HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/21/2021
Staff: Committee Members:
Christian Clegg, City Manager Councilmember, Chris Parlier – Chair
Councilmember, Andrae Gonzales
Councilmember, Ken Weir
Special Meeting of the
Legislative and Litigation Committee
of the City Council – City of Bakersfield
Monday, June 21, 2021
12:00 p.m.
City Hall North, First Floor, Conference Room A
1600 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield CA 93301
A G E N D A
1. ROLL CALL
2. PUBLIC STATEMENTS
3. ADOPT MARCH 22, 2021 AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT
4. DEFERRED BUSINESS
A. Committee Discussion and Recommendation Regarding Ebikes –
Gennaro
5. NEW BUSINESS
A. Committee Update and Discussion Regarding Legislative Advocacy –
Clegg
B. Discussion and Committee Recommendations Regarding Adoption of
the 2021 Committee Meeting Schedule - Clegg
6. COMMITTEE COMMENTS
7. ADJOURNMENT
Legislative and Litigation Committee
Regular Meeting June 21, 2021 Agenda
Page 2
SPECIAL NOTICE
Public Participation and Accessibility
June 21, 2021 Legislative and Litigation Committee
On March 18, 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom issued Executive Order N-29-20, which
includes a waiver of Brown Act provisions requiring physical presence of the Committee
members or the public in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Based on guidance from the California Governor’s Office and Department of Public
Health, as well as the County Health Officer, in order to minimize the potential spread of
the COVID-19 virus, the City of Bakersfield hereby provides notice that as a result of the
declared federal, state, and local health emergencies, and in light of the Governor’s
order, the following adjustments have been made:
1. Consistent with the Executive Order, Committee members may elect to
attend the meeting telephonically and to participate in the meeting to the
same extent as if they were physically present.
2. The public may participate in the meeting and address the Committee as
follows:
If you wish to comment on a specific agenda item, submit your
comment via email to the City Clerk at City_Clerk@bakersfieldcity.us
no later than 8:00 a.m. Monday, the day of the Committee meeting.
Please clearly indicate which agenda item number your comment
pertains to.
If you wish to make a general public comment not related to a
specific agenda item, submit your comment via email to the City
Clerk at City_Clerk@bakersfieldcity.us no later than 8:00 a.m.
Monday, the day of the Committee meeting.
Alternatively, you may comment by calling (661) 326-3100 and
leaving a voicemail of no more than 3 minutes no later than 8:00 a.m.
Monday, the day of the Committee meeting. Your message must
clearly indicate whether your comment relates to a particular
agenda item, or is a general public comment. If your comment
meets the foregoing criteria, it will be transcribed as accurately as
possible.
If you wish to make a comment on a specific agenda item as it is
being heard, please email your written comment to the City Clerk
at City_Clerk@bakersfieldcity.us. All comments received during the
meeting may not be read, but will be provided to the Committee and
included as part of the permanent public record of the meeting.
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
MEMORANDUM
Date: June 21, 2021
To: Legislative and Litigation Committee
Chris Parlier, Chair
Andrae Gonzales
Ken Weir
From: Christian Clegg, City Manager
Michelle Cruz, Management Assistant
Subject: Legislative and Litigation Committee Meeting of June 21, 2021
Committee Agenda Item 2. Public Statements
A total of 67 emails received providing public comments for items related to the
Legislative and Litigation Committee meeting.
Agenda Item 4A – 67 comments
Attachments
mc
From:markcsalvaggio
To:bakersfield mayor; ericarias7@gmail.com; andrae3000@gmail.com; bobsmith727@me.com;
brucefreeman1949@gmail.com; ken@weircpa.com; patty@dreammakerbakersfield.com; Chris Huot
Cc:Anthony Valdez; Christian Clegg; Virginia "Ginny" Gennaro; kernriverparkwayfoundation@gmail.com;
Wtcooper47; oneilpedal4@gmail.com; eddylaine@aol.com; samonty@pacbell.net; harrylove1944@gmail.com;
bell.margie@gmail.com
Subject:“All EBikes” clarifications and additional testimony for the Legislative and Litigation Committee
Date:Friday, June 18, 2021 2:47:53 PM
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you
click!
The City of Bakersfield as an ordinance banning all motorized vehicles from the Parkway/Kern River.
We fought for that decades ago. It is a component of the Kern River Plan Element.
There is ample signage regarding this ordinance along the bike path , yet it will
become less enforceable if all Classes of
EBikes are permitted on the Bike Path, Equestrian Trails, Pedestrian Trails, and the primary and
secondary floodplains of our KerKern River.
There are serious environmental problems the City Attorney should be fully aware of. Flora and Fauna
considerations will likely result in a lawsuit.
Additional Signage will be a waste of money. Private Security is not the answer. The Bakersfield Police
Department has higher priority service calls.
The law that "legalized" them on bike paths in no way overrides the off-pavement ban as enacted by the
City Council decades ago.
Why would the City Council now want to change this longstanding public policy?
-----Original Message-----
From: markcsalvaggio <markcsalvaggio@yahoo.com>
To: eddylaine@aol.com; peter.wollesen@yahoo.com <peter.wollesen@yahoo.com>
Cc: samonty@pacbell.net <samonty@pacbell.net>; gnipp@bak.rr.com <gnipp@bak.rr.com>;
ara@sequoiaforestkeeper.org <ara@sequoiaforestkeeper.org>; rushme2016@gmail.com
<rushme2016@gmail.com>; oneilpedal4@gmail.com <oneilpedal4@gmail.com>; wtcooper47@aol.com
<wtcooper47@aol.com>; lia.mendez@gmail.com <lia.mendez@gmail.com>; mjdvargas@gmail.com
<mjdvargas@gmail.com>; shabri970@gmail.com <shabri970@gmail.com>; bogdmk@gmail.com
<bogdmk@gmail.com>; bell.margie@gmail.com <bell.margie@gmail.com>; mariapolite@gmail.com
<mariapolite@gmail.com>; floresjeff@kerncounty.com <floresjeff@kerncounty.com>;
maggardm@kerncounty.com <maggardm@kerncounty.com>; kckuke@yahoo.com
<kckuke@yahoo.com>; harrylove1944@gmail.com
Sent: Wed, Jun 16, 2021 10:05 am
Subject: Re: “All EBikes” clarifications
I appreciate Peter. His Community Voice, as well as Marion Vargas', was splendid.
Sent via the Samsung Galaxy A10e, an AT&T 4G LTE smartphone
-------- Original message --------
From: eddylaine@aol.com
Date: 6/16/21 9:45 AM (GMT-08:00)
To: peter.wollesen@yahoo.com
Cc: avaldez@bakersfieldcity.us, samonty@pacbell.net, gnipp@bak.rr.com,
ara@sequoiaforestkeeper.org, rushme2016@gmail.com, oneilpedal4@gmail.com, wtcooper47@aol.com,
lia.mendez@gmail.com, mjdvargas@gmail.com, shabri970@gmail.com, bogdmk@gmail.com,
bell.margie@gmail.com, markcsalvaggio@yahoo.com, mariapolite@gmail.com,
floresjeff@kerncounty.com, maggardm@kerncounty.com, kckuke@yahoo.com
Subject: Re: “All EBikes” clarifications
Much appreciated Peter--very important to have your perspective/insights as an
active, current user of the Kern River Bike Path.
Eddy Laine
-----Original Message-----
From: Pete Wollesen <peter.wollesen@yahoo.com>
To: eddylaine@aol.com
Cc: avaldez@bakersfieldcity.us; samonty@pacbell.net; gnipp@bak.rr.com;
ara@sequoiaforestkeeper.org; rushme2016@gmail.com; oneilpedal4@gmail.com; wtcooper47@aol.com;
lia.mendez@gmail.com; mjdvargas@gmail.com; shabri970@gmail.com; bogdmk@gmail.com;
bell.margie@gmail.com; markcsalvaggio@yahoo.com; mariapolite@gmail.com;
floresjeff@kerncounty.com; maggardm@kerncounty.com
Sent: Wed, Jun 16, 2021 9:25 am
Subject: Re: “All EBikes” clarifications
Dear Anthony and others;
Thank you for including me in this conversation so that I can add my perspective.
The street in front of my house is 40 feet wide. In its wisdom, the city determined that no vehicle should
operate there at a speed faster than 25mph. But for some reason, the city is considering allowing ebikes
that travel faster than that on the Kern River Parkway Trail (the “bike path”)- a path with lanes that at no
point are wider than about 6 feet in each direction.
Class III ebikes are not just faster than pedal powered and Class I and II ebikes, they are heavier, and
they handle differently. And while it’s true that some users of pedal-powered bikes can move at higher
speeds, those than can do so have only achieved that ability after many years of hard training and
practice. Class III ebike users have no such investment- they can buy an ebike today, and be swerving
through the crowds of pedestrians by this afternoon. All the moms pushing strollers, the families with
small children toddling along, the pet owners walking their dogs. At 28mph, an inexperienced rider is not
going to be able to properly maneuver their vehicle in situations like this, and a disaster is imminent.
And allowing other electric vehicles, such as eScooters, which do not have the classification system that
ebikes have, is even worse. There are brands of eScooters that literally brag about their top speeds in
excess of 45mph in some cases. Without the state-mandated classification system, there is no way to
allow “electric scooters” without also allowing these high-speed machines as well. (These high-speed
scooters are barely distinguishable from the old “skateboard with handlebars” format such as the Byrd
scooters that are left lying around on street corners all over town.)
I strongly urge the City to reconsider this plan. While I am personally an advocate of ebikes as an eco-
friendly means of transportation, the Kern River Parkway Trail is simply not an appropriate place for their
use. Please direct your efforts instead to improving the cycling infrastructure throughout the city so that
ebike users can feel safer and more confident using the roadways that are intended for higher-speed
travel.
Regards,
Peter Wollesen
Kern River Parkway Foundation, Board-Member-at-large
Peter.Wollesen@Yahoo.com
(661) 496-8565
On Jun 16, 2021, at 8:29 AM, eddylaine@aol.com wrote:
Thank you. Copying several who have been interested in/concerned
about this issue.
Eddy Laine, Member, Executive Committee, Sierra Club, Kern-Kaweah
Chapter
-----Original Message-----
From: Anthony Valdez <avaldez@bakersfieldcity.us>
To: eddylaine@aol.com <eddylaine@aol.com>
Sent: Tue, Jun 15, 2021 5:33 pm
Subject: FW: “All EBikes” clarifications
Eddy:
Thank you for your comments regarding the use of e-bikes on the Kern River
Bike Path.
The Bakersfield City Council’s Legislative and Litigation Committee will be
discussing e-bikes on the Kern River Bike Path at their upcoming meeting on
Monday, June 21st at 12 p.m. The meeting will be held at City Hall North, First
Floor, Conference Room A, 1600 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA. The
agenda for the meeting will be posted this Friday, June 18th.
Your comments will be included in the agenda packet for Council members to
review ahead of the meeting. Any additional comments can be sent to
city_clerk@bakersfieldcity.us no later than 8:00 a.m. the day of the meeting.
Sincerely,
Anthony
Anthony E. Valdez | Administrative Analyst III
Logo
City Manager’s Office
City of Bakersfield
email: avaldez@bakersfieldcity.us
web: www.bakersfieldcity.us
phone: 661-326-3029 (direct)
From: eddylaine@aol.com <eddylaine@aol.com>
Sent: Tuesday, April 6, 2021 9:33 AM
To: tom@tcflawyer.com; markcsalvaggio@yahoo.com;
oneilpedal4@gmail.com; jgbelli@bak.rr.com; andym5@bak.rr.com;
michall@bak.rr.com; Dona.Schilling@wellsfargo.com
Cc: Virginia "Ginny" Gennaro <vgennaro@bakersfieldcity.us>;
wtcooper47@aol.com; peter.wolleson@yahoo.com;
yates.jonathan@gmail.com; bell.margie@gmail.com;
kernriverparkwayfoundation@gmail.com; lsfranconi@yahoo.com;
samonty@pacbell.net; achianel@bakersfieldcity.com; ablsilver37@gmail.com;
eihuerta@huertalaw.org; mmartinez@csub.edu; Christian Clegg
<cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us>; Jacqui Kitchen <jkitchen@bakersfieldcity.us>;
Chris Huot <CHuot@bakersfieldcity.us>; ken@weircpa.com; PD-PIO Council
member Chris Parlier <chrisparlier@sbcglobal.net>; andrae3000@gmail.com;
brucefreeman1949@gmail.com; patty@dreammakerbakersfield.com;
ericarias7@gmail.com; bobsmith727@me.com; tom@tcflawyer.com
Subject: Re: “All EBikes” clarifications
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield.
Think before you click!
The e-bike issue is noted in a letter (long-term solutions #4) authorized by
the Executive Committee of the Sierra Club on Saturday and delivered to
City Hall yesterday.
There are several suggestions here that we hope will be considered.
Millions and millions of dollars and seemingly little attention to restoring
the Kern River (from Golden State Bridge to San Miguel Grove) for public
use. Instead millions and millions for freeway beautification for people
who drive through Bakersfield?
Eddy Laine
(661) 345-4736
-----Original Message-----
From: Tom Fallgatter <tom@tcflawyer.com>
To: markcsalvaggio <markcsalvaggio@yahoo.com>; oneilpedal4@gmail.com
<oneilpedal4@gmail.com>; Carolyn Belli <jgbelli@bak.rr.com>; Andrew Honig
<andym5@bak.rr.com>; 'michall@bak.rr.com' <michall@bak.rr.com>;
Dona.Schilling@wellsfargo.com <Dona.Schilling@wellsfargo.com>
Cc: vgennaro@bakersfieldcity.us <vgennaro@bakersfieldcity.us>; Wtcooper47
<wtcooper47@aol.com>; eddylaine@aol.com <eddylaine@aol.com>;
peter.wolleson@yahoo.com <peter.wolleson@yahoo.com>; yates.jonathan@gmail.com
<yates.jonathan@gmail.com>; bell.margie@gmail.com <bell.margie@gmail.com>;
kernriverparkwayfoundation@gmail.com <kernriverparkwayfoundation@gmail.com>;
lsfranconi@yahoo.com <lsfranconi@yahoo.com>; samonty@pacbell.net
<samonty@pacbell.net>; achianel@bakersfieldcity.com <achianel@bakersfieldcity.com>;
Ann Silver <ablsilver37@gmail.com>; eihuerta@huertalaw.org <eihuerta@huertalaw.org>;
mmartinez@csub.edu <mmartinez@csub.edu>; cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us
<cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us>; jkitchen@bakersfieldcity.us <jkitchen@bakersfieldcity.us>;
chuot@bakersfieldcity.us <chuot@bakersfieldcity.us>; ken@weircpa.com
<ken@weircpa.com>; chrisparlier@sbcglobal.net <chrisparlier@sbcglobal.net>;
andrae3000@gmail.com <andrae3000@gmail.com>; brucefreeman1949@gmail.com
<brucefreeman1949@gmail.com>; patty@dreammakerbakersfield.com
<patty@dreammakerbakersfield.com>; ericarias7@gmail.com <ericarias7@gmail.com>;
bobsmith727@me.com <bobsmith727@me.com>; Tom Fallgatter <tom@tcflawyer.com>
Sent: Mon, Apr 5, 2021 11:27 pm
Subject: RE: “All EBikes” clarifications
Mark
Rich O’Neill and Bill Cooper are heroes of mine. They are the individuals who fired me up
about preserving and enhancing the Kern River as a invaluable asset of our community.
And I agree their input should carries special weight. Plus I know that you were a great and
effective advocate for preserving and enhancing the River and you opinion on this matter is
important to me. And, there were many others.
However, I too have institutional memory about the Kern River Plan, and at the risk of
sounding pompous, I can say that, energized by Rich and Bill, and by my own sense about
the river, as a member of the subdivision committee of the Bakersfield City planning
commission in 1981, I came up with the idea of developing a “Kern River Plan” as a formal
city and county general plan and zoning planning tool. Too be clear the idea of a Kern
River Parkway was Bill and Rich’s idea. But, the idea of developing a “Kern River Plan”
was mine.
But for me all the work Rich and Bill, you, and Carolyn Belli, and Andy and Sasha Honig
and I, and many others, have done to preserve the Kern River, get the bike path approved
and many other pro-Kern River decisions and improvements while important, and giving us
some status in terms of commenting on the Plan and the Bike path, does not confer on us
the sole power to make decisions about the River. The preservation and enhancement of
the River is a community wide concern, and a community wide decision. We do not have,
and do not deserve, a strangle hold on what the right decisions for the River are. Times
change and what is appropriate for the Path and appropriate for the River changes also.
It is my personal opinion, that allowing e-bikes that function similarly to regular bikes is a
good idea. I believe that the more people we have using the Path and accessing and
enjoying the River, the more likely it is in the long run that the River will in fact continue to
be preserved and enhanced. Of course there need to be rules that preserve the river as a
natural resource, preserve it as the preeminent natural recreational and educational
resource of our community. But the exact contours of those rules will by the nature of
things vary over time. It would be foolish to think that what Rich O’Neill, Bill Cooper, Tom
Fallgatter, Andy and Sasha Honig, Carolyn Belli and Mark Salvaggio thought in 1985 were
the right rules for the River, would be the right rules forever.
Tom
From: markcsalvaggio <markcsalvaggio@yahoo.com>
Sent: Monday, April 5, 2021 8:44 PM
To: oneilpedal4@gmail.com
Cc: vgennaro@bakersfieldcity.us; Wtcooper47 <wtcooper47@aol.com>;
eddylaine@aol.com; peter.wolleson@yahoo.com; yates.jonathan@gmail.com;
bell.margie@gmail.com; kernriverparkwayfoundation@gmail.com; lsfranconi@yahoo.com;
samonty@pacbell.net; achianel@bakersfieldcity.com; Tom Fallgatter
<tom@tcflawyer.com>; Ann Silver <ablsilver37@gmail.com>; eihuerta@huertalaw.org;
mmartinez@csub.edu; cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us; jkitchen@bakersfieldcity.us;
chuot@bakersfieldcity.us; ken@weircpa.com; chrisparlier@sbcglobal.net;
andrae3000@gmail.com; brucefreeman1949@gmail.com;
patty@dreammakerbakersfield.com; ericarias7@gmail.com; bobsmith727@me.com
Subject: “All EBikes” clarifications
It is very disheartening to see the City take this adverse course of action.
Not one member of the Bakersfield City Council has a scintilla of institutional memory
regarding the development of the Kern River Plan, the subsequent River Element of the
Metropolitan Bakersfield General Plan, and finally the Kern River Parkway.
The City should listen to and respect the wisdom of people like Rich O'Neill and Bill Cooper
who first brought us the vision to restore the ravaged Kern River through metropolitan
Bakersfield.
We are put in the no-win position of bing accused of opposing "change." Baloney.
This invites ATV or ORV in the secondary and primary floodplains of the Kern River. The
late Councilwoman Pat DeMond would see this for for what it is.
I have been told the Bakersfield Police Department will enforce speed limits on the Bike
Path. Don't be fooled. The BPD has other "priorities." I've got a bridge to sell you in
Lamont.
Councilman Andrae Gonzales' view that we should allow "new technology" to take its
course is specious.
-------- Original message --------
From: oneilpedal4@gmail.com
Date: April 5, 2021 at 5:14:03 PM PDT
To: vgennaro@bakersfieldcity.us
Cc: bill travis cooper <wtcooper47@aol.com>, Christian Clegg
<cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us>, Eddy Laine <eddylaine@aol.com>, Peter
Wollesen <Peter.Wollesen@yahoo.com>, Jonathan Yates
<yates.jonathane@gmail.com>, lauren franconi <lsfranconi@yahoo.com>
Subject: “All EBikes” clarifications
Ginny,
The last Leg.and Lit. Committee meeting left us with even more confusion
than before.
Councilman Andre Gonzales asked for “all EBikes” be allowed even though
the State Allows only C1 and C2.
Are we to understand that “all” means also bikes that go 40 mph (with
1000watt motors) or 50mph (4000 watt motor)?
I talked to Ashly 2 days after the L & L.
She could not answer these questions.
She said she would talk to you but I received no call back.
Every one of these EBikes is capable of going off-road and are in fact
advertised as being “off roaders."
Some even carry the names referring to “overland”, “Mtn. Climber," “Rock
jumper."
Just google it.
The can of worms keeps opening bigger and bigger. E-bikes are getting
faster, faster, and stronger.
As you know, any EBike over 750 watt is considered to be a Motorcycle by
the DMV laws.
What is the City going to do when these off-road cycles entering into the 2800
acre recharge basins or into the private land of the Panorama Vista
Preserve.
The Bike Path travels two miles through private property and these property
owners have their rights.
What is the City to do when EBikes travel through critical habitat or threaten
the four endangered species that live along the Path (some within a few feet
of the path)?
Horses scare and panic easily near fast moving objects.
Just ask Councilman Ken Weir. He rides horses.
The L & L also rejected our mitigations which are meant to decrease negative
impacts.
Ginny,we must educate users with letters from the Mayor, speed limit signage
and no off road postings.
The Parkway Foundation wants to reintroduce our commpromise to you and
staff.
Will you hear us next time?
Can you build into the ordinance that EBikes must stay on pavement?
Signs to this effect will really help and so will as much enforcement as
possible.
Please answer quickly.
Thanks,
KRPF VP
Rich
From:markcsalvaggio
To:bakersfield mayor; ericarias7@gmail.com; andrae3000@gmail.com; bobsmith727@me.com;
brucefreeman1949@gmail.com; ken@weircpa.com; patty@dreammakerbakersfield.com; Chris Huot
Cc:Anthony Valdez; Christian Clegg; Virginia "Ginny" Gennaro; kernriverparkwayfoundation@gmail.com;
Wtcooper47; oneilpedal4@gmail.com; eddylaine@aol.com; samonty@pacbell.net; harrylove1944@gmail.com;
bell.margie@gmail.com
Subject:“All EBikes” clarifications and additional testimony for the Legislative and Litigation Committee
Date:Friday, June 18, 2021 2:47:53 PM
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you
click!
The City of Bakersfield as an ordinance banning all motorized vehicles from the Parkway/Kern River.
We fought for that decades ago. It is a component of the Kern River Plan Element.
There is ample signage regarding this ordinance along the bike path , yet it will
become less enforceable if all Classes of
EBikes are permitted on the Bike Path, Equestrian Trails, Pedestrian Trails, and the primary and
secondary floodplains of our KerKern River.
There are serious environmental problems the City Attorney should be fully aware of. Flora and Fauna
considerations will likely result in a lawsuit.
Additional Signage will be a waste of money. Private Security is not the answer. The Bakersfield Police
Department has higher priority service calls.
The law that "legalized" them on bike paths in no way overrides the off-pavement ban as enacted by the
City Council decades ago.
Why would the City Council now want to change this longstanding public policy?
-----Original Message-----
From: markcsalvaggio <markcsalvaggio@yahoo.com>
To: eddylaine@aol.com; peter.wollesen@yahoo.com <peter.wollesen@yahoo.com>
Cc: samonty@pacbell.net <samonty@pacbell.net>; gnipp@bak.rr.com <gnipp@bak.rr.com>;
ara@sequoiaforestkeeper.org <ara@sequoiaforestkeeper.org>; rushme2016@gmail.com
<rushme2016@gmail.com>; oneilpedal4@gmail.com <oneilpedal4@gmail.com>; wtcooper47@aol.com
<wtcooper47@aol.com>; lia.mendez@gmail.com <lia.mendez@gmail.com>; mjdvargas@gmail.com
<mjdvargas@gmail.com>; shabri970@gmail.com <shabri970@gmail.com>; bogdmk@gmail.com
<bogdmk@gmail.com>; bell.margie@gmail.com <bell.margie@gmail.com>; mariapolite@gmail.com
<mariapolite@gmail.com>; floresjeff@kerncounty.com <floresjeff@kerncounty.com>;
maggardm@kerncounty.com <maggardm@kerncounty.com>; kckuke@yahoo.com
<kckuke@yahoo.com>; harrylove1944@gmail.com
Sent: Wed, Jun 16, 2021 10:05 am
Subject: Re: “All EBikes” clarifications
I appreciate Peter. His Community Voice, as well as Marion Vargas', was splendid.
Sent via the Samsung Galaxy A10e, an AT&T 4G LTE smartphone
-------- Original message --------
From: eddylaine@aol.com
Date: 6/16/21 9:45 AM (GMT-08:00)
To: peter.wollesen@yahoo.com
Cc: avaldez@bakersfieldcity.us, samonty@pacbell.net, gnipp@bak.rr.com,
ara@sequoiaforestkeeper.org, rushme2016@gmail.com, oneilpedal4@gmail.com, wtcooper47@aol.com,
lia.mendez@gmail.com, mjdvargas@gmail.com, shabri970@gmail.com, bogdmk@gmail.com,
bell.margie@gmail.com, markcsalvaggio@yahoo.com, mariapolite@gmail.com,
floresjeff@kerncounty.com, maggardm@kerncounty.com, kckuke@yahoo.com
Subject: Re: “All EBikes” clarifications
Much appreciated Peter--very important to have your perspective/insights as an
active, current user of the Kern River Bike Path.
Eddy Laine
-----Original Message-----
From: Pete Wollesen <peter.wollesen@yahoo.com>
To: eddylaine@aol.com
Cc: avaldez@bakersfieldcity.us; samonty@pacbell.net; gnipp@bak.rr.com;
ara@sequoiaforestkeeper.org; rushme2016@gmail.com; oneilpedal4@gmail.com; wtcooper47@aol.com;
lia.mendez@gmail.com; mjdvargas@gmail.com; shabri970@gmail.com; bogdmk@gmail.com;
bell.margie@gmail.com; markcsalvaggio@yahoo.com; mariapolite@gmail.com;
floresjeff@kerncounty.com; maggardm@kerncounty.com
Sent: Wed, Jun 16, 2021 9:25 am
Subject: Re: “All EBikes” clarifications
Dear Anthony and others;
Thank you for including me in this conversation so that I can add my perspective.
The street in front of my house is 40 feet wide. In its wisdom, the city determined that no vehicle should
operate there at a speed faster than 25mph. But for some reason, the city is considering allowing ebikes
that travel faster than that on the Kern River Parkway Trail (the “bike path”)- a path with lanes that at no
point are wider than about 6 feet in each direction.
Class III ebikes are not just faster than pedal powered and Class I and II ebikes, they are heavier, and
they handle differently. And while it’s true that some users of pedal-powered bikes can move at higher
speeds, those than can do so have only achieved that ability after many years of hard training and
practice. Class III ebike users have no such investment- they can buy an ebike today, and be swerving
through the crowds of pedestrians by this afternoon. All the moms pushing strollers, the families with
small children toddling along, the pet owners walking their dogs. At 28mph, an inexperienced rider is not
going to be able to properly maneuver their vehicle in situations like this, and a disaster is imminent.
And allowing other electric vehicles, such as eScooters, which do not have the classification system that
ebikes have, is even worse. There are brands of eScooters that literally brag about their top speeds in
excess of 45mph in some cases. Without the state-mandated classification system, there is no way to
allow “electric scooters” without also allowing these high-speed machines as well. (These high-speed
scooters are barely distinguishable from the old “skateboard with handlebars” format such as the Byrd
scooters that are left lying around on street corners all over town.)
I strongly urge the City to reconsider this plan. While I am personally an advocate of ebikes as an eco-
friendly means of transportation, the Kern River Parkway Trail is simply not an appropriate place for their
use. Please direct your efforts instead to improving the cycling infrastructure throughout the city so that
ebike users can feel safer and more confident using the roadways that are intended for higher-speed
travel.
Regards,
Peter Wollesen
Kern River Parkway Foundation, Board-Member-at-large
Peter.Wollesen@Yahoo.com
(661) 496-8565
On Jun 16, 2021, at 8:29 AM, eddylaine@aol.com wrote:
Thank you. Copying several who have been interested in/concerned
about this issue.
Eddy Laine, Member, Executive Committee, Sierra Club, Kern-Kaweah
Chapter
-----Original Message-----
From: Anthony Valdez <avaldez@bakersfieldcity.us>
To: eddylaine@aol.com <eddylaine@aol.com>
Sent: Tue, Jun 15, 2021 5:33 pm
Subject: FW: “All EBikes” clarifications
Eddy:
Thank you for your comments regarding the use of e-bikes on the Kern River
Bike Path.
The Bakersfield City Council’s Legislative and Litigation Committee will be
discussing e-bikes on the Kern River Bike Path at their upcoming meeting on
Monday, June 21st at 12 p.m. The meeting will be held at City Hall North, First
Floor, Conference Room A, 1600 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA. The
agenda for the meeting will be posted this Friday, June 18th.
Your comments will be included in the agenda packet for Council members to
review ahead of the meeting. Any additional comments can be sent to
city_clerk@bakersfieldcity.us no later than 8:00 a.m. the day of the meeting.
Sincerely,
Anthony
Anthony E. Valdez | Administrative Analyst III
Logo
City Manager’s Office
City of Bakersfield
email: avaldez@bakersfieldcity.us
web: www.bakersfieldcity.us
phone: 661-326-3029 (direct)
From: eddylaine@aol.com <eddylaine@aol.com>
Sent: Tuesday, April 6, 2021 9:33 AM
To: tom@tcflawyer.com; markcsalvaggio@yahoo.com;
oneilpedal4@gmail.com; jgbelli@bak.rr.com; andym5@bak.rr.com;
michall@bak.rr.com; Dona.Schilling@wellsfargo.com
Cc: Virginia "Ginny" Gennaro <vgennaro@bakersfieldcity.us>;
wtcooper47@aol.com; peter.wolleson@yahoo.com;
yates.jonathan@gmail.com; bell.margie@gmail.com;
kernriverparkwayfoundation@gmail.com; lsfranconi@yahoo.com;
samonty@pacbell.net; achianel@bakersfieldcity.com; ablsilver37@gmail.com;
eihuerta@huertalaw.org; mmartinez@csub.edu; Christian Clegg
<cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us>; Jacqui Kitchen <jkitchen@bakersfieldcity.us>;
Chris Huot <CHuot@bakersfieldcity.us>; ken@weircpa.com; PD-PIO Council
member Chris Parlier <chrisparlier@sbcglobal.net>; andrae3000@gmail.com;
brucefreeman1949@gmail.com; patty@dreammakerbakersfield.com;
ericarias7@gmail.com; bobsmith727@me.com; tom@tcflawyer.com
Subject: Re: “All EBikes” clarifications
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield.
Think before you click!
The e-bike issue is noted in a letter (long-term solutions #4) authorized by
the Executive Committee of the Sierra Club on Saturday and delivered to
City Hall yesterday.
There are several suggestions here that we hope will be considered.
Millions and millions of dollars and seemingly little attention to restoring
the Kern River (from Golden State Bridge to San Miguel Grove) for public
use. Instead millions and millions for freeway beautification for people
who drive through Bakersfield?
Eddy Laine
(661) 345-4736
-----Original Message-----
From: Tom Fallgatter <tom@tcflawyer.com>
To: markcsalvaggio <markcsalvaggio@yahoo.com>; oneilpedal4@gmail.com
<oneilpedal4@gmail.com>; Carolyn Belli <jgbelli@bak.rr.com>; Andrew Honig
<andym5@bak.rr.com>; 'michall@bak.rr.com' <michall@bak.rr.com>;
Dona.Schilling@wellsfargo.com <Dona.Schilling@wellsfargo.com>
Cc: vgennaro@bakersfieldcity.us <vgennaro@bakersfieldcity.us>; Wtcooper47
<wtcooper47@aol.com>; eddylaine@aol.com <eddylaine@aol.com>;
peter.wolleson@yahoo.com <peter.wolleson@yahoo.com>; yates.jonathan@gmail.com
<yates.jonathan@gmail.com>; bell.margie@gmail.com <bell.margie@gmail.com>;
kernriverparkwayfoundation@gmail.com <kernriverparkwayfoundation@gmail.com>;
lsfranconi@yahoo.com <lsfranconi@yahoo.com>; samonty@pacbell.net
<samonty@pacbell.net>; achianel@bakersfieldcity.com <achianel@bakersfieldcity.com>;
Ann Silver <ablsilver37@gmail.com>; eihuerta@huertalaw.org <eihuerta@huertalaw.org>;
mmartinez@csub.edu <mmartinez@csub.edu>; cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us
<cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us>; jkitchen@bakersfieldcity.us <jkitchen@bakersfieldcity.us>;
chuot@bakersfieldcity.us <chuot@bakersfieldcity.us>; ken@weircpa.com
<ken@weircpa.com>; chrisparlier@sbcglobal.net <chrisparlier@sbcglobal.net>;
andrae3000@gmail.com <andrae3000@gmail.com>; brucefreeman1949@gmail.com
<brucefreeman1949@gmail.com>; patty@dreammakerbakersfield.com
<patty@dreammakerbakersfield.com>; ericarias7@gmail.com <ericarias7@gmail.com>;
bobsmith727@me.com <bobsmith727@me.com>; Tom Fallgatter <tom@tcflawyer.com>
Sent: Mon, Apr 5, 2021 11:27 pm
Subject: RE: “All EBikes” clarifications
Mark
Rich O’Neill and Bill Cooper are heroes of mine. They are the individuals who fired me up
about preserving and enhancing the Kern River as a invaluable asset of our community.
And I agree their input should carries special weight. Plus I know that you were a great and
effective advocate for preserving and enhancing the River and you opinion on this matter is
important to me. And, there were many others.
However, I too have institutional memory about the Kern River Plan, and at the risk of
sounding pompous, I can say that, energized by Rich and Bill, and by my own sense about
the river, as a member of the subdivision committee of the Bakersfield City planning
commission in 1981, I came up with the idea of developing a “Kern River Plan” as a formal
city and county general plan and zoning planning tool. Too be clear the idea of a Kern
River Parkway was Bill and Rich’s idea. But, the idea of developing a “Kern River Plan”
was mine.
But for me all the work Rich and Bill, you, and Carolyn Belli, and Andy and Sasha Honig
and I, and many others, have done to preserve the Kern River, get the bike path approved
and many other pro-Kern River decisions and improvements while important, and giving us
some status in terms of commenting on the Plan and the Bike path, does not confer on us
the sole power to make decisions about the River. The preservation and enhancement of
the River is a community wide concern, and a community wide decision. We do not have,
and do not deserve, a strangle hold on what the right decisions for the River are. Times
change and what is appropriate for the Path and appropriate for the River changes also.
It is my personal opinion, that allowing e-bikes that function similarly to regular bikes is a
good idea. I believe that the more people we have using the Path and accessing and
enjoying the River, the more likely it is in the long run that the River will in fact continue to
be preserved and enhanced. Of course there need to be rules that preserve the river as a
natural resource, preserve it as the preeminent natural recreational and educational
resource of our community. But the exact contours of those rules will by the nature of
things vary over time. It would be foolish to think that what Rich O’Neill, Bill Cooper, Tom
Fallgatter, Andy and Sasha Honig, Carolyn Belli and Mark Salvaggio thought in 1985 were
the right rules for the River, would be the right rules forever.
Tom
From: markcsalvaggio <markcsalvaggio@yahoo.com>
Sent: Monday, April 5, 2021 8:44 PM
To: oneilpedal4@gmail.com
Cc: vgennaro@bakersfieldcity.us; Wtcooper47 <wtcooper47@aol.com>;
eddylaine@aol.com; peter.wolleson@yahoo.com; yates.jonathan@gmail.com;
bell.margie@gmail.com; kernriverparkwayfoundation@gmail.com; lsfranconi@yahoo.com;
samonty@pacbell.net; achianel@bakersfieldcity.com; Tom Fallgatter
<tom@tcflawyer.com>; Ann Silver <ablsilver37@gmail.com>; eihuerta@huertalaw.org;
mmartinez@csub.edu; cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us; jkitchen@bakersfieldcity.us;
chuot@bakersfieldcity.us; ken@weircpa.com; chrisparlier@sbcglobal.net;
andrae3000@gmail.com; brucefreeman1949@gmail.com;
patty@dreammakerbakersfield.com; ericarias7@gmail.com; bobsmith727@me.com
Subject: “All EBikes” clarifications
It is very disheartening to see the City take this adverse course of action.
