Updated/Corrected: SNF employees fighting back: "They knew about it."

More information/New documents:

Two employees say they wrote up this report of the conditions found on the morning of November, 23, 2008 in Hall 3 of the KVHD skilled nursing facility and turned the handwritten and signed document to the nurses in charge.

They say they turned the document into two traveling nurses who quit the hospital a month after the incident.

And they say that both nurses, LVN Sonjay, and RN, Reno, told them that they had submitted the report to the DON and Tracy Brown, the Nursing Home Administrator, whose company, Quality Healthcare, took over after Sycamore Asset Management in 2008.

The employees say that they trust the two nurses did what they said they did. "Sonjay and Reno were the best thing that happened to that unit, but they couldn't handle it working there."

The employees were told they didn't have to do anything more by Reno, it was all taken care of was their understanding they said. The said they asked and were reassured at least three times.

But when they saw that the aide the above report refers to, come to work after the incident, they became suspicious and scared.

"When she was back on the floor, we were petrified we were going to be fired," she said. "If we had done what she had done we would've been escorted off the property."

They said they took their concerns again back to Reno, who told them the report was made and they could go back to work.

"We were told just go back to work." She said Reno told her he couldn't tell her anything about the nurse because it was private employee information.
(At this hospital? Right Chet?)

The two traveling nurses quit and moved somewhere in California.

Then in Feb. 2009, one aide said she found herself in a quandary as to what to do after she asked Tracy Brown and Human Resources manager, Debra Hoffman, about the status of the report.

The two administrators told her they had never heard about it and blamed the aide for not telling them, the aide claims. She was suspended for not reporting and making a "smart" comment, and they said in the HR report shown below, the hospital, would investigate.

In the second HR report, they said they investigated, but were unable to reach the nurses who the aides say they submitted their report to, Reno and Sonjay. (documents below)

One of the aides was able to find Sonjay and spoke to her after she was suspended regarding the issue of the report. She said Sonjay told her that it had been reported to the administrator and DON.

The first aide was fired for not reporting the incident to the administrator and not on a correct filing form. But the in house investigation conducted (?) lead the administrators to call the aide's report of neglect, "unsubstantiated."

So, the aide was terminated for not properly filing a report about an incident which they said they could not substantiate or prove. And the documents state they could not reach the nurses who the aides say took the report. (Not much of an investigation)

The employee said she saw the dates were off on the form HR put in front of her to sign during her termination ceremony. And the information, she said, was also not correct. She refused to sign. Which is indicated on the document shown below.

On the same day the first mandated reporter was suspended, Feb. 13, 2009, the second aide said she was called in and asked to fill out the state reporting form at 7 pm. She filled it out, she said, because she thought if she didn't she would lose her job.

It's not completely clear right now when and if the report was ever filed with the Department of Health Services. Or if the SNF and HR still claim it was not a substantiated incident.

And that is one of the big problems with self reporting facilities. Especially, after all the investigations at KVHD, wouldn't it look better if it was just handled in house? Department of Health Services or the Ombudsman don't have to know. (Right Pam, that's how it's done?)

The ultimate responsibility to assure the initial report goes to the proper authorities falls to the administrator.

What makes this claim so interesting is the hospital's documentation doesn't make sense and looks highly suspicious.

Both of the mandated reporters have been terminated, but now, suddenly, after four months, a complaint against the first aide's nursing license was filed with the nursing board, on June 24, regarding not reporting the incident or non incident whichever. It seems HR, Rick Carter, and Tracy Brown have used both scenarios to justify their actions according to the documents.

The letter from the state nursing board the aide received states the complaint comes from "KVHD." (Trying to find out where this was generated from after the employee has been gone four months.)

The first aide fired on Feb. 23 of this year after going up the truncated chain of command to former, CEO, Rick Carter. Though there is confusion about the chain between the employee handbook, the recent explanation by KVHD board counsel, Scott Nave, who said it falls back to the personnel policy.
(termination greivance policy. Click to open)

Both employees just want their jobs back, their names cleared, and any false complaints dropped. And they also want to make sure the new administration hears about what they say, "has been going on."

The aides say they have spoken with an attorney and the EEOC, and they said both found the district claims unbelievable or even irrational.

But the aides want to stick with the district, but not in the nursing center, because they believe they are being retaliated against because they made a negative report which they think was being buried by the SNF administrators.

Tracy Brown, Nursing Home Administrator, for the SNF at the July board meeting. Though Brown has resigned, controversy begins to swirl around, as employees are fighting back after terminations. But the administrator has been controversial as her management company contracted for $240K and traveling nurses costs skyrocketed. More to come...

Click on documents to open and read.

Kern County and Chet Beedle: models of the hidden dollars accounting system

Chet Beedle, KVHD, Chief Financial Officer, can apparently pray and create amazing windfalls for the district. After hearing for six months about how the district couldn't pay its one million revenue bond payment without wiping out the reserve, Beedle magically, created $600K in a matter of three weeks.

(see finance commit me meeting)

The Bi-Polar American blog is up

To those I recently contacted we have the other blogsite up, decorated, but not much in the way of furnishings yet. Here is the link, as there will be writers from age 12 on up contributing to this effort.
Please read the blog on this site, regarding July 4th.

http://thebipolaramerican.blogspot.com/

Board meeting pix 2 July: full report this week

Dr. Finstad, it was an observation I made about the way the public was being informed of their concerns at the hospital. I thought it was funny, but it was not intended to put you on the spot.

Part Two: After the lashing I gave Bob Jamison, Brad Armstrong and Chet Beedle, discomfort was palpable in the cafeteria. My unseasonably warm attitude was still hanging in the air after Dr. Finstad's report, so he may have thought my comment was directed at him.

People report to me on their visits to the hospital giving me details of their care. A woman whose children were ill with high fevers even to the point of vomiting blood, asked a nurse if there were any cases of swine flu here. He said no. And she asked them if they tested for it, and he said, no. It seemed so obviously ridiculous that I thought it was funny.

Dr. Gross ended up answering the question saying they had tested sample type groups and there were no cases here. He went on to say there was a stomach virus going around.

But what wasn't said by me was that nurses were understaffed that night in the ER and the other nurses were tired and exasperated, to the point of saying they couldn't take it anymore.

I let the other reports from the listeners who go to this hospital slide, because we all should now know, there are serious problems which our new administrators must address.

There was let loose, so I shall join in a bit, that the personnel policies were still dated back to 1991. I knew that, as I have most of them right at my fingertips.

So, that is why when, board counsel, Scott Nave, explained the chain of command to us school kids, I believe at the March meeting, I couldn't find it anywhere written the way he explained it.

The seriousness of this is overwhelming to fathom really.

Moving right along, this hospital cannot pay for contracts and contractors which it has no money for. Where has the reinvestment been? There has been money scattered around like sprinkles off a box of doughnuts.

For instance, Administrative assistant Heidi Sage was voted

"employee of the year" last year, and recieved a two week trip to the Bahamas. That's a heck of a deal there.

Rick Carter was getting lunches and parking paid and a 19% raise.

The nursing registry costs went off the charts when I was just told

that in Bakersfield there are nurses to spare.

$100 pizza expenses were paid out in the skilled nursing facility. (You know Chet they have a $5 deal in town)

Heidi Sage, shown here, during the uncomfortable portion of the meeting.(Nobody is comfortable around a proctologist; and my job is much the same)

But apparently everything has been quite comfortable financially around the hospital as employees were flown to the Bahamas?

Mr. Jamison, an outspoken critic of everyone, but a chosen few sycophants, has played his games on the local radio stations here for a long time. He's attacked people on the air, and everyone has so far let him get away with it.

So, I've decided that the record at the hospital shall be set straight three minutes at a time, once a month. (You might want to eat light before you come to the meeting

)

Since Mr. Jamison enjoys talking, I'll start off August by reading his emails directly into the record verbatim. Then I will read all the evidence into the record each month until it finally reflects what really happened.

