emails just delete them. If you have sent some information even inadvertently please let us know so we can follow up.”

Grant continued, “I’m completing the details of my plan for the next two years. Our plan for the police department is three major things. First, establishing a citizens Volunteer Corps for Stallion similar to what the Sheriff’s Department has. Volunteers would go through a Citizens academy and from there you would help us out with Administrative duties as well as doing some patrol, house checks, etc. There is some training involved but it would supplement us quite a bit. Second, we’re going to build an unpaid reserve force of people that are retired mostly from the Kern County Sheriff’s Department to help us out to supplement our patrols and third, contine reciprocating relationships with Bear Valley and the Sheriff’s Department.“

An election was held and Joan Clark was elected to be the new Captain of the Neighborhood Watch group. Heather Tinley was elected as Co-Captain.

Sandy Young noted that a new CERT Class will begin on March 12 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Stallion Springs Administration Building. Additional classes will follow on Saturday, March 15 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., March 29 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and a final class Wednesday April 2, from 5 to 9 p.m.

Grant reminded the group the best way to contact the Police Department is to Dial 911 in an emergency or to contact the Sheriff’s Dispatch 861-3110 as they act as dispatch for the Stallion Police department.

Neighborhood watch meetings are held the second Monday of the month at the Police Department. Everybody is invited to attend.

The Stallion Springs CSD held its annual Board of Directors meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 20 at the CSD Administrative Building. Vice President, Clydell Lamkin, presided over the meeting filling in for Board President Dave Burt who was involved in an auto accident and is currently undergoing extensive physical therapy at a rehabilitation facility in Bakersfield for his injuries.

CPA Paul Kaymark of Charles Z. Fedak and Company presented the independent auditors report noting: “It is in our opinion that the statements present fairly in all material aspects the financial position of the district. Financials look good.”

The Police report for the month showed five arrests, 40 reports, 88 calls for service and 61 Officer initiated investigations.

General Manager, Mary Beth Garrison reported, The January 11 blood drive broke all previous records. Thirty-seven people donated. The next blood drive is scheduled for March 15 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

In the roads department, this summer parts of Stallion Springs Drive and several other areas will receive overlays and curbing and a dozen street signs and several stop signs are being replaced with in the district.

Garrison noted that she has been meeting with General Manager John Martin of Tehachapi Cummings Water District. They are the water master. They are facing a five percent allocation of project water. If that holds he will not be able to supply water to the jurisdiction at the same level as 2013. Garrison indicated that Martin wants to supply the farmers with all the water they need. I am working with Golden Hills and we don’t believe that’s fair. If the cutback is 20 percent then we all need to cut back 20 percent.

Upcoming Parks and Recreation events

Tuesday Teen Night will be continuing from 3 to 6 p.m. in the Gym.

Family Movie night will present, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 on Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. and Frozen on March 21 No cost for the movies.

Insanity Fitness classes are being added to the agenda. Classes will be held on Tuesday evenings. Check with the CSD for further details.

The Fourth annual Chilly Dip is coming up on March 8 at 11:30 a.m. at the pool. Check with the CSD for requirements and fees. Get ready to take the plunge. The event is a fund raiser for the Parks and Recreation.

Events For Kids at the Community Center

Valentines Faux Gumball Machine, Saturday Feb. 1 at 10 a.m.

St. Patricks’ day Melting Crayon Rainbow, March 1 at 10 a.m.