Not one member of the Bakersfield City Council has a scintilla of institutional memory
regarding the development of the Kern River Plan, the subsequent River Element of the
Metropolitan Bakersfield General Plan, and finally the Kern River Parkway.
The City should listen to and respect the wisdom of people like Rich O'Neill and Bill Cooper
who first brought us the vision to restore the ravaged Kern River through metropolitan
Bakersfield.
We are put in the no-win position of bing accused of opposing "change." Baloney.
This invites ATV or ORV in the secondary and primary floodplains of the Kern River. The
late Councilwoman Pat DeMond would see this for for what it is.
I have been told the Bakersfield Police Department will enforce speed limits on the Bike
Path. Don't be fooled. The BPD has other "priorities." I've got a bridge to sell you in
Lamont.
Councilman Andrae Gonzales' view that we should allow "new technology" to take its
course is specious.
-------- Original message --------
From: oneilpedal4@gmail.com
Date: April 5, 2021 at 5:14:03 PM PDT
To: vgennaro@bakersfieldcity.us
Cc: bill travis cooper <wtcooper47@aol.com>, Christian Clegg
<cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us>, Eddy Laine <eddylaine@aol.com>, Peter
Wollesen <Peter.Wollesen@yahoo.com>, Jonathan Yates
<yates.jonathane@gmail.com>, lauren franconi <lsfranconi@yahoo.com>
Subject: “All EBikes” clarifications
Ginny,
The last Leg.and Lit. Committee meeting left us with even more confusion
than before.
Councilman Andre Gonzales asked for “all EBikes” be allowed even though
the State Allows only C1 and C2.
Are we to understand that “all” means also bikes that go 40 mph (with
1000watt motors) or 50mph (4000 watt motor)?
I talked to Ashly 2 days after the L & L.
She could not answer these questions.
She said she would talk to you but I received no call back.
Every one of these EBikes is capable of going off-road and are in fact
advertised as being “off roaders."
Some even carry the names referring to “overland”, “Mtn. Climber," “Rock
jumper."
Just google it.
The can of worms keeps opening bigger and bigger. E-bikes are getting
faster, faster, and stronger.
As you know, any EBike over 750 watt is considered to be a Motorcycle by
the DMV laws.
What is the City going to do when these off-road cycles entering into the 2800
acre recharge basins or into the private land of the Panorama Vista
Preserve.
The Bike Path travels two miles through private property and these property
owners have their rights.
What is the City to do when EBikes travel through critical habitat or threaten
the four endangered species that live along the Path (some within a few feet
of the path)?
Horses scare and panic easily near fast moving objects.
Just ask Councilman Ken Weir. He rides horses.
The L & L also rejected our mitigations which are meant to decrease negative
impacts.
Ginny,we must educate users with letters from the Mayor, speed limit signage
and no off road postings.
The Parkway Foundation wants to reintroduce our commpromise to you and
staff.
Will you hear us next time?
Can you build into the ordinance that EBikes must stay on pavement?
Signs to this effect will really help and so will as much enforcement as
possible.
Please answer quickly.
Thanks,
KRPF VP
Rich
From:markcsalvaggio
To:Anthony Valdez
Cc:Christian Clegg; Chris Huot; Virginia "Ginny" Gennaro; achianel@bakersfieldcity.com; Rick Anthony; bakersfield
mayor; ericarias7@gmail.com; andrae3000@gmail.com; ken@weircpa.com; bobsmith727@me.com;
brucefreeman1949@gmail.com; patty@dreammakerbakersfield.com; PD-PIO Council member Chris Parlier;
kernriverparkwayfoundation@gmail.com; wtcooper47@aol.com; oneilpedal4@gmail.com; samonty@pacbell.net;
harrylove1944@gmail.com; bell.margie@gmail.com; Ara Marderosian; peter.wollesen@yahoo.com;
jeffreyf2002@hotmail.com; maggardm@kerncounty.com; mjdvargas@gmail.com; mariapolite@gmail.com;
rushme2016@gmail.com; shabri970@gmail.com; bogdmk@gmail.com; lia.mendez@gmail.com
Subject:“All EBikes” clarifications
Date:Wednesday, June 16, 2021 9:26:01 AM
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you
click!
Anthony,
They are, in fact, motorized vehicles. If you google them you will see a wide variety of ads promoting off-
road electric motorcycles that reach speeds of well over 45 mph. They are competitive dirt-bikes that are
high-torque and just as damaging and dangerous as gasoline powered motorcycles. I saw two large
ones on the bike path out by CALM yesterday.
There will be no way to keep them on the bike path and conflicts are inevitable.
Please include this as additional testimony.
-----Original Message-----
From: markcsalvaggio <markcsalvaggio@yahoo.com>
To: Ara Marderosian <ara@sequoiaforestkeeper.org>; eddylaine@aol.com; avaldez@bakersfieldcity.us
Cc: samonty@pacbell.net; gnipp@bak.rr.com; rushme2016@gmail.com; oneilpedal4@gmail.com;
peter.wollesen@yahoo.com; wtcooper47@aol.com; lia.mendez@gmail.com; mjdvargas@gmail.com;
shabri970@gmail.com; bogdmk@gmail.com; bell.margie@gmail.com; mariapolite@gmail.com;
floresjeff@kerncounty.com; maggardm@kerncounty.com; cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us;
vgennaro@bakersfieldcity.us; chuot@bakersfieldcity.us; mayor@bakersfieldcity.us;
ericarias7@gmail.com; ken@weircpa.com; bobsmith727@me.com; andrae3000@gmail.com;
brucefreeman1949@gmail.com; patty@dreammakerbakersfield.com; chrisparlier@sbcglobal.net;
ranthony@bakersfieldcity.us; achianel@bakersfieldcity.com; harrylove1944@gmail.com
Sent: Wed, Jun 16, 2021 8:58 am
Subject: RE: “All EBikes” clarifications
Thank you Ara. Your expertise as a Sequoia Forest Keeper is appreciated.
Sent via the Samsung Galaxy A10e, an AT&T 4G LTE smartphone
-------- Original message --------
From: Ara Marderosian <ara@sequoiaforestkeeper.org>
Date: 6/16/21 8:36 AM (GMT-08:00)
To: eddylaine@aol.com, avaldez@bakersfieldcity.us
Cc: samonty@pacbell.net, gnipp@bak.rr.com, rushme2016@gmail.com, oneilpedal4@gmail.com,
peter.wollesen@yahoo.com, wtcooper47@aol.com, lia.mendez@gmail.com, mjdvargas@gmail.com,
shabri970@gmail.com, bogdmk@gmail.com, bell.margie@gmail.com, markcsalvaggio@yahoo.com,
mariapolite@gmail.com, floresjeff@kerncounty.com, maggardm@kerncounty.com
Subject: RE: “All EBikes” clarifications
The USFS did the right thing by designating e-bikes as motorized
vehicles. https://cara.ecosystem-
management.org/Public/CommentInput?project=ORMS-2619 An e-
bike motor burst into flame on a grassy trail near the Kern County Fire
Station in South Lake in the Kern River Valley causing a four-acre fire
making this issue even more critical. Sequoia ForestKeeper submitted
comments specific to Sequoia that highlights e-bike battery ignitions as
a public safety concern.
http://www.sequoiaforestkeeper.org/pdfs/comment_letters/OSV-
OHV/201023_no_to_ebikes_non-motorized_trails.pdf
Ara
From: eddylaine@aol.com [mailto:eddylaine@aol.com]
Sent: Wednesday, June 16, 2021 8:29 AM
To: avaldez@bakersfieldcity.us
Cc: samonty@pacbell.net; gnipp@bak.rr.com; ara@sequoiaforestkeeper.org;
rushme2016@gmail.com; oneilpedal4@gmail.com; peter.wollesen@yahoo.com;
wtcooper47@aol.com; lia.mendez@gmail.com; mjdvargas@gmail.com;
shabri970@gmail.com; bogdmk@gmail.com; bell.margie@gmail.com;
markcsalvaggio@yahoo.com; mariapolite@gmail.com; floresjeff@kerncounty.com;
maggardm@kerncounty.com
Subject: Re: “All EBikes” clarifications
Thank you. Copying several who have been interested in/concerned about this issue.
Eddy Laine, Member, Executive Committee, Sierra Club, Kern-Kaweah Chapter
-----Original Message-----
From: Anthony Valdez <avaldez@bakersfieldcity.us>
To: eddylaine@aol.com <eddylaine@aol.com>
Sent: Tue, Jun 15, 2021 5:33 pm
Subject: FW: “All EBikes” clarifications
Eddy:
Thank you for your comments regarding the use of e-bikes on the Kern River Bike Path.
The Bakersfield City Council’s Legislative and Litigation Committee will be discussing e-bikes on the Kern
River Bike Path at their upcoming meeting on Monday, June 21st at 12 p.m. The meeting will be held at
City Hall North, First Floor, Conference Room A, 1600 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA. The agenda for
the meeting will be posted this Friday, June 18th.
Your comments will be included in the agenda packet for Council members to review ahead of the
meeting. Any additional comments can be sent to city_clerk@bakersfieldcity.us no later than 8:00 a.m.
the day of the meeting.
Sincerely,
Anthony
Anthony E. Valdez | Administrative Analyst III
City Manager’s Office
City of Bakersfield
email: avaldez@bakersfieldcity.us
web: www.bakersfieldcity.us
phone: 661-326-3029 (direct)
From: eddylaine@aol.com <eddylaine@aol.com>
Sent: Tuesday, April 6, 2021 9:33 AM
To: tom@tcflawyer.com; markcsalvaggio@yahoo.com; oneilpedal4@gmail.com; jgbelli@bak.rr.com;
andym5@bak.rr.com; michall@bak.rr.com; Dona.Schilling@wellsfargo.com
Cc: Virginia "Ginny" Gennaro <vgennaro@bakersfieldcity.us>; wtcooper47@aol.com;
peter.wolleson@yahoo.com; yates.jonathan@gmail.com; bell.margie@gmail.com;
kernriverparkwayfoundation@gmail.com; lsfranconi@yahoo.com; samonty@pacbell.net;
achianel@bakersfieldcity.com; ablsilver37@gmail.com; eihuerta@huertalaw.org; mmartinez@csub.edu;
Christian Clegg <cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us>; Jacqui Kitchen <jkitchen@bakersfieldcity.us>; Chris Huot
<CHuot@bakersfieldcity.us>; ken@weircpa.com; PD-PIO Council member Chris Parlier
<chrisparlier@sbcglobal.net>; andrae3000@gmail.com; brucefreeman1949@gmail.com;
patty@dreammakerbakersfield.com; ericarias7@gmail.com; bobsmith727@me.com; tom@tcflawyer.com
Subject: Re: “All EBikes” clarifications
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think
before you click!
The e-bike issue is noted in a letter (long-term solutions #4) authorized by the Executive Committee of the
Sierra Club on Saturday and delivered to City Hall yesterday.
There are several suggestions here that we hope will be considered. Millions and millions of dollars and
seemingly little attention to restoring the Kern River (from Golden State Bridge to San Miguel Grove) for
public use. Instead millions and millions for freeway beautification for people who drive through
Bakersfield?
Eddy Laine
(661) 345-4736
-----Original Message-----
From: Tom Fallgatter <tom@tcflawyer.com>
To: markcsalvaggio <markcsalvaggio@yahoo.com>; oneilpedal4@gmail.com <oneilpedal4@gmail.com>;
Carolyn Belli <jgbelli@bak.rr.com>; Andrew Honig <andym5@bak.rr.com>; 'michall@bak.rr.com'
<michall@bak.rr.com>; Dona.Schilling@wellsfargo.com <Dona.Schilling@wellsfargo.com>
Cc: vgennaro@bakersfieldcity.us <vgennaro@bakersfieldcity.us>; Wtcooper47 <wtcooper47@aol.com>;
eddylaine@aol.com <eddylaine@aol.com>; peter.wolleson@yahoo.com <peter.wolleson@yahoo.com>;
yates.jonathan@gmail.com <yates.jonathan@gmail.com>; bell.margie@gmail.com
<bell.margie@gmail.com>; kernriverparkwayfoundation@gmail.com
<kernriverparkwayfoundation@gmail.com>; lsfranconi@yahoo.com <lsfranconi@yahoo.com>;
samonty@pacbell.net <samonty@pacbell.net>; achianel@bakersfieldcity.com
<achianel@bakersfieldcity.com>; Ann Silver <ablsilver37@gmail.com>; eihuerta@huertalaw.org
<eihuerta@huertalaw.org>; mmartinez@csub.edu <mmartinez@csub.edu>; cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us
<cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us>; jkitchen@bakersfieldcity.us <jkitchen@bakersfieldcity.us>;
chuot@bakersfieldcity.us <chuot@bakersfieldcity.us>; ken@weircpa.com <ken@weircpa.com>;
chrisparlier@sbcglobal.net <chrisparlier@sbcglobal.net>; andrae3000@gmail.com
<andrae3000@gmail.com>; brucefreeman1949@gmail.com <brucefreeman1949@gmail.com>;
patty@dreammakerbakersfield.com <patty@dreammakerbakersfield.com>; ericarias7@gmail.com
<ericarias7@gmail.com>; bobsmith727@me.com <bobsmith727@me.com>; Tom Fallgatter
<tom@tcflawyer.com>
Sent: Mon, Apr 5, 2021 11:27 pm
Subject: RE: “All EBikes” clarifications
Mark
Rich O’Neill and Bill Cooper are heroes of mine. They are the individuals who fired me up about
preserving and enhancing the Kern River as a invaluable asset of our community. And I agree their input
should carries special weight. Plus I know that you were a great and effective advocate for preserving and
enhancing the River and you opinion on this matter is important to me. And, there were many others.
However, I too have institutional memory about the Kern River Plan, and at the risk of sounding pompous,
I can say that, energized by Rich and Bill, and by my own sense about the river, as a member of the
subdivision committee of the Bakersfield City planning commission in 1981, I came up with the idea of
developing a “Kern River Plan” as a formal city and county general plan and zoning planning tool. Too
be clear the idea of a Kern River Parkway was Bill and Rich’s idea. But, the idea of developing a “Kern
River Plan” was mine.
But for me all the work Rich and Bill, you, and Carolyn Belli, and Andy and Sasha Honig and I, and many
others, have done to preserve the Kern River, get the bike path approved and many other pro-Kern River
decisions and improvements while important, and giving us some status in terms of commenting on the
Plan and the Bike path, does not confer on us the sole power to make decisions about the River. The
preservation and enhancement of the River is a community wide concern, and a community wide
decision. We do not have, and do not deserve, a strangle hold on what the right decisions for the River
are. Times change and what is appropriate for the Path and appropriate for the River changes also.
It is my personal opinion, that allowing e-bikes that function similarly to regular bikes is a good idea. I
believe that the more people we have using the Path and accessing and enjoying the River, the more
likely it is in the long run that the River will in fact continue to be preserved and enhanced. Of course
there need to be rules that preserve the river as a natural resource, preserve it as the preeminent natural
recreational and educational resource of our community. But the exact contours of those rules will by the
nature of things vary over time. It would be foolish to think that what Rich O’Neill, Bill Cooper, Tom
Fallgatter, Andy and Sasha Honig, Carolyn Belli and Mark Salvaggio thought in 1985 were the right rules
for the River, would be the right rules forever.
Tom
From: markcsalvaggio <markcsalvaggio@yahoo.com>
Sent: Monday, April 5, 2021 8:44 PM
To: oneilpedal4@gmail.com
Cc: vgennaro@bakersfieldcity.us; Wtcooper47 <wtcooper47@aol.com>; eddylaine@aol.com;
peter.wolleson@yahoo.com; yates.jonathan@gmail.com; bell.margie@gmail.com;
kernriverparkwayfoundation@gmail.com; lsfranconi@yahoo.com; samonty@pacbell.net;
achianel@bakersfieldcity.com; Tom Fallgatter <tom@tcflawyer.com>; Ann Silver
<ablsilver37@gmail.com>; eihuerta@huertalaw.org; mmartinez@csub.edu; cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us;
jkitchen@bakersfieldcity.us; chuot@bakersfieldcity.us; ken@weircpa.com; chrisparlier@sbcglobal.net;
andrae3000@gmail.com; brucefreeman1949@gmail.com; patty@dreammakerbakersfield.com;
ericarias7@gmail.com; bobsmith727@me.com
Subject: “All EBikes” clarifications
It is very disheartening to see the City take this adverse course of action.
Not one member of the Bakersfield City Council has a scintilla of institutional memory regarding the
development of the Kern River Plan, the subsequent River Element of the Metropolitan Bakersfield
General Plan, and finally the Kern River Parkway.
The City should listen to and respect the wisdom of people like Rich O'Neill and Bill Cooper who first
brought us the vision to restore the ravaged Kern River through metropolitan Bakersfield.
We are put in the no-win position of bing accused of opposing "change." Baloney.
This invites ATV or ORV in the secondary and primary floodplains of the Kern River. The late
Councilwoman Pat DeMond would see this for for what it is.
I have been told the Bakersfield Police Department will enforce speed limits on the Bike Path. Don't be
fooled. The BPD has other "priorities." I've got a bridge to sell you in Lamont.
Councilman Andrae Gonzales' view that we should allow "new technology" to take its course is specious.
-------- Original message --------
From: oneilpedal4@gmail.com
Date: April 5, 2021 at 5:14:03 PM PDT
To: vgennaro@bakersfieldcity.us
Cc: bill travis cooper <wtcooper47@aol.com>, Christian Clegg
<cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us>, Eddy Laine <eddylaine@aol.com>, Peter Wollesen
<Peter.Wollesen@yahoo.com>, Jonathan Yates <yates.jonathane@gmail.com>, lauren
franconi <lsfranconi@yahoo.com>
Subject: “All EBikes” clarifications
Ginny,
The last Leg.and Lit. Committee meeting left us with even more confusion than before.
Councilman Andre Gonzales asked for “all EBikes” be allowed even though the State
Allows only C1 and C2.
Are we to understand that “all” means also bikes that go 40 mph (with 1000watt motors) or
50mph (4000 watt motor)?
I talked to Ashly 2 days after the L & L.
She could not answer these questions.
She said she would talk to you but I received no call back.
Every one of these EBikes is capable of going off-road and are in fact advertised as being
“off roaders."
Some even carry the names referring to “overland”, “Mtn. Climber," “Rock jumper."
Just google it.
The can of worms keeps opening bigger and bigger. E-bikes are getting faster, faster, and
stronger.
As you know, any EBike over 750 watt is considered to be a Motorcycle by the DMV laws.
What is the City going to do when these off-road cycles entering into the 2800 acre
recharge basins or into the private land of the Panorama Vista Preserve.
The Bike Path travels two miles through private property and these property owners have
their rights.
What is the City to do when EBikes travel through critical habitat or threaten the four
endangered species that live along the Path (some within a few feet of the path)?
Horses scare and panic easily near fast moving objects.
Just ask Councilman Ken Weir. He rides horses.
The L & L also rejected our mitigations which are meant to decrease negative impacts.
Ginny,we must educate users with letters from the Mayor, speed limit signage and no off
road postings.
The Parkway Foundation wants to reintroduce our commpromise to you and staff.
Will you hear us next time?
Can you build into the ordinance that EBikes must stay on pavement?
Signs to this effect will really help and so will as much enforcement as possible.
Please answer quickly.
Thanks,
KRPF VP
Rich
From:markcsalvaggio
To:Anthony Valdez
Cc:Christian Clegg; Chris Huot; Virginia "Ginny" Gennaro; achianel@bakersfieldcity.com; Rick Anthony; bakersfield
mayor; ericarias7@gmail.com; andrae3000@gmail.com; ken@weircpa.com; bobsmith727@me.com;
brucefreeman1949@gmail.com; patty@dreammakerbakersfield.com; PD-PIO Council member Chris Parlier;
kernriverparkwayfoundation@gmail.com; wtcooper47@aol.com; oneilpedal4@gmail.com; samonty@pacbell.net;
harrylove1944@gmail.com; bell.margie@gmail.com; Ara Marderosian; peter.wollesen@yahoo.com;
jeffreyf2002@hotmail.com; maggardm@kerncounty.com; mjdvargas@gmail.com; mariapolite@gmail.com;
rushme2016@gmail.com; shabri970@gmail.com; bogdmk@gmail.com; lia.mendez@gmail.com
Subject:“All EBikes” clarifications
Date:Wednesday, June 16, 2021 9:26:01 AM
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you
click!
Anthony,
They are, in fact, motorized vehicles. If you google them you will see a wide variety of ads promoting off-
road electric motorcycles that reach speeds of well over 45 mph. They are competitive dirt-bikes that are
high-torque and just as damaging and dangerous as gasoline powered motorcycles. I saw two large
ones on the bike path out by CALM yesterday.
There will be no way to keep them on the bike path and conflicts are inevitable.
Please include this as additional testimony.
-----Original Message-----
From: markcsalvaggio <markcsalvaggio@yahoo.com>
To: Ara Marderosian <ara@sequoiaforestkeeper.org>; eddylaine@aol.com; avaldez@bakersfieldcity.us
Cc: samonty@pacbell.net; gnipp@bak.rr.com; rushme2016@gmail.com; oneilpedal4@gmail.com;
peter.wollesen@yahoo.com; wtcooper47@aol.com; lia.mendez@gmail.com; mjdvargas@gmail.com;
shabri970@gmail.com; bogdmk@gmail.com; bell.margie@gmail.com; mariapolite@gmail.com;
floresjeff@kerncounty.com; maggardm@kerncounty.com; cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us;
vgennaro@bakersfieldcity.us; chuot@bakersfieldcity.us; mayor@bakersfieldcity.us;
ericarias7@gmail.com; ken@weircpa.com; bobsmith727@me.com; andrae3000@gmail.com;
brucefreeman1949@gmail.com; patty@dreammakerbakersfield.com; chrisparlier@sbcglobal.net;
ranthony@bakersfieldcity.us; achianel@bakersfieldcity.com; harrylove1944@gmail.com
Sent: Wed, Jun 16, 2021 8:58 am
Subject: RE: “All EBikes” clarifications
Thank you Ara. Your expertise as a Sequoia Forest Keeper is appreciated.
Sent via the Samsung Galaxy A10e, an AT&T 4G LTE smartphone
-------- Original message --------
From: Ara Marderosian <ara@sequoiaforestkeeper.org>
Date: 6/16/21 8:36 AM (GMT-08:00)
To: eddylaine@aol.com, avaldez@bakersfieldcity.us
Cc: samonty@pacbell.net, gnipp@bak.rr.com, rushme2016@gmail.com, oneilpedal4@gmail.com,
peter.wollesen@yahoo.com, wtcooper47@aol.com, lia.mendez@gmail.com, mjdvargas@gmail.com,
shabri970@gmail.com, bogdmk@gmail.com, bell.margie@gmail.com, markcsalvaggio@yahoo.com,
mariapolite@gmail.com, floresjeff@kerncounty.com, maggardm@kerncounty.com
Subject: RE: “All EBikes” clarifications
The USFS did the right thing by designating e-bikes as motorized
vehicles. https://cara.ecosystem-
management.org/Public/CommentInput?project=ORMS-2619 An e-
bike motor burst into flame on a grassy trail near the Kern County Fire
Station in South Lake in the Kern River Valley causing a four-acre fire
making this issue even more critical. Sequoia ForestKeeper submitted
comments specific to Sequoia that highlights e-bike battery ignitions as
a public safety concern.
http://www.sequoiaforestkeeper.org/pdfs/comment_letters/OSV-
OHV/201023_no_to_ebikes_non-motorized_trails.pdf
Ara
From: eddylaine@aol.com [mailto:eddylaine@aol.com]
Sent: Wednesday, June 16, 2021 8:29 AM
To: avaldez@bakersfieldcity.us
Cc: samonty@pacbell.net; gnipp@bak.rr.com; ara@sequoiaforestkeeper.org;
rushme2016@gmail.com; oneilpedal4@gmail.com; peter.wollesen@yahoo.com;
wtcooper47@aol.com; lia.mendez@gmail.com; mjdvargas@gmail.com;
shabri970@gmail.com; bogdmk@gmail.com; bell.margie@gmail.com;
markcsalvaggio@yahoo.com; mariapolite@gmail.com; floresjeff@kerncounty.com;
maggardm@kerncounty.com
Subject: Re: “All EBikes” clarifications
Thank you. Copying several who have been interested in/concerned about this issue.
Eddy Laine, Member, Executive Committee, Sierra Club, Kern-Kaweah Chapter
-----Original Message-----
From: Anthony Valdez <avaldez@bakersfieldcity.us>
To: eddylaine@aol.com <eddylaine@aol.com>
Sent: Tue, Jun 15, 2021 5:33 pm
Subject: FW: “All EBikes” clarifications
Eddy:
Thank you for your comments regarding the use of e-bikes on the Kern River Bike Path.
The Bakersfield City Council’s Legislative and Litigation Committee will be discussing e-bikes on the Kern
River Bike Path at their upcoming meeting on Monday, June 21st at 12 p.m. The meeting will be held at
City Hall North, First Floor, Conference Room A, 1600 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA. The agenda for
the meeting will be posted this Friday, June 18th.
Your comments will be included in the agenda packet for Council members to review ahead of the
meeting. Any additional comments can be sent to city_clerk@bakersfieldcity.us no later than 8:00 a.m.
the day of the meeting.
Sincerely,
Anthony
Anthony E. Valdez | Administrative Analyst III
City Manager’s Office
City of Bakersfield
email: avaldez@bakersfieldcity.us
web: www.bakersfieldcity.us
phone: 661-326-3029 (direct)
From: eddylaine@aol.com <eddylaine@aol.com>
Sent: Tuesday, April 6, 2021 9:33 AM
To: tom@tcflawyer.com; markcsalvaggio@yahoo.com; oneilpedal4@gmail.com; jgbelli@bak.rr.com;
andym5@bak.rr.com; michall@bak.rr.com; Dona.Schilling@wellsfargo.com
Cc: Virginia "Ginny" Gennaro <vgennaro@bakersfieldcity.us>; wtcooper47@aol.com;
peter.wolleson@yahoo.com; yates.jonathan@gmail.com; bell.margie@gmail.com;
kernriverparkwayfoundation@gmail.com; lsfranconi@yahoo.com; samonty@pacbell.net;
achianel@bakersfieldcity.com; ablsilver37@gmail.com; eihuerta@huertalaw.org; mmartinez@csub.edu;
Christian Clegg <cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us>; Jacqui Kitchen <jkitchen@bakersfieldcity.us>; Chris Huot
<CHuot@bakersfieldcity.us>; ken@weircpa.com; PD-PIO Council member Chris Parlier
<chrisparlier@sbcglobal.net>; andrae3000@gmail.com; brucefreeman1949@gmail.com;
patty@dreammakerbakersfield.com; ericarias7@gmail.com; bobsmith727@me.com; tom@tcflawyer.com
Subject: Re: “All EBikes” clarifications
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think
before you click!
The e-bike issue is noted in a letter (long-term solutions #4) authorized by the Executive Committee of the
Sierra Club on Saturday and delivered to City Hall yesterday.
There are several suggestions here that we hope will be considered. Millions and millions of dollars and
seemingly little attention to restoring the Kern River (from Golden State Bridge to San Miguel Grove) for
public use. Instead millions and millions for freeway beautification for people who drive through
Bakersfield?
Eddy Laine
(661) 345-4736
-----Original Message-----
From: Tom Fallgatter <tom@tcflawyer.com>
To: markcsalvaggio <markcsalvaggio@yahoo.com>; oneilpedal4@gmail.com <oneilpedal4@gmail.com>;
Carolyn Belli <jgbelli@bak.rr.com>; Andrew Honig <andym5@bak.rr.com>; 'michall@bak.rr.com'
<michall@bak.rr.com>; Dona.Schilling@wellsfargo.com <Dona.Schilling@wellsfargo.com>
Cc: vgennaro@bakersfieldcity.us <vgennaro@bakersfieldcity.us>; Wtcooper47 <wtcooper47@aol.com>;
eddylaine@aol.com <eddylaine@aol.com>; peter.wolleson@yahoo.com <peter.wolleson@yahoo.com>;
yates.jonathan@gmail.com <yates.jonathan@gmail.com>; bell.margie@gmail.com
<bell.margie@gmail.com>; kernriverparkwayfoundation@gmail.com
<kernriverparkwayfoundation@gmail.com>; lsfranconi@yahoo.com <lsfranconi@yahoo.com>;
samonty@pacbell.net <samonty@pacbell.net>; achianel@bakersfieldcity.com
<achianel@bakersfieldcity.com>; Ann Silver <ablsilver37@gmail.com>; eihuerta@huertalaw.org
<eihuerta@huertalaw.org>; mmartinez@csub.edu <mmartinez@csub.edu>; cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us
<cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us>; jkitchen@bakersfieldcity.us <jkitchen@bakersfieldcity.us>;
chuot@bakersfieldcity.us <chuot@bakersfieldcity.us>; ken@weircpa.com <ken@weircpa.com>;
chrisparlier@sbcglobal.net <chrisparlier@sbcglobal.net>; andrae3000@gmail.com
<andrae3000@gmail.com>; brucefreeman1949@gmail.com <brucefreeman1949@gmail.com>;
patty@dreammakerbakersfield.com <patty@dreammakerbakersfield.com>; ericarias7@gmail.com
<ericarias7@gmail.com>; bobsmith727@me.com <bobsmith727@me.com>; Tom Fallgatter
<tom@tcflawyer.com>
Sent: Mon, Apr 5, 2021 11:27 pm
Subject: RE: “All EBikes” clarifications
Mark
Rich O’Neill and Bill Cooper are heroes of mine. They are the individuals who fired me up about
preserving and enhancing the Kern River as a invaluable asset of our community. And I agree their input
should carries special weight. Plus I know that you were a great and effective advocate for preserving and
enhancing the River and you opinion on this matter is important to me. And, there were many others.
However, I too have institutional memory about the Kern River Plan, and at the risk of sounding pompous,
I can say that, energized by Rich and Bill, and by my own sense about the river, as a member of the
subdivision committee of the Bakersfield City planning commission in 1981, I came up with the idea of
developing a “Kern River Plan” as a formal city and county general plan and zoning planning tool. Too
be clear the idea of a Kern River Parkway was Bill and Rich’s idea. But, the idea of developing a “Kern
River Plan” was mine.
But for me all the work Rich and Bill, you, and Carolyn Belli, and Andy and Sasha Honig and I, and many
others, have done to preserve the Kern River, get the bike path approved and many other pro-Kern River
decisions and improvements while important, and giving us some status in terms of commenting on the
Plan and the Bike path, does not confer on us the sole power to make decisions about the River. The
preservation and enhancement of the River is a community wide concern, and a community wide
decision. We do not have, and do not deserve, a strangle hold on what the right decisions for the River
are. Times change and what is appropriate for the Path and appropriate for the River changes also.
It is my personal opinion, that allowing e-bikes that function similarly to regular bikes is a good idea. I
believe that the more people we have using the Path and accessing and enjoying the River, the more
likely it is in the long run that the River will in fact continue to be preserved and enhanced. Of course
there need to be rules that preserve the river as a natural resource, preserve it as the preeminent natural
recreational and educational resource of our community. But the exact contours of those rules will by the
nature of things vary over time. It would be foolish to think that what Rich O’Neill, Bill Cooper, Tom
Fallgatter, Andy and Sasha Honig, Carolyn Belli and Mark Salvaggio thought in 1985 were the right rules
for the River, would be the right rules forever.
Tom
From: markcsalvaggio <markcsalvaggio@yahoo.com>
Sent: Monday, April 5, 2021 8:44 PM
To: oneilpedal4@gmail.com
Cc: vgennaro@bakersfieldcity.us; Wtcooper47 <wtcooper47@aol.com>; eddylaine@aol.com;
peter.wolleson@yahoo.com; yates.jonathan@gmail.com; bell.margie@gmail.com;
kernriverparkwayfoundation@gmail.com; lsfranconi@yahoo.com; samonty@pacbell.net;
achianel@bakersfieldcity.com; Tom Fallgatter <tom@tcflawyer.com>; Ann Silver
<ablsilver37@gmail.com>; eihuerta@huertalaw.org; mmartinez@csub.edu; cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us;
jkitchen@bakersfieldcity.us; chuot@bakersfieldcity.us; ken@weircpa.com; chrisparlier@sbcglobal.net;
andrae3000@gmail.com; brucefreeman1949@gmail.com; patty@dreammakerbakersfield.com;
ericarias7@gmail.com; bobsmith727@me.com
Subject: “All EBikes” clarifications
It is very disheartening to see the City take this adverse course of action.
Not one member of the Bakersfield City Council has a scintilla of institutional memory regarding the
development of the Kern River Plan, the subsequent River Element of the Metropolitan Bakersfield
General Plan, and finally the Kern River Parkway.
The City should listen to and respect the wisdom of people like Rich O'Neill and Bill Cooper who first
brought us the vision to restore the ravaged Kern River through metropolitan Bakersfield.
We are put in the no-win position of bing accused of opposing "change." Baloney.
This invites ATV or ORV in the secondary and primary floodplains of the Kern River. The late
Councilwoman Pat DeMond would see this for for what it is.
I have been told the Bakersfield Police Department will enforce speed limits on the Bike Path. Don't be
fooled. The BPD has other "priorities." I've got a bridge to sell you in Lamont.
Councilman Andrae Gonzales' view that we should allow "new technology" to take its course is specious.
-------- Original message --------
From: oneilpedal4@gmail.com
Date: April 5, 2021 at 5:14:03 PM PDT
To: vgennaro@bakersfieldcity.us
Cc: bill travis cooper <wtcooper47@aol.com>, Christian Clegg
<cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us>, Eddy Laine <eddylaine@aol.com>, Peter Wollesen
<Peter.Wollesen@yahoo.com>, Jonathan Yates <yates.jonathane@gmail.com>, lauren
franconi <lsfranconi@yahoo.com>
Subject: “All EBikes” clarifications
Ginny,
The last Leg.and Lit. Committee meeting left us with even more confusion than before.
Councilman Andre Gonzales asked for “all EBikes” be allowed even though the State
Allows only C1 and C2.
Are we to understand that “all” means also bikes that go 40 mph (with 1000watt motors) or
50mph (4000 watt motor)?
I talked to Ashly 2 days after the L & L.
She could not answer these questions.
She said she would talk to you but I received no call back.
Every one of these EBikes is capable of going off-road and are in fact advertised as being
“off roaders."
Some even carry the names referring to “overland”, “Mtn. Climber," “Rock jumper."
Just google it.
The can of worms keeps opening bigger and bigger. E-bikes are getting faster, faster, and
stronger.
As you know, any EBike over 750 watt is considered to be a Motorcycle by the DMV laws.
What is the City going to do when these off-road cycles entering into the 2800 acre
recharge basins or into the private land of the Panorama Vista Preserve.
The Bike Path travels two miles through private property and these property owners have
their rights.
What is the City to do when EBikes travel through critical habitat or threaten the four
endangered species that live along the Path (some within a few feet of the path)?
Horses scare and panic easily near fast moving objects.
Just ask Councilman Ken Weir. He rides horses.
The L & L also rejected our mitigations which are meant to decrease negative impacts.