Bob Jamison at a loss for words? I doubt it, but I have a lot of his words and I will put them on the Kern Valley Healthcare District record which will be read for years to come.

This record will never be cleared.

Picture of Chet Beedle kissing our money good bye.

The last time the cafeteria was painted, a former employee and her family painted it for free and purchased the paint. Did they get a trip to the Bahamas? No. But now she doesn't have a job. Nice.

And finally, until, the rest of the story comes along, a picture of Mr. Armstrong, which just playing with his name, I would call him Mr. Strongarm. I called him a bully, arrogant, and he showed me nothing that indicated I wasn't right on target.

Armstrong timed my whole criticism on a watch or timer, as I ran over the three minute rule. I'm so bad for breaking the three minute rule, apparently its the most important thing to Mr. Armstrong. Other rules, well, they can be tossed aside at his leisure.

Well, Brad, you're over the 20 year rule, maybe we should put term limits in the by-laws, retroactively too!

Every month at the meeting we can talk about this and you can glare at me. You bring the popcorn and I'll bring the pain.

Truly, the emperor has no clothes. (sorry about the proctology crack. oops)

Shock and Awe campaign: first pix of meeting

Oh, god, here she comes...she's really going to do it...



It wasn't pretty, it wasn't pleasant, but sometimes you have to say it to their faces. Dr. Gross and Kay Knight look on as Bob Jamison is chastised, soundly.
Shooting at the two board members and CFO from a blog was no longer good enough. The three felt too safe as words were rolling off their tough exteriors.



New, CEO, Tim McGlew, at his first board meeting watching, board members, Bob Jamison and Brad Armstrong, and CFO, Chet Beedle being told they are unethical and should be in jail.
Sorry Mr. McGlew you didn't need that at your first meeting. But it was going to happen at some point.

New Chief Clinical Officer, Cynthia Burciaga, looks on as strong accusations are put on the hospital record by me concerning the leftover gang from the skilled nursing disaster.

I'm sure this was not the meeting she expected either. But one must know what they're stepping into to be able to make correct moves forward.

CFO, Chet Beedle, who has made it a habit of paying out large sums of money on contracts and his resistance to giving straight answers to questions regarding finance.
Beedle also attacked employees in an effort to push a general obligation bond while the SNF residents were not getting any oversight. He is still here with a 12% raise. I protest.

Bob Jamison gives me his best answer after I question his threats, slander, sexual harassment, and brighten his day with the litany of things he has done to harm the district and the people working there.

That message was not subconscious, Bob.




Though none of the three had any response, the accusations I've made are now on the record.
Personally, I wish it had not come to this, but they decided to stay on and continue to behave the way they have in the past, so I will stay and make sure to remind them every meeting why they shouldn't be there. And next time I may decide to keep it within the three minutes.
The meeting was not much of a story, but there are more pics to come.
Believe it or not.

QAB Stuck on Stupid: Bob Jamison's subconscious speaks

I know most of us have cast off the musings of Dr. Sigmund Freud, as most of his theories have been disproved and castigated for his misogynistic tendencies. Hysterical women, like me, abounded in the mind of Freud probably irritating the hell out of him.

But KVHD board member Bob Jamison made me wonder if Freud didn't have this man in mind when he talked about unconscious, guilty thoughts which wriggle to the surface and gain expression.

Again, it is Friday morning, two days after I went to the KVHD board meeting in a bad mood, irritated, (like Freud would be with me), and had some heavy things to say to the three who have degraded, mismanaged, and disrespected our public healthcare district, patients and employees.

As I've said Mr. Jamison was a major part of the cover up of the problems within the skilled nursing facility at the hospital. He has yet to take responsibility, be indicted or even at the very least, apologize.

He acts an awful like the government he supposedly opposes. Will he ever realize he is with the government, both the hospital and parks and recreation. If you think either is in bad shape email Mr. Jamison.(somebody voted for him so he is here to serve you.)

I think his conscience is getting to him though, as this morning on the radio show he and his guest spoke of problems getting the government to take responsibility and the guest even talked about how the government officials "lied" to him.

I will just put some quotes out there without any explanation and you tell me if you think his conscience is beginning to speak without his awareness.
"All the people were sitting by and watching them do it."

"So many people go out every four years and punch a button, vote for somebody, they don't know who they're even voting for, then they find this person is off the wall, screwy."

"Disingenuous, it's nicer than calling them liars to their faces."

"It's amazing something can be right in front of your face and you just can't see it."

"It happened right under their noses. We were more than asleep on the job."

Under construction July 1 board meeting with video and pix...

CNO report: 12/2006 Sharon Brucker steps down

Here we are in the timeline of troubles starting in Feb. 2006 when the skilled nursing facility was run by Cheif nursing officer, Sharon Brucker, and CEO, Pamela Ott. They were cited for physical restraints, medication errors, understaffing, weight loss of patients, and licensing.

The state's case investigation interestingly begins Aug. 1, 2007 when a director of nursing, named Gwen Hughes was hired. It ends Jan. 25, 2007. The whole investigation runs through the director's whole time employed at KVHD with the SNF.

It doesn't start before that when things were bad enough that threatening letters came from CMS and DHS; and doesn't go into the continuing problems of innocent people being thrown into the administrator position of the nursing center because Ott, Brucker and Hughes had left.

Sharon Brucker stepped down as CNO of acute and long term in Dec. 2006. She had been confronted by employees about problems in the hospital, and a month later she wrote her resignation.

Here is the excerpt: CNO Report December 2006

The report begins with Brucker's version of the last few years. She said she worked at the hospital eight years and saw the hospital struggle financially.
"For over three years my salary and most of the employees at the kern valley healthcare district salaries were frozen. There were a select few that were on good terms with the CEO, which recieved double digit increases."

Brucker goes on to say how the new administrators, Ott, and CFO Chet Beedle turned the district around financially.
"All these changes come about from wisely made decisions, not by accident. During this positive time, I have also been aware of a divisive member of the board of directors."

Brucker begins to blame, Knight, for all the problems.
"Much of his attention was regularly made on 17 million dollar debt incurred by this hospital district when it built the skilled nursing wing."

Brucker said Knight was angry for being removed when Cal Mtg. took over and brought in the management company, BRIM, who hired Pam Ott.
"Is it logical to think that Cal Mtg. would allow bankruptcy when there are significant assets at hand and a positive cash balance?"

(Well, Mrs. Brucker, as you said that was not the case when you first arrived. What is not mentioned is the 22 million dollar debt was for an unfinished, botched construction project which didn't get finished. And it was inherited by others who had to struggle with it. At the time bankruptcy would have been well timed.)

To finally make her point that everyone is good except the Knights, she accuses the former CEO and board member, of everything from the downfall of measure M, to the faulty architectural drawings.

That was Mrs. Bruckers resignation speech. Nothing in there about why she resigned, just a lot of talk.

Speaking of talk, why did you leave really, Mrs. Brucker?

I was in a mood when I got to the meeting, and I'm still in a mood, the mood for truth in advertising

Not an hour before tonights KVHD board meeting, the very first one for Mr. McGlew our new CEO. I certainly think this will have been memorable. Or scary; maybe both.

First off, there is going to be video and pictures this time around. But as that goes we need time to put it all up on our youtube site.

However, I have to tell you what I did and how it started...

Earlier today, I had someone picking up my prescriptions which I had called in last week. One of the prescriptions was vitally important as I was out.
Apparently, a week passes and the Mesa Clinical Pharmacy does not alert me of the problem with accessing my medication and tells my friend to try another pharmacy.

He returned to me without my prescription giving me the excuse of the pharmacy that they didn't have any of it. They found some after I called yelling before anyone answered the phone. I expressed to them the importance of the medication and had they thought to call me on Monday and alert me of this, I would not have run out and be in a situation.

