Council made right choice on chickens
The Bakersfield City Council made the right choice. I had hens in back in 20152016. I raised them from one day old. I was amazed at how social and affectionate they became from being handled every day. I kept them in a large enclosed coop at all times as I wanted to keep them protected from the stray cats, raccoons, possums and squirrels that live in my neighborhood. I scooped the droppings from their coop twice daily. They slept from dusk until dawn.
The only time they made any noise was when they were laying an egg mid- to late morning. There was an environmental impact on my property. I had less trash because they would eat any leftover fruit and vegetables from our daily meals. I had the best garden fertilizer that year and a year without flies, mosquitoes or roaches to name a few.
As far as an environmental impact, this is from the Chicago Botanic Garden by Jennifer Murtoff: “Backyard chickens provide a better alternative to the excessive environmental impact of factory farming. Compared to a factory farm, backyard hens produce a fraction of the manure in a much smaller footprint. You can handle their waste properly, returning it to the environment in an eco-conscious manner. If the coop is kept well, there will be little to no odor. In addition, the birds will also be happier and healthier. Their eggs, too, will contain better nutrition due to the birds’ ability to forage and eat a varied diet.”
— Michelle Harp, Bakersfield
MY EDUCATION IS ESSENTIAL
I am a senior at California State University, Bakersfield and among many the COVID-19 pandemic had a negative effect on my academics. This semester has been one of the hardest of many for me. Keeping institutes of instruction closed is hurting our academics and lessening chances at higher education.
I know a classroom setting is not the best route to take because of the pandemic, but home school and online classes are not working either. I am normally a Dean’s List student, but this semester I did not even get close. I know many of us struggle with studying in a home environment and would rather go to class in person, but that is no longer an option.
This pandemic is taking over our lives and leaving behind disadvantages and we just must sit back and let it happen. My money is being wasted because I am not allowed the proper learning environment. I do not receive financial aid and I take my education very seriously.
Because the number of COVID cases is steady rising. I do not think it is the right thing to do when grades are suffering. I think it would be a promising idea to have alternate days when students can have in-person instruction. Of course, there should be rules and we would have to follow proper guidelines, but it is only right. They say only essential businesses should remain open with social distancing rules, but education is essential.
— Josephine Wilson, Bakersfield
SUPPORTING THE CONSTITUTION AND AMERICA
I am accustomed to reading left-leaning opinion pieces in The Californian, but the one on Pearl Harbor Day referring to Rep. Kevin McCarthy simply stunned me! Rep. McCarthy was criticized for upholding our Constitution and supporting America!
I cling to the hope Kern County is a small island of conservatism awash in a vast sea of liberal wasteland.
But more than occasionally I see a letter (“Seeking a meaningful answer,” Dec 7) from Andrew Honig suggesting we are trending toward liberalism.
Seriously, Mr. Honig, the worst criticism you can aim at our Washington representative is that he upholds the Constitution and supports America?
To me that is a serious indication of where the liberals of the country intend to go. Judging from recent events and current political rhetoric, liberals seek to destroy our current system.
President Trump is within his Constitutional rights to pursue contesting the election no matter if you agree or disagree with him.
Rep. McCarthy was absolutely correct in his answer that he supports a peaceful transfer of power and a free and fair election. As should you.
What are you really afraid, of Mr. Honig?
— Edwina Harlander, Bakersfield