Ginny,we must educate users with letters from the Mayor, speed limit signage and no off
road postings.
The Parkway Foundation wants to reintroduce our commpromise to you and staff.
Will you hear us next time?
Can you build into the ordinance that EBikes must stay on pavement?
Signs to this effect will really help and so will as much enforcement as possible.
Please answer quickly.
Thanks,
KRPF VP
Rich
From:Edwin S. Bonilla
To:City_Council
Subject:All Council
Date:Tuesday, May 4, 2021 8:09:57 AM
Attachments:image001.png
image002.png
image003.png
image004.png
Craig Moorely left a voice mail to voice his opposition to the city council taking any action allowing
for motorized electric vehicles on horse trails and more specifically in the preserve area. He is not
opposed to allowing them on the bike paths. You may reach him at 661 747 8366.
Edwin S. Bonilla | Clerk-Typist
City Clerk Office
City of Bakersfield
email: ebonilla@bakersfieldcity.us
web: www.bakersfieldcity.us
phone: 661-326-3071
From:Edwin S. Bonilla
To:City_Council
Subject:All Council
Date:Tuesday, May 4, 2021 8:09:57 AM
Attachments:image001.png
image002.png
image003.png
image004.png
Craig Moorely left a voice mail to voice his opposition to the city council taking any action allowing
for motorized electric vehicles on horse trails and more specifically in the preserve area. He is not
opposed to allowing them on the bike paths. You may reach him at 661 747 8366.
Edwin S. Bonilla | Clerk-Typist
City Clerk Office
City of Bakersfield
email: ebonilla@bakersfieldcity.us
web: www.bakersfieldcity.us
phone: 661-326-3071
From:Edwin S. Bonilla
To:City_Council
Subject:All Council
Date:Wednesday, May 5, 2021 10:29:47 AM
Attachments:image001.png
image002.png
image003.png
image004.png
Jean Walford (661 747 2666) is seriously opposed to e bikes on equestrian trails. It can lead to
serious injury. You may reach her anytime at 661 747 2666 .
Edwin S. Bonilla | Clerk-Typist
City Clerk Office
City of Bakersfield
email: ebonilla@bakersfieldcity.us
web: www.bakersfieldcity.us
phone: 661-326-3071
From:Edwin S. Bonilla
To:City_Council
Subject:All Council
Date:Wednesday, May 5, 2021 10:29:47 AM
Attachments:image001.png
image002.png
image003.png
image004.png
Jean Walford (661 747 2666) is seriously opposed to e bikes on equestrian trails. It can lead to
serious injury. You may reach her anytime at 661 747 2666 .
Edwin S. Bonilla | Clerk-Typist
City Clerk Office
City of Bakersfield
email: ebonilla@bakersfieldcity.us
web: www.bakersfieldcity.us
phone: 661-326-3071
From:Edwin S. Bonilla
To:Anthony Valdez
Subject:e bike call
Date:Tuesday, May 18, 2021 4:18:07 PM
Attachments:image001.png
image002.png
image003.png
image004.png
Mickey rivers is opposed to allowing ebikes on the equestrian trail. She states it is a safety hazard to
citizens and their horses. It will also contribute negatively to the neighborhoods in the area. She
also states it will destroy the scenery and natural habitats in the area. You may reach her through
email at mrivers@bak.rr.com
Edwin S. Bonilla | Clerk-Typist
City Clerk Office
City of Bakersfield
email: ebonilla@bakersfieldcity.us
web: www.bakersfieldcity.us
phone: 661-326-3071
From:Edwin S. Bonilla
To:Anthony Valdez
Subject:e bike call
Date:Tuesday, May 18, 2021 4:18:07 PM
Attachments:image001.png
image002.png
image003.png
image004.png
Mickey rivers is opposed to allowing ebikes on the equestrian trail. She states it is a safety hazard to
citizens and their horses. It will also contribute negatively to the neighborhoods in the area. She
also states it will destroy the scenery and natural habitats in the area. You may reach her through
email at mrivers@bak.rr.com
Edwin S. Bonilla | Clerk-Typist
City Clerk Office
City of Bakersfield
email: ebonilla@bakersfieldcity.us
web: www.bakersfieldcity.us
phone: 661-326-3071
From:Edwin S. Bonilla
To:Anthony Valdez
Subject:E bike comment
Date:Friday, May 7, 2021 4:49:24 PM
Attachments:image001.png
image002.png
image003.png
image004.png
Lisa Sanli (661 364 3400) called to voice her opposition to allowing ebikes on equestrian trials. She
states they are a danger to citizens and their horses on the path. Because they are motorized they
reach higher top speeds compared to a bicycle. She states that 11 years ago she had a collision with
people riding ebikes on the trail, which lead her to sustain serious injury and was required to visit the
hospital. She required 5 months to recover. This had occurred around the ming lake portion of the
path. She also states it is hard for non-equestrians to understand how to approach a horse and do
not understand the laws in place. Also she would like to inform the city that if you research local
hospital records. You will see there is a high occurrence of collisions with ebikes and horses on the
trail. She would like for the city to consider the public safety concern. You may reach Lisa anytime at
661 364 3400 or by email at lisa.sanli@hotmail.com
Edwin S. Bonilla | Clerk-Typist
City Clerk Office
City of Bakersfield
email: ebonilla@bakersfieldcity.us
web: www.bakersfieldcity.us
phone: 661-326-3071
From:Edwin S. Bonilla
To:Anthony Valdez
Subject:E bike comment
Date:Friday, May 7, 2021 4:49:24 PM
Attachments:image001.png
image002.png
image003.png
image004.png
Lisa Sanli (661 364 3400) called to voice her opposition to allowing ebikes on equestrian trials. She
states they are a danger to citizens and their horses on the path. Because they are motorized they
reach higher top speeds compared to a bicycle. She states that 11 years ago she had a collision with
people riding ebikes on the trail, which lead her to sustain serious injury and was required to visit the
hospital. She required 5 months to recover. This had occurred around the ming lake portion of the
path. She also states it is hard for non-equestrians to understand how to approach a horse and do
not understand the laws in place. Also she would like to inform the city that if you research local
hospital records. You will see there is a high occurrence of collisions with ebikes and horses on the
trail. She would like for the city to consider the public safety concern. You may reach Lisa anytime at
661 364 3400 or by email at lisa.sanli@hotmail.com
Edwin S. Bonilla | Clerk-Typist
City Clerk Office
City of Bakersfield
email: ebonilla@bakersfieldcity.us
web: www.bakersfieldcity.us
phone: 661-326-3071
From:Edwin S. Bonilla
To:Anthony Valdez
Subject:e bike letter
Date:Thursday, May 13, 2021 3:01:53 PM
Attachments:ebikes.pdf
image001.png
image002.png
image003.png
image004.png
Here is a scan of a letter regarding the ebikes.
Edwin S. Bonilla | Clerk-Typist
City Clerk Office
City of Bakersfield
email: ebonilla@bakersfieldcity.us
web: www.bakersfieldcity.us
phone: 661-326-3071
From:Edwin S. Bonilla
To:Anthony Valdez
Subject:e bike letter
Date:Thursday, May 13, 2021 3:01:53 PM
Attachments:ebikes.pdf
image001.png
image002.png
image003.png
image004.png
Here is a scan of a letter regarding the ebikes.
Edwin S. Bonilla | Clerk-Typist
City Clerk Office
City of Bakersfield
email: ebonilla@bakersfieldcity.us
web: www.bakersfieldcity.us
phone: 661-326-3071
From:Edwin S. Bonilla
To:Anthony Valdez
Subject:E bike Letters
Date:Thursday, May 20, 2021 10:05:05 AM
Attachments:Page0001.pdf
Page0002.pdf
image001.png
image002.png
image003.png
image004.png
Two letter we received regarding the e bikes.
Edwin S. Bonilla | Clerk-Typist
City Clerk Office
City of Bakersfield
email: ebonilla@bakersfieldcity.us
web: www.bakersfieldcity.us
phone: 661-326-3071
From:Edwin S. Bonilla
To:Anthony Valdez
Subject:E bike Letters
Date:Thursday, May 20, 2021 10:05:05 AM
Attachments:Page0001.pdf
Page0002.pdf
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Two letter we received regarding the e bikes.
Edwin S. Bonilla | Clerk-Typist
City Clerk Office
City of Bakersfield
email: ebonilla@bakersfieldcity.us
web: www.bakersfieldcity.us
phone: 661-326-3071
From:Broadfork Acres
To:City_Council
Subject:E-Bikes Don"t Belong Off-Road
Date:Monday, May 3, 2021 12:57:11 PM
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you
click!
Good afternoon,
I would like to express my opposition to changing the municipal code or any kind of law
allowing e-bikes to go off-road in the Kern River bed or parkway area. These e-bikes belong
on the pavement. As a born and raised Bakersfieldian, I demand you do more to protect our
local environment. You're simply not doing good enough. The Kern River is home to several
endangered species, including the Bakersfield Cactus and the San Joaquin Kit Fox. We have
seen huge declines of these species as well as the burrowing owl, the blunt-nosed leopard
lizard, and milkweed that hosts the Monarch butterflies. Please do not be a part of
increasing the decline of these special species.
There is no good reason to allow e-bikes off-trail. It does nothing for our city and community.
The only thing I can think that allowing e-bikes to go off-road might encourage might be more
e-bike sales. I surely hope none of you are thinking of starting a business with e-bikes,
especially right after changing the law. Do you know how shady that looks?
Why don't you recognize the specialness of the Kern River and our local sense of place? You
need to protect it. I am going to make sure everyone I know in this city will know what you
are up to and how you stand to gain from it. I also know a lot of these people are not going to
be happy and will not help you get re-elected. Many young adults want to see a new kind of
Bakersfield that protects its natural heritage. I recommend you do not get in the way of that.
My view is a firm NO to changing the municipal code to allow e-bikes to go off-road into the
Kern river bed. It should be your position, too.
Heath Emerson
661-342-4953
From:Broadfork Acres
To:City_Council
Subject:E-Bikes Don"t Belong Off-Road
Date:Monday, May 3, 2021 12:57:11 PM
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you
click!
Good afternoon,
I would like to express my opposition to changing the municipal code or any kind of law
allowing e-bikes to go off-road in the Kern River bed or parkway area. These e-bikes belong
on the pavement. As a born and raised Bakersfieldian, I demand you do more to protect our
local environment. You're simply not doing good enough. The Kern River is home to several
endangered species, including the Bakersfield Cactus and the San Joaquin Kit Fox. We have
seen huge declines of these species as well as the burrowing owl, the blunt-nosed leopard
lizard, and milkweed that hosts the Monarch butterflies. Please do not be a part of
increasing the decline of these special species.
There is no good reason to allow e-bikes off-trail. It does nothing for our city and community.
The only thing I can think that allowing e-bikes to go off-road might encourage might be more
e-bike sales. I surely hope none of you are thinking of starting a business with e-bikes,
especially right after changing the law. Do you know how shady that looks?
Why don't you recognize the specialness of the Kern River and our local sense of place? You
need to protect it. I am going to make sure everyone I know in this city will know what you
are up to and how you stand to gain from it. I also know a lot of these people are not going to
be happy and will not help you get re-elected. Many young adults want to see a new kind of
Bakersfield that protects its natural heritage. I recommend you do not get in the way of that.
My view is a firm NO to changing the municipal code to allow e-bikes to go off-road into the
Kern river bed. It should be your position, too.
Heath Emerson
661-342-4953
From:Lorraine Reza
To:Anthony Valdez
Subject:E-Bikes message
Date:Thursday, May 6, 2021 11:25:14 AM
Attachments:image002.png
image003.png
image004.png
image005.png
Good morning Anthony, yesterday I received a call form Larry and Pat Munford, in
opposition of the E-Bikes for the trails. Pat stated it would promote more accidents
and more trash along the river.
Thank you.
Lorraine Reza | Deputy City Clerk
City of Bakersfield
email: lreza@bakersfieldcity.us
web: www.bakersfieldcity.us
phone: 661-326-3079
From:Lorraine Reza
To:Anthony Valdez
Subject:E-Bikes message
Date:Thursday, May 6, 2021 11:25:14 AM
Attachments:image002.png
image003.png
image004.png
image005.png
Good morning Anthony, yesterday I received a call form Larry and Pat Munford, in
opposition of the E-Bikes for the trails. Pat stated it would promote more accidents
and more trash along the river.
Thank you.
Lorraine Reza | Deputy City Clerk
City of Bakersfield
email: lreza@bakersfieldcity.us
web: www.bakersfieldcity.us
phone: 661-326-3079
From:mcunningham@bak.rr.com
To:City_Council
Subject:E-Bikes on Equestrian Trails
Date:Wednesday, May 5, 2021 9:57:49 AM
Attachments:CC Letter.pdf
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you
click!
Attention City Council Members:
Please see the attached letter from the Golden Empire Arabian Horse Society regarding allowing e-
bikes on equestrian trails.
Sincerely,
Marci Cunningham
Secretary/Treasurer
GEAHS
From:mcunningham@bak.rr.com
To:City_Council
Subject:E-Bikes on Equestrian Trails
Date:Wednesday, May 5, 2021 9:57:49 AM
Attachments:CC Letter.pdf
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you
click!
Attention City Council Members:
Please see the attached letter from the Golden Empire Arabian Horse Society regarding allowing e-
bikes on equestrian trails.
Sincerely,
Marci Cunningham
Secretary/Treasurer
GEAHS
Golden Empire Arabian Horse Society
May 4, 2021
Bakersfield City Council
1600 Truxtun Avenue
Bakersfield CA 93301
Dear Council Members,
The Golden Empire Arabian Horse Society (GEAHS) is a regional club of the Arabian Horse Association
headquartered in Aurora Colorado. Our club is based in Bakersfield and has 26 members. GEAHS would
like to go on record in opposition to the city allowing e-bikes on the Kern River Parkway equestrian
trails. Many of our members ride these trails and know that e-bikes can travel at high speeds and spook
horses. These e-bikes belong only on paved bike trails and have no business on hiking and riding dirt
paths. In addition to the danger to equestrians, these vehicles can destroy habitat and vegetation if
ridden in sensitive areas.
As the popularity of e-bikes increases, it is incumbent upon the city council to protect current parkway
users and not allow e-bikes to overrun those who currently enjoy a quiet hike or horseback ride along
the Kern River Parkway. There is signage along the bike path that prohibits horses on the paved trail
which has more than enough miles available for e-bike use. Keep e-bikes on the paved bike path!
Sincerely,
Marci S. Cunningham
Secretary/Treasurer
Golden Empire Arabian Horse Society
5301 Fallgatter Street
Bakersfield CA 93308
From:jdwight@aol.com
To:City_Council
Subject:e-bikes on horse trails
Date:Tuesday, May 4, 2021 8:22:41 AM
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you
click!
Allowing E-bikes on horse trails is a vey bad idea. They are quiet and fast. Horses are prey animals
and their instinct is to flee, quickly from moving or dangerous obstacles. We spent lots of time trying to
desensitize our horses to things but this is truly an accident waiting to happen, for the biker as well as the
equestrian. Many riders call out as they come around a corner just in case there is a bike. Many bikers
wear headphones and won't hear that.
Horses are not allowed on bike trail. Please don't allow bikes of any kind on horses trails.
Kimberly Dwight - ETI Corral 138 Barrel Springs Riders - Antelope Valley charter member
From:jdwight@aol.com
To:City_Council
Subject:e-bikes on horse trails
Date:Tuesday, May 4, 2021 8:22:41 AM
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you
click!
Allowing E-bikes on horse trails is a vey bad idea. They are quiet and fast. Horses are prey animals
and their instinct is to flee, quickly from moving or dangerous obstacles. We spent lots of time trying to
desensitize our horses to things but this is truly an accident waiting to happen, for the biker as well as the
equestrian. Many riders call out as they come around a corner just in case there is a bike. Many bikers
wear headphones and won't hear that.
Horses are not allowed on bike trail. Please don't allow bikes of any kind on horses trails.
Kimberly Dwight - ETI Corral 138 Barrel Springs Riders - Antelope Valley charter member
From:DENNIS DEAN
To:City_Council
Subject:E-Bikes on K.R. Parkway
Date:Wednesday, May 5, 2021 7:22:30 AM
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you click!
As a avid cyclist, avid off-road motorcyclist and avid equestrian trail rider I can see great conflict coming from
allowing E-Bikes on the trails on and around the preserve. Allowing any sort of motorized vehicles in the area is a
recipe for disaster. E-Bikes will be silent predators to the expensive prey animals many people ride on the nature
preserve. This is an extremely dangerous situation. The economic impact on the businesses that board horses in the
area is hard to estimate, but not good. Please do not steal this place from the hardworking people that made it
happen and maintain it. The E-Bike people will not likely appreciate it or actually help maintain it. The traditional
users from all over the area will feel the loss. Thank You, Dennis
From:DENNIS DEAN
To:City_Council
Subject:E-Bikes on K.R. Parkway
Date:Wednesday, May 5, 2021 7:22:30 AM
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you click!
As a avid cyclist, avid off-road motorcyclist and avid equestrian trail rider I can see great conflict coming from
allowing E-Bikes on the trails on and around the preserve. Allowing any sort of motorized vehicles in the area is a
recipe for disaster. E-Bikes will be silent predators to the expensive prey animals many people ride on the nature
preserve. This is an extremely dangerous situation. The economic impact on the businesses that board horses in the
area is hard to estimate, but not good. Please do not steal this place from the hardworking people that made it
happen and maintain it. The E-Bike people will not likely appreciate it or actually help maintain it. The traditional
users from all over the area will feel the loss. Thank You, Dennis
From:Sherrie Stolarik
To:City_Council
Subject:E-bikes
Date:Wednesday, May 5, 2021 7:42:09 PM
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you
click!
This is to disapprove a motion to allow e-bikes on horse and hiking trails...many bicyclists
wish to have separate trails and hikers and horseback riders agree with them..it is a win-win
situation for all to separate trails. The bicyclists are becoming very careless and disregard trail
etiquette putting hikers and horses in danger..please carefully consider separate trails ..it will
alleviate problems and enhance the joy of all of us that safety is paramount and upheld for
all...Sherrie Stolarik
From:Sherrie Stolarik
To:City_Council
Subject:E-bikes
Date:Wednesday, May 5, 2021 7:42:09 PM
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you
click!
This is to disapprove a motion to allow e-bikes on horse and hiking trails...many bicyclists
wish to have separate trails and hikers and horseback riders agree with them..it is a win-win
situation for all to separate trails. The bicyclists are becoming very careless and disregard trail
etiquette putting hikers and horses in danger..please carefully consider separate trails ..it will
alleviate problems and enhance the joy of all of us that safety is paramount and upheld for
all...Sherrie Stolarik
From:Turney, Trundi@KERN
To:City_Council
Subject:Electric Motorized Cycles usage on the Bike path
Date:Monday, May 3, 2021 12:03:41 PM
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you
click!
Hello,
I have several horses and ride next to the panorama bluffs (bike path) each week. You are proposing
to have these electric bikes on the bike path with no restrictions on the panorama preserve which
houses many indigenes plants as well as wild life. The Lithium-Ion batter can cause a fire and Im sure
some people will be trying to charge batteries as needed. You are endangering wildlife as well as the
plants that are so important as you know we are number one in many areas “Bad air being one of
them”. As you start having people traveling at high rates of speed animals and plants are no match
for this. You have some areas like Hart park that would be perfect for these enthusiasts. You have
vehicles and families You are trying to promote this area for concerts make a portion of hart park
Ecycle friendly.
You have the highest concentration of valley fever spores in the bluff area and now you want to stir
it up with motor vehicles. Your thoughts are good the area may need to be reconsidered as this is a
recipe for disaster. Horses are unpredictable animals 1300 pounds and you are risking the life of a
190 pound rider as well as a person on the ground. The panorama preserve has planted trees, as
well as laid miles of drip irrigation that will very easily be destroyed by the bikes going at high speeds
as there will not be any speed limit enforced.
You are taking the last part of the wild life preserve and making exactly what people want to go
enjoy away from them the serenity of a slower pace , wild life and trees, If you can keep them on the
bike path you should but as we know this will not be the case. There will be no monitoring until the
first of many accidents occurs and then a study will take place that there were precautions that were
not though about.
AB1096 breaks all electric bicycles into three distinct classes. Will this play any impact on what will
be classified as allowed on the trails ?
I am opposed to the Ebikes on the dirt trails , and when valley fever in the area becomes more
prevalent your studies will find that the amount of dirt that is lifted by these ebikes into the air was a
contributing factor.
Please keep the dirt trails for the walkers, joggers, mountain bikes,equine and the plants and
animals.
The roads are for vehicles.
Thank you
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This communication with its contents may contain
confidential and/or legally privileged information. It is solely for the use of the intended
recipient(s). Unauthorized interception, review, use or disclosure is prohibited and may violate
applicable laws including the Electronic Communications Privacy Act. If you are not the
intended recipient, please contact the sender and destroy all copies of the communication.
From:Turney, Trundi@KERN
To:City_Council
Subject:Electric Motorized Cycles usage on the Bike path
Date:Monday, May 3, 2021 12:03:41 PM
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you
click!
Hello,
I have several horses and ride next to the panorama bluffs (bike path) each week. You are proposing
to have these electric bikes on the bike path with no restrictions on the panorama preserve which
houses many indigenes plants as well as wild life. The Lithium-Ion batter can cause a fire and Im sure
some people will be trying to charge batteries as needed. You are endangering wildlife as well as the
plants that are so important as you know we are number one in many areas “Bad air being one of
them”. As you start having people traveling at high rates of speed animals and plants are no match
for this. You have some areas like Hart park that would be perfect for these enthusiasts. You have
vehicles and families You are trying to promote this area for concerts make a portion of hart park
Ecycle friendly.
You have the highest concentration of valley fever spores in the bluff area and now you want to stir
it up with motor vehicles. Your thoughts are good the area may need to be reconsidered as this is a
recipe for disaster. Horses are unpredictable animals 1300 pounds and you are risking the life of a
190 pound rider as well as a person on the ground. The panorama preserve has planted trees, as
well as laid miles of drip irrigation that will very easily be destroyed by the bikes going at high speeds
as there will not be any speed limit enforced.
You are taking the last part of the wild life preserve and making exactly what people want to go
enjoy away from them the serenity of a slower pace , wild life and trees, If you can keep them on the
bike path you should but as we know this will not be the case. There will be no monitoring until the
first of many accidents occurs and then a study will take place that there were precautions that were
not though about.
AB1096 breaks all electric bicycles into three distinct classes. Will this play any impact on what will
be classified as allowed on the trails ?
I am opposed to the Ebikes on the dirt trails , and when valley fever in the area becomes more
prevalent your studies will find that the amount of dirt that is lifted by these ebikes into the air was a
contributing factor.
Please keep the dirt trails for the walkers, joggers, mountain bikes,equine and the plants and
animals.
The roads are for vehicles.
Thank you
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This communication with its contents may contain
confidential and/or legally privileged information. It is solely for the use of the intended
recipient(s). Unauthorized interception, review, use or disclosure is prohibited and may violate
applicable laws including the Electronic Communications Privacy Act. If you are not the
intended recipient, please contact the sender and destroy all copies of the communication.
From:City_Clerk
To:Pilar Avalos; Michelle Cruz
Subject:FW: “All EBikes” clarifications
Date:Friday, June 18, 2021 12:06:44 PM
Attachments:image001.png
image002.png
image003.png
image004.png
Julie Drimakis, CPMC, MMC | City Clerk
City of Bakersfield
email: jdrimakis@bakersfieldcity.us
web: www.bakersfieldcity.us
phone: 661-326-3073
From: Pete Wollesen <peter.wollesen@yahoo.com>
Sent: Wednesday, June 16, 2021 9:44 AM
To: City_Clerk <City_Clerk@bakersfieldcity.us>
Subject: Fwd: “All EBikes” clarifications
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you
click!
Hello; I was asked to forward this to you and request that it be officially added as a public
comment for the “leg and lit” committee meeting on ebikes on the Kern River Parkway Trail.
Thank you.
Peter Wollesen
Peter.Wollesen@Yahoo.com
(661) 496-8565
Begin forwarded message:
From: Pete Wollesen <peter.wollesen@yahoo.com>
Date: June 16, 2021 at 9:25:29 AM PDT
To: eddylaine@aol.com
Cc: avaldez@bakersfieldcity.us, samonty@pacbell.net, gnipp@bak.rr.com,
ara@sequoiaforestkeeper.org, rushme2016@gmail.com, oneilpedal4@gmail.com,
wtcooper47@aol.com, lia.mendez@gmail.com, mjdvargas@gmail.com,
shabri970@gmail.com, bogdmk@gmail.com, bell.margie@gmail.com,
markcsalvaggio@yahoo.com, mariapolite@gmail.com,
floresjeff@kerncounty.com, maggardm@kerncounty.com
Subject: Re: “All EBikes” clarifications
Dear Anthony and others;
Thank you for including me in this conversation so that I can add my perspective.
The street in front of my house is 40 feet wide. In its wisdom, the city determined
that no vehicle should operate there at a speed faster than 25mph. But for some
reason, the city is considering allowing ebikes that travel faster than that on the
Kern River Parkway Trail (the “bike path”)- a path with lanes that at no point are
wider than about 6 feet in each direction.
Class III ebikes are not just faster than pedal powered and Class I and II ebikes,
they are heavier, and they handle differently. And while it’s true that some users
of pedal-powered bikes can move at higher speeds, those than can do so have only
achieved that ability after many years of hard training and practice. Class III ebike
users have no such investment- they can buy an ebike today, and be swerving
through the crowds of pedestrians by this afternoon. All the moms pushing
strollers, the families with small children toddling along, the pet owners walking
their dogs. At 28mph, an inexperienced rider is not going to be able to properly
maneuver their vehicle in situations like this, and a disaster is imminent.
And allowing other electric vehicles, such as eScooters, which do not have the
classification system that ebikes have, is even worse. There are brands of
eScooters that literally brag about their top speeds in excess of 45mph in some
cases. Without the state-mandated classification system, there is no way to allow
“electric scooters” without also allowing these high-speed machines as well.
(These high-speed scooters are barely distinguishable from the old “skateboard
with handlebars” format such as the Byrd scooters that are left lying around on
street corners all over town.)
I strongly urge the City to reconsider this plan. While I am personally an advocate
of ebikes as an eco-friendly means of transportation, the Kern River Parkway
Trail is simply not an appropriate place for their use. Please direct your efforts
instead to improving the cycling infrastructure throughout the city so that ebike
users can feel safer and more confident using the roadways that are intended for
higher-speed travel.
Regards,
Peter Wollesen
Kern River Parkway Foundation, Board-Member-at-large
Peter.Wollesen@Yahoo.com
(661) 496-8565
On Jun 16, 2021, at 8:29 AM, eddylaine@aol.com wrote:
Thank you. Copying several who have been interested
in/concerned about this issue.
Eddy Laine, Member, Executive Committee, Sierra Club, Kern-
Kaweah Chapter
-----Original Message-----
From: Anthony Valdez <avaldez@bakersfieldcity.us>
To: eddylaine@aol.com <eddylaine@aol.com>
Sent: Tue, Jun 15, 2021 5:33 pm
Subject: FW: “All EBikes” clarifications
Eddy:
Thank you for your comments regarding the use of e-bikes on the Kern River
Bike Path.
The Bakersfield City Council’s Legislative and Litigation Committee will be
discussing e-bikes on the Kern River Bike Path at their upcoming meeting on
Monday, June 21st at 12 p.m. The meeting will be held at City Hall North,
First Floor, Conference Room A, 1600 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA. The
agenda for the meeting will be posted this Friday, June 18th.
Your comments will be included in the agenda packet for Council members to
review ahead of the meeting. Any additional comments can be sent to
city_clerk@bakersfieldcity.us no later than 8:00 a.m. the day of the meeting.
Sincerely,
Anthony
Logo Anthony E. Valdez | Administrative Analyst III
City Manager’s Office
City of Bakersfield
email: avaldez@bakersfieldcity.us
web: www.bakersfieldcity.us
phone: 661-326-3029 (direct)
From: eddylaine@aol.com <eddylaine@aol.com>
Sent: Tuesday, April 6, 2021 9:33 AM
To: tom@tcflawyer.com; markcsalvaggio@yahoo.com;
oneilpedal4@gmail.com; jgbelli@bak.rr.com; andym5@bak.rr.com;
michall@bak.rr.com; Dona.Schilling@wellsfargo.com
Cc: Virginia "Ginny" Gennaro <vgennaro@bakersfieldcity.us>;
wtcooper47@aol.com; peter.wolleson@yahoo.com;
yates.jonathan@gmail.com; bell.margie@gmail.com;
kernriverparkwayfoundation@gmail.com; lsfranconi@yahoo.com;
samonty@pacbell.net; achianel@bakersfieldcity.com;
ablsilver37@gmail.com; eihuerta@huertalaw.org; mmartinez@csub.edu;
Christian Clegg <cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us>; Jacqui Kitchen
<jkitchen@bakersfieldcity.us>; Chris Huot <CHuot@bakersfieldcity.us>;
ken@weircpa.com; PD-PIO Council member Chris Parlier
<chrisparlier@sbcglobal.net>; andrae3000@gmail.com;
brucefreeman1949@gmail.com; patty@dreammakerbakersfield.com;
ericarias7@gmail.com; bobsmith727@me.com; tom@tcflawyer.com
Subject: Re: “All EBikes” clarifications
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of
Bakersfield. Think before you click!
The e-bike issue is noted in a letter (long-term solutions #4)
authorized by the Executive Committee of the Sierra Club on
Saturday and delivered to City Hall yesterday.
There are several suggestions here that we hope will be
considered. Millions and millions of dollars and seemingly little
attention to restoring the Kern River (from Golden State Bridge
to San Miguel Grove) for public use. Instead millions and
millions for freeway beautification for people who drive through
Bakersfield?
Eddy Laine
(661) 345-4736
-----Original Message-----
From: Tom Fallgatter <tom@tcflawyer.com>
To: markcsalvaggio <markcsalvaggio@yahoo.com>; oneilpedal4@gmail.com
<oneilpedal4@gmail.com>; Carolyn Belli <jgbelli@bak.rr.com>; Andrew
Honig <andym5@bak.rr.com>; 'michall@bak.rr.com' <michall@bak.rr.com>;
Dona.Schilling@wellsfargo.com <Dona.Schilling@wellsfargo.com>
Cc: vgennaro@bakersfieldcity.us <vgennaro@bakersfieldcity.us>;
Wtcooper47 <wtcooper47@aol.com>; eddylaine@aol.com
<eddylaine@aol.com>; peter.wolleson@yahoo.com
<peter.wolleson@yahoo.com>; yates.jonathan@gmail.com
<yates.jonathan@gmail.com>; bell.margie@gmail.com
<bell.margie@gmail.com>; kernriverparkwayfoundation@gmail.com
<kernriverparkwayfoundation@gmail.com>; lsfranconi@yahoo.com
<lsfranconi@yahoo.com>; samonty@pacbell.net <samonty@pacbell.net>;
achianel@bakersfieldcity.com <achianel@bakersfieldcity.com>; Ann Silver
<ablsilver37@gmail.com>; eihuerta@huertalaw.org
<eihuerta@huertalaw.org>; mmartinez@csub.edu <mmartinez@csub.edu>;
cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us <cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us>;
jkitchen@bakersfieldcity.us <jkitchen@bakersfieldcity.us>;
chuot@bakersfieldcity.us <chuot@bakersfieldcity.us>; ken@weircpa.com
<ken@weircpa.com>; chrisparlier@sbcglobal.net
<chrisparlier@sbcglobal.net>; andrae3000@gmail.com
<andrae3000@gmail.com>; brucefreeman1949@gmail.com
<brucefreeman1949@gmail.com>; patty@dreammakerbakersfield.com
<patty@dreammakerbakersfield.com>; ericarias7@gmail.com
<ericarias7@gmail.com>; bobsmith727@me.com <bobsmith727@me.com>;
Tom Fallgatter <tom@tcflawyer.com>
Sent: Mon, Apr 5, 2021 11:27 pm
Subject: RE: “All EBikes” clarifications
Mark
Rich O’Neill and Bill Cooper are heroes of mine. They are the individuals who
fired me up about preserving and enhancing the Kern River as a invaluable
asset of our community. And I agree their input should carries special weight.
Plus I know that you were a great and effective advocate for preserving and
enhancing the River and you opinion on this matter is important to me. And,
there were many others.
However, I too have institutional memory about the Kern River Plan, and at
the risk of sounding pompous, I can say that, energized by Rich and Bill, and
by my own sense about the river, as a member of the subdivision committee
of the Bakersfield City planning commission in 1981, I came up with the idea
of developing a “Kern River Plan” as a formal city and county general plan
and zoning planning tool. Too be clear the idea of a Kern River Parkway
was Bill and Rich’s idea. But, the idea of developing a “Kern River Plan” was
mine.
But for me all the work Rich and Bill, you, and Carolyn Belli, and Andy and
Sasha Honig and I, and many others, have done to preserve the Kern River,
get the bike path approved and many other pro-Kern River decisions and
improvements while important, and giving us some status in terms of
commenting on the Plan and the Bike path, does not confer on us the sole
power to make decisions about the River. The preservation and
enhancement of the River is a community wide concern, and a community
wide decision. We do not have, and do not deserve, a strangle hold on what
the right decisions for the River are. Times change and what is appropriate
for the Path and appropriate for the River changes also.
It is my personal opinion, that allowing e-bikes that function similarly to
regular bikes is a good idea. I believe that the more people we have using the
Path and accessing and enjoying the River, the more likely it is in the long run
that the River will in fact continue to be preserved and enhanced. Of course
there need to be rules that preserve the river as a natural resource, preserve
it as the preeminent natural recreational and educational resource of our
community. But the exact contours of those rules will by the nature of things
vary over time. It would be foolish to think that what Rich O’Neill, Bill Cooper,
Tom Fallgatter, Andy and Sasha Honig, Carolyn Belli and Mark Salvaggio
thought in 1985 were the right rules for the River, would be the right rules
forever.
Tom
From: markcsalvaggio <markcsalvaggio@yahoo.com>
Sent: Monday, April 5, 2021 8:44 PM
To: oneilpedal4@gmail.com
Cc: vgennaro@bakersfieldcity.us; Wtcooper47 <wtcooper47@aol.com>;
eddylaine@aol.com; peter.wolleson@yahoo.com;
yates.jonathan@gmail.com; bell.margie@gmail.com;
kernriverparkwayfoundation@gmail.com; lsfranconi@yahoo.com;
samonty@pacbell.net; achianel@bakersfieldcity.com; Tom Fallgatter
<tom@tcflawyer.com>; Ann Silver <ablsilver37@gmail.com>;
eihuerta@huertalaw.org; mmartinez@csub.edu; cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us;
jkitchen@bakersfieldcity.us; chuot@bakersfieldcity.us; ken@weircpa.com;
chrisparlier@sbcglobal.net; andrae3000@gmail.com;
brucefreeman1949@gmail.com; patty@dreammakerbakersfield.com;
ericarias7@gmail.com; bobsmith727@me.com
Subject: “All EBikes” clarifications
It is very disheartening to see the City take this adverse course of action.
Not one member of the Bakersfield City Council has a scintilla of institutional
memory regarding the development of the Kern River Plan, the subsequent
River Element of the Metropolitan Bakersfield General Plan, and finally the
Kern River Parkway.
The City should listen to and respect the wisdom of people like Rich O'Neill
and Bill Cooper who first brought us the vision to restore the ravaged Kern
River through metropolitan Bakersfield.
We are put in the no-win position of bing accused of opposing "change."