I have no functioning thyroid. Yeah, nobody knows what a thyroid is and what exactly it can do to you. Trust me if there's a nuclear fallout you will all be coming to steal my medicine.

While I'm speaking of this, I must thank a wonderful endocrinologist, Dr. Catania, who finally got the dosage correct after almost five years of rural health tries. Just eight months ago I felt a sense of balance I haven't had in a very long time. I can't thank him enough.

Next up was the Rural Health Clinic, medical assistant, who before asking, checking, or anything, suddenly made a decision; "I don't think there's anything we can do for you."

Okay, you must first try and try again until you give up. That's life. What if the scientists researching cancer said, "oh it didn't work, I guess we can't cure cancer, let's stop trying."

I'm going to call it customer service, but I'm going to reduce it to just service. Service to others.

My guess is if we had a few less criminals, and more money, this could be a special healthcare district.

So, when I got to the meeting I had typed up a couple pages basically reiterating most of what is on this blog. But I said it to their faces. I'm tired of the backstabbing cowards; bloated on gossip and belching misinformation.

I can sit here and blog, but I felt it best to take the matter directly to those I am saying these things about.

The mood I was in frustrated with the lack of service and concern, which eminates from lack of support from the district leaders and turns compassionate people into stressed out people that couldn't solve a first grade math problem.

I noticed in the audience were faces who had stood in front of a former board and weilded slanderous, hateful remarks at Robert and Kay Knight for years until Mrs. Knight now chairwoman sounds more like a battered wife who just wants to make everyone happy so daddy doesn't punch anyone out.

I say to them, if you can dish it out, you had better be able to take it...at every board meeting to come until you are gone by way of indictment, end of term, sudden need to do the right thing.

So, I was not happy with the service today as I alerted my doctor or his interim assistant about my weight loss and the prescriptions. And I must say I heard a story about the rural health clinic which I will put up a blog to address that situation by itself.

Anyway, I wrote up a very caustic speech straight after my personal dealings with the district.

Then during the public comment period, I jumped up in front of the board, threw my arms open and showed my skeletal frame to all, and proclaimed myself a product of the Kern Valley healthcare district. I didn't even know I was going to be that dramatic, it comes from frustration.

Shortly after a few moments of a friendly demeanor, I turned to the three, Bob Jamison, Brad Armstrong, and Chet Beedle and began reading my speech.

Because I'm known for walking with a stick and wearing sunglasses, I dropped the stick and removed my glasses to make my point more clear, I wanted to look them in the eyes. It was tough they are prescription glasses and I do have oscillopsia, but eyes averted and Armstrong smirked to try and deflect the very serious accusations I was making.

It will all be on video. Here is the speech, without the additional comments. And pointing of finger and snarling a bit. That will be for the video.

July 1, 2009

To the Kern Valley Healthcare District:

Speech to be recorded verbatim, meaning every single word, into the record.

Mr. Jamison, Mr. Armstrong and Mr. Beedle,

I’m sure you are aware I have been writing a blog, Mr. Jamison you know about these things; everything in that blog was culled from audio interviews, video, hospital paperwork, and my own experience.

I could talk about everything I’ve said with the confidence of one who knows. But I am here tonight to tell you a few things that you should hear and maybe make a decision about.

The three of you cannot help the district because of your actions over the past three years. The only thing you are doing now is continuing to show your lack of character by staying at a place you have no ability to help, but to only hinder progress.

You’ve breached the trust of the community, the patients, the employees, and anyone who thought healthcare was a noble profession.

You didn’t protect the residents of the SNF, you protected the perpetrators most especially, Pam Ott.

All of you should be jailed for your lack of judgment and your lack of foresight which lead you to believe you could run this hospital.

Well, even after Ott skipped town, up to Sierra King where our friends or your friends from Rural health design network and Aspen street architects, took her in.

She’s a witness in a case against Dr. Pormir and Debbie Hayes and that is sick. However, I’m getting quite hopeful that situation will change soon. I’m hoping they are also looking at the three of you.

Mr. Jamison you have attacked the Knights, Jeanette Rogers, Dr. Gross, and an employee named Tom Wright on your radio show directly conflicting with your responsibilities here. You have embarrassed us all with your behavior, even threatening me physically, and referring to my weight which is attached to a medical problem and trust me, is not a choice. You threatened to sue; well back at you. And your wife who apparently, even though she has never met me, spoken to me, or even knows what I look like could use a lawsuit too.

Aside from that, you made sexual advances when I wanted to work at the radio station with you. It just goes on and on. Yet you still sit here. It’s amazing you can cover that much character defect.

Mr. Beedle you shock me with your inability to run a small hospital. You have thrown money around with the cooperation of Mr. Jamison and Armstrong, along with the former quorum board member, Barbara Casas. You care about numbers, I care about people and the community. You have short staffed or let’s say minimum staffed the hospital, ER and rural health clinic so that people cannot get proper care. And you brought in contractors who literally emptied the coffers of the hospital.

And Mr. Armstrong, you are one of the most arrogant people I have ever met. You knew about the problems. Ott knew about the problems. You did nothing. You sit here free, and Dr. Pormir and Debbi Hayes have no insurance to fight their case, when you and Ott and the rest could’ve done something. You need to be jailed. Seriously.

But now, you are out of the quorum, but haven’t made the wise decision to step down and just let others who don’t have the lingering odor of crime on them, move in and help the hospital.

Instead your hubris has lead you to start trouble. You’re a bully.

But the three of you have decided to attack Mrs. Knight at her place of work. I would sue you into the ground as I have advised both Mrs. Knight and Tom Wright. However, they are nicer people who just want the best for the hospital. But don’t push them too far, because they have had more than enough of your lip. I’ve had more than enough and will not tolerate your behavior any longer.

So, I have decided as long as you three are staying, so am I. But I will be taking classes this month for the ombudsman program. I’ll get to work closely inside the hospital and I’ll be looking to make sure you three are not huddling and planning to harm the facility again.

I will come to every meeting and say these same words: you are criminals who have scapegoated good people and employees. Why don’t you three go to Sierra King and work with your buddy, Pam Ott.

By the way, people of this community, you can be an ombudsman too. Or you can attend meetings and watch these people, Armstrong, Jamison and Beedle.

Thank you, Laura Hart “onyourbuttsman”

those were strong words, and the heat coming from me was strong. At one point Joan Amos, with the hospital foundaiton, jumped up after her and others were trying to keep me from going over the three minute time limit the old board created for me when the SNF disaster occurred.

(Armstrong watched his timer while I scorched his bullying tactics. (You've got to see the video of him timing me. He just doesn't get it. He wants control. Somebody buy the man some soothing aromatherapy)

Amos jumped up with a sports watch, like she was cooking biscuits and had to get them hot out of the oven. I ignored her interruption as she used to be a nice woman but has since supported the leftover faction which doesn't like being scrutinized.

But it's now in the hospital board minutes as read, not written, there were some additional grunts and barking sounds which went with it. So, Bob Jamison, Brad Armstrong, and Chet Beedle all have records of their misdoings. They should be on the KVHD website soon, right Heidi?

I finished my diatribe and returned to my chair. Hey if they don't have by-laws, I see no reason to abide the three minute rule as there were no other speakers. It was the content, the truth that was opposed.

People are so afraid to speak right now too. They don't know the new CEO and CCO, and they have been beaten up after years of service by so many, and find themselves unsure where to step.

Bad things have happened and so many people are gone and have been brainwashed by the Beedle brigade. It will take time for people to trust again.

KVHD isn't the only hospital with problems; but this hospital had solutions.

I recently had surgery and had a terrifying experience really. One which I sometimes can't stop thinking about. But I have to get through these things, so I called the administration of this hospital.

