The disaster, the crimes, when does it end?

Bradley Armstrong, current Treasurer of the Kern Valley Healthcare District, sits in front of his computer deflecting all scrutiny of his activities within the district for more than 20 years. Brown Act violations, conflict of interest issues, bullying, and ignoring serious problems highlight his stay on the board of directors.

They worked together hiding their activities from the public, the employees, and other board members, and created the biggest disaster in the history of the Kern Valley healthcare district when idictments came down from the state Attorney General's office for elder abuse earlier this year.

The charges, stemming from an investigation during the time period between August 2006 and January 2007, were only against a long time doctor and pharmacist, and a director of nursing, who was hired and left during the same time frame. Others got away with their part in the downfall of the skilled nursing facility; and some are still here...

Bob Jamison, 2nd vice chair, still with the board of directors, spent much of his time at his radio job with QAB media protecting the truth about mismanagement and the rest of the time attacking employees along with anyone who questioned the former CEO, Pam Ott. Jamison was one of three board members, a quorum, who ran the hospital into the ground.

Jamison blogged on the QAB media, an ABC affiliate station, website creating a media war as the three board members and administrators were being scrutinized while investigators were roaming the nursing facility at the hospital. When CEO, Pam Ott, stepped down, May 2007, during the impending disaster, Jamison further aggravated the situation, by bringing Ott on the radio and allowing her an hour to defend and blame others for the problems.

The board of directors was lopsided, as Bradley Armstrong, Bob Jamison, and former member, Barabra Casas defied all laws surroung legislative bodies, the Brown Act, putting votes aside when one of the members was absent, thus losing their private quorum. They even went to the extent of canceling a meeting in April 2007 when the questions started coming about what the problems were with the hospital nursing facility.

Email from Barbara Casas RE: April 2007 meeting: Bob Jamison was elected to the office of First Vice President, which was his desire, so he could Chair Board Meetings if Brad had to be absent. Bob Jamison chose to not have the Board Meeting on Thursday as he was afraid that everything would be a 2 to 2 vote without a third positive vote from Brad who is Chair, and the third person to vote for anything positive.

....….Know this—If I was acting as First VP or Chair, I would have carried out meeting on schedule, I would have only tabled the action mentioned before the meeting—that could have been accomplished by a telephone vote of all Board Members—I would have chosen to go ahead and let them make fools of themselves, but then, that is me, and I “charge ahead”-----that is what I would have done!

Pamela Ott, former KVHD CEO, from 2003 until her resignation in 2007. Ott shown here at the South Fork Woman's Club attempting to get the organization to back a general obligation bond for 12.5 million to build a new wing on hospital. The bond was lost, but the building plans were never feasible anyway.

The former CEO spent most of 2006 dealing with the Department of Health Services as the Skilled Nursing facility was fined for noncompliance regarding physical restraints of residents. DHS requested that there be a full time Director of Nursing in the SNF, and though Ott, and then CNO, Sharon Brucker, stated compliance when they brought on a DON in March 2006, she lasted only a few weeks.

2006 documents

regarding the use of physical restraints. Ott, an RN, had little knowledge of long term care laws.

But as the district was trying to push its general obligation bond, Measure M, onto the November 2006 ballot, a new employee arrived who took over the skilled nursing facility as the director of nursing, Gwen Hughes.

Ott glowed about the acquisition of such a qualified manager, and reported in her September 2006 CEO board report that things were going well. At the time employees had already begun to make rumblings that trouble was in the SNF and the hospital. But Ott insisted things were "wonderful."

"Nursing Center Update: Things are going very well in the nursing center. We admitted six new residents in one week. The total census is 72. Our new director of Nursing, Gwen Hughes, is organizing, making appropriate changes, adjusting to her role and the staff really seem to be enjoying her leadership."

Then in Oct. 2006, employees came to a board meeting to let the directors and management that there were serious problems with staffing. Chairman, Bradley Armstrong instructed the speaker to go up the proper chain of command. Rather than see the situation as an alert that problems were afoot, Armstrong, reprimanded the employees.

Suddenly, in November 2006, a month later, the problem was investigated and resolved. All assertions made by the employees, the report says were not substantiated. A committee was formed to appease the group.

both of the employees who were in charge of the recruitment and retention committee are no longer employed with the hospital. One nurse was called "one of the best" by doctors and fellow staff.

By April 2007, then board Chairman, Bradley Armstrong, began refusing to answer questions regarding the skilled nursing facility or any short staffing suggestions.

That was the month he had to have the board meeting cancelled because he couldn't attend, suddenly. The meeting went April 16.

Brad Armstrong backed Pam Ott, as no questions were asked of her in a public forum, questions were deflected, and no accountability was offered.

Armstrong also strongly backed the architectural firm, Aspen Street Architects, the company owned by David Yarborough, as the hospital was working with Rural Health Design Network, owned by wife, Kathy Yarborough.

The plans produced for the concept modular building tied to Measure M, were faulty, yet because the district had a long relationship Aspen Street, already paying much money over the course of several years.

When the project went up for bid in March of 2007, (by law, projects costing more than 25K have to go up for bid) Armstrong, Jamison and Casas all voted for Aspen Street.

The other two board members, Robert and Kathryn Knight, picked another company after doing research and finding out about the cost overruns Aspen Street had been having on their other projects.

Barbara Casas said she wanted to go with Aspen Street after working with them for five years. Even after the renderings were made for the previous GOB, and they were faulty at a partial cost of $5000.

Chairman Armstrong only researched two of the three firms, and went with Aspen Street in spite of their previous errors. Partial records indicate Aspen Street Architects was paid more than $30K. Not clear what services were provided which were correct and finished.

The hospital has dropped it's contract with Aspen Street and denied for months knowledge the relationship between the architects and the other organization, Rural Health Design network.

Chet Beedle, Chief Financial Officer, contracted with two different management companies for the ailing nursing center. After minimum or short staffing, Beedle spent more than a million dollars to rehabilitate the SNF.

The board of directors signed off on the strategy which has cost the district dearly.

Chet Beedle, who pushed for Measure M, going on TV with Bob Jamison, selling the bonds without any true construction plan or detailed figure.

Beedle, who came to the district through a management company called BRIM, in 2001 as the controller, was then hired on as CFO.

The CFO worked closely with Armstrong, Jamison, Casas and Ott as they closed in on the bond meant to pay for a structure that was amorphous at that time, and still is not settled.

With the Knights disagreeing with the process, the group went about telling stories about the Knights which ranged from being thieves to walking the halls at night talking to employees.

Beedle targeted an employee he called a "Knight supporter" who said he didn't trust management and was not behind the bond which would have the community paying for the project with property taxes.

Email following a meeting in December 2006 regarding the Knights and an employee:

What I said was that Tom received double digit salary rate increases while most of the other employees' salaries were frozen. All of these salary increases were granted by Bob Knight. The actual history is al follows:
1) 9/28/97 - Annual increase of x%.
2) 12/1/97 - Special salary adjustment based upon survey of comparable positions - Increase of xxxx%.
3) 7/1/98 - Special salary adjustment for increased responsibility for Durable Medical Equipment - Increase of xx%.
4) 9/27/98 - Annual increase of xx%.
I am sending copies of the Personnel Action Forms signed by Bob Knight for these increases to Pam as per her request. I think this tells the story.