Baloney.
This invites ATV or ORV in the secondary and primary floodplains of the Kern
River. The late Councilwoman Pat DeMond would see this for for what it is.
I have been told the Bakersfield Police Department will enforce speed limits
on the Bike Path. Don't be fooled. The BPD has other "priorities." I've got a
bridge to sell you in Lamont.
Councilman Andrae Gonzales' view that we should allow "new technology" to
take its course is specious.
-------- Original message --------
From: oneilpedal4@gmail.com
Date: April 5, 2021 at 5:14:03 PM PDT
To: vgennaro@bakersfieldcity.us
Cc: bill travis cooper <wtcooper47@aol.com>, Christian Clegg
<cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us>, Eddy Laine
<eddylaine@aol.com>, Peter Wollesen
<Peter.Wollesen@yahoo.com>, Jonathan Yates
<yates.jonathane@gmail.com>, lauren franconi
<lsfranconi@yahoo.com>
Subject: “All EBikes” clarifications
Ginny,
The last Leg.and Lit. Committee meeting left us with even more
confusion than before.
Councilman Andre Gonzales asked for “all EBikes” be allowed
even though the State Allows only C1 and C2.
Are we to understand that “all” means also bikes that go 40
mph (with 1000watt motors) or 50mph (4000 watt motor)?
I talked to Ashly 2 days after the L & L.
She could not answer these questions.
She said she would talk to you but I received no call back.
Every one of these EBikes is capable of going off-road and are
in fact advertised as being “off roaders."
Some even carry the names referring to “overland”, “Mtn.
Climber," “Rock jumper."
Just google it.
The can of worms keeps opening bigger and bigger. E-bikes
are getting faster, faster, and stronger.
As you know, any EBike over 750 watt is considered to be a
Motorcycle by the DMV laws.
What is the City going to do when these off-road cycles entering
into the 2800 acre recharge basins or into the private land of
the Panorama Vista Preserve.
The Bike Path travels two miles through private property and
these property owners have their rights.
What is the City to do when EBikes travel through critical
habitat or threaten the four endangered species that live along
the Path (some within a few feet of the path)?
Horses scare and panic easily near fast moving objects.
Just ask Councilman Ken Weir. He rides horses.
The L & L also rejected our mitigations which are meant to
decrease negative impacts.
Ginny,we must educate users with letters from the Mayor,
speed limit signage and no off road postings.
The Parkway Foundation wants to reintroduce our
commpromise to you and staff.
Will you hear us next time?
Can you build into the ordinance that EBikes must stay on
pavement?
Signs to this effect will really help and so will as much
enforcement as possible.
Please answer quickly.
Thanks,
KRPF VP
Rich
From:City_Clerk
To:Pilar Avalos; Michelle Cruz
Subject:FW: “All EBikes” clarifications
Date:Friday, June 18, 2021 12:06:44 PM
Attachments:image001.png
image002.png
image003.png
image004.png
Julie Drimakis, CPMC, MMC | City Clerk
City of Bakersfield
email: jdrimakis@bakersfieldcity.us
web: www.bakersfieldcity.us
phone: 661-326-3073
From: Pete Wollesen <peter.wollesen@yahoo.com>
Sent: Wednesday, June 16, 2021 9:44 AM
To: City_Clerk <City_Clerk@bakersfieldcity.us>
Subject: Fwd: “All EBikes” clarifications
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you
click!
Hello; I was asked to forward this to you and request that it be officially added as a public
comment for the “leg and lit” committee meeting on ebikes on the Kern River Parkway Trail.
Thank you.
Peter Wollesen
Peter.Wollesen@Yahoo.com
(661) 496-8565
Begin forwarded message:
From: Pete Wollesen <peter.wollesen@yahoo.com>
Date: June 16, 2021 at 9:25:29 AM PDT
To: eddylaine@aol.com
Cc: avaldez@bakersfieldcity.us, samonty@pacbell.net, gnipp@bak.rr.com,
ara@sequoiaforestkeeper.org, rushme2016@gmail.com, oneilpedal4@gmail.com,
wtcooper47@aol.com, lia.mendez@gmail.com, mjdvargas@gmail.com,
shabri970@gmail.com, bogdmk@gmail.com, bell.margie@gmail.com,
markcsalvaggio@yahoo.com, mariapolite@gmail.com,
floresjeff@kerncounty.com, maggardm@kerncounty.com
Subject: Re: “All EBikes” clarifications
Dear Anthony and others;
Thank you for including me in this conversation so that I can add my perspective.
The street in front of my house is 40 feet wide. In its wisdom, the city determined
that no vehicle should operate there at a speed faster than 25mph. But for some
reason, the city is considering allowing ebikes that travel faster than that on the
Kern River Parkway Trail (the “bike path”)- a path with lanes that at no point are
wider than about 6 feet in each direction.
Class III ebikes are not just faster than pedal powered and Class I and II ebikes,
they are heavier, and they handle differently. And while it’s true that some users
of pedal-powered bikes can move at higher speeds, those than can do so have only
achieved that ability after many years of hard training and practice. Class III ebike
users have no such investment- they can buy an ebike today, and be swerving
through the crowds of pedestrians by this afternoon. All the moms pushing
strollers, the families with small children toddling along, the pet owners walking
their dogs. At 28mph, an inexperienced rider is not going to be able to properly
maneuver their vehicle in situations like this, and a disaster is imminent.
And allowing other electric vehicles, such as eScooters, which do not have the
classification system that ebikes have, is even worse. There are brands of
eScooters that literally brag about their top speeds in excess of 45mph in some
cases. Without the state-mandated classification system, there is no way to allow
“electric scooters” without also allowing these high-speed machines as well.
(These high-speed scooters are barely distinguishable from the old “skateboard
with handlebars” format such as the Byrd scooters that are left lying around on
street corners all over town.)
I strongly urge the City to reconsider this plan. While I am personally an advocate
of ebikes as an eco-friendly means of transportation, the Kern River Parkway
Trail is simply not an appropriate place for their use. Please direct your efforts
instead to improving the cycling infrastructure throughout the city so that ebike
users can feel safer and more confident using the roadways that are intended for
higher-speed travel.
Regards,
Peter Wollesen
Kern River Parkway Foundation, Board-Member-at-large
Peter.Wollesen@Yahoo.com
(661) 496-8565
On Jun 16, 2021, at 8:29 AM, eddylaine@aol.com wrote:
Thank you. Copying several who have been interested
in/concerned about this issue.
Eddy Laine, Member, Executive Committee, Sierra Club, Kern-
Kaweah Chapter
-----Original Message-----
From: Anthony Valdez <avaldez@bakersfieldcity.us>
To: eddylaine@aol.com <eddylaine@aol.com>
Sent: Tue, Jun 15, 2021 5:33 pm
Subject: FW: “All EBikes” clarifications
Eddy:
Thank you for your comments regarding the use of e-bikes on the Kern River
Bike Path.
The Bakersfield City Council’s Legislative and Litigation Committee will be
discussing e-bikes on the Kern River Bike Path at their upcoming meeting on
Monday, June 21st at 12 p.m. The meeting will be held at City Hall North,
First Floor, Conference Room A, 1600 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA. The
agenda for the meeting will be posted this Friday, June 18th.
Your comments will be included in the agenda packet for Council members to
review ahead of the meeting. Any additional comments can be sent to
city_clerk@bakersfieldcity.us no later than 8:00 a.m. the day of the meeting.
Sincerely,
Anthony
Logo Anthony E. Valdez | Administrative Analyst III
City Manager’s Office
City of Bakersfield
email: avaldez@bakersfieldcity.us
web: www.bakersfieldcity.us
phone: 661-326-3029 (direct)
From: eddylaine@aol.com <eddylaine@aol.com>
Sent: Tuesday, April 6, 2021 9:33 AM
To: tom@tcflawyer.com; markcsalvaggio@yahoo.com;
oneilpedal4@gmail.com; jgbelli@bak.rr.com; andym5@bak.rr.com;
michall@bak.rr.com; Dona.Schilling@wellsfargo.com
Cc: Virginia "Ginny" Gennaro <vgennaro@bakersfieldcity.us>;
wtcooper47@aol.com; peter.wolleson@yahoo.com;
yates.jonathan@gmail.com; bell.margie@gmail.com;
kernriverparkwayfoundation@gmail.com; lsfranconi@yahoo.com;
samonty@pacbell.net; achianel@bakersfieldcity.com;
ablsilver37@gmail.com; eihuerta@huertalaw.org; mmartinez@csub.edu;
Christian Clegg <cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us>; Jacqui Kitchen
<jkitchen@bakersfieldcity.us>; Chris Huot <CHuot@bakersfieldcity.us>;
ken@weircpa.com; PD-PIO Council member Chris Parlier
<chrisparlier@sbcglobal.net>; andrae3000@gmail.com;
brucefreeman1949@gmail.com; patty@dreammakerbakersfield.com;
ericarias7@gmail.com; bobsmith727@me.com; tom@tcflawyer.com
Subject: Re: “All EBikes” clarifications
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of
Bakersfield. Think before you click!
The e-bike issue is noted in a letter (long-term solutions #4)
authorized by the Executive Committee of the Sierra Club on
Saturday and delivered to City Hall yesterday.
There are several suggestions here that we hope will be
considered. Millions and millions of dollars and seemingly little
attention to restoring the Kern River (from Golden State Bridge
to San Miguel Grove) for public use. Instead millions and
millions for freeway beautification for people who drive through
Bakersfield?
Eddy Laine
(661) 345-4736
-----Original Message-----
From: Tom Fallgatter <tom@tcflawyer.com>
To: markcsalvaggio <markcsalvaggio@yahoo.com>; oneilpedal4@gmail.com
<oneilpedal4@gmail.com>; Carolyn Belli <jgbelli@bak.rr.com>; Andrew
Honig <andym5@bak.rr.com>; 'michall@bak.rr.com' <michall@bak.rr.com>;
Dona.Schilling@wellsfargo.com <Dona.Schilling@wellsfargo.com>
Cc: vgennaro@bakersfieldcity.us <vgennaro@bakersfieldcity.us>;
Wtcooper47 <wtcooper47@aol.com>; eddylaine@aol.com
<eddylaine@aol.com>; peter.wolleson@yahoo.com
<peter.wolleson@yahoo.com>; yates.jonathan@gmail.com
<yates.jonathan@gmail.com>; bell.margie@gmail.com
<bell.margie@gmail.com>; kernriverparkwayfoundation@gmail.com
<kernriverparkwayfoundation@gmail.com>; lsfranconi@yahoo.com
<lsfranconi@yahoo.com>; samonty@pacbell.net <samonty@pacbell.net>;
achianel@bakersfieldcity.com <achianel@bakersfieldcity.com>; Ann Silver
<ablsilver37@gmail.com>; eihuerta@huertalaw.org
<eihuerta@huertalaw.org>; mmartinez@csub.edu <mmartinez@csub.edu>;
cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us <cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us>;
jkitchen@bakersfieldcity.us <jkitchen@bakersfieldcity.us>;
chuot@bakersfieldcity.us <chuot@bakersfieldcity.us>; ken@weircpa.com
<ken@weircpa.com>; chrisparlier@sbcglobal.net
<chrisparlier@sbcglobal.net>; andrae3000@gmail.com
<andrae3000@gmail.com>; brucefreeman1949@gmail.com
<brucefreeman1949@gmail.com>; patty@dreammakerbakersfield.com
<patty@dreammakerbakersfield.com>; ericarias7@gmail.com
<ericarias7@gmail.com>; bobsmith727@me.com <bobsmith727@me.com>;
Tom Fallgatter <tom@tcflawyer.com>
Sent: Mon, Apr 5, 2021 11:27 pm
Subject: RE: “All EBikes” clarifications
Mark
Rich O’Neill and Bill Cooper are heroes of mine. They are the individuals who
fired me up about preserving and enhancing the Kern River as a invaluable
asset of our community. And I agree their input should carries special weight.
Plus I know that you were a great and effective advocate for preserving and
enhancing the River and you opinion on this matter is important to me. And,
there were many others.
However, I too have institutional memory about the Kern River Plan, and at
the risk of sounding pompous, I can say that, energized by Rich and Bill, and
by my own sense about the river, as a member of the subdivision committee
of the Bakersfield City planning commission in 1981, I came up with the idea
of developing a “Kern River Plan” as a formal city and county general plan
and zoning planning tool. Too be clear the idea of a Kern River Parkway
was Bill and Rich’s idea. But, the idea of developing a “Kern River Plan” was
mine.
But for me all the work Rich and Bill, you, and Carolyn Belli, and Andy and
Sasha Honig and I, and many others, have done to preserve the Kern River,
get the bike path approved and many other pro-Kern River decisions and
improvements while important, and giving us some status in terms of
commenting on the Plan and the Bike path, does not confer on us the sole
power to make decisions about the River. The preservation and
enhancement of the River is a community wide concern, and a community
wide decision. We do not have, and do not deserve, a strangle hold on what
the right decisions for the River are. Times change and what is appropriate
for the Path and appropriate for the River changes also.
It is my personal opinion, that allowing e-bikes that function similarly to
regular bikes is a good idea. I believe that the more people we have using the
Path and accessing and enjoying the River, the more likely it is in the long run
that the River will in fact continue to be preserved and enhanced. Of course
there need to be rules that preserve the river as a natural resource, preserve
it as the preeminent natural recreational and educational resource of our
community. But the exact contours of those rules will by the nature of things
vary over time. It would be foolish to think that what Rich O’Neill, Bill Cooper,
Tom Fallgatter, Andy and Sasha Honig, Carolyn Belli and Mark Salvaggio
thought in 1985 were the right rules for the River, would be the right rules
forever.
Tom
From: markcsalvaggio <markcsalvaggio@yahoo.com>
Sent: Monday, April 5, 2021 8:44 PM
To: oneilpedal4@gmail.com
Cc: vgennaro@bakersfieldcity.us; Wtcooper47 <wtcooper47@aol.com>;
eddylaine@aol.com; peter.wolleson@yahoo.com;
yates.jonathan@gmail.com; bell.margie@gmail.com;
kernriverparkwayfoundation@gmail.com; lsfranconi@yahoo.com;
samonty@pacbell.net; achianel@bakersfieldcity.com; Tom Fallgatter
<tom@tcflawyer.com>; Ann Silver <ablsilver37@gmail.com>;
eihuerta@huertalaw.org; mmartinez@csub.edu; cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us;
jkitchen@bakersfieldcity.us; chuot@bakersfieldcity.us; ken@weircpa.com;
chrisparlier@sbcglobal.net; andrae3000@gmail.com;
brucefreeman1949@gmail.com; patty@dreammakerbakersfield.com;
ericarias7@gmail.com; bobsmith727@me.com
Subject: “All EBikes” clarifications
It is very disheartening to see the City take this adverse course of action.
Not one member of the Bakersfield City Council has a scintilla of institutional
memory regarding the development of the Kern River Plan, the subsequent
River Element of the Metropolitan Bakersfield General Plan, and finally the
Kern River Parkway.
The City should listen to and respect the wisdom of people like Rich O'Neill
and Bill Cooper who first brought us the vision to restore the ravaged Kern
River through metropolitan Bakersfield.
We are put in the no-win position of bing accused of opposing "change."
Baloney.
This invites ATV or ORV in the secondary and primary floodplains of the Kern
River. The late Councilwoman Pat DeMond would see this for for what it is.
I have been told the Bakersfield Police Department will enforce speed limits
on the Bike Path. Don't be fooled. The BPD has other "priorities." I've got a
bridge to sell you in Lamont.
Councilman Andrae Gonzales' view that we should allow "new technology" to
take its course is specious.
-------- Original message --------
From: oneilpedal4@gmail.com
Date: April 5, 2021 at 5:14:03 PM PDT
To: vgennaro@bakersfieldcity.us
Cc: bill travis cooper <wtcooper47@aol.com>, Christian Clegg
<cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us>, Eddy Laine
<eddylaine@aol.com>, Peter Wollesen
<Peter.Wollesen@yahoo.com>, Jonathan Yates
<yates.jonathane@gmail.com>, lauren franconi
<lsfranconi@yahoo.com>
Subject: “All EBikes” clarifications
Ginny,
The last Leg.and Lit. Committee meeting left us with even more
confusion than before.
Councilman Andre Gonzales asked for “all EBikes” be allowed
even though the State Allows only C1 and C2.
Are we to understand that “all” means also bikes that go 40
mph (with 1000watt motors) or 50mph (4000 watt motor)?
I talked to Ashly 2 days after the L & L.
She could not answer these questions.
She said she would talk to you but I received no call back.
Every one of these EBikes is capable of going off-road and are
in fact advertised as being “off roaders."
Some even carry the names referring to “overland”, “Mtn.
Climber," “Rock jumper."
Just google it.
The can of worms keeps opening bigger and bigger. E-bikes
are getting faster, faster, and stronger.
As you know, any EBike over 750 watt is considered to be a
Motorcycle by the DMV laws.
What is the City going to do when these off-road cycles entering
into the 2800 acre recharge basins or into the private land of
the Panorama Vista Preserve.
The Bike Path travels two miles through private property and
these property owners have their rights.
What is the City to do when EBikes travel through critical
habitat or threaten the four endangered species that live along
the Path (some within a few feet of the path)?
Horses scare and panic easily near fast moving objects.
Just ask Councilman Ken Weir. He rides horses.
The L & L also rejected our mitigations which are meant to
decrease negative impacts.
Ginny,we must educate users with letters from the Mayor,
speed limit signage and no off road postings.
The Parkway Foundation wants to reintroduce our
commpromise to you and staff.
Will you hear us next time?
Can you build into the ordinance that EBikes must stay on
pavement?
Signs to this effect will really help and so will as much
enforcement as possible.
Please answer quickly.
Thanks,
KRPF VP
Rich
From:Jacqui Kitchen
To:Anthony Valdez
Subject:FW: “All EBikes” clarifications
Date:Tuesday, April 6, 2021 9:45:43 AM
Attachments:Beatris Sanders, PSVS, 5.5.2 letter from the Sierra Club.docx
SUMMARY OF PSVS FUNDING FOR PARKS.doc
For file
From: eddylaine@aol.com <eddylaine@aol.com>
Sent: Tuesday, April 6, 2021 9:33 AM
To: tom@tcflawyer.com; markcsalvaggio@yahoo.com; oneilpedal4@gmail.com; jgbelli@bak.rr.com;
andym5@bak.rr.com; michall@bak.rr.com; Dona.Schilling@wellsfargo.com
Cc: Virginia "Ginny" Gennaro <vgennaro@bakersfieldcity.us>; wtcooper47@aol.com;
peter.wolleson@yahoo.com; yates.jonathan@gmail.com; bell.margie@gmail.com;
kernriverparkwayfoundation@gmail.com; lsfranconi@yahoo.com; samonty@pacbell.net;
achianel@bakersfieldcity.com; ablsilver37@gmail.com; eihuerta@huertalaw.org;
mmartinez@csub.edu; Christian Clegg <cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us>; Jacqui Kitchen
<jkitchen@bakersfieldcity.us>; Chris Huot <CHuot@bakersfieldcity.us>; ken@weircpa.com; PD-PIO
Council member Chris Parlier <chrisparlier@sbcglobal.net>; andrae3000@gmail.com;
brucefreeman1949@gmail.com; patty@dreammakerbakersfield.com; ericarias7@gmail.com;
bobsmith727@me.com; tom@tcflawyer.com
Subject: Re: “All EBikes” clarifications
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you click!
The e-bike issue is noted in a letter (long-term solutions #4) authorized by the
Executive Committee of the Sierra Club on Saturday and delivered to City Hall
yesterday.
There are several suggestions here that we hope will be considered. Millions and
millions of dollars and seemingly little attention to restoring the Kern River (from
Golden State Bridge to San Miguel Grove) for public use. Instead millions and
millions for freeway beautification for people who drive through Bakersfield?
Eddy Laine
(661) 345-4736
-----Original Message-----
From: Tom Fallgatter <tom@tcflawyer.com>
To: markcsalvaggio <markcsalvaggio@yahoo.com>; oneilpedal4@gmail.com <oneilpedal4@gmail.com>;
Carolyn Belli <jgbelli@bak.rr.com>; Andrew Honig <andym5@bak.rr.com>; 'michall@bak.rr.com'
<michall@bak.rr.com>; Dona.Schilling@wellsfargo.com <Dona.Schilling@wellsfargo.com>
Cc: vgennaro@bakersfieldcity.us <vgennaro@bakersfieldcity.us>; Wtcooper47 <wtcooper47@aol.com>;
eddylaine@aol.com <eddylaine@aol.com>; peter.wolleson@yahoo.com <peter.wolleson@yahoo.com>;
yates.jonathan@gmail.com <yates.jonathan@gmail.com>; bell.margie@gmail.com
<bell.margie@gmail.com>; kernriverparkwayfoundation@gmail.com
<kernriverparkwayfoundation@gmail.com>; lsfranconi@yahoo.com <lsfranconi@yahoo.com>;
samonty@pacbell.net <samonty@pacbell.net>; achianel@bakersfieldcity.com
<achianel@bakersfieldcity.com>; Ann Silver <ablsilver37@gmail.com>; eihuerta@huertalaw.org
<eihuerta@huertalaw.org>; mmartinez@csub.edu <mmartinez@csub.edu>; cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us
<cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us>; jkitchen@bakersfieldcity.us <jkitchen@bakersfieldcity.us>;
chuot@bakersfieldcity.us <chuot@bakersfieldcity.us>; ken@weircpa.com <ken@weircpa.com>;
chrisparlier@sbcglobal.net <chrisparlier@sbcglobal.net>; andrae3000@gmail.com
<andrae3000@gmail.com>; brucefreeman1949@gmail.com <brucefreeman1949@gmail.com>;
patty@dreammakerbakersfield.com <patty@dreammakerbakersfield.com>; ericarias7@gmail.com
<ericarias7@gmail.com>; bobsmith727@me.com <bobsmith727@me.com>; Tom Fallgatter
<tom@tcflawyer.com>
Sent: Mon, Apr 5, 2021 11:27 pm
Subject: RE: “All EBikes” clarifications
Mark
Rich O’Neill and Bill Cooper are heroes of mine. They are the individuals who fired me up about
preserving and enhancing the Kern River as a invaluable asset of our community. And I agree their input
should carries special weight. Plus I know that you were a great and effective advocate for preserving and
enhancing the River and you opinion on this matter is important to me. And, there were many others.
However, I too have institutional memory about the Kern River Plan, and at the risk of sounding pompous,
I can say that, energized by Rich and Bill, and by my own sense about the river, as a member of the
subdivision committee of the Bakersfield City planning commission in 1981, I came up with the idea of
developing a “Kern River Plan” as a formal city and county general plan and zoning planning tool. Too
be clear the idea of a Kern River Parkway was Bill and Rich’s idea. But, the idea of developing a “Kern
River Plan” was mine.
But for me all the work Rich and Bill, you, and Carolyn Belli, and Andy and Sasha Honig and I, and many
others, have done to preserve the Kern River, get the bike path approved and many other pro-Kern River
decisions and improvements while important, and giving us some status in terms of commenting on the
Plan and the Bike path, does not confer on us the sole power to make decisions about the River. The
preservation and enhancement of the River is a community wide concern, and a community wide
decision. We do not have, and do not deserve, a strangle hold on what the right decisions for the River
are. Times change and what is appropriate for the Path and appropriate for the River changes also.
It is my personal opinion, that allowing e-bikes that function similarly to regular bikes is a good idea. I
believe that the more people we have using the Path and accessing and enjoying the River, the more
likely it is in the long run that the River will in fact continue to be preserved and enhanced. Of course
there need to be rules that preserve the river as a natural resource, preserve it as the preeminent natural
recreational and educational resource of our community. But the exact contours of those rules will by the
nature of things vary over time. It would be foolish to think that what Rich O’Neill, Bill Cooper, Tom
Fallgatter, Andy and Sasha Honig, Carolyn Belli and Mark Salvaggio thought in 1985 were the right rules
for the River, would be the right rules forever.
Tom
From: markcsalvaggio <markcsalvaggio@yahoo.com>
Sent: Monday, April 5, 2021 8:44 PM
To: oneilpedal4@gmail.com
Cc: vgennaro@bakersfieldcity.us; Wtcooper47 <wtcooper47@aol.com>; eddylaine@aol.com;
peter.wolleson@yahoo.com; yates.jonathan@gmail.com; bell.margie@gmail.com;
kernriverparkwayfoundation@gmail.com; lsfranconi@yahoo.com; samonty@pacbell.net;
achianel@bakersfieldcity.com; Tom Fallgatter <tom@tcflawyer.com>; Ann Silver
<ablsilver37@gmail.com>; eihuerta@huertalaw.org; mmartinez@csub.edu; cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us;
jkitchen@bakersfieldcity.us; chuot@bakersfieldcity.us; ken@weircpa.com; chrisparlier@sbcglobal.net;
andrae3000@gmail.com; brucefreeman1949@gmail.com; patty@dreammakerbakersfield.com;
ericarias7@gmail.com; bobsmith727@me.com
Subject: “All EBikes” clarifications
It is very disheartening to see the City take this adverse course of action.
Not one member of the Bakersfield City Council has a scintilla of institutional memory regarding the
development of the Kern River Plan, the subsequent River Element of the Metropolitan Bakersfield
General Plan, and finally the Kern River Parkway.
The City should listen to and respect the wisdom of people like Rich O'Neill and Bill Cooper who first
brought us the vision to restore the ravaged Kern River through metropolitan Bakersfield.
We are put in the no-win position of bing accused of opposing "change." Baloney.
This invites ATV or ORV in the secondary and primary floodplains of the Kern River. The late
Councilwoman Pat DeMond would see this for for what it is.
I have been told the Bakersfield Police Department will enforce speed limits on the Bike Path. Don't be
fooled. The BPD has other "priorities." I've got a bridge to sell you in Lamont.
Councilman Andrae Gonzales' view that we should allow "new technology" to take its course is specious.
-------- Original message --------
From: oneilpedal4@gmail.com
Date: April 5, 2021 at 5:14:03 PM PDT
To: vgennaro@bakersfieldcity.us
Cc: bill travis cooper <wtcooper47@aol.com>, Christian Clegg
<cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us>, Eddy Laine <eddylaine@aol.com>, Peter Wollesen
<Peter.Wollesen@yahoo.com>, Jonathan Yates <yates.jonathane@gmail.com>, lauren
franconi <lsfranconi@yahoo.com>
Subject: “All EBikes” clarifications
Ginny,
The last Leg.and Lit. Committee meeting left us with even more confusion than before.
Councilman Andre Gonzales asked for “all EBikes” be allowed even though the State
Allows only C1 and C2.
Are we to understand that “all” means also bikes that go 40 mph (with 1000watt motors) or
50mph (4000 watt motor)?
I talked to Ashly 2 days after the L & L.
She could not answer these questions.
She said she would talk to you but I received no call back.
Every one of these EBikes is capable of going off-road and are in fact advertised as being
“off roaders."
Some even carry the names referring to “overland”, “Mtn. Climber," “Rock jumper."
Just google it.
The can of worms keeps opening bigger and bigger. E-bikes are getting faster, faster, and
stronger.
As you know, any EBike over 750 watt is considered to be a Motorcycle by the DMV laws.
What is the City going to do when these off-road cycles entering into the 2800 acre
recharge basins or into the private land of the Panorama Vista Preserve.
The Bike Path travels two miles through private property and these property owners have
their rights.
What is the City to do when EBikes travel through critical habitat or threaten the four
endangered species that live along the Path (some within a few feet of the path)?
Horses scare and panic easily near fast moving objects.
Just ask Councilman Ken Weir. He rides horses.
The L & L also rejected our mitigations which are meant to decrease negative impacts.
Ginny,we must educate users with letters from the Mayor, speed limit signage and no off
road postings.
The Parkway Foundation wants to reintroduce our commpromise to you and staff.
Will you hear us next time?
Can you build into the ordinance that EBikes must stay on pavement?
Signs to this effect will really help and so will as much enforcement as possible.
Please answer quickly.
Thanks,
KRPF VP
Rich
From:Jacqui Kitchen
To:Anthony Valdez
Subject:FW: “All EBikes” clarifications
Date:Tuesday, April 6, 2021 9:45:43 AM
Attachments:Beatris Sanders, PSVS, 5.5.2 letter from the Sierra Club.docx
SUMMARY OF PSVS FUNDING FOR PARKS.doc
For file
From: eddylaine@aol.com <eddylaine@aol.com>
Sent: Tuesday, April 6, 2021 9:33 AM
To: tom@tcflawyer.com; markcsalvaggio@yahoo.com; oneilpedal4@gmail.com; jgbelli@bak.rr.com;
andym5@bak.rr.com; michall@bak.rr.com; Dona.Schilling@wellsfargo.com
Cc: Virginia "Ginny" Gennaro <vgennaro@bakersfieldcity.us>; wtcooper47@aol.com;
peter.wolleson@yahoo.com; yates.jonathan@gmail.com; bell.margie@gmail.com;
kernriverparkwayfoundation@gmail.com; lsfranconi@yahoo.com; samonty@pacbell.net;
achianel@bakersfieldcity.com; ablsilver37@gmail.com; eihuerta@huertalaw.org;
mmartinez@csub.edu; Christian Clegg <cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us>; Jacqui Kitchen
<jkitchen@bakersfieldcity.us>; Chris Huot <CHuot@bakersfieldcity.us>; ken@weircpa.com; PD-PIO
Council member Chris Parlier <chrisparlier@sbcglobal.net>; andrae3000@gmail.com;
brucefreeman1949@gmail.com; patty@dreammakerbakersfield.com; ericarias7@gmail.com;
bobsmith727@me.com; tom@tcflawyer.com
Subject: Re: “All EBikes” clarifications
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you click!
The e-bike issue is noted in a letter (long-term solutions #4) authorized by the
Executive Committee of the Sierra Club on Saturday and delivered to City Hall
yesterday.
There are several suggestions here that we hope will be considered. Millions and
millions of dollars and seemingly little attention to restoring the Kern River (from
Golden State Bridge to San Miguel Grove) for public use. Instead millions and
millions for freeway beautification for people who drive through Bakersfield?
Eddy Laine
(661) 345-4736
-----Original Message-----
From: Tom Fallgatter <tom@tcflawyer.com>
To: markcsalvaggio <markcsalvaggio@yahoo.com>; oneilpedal4@gmail.com <oneilpedal4@gmail.com>;
Carolyn Belli <jgbelli@bak.rr.com>; Andrew Honig <andym5@bak.rr.com>; 'michall@bak.rr.com'
<michall@bak.rr.com>; Dona.Schilling@wellsfargo.com <Dona.Schilling@wellsfargo.com>
Cc: vgennaro@bakersfieldcity.us <vgennaro@bakersfieldcity.us>; Wtcooper47 <wtcooper47@aol.com>;
eddylaine@aol.com <eddylaine@aol.com>; peter.wolleson@yahoo.com <peter.wolleson@yahoo.com>;
yates.jonathan@gmail.com <yates.jonathan@gmail.com>; bell.margie@gmail.com
<bell.margie@gmail.com>; kernriverparkwayfoundation@gmail.com
<kernriverparkwayfoundation@gmail.com>; lsfranconi@yahoo.com <lsfranconi@yahoo.com>;
samonty@pacbell.net <samonty@pacbell.net>; achianel@bakersfieldcity.com
<achianel@bakersfieldcity.com>; Ann Silver <ablsilver37@gmail.com>; eihuerta@huertalaw.org
<eihuerta@huertalaw.org>; mmartinez@csub.edu <mmartinez@csub.edu>; cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us
<cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us>; jkitchen@bakersfieldcity.us <jkitchen@bakersfieldcity.us>;
chuot@bakersfieldcity.us <chuot@bakersfieldcity.us>; ken@weircpa.com <ken@weircpa.com>;
chrisparlier@sbcglobal.net <chrisparlier@sbcglobal.net>; andrae3000@gmail.com
<andrae3000@gmail.com>; brucefreeman1949@gmail.com <brucefreeman1949@gmail.com>;
patty@dreammakerbakersfield.com <patty@dreammakerbakersfield.com>; ericarias7@gmail.com
<ericarias7@gmail.com>; bobsmith727@me.com <bobsmith727@me.com>; Tom Fallgatter
<tom@tcflawyer.com>
Sent: Mon, Apr 5, 2021 11:27 pm
Subject: RE: “All EBikes” clarifications
Mark
Rich O’Neill and Bill Cooper are heroes of mine. They are the individuals who fired me up about
preserving and enhancing the Kern River as a invaluable asset of our community. And I agree their input
should carries special weight. Plus I know that you were a great and effective advocate for preserving and
enhancing the River and you opinion on this matter is important to me. And, there were many others.
However, I too have institutional memory about the Kern River Plan, and at the risk of sounding pompous,
I can say that, energized by Rich and Bill, and by my own sense about the river, as a member of the
subdivision committee of the Bakersfield City planning commission in 1981, I came up with the idea of
developing a “Kern River Plan” as a formal city and county general plan and zoning planning tool. Too
be clear the idea of a Kern River Parkway was Bill and Rich’s idea. But, the idea of developing a “Kern
River Plan” was mine.
But for me all the work Rich and Bill, you, and Carolyn Belli, and Andy and Sasha Honig and I, and many
others, have done to preserve the Kern River, get the bike path approved and many other pro-Kern River
decisions and improvements while important, and giving us some status in terms of commenting on the
Plan and the Bike path, does not confer on us the sole power to make decisions about the River. The
preservation and enhancement of the River is a community wide concern, and a community wide
decision. We do not have, and do not deserve, a strangle hold on what the right decisions for the River
are. Times change and what is appropriate for the Path and appropriate for the River changes also.
It is my personal opinion, that allowing e-bikes that function similarly to regular bikes is a good idea. I
believe that the more people we have using the Path and accessing and enjoying the River, the more
likely it is in the long run that the River will in fact continue to be preserved and enhanced. Of course
there need to be rules that preserve the river as a natural resource, preserve it as the preeminent natural
recreational and educational resource of our community. But the exact contours of those rules will by the
nature of things vary over time. It would be foolish to think that what Rich O’Neill, Bill Cooper, Tom
Fallgatter, Andy and Sasha Honig, Carolyn Belli and Mark Salvaggio thought in 1985 were the right rules
for the River, would be the right rules forever.
Tom
From: markcsalvaggio <markcsalvaggio@yahoo.com>
Sent: Monday, April 5, 2021 8:44 PM
To: oneilpedal4@gmail.com
Cc: vgennaro@bakersfieldcity.us; Wtcooper47 <wtcooper47@aol.com>; eddylaine@aol.com;
peter.wolleson@yahoo.com; yates.jonathan@gmail.com; bell.margie@gmail.com;
kernriverparkwayfoundation@gmail.com; lsfranconi@yahoo.com; samonty@pacbell.net;
achianel@bakersfieldcity.com; Tom Fallgatter <tom@tcflawyer.com>; Ann Silver
<ablsilver37@gmail.com>; eihuerta@huertalaw.org; mmartinez@csub.edu; cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us;
jkitchen@bakersfieldcity.us; chuot@bakersfieldcity.us; ken@weircpa.com; chrisparlier@sbcglobal.net;
andrae3000@gmail.com; brucefreeman1949@gmail.com; patty@dreammakerbakersfield.com;
ericarias7@gmail.com; bobsmith727@me.com
Subject: “All EBikes” clarifications
It is very disheartening to see the City take this adverse course of action.
Not one member of the Bakersfield City Council has a scintilla of institutional memory regarding the
development of the Kern River Plan, the subsequent River Element of the Metropolitan Bakersfield
General Plan, and finally the Kern River Parkway.