The first thing that happened is the person I spoke with was very defensive. Then she told me I come off as aggressive, which I couldn't argue with, or I would have immediately proved her point. I explained my complaint to her and she began to tell me some interesting things.

She said there used to be a nursing shortage there, but now they are lined up and being turned away.

She didn't want her hospital full of people like the ones I described.

There's was no placating, this intelligent woman was problem solving. Instantly, I had respect for her. She wanted to know all of the problems. And she was smart enough to ask what and who deserved credit. I told her about a potentially valuable employee. A lowly CNA, who had more wits about her than any of the RN's or whatever lot came by to fight with me.

This kid exemplifies the power of healing without IV's, drugs, or any medical equipment, she had humor and acceptance.

It's the CNA's that make you feel safe and cared for. If this young woman could handle me, she has passed the test and will have a great career helping people.

I thought repeatedly about the people in our SNF, the CNA's and patients while I was under lock and key by some really career confused nurses at this hospital.

But the administrator and I kept talking and she began to tell me how she was trying to fix their hospital. She brought on a patient advocate and was aware of many of the people I spoke of. (Knowledge of her hospital, impressive) I shared that I already had a hospital that was a mess and I was doing what I could to get the refuse people to take away the garbage.

In an exasperated tone, she said, "good luck."

Never for a moment did I feel placated by her or that she lacked sincerity. Unlike what I have seen at KVHD the past few years. I've seen zombie like behavior from the community who chooses to continue to ignore the problems. Though I note it is the more intelligent people who can see the problems.

Few are motivated to deal with problems as I have told them they should.

"I'll just pay it."

"Oh, yeah, I'll get a complaint form."

I know many people who have left defeated by this district leadership and this valley, and I don't blame them. They complained but were never heard. Why stay?

As much I get tagged with being negative, I have hope. And I have tenacity to go with that hope.

This charming and highly efficient administrator laughed and then decided that she could somehow use my help educating her staff.

Conclusion

We helped each other in a matter of an hour by communicating the truth, admitting the mistakes, and finding a solution. That was fun. KVHD should be fun like that too...

"No tool is more beneficial than intelligence. No enemy is more harmful than ignorance."

The full story on the meeting coming soon along with pix and video.

And back to the holocaust comparison...I guess

Batter Up! New KVHD CEO Tim McGlew first board meeting

Tim McGlew, will make his first appearance with the KVHD board of directors tonight at 5:30 pm in the cafeteria of the hospital.

After years of poor leadership which have adversely affected the community and the healthcare district, hopes are high for change.

Take Ott, Beedle, Armstrong and Jamison; and give us Dr. Pormir and Debbi Hayes

You know, Mr. Attorney General, we could make a trade for the correct people and you could give us back the scapegoats you so readily targeted.

If you had taken the correct people and not made a witness of one of the ring leaders, I would be writing about you like a sage, but that didn't happen.

But had it happened it would have solved most of our problems. Yes, there would have been some residual clean up, but trust me, you would have been the hero.

So, once again, I extend you an invitation to visit us and see the results of these indictments. More information for you sir, soon.

Who should have known better? The attorney

Scott Nave, Legal counsel for the Kern Valley Healthcare District board of directors, sits looking perplexed during last month's June board meeting.

Over the last few years, Nave, has been known to stay quiet during meetings watching consent agendas pass by like busses out of town.

I'll begin by saying it's quite stupid for me to tangle with an attorney, as much I would say a mountain lion, (I've already done the mountain lion things, so...) but I have known Mr. Nave for at least four years now, and I think he knew it would come to this.

Nave, is a likable, boyish looking attorney, (nothing scary on the outside anyway,) who has sat and watched as he knew the people he was working with lied.

And not only did they lie damaging the organizitaion in every way including its functionality, but they allowed the people they "serve" to suffer for their very irresponsible decisions.

I believe Scott you should have known better. I gave you evidence, I gave board members and doctors some evidence, yet you have continued to support, or more like make excuses for, those who would bully and act subversively simply so they don't have to look bad.

People are strange that way Scott they want to look good even when they are not. I, of course, just told somebody I'm not in the business of being agreed with or liked.

Attorneys take a lot of guff, so I'm not going to give you anything like that. This is about doing the right thing and bringing on new blood, new ideas, and a passion for getting things right.

Compassionate and competent care comes from people who aren't overworked, stressed out, and, or, afraid of losing their jobs if they don't come in and finding they have no reprisal. We need to focus on this and not put up murals and use PR companies who get paid for doing nothing.

You don't live here, but I actually have to use this hospital and rural health clinic, along with the pharmacy. And so do those who can't get down the mountain. So, I know a little beyond the numbers, I know about the people and their experiences. And that's what I care about.

There are many who could have stopped the fiasco that lead to the nursing facility disaster and subsequent spending sprees lowering the hospital again out of range of getting equipment and personnel vitally needed to step into at the least the 1970's.

But again you may have advised other things which could have fallen on deaf ears. I don't envy your position.

After your long, but thorough story on the chain of command at the March board meeting, I told you about the conflicting items I have found that didn't quite match your description. Well, I found more things that don't match, more discrepencies I won't talk about right now or maybe never.

This might sound banal, but people who are afraid to make mistakes and admit to them never learn or succeed.

You have made some mistakes. You are fortunately joined by the rest of us.

Does Lemieux need this hospital or could we maybe try a more neutral party who might be able to end the divisiveness which is leading to threats and bullying? This is not personal, I'm just thinking it might be a move toward healing.

Let me know what you think? I know it's impudent to ask you this, and publicly so, but it is sincere.

Take care, Laura

No by-laws: Ad Hoc and spit

At our June board meeting there was an Ad Hoc comittee formed at the direction of chairwoman, Kay Knight, to create some actual by-laws for the district.
Just to let you know the by-laws are created by the board for the district based on state laws such as the health care district laws.
For Instance, Mrs. Swendleson, the question as to nepotism would really not be of concern as the board has to follow current practices. They cannot create their own laws, (though they never seem to follow these laws), they can make it stronger but not weaker.
But they have to make their own by-laws to supposedly look like they are upstanding.
However, Mr. Jamison, was quite concerned about the Ad Hoc and spit committee, as he was on the board along with Mr. Armstrong and even legal eagle, Scott Nave, and they what?
They didn't actually create a set of by-laws. You have to ratify and sign them. So, the KVHD hospital has been running on supposition for three years.
Now there will be a committee who will look over these laws and possibly sign them and deliver the goods.
Lawlessness, was probably what they were looking for, and they sure did it, for many years.
From what I gather our new CEO, Tim McGlew, will be on the committee along with chairwoman, Kay Knight, Secretary, Victoria Alwin, Scott Nave, and I believe the final member is my favorite criminal, Chet Beedle.
We will find out when they have the first meeting and take a look at the law menu they will be selecting from.
I just saw a quote today fitting for this blog.

"I've always reckoned a camel is a horse designed by a committee."
Freddie Laker

July 4th: Remembering you are an American, share your talents, be who you are, and serve, even if you are bi-polar

As I have had time to reflect on my confrontation with Kern Valley Healthcare District board members, Bob Jamison, Brad Armstrong, and CFO, Chet Beedle, I realize they had sincerely hoped they could just get by and that would never have happened...But it did and I can only hope my vitriol burned hot enough to remove the facade.

After all the craven back talking, we are so accustomed to in this town, I did something quite different: I said it loud, pointedly, colorfully, but to their faces. (speech is posted on the blog and will also be on the KVHD board meeting record.) Blogging is impersonal and one sided; however, even when I said the things I said, there was no response from any of the parties.


But that is what I do, I realize. I step in front of trouble and don't act kindly as it asks me to move aside while it continues to propagate malignant results.


I remember a now ex-employee, who left the area because he didn't want his kids growing up around the people in this valley. And also the hospital itself put it over the edge for him

He told me one day that if I wanted him to be a witness in court for me, he would do it.