(Figures have been removed for privacy purposes.)

Mr. Beedle has firmly said that there are no billing problems at the hospital. And even after the end of the contract with EMCARE in 2006, the company he blamed for the overcharges, there were still complaints coming in.

One public comment stated that when he was dealing with the billing department he felt they were not up to speed on what everything was and that they always turn and talk to someone above them.

Other residents have claimed they still get bills over and above their own insurance, though Beedle denies having any complaints.

Currently, the board of directors consists of Kathryn Knight, chairwoman, Secretary, Victoria Alwin, 1st vice chair, Dr. Robert Gross, Bradley Armstrong, Treasurer, and Bob Jamison, 2nd vice chair.

A new CEO, Tim McGlew, has recently joined the district and will be attending his first board meeting this week, July 1, at 5:30 pm in the hospital cafeteria.

Even with evidence that there were leadership problems, board members voting together and violating laws to make sure they had the vote, personnel records revealed, slanderous statements about board members and employees, there has been little recourse or action by any oversight agency.

Currently, Armstrong and Jamison have been subversive in their activities trying to blame other board members for mistakes, yet neither of them has yet to even take responsibility for their own actions. But two people who have served the district are now in criminal court, Dr. Pormir and Debbi Hayes. And the hospital insurance company has denied that they have to pay for their defense.

Armstrong seems to not be able to let go of his former power to control the board and administration, and has berated and harassed the new chairwoman as she took over just this January. Upon taking over the middle chair, Kay Knight, had a sudden surge of visits at her workplace by Beedle, former CEO Rick Carter, and a reportedly pushy Armstrong.

The incidents were reported to the board counsel, Scott Nave. He has also recieved evidence to the facts and has chosen not to act.

Reporting on a special meeting, I was kept from getting the report from the legal counsel via telephone as Armstrong reached in front of me and hung up the phone.

Records have been denied and kept from me over the past two years. Which again is illegal. It hasn't ended.

Click on images to open and read.

Gee, I didn't notice, did you KVHD?

When I was a kid I use to get in trouble a lot, (as you can imagine), and my parents would ask me all kinds of seemingly superflous questions, such as "what were you thinking?" I would pretend I didn't hear them; thinking I would turn invisible long enough to avoid my reprimand.

This reminds me a lot of what is going on in our healthcare district (not ours, it was mortaged, but I'll get to that issue soon); either it's sunshine and rainbows or it's the KVHD phalanx approach: "If we say nothing this will all just go away."

But desperation as is being smelled all around the old guard: Mr. Brad Armstrong, Mr. Bob Jamison, CFO Chet Beedle, CEO Rick Carter, have no limits on what they will do to stay in power, it seems. Bullying, berating, not only the public but others on the board; unannounced board meetings are just a part of the list of wonderful contributions they are currently making. (There's more here I will be illuminating soon)

I got a call today that there was a special board meeting. Did you know? I suppose posting a special meeting that is urgent, would indeed be a 24 hour posting time in a locked, glass cabinet in the lobby of the hospital where a few people will pass by. They could possibly stop to read it and look at their watch. And I guess you could get away with not telling the public or media if it was urgent business.

But a special meeting, a closed meeting, indicates some urgency of matters that the board must convene together because there is no time until the regular board meeting to attend to this business.

However, after the meeting ended, our CEO who is now a member of the 19% mile high salary increase club, Rick Carter, peeked his head out from the locked mobile board room, and just saw me standing there.

He asked me if there were any other members of the public present that I knew of. I said, "nobody knows you just posted it yesterday."

Concerned for the public as he is known to be, Mr. Carter, searched the hospital for potential people to give his public comment to.

"I only want to have to make this statement once, I don't want to have to repeat myself," he said.

Upon his return to the outside of the hospital where I was still waiting, patiently, he looked around in possibly feigned confusion as to why he couldn't find any other members of the public or media.

"Okay, you're it," he said.

He then pulled out the agenda and began to read it to me as his interpretation of a statement. I had already read it and it was now in my pocket.

But Carter added a small additional comment not actually on the agenda. (Which is surprising because Mr. Carter is known for not speaking to public comments "not on the agenda.")

He said they discussed the existing litigation and "the board was given some direction on personnel issues."

I told him there must be some urgency to the meeting. The CEO said, "no, no emergency."

I asked if there were any votes or action taken on anthing. "No votes were taken." and "no decisions were made," were his final comments.

I reiterated, "So, no action was taken, so it was pure discussion."

"Nobody voted on anything," and he was gone.

Upon some reflection, I failed to ask who attended the meeting, so I went back into the hospital, where I saw the phalanx; the trio; Carter, Bob Jamison, and Brad Armstrong having some discussion.

Mr. Jamison gave his companions some type of bird whistle indicating I was approaching, and they sped off.

But Mr. Carter did say that all board members were present and accounted for at the meeting.

This is so ridiculous it's funny really.

From "Best Country" news clarification to the Ott connection...Will there be true Justice?

Well, it looks like "smooth news" Scott Costa, put up a story today on the KCNQ "Best Country" radio website which needs some elaborating and correcting. It looks like it was changed earlier in the day though.
(Considering, Bob Jamison, is both country and KVHD, he may have been able to help with the article, not the spelling of course.)

It's been a weird day today, as the first thing I heard upon waking was about this article on the QAB "Best Country" website, and I believe it went into broadcast as well.

The gist of the article is the upcoming dates of the defendants in the "Kern Valley Healthcare District" elder abuse scandal. I will continue to call it the KVHD scandal, as not one or two or even three were responsible for things that are alleged to have happened in the skilled nursing facility: there was a chain of command.

I've been watching the Kern County Superior Court site, getting ready to bring cameras to the preliminary hearings and suddenly, a week before the hearings, next week Aug. 18/19, an extra charge was brought against defendant, Pharmacist, Debbi Hayes.

It wasn't on the county website last week, and nobody seemed to know about it, or have any particulars. However, Costa or someone at the QAB, caught it, but didn't bother making a call to clarify the information. According to the press office with the department of justice, this is not the correct language for the charge as stated in the article.

QAB news article:

Former Hospital Employees Due In Court Aug. 18th
The two employees and the one former employee of the Kern Valley Hospital that were arrested in February are scheduled to be in court in Bakersfield next Tuesday at 9AM for a Pre-Preliminary Hearing and then will be back in court the following day, August 19th, at 8:30AM for a Preliminary hearing. Gwen Hughes, the former Director of Nursing, is charged with 8 felony counts of causing harm or death to an elder or dependent adult and 2 counts of assault with a deadly weapon other than a firearm or bodily injury by force. Dr. Hoshang Pormir, a former staff physician at the hospital, is charged with 8 felony counts of causing harm or death to an elder or dependent adult and Debbi Hayes, a former pharmacist, is charged with 8 felony counts of causing harm or death to an elder or dependent adult, 2 counts of assault with a deadly weapon other than a firearm or bodily injury by force and 1 count of conspiracy to obstruct justice.

