Mojave C of C wants services, '60s style

Searching through my mother Marion Deaver’s files for a column, I found an article she wrote probably in the late ‘50s or early ‘60s about a Mojave Chamber of Commerce meeting.

Some of those in charge, including Milt Smith, Mojave Desert News co-owner; Robert Byers, owner of Byers Furniture; and D.C. Sparling, owner of Kayo’s Trailer Park, were appointed to a committee to research the possibility of filing a request for a Kern County Grand Jury investigation.

Some chamber members believed that the amount of county services in East Kern were not equal to the amount of taxes paid by area residents. The committee wanted to have the resolution, if adopted, to be given

to other chambers in East Kern for their review and adoption.

Byer was the one to present the idea in the first place. “We are paying taxes for something we are not getting,” he declared.

He cited the need for alley and road improvements, and other services.

“It is time that East Kern starts looking out for itself, and the way to start is through the Grand Jury,” he exclaimed.

(Through my lifetime of living in East Kern, I have always heard people exclaim that the solution to most things with which they do not agree is to, “call in the Grand Jury.”

But, I digress. . .)

The idea of such a resolution was passed by votes of the chamber directors, but not without some differing opinions.

Joe Means, manager of White’s Café, said he felt that Kern County Second District Supervisor John Holt had given the community quite a bit in the previous 10 years, including the Veterans’ Building, a new fire station, and renovations of the county building (which stood where the defunct KFC building is now.)

Ed Koch, local realtor, said he thought the resolution was “untimely” since that year was an election year. He felt the resolution could have “political implications.”

Richard Poole, realtor, and chamber president, asked that Holt be given a chance to speak to the chamber before the resolution was written and adopted.

(The outcome of that resolution will have to wait until I can locate the following chamber meetings and what happened.)

By reading the article one can see that the chamber was not fully united in its belief that services were not given to the area. I can remember hearing some residents always say that East Kern was the “red-headed stepchild” of the county, and claimed that all services stopped at Tehachapi.

Some residents still claim that there are not enough services in East Kern, such as the DMV, Employment Development, and Social Security. If asked, these services representatives will cite budget cuts as the reason for not opening offices in rural areas.

Several county supervisors later, with each adding some road repairs and other services, many people who have resided in East Kern since John Holt believe there are many services that have been added. Others want the proverbial Grand Jury to come to town.

I take no sides. I believe that each city and community in East Kern have sought grant funds to improve their towns, received roads funds, sought parcel taxes and sale tax increases, and have seen private investors build new businesses.

The problem is that much is still needed, and there is never enough city and county money to fund everything.

So, unlike the Mojave Chamber of Commerce 50 years ago, don’t call the Grand Jury. Get involved in your community and work to make a difference, wherever you live.