I said "why?"

He then told me our current and only radiologist had told him some unseemly things about me while they were at work. He said he thought it was unprofessional and dimwitted, and that I should sue her.

Shortly after that I happen to go in for blood work and came out to find Dr. Frazier parked near my car.

I thought, "Oh, no, should I just walk by or talk to her?"

Well as it goes, I stopped and talked to her. I never raised my voice but dispelled her gossip and went on my way.

Whether she understood or not, was not the point, the point was that while she chose to broadcast her judgements to everyone but me, I simply told her what I was doing and why.

I didn't expect anything to come of it, and it never did. But I felt good. And that's what matters. And we didn't have to sue her in court as was suggested.

But again, my strengths are not necessarily palatable to many, but if there were trouble I would be and am the person people come to for help. If you're shooting squirrels you get a pellet gun, but if you're shooting big game you come to me.

It's nothing new and the people who know me, the ones who have known me for years, would not expect me to do anything else. And they would also not expect me to do it like anyone else, because I'm not.

And neither are you reader. You are unique and have strengths with which you have been given to serve.

My strength, is considered a weakness and a mental health problem, but only by people who know nothing about it.

I'm a bi-polar American.

I'm different, I don't need drugs, "my brain makes chemicals junkies would jump through my ears to get to."

It's like driving a race car, the steering is sensitive, just a touch on the gas pedal and your tires spin then you go squealing past or sometimes over everything.

It takes time and training and most certainly awareness to drive a vehicle like this.

After years and years of accidents and fatalities, I've finally reached a point where I recognize the necessity for brakes. (Sometimes I like to do donuts though.)

This is now my issue: helping the bi-polar understand and change the image of the label thus changing their own self image which has likely been attacked repeatedly. And most certainly the healthcare system which on average has little or no clue how to medically handle us.

I've written a book, "The Chronicles of the Bi-Polar Reporter," and started the second book surrounding the oddity which is the Kern Valley, called, "The Valley of Fear." (I'm still waiting to see how it ends)

There are two more books in the series where our main character takes on drug dealers, the police, and then finally Sacramento. The books are fictional, but contain many pieces to the puzzle of the NASCAR mind.

Sometimes one must be a little crazy to get anything done.

I don't care anymore who thinks I'm crazy; but I do care about the 17 year-old who is cutting himself or herself, feeling suicidal, disenfranchised, and lacking enough self esteem to get past social judgments entrenched in our society.

This will be handled by our video production company as we have begun shooting the low budget film, "The order of the Bi-Polar Disorder." We will be using some of the hospital board meeting footage to highlight the difference between a reporter and a "bi-polar reporter."

The next goal is to make a film which can be a learning tool for hospitals and medical types who know nothing about this and have read far too much Freud.

The first book in the series should be available this fall, and that is a book about mania. If you don't feel manic from cover to cover then I didn't do my job. You may just feel the bursting brain cells as you read along.

That book was written at the end of 2007, when I took a week off in between an assault and a head injury.

As I have stressed confusion between calling something a weakness when it maybe a strength given the right situation.

When I wrote the first book, I sent it to all the people I knew who were readers and read many different genres. I took in their feedback.

Then my friends with a twisted sense of humor had their hands on it.

Then I needed some critical eyes; someone who would not be nice, but would be nit picking every page of it. That was my cousin. Hard person to be around, but she started hammering at the first paragraph.

Next editing was important, but grammatical editing was what interested me. So, I got the most fastidious editor I could find. The type most writers would never dare go to if they were at all sensitive.

What I wanted was a good product, so I opened myself to criticism and scrutiny, and I think the goal has been accomplished to my satisfaction. I'm not interested in sycophants they have agendas and don't tell you everything.

(No crimes were committed and no harm came to animals in the making of these books and films.)

I wish that the Kern Valley Healthcare District thought more about welcoming the criticism so that changes can occur, situations rectified, progress made: I love that kind of stuff. And I hope that will happen and the usefulness of that will bring about a "good product" we all can use with confidence.


The new blog, "The Bi-Polar American," will be up soon and the book samples as well as video will up on that site.

So, it's July 4th weekend and I felt free to tell you readers who you are really dealing with: "The bi-polar reporter."

As our country is experiencing a mass social depression with an economy equally as depressed, don't feel victimized, but use this time to become empowered. Use your strengths whatever they are and wade in and change this country for the better. We fought, we protested, we marched, and those efforts made incremental progress.

So let's do it again. I'm with you.

Here's a sample from the second book in the series, which is again about our valley. It is still under construction, but you get a first peek, even before all the negative, scrutinizing people get their chance.

If you are under 18 or over 40, and do not watch the show "Family Guy," there is language that you may want to avoid. The rest of you have fun.

The Chronicles of the Bi-Polar Reporter

The Valley of Fear

Chapter 1

Welcome to Temerosa
“You look like shit,” Larry the lump head was telling me as we made our way up the stairs of our new humble abode.

“I’m really grateful to know that, Larry, as my self esteem frequently requires a good toughening up.”

Larry looked around at the mobile home, or the rectangle as I call it. He peaked his head round every corner, of which there were two, and finally declares, “You, Hannah Bennet, reporter, are officially white trash.”

“No, that occurred when I picked you up years ago. Looks like I really have let myself go.”

Larry, a newspaper photographer, had left our former town to follow me on my quest for inner peace.

How we found this place is another story. We literally took out a map, a coin, and a highlighter. After rounds of coffee, a lot of yelling and arguing, we had two choices selected.

That was quite a feat considering how large the state California is and all the possibilities.

Taken into the equation was the fact that I began suffering from some unknown illness which requires that I have the least amount of stress possible.

However, I could not count out working because it was strongly ingrained in me. If I’m not writing, investigating or researching, I’m usually in trouble. But then again, I must admit, even then I’m in some sort of trouble.

Here in this mountain community nestled above the smog and business of city life, I came to heal myself.

The mobile home with a view of the massive lake and surrounding craggy mountain tops seems like a good place to start relaxing.
“Let’s go get the moving truck and the movers and get this thing settled,” Larry says, pacing around in the front yard under the expansive shade tree.

“It’s hot up in these mountains, not like the beach.” He grumbles.
Larry makes a call and moments later an orange and white truck backs into the drive.

I surveyed the contents as they came off the truck. Three sweaty guys were being dogged by Larry as they unload his precious computer and photo equipment.

The largest guy, probably a little old for the work, but muscular arms and legs went with the gray specks in his hair.

“Be careful with that one,” Larry points to the home made label indicating the contents were, I guess, precious.

“I got it, man, don’t worry,” the mover reassures an unreassurable Larry.

I watch the spectacle of all this from a chair with a glass of lemonade in my hand. I had nothing to say about the move, but I’m thinking pretty hard about what I’m going to do now that I’m here.

Larry nervously takes a break with me to have a few gulps of the powdered lemonade that came out of the trunk of the car.

As night fell, the truck was empty and the cartons stacked and organized in the various rooms.

A bed with no sheets or pillows was dumped on the floor of what would be considered a master bedroom, and we raced to get on it. We rolled over on our sides, looking at each other.

“Okay, so we are here,’ I was sighing.

“This is what you need, Hannah, rest, you’re sick.”

Since I flatly refuse to be sick, I say nothing more than, “I will get better you know, I always do.”

“Just to be clear here, I think you need some help getting better. I’ve watched your hands shake, your muscle disappear, your attitude; uh well, it’s gotten pretty bad.”

I am too tired to argue with him, but he knows the last time I saw a doctor I ended up with one less cranial nerve in my head.

There are only12, but this one controls visual and physical balance and equilibrium. Though I built my body to offset the loss and kept reading until my eyes couldn’t take it, I still have to be ever vigilant not to fall and stay out of the dark where I have no ability to walk.

