A List Of Topics To Write Or Call About

I know that the Backyard Hen Community has strong views on many topics regarding the process we are involved in with trying to work in a cooperative and respectful manner with the City Council and City employees. Here are the four addresses you should copy every email to that you write as you ask the questions that they seem to not want to answer. Then, submit it to the Californian as well.

City_Council@bakersfieldcity.us In the subject line write "All Council Members".

City_Clerk@bakersfieldcity.us This will go to the City Attorney, Ginny Gennaro.

cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us This will go to the City Manager, Christian Clegg.

mayor@bakersfieldcity.us This will go to the Mayor, Karen Goh.

Click here to submit to the Californian:

bakersfield.com/opinion/letters-to-editor

There really are too many topics that the community has been talking about to list them all. Here are a few that people have shared with me:

1. It seems like the Council does not want to engage the residents in a democratic process. Why do they come across as dismissive and angry?

2. The anti-hen Council Members try to make it sound as if there are only two options. Where is the option to continue to work together respectfully and collaboratively?

3. Why did something as simple and little as hens cause so much controversy. It appears to be about something different. What is that and why? Could it be control and power over others?

4. Why did the anti-hen Council Members allow the "what ifs" and hypothetical "fears" rule over the presented facts and data? Could it be a case of, "Don't bother me with the facts my mind is made up."?

5. Why did the City employees present such an anti-hen board presentation? They ignored their own data and went to great lengths to be negative. Where or from whom did that bias come from?

6. No one wants to connect the dots with the LA CEQA lawyer and his past history with suing Bakersfield. Why is that?

7. CEQA is such a stretch for an attempt to undue the decision of the Council to allow hens. Hens are quieter then dogs. They smells less than cats. Their manure is beneficial for the environment. They are safe (just wash your hands). They are defiantly safer than a dog biting a child. And, city's in California use the same exemption of CEQA requirements as our City did.

8. Why did the City Attorney at one meeting present and support the exemption to CEQA requirements and then after a change of council seats not stand behind it?

9. How can a transition of Council Members change/undue what was given? "What, are we five years old and are taking back our toys?"

10. Did the procedures of Council, with regards to the Brown Act requirements and correct processes for undoing an ordinance, follow the proper process?

As I said, the list is long, and I have not even scratched the surface of what the community has shared with me and are talking about with their neighbors: desire for smaller government, fewer restrictions. property rights, and respect for citizens; the list goes on.

For me, this next point is one that concerns the community, and rightfully so. Backyard hens has no boundary. It is across Bakersfield. It is inclusive and comes from all economic backgrounds, races, languages, gender, age, religion, political parties, etc. So, who are the Bakersfield residents that the Council Members are concerned about not being able to or not willing to be responsible with regards to owning hens? Identify these people please. The Backyard Hen Community that have attended Council meetings and have made public comments were told by a Council Member, in session, that is also on record of voting "no" for the amendments to the ordinance, that he believes they are responsible enough to own hens. In 2012 the 4-H community was told the same (You are responsible, but others are not) by the 2012 anti-hen Council Members. The Backyard Hen Community, which is made up of all Bakersfield residents, are requesting clarification from the Council Members, Weir, Parlier, Freeman, and Gray of who they do not trust or believe are not responsible enough to own backyard hens while following the safeguards and restrictions that have been established and passed. If the Council Members are unwilling or unable to provide clarity on this topic, it should be acknowledged that it makes no sense to not allow a community a right to use their property when they have demonstrated that they are capable of doing so and are being told that they are responsible enough to do so. Why would this Council not lift the temporary suspension on the amended ordinance that aligns the Bakersfield residents' respectful and responsible practices and beliefs with the law? The Backyard Hen Community would appreciate an explanation that explains why Council Members would make criminals out of people that they say are responsible enough to follow an ordinance. Bakersfield residents are confused. Do you think we are responsible or not?

This gets at the heart of who they serve. They ought to address this question.

Even those who are indifferent on the topic of backyard hens are paying attention to the Council's attitude and actions regarding this case. When you come before them with a petition that they do not want to listen to will you receive the same treatment?

If you want to share additional topics that you are concerned about send then to me at thebubh@gmail.com

Make sure you also email them to the addresses above and to the paper.