According to the Department of Justice press office, the charge is actually conspiracy to commit any act injurious to the public health, 182 (A) (5). Chapter 8, California Penal Code, Conspiracy:

182. (a) If two or more persons conspire: (1) To commit any crime. (2) Falsely and maliciously to indict another for any crime, or to procure another to be charged or arrested for any crime. (3) Falsely to move or maintain any suit, action, or proceeding. (4) To cheat and defraud any person of any property, by any means which are in themselves criminal, or to obtain money or property by false pretenses or by false promises with fraudulent intent not to perform those promises. (5) To commit any act injurious to the public health, to public morals, or to pervert or obstruct justice, or the due administration of the laws.

But what struck me as odd is the conspiracy part. "If two or more persons conspire" is part (A), but Hayes is only one of three. And the other two defendants at this point do not have this particular charge filed against them. Why Hayes?

So, I asked the DOJ, how could you have only one person charged with a conspiracy? Initially, I was told that I could get no more information on the case except to pick up the paperwork at the Kern County court. Which I hope to have by the end of the week. (Or sooner, maybe someone from QAB could run down and get that for us.)

I then asked her to find out, "generally", not specific to KVHD, but generally do they charge a single individual with this count? It just didn't seem to make sense.

She reluctantly agreed to look into it and call me back.

I called the hospital, the counsel for the hospital board, and they had not heard about this extra charge against Hayes and could not elaborate.

But what happened next is what makes this so interesting. While I was waiting for my call back from the DOJ press office about the conspiracy charge against Hayes, I received a phone call from the DOJ investigative office. (Other people were contacted today by DOJ I have heard)

And the investigator wanted to know what I knew about Pam Ott's role in the skilled nursing disaster as there is an investigation under way. Finally.

So, the story doesn't stop here, with three defendants headed to court next week, a new conspiracy charge, and investigations into Pam Ott, we need to see where this is going. Not to be cynical, but we've called for help here many times, and the government answered with a skewed investigation and other agencies just turned their backs. The community though stunned by huge local headlines, still stays in the background, often stubborn and unwilling to believe and more unwilling to act.

But, folks, the chance for justice may have taken a long time coming, and many people were hurt while it dallied, but it seems, there's a chance, another investigation, another look at the situation. I pray that the DOJ can live up to being called the department of "Justice."

I hope they are willing to follow through past Ott up the chain of command.

Can the DOJ make this right? This is at least the right direction, from the top down, not the other way around.

I'll keep you updated...we have much to discuss.

SORRY, about the board meeting story, there will be no pictures until we can figure out the new software. But I'll get the quotes and article up soon. Then I'll put up pictures. We all know how much I love those pictures.

Dear KVHD/meeting 12/5/08

Good evening, KVHD Board of Directors.

It’s a new age for the district with two dedicated professionals taking their seats on this board tonight. They chose to take on this great responsibility of keeping the district growing and afloat. It won’t be easy and I thank you both.

But before we head to the bright new future there are things that have taken us off course in the past.

We cannot hide from these things nor can we ignore them.

I’m going to say now that yes, with definite back up from the department of justice, that there has indeed been an investigation into certain hospital staff.

Once again this hospital did not notify the press or the public when questioned about the investigation.

I will say that there are rules regarding the disclosure of such an investigation and the people and circumstances surrounding it.

However, what we heard repeatedly from the current chairman, was that this is all gossip and speculation, that there was no investigation.

Mr. Jamison, “No comment,” would have been a better choice rather than evasion.

But the chairman has done this before.

Let’s go back to 2007, when a legal notice appeared in the Bakersfield Californian, that our skilled nursing facility would be closed in July of that year.

Again we heard that it was all the dream of a reporter and her search for a smoking gun.

Prior to the threatened closure, the former CEO, had many excuses for what was going on.

First we had a shortage of CNA’s; next we were told there little problems with some tags; then we were told there was a change in the laws regarding restraints; then we just didn’t have a psychiatrist on staff; it then changed to having terrible employees and finally she flew the coop.

And Jamison, Armstrong, Casas, Beedle, and board attorney, Scott Nave, let this go on.

They heard her excuses but did nothing, but lie to our community.

They also knew about the CEO’s funny resume from a diploma mill, called Kennedy/Western University.

No human resources director of any worth would have hired someone with those non-credentials.

Then as the CEO stepped down, in came a company that handles problematic Skilled Nursing Facilities.

How did they get this company?

Well, the owner read the paper and handed a business card to the board and he was in.

Was that due diligence? That was like watching the barn burn and hoping the fire department might notice.

But the money paid to this company to possibly fix the problems is spectacular.

Not only did the district incur fines and penalties for its lack of leadership and professionalism, but added with the payroll for the new SNF, staff, the figures rolled up into a big wad of bills closing in on two million dollars.

Let’s just look at what that money could have paid for.

Regarding SB1953, the seismic program, requiring hospitals to upgrade the buildings for safety, that money could have been used to retrofit the acute care wing and allow the hospital until 2030 to finish. Now we’re writing letters begging for more time.

That money could be used to begin a building project for the ER which is a flood zone during the winter.

Or that money could have been designated toward retaining employees and keeping away from the nursing registrar which is another leak in the life raft.

But apparently there is still more money to spend, because current administration salaries are seeing increases from 7 to 19%. Wow.

Flashback to 2006 and Measure M, the bond measure which was to upgrade the hospital seismically.

We all now know that the 12.5 million the community was asked to pay on their property taxes, was not enough money for this project and the project was flawed anyway.

The former CEO admitted it herself in the newspaper that even had the district gotten the bond, they would still have to go back to the community for more. And we were even told that there was a cushion added to that amount.

Also with Measure M, there was a definite conflict of interest as this district had entered into a contract with a company called Rural Health Design Network. The owner’s husband owns the architectural firm that Armstrong, Jamison and Casas voted onto the defunct building project. The Knights voted against it

The architectural plans were a joke, a bad one; there was no room for these modular buildings so they randomly drew them theoretically on top of an old septic system with leach lines. We paid for that.

Now for Brown Act Violations. The Brown act is a list of laws that boards such as this one, have to follow.

I have at least two emails I turned over to the board attorney, (point here) regarding the former, sticky three, board members and there reign of power.

They would cancel a meeting if they didn’t have the majority.

They did not want the two other board members, Bob and Kay Knight, to vote and possibly change what they had already decided amongst themselves.

But the harassment of the Knights by Mr. Jamison, putting up blogs on his radio website degrading them, was so far out of line its unreal.

I have many emails and audio tapes with slanderous content regarding the Knights. They were blamed for everything from the lack of morale of the employees, to actual robbery of computers at a former CEO’s house.

And it didn’t end there.

When the administration heard criticism from one of their long time employees, they actually went out of their way to undermine this person and his assistant.

One of these same employees was vilified and slandered on Mr. Jamison’s talk show a few days before the election.

It is unethical at the least for a public official to go on the air and begin a diatribe about an employee of the district he serves.

I certainly hope this employee takes some action.

The laws governing this district seem to be bent and broken wherever you look.

For instance, privacy laws, called HIPAA.

The radiologist for the hospital often times reads scans and x-rays while attending meetings. That’s illegal. Doesn’t the board or the board attorney understand this?

