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Community Noticias

Korean War Memorial to be dedicated at Jastro Park

A new Korean War Memorial will be dedicated by the Korean War Veterans Association at Jastro Park in Bakersfield at 11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 28.

The black granite memorial consists of three, 5-foot panels. On one panel,the 59 Kern County servicemen killed in action are listed as well as the total number of Americans killed during the Korean War. 

The second panel depicts an outlined map of North and South Korea with key Korean cities and a list of 15 United Nations who provided combat troops and medical services during the war. The third panel is a collage of Kern County service personnel who were in the war. The installation of the memorial is a result of five years of effort on behalf of the Korean War Veterans Association, organizers said.

The dedication will include an introduction by KWVA officers, including acknowledgements of veterans in attendance. The keynote speaker will be former prisoner of war Robert L. Sharp, a retired Army Command Sergeant Major. The 59 military personnel from Kern County, who were killed in the war, will be honored by having their names read aloud.

The dedication will conclude with the playing of taps by trumpet player Bob Otto.

‘Safe Halloween’ tickets
Safe Halloween is Kern County’s premier trick-or-treat experience, playing host to approximately 4,400 children and parents for two nights of fun and frivolity in a family-friendly environment.

During the two night event, dozens of local service clubs and businesses will provide candy, treats and trinkets to children visiting Treat Stations on the museum grounds.
As part of the festivities, there will be a school-like carnival, costume contest, cake walk and reasonably priced food and beverages.

Children must be accompanied by a parent or adult.

Tickets for the Kern County Museum’s 23rd annual Safe Halloween on October 28 and 29, from 5:30-9 p.m., are on sale at the museum, 3801 Chester Ave. in Bakersfield, at all Vallitix locations or Online at www.vallitix.com, and at selected Wells Fargo Bank branches.

Admission to the event is $8 for adults and children ages 3-12. Non trick-or-treating children younger than age 3 are admitted free. The parking is also free.

Safe Halloween is presented by the Kern County Museum Foundation and sponsored by Kern Family Health Care and Rain for Rent.

For more information, call the museum foundation office, at (661) 852-5020 or visit the museum’s Web site, http://www.kcmuseum.org.

Boo-at-the-Zoo at CALM
If you want to get some extra mileage out of that Halloween costume, take a trip to CALM for “Boo-at-the-Zoo” 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 28.

All little trick-or-treaters will be able to see the animals in the fall foliage that is gorgeous this time of year at CALM.

Children ages 3-17 dressed in costume will get in free. Those under the age of 3 and CALM members also receive free admission. There will be games, crafts and treats for all children. Train rides will be $1.

Check the CALM Web site: www.calmzoo.org or call (661) 872-2256 for more information.

Immunization program
The San Joaquin Community Hospital Children’s Immunization Program has been traveling around, administrating immunizations and now is upgrading to a new, 36-foot-fifth-wheel trailer.

“Our trailer goes out three to four times a week to all areas of Kern County providing needed information and services to people in outlying ares and who may not have immediate access to such services,” said Rachelle Portillo, program director of the Children’s Immunization Program.  

All immunizations are provided free of charge, no appointments are necessary and immunization cards are required. For more information on the program, call the office at (661) 324-2183.

Immigration forum held
LAMONT — The Dolores Huerta Foundation organized an immigration forum Oct. 19 in Lamont to connect residents with experts.

Special guests included attorney Mark Silverman of the Immigration Legal Resource Center in San Francisco; Fausto Sanchez of California Rural Legal Assistance; and Roberto de la Rosa of OLA Raza in Bakersfield.

Also present were Camila Chavez, the foundation’s executive director; and Paola Fernandez, a volunteer of the Dream Act, a federal proposal, which advocates on rights of foreign students.

The forum was meant to educate the community members in Lamont, Weedpatch, Arvin and Bakersfield on issues such as immigration, high prices on water service, educational forums, elections and other announcements, organizers said.

Mark Silverman said that, as a grandson of a Russian immigrant, he understands the situation of many immigrants.

Silverman came to educate the people on their rights and obligations (with IRS and federal immigration). Some residents were given time for free consultations with the attorneys.

“I came to talk with an attorney because I have an immigration pending process with three daughters who are waiting for their papers,” said Francisco Aguirre Lopez, a retired field worker who attended the forum.

Additional meetings are planned.

For more information, call Camila Chavez of the Dolores Huerta Foundation at 322-3035.

— Community News items compiled by MÁS staffers Christina Dillmann and Lisa Wuertz; and MÁS freelancer Daniela Garcia.