The City should listen to and respect the wisdom of people like Rich O'Neill and Bill Cooper who first
brought us the vision to restore the ravaged Kern River through metropolitan Bakersfield.
We are put in the no-win position of bing accused of opposing "change." Baloney.
This invites ATV or ORV in the secondary and primary floodplains of the Kern River. The late
Councilwoman Pat DeMond would see this for for what it is.
I have been told the Bakersfield Police Department will enforce speed limits on the Bike Path. Don't be
fooled. The BPD has other "priorities." I've got a bridge to sell you in Lamont.
Councilman Andrae Gonzales' view that we should allow "new technology" to take its course is specious.
-------- Original message --------
From: oneilpedal4@gmail.com
Date: April 5, 2021 at 5:14:03 PM PDT
To: vgennaro@bakersfieldcity.us
Cc: bill travis cooper <wtcooper47@aol.com>, Christian Clegg
<cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us>, Eddy Laine <eddylaine@aol.com>, Peter Wollesen
<Peter.Wollesen@yahoo.com>, Jonathan Yates <yates.jonathane@gmail.com>, lauren
franconi <lsfranconi@yahoo.com>
Subject: “All EBikes” clarifications
Ginny,
The last Leg.and Lit. Committee meeting left us with even more confusion than before.
Councilman Andre Gonzales asked for “all EBikes” be allowed even though the State
Allows only C1 and C2.
Are we to understand that “all” means also bikes that go 40 mph (with 1000watt motors) or
50mph (4000 watt motor)?
I talked to Ashly 2 days after the L & L.
She could not answer these questions.
She said she would talk to you but I received no call back.
Every one of these EBikes is capable of going off-road and are in fact advertised as being
“off roaders."
Some even carry the names referring to “overland”, “Mtn. Climber," “Rock jumper."
Just google it.
The can of worms keeps opening bigger and bigger. E-bikes are getting faster, faster, and
stronger.
As you know, any EBike over 750 watt is considered to be a Motorcycle by the DMV laws.
What is the City going to do when these off-road cycles entering into the 2800 acre
recharge basins or into the private land of the Panorama Vista Preserve.
The Bike Path travels two miles through private property and these property owners have
their rights.
What is the City to do when EBikes travel through critical habitat or threaten the four
endangered species that live along the Path (some within a few feet of the path)?
Horses scare and panic easily near fast moving objects.
Just ask Councilman Ken Weir. He rides horses.
The L & L also rejected our mitigations which are meant to decrease negative impacts.
Ginny,we must educate users with letters from the Mayor, speed limit signage and no off
road postings.
The Parkway Foundation wants to reintroduce our commpromise to you and staff.
Will you hear us next time?
Can you build into the ordinance that EBikes must stay on pavement?
Signs to this effect will really help and so will as much enforcement as possible.
Please answer quickly.
Thanks,
KRPF VP
Rich
1
Michelle Cruz
From:Chris Parlier <chrisparlier@sbcglobal.net>
Sent:Tuesday, April 6, 2021 10:55 AM
To:Michelle Cruz
Subject:Fwd: “All EBikes” clarifications
Attachments:Beatris Sanders, PSVS, 5.5.2 letter from the Sierra Club.docx; ATT00001.htm; SUMMARY OF PSVS
FUNDING FOR PARKS.doc; ATT00002.htm
Categories:Committees
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you click!
Please include for leg. & lit.
Thank you
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From: eddylaine@aol.com
Date: April 6, 2021 at 9:33:09 AM PDT
To: tom@tcflawyer.com, markcsalvaggio@yahoo.com, oneilpedal4@gmail.com, jgbelli@bak.rr.com,
andym5@bak.rr.com, michall@bak.rr.com, Dona.Schilling@wellsfargo.com
Cc: vgennaro@bakersfieldcity.us, wtcooper47@aol.com, peter.wolleson@yahoo.com,
yates.jonathan@gmail.com, bell.margie@gmail.com, kernriverparkwayfoundation@gmail.com,
lsfranconi@yahoo.com, samonty@pacbell.net, achianel@bakersfieldcity.com, ablsilver37@gmail.com,
eihuerta@huertalaw.org, mmartinez@csub.edu, cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us, jkitchen@bakersfieldcity.us,
CHuot@bakersfieldcity.us, Ken@weircpa.com, chrisparlier@sbcglobal.net, andrae3000@gmail.com,
brucefreeman1949@gmail.com, patty@dreammakerbakersfield.com, ericarias7@gmail.com,
bobsmith727@me.com, tom@tcflawyer.com
Subject: Re: “All EBikes” clarifications
Reply‐To: eddylaine@aol.com
The e-bike issue is noted in a letter (long-term solutions #4) authorized by the Executive
Committee of the Sierra Club on Saturday and delivered to City Hall yesterday.
There are several suggestions here that we hope will be considered. Millions and
millions of dollars and seemingly little attention to restoring the Kern River (from Golden
State Bridge to San Miguel Grove) for public use. Instead millions and millions for
freeway beautification for people who drive through Bakersfield?
Eddy Laine
(661) 345-4736
2
-----Original Message-----
From: Tom Fallgatter <tom@tcflawyer.com>
To: markcsalvaggio <markcsalvaggio@yahoo.com>; oneilpedal4@gmail.com <oneilpedal4@gmail.com>;
Carolyn Belli <jgbelli@bak.rr.com>; Andrew Honig <andym5@bak.rr.com>; 'michall@bak.rr.com'
<michall@bak.rr.com>; Dona.Schilling@wellsfargo.com <Dona.Schilling@wellsfargo.com>
Cc: vgennaro@bakersfieldcity.us <vgennaro@bakersfieldcity.us>; Wtcooper47 <wtcooper47@aol.com>;
eddylaine@aol.com <eddylaine@aol.com>; peter.wolleson@yahoo.com <peter.wolleson@yahoo.com>;
yates.jonathan@gmail.com <yates.jonathan@gmail.com>; bell.margie@gmail.com
<bell.margie@gmail.com>; kernriverparkwayfoundation@gmail.com
<kernriverparkwayfoundation@gmail.com>; lsfranconi@yahoo.com <lsfranconi@yahoo.com>;
samonty@pacbell.net <samonty@pacbell.net>; achianel@bakersfieldcity.com
<achianel@bakersfieldcity.com>; Ann Silver <ablsilver37@gmail.com>; eihuerta@huertalaw.org
<eihuerta@huertalaw.org>; mmartinez@csub.edu <mmartinez@csub.edu>; cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us
<cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us>; jkitchen@bakersfieldcity.us <jkitchen@bakersfieldcity.us>;
chuot@bakersfieldcity.us <chuot@bakersfieldcity.us>; ken@weircpa.com <ken@weircpa.com>;
chrisparlier@sbcglobal.net <chrisparlier@sbcglobal.net>; andrae3000@gmail.com
<andrae3000@gmail.com>; brucefreeman1949@gmail.com <brucefreeman1949@gmail.com>;
patty@dreammakerbakersfield.com <patty@dreammakerbakersfield.com>; ericarias7@gmail.com
<ericarias7@gmail.com>; bobsmith727@me.com <bobsmith727@me.com>; Tom Fallgatter
<tom@tcflawyer.com>
Sent: Mon, Apr 5, 2021 11:27 pm
Subject: RE: “All EBikes” clarifications
Mark
Rich O’Neill and Bill Cooper are heroes of mine. They are the individuals who fired me up about
preserving and enhancing the Kern River as a invaluable asset of our community. And I agree their input
should carries special weight. Plus I know that you were a great and effective advocate for preserving and
enhancing the River and you opinion on this matter is important to me. And, there were many others.
However, I too have institutional memory about the Kern River Plan, and at the risk of sounding pompous,
I can say that, energized by Rich and Bill, and by my own sense about the river, as a member of the
subdivision committee of the Bakersfield City planning commission in 1981, I came up with the idea of
developing a “Kern River Plan” as a formal city and county general plan and zoning planning tool.
Too be clear the idea of a Kern River Parkway was Bill and Rich’s idea. But, the idea of developing a
“Kern River Plan” was mine.
But for me all the work Rich and Bill, you, and Carolyn Belli, and Andy and Sasha Honig and I, and many
others, have done to preserve the Kern River, get the bike path approved and many other pro-Kern River
decisions and improvements while important, and giving us some status in terms of commenting on the
Plan and the Bike path, does not confer on us the sole power to make decisions about the River. The
preservation and enhancement of the River is a community wide concern, and a community wide
decision. We do not have, and do not deserve, a strangle hold on what the right decisions for the River
are. Times change and what is appropriate for the Path and appropriate for the River changes also.
It is my personal opinion, that allowing e-bikes that function similarly to regular bikes is a good idea. I
believe that the more people we have using the Path and accessing and enjoying the River, the more
likely it is in the long run that the River will in fact continue to be preserved and enhanced. Of course
there need to be rules that preserve the river as a natural resource, preserve it as the preeminent
natural recreational and educational resource of our community. But the exact contours of those rules
will by the nature of things vary over time. It would be foolish to think that what Rich O’Neill, Bill Cooper,
Tom Fallgatter, Andy and Sasha Honig, Carolyn Belli and Mark Salvaggio thought in 1985 were the right
rules for the River, would be the right rules forever.
Tom
From: markcsalvaggio <markcsalvaggio@yahoo.com>
Sent: Monday, April 5, 2021 8:44 PM
To: oneilpedal4@gmail.com
Cc: vgennaro@bakersfieldcity.us; Wtcooper47 <wtcooper47@aol.com>; eddylaine@aol.com;
peter.wolleson@yahoo.com; yates.jonathan@gmail.com; bell.margie@gmail.com;
3
kernriverparkwayfoundation@gmail.com; lsfranconi@yahoo.com; samonty@pacbell.net;
achianel@bakersfieldcity.com; Tom Fallgatter <tom@tcflawyer.com>; Ann Silver
<ablsilver37@gmail.com>; eihuerta@huertalaw.org; mmartinez@csub.edu; cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us;
jkitchen@bakersfieldcity.us; chuot@bakersfieldcity.us; ken@weircpa.com; chrisparlier@sbcglobal.net;
andrae3000@gmail.com; brucefreeman1949@gmail.com; patty@dreammakerbakersfield.com;
ericarias7@gmail.com; bobsmith727@me.com
Subject: “All EBikes” clarifications
It is very disheartening to see the City take this adverse course of action.
Not one member of the Bakersfield City Council has a scintilla of institutional memory regarding the
development of the Kern River Plan, the subsequent River Element of the Metropolitan Bakersfield
General Plan, and finally the Kern River Parkway.
The City should listen to and respect the wisdom of people like Rich O'Neill and Bill Cooper who first
brought us the vision to restore the ravaged Kern River through metropolitan Bakersfield.
We are put in the no-win position of bing accused of opposing "change." Baloney.
This invites ATV or ORV in the secondary and primary floodplains of the Kern River. The late
Councilwoman Pat DeMond would see this for for what it is.
I have been told the Bakersfield Police Department will enforce speed limits on the Bike Path. Don't be
fooled. The BPD has other "priorities." I've got a bridge to sell you in Lamont.
Councilman Andrae Gonzales' view that we should allow "new technology" to take its course is specious.
-------- Original message --------
From: oneilpedal4@gmail.com
Date: April 5, 2021 at 5:14:03 PM PDT
To: vgennaro@bakersfieldcity.us
Cc: bill travis cooper <wtcooper47@aol.com>, Christian Clegg
<cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us>, Eddy Laine <eddylaine@aol.com>, Peter Wollesen
<Peter.Wollesen@yahoo.com>, Jonathan Yates <yates.jonathane@gmail.com>, lauren
franconi <lsfranconi@yahoo.com>
Subject: “All EBikes” clarifications
Ginny,
The last Leg.and Lit. Committee meeting left us with even more confusion than before.
Councilman Andre Gonzales asked for “all EBikes” be allowed even though the State
Allows only C1 and C2.
Are we to understand that “all” means also bikes that go 40 mph (with 1000watt motors)
or 50mph (4000 watt motor)?
I talked to Ashly 2 days after the L & L.
She could not answer these questions.
She said she would talk to you but I received no call back.
Every one of these EBikes is capable of going off-road and are in fact advertised as
being “off roaders."
Some even carry the names referring to “overland”, “Mtn. Climber," “Rock jumper."
4
Just google it.
The can of worms keeps opening bigger and bigger. E-bikes are getting faster, faster,
and stronger.
As you know, any EBike over 750 watt is considered to be a Motorcycle by the DMV
laws.
What is the City going to do when these off-road cycles entering into the 2800 acre
recharge basins or into the private land of the Panorama Vista Preserve.
The Bike Path travels two miles through private property and these property owners have
their rights.
What is the City to do when EBikes travel through critical habitat or threaten the four
endangered species that live along the Path (some within a few feet of the path)?
Horses scare and panic easily near fast moving objects.
Just ask Councilman Ken Weir. He rides horses.
The L & L also rejected our mitigations which are meant to decrease negative impacts.
Ginny,we must educate users with letters from the Mayor, speed limit signage and no off
road postings.
The Parkway Foundation wants to reintroduce our commpromise to you and staff.
Will you hear us next time?
Can you build into the ordinance that EBikes must stay on pavement?
Signs to this effect will really help and so will as much enforcement as possible.
Please answer quickly.
Thanks,
KRPF VP
Rich
1
SUMMARY OF PSVS (MEASURE N) FUNDING FROM CITY OF
BAKERSFIELD FY 2019-2020 AND FY 2020-2021 BUDGETS FOR PARKS
Taken from a July 15, 2020 Bakersfield City Council Workshop Presentation by
Diane Hoover, Parks and Recreation Director (page numbers refer to that presentation)
and information provided by Rajan Mistry, Business Manager for the City of Bakersfield
on March 2, 2021.
FY 2019-2020 ($13,902,000) FY 2020-2021 ($3,154,580)
Total funding: $17,056,580 of which $12,352,000 was allocated for Mesa Marin and
Kaiser Permanente Sports Complexes (72% for these two complexes). Note: Priority 13
on the 2018 ballot measure was, “Enhancing Neighborhoods through additional code
enforcement and improved park maintenance.”
All Wards (page 7)
Drought Related Trees $800,000 (FY 2019-20)
Small Plant Replacement $750,000 (FY 2019-20)
Park Access Improvements $200,000 (FY 2020-21)
Total (10.3% of total) $1,750,000
Ward 1 (page 10)
MLK, Jr. Park Access Improvements $63,000 (FY 2020-21)
Planz Park Playground $302,500 (FY 2020-21)
Total (2.1% of total) $365,000
Ward 2 (page 13)
Beach Park Skate Park Lights $250,000 (FY 2020-21)
Wilson Park Access $54,000 (FY 2020-21)
Park Trash Enclosures (various parks) $50,000 (FY 2020-21)
Jastro Park Playground $302,500 (FY 2020-21)
McMurtrey Pool Shade Structure $77,500 (FY 2020-21)
Total (4.3% of total) $734,100
Ward 3 (page 17)
Four Softball Fields (Mesa Marin) $7,500,000 (FY 2019-20)
Pickleball and Basketball (Mesa Marin) $352,000 (FY 2019-20)
Siemon Park Access $84,000 (FY 2020-21)
Park Trash Enclosures (various parks) $50,000 (FY 2020-21)
University Park Playground $412,500 (FY 2020-21)
Total (49.2% total) $8,398,500
2
NOTE: Mesa Marin Projects were not reflected on page 17, but were provided in
previous documentation about PVSP funding. Again, there is no public transportation
available to Mesa Marin. It is eight 8 miles from downtown Bakersfield. It is located in
Ward 3.
Ward 4 (page 20)
Windsor Park Playground $330,000 (FY 2020-21)
Total (1.9% of total) $330,000
Ward 5 (page 23)
Haggin Oaks Park Tennis Court $198,000 (FY 2020-21)
Ward 5 (1.2% of total) $198,000
Ward 6 (page 26)
Design (Kaiser Permanente) $1,500,000 (FY 2019-20)
Construction $3,000,000 (FY 2019-20)
Patriots Park Access Improvements $230,000 (FY 2020-21)
Grissom Park Access Improvements $45,000 (FY 2020-21)
Silver Creek Park Pool Improvements and
Fitness Equipment $403,480 (FY 2020-21)
Grissom Park Playground $302,500 (FY 2020-21)
Total (32.1% of total) $5,480,980
NOTE: Kaiser Permanente is not listed on page 26. However, Mr. Mistry clarified the
funding sources with this $3 million being a portion of $8 million allocated during FY
2019-2020.
Ward 7 (page 29)
Improvements (Wilson Park) $54,000 (FY 2020-21)
Wilson Park Playground $302,500 (FY 2020-21)
Total (2.1% of total) $356,500
TOTAL
Compiled by Eddy Laine March 24, 2021
From:City_Council
To:Jacqui Kitchen; Anthony Valdez
Subject:FW: All council members
Date:Wednesday, March 31, 2021 9:09:14 AM
FYI
From: Chris Parlier <chrisparlier@sbcglobal.net>
Sent: Wednesday, March 31, 2021 9:02 AM
To: City_Council <City_Council@bakersfieldcity.us>
Subject: Re: All council members
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you click!
Please have this and any other ones of this nature coming in attached to up coming leg & lit meeting
materials too.
Thank you
Sent from my iPhone
On Mar 31, 2021, at 8:29 AM, City_Council <City_Council@bakersfieldcity.us> wrote:
Good morning honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers,
Please see a message below addressed to the full council.
Thank you,
Brianna
CMO
From: Carlos Angelini <carlos@valleyinstrument.com>
Sent: Tuesday, March 30, 2021 10:55 AM
To: City_Council <City_Council@bakersfieldcity.us>
Subject: All council members
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before
you click!
To all council members,
My name is Carlos Angelini and I’m writing this morning because I read in the
Californian that you are considering changing the rules regarding motorized vehicles on
the bike path.
I’m a regular user of the path on my road bike and see some of the dangers we cyclist
encounter daily. Most of the time we come close to crashing due to pedestrian traffic
that is not paying attention.
We see a lot of families with very small children and pets, they are also enjoying the
outdoors and can’t blame them if they are not thinking of the bicycles that also use the
roadway.
The premise that I see mention in most reports is that if we have an ordinance that
restricts certain behavior, then people will follow the rules. I can tell you that now a lot
of individuals are not following the fact that motorized vehicles are not allowed.
The bike path is wide enough for two people waking in one direction and a lot of times
we on bikes have to slow down to very slow speed to let pedestrians pass in both
directions. It’s not perfect but we manage to avoid each other without serious
consequences.
I ask you to please think carefully and visit the path near parks and view the interaction
between pedestrians and bicycles without the danger of someone going 20 MPH or
more on an electric vehicle.
I get that when the bike path was built we didn’t have electric bikes or scooters but the
bike path was not built to go fast, it’s for recreation and people see it as a means to
enjoy some exercise and the outdoors, why make it a dangerous place for families?
Kind Regards
Carlos Angelini
(661) 809-1044
From:City_Council
To:Jacqui Kitchen; Anthony Valdez
Subject:FW: All council members
Date:Wednesday, March 31, 2021 9:09:14 AM
FYI
From: Chris Parlier <chrisparlier@sbcglobal.net>
Sent: Wednesday, March 31, 2021 9:02 AM
To: City_Council <City_Council@bakersfieldcity.us>
Subject: Re: All council members
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you click!
Please have this and any other ones of this nature coming in attached to up coming leg & lit meeting
materials too.
Thank you
Sent from my iPhone
On Mar 31, 2021, at 8:29 AM, City_Council <City_Council@bakersfieldcity.us> wrote:
Good morning honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers,
Please see a message below addressed to the full council.
Thank you,
Brianna
CMO
From: Carlos Angelini <carlos@valleyinstrument.com>
Sent: Tuesday, March 30, 2021 10:55 AM
To: City_Council <City_Council@bakersfieldcity.us>
Subject: All council members
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before
you click!
To all council members,
My name is Carlos Angelini and I’m writing this morning because I read in the
Californian that you are considering changing the rules regarding motorized vehicles on
the bike path.
I’m a regular user of the path on my road bike and see some of the dangers we cyclist
encounter daily. Most of the time we come close to crashing due to pedestrian traffic
that is not paying attention.
We see a lot of families with very small children and pets, they are also enjoying the
outdoors and can’t blame them if they are not thinking of the bicycles that also use the
roadway.
The premise that I see mention in most reports is that if we have an ordinance that
restricts certain behavior, then people will follow the rules. I can tell you that now a lot
of individuals are not following the fact that motorized vehicles are not allowed.
The bike path is wide enough for two people waking in one direction and a lot of times
we on bikes have to slow down to very slow speed to let pedestrians pass in both
directions. It’s not perfect but we manage to avoid each other without serious
consequences.
I ask you to please think carefully and visit the path near parks and view the interaction
between pedestrians and bicycles without the danger of someone going 20 MPH or
more on an electric vehicle.
I get that when the bike path was built we didn’t have electric bikes or scooters but the
bike path was not built to go fast, it’s for recreation and people see it as a means to
enjoy some exercise and the outdoors, why make it a dangerous place for families?
Kind Regards
Carlos Angelini
(661) 809-1044
From:City_Council
To:Anthony Valdez
Subject:FW: Bike Path
Date:Wednesday, April 14, 2021 8:17:17 AM
From: Warren Rooney <warrenrooney@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, April 13, 2021 2:28 PM
To: City_Council <City_Council@bakersfieldcity.us>
Subject: Bike Path
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you click!
I read your letter to the editor in today's Bakersfield Californian about the proposed changes
regarding E-Bikes on the bike path. I also ride the bike path regularly on my road bike.
I have no problem with E-Bikes. What I do have a problem with is how fast some people ride
whether motorized or not. I've seen regular road bikes go through River Walk Park at over 25 mph
with walkers, toddlers, etc all around. I think that there should be a speed limit implemented. Maybe
20-24 mph or so west of Allen Road and something slower (12-15 mph?) through River Walk Park,
Beach Park and other high traffic areas.
I do think gas powered bikes should be banned though. I saw one this morning.
I appreciate your work. Thanks for your time.
Warren Rooney
2505 Kramer Dr, Bakersfield, CA 93309
From:City_Council
To:Anthony Valdez
Subject:FW: Bike Path
Date:Wednesday, April 14, 2021 8:17:17 AM
From: Warren Rooney <warrenrooney@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, April 13, 2021 2:28 PM
To: City_Council <City_Council@bakersfieldcity.us>
Subject: Bike Path
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you click!
I read your letter to the editor in today's Bakersfield Californian about the proposed changes
regarding E-Bikes on the bike path. I also ride the bike path regularly on my road bike.
I have no problem with E-Bikes. What I do have a problem with is how fast some people ride
whether motorized or not. I've seen regular road bikes go through River Walk Park at over 25 mph
with walkers, toddlers, etc all around. I think that there should be a speed limit implemented. Maybe
20-24 mph or so west of Allen Road and something slower (12-15 mph?) through River Walk Park,
Beach Park and other high traffic areas.
I do think gas powered bikes should be banned though. I saw one this morning.
I appreciate your work. Thanks for your time.
Warren Rooney
2505 Kramer Dr, Bakersfield, CA 93309
From:City_Council
To:Anthony Valdez
Subject:FW: E Bikes and horses don"t mix
Date:Wednesday, May 12, 2021 3:06:16 PM
From: Deborah Goaldman <goaldmand@yahoo.com>
Sent: Thursday, May 6, 2021 5:33 PM
To: City_Council <City_Council@bakersfieldcity.us>
Subject: E Bikes and horses don't mix
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you click!
Dear Council Members,
Regarding E-bikes on horse trails:
E-bikes on trails used by horse riders will pose a danger to the rider. Many horses are easily
spooked and seeing an E-bike on the trail would trigger that reaction. What happens when a
horse spooks? They may leap sideways, become tense and hard to manage, take off at a
gallop, or buck. Any of these reactions may unseat a rider and the fall may cause a serious
injury. Please protect the riders and horses by keeping E-bikes off of trails designated for
horses.
As for the use of E-bikes in our community, I see them as an eco-friendly way to commute to
work via city streets. Having safe bike lanes throughout the city is the best way to
accommodate the use of E-bikes.
Sincerely,
Deborah Goaldman
From:City_Council
To:Anthony Valdez
Subject:FW: E Bikes and horses don"t mix
Date:Wednesday, May 12, 2021 3:06:16 PM
From: Deborah Goaldman <goaldmand@yahoo.com>
Sent: Thursday, May 6, 2021 5:33 PM
To: City_Council <City_Council@bakersfieldcity.us>
Subject: E Bikes and horses don't mix
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you click!
Dear Council Members,
Regarding E-bikes on horse trails:
E-bikes on trails used by horse riders will pose a danger to the rider. Many horses are easily
spooked and seeing an E-bike on the trail would trigger that reaction. What happens when a
horse spooks? They may leap sideways, become tense and hard to manage, take off at a
gallop, or buck. Any of these reactions may unseat a rider and the fall may cause a serious
injury. Please protect the riders and horses by keeping E-bikes off of trails designated for
horses.
As for the use of E-bikes in our community, I see them as an eco-friendly way to commute to
work via city streets. Having safe bike lanes throughout the city is the best way to
accommodate the use of E-bikes.
Sincerely,
Deborah Goaldman
From:City_Council
To:Anthony Valdez
Subject:FW: Ebike trail
Date:Friday, May 21, 2021 9:05:54 AM
Hi Anthony,
Are we still collecting e-bike comments?
From: Ellen Pace <ellen58pace@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, May 20, 2021 5:25 PM
To: City_Council <City_Council@bakersfieldcity.us>
Subject: Ebike trail
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you click!
I am sending this in support of ebikes being allowed on the bike trail. My ebike is the only
transportation I have. I have no other way to get to my doctor appts. And there are not bike lanes
that go on Mohawk and Coffee Rd over the west side freeway to Truxtun extension where my drs
are located. The bike trail starts near my house and goes directly by my dr offices. It would be so
much safer and easier for me to use the bike trail. Please consider a lot of older folks like me can't
afford to maintain cars and rely on our ebikes to get around and frankly sharing the road with cars
are dangerous for me.
From:City_Council
To:Anthony Valdez
Subject:FW: Ebike trail
Date:Friday, May 21, 2021 9:05:54 AM
Hi Anthony,
Are we still collecting e-bike comments?
From: Ellen Pace <ellen58pace@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, May 20, 2021 5:25 PM
To: City_Council <City_Council@bakersfieldcity.us>
Subject: Ebike trail
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you click!
I am sending this in support of ebikes being allowed on the bike trail. My ebike is the only
transportation I have. I have no other way to get to my doctor appts. And there are not bike lanes
that go on Mohawk and Coffee Rd over the west side freeway to Truxtun extension where my drs
are located. The bike trail starts near my house and goes directly by my dr offices. It would be so
much safer and easier for me to use the bike trail. Please consider a lot of older folks like me can't
afford to maintain cars and rely on our ebikes to get around and frankly sharing the road with cars
are dangerous for me.
From:City_Council
To:Anthony Valdez
Subject:FW: e-Bikes in Parkway
Date:Tuesday, May 11, 2021 9:50:48 AM
From: Andrew Honig <andym5@bak.rr.com>
Sent: Tuesday, May 11, 2021 9:18 AM
To: City_Council <City_Council@bakersfieldcity.us>
Subject: e-Bikes in Parkway
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you click!
Dear Councilman Ken Weir,
I am writing to oppose allowing the use of e-bikes in the Kern River Parkway. Motorized vehicles
that can quietly travel at speeds of over 20 MPH pose a hazard to other users of the bike path,
particularly runners and walkers. Motorized vehicles under no circumstances (other than for official
use for Parkway maintenance) should be given the opportunity to ride on trails in the Kern River
Parkway. They are an especial hazard to horses, which can be easily spooked.
Recreational users of motorized vehicles also pose a threat to irrigation lines and native plantings in
the Kern River Parkway. I often have encountered off-roaders on the Panorama Vista Preserve
which have damaged drip lines which irrigate the revegatation projects. There is not sufficient
policing in the Parkway to prevent this.
The intent of the Kern River Parkway is to promote nature and the enjoyment of a natural
experience along the Kern River. Electric bikes are not compatible with this goal.
Sincerely,
Andrew Honig
131 Pasatiempo Dr.
Bakersfield, CA 93305
andym5@bak.rr.com
From:City_Council
To:Anthony Valdez
Subject:FW: e-Bikes in Parkway
Date:Tuesday, May 11, 2021 9:50:48 AM
From: Andrew Honig <andym5@bak.rr.com>
Sent: Tuesday, May 11, 2021 9:18 AM
To: City_Council <City_Council@bakersfieldcity.us>
Subject: e-Bikes in Parkway
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you click!
Dear Councilman Ken Weir,
I am writing to oppose allowing the use of e-bikes in the Kern River Parkway. Motorized vehicles
that can quietly travel at speeds of over 20 MPH pose a hazard to other users of the bike path,
particularly runners and walkers. Motorized vehicles under no circumstances (other than for official
use for Parkway maintenance) should be given the opportunity to ride on trails in the Kern River
Parkway. They are an especial hazard to horses, which can be easily spooked.
Recreational users of motorized vehicles also pose a threat to irrigation lines and native plantings in
the Kern River Parkway. I often have encountered off-roaders on the Panorama Vista Preserve
which have damaged drip lines which irrigate the revegatation projects. There is not sufficient
policing in the Parkway to prevent this.
The intent of the Kern River Parkway is to promote nature and the enjoyment of a natural
experience along the Kern River. Electric bikes are not compatible with this goal.
Sincerely,
Andrew Honig
131 Pasatiempo Dr.
Bakersfield, CA 93305
andym5@bak.rr.com
From:City_Council
To:Anthony Valdez
Subject:FW: E-Bikes on horse trails
Date:Wednesday, May 12, 2021 9:22:08 AM
FYI
-----Original Message-----
From: Kathie <sulli8384@hotmail.com>
Sent: Monday, May 10, 2021 4:38 PM
To: City_Council <City_Council@bakersfieldcity.us>
Subject: E-Bikes on horse trails
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you click!
Dear Council Members:
Please do not allow E-Bikes on our horse trails in the Kern River Parkway. This is a dangerous proposition. These
bikes are very quiet as they cruise at 30 mph. This area is for horse men, women, and children. In addition to the
riders that could fall to the ground after their horse has been spooked by these bikes, there are walkers and
wheelchair bound citizens that need their safety protected. Now is the time. E-bikes have many other places they’re
allowed. Please keep them off the horse trails.
Sincerely, Kathie Rasmussen
Sent from my iPhone
From:City_Council
To:Anthony Valdez
Subject:FW: E-Bikes on horse trails
Date:Wednesday, May 12, 2021 9:22:08 AM
FYI
-----Original Message-----
From: Kathie <sulli8384@hotmail.com>
Sent: Monday, May 10, 2021 4:38 PM
To: City_Council <City_Council@bakersfieldcity.us>
Subject: E-Bikes on horse trails
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you click!
Dear Council Members:
Please do not allow E-Bikes on our horse trails in the Kern River Parkway. This is a dangerous proposition. These
bikes are very quiet as they cruise at 30 mph. This area is for horse men, women, and children. In addition to the
riders that could fall to the ground after their horse has been spooked by these bikes, there are walkers and
wheelchair bound citizens that need their safety protected. Now is the time. E-bikes have many other places they’re
allowed. Please keep them off the horse trails.
Sincerely, Kathie Rasmussen
Sent from my iPhone
From:City_Clerk
To:Pilar Avalos; Michelle Cruz
Subject:FW: E-Bikes on Kern River Bike Parkway Trails
Date:Friday, June 18, 2021 11:19:12 AM
Attachments:image001.png
image002.png
image003.png
image004.png
Julie Drimakis, CPMC, MMC | City Clerk
City of Bakersfield
email: jdrimakis@bakersfieldcity.us
web: www.bakersfieldcity.us
phone: 661-326-3073
From: Marion Vargas <mjdvargas@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, June 17, 2021 4:14 PM
To: City_Clerk <City_Clerk@bakersfieldcity.us>
Subject: E-Bikes on Kern River Bike Parkway Trails
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you
click!
June 17, 2021
To: The Bakersfield City Council Legislative and Litigation Committee
From: Marion Vargas
3209 La Cresta Dr
Bakersfield, CA 93305
(661) 304-4788
Recommendations regarding E-Bikes and Kern River Parkway Trails:
Because Class I and Class II e-bikes are now permitted on bicycle paths and trails, equestrian
trails, and hiking or recreational trails unless specifically prohibited by ordinance (See CVC §
21207.5(b)), current City ordinance with regard to Kern River Parkway Trails should be
updated to specifically prohibit motorized E-Bikes from equestrian and hiking trails.
Class 1 and 2 E-Bikes should be prohibited, by ordinance, from traveling off Kern River Bike
Trail pavement onto natural areas and trails.
Class 3 E-Bikes, motorized scooters and boards should not be allowed on the Kern River Bike
Trail.
Concerns that underlie the above recommendations are as follows:
Risks inherent in mixing speeds of travel on trails,
Risks inherent in mixing different types of use on trails.
Risks of accidents and injury to equestrians and bike riders from startling horses on
trails used by equestrians
Damage to plants and wildlife from off pavement incursions
Risks of fire from igniting E-Bike motors
Difficulty of getting timely emergency services to many areas of the Kern River
Parkway trail system
For the safety of all trail users, the following actions should be mandated:
Enactment of a community-wide education program to address safe trail use and trail
etiquette
Posting of signage at trail access points regarding legal and illegal trail usage,
consequences for violation of relevant codes and trail etiquette
Posting of speed recommendations and warnings along the bike trail, particularly in
high usage areas and at places where the hiking and equestrian trail intersect or parallel
the bike trail.
From:City_Clerk
To:Pilar Avalos; Michelle Cruz
Subject:FW: E-Bikes on Kern River Bike Parkway Trails
Date:Friday, June 18, 2021 11:19:12 AM
Attachments:image001.png
image002.png
image003.png
image004.png
Julie Drimakis, CPMC, MMC | City Clerk
City of Bakersfield
email: jdrimakis@bakersfieldcity.us
web: www.bakersfieldcity.us
phone: 661-326-3073
From: Marion Vargas <mjdvargas@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, June 17, 2021 4:14 PM
To: City_Clerk <City_Clerk@bakersfieldcity.us>
Subject: E-Bikes on Kern River Bike Parkway Trails
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you
click!
June 17, 2021
To: The Bakersfield City Council Legislative and Litigation Committee
From: Marion Vargas
3209 La Cresta Dr
Bakersfield, CA 93305
(661) 304-4788
Recommendations regarding E-Bikes and Kern River Parkway Trails:
Because Class I and Class II e-bikes are now permitted on bicycle paths and trails, equestrian
trails, and hiking or recreational trails unless specifically prohibited by ordinance (See CVC §
21207.5(b)), current City ordinance with regard to Kern River Parkway Trails should be
updated to specifically prohibit motorized E-Bikes from equestrian and hiking trails.
Class 1 and 2 E-Bikes should be prohibited, by ordinance, from traveling off Kern River Bike
Trail pavement onto natural areas and trails.
Class 3 E-Bikes, motorized scooters and boards should not be allowed on the Kern River Bike
Trail.
Concerns that underlie the above recommendations are as follows:
Risks inherent in mixing speeds of travel on trails,
Risks inherent in mixing different types of use on trails.
Risks of accidents and injury to equestrians and bike riders from startling horses on
trails used by equestrians
Damage to plants and wildlife from off pavement incursions
Risks of fire from igniting E-Bike motors
Difficulty of getting timely emergency services to many areas of the Kern River
Parkway trail system
For the safety of all trail users, the following actions should be mandated:
Enactment of a community-wide education program to address safe trail use and trail
etiquette
Posting of signage at trail access points regarding legal and illegal trail usage,
consequences for violation of relevant codes and trail etiquette
Posting of speed recommendations and warnings along the bike trail, particularly in
high usage areas and at places where the hiking and equestrian trail intersect or parallel
the bike trail.