And a board member, last year, disclosed personal, private health information to a stranger, without batting an eye. It’s on tape.

Finally, thank god, there is a new beginning here. I’m hopeful and happy.

(Well, that was earlier this year, as I thought there might have been a change. And there was. Rick Carter left us, opening the door for a possibly effective, intelligent, leader, in the new CEO, Tim McGlew. Mr. McGlew, so far has shown himself to be concerned, busy, and administrating. What a great idea. Have the CEO actually run the hospital. Thank you, Mr. McGlew, and I hope we have many good years together. The past must be adjudicated, and the hospital will be getting more and more press as the pressure cooker heats up. But once past this, we can be assured that we all understand this will never happen here again. I don't care who you are and why you looked away, but trust me, this will never happen again.)

Kern Valley Healthcare District update: Tracy Brown and three contractors leave unexpectedly

As we have already reported, on Friday July 24, Tracy Brown, and three other contractors left the KVHD skilled nursing facility, without notice, according to hospital CEO, Tim Mcglew.

Tracy Brown, who was contracted as the Nursing Home Administrator, Fidel Morgadez, who was contracted for medical SNF medical records services, Beth Clark RN, and Nolan Stewart contracted for SNF recreational services, left together a week ago Friday, July 24.

Because of the sudden departure of the contractors, with no notification to administration or staff in the nursing center, the CEO said he has reported the incident.

"In response to your questions, the incident has been reported as required to the appropriate agency"

In an email response, the CEO stated he is also gathering information on other possible types of recourse regarding the abandonment of the nursing center.

Although originally reported that the four were contracted under the company name Quality Healthcare Asset Management, I have been corrected by KVHD that they all were contracted individually and not through the company.

As I had been researching the SNF administrator, Tracy Brown, the company, Quality Healthcare Asset Management, contained Brown's services and credentials as well as the other contractors named above.

A search through the California Secretary of State's website, showed that Quality Healthcare Asset Management became a limited liability company in June of 2008, one month after Tracy Brown and the other contractors signed on in May 2008 with the KVHD SNF.

Brown, originally arrived in 2007, with Sycamore Asset Management, and worked under their contract for year when the company parted ways with the hospital.

Brown then signed on separately with KVHD along with the three contractors, in May of 2008.

There are more questions regarding these contracts and hopefully I can get some answers at the monthly board meeting, this Wed. Aug. 5, at 5:30 pm in the hospital cafeteria.

Also, I reported that the Director of Nursing, Jeanette Maker, left on Friday along with Brown and the other contractors. Maker had also given her notice that she would be leaving in August.

According to the CEO's secretary, when asked if Maker was a part of Tracy Brown's "group," she said she believed Maker was converted from traveling nurse to employee. She wasn't completely sure and promised to get the exact information.

Although Maker left the same time as Brown, she was reported to have returned to work on Monday July 27, but left again due to illness.

There are many more questions which need to be answered regarding this situation, and I will update as more information comes in.

The contracts are shown below, click on each to open and read.














Next up: It's the monthly board meeting time again...a preview

Wow! I'm in the newspaper. Gosh it gives me a renewed sense of energy and possibly optimism...Oh, they didn't use my name...Oh, wait...

You know I've done some things in my life which brought attention, both wanted and unwanted, but this is really a first for me.

Of all the things I've done here in the valley, some yelling, fist slamming, criticizing, lots of sarcasm, according to today's local newspaper, "members of the public were noticeably taken aback when a long time attendee (me) of the meetings and frequent critic of the board and administration, stood up to give the invocation."

What this means is that I prayed and according to the newspaper, people were visibly reacting to it. (I was praying, they were reporting, so I guess that's what happened)

Now, I've never prayed in front of other people, maybe my family, but I gave it my best, as I talk to God at home in a more familiar manner.

Does it really have to be news that I prayed? I'm kind of embarrassed right now thinking that while my head was bowed down, in reverence, that people were "taken aback."

I know God has a sense of humor because he created me, but I was praying for divine guidance in all that I do and hopefully all that the hospital does too, not a blurb in the paper.

Anyway, just wanted to mention it. Sorry to the reporter and people reacting, but we were all created by the same creator, if that shocks you I'm sorry.

(Now if I show up at your door with a bible and a list of religious beliefs I want you to follow, then yes, get taken aback. My spirituality shouldn't be news: it should be obvious. It's all been God given and God driven for me.)

And now back to the History Channel...(I know the newspaper doesn't care much for history or history teachers for that matter, but here we go again. Hello, Department of Justice...)

"Quaff oh quaff this kind nepenthe and forget this lost Lenore." (Poe, The Raven)

Yes, archaic title, yet meaningful, but I wanted to let you know that we are working right now on the story of the meeting, pictures and all. Really, we are. Later. No, now.

Here's your preview:

Pink Ladies tell new CEO and CCO, that they have issues with the kind of use of volunteers in the skilled nursing facility. They said they complained to the former SNF administrator and former CEO, Rick Carter, for more than a year, but were never heard.

Board member, Brad Armstrong, suggested a "liaison" between the new CEO and Pink Ladies once a month.

However, CEO, Tim Mcglew, tells the Pink Ladies, he needs to hear about any problems, immediately, not a month from now.

(That's what we need to hear from the new administration. I will elaborate on the fact that Armstrong was alerted early as chairman of the board in 2006 of serious problems in the nursing facility, but never acted.)

And the pharmacy has become a bitter pill to swallow, as CFO Chet Beedle, explains the our pill dispensing outlet, Mt. Mesa Clinical Pharmacy, is on a COD basis with the wholesaler.

Both Beedle and McGlew explained that the pharmacy will stay open, but people might want to call first as certain prescriptions may not be available immediately, or even at all.

I will elaborate and get some feedback from our other local pharmacies as well.

Our new Chief Clinical Officer, Cynthia Burciagagammallamamcschmidt, (sorry, I couldn't help it, I read the Kern Valley Sun) Cynthia Burciaga, has apparently dove in feet first into the skilled nursing center as the former consultants, including Nursing Home Administrator, Tracy Brown, sped off two weeks ago without notice.

Burciaga's report was extensive as many changes are being considered and new projects are starting up for the residents. More details...

McGlew, who will now be in charge of both hospital and SNF, said he is bringing in Beta group to take a look at the way the nursing facility is being run and to make suggestions, which will not cost the hospital money, as the company has an interest as they provide the hospital insurance coverage.

The CEO said he wanted another "set of eyes" to look at things in the much maligned nursing facility.

I'll try again to reach Beta group and get some general feedback, but honestly, I think I made them angry as I have complained bitterly that Dr. Pormir and Debbi Hayes were not insured when they were indicted by the state for problems with the SNF.

Though the board voted to insure the two long time employees, the insurance carrier would not pay for their legal costs because the indictments are criminal. (But former CEO, Pam Ott, only cited in a civil case, has the backing of the company. I don't know, I think my concern here is legitimate, and we will be getting more into this as the preliminary hearings begin this month in the criminal trials. Our camera will be there.)

On a promising, positive note, there is definite improvement in the way the administration has acted to the public, allowing questions and comments, and speaking directly of transparency due a public entity, such as the Kern Valley Healthcare District. Kudos.