“We will talk about it tomorrow,” I conclude our discussion then roll over and go to sleep.

The Sun comes beaming through the east facing windows early which wakes both Larry and I.

We roll off the mattress and take off in two different directions to the bathrooms. After a short time we head into town to look for a coffee shop, breakfast is overdue.

Since we only brought Larry’s little car, and left mine back at the shop in Desparada, we take a spin in his piece of tin onto the main highway surrounding Lake Presbyteria.

As we head to town we pass a sign for the local hospital. Neither of us says anything, but there’s a strong feeling that comes over me as I see the green sign with the arrow.

We make the turn off the highway, now into the edge of what is considered a city, but more like a little town.

We pass a fast food restaurant, making a mental note of where to get a quick meal.

As we continue down the main drag we see a few grocery stores, a pizza place, and finally a small coffee shop, called, “Bertha’s Place.”
“I guess we should try it,” Larry says as he turns into the pot hole ridden parking lot.

The place is bustling as we go in, it’s Saturday morning, and it seems every retired person in this valley is drinking coffee and reading newspapers.
We grab the only available booth situated next to the front door which has a lovely bell attached to it which hits the glass each time someone arrives, which is every two minutes.

A heavy set waitress with black hair tied back, sets some menus on the table with one hand, and fills our coffee cups with the other.
She quickly heads off without saying a word to pour more coffee at some other table.

Larry looking famished closes his menu then slides it to the front of the table.

He’s staring at me while I peruse Bertha’s menu with not much luster. Lot’s of things to do with eggs, which I hate.

I scan the al a carte section and put together my own desired plate. Then I throw my menu on top of Larry’s to wait for our most pleasant server to return for our order.

“What’s our plan for today anyway,” Larry finally says after watching me closely for more than five minutes.

“I’ll tell you we should do some sight seeing. Check out the river, walk by the lake; maybe even take a ride deep into those mountains out there.”

“Okay, sounds good.”

“Could you get me that newspaper that the gentleman left at that table behind us?” I say to Larry who can just reach an arm over the seat and fetch it.

“What do you want with it?” he was questioning.

“To paper train a dog or to use when I sleep on the park bench. What the hell are you asking me for?”

“You know why I’m asking,” he says almost solemnly. “We came here for you to rest. I’ll do the working, you do the relaxing.”

“How the hell do I relax without working?”

“Well, you stick to writing fiction or something else that won’t involve you in any sort of investigations or conflicts.”

Conflicts? What is life without them?

“Listen partner, I’m just thinking about writing some country crap, nothing serious.”

Larry was pondering the idea when our waitress finally returned with pen and paper. We gave the no nonsense waitress our order and went back to our discussion.

“All right, here’s the paper.” He pulls the small publication back as I try to grab it. “There’s more to this deal then you think.”

I sit back against the large crack in the vinyl seat and sigh waiting to hear what my orders are. And I was thinking if I were alone without this other being, there would be no question as to what I would be doing.
“Hannah, we are making an appointment with a local doctor who can look you over and tell us what to do to make you well again. That is why we came here,” he emphasizes looking me straight in the eyes.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah, just give me the paper.”

Irritated with me he chucked the damn thing at me, catching me on the chin leaving a slight paper cut.

I open the paper, stretching it out in front of me so I can no longer see Larry or the rest of the crowd.

The waitress came by and pushed our food in front of us while I was laughing at the little backwards newspaper.

“Listen to this Larry, there’s a fishing contest and a story about some high school students on the front page,” I find it amusing.

As Larry chews on his steak and eggs, I go through the paper with a fine tooth comb. I look at the ads which were almost comical. Apparently, there’s a store which sells everything from fishing licenses to household appliances.

I ran through the short list of classified ads which were mostly handyman type ads with a few job listings.

“Hey Larry they need help at the bait and tackle shop, you could do that.” I was saying with my most notorious sarcastic tone.

Larry, like organized people do, already took a job before we even got here. He’s going to freelance his photography, I think some wild life types of pictures. I’m sure his fear of animal life will make that a short term assignment. But at least he has a job.

We finished up our first breakfast in the town of Temerosa, leaving a decent tip, and grabbing the little newspaper on the way out.

The tour began around the dam of the lake and ended an hour later back at the house. Larry was ready to unpack.

We spent the next two days arranging our trailer, but most importantly setting up all the computer equipment. We were both junkies when it came to those things. We could no longer live without checking our email.

When Monday rolled around, Larry was ready with his plans for me.
“Okay, today we go to the local clinic and you will be seen by a doctor.”

I was looking blankly at him. Actually, I was hoping if I did this long enough he would forget about what he just said to me.

“Hello, are you having a 60’s flashback? Can you hear me?”

“I take umbrage to the mention of the sixties when I was only a mere child, not tied dyed in a love fest.”

We leave an hour later on the way to the clinic. We again pass the sign for the hospital and again I have a weird feeling about it. Nothing I can pinpoint, just a feeling.

The clinic looks like an old strip mall with some antique wood siding that looks more rotted than restored.

“I’m already unimpressed here Larry, where did you find this?”

“It doesn’t really matter there’s not much to choose from in these parts of the woods,” he was saying as he pulled the car close to the building.

“I’ll bet the doctor is as old as the building,” I was saying in a minor protest.

We went in to find a waiting room full of people waiting.

“I guess this must be the only game in town,” Larry was observing all the elderly folks lining the chairs. A few small children played at the table full of torn magazines.

We checked in and only a short time later, at least three hours, we were taken into a small examining room where we waited for another hour.

I was sleeping on the exam table and Larry was sitting in a chair his head bent back, when the doctor knocked at the door.

He introduced himself in a friendly way, apologizing for the extended wait. “I’m Dr. Fingle.”

I would say he’s about my age, the middle type; a little overweight and by the bags under his eyes, overworked too.

My attitude was one of distrust; not only because I had been previously damaged with the help of a doctor, but because I knew I was really sick this time and it was getting worse no matter how much I tried to ignore it. That means to me I have to rely on a doctor. Quite a distasteful idea I would say.

I started the conversation complaining about hair loss.

“Do you see this bald spot in the front?” I begin moving my hair to the side so he could see the patch that was missing.

“I’m clogging drains doctor. I have to use a roller on my clothes I’m shedding so much.”

While he was jotting down my complaint I noticed his bald spot on the back of his head.

I’m sure he understands how emotional it is to lose your hair. However, I’m sure his is male pattern balding and not part of some disease process. For a moment I felt sympathy for him that his molting would continue, while mine may just have a chance to be restored.

He continued asking me what my symptoms were and Larry, another male pattern baldness victim, veered the conversation away from the hair into other areas.

“Dr. Fingle, Hannah has lost weight and muscle; she shakes in the mornings hardly able to grasp anything; and quite frankly she’s difficult to deal with, if you know what I mean.”

Fingle pulled out a form and began checking off numerous squares then handed it to us.

“We need some tests run to see what is going on.”

He then told us to come back in a week, which we did.

This time we had an early appointment and we were escorted right in to the examining room. Dr. Fingle came in right behind us.

“Well, it looks like you have an autoimmune disorder called “Grave’s Disease. It is currently escalating your thyroid which accounts for your symptoms. We will put you on some medicine which will retard the overstimulation of the hormone and then just watch you”

I suddenly remembered that my mother had the same thing when she was young. She had told me the story of her lengthy bout with the disorder. She said it made her crazy. Well, she never had far to go and frankly neither do I.

“What about her irritability doctor, is there anything we can do about that?” Larry tosses his personally important question in the pot.

I was glaring at Larry who never even looked at me, but rather was receiving a sympathetic glance from Dr. Fingle.

“Larry, it might make sense to put her on an antidepressant while we get these symptoms in check.”