From:City_Council
To:Anthony Valdez
Subject:FW: E-Bikes on the Kern River Parkway for Council Member Parlier
Date:Monday, May 24, 2021 3:25:32 PM
From: Marion Vargas <mjdvargas@gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, May 21, 2021 4:51 PM
To: City_Council <City_Council@bakersfieldcity.us>
Subject: Fwd: E-Bikes on the Kern River Parkway for Council Member Parlier
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you click!
Please forward this to Council Member Parlier. I neglected to put his name in first email. Apologies. That was
not my intention. Thanks very much.
Marion Vargas
Begin forwarded message:
From: Marion Vargas <mjdvargas@gmail.com>
Subject: E-Bikes on the Kern River Parkway
Date: May 21, 2021 at 4:34:18 PM PDT
To: city_council@bakersfieldcity.us
Cc: Mike Maggard <maggardm@co.kern.ca.us>, Jeff Flores
<floresjeff@kerncounty.com>
Bakersfield City Clerk
Attention: Council Members Arias, Gonzales, Weir, Smith, Freeman, Gray and Parlier
1600 Truxtun Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93301
Re: E-Bikes on the Kern River Parkway
Dear Council Members,
It was only recently that I learned that the Bakersfield City Counsel was taking steps to allow E-Bikes on Kern River Parkway
trails, including those used by local equestrians. Currently, motorized vehicles are not allowed on the primary and
secondary flood plain of the Kern River Parkway, home to a myriad of recreational trails.
The State of California recently defined motorized E-Bikes as bicycles. A desire to promote the use of E-Bikes by vendors
and motor-assisted cycling enthusiasts has led the City to consider allowing them on the Kern River Parkway trails.
Over many years, a wide range of community stakeholders worked collaboratively to establish the Kern River Parkway
Specific Trails Plan that was adopted by both City and County Governments. Documents showing the scope of planning
and detailed trails system can be viewed on the Parkway website: https://kernriverparkway.org. For the safety of all users
and protection of habitat, the Kern River Parkway Foundation worked hard to establish a separation of uses: 1. Bikes
(non-motorized) on the paved bike path; 2. Hikers and equestrians elsewhere on established natural trails and; 3. A ban on
motorized vehicles in the Parkway. Both the City and County leaders saw the wisdom of this and agreed to the plan.
While bike paths may be opening to faster motorized E-bikes because of their classification as bikes, it should only be
where it is safe and appropriate.
Sections of the Kern River Bike trail that have high density use by large contingents of pedestrians, runners, and dog
walkers, as well as bicyclists, would not be appropriate for E-Bikes because of trail congestion and diverse speeds of travel.
Trails that have been designated for equestrian and pedestrian use, are not appropriate for E-Bikes because of the innate
hazard of startling horses, causing accidents and injuries to all concerned.
Because of the remoteness of many trails and the real lack of reliable code enforcement, introducing the E-Bikes to the
Kern River Parkway would only facilitate off-paved trail intrusion onto equestrian and hiking trails. Damage to natural
habitat is likely, particularly in the privately owned Panorama Vista Preserve which hosts two and a quarter miles of bike
path and many of the equestrian/hiking trails. Even if only Class I, II and III E-Bikes are allowed and only on the paved bike
path, there will be no way to keep them there, putting people, animals and habitat at risk.
It is commendable that the City of Bakersfield will be initiating a bike share program, funded by a State grant and matching
City funds. Installing safe bike lanes, bike racks and charging stations within the City of Bakersfield can be a good thing.
But motorized E-Bikes do not belong on the Kern River Parkway trails. It is not appropriate. There is no reason why the
City cannot allow E-Bikes in urban and surburban areas and at the same time restrict their use on the Kern River Bike Trail.
Please protect the integrity of the Kern River Parkway vision and Specific Trails Plan. Do not allow motorized E-Bikes on
the Kern River Bike trail, equestrian and pedestrian trails.
Thank you for your thoughtful consideration of these concerns.
Sincerely,
Marion Vargas
3209 La Cresta Drive
Bakersfield, CA 93305
(661) 304-4788
Below is a typical view of equestrians enjoying the Kern River Parkway trail. It would not be safe
for a moving E-Bike to be part of this picture.
From:City_Council
To:Anthony Valdez
Subject:FW: E-Bikes on the Kern River Parkway for Council Member Parlier
Date:Monday, May 24, 2021 3:25:32 PM
From: Marion Vargas <mjdvargas@gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, May 21, 2021 4:51 PM
To: City_Council <City_Council@bakersfieldcity.us>
Subject: Fwd: E-Bikes on the Kern River Parkway for Council Member Parlier
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you click!
Please forward this to Council Member Parlier. I neglected to put his name in first email. Apologies. That was
not my intention. Thanks very much.
Marion Vargas
Begin forwarded message:
From: Marion Vargas <mjdvargas@gmail.com>
Subject: E-Bikes on the Kern River Parkway
Date: May 21, 2021 at 4:34:18 PM PDT
To: city_council@bakersfieldcity.us
Cc: Mike Maggard <maggardm@co.kern.ca.us>, Jeff Flores
<floresjeff@kerncounty.com>
Bakersfield City Clerk
Attention: Council Members Arias, Gonzales, Weir, Smith, Freeman, Gray and Parlier
1600 Truxtun Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93301
Re: E-Bikes on the Kern River Parkway
Dear Council Members,
It was only recently that I learned that the Bakersfield City Counsel was taking steps to allow E-Bikes on Kern River Parkway
trails, including those used by local equestrians. Currently, motorized vehicles are not allowed on the primary and
secondary flood plain of the Kern River Parkway, home to a myriad of recreational trails.
The State of California recently defined motorized E-Bikes as bicycles. A desire to promote the use of E-Bikes by vendors
and motor-assisted cycling enthusiasts has led the City to consider allowing them on the Kern River Parkway trails.
Over many years, a wide range of community stakeholders worked collaboratively to establish the Kern River Parkway
Specific Trails Plan that was adopted by both City and County Governments. Documents showing the scope of planning
and detailed trails system can be viewed on the Parkway website: https://kernriverparkway.org. For the safety of all users
and protection of habitat, the Kern River Parkway Foundation worked hard to establish a separation of uses: 1. Bikes
(non-motorized) on the paved bike path; 2. Hikers and equestrians elsewhere on established natural trails and; 3. A ban on
motorized vehicles in the Parkway. Both the City and County leaders saw the wisdom of this and agreed to the plan.
While bike paths may be opening to faster motorized E-bikes because of their classification as bikes, it should only be
where it is safe and appropriate.
Sections of the Kern River Bike trail that have high density use by large contingents of pedestrians, runners, and dog
walkers, as well as bicyclists, would not be appropriate for E-Bikes because of trail congestion and diverse speeds of travel.
Trails that have been designated for equestrian and pedestrian use, are not appropriate for E-Bikes because of the innate
hazard of startling horses, causing accidents and injuries to all concerned.
Because of the remoteness of many trails and the real lack of reliable code enforcement, introducing the E-Bikes to the
Kern River Parkway would only facilitate off-paved trail intrusion onto equestrian and hiking trails. Damage to natural
habitat is likely, particularly in the privately owned Panorama Vista Preserve which hosts two and a quarter miles of bike
path and many of the equestrian/hiking trails. Even if only Class I, II and III E-Bikes are allowed and only on the paved bike
path, there will be no way to keep them there, putting people, animals and habitat at risk.
It is commendable that the City of Bakersfield will be initiating a bike share program, funded by a State grant and matching
City funds. Installing safe bike lanes, bike racks and charging stations within the City of Bakersfield can be a good thing.
But motorized E-Bikes do not belong on the Kern River Parkway trails. It is not appropriate. There is no reason why the
City cannot allow E-Bikes in urban and surburban areas and at the same time restrict their use on the Kern River Bike Trail.
Please protect the integrity of the Kern River Parkway vision and Specific Trails Plan. Do not allow motorized E-Bikes on
the Kern River Bike trail, equestrian and pedestrian trails.
Thank you for your thoughtful consideration of these concerns.
Sincerely,
Marion Vargas
3209 La Cresta Drive
Bakersfield, CA 93305
(661) 304-4788
Below is a typical view of equestrians enjoying the Kern River Parkway trail. It would not be safe
for a moving E-Bike to be part of this picture.
From:City_Council
To:Anthony Valdez
Subject:FW: e-bikes on the Kern River Parkway Trail (bike path)
Date:Friday, April 16, 2021 3:29:21 PM
From: Michelle Beck <mbeck13@bak.rr.com>
Sent: Friday, April 16, 2021 2:46 PM
To: City_Council <City_Council@bakersfieldcity.us>
Subject: e-bikes on the Kern River Parkway Trail (bike path)
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you click!
Honorable Councilmembers:
In 2015, the California legislature approved AB 1096, which defined the different classes of e-bikes, and regulated where each class of
bike could be ridden. It also changed the designation of Class 1 and 2 e-bikes, so they are not considered motor vehicles, but are now in
the same category as bicycles. CalBike created a helpful infographic for agencies here:
https://www.calbike.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/AB_1096_-_Info_for_Agencies-1.pdf
I was disturbed to read in the Californian that the Legislative and Litigation Committee is considering going beyond existing law and
allowing Class 3 e-bikes and other unclassified electric scooters and skateboards on our Class 1 bike path. These vehicles can reach
speeds of 28 mph and higher, which is inappropriate for a multi-use path used by walkers with dogs, cyclists, joggers, families with
strollers, and roller skaters.
Our bike path is built on the levee of the Kern River, and the original grant for the Kern River Parkway forbids motorized vehicles from
using the Parkway. This is in agreement with AB1096, but permitting Type 3 e-bikes and other electric vehicles is not.
Bike path usage is estimated to have tripled in the past year, The whole purpose of Class 1 bike paths is giving cyclists and pedestrians a
safe place away from traffic, but allowing Class 3 e-bikes onto the bike path defeats this purpose, and is a recipe for disaster. They move
far too fast and the city will be opening itself up to lawsuits when pedestrians or cyclists ultimately get hit and injured by these bikes,
regardless of whose fault it is.
There is no need for a new city ordinance. AB1096 addresses the e-bike issue sufficiently.
Michelle Beck
mbeck13@bak.rr.com
From:City_Council
To:Anthony Valdez
Subject:FW: e-bikes on the Kern River Parkway Trail (bike path)
Date:Friday, April 16, 2021 3:29:21 PM
From: Michelle Beck <mbeck13@bak.rr.com>
Sent: Friday, April 16, 2021 2:46 PM
To: City_Council <City_Council@bakersfieldcity.us>
Subject: e-bikes on the Kern River Parkway Trail (bike path)
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you click!
Honorable Councilmembers:
In 2015, the California legislature approved AB 1096, which defined the different classes of e-bikes, and regulated where each class of
bike could be ridden. It also changed the designation of Class 1 and 2 e-bikes, so they are not considered motor vehicles, but are now in
the same category as bicycles. CalBike created a helpful infographic for agencies here:
https://www.calbike.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/AB_1096_-_Info_for_Agencies-1.pdf
I was disturbed to read in the Californian that the Legislative and Litigation Committee is considering going beyond existing law and
allowing Class 3 e-bikes and other unclassified electric scooters and skateboards on our Class 1 bike path. These vehicles can reach
speeds of 28 mph and higher, which is inappropriate for a multi-use path used by walkers with dogs, cyclists, joggers, families with
strollers, and roller skaters.
Our bike path is built on the levee of the Kern River, and the original grant for the Kern River Parkway forbids motorized vehicles from
using the Parkway. This is in agreement with AB1096, but permitting Type 3 e-bikes and other electric vehicles is not.
Bike path usage is estimated to have tripled in the past year, The whole purpose of Class 1 bike paths is giving cyclists and pedestrians a
safe place away from traffic, but allowing Class 3 e-bikes onto the bike path defeats this purpose, and is a recipe for disaster. They move
far too fast and the city will be opening itself up to lawsuits when pedestrians or cyclists ultimately get hit and injured by these bikes,
regardless of whose fault it is.
There is no need for a new city ordinance. AB1096 addresses the e-bike issue sufficiently.
Michelle Beck
mbeck13@bak.rr.com
From:Pat Mumford
To:City_Council
Subject:Fw: e-bikes
Date:Monday, May 3, 2021 5:07:51 PM
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you
click!
Sent from AT&T Yahoo Mail for iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
On Monday, May 3, 2021, 15:46, Pat Mumford <pmmumford@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
My husband and I strongly OPPOSE the city council 's
consideration of putting e-bikes on any of the equestrian trails
along the Kern River Parkway. Horses are prey animals and will
spook when approached by something coming toward them that
they cannot identify quickly. They see this object as a predator
and will flee to save themselves, possibly unseating their rider
and injuring both horse and rider in the process. Do some
research and learn about proper etiquette as it relates to trail
riding. Horses have been using the trails along the Kern river for
years, in fact, many maps clearly demarcate the equine trails. To
allow e-bikes on the equine trails will be opening up the city, the
city council and its members to potentially huge lawsuits due to
the potentially deadly results of an accident between a
horseback rider and an e-bike.
Larry and Pat Mumford
From:Pat Mumford
To:City_Council
Subject:Fw: e-bikes
Date:Monday, May 3, 2021 5:07:51 PM
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you
click!
Sent from AT&T Yahoo Mail for iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
On Monday, May 3, 2021, 15:46, Pat Mumford <pmmumford@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
My husband and I strongly OPPOSE the city council 's
consideration of putting e-bikes on any of the equestrian trails
along the Kern River Parkway. Horses are prey animals and will
spook when approached by something coming toward them that
they cannot identify quickly. They see this object as a predator
and will flee to save themselves, possibly unseating their rider
and injuring both horse and rider in the process. Do some
research and learn about proper etiquette as it relates to trail
riding. Horses have been using the trails along the Kern river for
years, in fact, many maps clearly demarcate the equine trails. To
allow e-bikes on the equine trails will be opening up the city, the
city council and its members to potentially huge lawsuits due to
the potentially deadly results of an accident between a
horseback rider and an e-bike.
Larry and Pat Mumford
From:City_Council
To:Anthony Valdez
Subject:FW: Ken Weir--E-Bikes on Bike Path
Date:Wednesday, May 19, 2021 3:25:27 PM
From: Ruth Olson <ruthesfashions@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, May 19, 2021 3:11 PM
To: City_Council <City_Council@bakersfieldcity.us>
Subject: Ken Weir--E-Bikes on Bike Path
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you click!
We are very concerned with having motorized vehicles on the bike path. They are much too
dangerous when competing with regular bike riders, joggers and walkers. In addition, young
children are a part of traffic on the bike path. The weight of a motorized bike adds another serious
dimension to the danger, as does their increased speed.
Steven Cronquist
Ruth Cronquist
4409 Onyx Ct. 93308
661 301 4407
From:City_Council
To:Anthony Valdez
Subject:FW: Ken Weir--E-Bikes on Bike Path
Date:Wednesday, May 19, 2021 3:25:27 PM
From: Ruth Olson <ruthesfashions@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, May 19, 2021 3:11 PM
To: City_Council <City_Council@bakersfieldcity.us>
Subject: Ken Weir--E-Bikes on Bike Path
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you click!
We are very concerned with having motorized vehicles on the bike path. They are much too
dangerous when competing with regular bike riders, joggers and walkers. In addition, young
children are a part of traffic on the bike path. The weight of a motorized bike adds another serious
dimension to the danger, as does their increased speed.
Steven Cronquist
Ruth Cronquist
4409 Onyx Ct. 93308
661 301 4407
From:City_Council
To:Anthony Valdez
Subject:FW: Kern River Parkway Vehicles
Date:Wednesday, May 12, 2021 3:05:05 PM
From: Lucy Clark <lucyg391@gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, May 7, 2021 6:18 PM
To: City_Council <City_Council@bakersfieldcity.us>
Subject: Kern River Parkway Vehicles
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you click!
May 7, 2021
Dear Members of the Bakersfield City Council:
As residents of Kern County, we oppose any ebikes on the Kern River Parkway bike
path.
Many years ago, we helped plant trees along the river, and later helped purchase a
small bit of the Panorama Vista Preserve through a fund drive at Bakersfield
College. We also helped plant the first acres of re-greening there, and helped
install the drip system. We funded the new well. We have helped to identify plants
growing there in every season, and to make a plant list for the Preserve, and other
areas along the Kern.
As you can see, we are invested in the Kern River Parkway, as residents of the
southern Sierra Nevada foothills, 35 miles from Bakersfield. It is a place to take a
break from our shopping trips, go birding, and just enjoy the river. Ebikes are so
heavy, they and their riders will injure or kill plants and any critter too slow to get
out of their way, including human critters! I even understand how horse people
would not want to be on a trail with ebikes! Some body-horse or human, maybe
with baby carriage- will have to get off the trail and onto the plants, ultimately
destroying the plants.
Big bike problems in other locations show erosion occurs, invasive plants move in,
and places get ugly, instead of maintaining their natural states, when riders get off
trail. And they do get off trail. Please do not allow ebikes on the Kern River
Parkway.
Sincerely,
Lucy Clark
Clyde Golden
HC 3 Box 88, Granite Station
Bakersfield, CA 93308-9124
From:City_Council
To:Anthony Valdez
Subject:FW: Kern River Parkway Vehicles
Date:Wednesday, May 12, 2021 3:05:05 PM
From: Lucy Clark <lucyg391@gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, May 7, 2021 6:18 PM
To: City_Council <City_Council@bakersfieldcity.us>
Subject: Kern River Parkway Vehicles
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you click!
May 7, 2021
Dear Members of the Bakersfield City Council:
As residents of Kern County, we oppose any ebikes on the Kern River Parkway bike
path.
Many years ago, we helped plant trees along the river, and later helped purchase a
small bit of the Panorama Vista Preserve through a fund drive at Bakersfield
College. We also helped plant the first acres of re-greening there, and helped
install the drip system. We funded the new well. We have helped to identify plants
growing there in every season, and to make a plant list for the Preserve, and other
areas along the Kern.
As you can see, we are invested in the Kern River Parkway, as residents of the
southern Sierra Nevada foothills, 35 miles from Bakersfield. It is a place to take a
break from our shopping trips, go birding, and just enjoy the river. Ebikes are so
heavy, they and their riders will injure or kill plants and any critter too slow to get
out of their way, including human critters! I even understand how horse people
would not want to be on a trail with ebikes! Some body-horse or human, maybe
with baby carriage- will have to get off the trail and onto the plants, ultimately
destroying the plants.
Big bike problems in other locations show erosion occurs, invasive plants move in,
and places get ugly, instead of maintaining their natural states, when riders get off
trail. And they do get off trail. Please do not allow ebikes on the Kern River
Parkway.
Sincerely,
Lucy Clark
Clyde Golden
HC 3 Box 88, Granite Station
Bakersfield, CA 93308-9124
From:City_Clerk
To:Pilar Avalos; Michelle Cruz
Subject:FW: Legislative & Litigation Committee (E-Bikes)
Date:Friday, June 18, 2021 12:10:41 PM
Attachments:Leg & Lit Committee.pdf
image001.png
image002.png
image003.png
image004.png
Julie Drimakis, CPMC, MMC | City Clerk
City of Bakersfield
email: jdrimakis@bakersfieldcity.us
web: www.bakersfieldcity.us
phone: 661-326-3073
From: mcunningham@bak.rr.com <mcunningham@bak.rr.com>
Sent: Tuesday, June 15, 2021 8:25 PM
To: City_Clerk <City_Clerk@bakersfieldcity.us>
Subject: Legislative & Litigation Committee (E-Bikes)
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you
click!
Please include the attached comments in the agenda packets for the Legislative and Litigation
Committee meeting scheduled for Monday, June 21st.
Thank you,
Marci S. Cunningham
5301 Fallgatter St
Bakersfield CA 93308
661-324-7376
mcunningham@bak.rr.com
From:City_Clerk
To:Pilar Avalos; Michelle Cruz
Subject:FW: Legislative & Litigation Committee (E-Bikes)
Date:Friday, June 18, 2021 12:10:41 PM
Attachments:Leg & Lit Committee.pdf
image001.png
image002.png
image003.png
image004.png
Julie Drimakis, CPMC, MMC | City Clerk
City of Bakersfield
email: jdrimakis@bakersfieldcity.us
web: www.bakersfieldcity.us
phone: 661-326-3073
From: mcunningham@bak.rr.com <mcunningham@bak.rr.com>
Sent: Tuesday, June 15, 2021 8:25 PM
To: City_Clerk <City_Clerk@bakersfieldcity.us>
Subject: Legislative & Litigation Committee (E-Bikes)
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you
click!
Please include the attached comments in the agenda packets for the Legislative and Litigation
Committee meeting scheduled for Monday, June 21st.
Thank you,
Marci S. Cunningham
5301 Fallgatter St
Bakersfield CA 93308
661-324-7376
mcunningham@bak.rr.com
June 15, 2021
Attention Legislative and Litigation Committee:
Please prohibit e-bikes on the hiking and equestrian trails throughout the Parkway, which includes
public and private trails on the north and south sides of the river. The parkway trails are one of the
main destinations for equestrians in Bakersfield. Whether they park at Enos Lane, Aera Park, Panorama
Vista Preserve, Hart Park or one of the private stables on the river, these trails are well used by
equestrians from all over Bakersfield. Horses and motorized vehicles don’t mix and can cause
dangerous confrontations, which is why motorcycles were banned from the river over 30 years ago.
On Saturday, May 29th, I encountered 3 teenagers riding dirt bikes on the south side of the Carrier Canal
below the Panorama Bluffs between the Carrier Canal Bridges 2 & 3. I heard them coming up behind me
from the west, turned my horse, and asked them to stop and cut off their engines, which they did. I
explained that motorcycles were not allowed in the area and that they needed to leave. I told them that
they could be fined and lose their bikes if cited by the police and their reply was that they didn’t know it
was illegal, but they can’t get in trouble if they aren’t caught. They took off to the east and joined up
with the paved bike trail. One bike threw up a rooster-tail of dirt as he was leaving which frightened my
horse. This same scenario could happen with an e-bike, and it would not be illegal, and I would not be
able to confront and educate the riders.
I realize that there are different classes of e-bikes and that according to State law currently only Class l
and Class ll are permitted on bicycle paths and trails, equestrian trails, and hiking or recreational trails
unless they are specifically prohibited by an ordinance. How is the city going to keep Class III e-bikes off
the Kern River Parkway bike path and adjoining hiking and riding trails even if they are prohibited?
Please keep all e-bikes on pavement and off dirt hiking and riding trails for everyone’s safety. We need
language that specifically prohibits e-bikes from dirt hiking and riding trails in any proposed ordinance.
Thank you,
Marci S. Cunningham
5301 Fallgatter Street
Bakersfield CA 93308
mcunningham@bak.rr.com
661-324-7376
From:City_Council
To:Anthony Valdez; Jacqui Kitchen
Subject:FW: Letter for Bakersfield City Council Members
Date:Monday, April 12, 2021 11:37:27 AM
Attachments:Bksfd City Council _motorized vehicles.pdf
FYI – comment regarding e-bikes
From: Carolyn Belli <jgbelli@bak.rr.com>
Sent: Sunday, April 11, 2021 1:12 PM
To: City_Council <City_Council@bakersfieldcity.us>
Subject: Letter for Bakersfield City Council Members
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you click!
Please see attached letter to the Bakersfield City Council Members,
Thank You, Carolyn Belli
From:City_Council
To:Anthony Valdez; Jacqui Kitchen
Subject:FW: Letter for Bakersfield City Council Members
Date:Monday, April 12, 2021 11:37:27 AM
Attachments:Bksfd City Council _motorized vehicles.pdf
FYI – comment regarding e-bikes
From: Carolyn Belli <jgbelli@bak.rr.com>
Sent: Sunday, April 11, 2021 1:12 PM
To: City_Council <City_Council@bakersfieldcity.us>
Subject: Letter for Bakersfield City Council Members
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you click!
Please see attached letter to the Bakersfield City Council Members,
Thank You, Carolyn Belli
From:City_Council
To:Anthony Valdez
Cc:Jacqui Kitchen
Subject:FW: Please Keep E-Bikes off of Equestrian Trails
Date:Wednesday, May 12, 2021 9:21:56 AM
Hi there,
Can you pass on? Re: the bike path
From: Marion Vargas <mjdvargas@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, May 11, 2021 1:43 PM
To: City_Council <City_Council@bakersfieldcity.us>
Subject: Please Keep E-Bikes off of Equestrian Trails
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you click!
Hello Councilman EricArias,
I am Marion Vargas, one of the people who spoke at last week’s City Council Meeting. Below is a
reminder of my comments, published in today’s Bakersfield Californian on the Opinion page,( as well
as a photo of me and my horse EZ!) I met you when you participated in a clean up day earlier this
year along the Kern River, of the little Nature Preserve area that had been long neglected and
trashed. I appreciate your hands on approach and am glad that you got elected!
I hope that you will seriously consider the concerns raised by speakers regarding the possibility of
allowing motorized bikes on equestrian trails. Besides being a fairness issue, it really could be a life
or death issue.
I am hoping that you can tell me how I can get a copy of the proposed code change that is being
considered by the City Council. Thanks for any help you can render.
Marion Vargas
301-4788
https://www.bakersfield.com/opinion/community-voices/community-voices-keep-
motorized-bikes-off-equestrian-trails/article_6b45058e-b122-11eb-ab30-
b7ad801e8b1a.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=email&utm_campaign=user-
share
From:City_Council
To:Anthony Valdez
Cc:Jacqui Kitchen
Subject:FW: Please Keep E-Bikes off of Equestrian Trails
Date:Wednesday, May 12, 2021 9:21:56 AM
Hi there,
Can you pass on? Re: the bike path
From: Marion Vargas <mjdvargas@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, May 11, 2021 1:43 PM
To: City_Council <City_Council@bakersfieldcity.us>
Subject: Please Keep E-Bikes off of Equestrian Trails
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you click!
Hello Councilman EricArias,
I am Marion Vargas, one of the people who spoke at last week’s City Council Meeting. Below is a
reminder of my comments, published in today’s Bakersfield Californian on the Opinion page,( as well
as a photo of me and my horse EZ!) I met you when you participated in a clean up day earlier this
year along the Kern River, of the little Nature Preserve area that had been long neglected and
trashed. I appreciate your hands on approach and am glad that you got elected!
I hope that you will seriously consider the concerns raised by speakers regarding the possibility of
allowing motorized bikes on equestrian trails. Besides being a fairness issue, it really could be a life
or death issue.
I am hoping that you can tell me how I can get a copy of the proposed code change that is being
considered by the City Council. Thanks for any help you can render.
Marion Vargas
301-4788
https://www.bakersfield.com/opinion/community-voices/community-voices-keep-
motorized-bikes-off-equestrian-trails/article_6b45058e-b122-11eb-ab30-
b7ad801e8b1a.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=email&utm_campaign=user-
share
From:City_Council
To:Anthony Valdez
Subject:FW: Ward 3 Feedback and Questions - New Response
Date:Monday, April 26, 2021 9:36:52 AM
From: Microsoft Power Apps and Power Automate <microsoft@powerapps.com>
Sent: Sunday, April 25, 2021 10:07 AM
To: WebMaster <WebMaster@bakersfieldcity.us>; City_Council <City_Council@bakersfieldcity.us>
Subject: Ward 3 Feedback and Questions - New Response
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you click!
**New Response**
Ward 3 Feedback and Questions
Name: dorothy vokolek
Phone Number: 6612030581
Email:
Comments or Feedback: very much opposed to increasing motorized vehicles on the
bike/hiking trail. we are in our 80s and we fear that we could be hurt if these are allowed. we
use these trails often. as a matter of fact, it would be agood idea to somehow police the trail, so
that bikes do not go so fast and so close to us. some of these bicycle people are very rude and
scare us
If you want to unsubscribe from these emails, please use this form.
From:City_Council
To:Anthony Valdez
Subject:FW: Ward 3 Feedback and Questions - New Response
Date:Monday, April 26, 2021 9:36:52 AM
From: Microsoft Power Apps and Power Automate <microsoft@powerapps.com>
Sent: Sunday, April 25, 2021 10:07 AM
To: WebMaster <WebMaster@bakersfieldcity.us>; City_Council <City_Council@bakersfieldcity.us>
Subject: Ward 3 Feedback and Questions - New Response
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you click!
**New Response**
Ward 3 Feedback and Questions
Name: dorothy vokolek
Phone Number: 6612030581
Email:
Comments or Feedback: very much opposed to increasing motorized vehicles on the
bike/hiking trail. we are in our 80s and we fear that we could be hurt if these are allowed. we
use these trails often. as a matter of fact, it would be agood idea to somehow police the trail, so
that bikes do not go so fast and so close to us. some of these bicycle people are very rude and
scare us
If you want to unsubscribe from these emails, please use this form.
From:City_Council
To:Anthony Valdez
Subject:FW: Ward 3 Feedback and Questions - New Response
Date:Wednesday, May 19, 2021 2:59:14 PM
From: Microsoft Power Apps and Power Automate <microsoft@powerapps.com>
Sent: Wednesday, May 19, 2021 2:54 PM
To: WebMaster <WebMaster@bakersfieldcity.us>; City_Council <City_Council@bakersfieldcity.us>
Subject: Ward 3 Feedback and Questions - New Response
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you click!
**New Response**
Ward 3 Feedback and Questions
Name: Jeff Coomber
Phone Number: 661-321-6814
Email: jscoomber@aol.com
Comments or Feedback: Council Member Weir, I am writing to express my opposition to the
proposal to allow Class 3 electric bikes on the Kern River Parkway. I am a long-time distance
runner and do most of my running on the path. As much as I can, I run on the dirt shoulder,
though that is not possible on certain sections. I think the pathway is one of the jewels of
Bakersfield and I like how runners, walkers, and bicyclists can share it alike. It isn't very often
that I encounter anyone biking at an excessive rate of speed. As noted in the Bakersfield
Californian's op-ed piece, most bicyclists are only going about 12 miles per hours. Very few
are exceeding 20 miles per hour. I'm afraid allowing e-bikes that can get up to 28 miles per
hour will result in more dangerous encounters; I'm also afraid that as e-bikes further improve,
they will be capable of much higher speeds. Will we then have to allow faster and faster
bikes? I can just see the maximum speed limit creeping up over the years. As the Bakersfield
Californian argues, the new ordinance can be policed by posted speed limits and increased
patrols. You and I know that won't happen. I used to see BPD bike patrols on the path, but that
was many years ago. The BPD has a lot more urgent things to attend to. On occasion, I have
encountered motorized ATVs and other vehicles on the path and no one was there to enforce
the laws. Please vote no on this proposed ordinance in order to keep the Kern River Parkway
safe for all. E-bikes should be limited to Class 1 and 2 only. Thank you, Jeff Coomber
If you want to unsubscribe from these emails, please use this form.
From:City_Council
To:Anthony Valdez
Subject:FW: Ward 3 Feedback and Questions - New Response
Date:Wednesday, May 19, 2021 2:59:14 PM
From: Microsoft Power Apps and Power Automate <microsoft@powerapps.com>
Sent: Wednesday, May 19, 2021 2:54 PM
To: WebMaster <WebMaster@bakersfieldcity.us>; City_Council <City_Council@bakersfieldcity.us>
Subject: Ward 3 Feedback and Questions - New Response
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you click!
**New Response**
Ward 3 Feedback and Questions
Name: Jeff Coomber
Phone Number: 661-321-6814
Email: jscoomber@aol.com
Comments or Feedback: Council Member Weir, I am writing to express my opposition to the
proposal to allow Class 3 electric bikes on the Kern River Parkway. I am a long-time distance
runner and do most of my running on the path. As much as I can, I run on the dirt shoulder,
though that is not possible on certain sections. I think the pathway is one of the jewels of
Bakersfield and I like how runners, walkers, and bicyclists can share it alike. It isn't very often
that I encounter anyone biking at an excessive rate of speed. As noted in the Bakersfield
Californian's op-ed piece, most bicyclists are only going about 12 miles per hours. Very few
are exceeding 20 miles per hour. I'm afraid allowing e-bikes that can get up to 28 miles per
hour will result in more dangerous encounters; I'm also afraid that as e-bikes further improve,
they will be capable of much higher speeds. Will we then have to allow faster and faster
bikes? I can just see the maximum speed limit creeping up over the years. As the Bakersfield
Californian argues, the new ordinance can be policed by posted speed limits and increased
patrols. You and I know that won't happen. I used to see BPD bike patrols on the path, but that
was many years ago. The BPD has a lot more urgent things to attend to. On occasion, I have
encountered motorized ATVs and other vehicles on the path and no one was there to enforce
the laws. Please vote no on this proposed ordinance in order to keep the Kern River Parkway
safe for all. E-bikes should be limited to Class 1 and 2 only. Thank you, Jeff Coomber
If you want to unsubscribe from these emails, please use this form.
From:Chris Parlier
To:Michelle Cruz
Subject:Fwd: “All EBikes” clarifications
Date:Tuesday, April 6, 2021 10:55:41 AM
Attachments:Beatris Sanders, PSVS, 5.5.2 letter from the Sierra Club.docx
ATT00001.htm
SUMMARY OF PSVS FUNDING FOR PARKS.doc
ATT00002.htm
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you
click!
Please include for leg. & lit.
Thank you
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From: eddylaine@aol.com
Date: April 6, 2021 at 9:33:09 AM PDT
To: tom@tcflawyer.com, markcsalvaggio@yahoo.com, oneilpedal4@gmail.com,
jgbelli@bak.rr.com, andym5@bak.rr.com, michall@bak.rr.com,
Dona.Schilling@wellsfargo.com
Cc: vgennaro@bakersfieldcity.us, wtcooper47@aol.com,
peter.wolleson@yahoo.com, yates.jonathan@gmail.com,
bell.margie@gmail.com, kernriverparkwayfoundation@gmail.com,
lsfranconi@yahoo.com, samonty@pacbell.net, achianel@bakersfieldcity.com,
ablsilver37@gmail.com, eihuerta@huertalaw.org, mmartinez@csub.edu,
cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us, jkitchen@bakersfieldcity.us,
CHuot@bakersfieldcity.us, Ken@weircpa.com, chrisparlier@sbcglobal.net,
andrae3000@gmail.com, brucefreeman1949@gmail.com,
patty@dreammakerbakersfield.com, ericarias7@gmail.com,
bobsmith727@me.com, tom@tcflawyer.com
Subject: Re: “All EBikes” clarifications
Reply-To: eddylaine@aol.com
The e-bike issue is noted in a letter (long-term solutions #4) authorized by
the Executive Committee of the Sierra Club on Saturday and delivered to
City Hall yesterday.
There are several suggestions here that we hope will be considered.
Millions and millions of dollars and seemingly little attention to restoring
the Kern River (from Golden State Bridge to San Miguel Grove) for public
use. Instead millions and millions for freeway beautification for people
who drive through Bakersfield?