The rest of the story and pics to come soon, later, tomorrow. I'm hungry, I'm going to get something to eat. I mean, I'm hungry for work, let me go back to it.

KVHD Finance committee meeting for July: Oh the fun, oh the laughs, you must join us

The Kern Valley Healthcare District Finance Committee meeting, Wednesday, July 29, at 9 am in the luxurious executive trailer suite at the hospital.

Walter the KRV watchdog looks concerned about something. What buddy, what is it?

"Woof $$$ woof, grrrrrr $$."

I don't like the sound of that, I better go see what that's all about.

KVHD skilled nursing facility Update: Management company gone; hospital running nursing center for first time in 2 years

The hospital takes over the SNF:

Since it is the weekend, and getting quotes from the Kern Valley Healthcare District administration may not be possible, so I thought I would just go and take a look for myself.

Pictured here: myself

As the last of the management companies that were contracted by the

hospital to run the skilled nursing facility, left the premises on Friday, rather quickly, and from what I understand, unexpectedly.

But if you can build it, (at least partially) then you should be able to run it.

I looked around at the walls as remnants of the former management company still hung there and were maybe overlooked when they departed on July 24.

As I went into the building, the halls were quiet except for the rattle of pills and the murmur of conversation

among the residents.

It was in the evening after dinner when I arrived to find a cordial staff who were smiling and going about their business.

I asked for some confirmation, that the former management company run by Tracy Brown had indeed left.

The nurse I spoke with told me Brown was gone along with her staff, Nolan, Fidel, Beth, and the Director of Nursing, Jeanette Maker. She said that was all she knew about it.

I asked how the sudden transition went, and she said, "we're doing fine, the place is running just fine."

She said, "we have people in place," (as the records indicated), and "we're doing well."

I remarked, "so the SNF is back in the hands of the hospital." The nurse smiled and nodded, indicating approval, maybe even pride.

I was welcomed in the unit with a warm greeting, something that hasn't happened to me there in more than 2 years.

Before I left, I spoke to a few residents who were engaged in some interesting conversation. I interrupted them to introduce myself and say hello.

I was told sweetly, "I don't know who you are, but we were talking here."

Gosh, I love straightforward people...

UPDATED:Breaking News: KVHD nursing home consultant, says 7/24/2009 her last day as she leaves suddenly

In an email received by me, and broadcast to others around the valley, including board members, Tracy Brown, Consultant to the nursing facility, says she has concluded her time with the Kern Valley Heatlhcare District.

(UPDATE: I put out several calls and was able to get a confirmation from KVHD Chairwoman of the Board, Kathryn Knight, that indeed Tracy Brown left the hospital.

Knight said she received a phone call from the new CEO, Tim McGlew, yesterday, Friday, 7/24/09, indicating that Tracy Brown had departed the skilled nursing facility along with her employees.

"She walked out and took all of her people with her," Knight said she was told.

However, Knight said, that the new administrators were getting ready to begin running the skilled nursing facility, as Brown had already given her resignation to the board.

Brown had initially said that she was going to stay until the end of August.

In her email, Brown suggests the new administration begin to prepare for the state and federal survey, and that she has left everything in the nursing center in order.

Knight had no further information or comment to give at this time.

More updates coming soon as we are waiting on responses.)

Brown, who had been consulting with the facility under Sycamore Management, May 2007 until May 2008, when she was brought in by the district as her own separate contractor, called Quality Healthcare Asset Management for the last year.

In her email, Brown states she has not abandoned the facility, as she accuses new CEO, Tim McGlew of telling the staff.

Another email is included from Human resources asking Brown to "mail the mailbox key as soon as possible."

Currently, I only have this series of emails from Tracy Brown and will have to follow up with others named in the correspondence to respond.

Sycamore was brought in during May of 2007, when the KVHD nursing facility was in jeopardy of being closed due to mismanagement.

The contract with Sycamore was signed by former CEO, Pam Ott, and then KVHD Board Chairman, Brad Armstrong, with Sycamore owner, Don Ermel Doyle.

Doyle, said in 2007, after I asked him how he was contacted by the hospital, and he told me he had seen the "immediate jeopardy" with intent to close notice in the Bakersfield Californian, and decided to attend a meeting.

He said after the meeting he gave Ott his card, and a few weeks later the contract was signed.

After government agencies flooded the SNF, and a civil lawsuit was threatening Pam Ott, who had resigned but stayed on for another thirty, dirty, days, the new management company stepped aboard. (See Ott's management Company; QAB interview with Ott)

In one year costs from the contract with Sycamore soared to almost two million dollars.

Brown, who was brought in by Sycamore initially, eventually was given the reins to the SNF where she has been consulting as a Nursing Home Administrator since May of 2008 on her own, under her own company title, Quality Healthcare Asset Management, LLC.

The nursing home administrator recently gave her notice to terminate her contract with the hospital and she said she would be staying on for 90 days, which would have ended in August.

According to the email I received, she has seemingly decided to leave immediately.

"Considering when I arrived, and since my tenure the facility was on IJ (2xs), Focus status, inadequate staffing and training, on-going scrutiny from the community, low census, de-certification and admission freeze; we have done quite well, in the past 2 1/2 years (May 2007-current). You will now need to prepare for your next survey process and on-going issues that arise. Again, please feel free to contact us on a contractual basis, should the need arise, for a periodic review. Please have my final invoice paid in a timely manner, or legal recourse will be pursued, considering all prior issues. Please note this is the last of my association with KVHD- July 24, 2009."

The new CEO, Tim McGlew, has experience both in long term care and hospital administration. He was expected to take over the duties of the skilled nursing side once Brown left.

We will follow up and find out about the transition as soon as people are available for comment.

This is just one side of the picture at the moment as we have not had a chance to talk to anyone at the district as of yet.

What we know right now, is that Tracy Brown, in an email, states that she has left KVHD as of July 24, 2009.

Kern County will take report and investigate threat

I spoke with Kern County Sheriff, Marshall, (which seems redundant in a way) and he has advised me that they will take a police report regarding the threat on the Kern Valley Sun website. He said an investigator will be assigned to the case and whatever they do from there.

So, its possible still, even though the Sun has not been cooperative, nor communicative, that we could find out who this is. How interesting it would be, though unlikely...

How did the Kern Valley media "cover itself." Product reviews

update: we currently see that the Sun has taken up advertising the Kern Valley Healthcare District, and writing kind and gentle stories about new pharmacists. They will probably be busy with the "happy" stories about the district, as they are happy being paid for the new advertising. But noticably missing from the KVHD board and the Sun is discussion as to what to do about the hospital.
We know they are in default, serious default, and they want the community to pay the old debt and the leftovers are for a potential new ER and remodel of the old ER with increased property taxes.
Hey, what about this? We do the same thing again: we use revenue bonds to build onto the hospital.
What, you think that's stupid?
We did it before. If it was such a good idea then why not now?
Oh, because you cannot bankrupt on "government" bonds it might make it risky.
Now they are taking out all their risk and putting it on the community to pay. Free money is used how?
Generally speaking, I use it like a boon.
My question, other than an ER and a new room to be over radiated in, what will this community be getting? More on this...







