O.T. Merchants Target 10 Issues

After the follow-up meeting with the Kern County planners and their "Vision" unveiling that set goals for both the county and the community, the Steering Committee for the revitalization of the Old Town Merchants Association is planning to come up with solutions for a "hit list" of their Top Ten Issues.

Marilyn White, one of the early contacts for the effort, explains, "It's part of the answer to the question of 'where do we go from here' – the next step." Donna Fischman, who is opening a new business in Old Town and is well known for her marketing work with a number of local businesses, and Jay Prisco who has been active with various civic groups and Main Street, agreed that establishing regular meetings is essential for the success.

A committee meeting is set at Old Towne Pizza on Wednesday, July 23, at

6 p.m. and interested parties are welcome. The committee now numbers over 40 names on their contact list with all aspects of the community represented. "More are joining us each week," states Prisco, "and it's beginning to read like a 'who's who' when you see the family names getting involved."

Issues to be addressed include identifying immediate funding channels from grants to simple things like spelling the area without the "e" – it was noted that the plaque on the Registered Landmark omits the Es on either "Old" or "Town", although several representatives at the "Vision" meeting thought it would be quaint to maintain some of the old signage.

Key to the success of the reforming association is getting involvement as pointed out by the county planners and their consultants. Supervisor Zack Scrivner who welcomed the assembly was also vocal about getting a good start but the effort ahead needs to be maintained.

Facing the group will be the task of getting volunteers to serve on the board of directors, establishment of lines of communication for both merchants and property owners to obtain funding such as Scrivner's RENEWBIZ projects and, finally, organizing a street or craft fair event.

More information will be available at the meeting next week or on the OTMA Facebook page.