Eddy Laine
(661) 345-4736
-----Original Message-----
From: Tom Fallgatter <tom@tcflawyer.com>
To: markcsalvaggio <markcsalvaggio@yahoo.com>; oneilpedal4@gmail.com
<oneilpedal4@gmail.com>; Carolyn Belli <jgbelli@bak.rr.com>; Andrew Honig
<andym5@bak.rr.com>; 'michall@bak.rr.com' <michall@bak.rr.com>;
Dona.Schilling@wellsfargo.com <Dona.Schilling@wellsfargo.com>
Cc: vgennaro@bakersfieldcity.us <vgennaro@bakersfieldcity.us>; Wtcooper47
<wtcooper47@aol.com>; eddylaine@aol.com <eddylaine@aol.com>;
peter.wolleson@yahoo.com <peter.wolleson@yahoo.com>; yates.jonathan@gmail.com
<yates.jonathan@gmail.com>; bell.margie@gmail.com <bell.margie@gmail.com>;
kernriverparkwayfoundation@gmail.com <kernriverparkwayfoundation@gmail.com>;
lsfranconi@yahoo.com <lsfranconi@yahoo.com>; samonty@pacbell.net
<samonty@pacbell.net>; achianel@bakersfieldcity.com <achianel@bakersfieldcity.com>;
Ann Silver <ablsilver37@gmail.com>; eihuerta@huertalaw.org <eihuerta@huertalaw.org>;
mmartinez@csub.edu <mmartinez@csub.edu>; cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us
<cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us>; jkitchen@bakersfieldcity.us <jkitchen@bakersfieldcity.us>;
chuot@bakersfieldcity.us <chuot@bakersfieldcity.us>; ken@weircpa.com
<ken@weircpa.com>; chrisparlier@sbcglobal.net <chrisparlier@sbcglobal.net>;
andrae3000@gmail.com <andrae3000@gmail.com>; brucefreeman1949@gmail.com
<brucefreeman1949@gmail.com>; patty@dreammakerbakersfield.com
<patty@dreammakerbakersfield.com>; ericarias7@gmail.com <ericarias7@gmail.com>;
bobsmith727@me.com <bobsmith727@me.com>; Tom Fallgatter <tom@tcflawyer.com>
Sent: Mon, Apr 5, 2021 11:27 pm
Subject: RE: “All EBikes” clarifications
Mark
Rich O’Neill and Bill Cooper are heroes of mine. They are the individuals who fired me
up about preserving and enhancing the Kern River as a invaluable asset of our
community. And I agree their input should carries special weight. Plus I know that you
were a great and effective advocate for preserving and enhancing the River and you
opinion on this matter is important to me. And, there were many others.
However, I too have institutional memory about the Kern River Plan, and at the risk of
sounding pompous, I can say that, energized by Rich and Bill, and by my own sense
about the river, as a member of the subdivision committee of the Bakersfield City
planning commission in 1981, I came up with the idea of developing a “Kern River
Plan” as a formal city and county general plan and zoning planning tool. Too be clear
the idea of a Kern River Parkway was Bill and Rich’s idea. But, the idea of developing a
“Kern River Plan” was mine.
But for me all the work Rich and Bill, you, and Carolyn Belli, and Andy and Sasha Honig
and I, and many others, have done to preserve the Kern River, get the bike path
approved and many other pro-Kern River decisions and improvements while important,
and giving us some status in terms of commenting on the Plan and the Bike path, does
not confer on us the sole power to make decisions about the River. The preservation
and enhancement of the River is a community wide concern, and a community wide
decision. We do not have, and do not deserve, a strangle hold on what the right
decisions for the River are. Times change and what is appropriate for the Path and
appropriate for the River changes also.
It is my personal opinion, that allowing e-bikes that function similarly to regular bikes is
a good idea. I believe that the more people we have using the Path and accessing and
enjoying the River, the more likely it is in the long run that the River will in fact continue
to be preserved and enhanced. Of course there need to be rules that preserve the river
as a natural resource, preserve it as the preeminent natural recreational and
educational resource of our community. But the exact contours of those rules will by
the nature of things vary over time. It would be foolish to think that what Rich O’Neill,
Bill Cooper, Tom Fallgatter, Andy and Sasha Honig, Carolyn Belli and Mark Salvaggio
thought in 1985 were the right rules for the River, would be the right rules forever.
Tom
From: markcsalvaggio <markcsalvaggio@yahoo.com>
Sent: Monday, April 5, 2021 8:44 PM
To: oneilpedal4@gmail.com
Cc: vgennaro@bakersfieldcity.us; Wtcooper47 <wtcooper47@aol.com>;
eddylaine@aol.com; peter.wolleson@yahoo.com; yates.jonathan@gmail.com;
bell.margie@gmail.com; kernriverparkwayfoundation@gmail.com;
lsfranconi@yahoo.com; samonty@pacbell.net; achianel@bakersfieldcity.com; Tom
Fallgatter <tom@tcflawyer.com>; Ann Silver <ablsilver37@gmail.com>;
eihuerta@huertalaw.org; mmartinez@csub.edu; cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us;
jkitchen@bakersfieldcity.us; chuot@bakersfieldcity.us; ken@weircpa.com;
chrisparlier@sbcglobal.net; andrae3000@gmail.com; brucefreeman1949@gmail.com;
patty@dreammakerbakersfield.com; ericarias7@gmail.com; bobsmith727@me.com
Subject: “All EBikes” clarifications
It is very disheartening to see the City take this adverse course of action.
Not one member of the Bakersfield City Council has a scintilla of institutional memory
regarding the development of the Kern River Plan, the subsequent River Element of the
Metropolitan Bakersfield General Plan, and finally the Kern River Parkway.
The City should listen to and respect the wisdom of people like Rich O'Neill and Bill
Cooper who first brought us the vision to restore the ravaged Kern River through
metropolitan Bakersfield.
We are put in the no-win position of bing accused of opposing "change." Baloney.
This invites ATV or ORV in the secondary and primary floodplains of the Kern River. The
late Councilwoman Pat DeMond would see this for for what it is.
I have been told the Bakersfield Police Department will enforce speed limits on the Bike
Path. Don't be fooled. The BPD has other "priorities." I've got a bridge to sell you in
Lamont.
Councilman Andrae Gonzales' view that we should allow "new technology" to take its
course is specious.
-------- Original message --------
From: oneilpedal4@gmail.com
Date: April 5, 2021 at 5:14:03 PM PDT
To: vgennaro@bakersfieldcity.us
Cc: bill travis cooper <wtcooper47@aol.com>, Christian Clegg
<cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us>, Eddy Laine <eddylaine@aol.com>, Peter
Wollesen <Peter.Wollesen@yahoo.com>, Jonathan Yates
<yates.jonathane@gmail.com>, lauren franconi <lsfranconi@yahoo.com>
Subject: “All EBikes” clarifications
Ginny,
The last Leg.and Lit. Committee meeting left us with even more confusion
than before.
Councilman Andre Gonzales asked for “all EBikes” be allowed even though
the State Allows only C1 and C2.
Are we to understand that “all” means also bikes that go 40 mph (with
1000watt motors) or 50mph (4000 watt motor)?
I talked to Ashly 2 days after the L & L.
She could not answer these questions.
She said she would talk to you but I received no call back.
Every one of these EBikes is capable of going off-road and are in fact
advertised as being “off roaders."
Some even carry the names referring to “overland”, “Mtn. Climber,"
“Rock jumper."
Just google it.
The can of worms keeps opening bigger and bigger. E-bikes are getting
faster, faster, and stronger.
As you know, any EBike over 750 watt is considered to be a Motorcycle by
the DMV laws.
What is the City going to do when these off-road cycles entering into the
2800 acre recharge basins or into the private land of the Panorama Vista
Preserve.
The Bike Path travels two miles through private property and these
property owners have their rights.
What is the City to do when EBikes travel through critical habitat or
threaten the four endangered species that live along the Path (some
within a few feet of the path)?
Horses scare and panic easily near fast moving objects.
Just ask Councilman Ken Weir. He rides horses.
The L & L also rejected our mitigations which are meant to decrease
negative impacts.
Ginny,we must educate users with letters from the Mayor, speed limit
signage and no off road postings.
The Parkway Foundation wants to reintroduce our commpromise to you
and staff.
Will you hear us next time?
Can you build into the ordinance that EBikes must stay on pavement?
Signs to this effect will really help and so will as much enforcement as
possible.
Please answer quickly.
Thanks,
KRPF VP
Rich
From:Chris Parlier
To:Michelle Cruz
Subject:Fwd: “All EBikes” clarifications
Date:Tuesday, April 6, 2021 10:55:41 AM
Attachments:Beatris Sanders, PSVS, 5.5.2 letter from the Sierra Club.docx
ATT00001.htm
SUMMARY OF PSVS FUNDING FOR PARKS.doc
ATT00002.htm
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you
click!
Please include for leg. & lit.
Thank you
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From: eddylaine@aol.com
Date: April 6, 2021 at 9:33:09 AM PDT
To: tom@tcflawyer.com, markcsalvaggio@yahoo.com, oneilpedal4@gmail.com,
jgbelli@bak.rr.com, andym5@bak.rr.com, michall@bak.rr.com,
Dona.Schilling@wellsfargo.com
Cc: vgennaro@bakersfieldcity.us, wtcooper47@aol.com,
peter.wolleson@yahoo.com, yates.jonathan@gmail.com,
bell.margie@gmail.com, kernriverparkwayfoundation@gmail.com,
lsfranconi@yahoo.com, samonty@pacbell.net, achianel@bakersfieldcity.com,
ablsilver37@gmail.com, eihuerta@huertalaw.org, mmartinez@csub.edu,
cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us, jkitchen@bakersfieldcity.us,
CHuot@bakersfieldcity.us, Ken@weircpa.com, chrisparlier@sbcglobal.net,
andrae3000@gmail.com, brucefreeman1949@gmail.com,
patty@dreammakerbakersfield.com, ericarias7@gmail.com,
bobsmith727@me.com, tom@tcflawyer.com
Subject: Re: “All EBikes” clarifications
Reply-To: eddylaine@aol.com
The e-bike issue is noted in a letter (long-term solutions #4) authorized by
the Executive Committee of the Sierra Club on Saturday and delivered to
City Hall yesterday.
There are several suggestions here that we hope will be considered.
Millions and millions of dollars and seemingly little attention to restoring
the Kern River (from Golden State Bridge to San Miguel Grove) for public
use. Instead millions and millions for freeway beautification for people
who drive through Bakersfield?
Eddy Laine
(661) 345-4736
-----Original Message-----
From: Tom Fallgatter <tom@tcflawyer.com>
To: markcsalvaggio <markcsalvaggio@yahoo.com>; oneilpedal4@gmail.com
<oneilpedal4@gmail.com>; Carolyn Belli <jgbelli@bak.rr.com>; Andrew Honig
<andym5@bak.rr.com>; 'michall@bak.rr.com' <michall@bak.rr.com>;
Dona.Schilling@wellsfargo.com <Dona.Schilling@wellsfargo.com>
Cc: vgennaro@bakersfieldcity.us <vgennaro@bakersfieldcity.us>; Wtcooper47
<wtcooper47@aol.com>; eddylaine@aol.com <eddylaine@aol.com>;
peter.wolleson@yahoo.com <peter.wolleson@yahoo.com>; yates.jonathan@gmail.com
<yates.jonathan@gmail.com>; bell.margie@gmail.com <bell.margie@gmail.com>;
kernriverparkwayfoundation@gmail.com <kernriverparkwayfoundation@gmail.com>;
lsfranconi@yahoo.com <lsfranconi@yahoo.com>; samonty@pacbell.net
<samonty@pacbell.net>; achianel@bakersfieldcity.com <achianel@bakersfieldcity.com>;
Ann Silver <ablsilver37@gmail.com>; eihuerta@huertalaw.org <eihuerta@huertalaw.org>;
mmartinez@csub.edu <mmartinez@csub.edu>; cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us
<cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us>; jkitchen@bakersfieldcity.us <jkitchen@bakersfieldcity.us>;
chuot@bakersfieldcity.us <chuot@bakersfieldcity.us>; ken@weircpa.com
<ken@weircpa.com>; chrisparlier@sbcglobal.net <chrisparlier@sbcglobal.net>;
andrae3000@gmail.com <andrae3000@gmail.com>; brucefreeman1949@gmail.com
<brucefreeman1949@gmail.com>; patty@dreammakerbakersfield.com
<patty@dreammakerbakersfield.com>; ericarias7@gmail.com <ericarias7@gmail.com>;
bobsmith727@me.com <bobsmith727@me.com>; Tom Fallgatter <tom@tcflawyer.com>
Sent: Mon, Apr 5, 2021 11:27 pm
Subject: RE: “All EBikes” clarifications
Mark
Rich O’Neill and Bill Cooper are heroes of mine. They are the individuals who fired me
up about preserving and enhancing the Kern River as a invaluable asset of our
community. And I agree their input should carries special weight. Plus I know that you
were a great and effective advocate for preserving and enhancing the River and you
opinion on this matter is important to me. And, there were many others.
However, I too have institutional memory about the Kern River Plan, and at the risk of
sounding pompous, I can say that, energized by Rich and Bill, and by my own sense
about the river, as a member of the subdivision committee of the Bakersfield City
planning commission in 1981, I came up with the idea of developing a “Kern River
Plan” as a formal city and county general plan and zoning planning tool. Too be clear
the idea of a Kern River Parkway was Bill and Rich’s idea. But, the idea of developing a
“Kern River Plan” was mine.
But for me all the work Rich and Bill, you, and Carolyn Belli, and Andy and Sasha Honig
and I, and many others, have done to preserve the Kern River, get the bike path
approved and many other pro-Kern River decisions and improvements while important,
and giving us some status in terms of commenting on the Plan and the Bike path, does
not confer on us the sole power to make decisions about the River. The preservation
and enhancement of the River is a community wide concern, and a community wide
decision. We do not have, and do not deserve, a strangle hold on what the right
decisions for the River are. Times change and what is appropriate for the Path and
appropriate for the River changes also.
It is my personal opinion, that allowing e-bikes that function similarly to regular bikes is
a good idea. I believe that the more people we have using the Path and accessing and
enjoying the River, the more likely it is in the long run that the River will in fact continue
to be preserved and enhanced. Of course there need to be rules that preserve the river
as a natural resource, preserve it as the preeminent natural recreational and
educational resource of our community. But the exact contours of those rules will by
the nature of things vary over time. It would be foolish to think that what Rich O’Neill,
Bill Cooper, Tom Fallgatter, Andy and Sasha Honig, Carolyn Belli and Mark Salvaggio
thought in 1985 were the right rules for the River, would be the right rules forever.
Tom
From: markcsalvaggio <markcsalvaggio@yahoo.com>
Sent: Monday, April 5, 2021 8:44 PM
To: oneilpedal4@gmail.com
Cc: vgennaro@bakersfieldcity.us; Wtcooper47 <wtcooper47@aol.com>;
eddylaine@aol.com; peter.wolleson@yahoo.com; yates.jonathan@gmail.com;
bell.margie@gmail.com; kernriverparkwayfoundation@gmail.com;
lsfranconi@yahoo.com; samonty@pacbell.net; achianel@bakersfieldcity.com; Tom
Fallgatter <tom@tcflawyer.com>; Ann Silver <ablsilver37@gmail.com>;
eihuerta@huertalaw.org; mmartinez@csub.edu; cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us;
jkitchen@bakersfieldcity.us; chuot@bakersfieldcity.us; ken@weircpa.com;
chrisparlier@sbcglobal.net; andrae3000@gmail.com; brucefreeman1949@gmail.com;
patty@dreammakerbakersfield.com; ericarias7@gmail.com; bobsmith727@me.com
Subject: “All EBikes” clarifications
It is very disheartening to see the City take this adverse course of action.
Not one member of the Bakersfield City Council has a scintilla of institutional memory
regarding the development of the Kern River Plan, the subsequent River Element of the
Metropolitan Bakersfield General Plan, and finally the Kern River Parkway.
The City should listen to and respect the wisdom of people like Rich O'Neill and Bill
Cooper who first brought us the vision to restore the ravaged Kern River through
metropolitan Bakersfield.
We are put in the no-win position of bing accused of opposing "change." Baloney.
This invites ATV or ORV in the secondary and primary floodplains of the Kern River. The
late Councilwoman Pat DeMond would see this for for what it is.
I have been told the Bakersfield Police Department will enforce speed limits on the Bike
Path. Don't be fooled. The BPD has other "priorities." I've got a bridge to sell you in
Lamont.
Councilman Andrae Gonzales' view that we should allow "new technology" to take its
course is specious.
-------- Original message --------
From: oneilpedal4@gmail.com
Date: April 5, 2021 at 5:14:03 PM PDT
To: vgennaro@bakersfieldcity.us
Cc: bill travis cooper <wtcooper47@aol.com>, Christian Clegg
<cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us>, Eddy Laine <eddylaine@aol.com>, Peter
Wollesen <Peter.Wollesen@yahoo.com>, Jonathan Yates
<yates.jonathane@gmail.com>, lauren franconi <lsfranconi@yahoo.com>
Subject: “All EBikes” clarifications
Ginny,
The last Leg.and Lit. Committee meeting left us with even more confusion
than before.
Councilman Andre Gonzales asked for “all EBikes” be allowed even though
the State Allows only C1 and C2.
Are we to understand that “all” means also bikes that go 40 mph (with
1000watt motors) or 50mph (4000 watt motor)?
I talked to Ashly 2 days after the L & L.
She could not answer these questions.
She said she would talk to you but I received no call back.
Every one of these EBikes is capable of going off-road and are in fact
advertised as being “off roaders."
Some even carry the names referring to “overland”, “Mtn. Climber,"
“Rock jumper."
Just google it.
The can of worms keeps opening bigger and bigger. E-bikes are getting
faster, faster, and stronger.
As you know, any EBike over 750 watt is considered to be a Motorcycle by
the DMV laws.
What is the City going to do when these off-road cycles entering into the
2800 acre recharge basins or into the private land of the Panorama Vista
Preserve.
The Bike Path travels two miles through private property and these
property owners have their rights.
What is the City to do when EBikes travel through critical habitat or
threaten the four endangered species that live along the Path (some
within a few feet of the path)?
Horses scare and panic easily near fast moving objects.
Just ask Councilman Ken Weir. He rides horses.
The L & L also rejected our mitigations which are meant to decrease
negative impacts.
Ginny,we must educate users with letters from the Mayor, speed limit
signage and no off road postings.
The Parkway Foundation wants to reintroduce our commpromise to you
and staff.
Will you hear us next time?
Can you build into the ordinance that EBikes must stay on pavement?
Signs to this effect will really help and so will as much enforcement as
possible.
Please answer quickly.
Thanks,
KRPF VP
Rich
1
Michelle Cruz
From:Chris Parlier <chrisparlier@sbcglobal.net>
Sent:Tuesday, April 6, 2021 10:55 AM
To:Michelle Cruz
Subject:Fwd: “All EBikes” clarifications
Attachments:Beatris Sanders, PSVS, 5.5.2 letter from the Sierra Club.docx; ATT00001.htm; SUMMARY OF PSVS
FUNDING FOR PARKS.doc; ATT00002.htm
Categories:Committees
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you click!
Please include for leg. & lit.
Thank you
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From: eddylaine@aol.com
Date: April 6, 2021 at 9:33:09 AM PDT
To: tom@tcflawyer.com, markcsalvaggio@yahoo.com, oneilpedal4@gmail.com, jgbelli@bak.rr.com,
andym5@bak.rr.com, michall@bak.rr.com, Dona.Schilling@wellsfargo.com
Cc: vgennaro@bakersfieldcity.us, wtcooper47@aol.com, peter.wolleson@yahoo.com,
yates.jonathan@gmail.com, bell.margie@gmail.com, kernriverparkwayfoundation@gmail.com,
lsfranconi@yahoo.com, samonty@pacbell.net, achianel@bakersfieldcity.com, ablsilver37@gmail.com,
eihuerta@huertalaw.org, mmartinez@csub.edu, cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us, jkitchen@bakersfieldcity.us,
CHuot@bakersfieldcity.us, Ken@weircpa.com, chrisparlier@sbcglobal.net, andrae3000@gmail.com,
brucefreeman1949@gmail.com, patty@dreammakerbakersfield.com, ericarias7@gmail.com,
bobsmith727@me.com, tom@tcflawyer.com
Subject: Re: “All EBikes” clarifications
Reply‐To: eddylaine@aol.com
The e-bike issue is noted in a letter (long-term solutions #4) authorized by the Executive
Committee of the Sierra Club on Saturday and delivered to City Hall yesterday.
There are several suggestions here that we hope will be considered. Millions and
millions of dollars and seemingly little attention to restoring the Kern River (from Golden
State Bridge to San Miguel Grove) for public use. Instead millions and millions for
freeway beautification for people who drive through Bakersfield?
Eddy Laine
(661) 345-4736
2
-----Original Message-----
From: Tom Fallgatter <tom@tcflawyer.com>
To: markcsalvaggio <markcsalvaggio@yahoo.com>; oneilpedal4@gmail.com <oneilpedal4@gmail.com>;
Carolyn Belli <jgbelli@bak.rr.com>; Andrew Honig <andym5@bak.rr.com>; 'michall@bak.rr.com'
<michall@bak.rr.com>; Dona.Schilling@wellsfargo.com <Dona.Schilling@wellsfargo.com>
Cc: vgennaro@bakersfieldcity.us <vgennaro@bakersfieldcity.us>; Wtcooper47 <wtcooper47@aol.com>;
eddylaine@aol.com <eddylaine@aol.com>; peter.wolleson@yahoo.com <peter.wolleson@yahoo.com>;
yates.jonathan@gmail.com <yates.jonathan@gmail.com>; bell.margie@gmail.com
<bell.margie@gmail.com>; kernriverparkwayfoundation@gmail.com
<kernriverparkwayfoundation@gmail.com>; lsfranconi@yahoo.com <lsfranconi@yahoo.com>;
samonty@pacbell.net <samonty@pacbell.net>; achianel@bakersfieldcity.com
<achianel@bakersfieldcity.com>; Ann Silver <ablsilver37@gmail.com>; eihuerta@huertalaw.org
<eihuerta@huertalaw.org>; mmartinez@csub.edu <mmartinez@csub.edu>; cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us
<cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us>; jkitchen@bakersfieldcity.us <jkitchen@bakersfieldcity.us>;
chuot@bakersfieldcity.us <chuot@bakersfieldcity.us>; ken@weircpa.com <ken@weircpa.com>;
chrisparlier@sbcglobal.net <chrisparlier@sbcglobal.net>; andrae3000@gmail.com
<andrae3000@gmail.com>; brucefreeman1949@gmail.com <brucefreeman1949@gmail.com>;
patty@dreammakerbakersfield.com <patty@dreammakerbakersfield.com>; ericarias7@gmail.com
<ericarias7@gmail.com>; bobsmith727@me.com <bobsmith727@me.com>; Tom Fallgatter
<tom@tcflawyer.com>
Sent: Mon, Apr 5, 2021 11:27 pm
Subject: RE: “All EBikes” clarifications
Mark
Rich O’Neill and Bill Cooper are heroes of mine. They are the individuals who fired me up about
preserving and enhancing the Kern River as a invaluable asset of our community. And I agree their input
should carries special weight. Plus I know that you were a great and effective advocate for preserving and
enhancing the River and you opinion on this matter is important to me. And, there were many others.
However, I too have institutional memory about the Kern River Plan, and at the risk of sounding pompous,
I can say that, energized by Rich and Bill, and by my own sense about the river, as a member of the
subdivision committee of the Bakersfield City planning commission in 1981, I came up with the idea of
developing a “Kern River Plan” as a formal city and county general plan and zoning planning tool.
Too be clear the idea of a Kern River Parkway was Bill and Rich’s idea. But, the idea of developing a
“Kern River Plan” was mine.
But for me all the work Rich and Bill, you, and Carolyn Belli, and Andy and Sasha Honig and I, and many
others, have done to preserve the Kern River, get the bike path approved and many other pro-Kern River
decisions and improvements while important, and giving us some status in terms of commenting on the
Plan and the Bike path, does not confer on us the sole power to make decisions about the River. The
preservation and enhancement of the River is a community wide concern, and a community wide
decision. We do not have, and do not deserve, a strangle hold on what the right decisions for the River
are. Times change and what is appropriate for the Path and appropriate for the River changes also.
It is my personal opinion, that allowing e-bikes that function similarly to regular bikes is a good idea. I
believe that the more people we have using the Path and accessing and enjoying the River, the more
likely it is in the long run that the River will in fact continue to be preserved and enhanced. Of course
there need to be rules that preserve the river as a natural resource, preserve it as the preeminent
natural recreational and educational resource of our community. But the exact contours of those rules
will by the nature of things vary over time. It would be foolish to think that what Rich O’Neill, Bill Cooper,
Tom Fallgatter, Andy and Sasha Honig, Carolyn Belli and Mark Salvaggio thought in 1985 were the right
rules for the River, would be the right rules forever.
Tom
From: markcsalvaggio <markcsalvaggio@yahoo.com>
Sent: Monday, April 5, 2021 8:44 PM
To: oneilpedal4@gmail.com
Cc: vgennaro@bakersfieldcity.us; Wtcooper47 <wtcooper47@aol.com>; eddylaine@aol.com;
peter.wolleson@yahoo.com; yates.jonathan@gmail.com; bell.margie@gmail.com;
3
kernriverparkwayfoundation@gmail.com; lsfranconi@yahoo.com; samonty@pacbell.net;
achianel@bakersfieldcity.com; Tom Fallgatter <tom@tcflawyer.com>; Ann Silver
<ablsilver37@gmail.com>; eihuerta@huertalaw.org; mmartinez@csub.edu; cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us;
jkitchen@bakersfieldcity.us; chuot@bakersfieldcity.us; ken@weircpa.com; chrisparlier@sbcglobal.net;
andrae3000@gmail.com; brucefreeman1949@gmail.com; patty@dreammakerbakersfield.com;
ericarias7@gmail.com; bobsmith727@me.com
Subject: “All EBikes” clarifications
It is very disheartening to see the City take this adverse course of action.
Not one member of the Bakersfield City Council has a scintilla of institutional memory regarding the
development of the Kern River Plan, the subsequent River Element of the Metropolitan Bakersfield
General Plan, and finally the Kern River Parkway.
The City should listen to and respect the wisdom of people like Rich O'Neill and Bill Cooper who first
brought us the vision to restore the ravaged Kern River through metropolitan Bakersfield.
We are put in the no-win position of bing accused of opposing "change." Baloney.
This invites ATV or ORV in the secondary and primary floodplains of the Kern River. The late
Councilwoman Pat DeMond would see this for for what it is.
I have been told the Bakersfield Police Department will enforce speed limits on the Bike Path. Don't be
fooled. The BPD has other "priorities." I've got a bridge to sell you in Lamont.
Councilman Andrae Gonzales' view that we should allow "new technology" to take its course is specious.
-------- Original message --------
From: oneilpedal4@gmail.com
Date: April 5, 2021 at 5:14:03 PM PDT
To: vgennaro@bakersfieldcity.us
Cc: bill travis cooper <wtcooper47@aol.com>, Christian Clegg
<cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us>, Eddy Laine <eddylaine@aol.com>, Peter Wollesen
<Peter.Wollesen@yahoo.com>, Jonathan Yates <yates.jonathane@gmail.com>, lauren
franconi <lsfranconi@yahoo.com>
Subject: “All EBikes” clarifications
Ginny,
The last Leg.and Lit. Committee meeting left us with even more confusion than before.
Councilman Andre Gonzales asked for “all EBikes” be allowed even though the State
Allows only C1 and C2.
Are we to understand that “all” means also bikes that go 40 mph (with 1000watt motors)
or 50mph (4000 watt motor)?
I talked to Ashly 2 days after the L & L.
She could not answer these questions.
She said she would talk to you but I received no call back.
Every one of these EBikes is capable of going off-road and are in fact advertised as
being “off roaders."
Some even carry the names referring to “overland”, “Mtn. Climber," “Rock jumper."
4
Just google it.
The can of worms keeps opening bigger and bigger. E-bikes are getting faster, faster,
and stronger.
As you know, any EBike over 750 watt is considered to be a Motorcycle by the DMV
laws.
What is the City going to do when these off-road cycles entering into the 2800 acre
recharge basins or into the private land of the Panorama Vista Preserve.
The Bike Path travels two miles through private property and these property owners have
their rights.
What is the City to do when EBikes travel through critical habitat or threaten the four
endangered species that live along the Path (some within a few feet of the path)?
Horses scare and panic easily near fast moving objects.
Just ask Councilman Ken Weir. He rides horses.
The L & L also rejected our mitigations which are meant to decrease negative impacts.
Ginny,we must educate users with letters from the Mayor, speed limit signage and no off
road postings.
The Parkway Foundation wants to reintroduce our commpromise to you and staff.
Will you hear us next time?
Can you build into the ordinance that EBikes must stay on pavement?
Signs to this effect will really help and so will as much enforcement as possible.
Please answer quickly.
Thanks,
KRPF VP
Rich
1
SUMMARY OF PSVS (MEASURE N) FUNDING FROM CITY OF
BAKERSFIELD FY 2019-2020 AND FY 2020-2021 BUDGETS FOR PARKS
Taken from a July 15, 2020 Bakersfield City Council Workshop Presentation by
Diane Hoover, Parks and Recreation Director (page numbers refer to that presentation)
and information provided by Rajan Mistry, Business Manager for the City of Bakersfield
on March 2, 2021.
FY 2019-2020 ($13,902,000) FY 2020-2021 ($3,154,580)
Total funding: $17,056,580 of which $12,352,000 was allocated for Mesa Marin and
Kaiser Permanente Sports Complexes (72% for these two complexes). Note: Priority 13
on the 2018 ballot measure was, “Enhancing Neighborhoods through additional code
enforcement and improved park maintenance.”
All Wards (page 7)
Drought Related Trees $800,000 (FY 2019-20)
Small Plant Replacement $750,000 (FY 2019-20)
Park Access Improvements $200,000 (FY 2020-21)
Total (10.3% of total) $1,750,000
Ward 1 (page 10)
MLK, Jr. Park Access Improvements $63,000 (FY 2020-21)
Planz Park Playground $302,500 (FY 2020-21)
Total (2.1% of total) $365,000
Ward 2 (page 13)
Beach Park Skate Park Lights $250,000 (FY 2020-21)
Wilson Park Access $54,000 (FY 2020-21)
Park Trash Enclosures (various parks) $50,000 (FY 2020-21)
Jastro Park Playground $302,500 (FY 2020-21)
McMurtrey Pool Shade Structure $77,500 (FY 2020-21)
Total (4.3% of total) $734,100
Ward 3 (page 17)
Four Softball Fields (Mesa Marin) $7,500,000 (FY 2019-20)
Pickleball and Basketball (Mesa Marin) $352,000 (FY 2019-20)
Siemon Park Access $84,000 (FY 2020-21)
Park Trash Enclosures (various parks) $50,000 (FY 2020-21)
University Park Playground $412,500 (FY 2020-21)
Total (49.2% total) $8,398,500
2
NOTE: Mesa Marin Projects were not reflected on page 17, but were provided in
previous documentation about PVSP funding. Again, there is no public transportation
available to Mesa Marin. It is eight 8 miles from downtown Bakersfield. It is located in
Ward 3.
Ward 4 (page 20)
Windsor Park Playground $330,000 (FY 2020-21)
Total (1.9% of total) $330,000
Ward 5 (page 23)
Haggin Oaks Park Tennis Court $198,000 (FY 2020-21)
Ward 5 (1.2% of total) $198,000
Ward 6 (page 26)
Design (Kaiser Permanente) $1,500,000 (FY 2019-20)
Construction $3,000,000 (FY 2019-20)
Patriots Park Access Improvements $230,000 (FY 2020-21)
Grissom Park Access Improvements $45,000 (FY 2020-21)
Silver Creek Park Pool Improvements and
Fitness Equipment $403,480 (FY 2020-21)
Grissom Park Playground $302,500 (FY 2020-21)
Total (32.1% of total) $5,480,980
NOTE: Kaiser Permanente is not listed on page 26. However, Mr. Mistry clarified the
funding sources with this $3 million being a portion of $8 million allocated during FY
2019-2020.
Ward 7 (page 29)
Improvements (Wilson Park) $54,000 (FY 2020-21)
Wilson Park Playground $302,500 (FY 2020-21)
Total (2.1% of total) $356,500
TOTAL
Compiled by Eddy Laine March 24, 2021
From:Chris Parlier
To:Michelle Cruz
Subject:Fwd: Facts about EBikes you may not..... or may want to hear
Date:Tuesday, April 6, 2021 10:16:39 AM
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you
click!
Please include the below for any up coming leg & lit meeting.
Thank you
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From: oneilpedal4@gmail.com
Date: April 5, 2021 at 8:09:14 PM PDT
To: Bakersfield City Clerk <city_council@bakersfieldcity.us>, Andrae Gonzales
<Andraeg3000@gmail.com>, Christian Clegg <cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us>,
chrisparlier@sbcglobal.net, Ken@weircpa.com, Eric Arias
<ericarias7@gmail.com>
Cc: bill travis cooper <wtcooper47@aol.com>, Eddy Laine
<eddylaine@aol.com>, Steve Montgomery <chair@kernkaweah.sierraclub.org>,
harry love <harrylove1944@gmail.com>, SMayer@bakersfield.com, Peter
Wollesen <Peter.Wollesen@yahoo.com>, Jonathan Yates
<yates.jonathane@gmail.com>, lauren franconi <lsfranconi@yahoo.com>
Subject: Facts about EBikes you may not..... or may want to hear
Bakersfield City Council;
The E bike legislation is developing rapidly so the Kern River Parkway
Foundation would like you to know a few important facts about Electric motor
assisted cycling, off road use, and electric skateboards.
Class I EBikes have a 750 watt and can travel at 20 mph.
Class 2 EBikes are same speed as C 1.
Class 3 can be ridden up to 28mph.
Unclassified EBikes such as the 1000 watt size is more powerful and can reach
speeds of 40 mph.
The 4000 watt motor bike reaches 50 mph.
All these EBikes over 750 Watts are really classified as “Motorcycles “
All EBikes C1 and above can be used and are advertised as Off Road Vehicles.
Some even bear the names such as “overland”, off-road”, etc.
If you don’t believe me , you can read the EBike magazines, Manufacturers
literature, and simply google it.
You can google “Fastest EBikes”
Or google “Best off-road EBike”
The Kern River Parkway Foundation offered a compromise allowing only C1 and
C2 and mitigations to help reduce negative impacts to public safety and young
trees, shrubs, flowers/small plants and animals.
There are four endangered species in the Parkway . Our goal and that of your City
General Plan is to restore and protect the Parkway.
The Leg and Lit Committee rejected our compromise and all of the mitigations
we offered. Mitigations such as simple signage like “EBikes Stay on Pavement”,
“no off-roading”
“Slow down to 10 mph”....especially in our Park Areas (Riverwalk Park,
RiverOak, Truxtun Lake,,Yokut, and Beach. On weekends these parks are full of
kids playing and the fast traffic is the most dangerous to our safety.
We would like to offer you our Compromise with Mitigations again.
Hopefully you can Compromise also.
The bigger and faster these EBikes and E scooters/E skateboards get the more
mitigations will be necessary.
We also ask for as much Enforcement as affordable and possible. We can use
private security officers and automated radar to slow speed and increase safety.
Lastly we ask for a meeting with the council or committees so we can construct
this Ordinance and policy together and with its best outcome.
Thank you for allowing us this input but meeting in person with Covid
mitigations would be preferred.
Help us to restore and protect the entire Parkway . This includes enhancing
recreational opportunities and not being ruled by a few monetary interests.
Rich O’Neil
Vice President
Kern River Parkway Foundation
Oneilpedal4@gmail.com
661-706-1096
Sent from my iPhone
From:Chris Parlier
To:Michelle Cruz
Subject:Fwd: Facts about EBikes you may not..... or may want to hear
Date:Tuesday, April 6, 2021 10:16:39 AM
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you
click!
Please include the below for any up coming leg & lit meeting.