The Kern Valley Sun Newspaper and QAB radio, were the only two media outlets covering the skilled nursing disaster at the Kern Valley Healthcare District in 2007. The Sun had a reporter and QAB had a board member.

When three hospital board members began stonewalling the only reporter in town, me, board member, and radio "jock" Bob Jamison, brought former, CEO, Pam Ott, to the radio station. He allowed her an hour of time to deflect all accussations regarding the nursing facility as either the vendettas of disgruntled employees or a certain reporter. (see Ott interview QAB)





Jamison began using his QAB internet blog to attack me as I apparently made them nervous when I asked them to answer to the problems. One of his Freudian slips belonged to a blog where he called me the "foul mouthed" reporter, looking through years of hospital records for the "elusive" smoking gun.

Odd, that he didn't say non-existent smoking gun: just one that he seemed to be promising would be difficult to find. However, that wasn't the case as there was and still is an arsenal over at KVHD



Kern Valley Sun, editor, Cathy Perfect, in background at April 2007, Kern Valley Healthcare District board meeting attending for the first time as rumors started look like fact. Reporter, Laura Hart, (me), in foreground, who had been writing articles about the hospital for more than a year, got the cold shoulder from certain board members and the Sun newspaper as I asked the tough questions.

That same month KVHD had the Kern Valley Sun newspaper's advertising contract before the board.


Susan Barr, current Sun reporter, throwing up her hand to ask a question at the July KVHD board meeting. She offered a Sun style town hall meeting to the new CEO, Tim McGlew, who said he would consider it.
Barr, pictured here using photo shop filters and effects to make her "look better," much like her KVHD stories.


The Sun backed off on any "negative" coverage of the hospital back in 2007. Then without a reporter, editor Cathy Perfect took over the KVHD coverage that summer.

A new CEO came into town, at the same time the SNF was under the management of Sycamore Asset Management. The CEO's style was quite smooth when speaking with the public and press. He stayed for three months in 2007, coming from the Tehachapi hospital, which was apparently a cake walk compared to KVHD.

Perfect, I guess assumed I would give up the story as I had no venue for my articles, and did not expect me to show up at the welcome party for this former CEO.

As I like to tell this story to friends, I walked in to the dining area, where Perfect and the CEO were grabbing at the food. Perfect had a mouthful of a colorful salad which spilled out of her mouth and onto her plate as I walked through the door. Surprise.


The CEO seemed startled too, but I don't know what stories he had heard about me by that time.

Then the Sun publisher, Marsha Smith, saw me and tried to head for the door. But I met her there and shook her hand anyway. (I saw no reason to be impolite; I had no personal issues, just journalistic differences)

However, Editor, Perfect, utilized the indictments from Feb. 2009, which were from an investigation in 2007, to put up the three grossly over-sized photos of Dr. Pormir and Debbi Hayes on the front page of the paper in shackles. (as well as the former, Director of Nursing, Gwen Hughes)

How did that serve any of us? I'm sure it sold newspapers though.

The community appeared suddenly shocked by the indictments though they were part of an investigation that was downshifted while in full gear, when the Kern Valley Sun became timid about possibly "stepping on certain toes."

I was flabbergasted when I saw the front page of the Sun this past February. It wasn't just the pictures, the article came from the press release. I think it was completely self serving. There was no continuity between the initial investigations, the year long smoke screen of information and the new interest on the part of the Sun. Yet they jumped on two community members they knew nothing about, except for a story based soley on an indictment and press release.

I'm inferring that means to the Sun editor, that an allegation is worth a huge front page picture. An assumption that every indictment which is made is going to be correct and true. This one wasn't on the mark at KVHD, and that's why I'm still here.

The Bakersfield Californian jumped into the soup as well, as the Attorney General sent out that provocative news release on the case, calling the KVHD nursing home disaster the worst they had seen.

The Californian, which generally covers the Kern Valley only occassionally, took these indictments like a hungry dog and ran with them. However, they had no foundation to rely on, though I had given them all my KVHD paperwork. They sat on the story as well, and were severly reprimanded by me for "using" the KRV for its disaster special edition.

At least, though, the Californian interviewed people and attempted to make a story out of it. They put in some sweat, made the calls, did the interviews, had some quotes, unlike the Sun.

But the Sun and QAB shoulder most of the responsibility for not getting the truth to the people in our area. That's what we rely on them for.

Yes, it's nice to write "feel good" stories and get pats on the back. I did it here for two years, being a requested writer, I was quite busy. And I enjoyed meeting the people in the community, but my services as public relations ends when there is deception underlying the issues.



During 2007-08, the Sun newspaper continued to ignore the underlying facts, creating a facade for the media and the hospital.

The radio Jock, Jamison, took his agenda again to the airwaves as he ran for the board again in 2008.

But while doing so, he attacked everyone, including specific people working at the hospital. The station owners obviously allow him to use the radio for his board agenda, and to my knowledge have not made a single explanation to the community.


Questions for the Kern Valley Sun:

Why did you not follow up the story at KVHD in 2007?

I'm going to answer this for you in a way the hospital can understand: they were understaffed.

To do a story like this one takes time and the tenacity to gather all the facts and interpret them.

Where was the Sun and now QAB reporter, Scott Costa, when the board was giving grandeous raises to administrators?

Where were they when the cheif financial officer said for the last six months that the hospital could not pay its August bond payment?

Remember, the devil is in the details.

QAB, is another situation, unlike the Sun. They have allowed their whole reputation to be colored by KVHD board member, Bob Jamison, and his unethical conduct both at the hospital and at the radio station.

With this information from these two dominant media outlets and nothing else, what would the community believe at this point in time?

Our cameras in the courtroom: Dr. Pormir and Debbi Hayes scheduled for August and so are we...

We are sending off the request to video tape in Kern County Superior court as former KVHD Medical Director, Dr. Pormir and Pharmacist, Debbi Hayes, have a scheduled, two pre-trial hearing dates, August 18 and 19th.

We want to make sure that this is documented for the community so that all know what happened to two long time employees of the Kern Valley Healthcare District.

And I will make sure copies go to the leadership who allowed these two healthcare professionals to be taken in a state investigation which did not see to it that the people in charge were held more or even equally responsible.

What could be justice in this case?
I say to both the doctor and pharmacist that you turn over all evidence against the leadership of KVHD who allowed this turn of events to occur which has lead to your indictments. These people have done nothing for you two or the hospital, and they need to face their own jury.

You should both take note that nobody at this hospital has taken any responsibility for anything. They turned their backs and walked away.

If they had evidence, Mr. Attorney General, would the state consider using them as witnesses instead of defendants?