“I don’t think I need an antidepressant, thank you. I don’t react well to medications, so I take the least amount possible.”
Fingle cajoled me with some story about how antidepressants have some magical qualities that could help a bitch like me become a little tamer. Okay, he didn’t say it like that, but I was reading between the lines.

“Okay, fine, give me the crap and I’ll try it.” I was just trying to get along at that point. They were two and I was only one.

Back at the trailer, we were preparing a big dinner, as we finally found the box I had mislabeled with all the kitchen ware.

Larry, standing over a grossly large piece of beef, sprinkled garlic and salt then wrapped it tight, and slammed it into the oven.

“You got the salad going, or am I going to have to do that too?”
I think Larry is the one that needs the antidepressant, not me. Maybe I’ll sprinkle it over the salad.

“Salad, chop chop,” I tell Larry as I wield a knife over the unsuspecting vegetables, unable to move or escape.

I scrape the colorful mixture into the ceramic salad bowl and end with a “ta-da.”

We curl up on the futon and begin a wrestling match for the TV remote.

“I’m not watching another fucking documentary, I want something either dramatic or really funny,” he complains.

I can’t remove the remote from his grip so I bite his hand and the thing falls loose.

I then program the history channel to learn more about what Hitler did. We all need to know more about what Hitler did.

“Fuck it, you find something I’ll endure it.” He looked quizzically at me that I gave up on our regular family feud for the remote so quickly.

“Don’t be disappointed, I’ll dominate the television some other time.”

He reached over and put his arms around me, giving me a kiss on my chin putting his saliva right into my paper cut.

“Hannah, I want you back,’ he whispers in my ear.

“I’ll be back,” I reassure him while trying not to sound like the “Terminator.”

We fall asleep together with the TV murmuring in the background.

This is the first chapter of the second book in the series, but it does not have a conclusion as its storyline ties right into the drama with the Kern Valley Healthcare District.

The first book, which I will tease soon, will be available this fall.

Invitation to Jerry Brown: don't save him a chair he's doubtful

I'm sure our Attorney General Edmund G. Brown, and or what all Californian's call him, "Jerry Brown," will likely be busy basking in the limelight of another controversial celebrity death and be unable to attend our insignaficant vote producing meeting.
He will probably have to bust another doctor or pharmacist of a more significant person or community.
(I'm on your mailing list; we can see your run for governor from here sir. Why would you have spent time on that starlet and important person, Anna Nicole Smith, if you didn't have ambition...again. I'm sure it was a career maker that you busted "her" doctors. No you didn't hear a snicker, I was clearing my throat.)

But because his words, or that of his PR people, rocked our community to the core, I just thought maybe he might want to come help us haul off the rest of the criminals left over from the state's thorough investigation. (You'll have to go to Sierra King too)

I expect from the PR machine of the Attorney General's office that when I finally meet Mr. Brown, he will be donning a cape and tights. Maybe with shiny, red booties too.
(I have a vivid imagination. Anyway, governor, or I mean, Mr. Attorney General, can I do a citizen's arrest and clean the rest of this up for you? Let me know, and I'll, uh, need a badge too. And I'll take the first and last Friday of the month off until this is done. Don't worry.)
Well, before he was an attorney general I was picking out scams by the bagful resulting in the “alerting” of our local seniors and general citizenry to watch for these traps and grifters.
I must say the press releases Mr. Brown and company create are rich in texture and certainly sound tough on crime. But I wonder after it leaves the press office how these cases actually turn out.
(Could you, Scott Gerber and company, send out some press releases about the conclusion of these cases. Did you convict and how many? Were they the correct people? (Hey just asking, I know of at least one case that needs a review)
Headlines: Attorney General busts 17 cow milkers for pasteurization violations. Brown says, “the milk wasn’t hot enough, how can I add chocolate, it's lumpy?” The DA has brought in 50 cows as witnesses in the case against these udderly bad people.
One year later…The bovine witnesses were caught in collusion against the milkers, charges were dropped, and the DA finally found out the whole scam was run by the bull. Moo later…)

I'm pretty sure I sent him an invitation, let me look through my records here. What is going on I can't find it, something is missing. These records are all messed up. Dr. Locatell, can you help me make sense of this?
(You are welcome to attend Mr. Brown and we could do pictures with my dog, he talks. We have two large chain newspapers here that would cover you, with saliva probably. Okay, I'm stretching your coverage, but I guarantee I would cover you and properly.)

Call me? ...pretty please...

Mr. Jamsion's tower of power, just don't try to work there

Gosh, Mr. Jamison, you said you believed in my information and my articles, but at the end of the ruse, we just didn't get along anymore. It was war. I tried to talk to the radio station about what was going on. I called the FCC. We begin with the end of the radio jobs and move down to the emails from Mr. Jamison, regarding the possibility of my employment with the station.

hartofthekrv@msn.com wrote:
Originated from: http://www.bestcountryaround.com/contactus.asp
Name: Laura HartE-mail Address: hartofthekrv@msn.comCity: Weldon, California

Comments: Mr. Bohn;Here is the most recent blog of Mr. Jamison which I spoke of in a previous email.I would like to ask the station the opportuntiy to provide equal time in regard to the Dam Talk show with Pamela Ott scheduled for this week.If you would please let me know if this is possible; and also let me again what your policy is on this blog site.I would be happy to supply you with information regarding this current situation and the likely cause of Mr. Jamisons current need to strike out at the world in a rather incoherent and always misspelled way.Please email me or call me 378-3637. Laura Hart

Thank you for your interest in the Talk Show. You are welcome to call in while the Talk Show program is in progress Friday from 9 to10am. The telephone number is 760 376-4343. This weeks program will focus on Kern Valley Hospital's ability to upgrade to California's SB-1953 earthquake standard. The radio station currently has the information it needs. Thank You.

The Talk Show As the Valley waits with baited breath, or yawns bored to tears, waiting to see what dastardly deed the Sun will uncover next within the Kern Valley Healthcare District, this weeks Talk Show may shed some light on whatever is happening. While the freelance reporter, which the Sun is suddenly distancing themselves from, continues to dig through years and years of Healthcare District public records, perhaps searching for the elusive "smoking gun", the stories keep being pumped out by the Sun, devoid of objectivity and, in my opinion, misleading. I guess the days of journalistic integrity and readers assuming "it must be true, I read it in the newspaper" are long gone. So. where do we turn to for the truth? Disgruntled employees?, Politically motivated board members?, Someone who posts messages on a community internet forum urging hospital employees to abandon their patients, go out on "stress leave" and illegally file false workman's comp claims? How about the only person with nothing left to loose, no reason left to worry about political correctness or what the foul mouthed freelance reporter writes about her? Outgoing Kern Valley Healthcare District CEO, Pamela Ott, will be on the Talk Show this Friday morning at 9am for the full hour.
Bob Jamison The Talk ShowSend E-mail to The Talk Show

(This is where it started when Ott stepped down May 3, 2007 and Jamison was nothing but livid. He took his vitriol to the talk show, and on his blog, attached to the station. As Mr. Jamison told me he “is the radio station” because nobody else knows how to do the engineering. So, he claims his royal seat atop his bully pulpit where he has put out more propaganda than Fidel Castro. )

----- Original Message -----
From: Bob Jamison
To: Laura Hart
Sent: Tuesday, February 13, 2007 9:52 AM
Subject: Re: did you...

You mean I slave every day writing this stuff, working my fingers to the bone, trying to keep the public informed of the facts, all the facts, and nothing but the facts, and your not even reading it? Lets just say... certain members of hospital management sometimes refer to me as "Huevos Maximus". It was on the website for two days.

Bob

(Bob and former KVHD board member, JoAnne Jones’ husband collaborated on a blog which castigated the Knights as the people who wanted to bankrupt and close the hospital. There was a picture of a camp with mobile units which is what the blog said would happen if the Knights were to be allowed to have any control. Jamison, was obviously proud of his sneakiness; putting the blog up only long enough to keep it out of sight. Wow.)