Jerry Brown and the DOJ need to cut a deal for the real players instead.
Laura Hart

Here's the court schedule:

Defendant Name CaseNumber
HearingDate/Time HearingLocation Div/Dept
Hearing Type
HAYES, DEBBI GAYLE CHAMBERS
BF126665B
08/18/2009, 09:00AM
Metro Division - 1415 Truxtun
PH
PRE-PRELIMINARY HEARING
HAYES, DEBBI GAYLE CHAMBERS
BF126665B
08/19/2009, 08:30AM
Metro Division - 1415 Truxtun
PX
PRELIMINARY HEARING
Click hearing location for contact information/directions.
Defendant Name CaseNumber HearingDate/Time HearingLocation
Div/Dept Hearing Type
PORMIR, HOSHANG M
BF126665C
08/18/2009, 09:00AM
Metro Division - 1415 Truxtun
PH
PRE-PRELIMINARY HEARING
PORMIR, HOSHANG M
BF126665C
08/19/2009, 08:30AM
Metro Division - 1415 Truxtun
PX
PRELIMINARY HEARING
New Search

The last word from Marsha Smith Kern Valley Sun, Lake Isabella CA, and an anonymous phone call...

Marsha, Marsha, Marsha...

(It appears I will have to post my own comments which were sent to the Kern Valley Sun Website in response to what I call a "threat" and many others who have read it do as well.)

But first, I need to tell everyone that I got a call today, from someone who obviously wants to remain anonymous and sound scary.
This person left a message on my voice mail from telephone number: 0001234. Right, that's not a regular telephone number and was done on a computer.
The voice was synthesized making the person's voice unrecognizable.
The caller said, try to trace this call and get my identity. Then some other garbled gibberish.
At the end of the call we could hear a button pushed on a computer. So, here's the deal, people can find a way to remain hidden and make threatening calls. Watch out for this yourselves, as grifters, (not just people threatening reporters), prey upon people using techniques just like this one. Never give out information over the phone, always ask for a number to call them back.

Now, I ask, did this caller, read the Kern Valley Sun website? Was this person inspired by the statement, "I think somebody should shut her up for good, " on the website in anyway?

These are questions asked in journalism classes as well as law schools all around the nation.

And websites, like the Kern Valley Sun, can choose to keep a veiled threat or any other offensive material up based on their own judgement because of the right to free speech.

Now we see what sort of judgement the Sun uses and likely no other person in this valley will see their name up their like mine.
If you look thru the site posts, you will notice that this type of comment is nowhere else to be found. And certainly, any reasonable person would agree it sounds like a threat.

But what they did on the website which makes things more like a power play, is they would not post any other posts I sent except the three where I give them a taste of their own medicine and copy/pasted the original threat with all three of their names on it to see what they would do. (Cathy Perfect, Marsha Smith, and Susan Barr)

But the Sun has chosen to end the string on their blog with a statement from Marsha Smith, the Publisher of the Kern Valley Sun, in regards to my comedic comeback:

hypocrisy fighter1 wrote on Jul 17, 2009 11:19 AM:
" It seems to me that Susan Barr, perhaps, misconscrewbulated her article on the new CEO's actual report. Therefore...and I think someone should "shut her up for good!" " "

Enigma wrote on Jul 17, 2009 11:16 AM:
" the editor of this article, did not correct the mistakes in spelling or content, Cathy Perfect, so...and I think someone should "shut her up for good!" " "

puerilism 1 wrote on Jul 17, 2009 11:13 AM:
" I think Marsha Smith has done a poor job allowing salamanderisms in the paper... and I think someone should "shut her up for good!" " "

Publisher wrote on Jul 17, 2009 3:25 PM:
" Sorry. Neither Cathy, Susan, nor I can 'shut up for good'. It is our job and commitment to publish a newspaper, doing so requires words. We fully intend to keep our commitment to the community. No one is forced to read or view any media. It's like TV - if you don't like it, change the channel. "

My response never posted:
Well, Marsha, that sounded strange, but I guess the game is to control your website, by leaving out my other explanatory posts. Mine was a joke about all of you. I can't shut up either. Nor will I as long as there is no support for the truth or integrity from your newspaper. You can only control your website and paper. You won't find threats on my blog. Just my schedule of events. But you can't control my blogs. Or the truth. Say hi to Barbara Casas for me. And watch the blog. Newspaper vs. blogger.

Coming up Next: But Marsha makes a point about the media I'm about to take up in two other articles, which should be up soon. She says if you don't like the channel change it.

Welcome to the Kern River Valley where there are only two channels which represent themselves as "news": The Kern Valley Sun Newspaper, and QAB, the only radio station in town.

And I will argue that there is no coverage in Bakersfield or Ridgecrest that could be construed as the news of the valley with the exception of car crashes and weather.

The Kern Valley Sun is welcome to respond to any of these posts, but then they have a whole newspaper and website of their own to use to cover this story. But feel free to write me, just don't make any threats. LOL
The original threat:

The Truth wrote on Jul 15, 2009 12:36 AM:
" Everything seems to be working well at the Healthcare District except one item: Laura Hart spends too much of the District's time re-hashing old news and making libellous remarks at Board Meetings, about Board Members. I think the community is getting tired of her gaining attention for telling lies and making inuendos about people, and I think someone should "shut her up for good!" "

What I would have done in the Sun's place, no matter what my personal issues with the person are, I would have pulled it and turned the name of the person over to the police. The end. And I would be doing my duty to "all of the community," not just the people whom I like or who advertise with me. Laura Hart

422. Any person who willfully threatens to commit a crime which will result in death or great bodily injury to another person, with the specific intent that the statement, made verbally, in writing, orby means of an electronic communication device, is to be taken as athreat, even if there is no intent of actually carrying it out,which, on its face and under the circumstances in which it is made,is so unequivocal, unconditional, immediate, and specific as to convey to the person threatened, a gravity of purpose and an immediate prospect of execution of the threat, and thereby causes that person reasonably to be in sustained fear for his or her own safety or for his or her immediate family's safety, shall be punishedby imprisonment in the county jail not to exceed one year, or by imprisonment in the state prison.

UPDATED:Asked Kern Valley Sun "newspaper" to trace IP of threat on their website

If you don't know already, the Kern Valley Sun, has some "issues" with me in it. Yes, we are old buddies, with a rich history of stories to tell.
As far as the threat goes, they have no intention of following their own rules on their website. Nor do they have the decency to just follow thru and find out who would say something to obvious to everyone but the Sun, that would be considered a threat.
But after I saw what the editor, Cathy Perfect, wrote to somehow justify her decision to leave in the threat, I made a few writing comparisons.
Indeed, Barbara Casas, former KVHD board member and "Sun writer" was the author.
For fun, I wrote several posts to see what the Sun would do with them. They only posted three, but left this last one out.

Re; the editor's post: It's funny how I asked a few regular people about the threat's ambiguity and none of them mentioned the two things you suggest. It sounds to me like you have spoken with this former KVHD board member, former writer for the Sun, and she told you these things. If I were to say anything about the Sun's pet agenda, like homosexuality, and add an ambiguous threat, it would never have gone up. Like the other two from today. Just like the truth about KVHD didn't get printed.