(Now mind you I was trying to get a job with Mr. Jamison on the station prior to any of the revelation of trouble back in 2006 and early 2007. We kept discussing ideas and going in circles. I realized that he had to have total control. He turned down many ideas, and then things started turning into sexual remarks and needs for lunches. It never did for me, but somehow he must have thought I wanted the job at the station so bad, I would…be right back. Argh. )

Hi Laura,
I’ve been thinking about your suggestion that I do something, I think the term you used was, bold. I’m not certain if you are talking about the talk show or something else? Your suggestion about the talk show is interesting, and my only real concern is what effect it would have on future programs. Would it become an occasional feature? Would you want to become an on air team, and if so would you be willing to work for what little they pay?
A lot of what if’s! I guess we need to talk more about it.

Goodnight.

Bob.

Hi Laura,

Yesterday I saw an ad on TV for what appeared to be a porn website, and it reminded me, I haven't heard from Laura lately. So how was your Christmas & New Year? I didn't get what I wanted, but thats okay, its kind of like sex... the longer you have to wait, the better it is... Is that right? Its been so Iong I forget.

So how are things going with the new newspaper? I can hardly wait to read something of substance. Let me know whats going on?
Bob.
Good grief Charlie Brown.... What have I started?

From: Bob Jamison >To: Laura Hart >Date: Tue, 19 Sep 2006 14:51:09 -0700 (PDT)Hi Laura,

Haven't heard anything else. At this point I do not intend to persue the matter further, as I think I got my point across to the subject agency on air.

As far as what we talked about after the show, I will tell you that like many people in the entertainment industry, I have a vivid imagination. In addition to listening to your words while we were on air, I was also keenly aware of the direction you seemed to want to go, but would not. We both have strong personalities and I can invision any number of situations that could result from two such people doing anything together. The result could be dynamic, exciting... the adjectives are nearly endless. It could also easily spin out of control.

Toward the latter, I must learn to stop imagining what people are waring when I am talking to them via phone from their home. I'm guessing that my vision of you setting in a chair in you pajamas drinking a glass of soy juice was more than likely inaccurate.

That's one of the things I love about radio, there is always enough room left for the imagination. TV, on the other hand, leaves no room for that.

Excuse me, I think I just inhaled my tie. Talk to you later.

Bob.
Sent: Thursday, September 21, 2006 9:19 PM
Subject: RE: have you heard anything...
Well, finally a slight bit of humor out of this woman. I was seriously begining to wonder if I could become involved in an on air relationship with someone, without humor. For me, that would be like finding a fantastic deal on cat food, only to later discover that you don't own a cat. It would be down right dysfunctional.

So... OK, show me that you can lighten up enough so that doing a talk show together would be fun, never a choir. Yes it should be informational, but it should also be equally light hearted and above all entertaining. It's even OK if once in a while it makes listeners cry, as long as their always left with a feeling of hope.

It's after 10pm and I'm going to call it a night. Have a good night.

Bob.
Oh Laura,

Be still my beating heart, the girl suddenly came to life, and the excitement began to build to a feaver pitch... Wait a minute, a "kimono"? Guess I need to loose weight.

Actually, I would not stretch my tanless hairy legs on top of a desk, table or anything else as I have more respect for furnature than that. The prmotional mug is from a program that we air on 1140 AM on Saturday mornings called the "Family Tech Show", and I suspect that if I let you have your way with me, my mocha relationship whould be replaced by who knows what.

While I'm at the ACHD conference in San Diego next week, I will try to find something medical to bring back for you. Most of the givaways are the usual pens, logoed scratch pads or similar junk, but occationally they come up with a few winners. The hypodermic yellow highlighters are always a big hit. I will find something.

Bob
Hi Laura,

Glad your feeling better. Does this mean we're on for lunch Tuesday? You never did confirm.

I would like to hear what you do to relax and get your mind off work. You know, things like swiming, listening to music, throughing water baloons at public officials, rubbing jello in someones hair. Life is too short to spend it all on serious stuff, don't you think?

While driving home, I was listening to an LA radio station that called itself "Progressive Talk Radio". I had to laugh when the program hostess said "conservatives don't know how to have fun". Sure they do I thought, they just dont do or say things that will make them appear to be irresponsible.

Oh well, got to go make beds and clean rooms. Gee the very thought of it turns me on. Talk to you latter.

Bob.
Hi Laura,

When I was a child, or was that inner child? Anyway, I sang and played guitar on TV talent programs. I won a few here and there, nothing big but I enjoyed doing them. Once I even won a pogo stick. Your probably to young to know what that was.
I have not sung or played in many years. I wonder if the old pipes have anything left?

Yes after many years, I'm a decaf man. If I drank the high grade stuff my brain would never go to sleep.

OK, I admit it, I am a little intreagued, but now your making it sound like something completely different than what I first thought it may be. One of the things I'm bringing you from San Diego uses a battery, but its not something I figured you would go around talking about after using it. Now I'm really confused, or was that a deliberately intreguing play on words? I'm thinking training wheels removed and seat belt required.

I take it back... there is still a lot of mystery left in this young lady, or maybe I'm reading too much between the lines. Hmmmm, I feel a hightened awareness stiring deep inside me thats begining to scream *** CHOCOLATE ***. Hey, even I need something once in a while that I know I shouldn't have?

Yes I am analytical, so naturally I'm thinking, no more little games really means now the big games begin. So now I'm thinking.... Oh I hope it isn't painful and she doesn't leave a mark.

Something is telling me I should sign-off for now before I say something incriminating.

P.S. Nice shoes! By for now.
Bob.

Hi Laura,

I should have known, but noooo, I feel for it hook, line and sinker. Hey, I'm so mean to you? You dangle a participle in front of a man, bat your eye lashes, answer all of his questions with "Maybe", then giggle when he discovers he has been had.

So... who is this friend of yours who would come on the talk show, suposedly to teach us how to sing, and what would listeners get out of it? There are already several singing groups in the valley. Would she be able to help some of them sing without sounding like a group of elk in heat? Would we have to learn new songs written by people that are still alive, and would the valley be able to handle it? Tell me more !

As long as we are crossing lines, and discovering new things about each other, I think it is time you knew one of my deepest dark secrets... Once I entered a radio station belching contest, and damn near won. No, I dont belch in public. You probably think it's gross ! It's a guy thing. If your interested I can teach you how. Later,

Bob.
Hang on there golden tonsils,

I would bet she would be delighted to get some free exposure for her service. Problem is, it would open the flood gates for every other business in the valley wanting their share of "free exposure" as well, and claiming unequal treatment if I don't accomodate them, No Thank You. Radio stations, like newspapers, live solely on advertising dollars.

I hear all the time how unfair some may think that is, especially from those who claim their not a business, but it's not unfair it's just reality. Sorry, but the free riders of the valley ruined it for everyone else a long time ago. Like it or not, it's what we now have to live with. Don't become disheartened, something else will work. Wait a minute ! There may still be a way. Dont call her yet. We can talk about it Friday.

I hope tomorrow is better than today. The day started with me tring to explain to the station manager that the generator for 1140 AM would have kept us on the air during the electrical outage, if he would have arainged to keep the propane tank filled. It went down hill from there. The man has no sence of humor whatsoever. Talk to you later.

Bob


(As you can see, this was some twisted job request. I don’t know if you think that this is something that is an okay way of behaving, but it is what happened. Now we head down the path of where hiding the skilled nursing facility meltdown and Pam Ott, become Mr. Jamison’s concerns. Ott was seen crying wrapping her arms around Jamison, days before her resignation. Jamison told her he would not let her lose her job. And the war began.)

(NEXT UP: the SNF information war; the physical threat; current events)