The Kern County Sheriff's department, Deputy Garcia, told me that the threat was not covered under penal code 422, a "terrorist" threat.
But the department had me contact another agency which handles this sort of matter.
The Sun could have done many things different here, but covering for people is what they have done in the past, and is what continues now.
So, this has been funny, but soon I'm going to tell you the story of the "setting sun" and how it directly relates to what happened to many people and patients at KVHD. Lives were changed, and a local publication calling themselves a "newspaper" turns their back as to not "step on any toes."
(I'm glad I'm wearing steel toe boots.)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Here we go again, another threat, not really veiled either. The last threat was a gun pointed at me and I'm just not going to tolerate this anymore.
And the Kern Valley Sun allowed it to be posted, because they moderate their forum. So, I consider it a threat from both the Sun and the author of the threat.
The Sun knew what this was and they can't say they didn't. (Even the next person to post remarked about the threat)
mark wrote on Jul 15, 2009 7:35 AM:
" as for positive change, the time i have lived in this valley i have seen that place go from bad to worse. take that statement from McGlew with a "pound" of salt. and to the truth, if that remark doesn't sound like a threat, than i don't know what does. bit dramatic don't you think?"
The Truth wrote on Jul 15, 2009 12:36 AM:
" Everything seems to be working well at the Healthcare District except one item: Laura Hart spends too much of the District's time re-hashing old news and making libellous remarks at Board Meetings, about Board Members. I think the community is getting tired of her gaining attention for telling lies and making inuendos about people, and I think someone should "shut her up for good!"

Testing the Kern Valley Sun website blog: they know who made the threat...

So, far I've sent over five emails testing out the publisher and editor of the Kern Valley Sun and their claim that the "threat" was too ambiguous.

But Cathy Perfect said in a response from the paper, that it could be taken as two other specific things. Mind you, Cathy, and the paper were asked by me to turn over the IP address from this person.
Well, Freud, jump back in here and tell me if you don't think Ms. Perfect's response doesn't lead you to believe she not only knows who this is, has talked to hem, and it is most likely a board member...

Editor wrote on Jul 16, 2009 4:50 PM:
" As of now, the post will stand. The statement "shut her up for good" does not explicitly call for a person's death. It could also be interpreted as the district barring her from meetings and/or securing a restraining order. "

As I said in the other post, I would check out and see if I could copy and paste the same threat and add other names. They put these up, but there are two more pending.

hypocrisy fighter1 wrote on Jul 17, 2009 11:19 AM:
" It seems to me that Susan Barr, perhaps, misconscrewbulated her article on the new CEO's actual report. Therefore...and I think someone should "shut her up for good!" " "

Enigma wrote on Jul 17, 2009 11:16 AM:
" the editor of this article, did not correct the mistakes in spelling or content, Cathy Perfect, so...and I think someone should "shut her up for good!" " "

puerilism 1 wrote on Jul 17, 2009 11:13 AM:
" I think Marsha Smith has done a poor job allowing salamanderisms in the paper... and I think someone should "shut her up for good!" "

Let me just tell you the other two posts are different regarding freedom of speech and paper policies. The final post asks if there are people "afraid" of me. I said I just use words and pictures to fight, but apparently my imagination is not as vivid as theirs is.

See what you can write on the Kern Valley Sun blog. Apparently its all about pushing the limits. I'll let you know if the other two go up. If they don't I'll just show you what they wouldn't post...

Kern Valley Sun, afraid of this one...but then you always were afraid.

So, far, this post hasn't been put up on the Kern Valley Sun website:

It seems that the Kern Valley Sun is giving us all a lesson regarding freedom of speech. I think everyone should take advantage of their new policies. If you have anger issues, personal vendettas, or your afraid to face someone, bring it to the Sun website. Articles like this one, egregiously in error,play well on other blogs too. But really what I think is the Kern Valley Sun...I think someone should "shut her up for good!"

Your comment has been submitted and will be viewable once it is approved.

It says on the site that these are the rules for posting:
Comments must be approved by an editor before appearing on the Web site. Editors review submitted comments periodically during the day for offensive, off-topic, repetitious and/or redundant content before posting. Your thoughtful contribution to the online discussion is appreciated.

(Okay, LOL, I'm enjoying this little side trip, but also preparing the big supper for tonight. Still waiting on my posts. I'm sure the editor won't post it until she is Perfectly pleased.)

ANOTHER LOOK:The deputy asked me who might want to...

"Man is a rope, tied between beast and Superman--a rope over an abyss."
Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche

I was at the Emergency room in Bakersfield when the police came out to take my report. I didn't have time to talk to any sheriffs up here, so I waited until we arrived down the canyon, where I was seeking medical help.

The young deputy asked me for a description of the person, I had a good description of the gun, because that's what I was looking at. But I did see the cretin as well, of course.

Then he asked me, is there anyone you know of who wants to kill you?

Suddenly, my mind stopped completely; blank; then quickly a whole list began appearing in my mind.

I took note of the deputy looking at me thinking and taking time about answering.

He asked rather seriously, "is there?"

My answer was, "uhh."

Then I told him maybe, there's a political thing going on. I remained vague. I told him maybe it was just some idiot, so I could get back in to the ER.

How could I explain this? Or me for that matter.

But we have other things to discuss now. The time has come to do the unmasking at the KVHD healthcare district.

However, I would like to tell a story about the Bakersfield experience that I thought was funny or ironic. It has to do with fear, so I find it interesting.

As I was waiting in front of the ER for my ride, a young man came up to me and asked if the ER was always that busy, it was packed.

I said, yes, from what I heard.

He said, he wasn't from around here he was from San Bernadino and they had really good service there.

He told me he and his "homeys" were in a shoot out, and one of his guys was hurt "bad" so they took him to the hospital.

They pulled up in front of the hospital threw their friend out in front of the door, and he said, "man, suddenly everyone came out and started working on him, that was good service."

I nodded, yes, that sounded like excellent service.

Then I asked him what are you here for?

He said, "Oh, I'm think I have swine flu. I need to make sure and get checked out."

The kid looked healthy and not a scratch or a cough.

It's weird what people fear. Not a gun fight, but hysteria type issues like swine flu.

Next time I go to the hospital, I think I will have someone throw me out of the car and just see what happens. I just hope they toss me in front of the correct door; don't roll me in front of the administration door, they just walk all over you.

Okay, now my tone changes, there is big business to tackle now at KVHD. Since I didn't realize a few things, I have some research to do. But I think I have the beed on the next real problem. And exactly how to resolve it.

Give us all a break KVHD: that's not an investigation, this is an investigation...

KVHD, former CEO, Rick Carter states in documents from February of 2009, that a report of neglect in the skilled nursing facility, was "unsubstantiated." But the KVHD investigation proves not to be so substantial:

On 11/23/08 two CNA's report to work at the KVHD skilled nursing facility and and say they find residents wet, skin rashes, a wound, and alarms not on that morning.

After making rounds they wrote up a handwritten report and gave it to the RN and LVN in charge of the SNF overnight. They both say they wrote a handwritten report, signed and dated it.

The RN and LVN are traveling nurses, who the two aides, say they gave their report to that morning.

Both CNA's who filed this report have been fired. Both have had complaints filed with the state board of nursing after their terminations.

Hospital records state that the nurses who were in charge of the SNF at the time of the report, could not be found to add anything to the hospital's own little investigation...

I just got off the phone with them.

I forgot to ask them if their licenses were under investigation too.

It took no time at all to find them and the hospital cannot say without looking ridiculous, that they couldn't have done it themselves.

I imagine the hospital has the excuse the employees had left and therefore could not be investigated by the hospital. But they would've been witnesses not the subject of the investigation.

(See stories below, "employees fighting back")