Thank you
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From: oneilpedal4@gmail.com
Date: April 5, 2021 at 8:09:14 PM PDT
To: Bakersfield City Clerk <city_council@bakersfieldcity.us>, Andrae Gonzales
<Andraeg3000@gmail.com>, Christian Clegg <cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us>,
chrisparlier@sbcglobal.net, Ken@weircpa.com, Eric Arias
<ericarias7@gmail.com>
Cc: bill travis cooper <wtcooper47@aol.com>, Eddy Laine
<eddylaine@aol.com>, Steve Montgomery <chair@kernkaweah.sierraclub.org>,
harry love <harrylove1944@gmail.com>, SMayer@bakersfield.com, Peter
Wollesen <Peter.Wollesen@yahoo.com>, Jonathan Yates
<yates.jonathane@gmail.com>, lauren franconi <lsfranconi@yahoo.com>
Subject: Facts about EBikes you may not..... or may want to hear
Bakersfield City Council;
The E bike legislation is developing rapidly so the Kern River Parkway
Foundation would like you to know a few important facts about Electric motor
assisted cycling, off road use, and electric skateboards.
Class I EBikes have a 750 watt and can travel at 20 mph.
Class 2 EBikes are same speed as C 1.
Class 3 can be ridden up to 28mph.
Unclassified EBikes such as the 1000 watt size is more powerful and can reach
speeds of 40 mph.
The 4000 watt motor bike reaches 50 mph.
All these EBikes over 750 Watts are really classified as “Motorcycles “
All EBikes C1 and above can be used and are advertised as Off Road Vehicles.
Some even bear the names such as “overland”, off-road”, etc.
If you don’t believe me , you can read the EBike magazines, Manufacturers
literature, and simply google it.
You can google “Fastest EBikes”
Or google “Best off-road EBike”
The Kern River Parkway Foundation offered a compromise allowing only C1 and
C2 and mitigations to help reduce negative impacts to public safety and young
trees, shrubs, flowers/small plants and animals.
There are four endangered species in the Parkway . Our goal and that of your City
General Plan is to restore and protect the Parkway.
The Leg and Lit Committee rejected our compromise and all of the mitigations
we offered. Mitigations such as simple signage like “EBikes Stay on Pavement”,
“no off-roading”
“Slow down to 10 mph”....especially in our Park Areas (Riverwalk Park,
RiverOak, Truxtun Lake,,Yokut, and Beach. On weekends these parks are full of
kids playing and the fast traffic is the most dangerous to our safety.
We would like to offer you our Compromise with Mitigations again.
Hopefully you can Compromise also.
The bigger and faster these EBikes and E scooters/E skateboards get the more
mitigations will be necessary.
We also ask for as much Enforcement as affordable and possible. We can use
private security officers and automated radar to slow speed and increase safety.
Lastly we ask for a meeting with the council or committees so we can construct
this Ordinance and policy together and with its best outcome.
Thank you for allowing us this input but meeting in person with Covid
mitigations would be preferred.
Help us to restore and protect the entire Parkway . This includes enhancing
recreational opportunities and not being ruled by a few monetary interests.
Rich O’Neil
Vice President
Kern River Parkway Foundation
Oneilpedal4@gmail.com
661-706-1096
Sent from my iPhone
From:Patricia Fields
To:City_Council
Subject:Horse Trails and E-Bikes
Date:Wednesday, May 5, 2021 4:46:36 PM
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you
click!
RE: Horse Trails and E-Bikes
Council Members:
Bakersfield has much to offer the unfolding community as it grows
Into the future. Unfortunately at times in our eagerness for development, small details were
overlooked…example being, River Walk opening and its tide pools from the river; downtown with the
original fountain. Bringing the horse trails and E-bikes together is not the wisest choice for our
image reflected to the people who are choosing Bakersfield for their home.
There are more horse people than might be realized, they abide with the rules concerning the bike
path and their horses. If horses are being kept off the bike paths…there was a reason that should continued to be
followed, such as E-bikes off the horse trails.
E-bikes need to stay off the horse trails, as horses stay off of bike trails.
Thank you for listening, your wise consideration,
Patricia Fields
retired 2nd grade teacher
yoga teacher
From:Patricia Fields
To:City_Council
Subject:Horse Trails and E-Bikes
Date:Wednesday, May 5, 2021 4:46:36 PM
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you
click!
RE: Horse Trails and E-Bikes
Council Members:
Bakersfield has much to offer the unfolding community as it grows
Into the future. Unfortunately at times in our eagerness for development, small details were
overlooked…example being, River Walk opening and its tide pools from the river; downtown with the
original fountain. Bringing the horse trails and E-bikes together is not the wisest choice for our
image reflected to the people who are choosing Bakersfield for their home.
There are more horse people than might be realized, they abide with the rules concerning the bike
path and their horses. If horses are being kept off the bike paths…there was a reason that should continued to be
followed, such as E-bikes off the horse trails.
E-bikes need to stay off the horse trails, as horses stay off of bike trails.
Thank you for listening, your wise consideration,
Patricia Fields
retired 2nd grade teacher
yoga teacher
From:Shara Collom
To:City_Council
Subject:Motorized E-bikes on horse trails
Date:Wednesday, May 5, 2021 6:52:09 AM
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you click!
Dear Chris,
My names is Shara. I've lived in Bakersfield for 23 years. I'm an outdoorsman
who loves nature. I also ride /own a horse. I have HUGE concerns about your proposal to allow motorized bikes on
KernRiver trail system. First, do you or have you rode horses? If you haven't then you need to do your homework
before you vote on this decision. It's your civic duty as a city councilman. Go talk to all the people at all the stables
around the River and see how they feel about motorized bikes on the trails they ride their horses on. First, horses are
PREY animals. The are hard wired to protect themselves when they feel they are in danger. They have 2 blind spots.
Directly in front of them and directly behind them, hence they get startled from quick movements in those blind
spots. I was bucked off next to bike path under Chester Bridge from bike coming at us from behind. So I don't ride
out that direction anymore. Do you care about peoples safety? Riders of all ages from young kids to women in the
70's ride their horses on those trails daily. An Ebike coming up behind a horse can spook it causing it to rear up,
buck, kick and dump rider, then Bolt down the trail , possibly trampoling anyone in its path! So does that sound like
something you want to support? Bikes can go anywhere in town but horseback riders have limited places to ride
SAFELY!! Please Vote NO
And keep your constituents SAFE!
Shara Collom
Sent from my iPhone
From:Shara Collom
To:City_Council
Subject:Motorized E-bikes on horse trails
Date:Wednesday, May 5, 2021 6:52:09 AM
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you click!
Dear Chris,
My names is Shara. I've lived in Bakersfield for 23 years. I'm an outdoorsman
who loves nature. I also ride /own a horse. I have HUGE concerns about your proposal to allow motorized bikes on
KernRiver trail system. First, do you or have you rode horses? If you haven't then you need to do your homework
before you vote on this decision. It's your civic duty as a city councilman. Go talk to all the people at all the stables
around the River and see how they feel about motorized bikes on the trails they ride their horses on. First, horses are
PREY animals. The are hard wired to protect themselves when they feel they are in danger. They have 2 blind spots.
Directly in front of them and directly behind them, hence they get startled from quick movements in those blind
spots. I was bucked off next to bike path under Chester Bridge from bike coming at us from behind. So I don't ride
out that direction anymore. Do you care about peoples safety? Riders of all ages from young kids to women in the
70's ride their horses on those trails daily. An Ebike coming up behind a horse can spook it causing it to rear up,
buck, kick and dump rider, then Bolt down the trail , possibly trampoling anyone in its path! So does that sound like
something you want to support? Bikes can go anywhere in town but horseback riders have limited places to ride
SAFELY!! Please Vote NO
And keep your constituents SAFE!
Shara Collom
Sent from my iPhone
From:laurie stanton
To:City_Council
Subject:NO E Bikes on horse trails
Date:Wednesday, May 5, 2021 1:58:13 PM
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you
click!
City ordinance 3126 clearly states no motorized vehicles are allowed on horse trails.
There will be spoked horses and dumped riders. Dumped riders could result in
serious injury/death. Spoked/injured horses will be traumatized further more, thus
ruining our "hobby" for some else's "hobby". We have no other designated area to
ride our horses in Bakersfield.
The wildlife will be displaced forever, possibly pouched, the new re-greening/planting
will be demolished, water lines will be ruined (to feed newly planted areas).
Trash will increase as it has with COVID walkers this last year.
Do not allow motorized vehicles/bikes on horse trails.
Respectfully,
Laurie Stanton
661 48 9329
From:laurie stanton
To:City_Council
Subject:NO E Bikes on horse trails
Date:Wednesday, May 5, 2021 1:58:13 PM
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you
click!
City ordinance 3126 clearly states no motorized vehicles are allowed on horse trails.
There will be spoked horses and dumped riders. Dumped riders could result in
serious injury/death. Spoked/injured horses will be traumatized further more, thus
ruining our "hobby" for some else's "hobby". We have no other designated area to
ride our horses in Bakersfield.
The wildlife will be displaced forever, possibly pouched, the new re-greening/planting
will be demolished, water lines will be ruined (to feed newly planted areas).
Trash will increase as it has with COVID walkers this last year.
Do not allow motorized vehicles/bikes on horse trails.
Respectfully,
Laurie Stanton
661 48 9329
From:Marion Vargas
To:City_Council
Subject:No E-Bikes on Equestrian Trails!
Date:Monday, May 3, 2021 5:29:57 PM
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you click!
Dear Council Members,
Allowing E-Bikes on or near equestrian trails is a frightening and danger-laden proposition. The historical and well-
used Kern River trail system that goes through Bakersfield has not allowed motorized cycles and vehicles for the
safety of man, beast and the natural habitat. If you allow the addition of motorized cycles on these trails, you will
bear significant responsibility for accidents and injuries that occur as a result of the unsafe practice of mixing rapidly
moving motorized cycles with horse traffic. The strength and force of a frighted horse trying to flee an unknown and
unexpected danger is a formidable hazard to trail riders and their horses, as well as the cyclists that they may
encounter. The consequent risk of injury, loss and suffering would be greatly increased by allowing motorized
cycles on trails.
Do not allow E-Bikes on equestrian trails!
Sincerely,
Marion Vargas
3209 la Cresta Drive
Bakersfield, CA
(661) 323-4617
From:Marion Vargas
To:City_Council
Subject:No E-Bikes on Equestrian Trails!
Date:Monday, May 3, 2021 5:29:57 PM
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you click!
Dear Council Members,
Allowing E-Bikes on or near equestrian trails is a frightening and danger-laden proposition. The historical and well-
used Kern River trail system that goes through Bakersfield has not allowed motorized cycles and vehicles for the
safety of man, beast and the natural habitat. If you allow the addition of motorized cycles on these trails, you will
bear significant responsibility for accidents and injuries that occur as a result of the unsafe practice of mixing rapidly
moving motorized cycles with horse traffic. The strength and force of a frighted horse trying to flee an unknown and
unexpected danger is a formidable hazard to trail riders and their horses, as well as the cyclists that they may
encounter. The consequent risk of injury, loss and suffering would be greatly increased by allowing motorized
cycles on trails.
Do not allow E-Bikes on equestrian trails!
Sincerely,
Marion Vargas
3209 la Cresta Drive
Bakersfield, CA
(661) 323-4617
From:Brian Stanton
To:City_Council
Subject:No Motorized Vehicles on Flood Plain, Please
Date:Wednesday, May 5, 2021 3:01:30 PM
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you
click!
Dear Council,
There are hundreds of horses and their riders who regularly use their specifically designated trails
below the bluffs and on the Panorama preserve. Horses and off-road vehicles are incompatible.
Equestrians would face dangers and injuries like never before if motorized vehicles were
introduced. Motorized quads and dirt bikes already commonly trespass and create hazards there
and on the bike path regularly. Allowing motors of any type will implicitly condone any motor use.
Even if hairs will be split over certain types of motors being allowed over others, who will enforce
the restrictions?
Legal Issues. This flood plain safely and wisely prohibits motorized vehicles.
What sort of motors are allowed?
How many wheels are allowed?
What are the speed limits?
Who will enforce them?
Where is the environmental impact report?
Is the city prepared to pay the costs of injury responses?
Increased fire responses due to motorized machines?
If e-bikes are deemed unsafe on the bike path, those safety issues are amplified on horse trails.
Brian Stanton
661-428-9329
93312
Sent from Mail for Windows 10
From:Brian Stanton
To:City_Council
Subject:No Motorized Vehicles on Flood Plain, Please
Date:Wednesday, May 5, 2021 3:01:30 PM
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you
click!
Dear Council,
There are hundreds of horses and their riders who regularly use their specifically designated trails
below the bluffs and on the Panorama preserve. Horses and off-road vehicles are incompatible.
Equestrians would face dangers and injuries like never before if motorized vehicles were
introduced. Motorized quads and dirt bikes already commonly trespass and create hazards there
and on the bike path regularly. Allowing motors of any type will implicitly condone any motor use.
Even if hairs will be split over certain types of motors being allowed over others, who will enforce
the restrictions?
Legal Issues. This flood plain safely and wisely prohibits motorized vehicles.
What sort of motors are allowed?
How many wheels are allowed?
What are the speed limits?
Who will enforce them?
Where is the environmental impact report?
Is the city prepared to pay the costs of injury responses?
Increased fire responses due to motorized machines?
If e-bikes are deemed unsafe on the bike path, those safety issues are amplified on horse trails.
Brian Stanton
661-428-9329
93312
Sent from Mail for Windows 10
From:Jennifer Obert
To:Anthony Valdez
Subject:Phone message: E-bikes
Date:Thursday, May 6, 2021 3:18:37 PM
Attachments:image009.png
image010.png
image011.png
image012.png
Good afternoon,
Laurie Stanton called our office to express her opposition to the idea of e-bikes on equestrian trails.
She feels that it goes against the current City ordinance no. 3126 and that it will scare the horses.
Her phone number is 661-428-9329.
Thank you,
Jennifer Obert | Deputy City Clerk
City of Bakersfield
email: Jobert@bakersfieldcity.us
web: www.bakersfieldcity.us
phone: 661-326-3768
From:Jennifer Obert
To:Anthony Valdez
Subject:Phone message: E-bikes
Date:Thursday, May 6, 2021 3:18:37 PM
Attachments:image009.png
image010.png
image011.png
image012.png
Good afternoon,
Laurie Stanton called our office to express her opposition to the idea of e-bikes on equestrian trails.
She feels that it goes against the current City ordinance no. 3126 and that it will scare the horses.
Her phone number is 661-428-9329.
Thank you,
Jennifer Obert | Deputy City Clerk
City of Bakersfield
email: Jobert@bakersfieldcity.us
web: www.bakersfieldcity.us
phone: 661-326-3768
From:Robin White
To:City_Council
Subject:PLEASE - NO BIKES ON HORSE TRAILS!!
Date:Thursday, May 6, 2021 10:40:05 AM
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you
click!
Please don't put e-bikes or any sort of bike on th horse trails!
Thanks,
Robin
--
Robin White
Bookkeeping/Administrative
MGSI, Ltd.
PO Box 967 Iowa City, IA 52244
319-519-6705 (P)
319-354-9044 (F)
From:Robin White
To:City_Council
Subject:PLEASE - NO BIKES ON HORSE TRAILS!!
Date:Thursday, May 6, 2021 10:40:05 AM
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you
click!
Please don't put e-bikes or any sort of bike on th horse trails!
Thanks,
Robin
--
Robin White
Bookkeeping/Administrative
MGSI, Ltd.
PO Box 967 Iowa City, IA 52244
319-519-6705 (P)
319-354-9044 (F)
From:Carolyn McIntyre
To:City_Council
Subject:Proposal to allow Electric Motored Cycles (e-bikes) on horse trails
Date:Wednesday, May 5, 2021 2:05:58 PM
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you
click!
I am writing to object to the proposed addition of motorized electric cycles to Bakersfield's horse trails.
Horses are flight animals and will startle and spook when they are surprised by anything moving up on
them quietly from behind. As e-bikes are silent, a horse will mistake them for a predator. The result
could be severe injuries or worse to horseback riders which could and should be prevented by not
allowing these bikes on the same trails as horses.
Thank you for considering the safety of horseback riders.
Carolyn McIntyre, a Kern County equestrian
From:Carolyn McIntyre
To:City_Council
Subject:Proposal to allow Electric Motored Cycles (e-bikes) on horse trails
Date:Wednesday, May 5, 2021 2:05:58 PM
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you
click!
I am writing to object to the proposed addition of motorized electric cycles to Bakersfield's horse trails.
Horses are flight animals and will startle and spook when they are surprised by anything moving up on
them quietly from behind. As e-bikes are silent, a horse will mistake them for a predator. The result
could be severe injuries or worse to horseback riders which could and should be prevented by not
allowing these bikes on the same trails as horses.
Thank you for considering the safety of horseback riders.
Carolyn McIntyre, a Kern County equestrian
From:darqarabpassion@aol.com
To:City_Council
Cc:mcunningham@bak.rr.com
Subject:RE: E-Bikes On Kern River Parkway Horse Trails
Date:Wednesday, May 5, 2021 9:50:52 AM
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you
click!
To: ALL Bakersfield City Council Members
From: Diane Giggy
Golden Empire Arabian Horse Society (GEAHS) Member
I would like to go on record in opposition to the city allowing e-bikes on the Kern River
Parkway equestrian trails. They should be required to stay on the paved trails.
Allowing e-bikes on horse trails would be extremely dangerous to horses and riders
as well as the e-bike riders.
Horses are no allowed to be ridden on the paved bike trails. E-bikes should NOT be
allowed to be ridden on the dirt horse trails. Please refer to letter dated May 4 from
the
Secretary/Treasurer of GEAHS for more detailed reasons why this would not be
advisable.
Thank you for your consideration in this matter.
From:darqarabpassion@aol.com
To:City_Council
Cc:mcunningham@bak.rr.com
Subject:RE: E-Bikes On Kern River Parkway Horse Trails
Date:Wednesday, May 5, 2021 9:50:52 AM
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you
click!
To: ALL Bakersfield City Council Members
From: Diane Giggy
Golden Empire Arabian Horse Society (GEAHS) Member
I would like to go on record in opposition to the city allowing e-bikes on the Kern River
Parkway equestrian trails. They should be required to stay on the paved trails.
Allowing e-bikes on horse trails would be extremely dangerous to horses and riders
as well as the e-bike riders.
Horses are no allowed to be ridden on the paved bike trails. E-bikes should NOT be
allowed to be ridden on the dirt horse trails. Please refer to letter dated May 4 from
the
Secretary/Treasurer of GEAHS for more detailed reasons why this would not be
advisable.
Thank you for your consideration in this matter.
From:Ara Marderosian
To:eddylaine@aol.com; Anthony Valdez
Cc:samonty@pacbell.net; gnipp@bak.rr.com; rushme2016@gmail.com; oneilpedal4@gmail.com;
peter.wollesen@yahoo.com; wtcooper47@aol.com; lia.mendez@gmail.com; mjdvargas@gmail.com;
shabri970@gmail.com; bogdmk@gmail.com; bell.margie@gmail.com; markcsalvaggio@yahoo.com;
mariapolite@gmail.com; floresjeff@kerncounty.com; maggardm@kerncounty.com
Subject:RE: “All EBikes” clarifications
Date:Wednesday, June 16, 2021 8:38:20 AM
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you
click!
The USFS did the right thing by designating e-bikes as motorized vehicles.
https://cara.ecosystem-management.org/Public/CommentInput?
project=ORMS-2619 An e-bike motor burst into flame on a grassy trail near
the Kern County Fire Station in South Lake in the Kern River Valley causing a
four-acre fire making this issue even more critical. Sequoia ForestKeeper
submitted comments specific to Sequoia that highlights e-bike battery ignitions
as a public safety concern.
http://www.sequoiaforestkeeper.org/pdfs/comment_letters/OSV-
OHV/201023_no_to_ebikes_non-motorized_trails.pdf
Ara
From: eddylaine@aol.com [mailto:eddylaine@aol.com]
Sent: Wednesday, June 16, 2021 8:29 AM
To: avaldez@bakersfieldcity.us
Cc: samonty@pacbell.net; gnipp@bak.rr.com; ara@sequoiaforestkeeper.org;
rushme2016@gmail.com; oneilpedal4@gmail.com; peter.wollesen@yahoo.com;
wtcooper47@aol.com; lia.mendez@gmail.com; mjdvargas@gmail.com; shabri970@gmail.com;
bogdmk@gmail.com; bell.margie@gmail.com; markcsalvaggio@yahoo.com;
mariapolite@gmail.com; floresjeff@kerncounty.com; maggardm@kerncounty.com
Subject: Re: “All EBikes” clarifications
Thank you. Copying several who have been interested in/concerned about this issue.
Eddy Laine, Member, Executive Committee, Sierra Club, Kern-Kaweah Chapter
-----Original Message-----
From: Anthony Valdez <avaldez@bakersfieldcity.us>
To: eddylaine@aol.com <eddylaine@aol.com>
Sent: Tue, Jun 15, 2021 5:33 pm
Subject: FW: “All EBikes” clarifications
Eddy:
Thank you for your comments regarding the use of e-bikes on the Kern River Bike Path.
The Bakersfield City Council’s Legislative and Litigation Committee will be discussing e-bikes on the Kern
River Bike Path at their upcoming meeting on Monday, June 21st at 12 p.m. The meeting will be held at
City Hall North, First Floor, Conference Room A, 1600 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA. The agenda for
the meeting will be posted this Friday, June 18th.
Your comments will be included in the agenda packet for Council members to review ahead of the
meeting. Any additional comments can be sent to city_clerk@bakersfieldcity.us no later than 8:00 a.m.
the day of the meeting.
Sincerely,
Anthony
Anthony E. Valdez | Administrative Analyst III
City Manager’s Office
City of Bakersfield
email: avaldez@bakersfieldcity.us
web: www.bakersfieldcity.us
phone: 661-326-3029 (direct)
From: eddylaine@aol.com <eddylaine@aol.com>
Sent: Tuesday, April 6, 2021 9:33 AM
To: tom@tcflawyer.com; markcsalvaggio@yahoo.com; oneilpedal4@gmail.com; jgbelli@bak.rr.com;
andym5@bak.rr.com; michall@bak.rr.com; Dona.Schilling@wellsfargo.com
Cc: Virginia "Ginny" Gennaro <vgennaro@bakersfieldcity.us>; wtcooper47@aol.com;
peter.wolleson@yahoo.com; yates.jonathan@gmail.com; bell.margie@gmail.com;
kernriverparkwayfoundation@gmail.com; lsfranconi@yahoo.com; samonty@pacbell.net;
achianel@bakersfieldcity.com; ablsilver37@gmail.com; eihuerta@huertalaw.org; mmartinez@csub.edu;
Christian Clegg <cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us>; Jacqui Kitchen <jkitchen@bakersfieldcity.us>; Chris Huot
<CHuot@bakersfieldcity.us>; ken@weircpa.com; PD-PIO Council member Chris Parlier
<chrisparlier@sbcglobal.net>; andrae3000@gmail.com; brucefreeman1949@gmail.com;
patty@dreammakerbakersfield.com; ericarias7@gmail.com; bobsmith727@me.com; tom@tcflawyer.com
Subject: Re: “All EBikes” clarifications
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you
click!
The e-bike issue is noted in a letter (long-term solutions #4) authorized by the
Executive Committee of the Sierra Club on Saturday and delivered to City Hall
yesterday.
There are several suggestions here that we hope will be considered. Millions and
millions of dollars and seemingly little attention to restoring the Kern River (from
Golden State Bridge to San Miguel Grove) for public use. Instead millions and
millions for freeway beautification for people who drive through Bakersfield?
Eddy Laine
(661) 345-4736
-----Original Message-----
From: Tom Fallgatter <tom@tcflawyer.com>
To: markcsalvaggio <markcsalvaggio@yahoo.com>; oneilpedal4@gmail.com <oneilpedal4@gmail.com>;
Carolyn Belli <jgbelli@bak.rr.com>; Andrew Honig <andym5@bak.rr.com>; 'michall@bak.rr.com'
<michall@bak.rr.com>; Dona.Schilling@wellsfargo.com <Dona.Schilling@wellsfargo.com>
Cc: vgennaro@bakersfieldcity.us <vgennaro@bakersfieldcity.us>; Wtcooper47 <wtcooper47@aol.com>;
eddylaine@aol.com <eddylaine@aol.com>; peter.wolleson@yahoo.com <peter.wolleson@yahoo.com>;
yates.jonathan@gmail.com <yates.jonathan@gmail.com>; bell.margie@gmail.com
<bell.margie@gmail.com>; kernriverparkwayfoundation@gmail.com
<kernriverparkwayfoundation@gmail.com>; lsfranconi@yahoo.com <lsfranconi@yahoo.com>;
samonty@pacbell.net <samonty@pacbell.net>; achianel@bakersfieldcity.com
<achianel@bakersfieldcity.com>; Ann Silver <ablsilver37@gmail.com>; eihuerta@huertalaw.org
<eihuerta@huertalaw.org>; mmartinez@csub.edu <mmartinez@csub.edu>; cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us
<cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us>; jkitchen@bakersfieldcity.us <jkitchen@bakersfieldcity.us>;
chuot@bakersfieldcity.us <chuot@bakersfieldcity.us>; ken@weircpa.com <ken@weircpa.com>;
chrisparlier@sbcglobal.net <chrisparlier@sbcglobal.net>; andrae3000@gmail.com
<andrae3000@gmail.com>; brucefreeman1949@gmail.com <brucefreeman1949@gmail.com>;
patty@dreammakerbakersfield.com <patty@dreammakerbakersfield.com>; ericarias7@gmail.com
<ericarias7@gmail.com>; bobsmith727@me.com <bobsmith727@me.com>; Tom Fallgatter
<tom@tcflawyer.com>
Sent: Mon, Apr 5, 2021 11:27 pm
Subject: RE: “All EBikes” clarifications
Mark
Rich O’Neill and Bill Cooper are heroes of mine. They are the individuals who fired me up about
preserving and enhancing the Kern River as a invaluable asset of our community. And I agree their input
should carries special weight. Plus I know that you were a great and effective advocate for preserving and
enhancing the River and you opinion on this matter is important to me. And, there were many others.
However, I too have institutional memory about the Kern River Plan, and at the risk of sounding pompous,
I can say that, energized by Rich and Bill, and by my own sense about the river, as a member of the
subdivision committee of the Bakersfield City planning commission in 1981, I came up with the idea of
developing a “Kern River Plan” as a formal city and county general plan and zoning planning tool. Too
be clear the idea of a Kern River Parkway was Bill and Rich’s idea. But, the idea of developing a “Kern
River Plan” was mine.
But for me all the work Rich and Bill, you, and Carolyn Belli, and Andy and Sasha Honig and I, and many
others, have done to preserve the Kern River, get the bike path approved and many other pro-Kern River
decisions and improvements while important, and giving us some status in terms of commenting on the
Plan and the Bike path, does not confer on us the sole power to make decisions about the River. The
preservation and enhancement of the River is a community wide concern, and a community wide
decision. We do not have, and do not deserve, a strangle hold on what the right decisions for the River
are. Times change and what is appropriate for the Path and appropriate for the River changes also.
It is my personal opinion, that allowing e-bikes that function similarly to regular bikes is a good idea. I
believe that the more people we have using the Path and accessing and enjoying the River, the more
likely it is in the long run that the River will in fact continue to be preserved and enhanced. Of course
there need to be rules that preserve the river as a natural resource, preserve it as the preeminent natural
recreational and educational resource of our community. But the exact contours of those rules will by the
nature of things vary over time. It would be foolish to think that what Rich O’Neill, Bill Cooper, Tom
Fallgatter, Andy and Sasha Honig, Carolyn Belli and Mark Salvaggio thought in 1985 were the right rules
for the River, would be the right rules forever.
Tom
From: markcsalvaggio <markcsalvaggio@yahoo.com>
Sent: Monday, April 5, 2021 8:44 PM
To: oneilpedal4@gmail.com
Cc: vgennaro@bakersfieldcity.us; Wtcooper47 <wtcooper47@aol.com>; eddylaine@aol.com;
peter.wolleson@yahoo.com; yates.jonathan@gmail.com; bell.margie@gmail.com;
kernriverparkwayfoundation@gmail.com; lsfranconi@yahoo.com; samonty@pacbell.net;
achianel@bakersfieldcity.com; Tom Fallgatter <tom@tcflawyer.com>; Ann Silver
<ablsilver37@gmail.com>; eihuerta@huertalaw.org; mmartinez@csub.edu; cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us;
jkitchen@bakersfieldcity.us; chuot@bakersfieldcity.us; ken@weircpa.com; chrisparlier@sbcglobal.net;
andrae3000@gmail.com; brucefreeman1949@gmail.com; patty@dreammakerbakersfield.com;
ericarias7@gmail.com; bobsmith727@me.com
Subject: “All EBikes” clarifications
It is very disheartening to see the City take this adverse course of action.
Not one member of the Bakersfield City Council has a scintilla of institutional memory regarding the
development of the Kern River Plan, the subsequent River Element of the Metropolitan Bakersfield
General Plan, and finally the Kern River Parkway.
The City should listen to and respect the wisdom of people like Rich O'Neill and Bill Cooper who first
brought us the vision to restore the ravaged Kern River through metropolitan Bakersfield.
We are put in the no-win position of bing accused of opposing "change." Baloney.
This invites ATV or ORV in the secondary and primary floodplains of the Kern River. The late
Councilwoman Pat DeMond would see this for for what it is.
I have been told the Bakersfield Police Department will enforce speed limits on the Bike Path. Don't be
fooled. The BPD has other "priorities." I've got a bridge to sell you in Lamont.
Councilman Andrae Gonzales' view that we should allow "new technology" to take its course is specious.
-------- Original message --------
From: oneilpedal4@gmail.com
Date: April 5, 2021 at 5:14:03 PM PDT
To: vgennaro@bakersfieldcity.us
Cc: bill travis cooper <wtcooper47@aol.com>, Christian Clegg
<cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us>, Eddy Laine <eddylaine@aol.com>, Peter Wollesen
<Peter.Wollesen@yahoo.com>, Jonathan Yates <yates.jonathane@gmail.com>, lauren
franconi <lsfranconi@yahoo.com>
Subject: “All EBikes” clarifications
Ginny,
The last Leg.and Lit. Committee meeting left us with even more confusion than before.
Councilman Andre Gonzales asked for “all EBikes” be allowed even though the State
Allows only C1 and C2.
Are we to understand that “all” means also bikes that go 40 mph (with 1000watt motors) or
50mph (4000 watt motor)?
I talked to Ashly 2 days after the L & L.
She could not answer these questions.
She said she would talk to you but I received no call back.
Every one of these EBikes is capable of going off-road and are in fact advertised as being
“off roaders."
Some even carry the names referring to “overland”, “Mtn. Climber," “Rock jumper."
Just google it.
The can of worms keeps opening bigger and bigger. E-bikes are getting faster, faster, and
stronger.
As you know, any EBike over 750 watt is considered to be a Motorcycle by the DMV laws.
What is the City going to do when these off-road cycles entering into the 2800 acre
recharge basins or into the private land of the Panorama Vista Preserve.
The Bike Path travels two miles through private property and these property owners have
their rights.
What is the City to do when EBikes travel through critical habitat or threaten the four
endangered species that live along the Path (some within a few feet of the path)?
Horses scare and panic easily near fast moving objects.
Just ask Councilman Ken Weir. He rides horses.
The L & L also rejected our mitigations which are meant to decrease negative impacts.
Ginny,we must educate users with letters from the Mayor, speed limit signage and no off
road postings.
The Parkway Foundation wants to reintroduce our commpromise to you and staff.
Will you hear us next time?
Can you build into the ordinance that EBikes must stay on pavement?
Signs to this effect will really help and so will as much enforcement as possible.
Please answer quickly.
Thanks,
KRPF VP
Rich
From:Ara Marderosian
To:eddylaine@aol.com; Anthony Valdez
Cc:samonty@pacbell.net; gnipp@bak.rr.com; rushme2016@gmail.com; oneilpedal4@gmail.com;
peter.wollesen@yahoo.com; wtcooper47@aol.com; lia.mendez@gmail.com; mjdvargas@gmail.com;
shabri970@gmail.com; bogdmk@gmail.com; bell.margie@gmail.com; markcsalvaggio@yahoo.com;
mariapolite@gmail.com; floresjeff@kerncounty.com; maggardm@kerncounty.com
Subject:RE: “All EBikes” clarifications
Date:Wednesday, June 16, 2021 8:38:20 AM
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you
click!
The USFS did the right thing by designating e-bikes as motorized vehicles.
https://cara.ecosystem-management.org/Public/CommentInput?
project=ORMS-2619 An e-bike motor burst into flame on a grassy trail near
the Kern County Fire Station in South Lake in the Kern River Valley causing a
four-acre fire making this issue even more critical. Sequoia ForestKeeper
submitted comments specific to Sequoia that highlights e-bike battery ignitions
as a public safety concern.
http://www.sequoiaforestkeeper.org/pdfs/comment_letters/OSV-
OHV/201023_no_to_ebikes_non-motorized_trails.pdf
Ara
From: eddylaine@aol.com [mailto:eddylaine@aol.com]
Sent: Wednesday, June 16, 2021 8:29 AM
To: avaldez@bakersfieldcity.us
Cc: samonty@pacbell.net; gnipp@bak.rr.com; ara@sequoiaforestkeeper.org;
rushme2016@gmail.com; oneilpedal4@gmail.com; peter.wollesen@yahoo.com;
wtcooper47@aol.com; lia.mendez@gmail.com; mjdvargas@gmail.com; shabri970@gmail.com;
bogdmk@gmail.com; bell.margie@gmail.com; markcsalvaggio@yahoo.com;
mariapolite@gmail.com; floresjeff@kerncounty.com; maggardm@kerncounty.com
Subject: Re: “All EBikes” clarifications
Thank you. Copying several who have been interested in/concerned about this issue.
Eddy Laine, Member, Executive Committee, Sierra Club, Kern-Kaweah Chapter
-----Original Message-----
From: Anthony Valdez <avaldez@bakersfieldcity.us>
To: eddylaine@aol.com <eddylaine@aol.com>
Sent: Tue, Jun 15, 2021 5:33 pm
Subject: FW: “All EBikes” clarifications
Eddy:
Thank you for your comments regarding the use of e-bikes on the Kern River Bike Path.
The Bakersfield City Council’s Legislative and Litigation Committee will be discussing e-bikes on the Kern
River Bike Path at their upcoming meeting on Monday, June 21st at 12 p.m. The meeting will be held at
City Hall North, First Floor, Conference Room A, 1600 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA. The agenda for
the meeting will be posted this Friday, June 18th.
Your comments will be included in the agenda packet for Council members to review ahead of the
meeting. Any additional comments can be sent to city_clerk@bakersfieldcity.us no later than 8:00 a.m.
the day of the meeting.
Sincerely,
Anthony
Anthony E. Valdez | Administrative Analyst III
City Manager’s Office
City of Bakersfield
email: avaldez@bakersfieldcity.us
web: www.bakersfieldcity.us
phone: 661-326-3029 (direct)
From: eddylaine@aol.com <eddylaine@aol.com>
Sent: Tuesday, April 6, 2021 9:33 AM
To: tom@tcflawyer.com; markcsalvaggio@yahoo.com; oneilpedal4@gmail.com; jgbelli@bak.rr.com;
andym5@bak.rr.com; michall@bak.rr.com; Dona.Schilling@wellsfargo.com
Cc: Virginia "Ginny" Gennaro <vgennaro@bakersfieldcity.us>; wtcooper47@aol.com;
peter.wolleson@yahoo.com; yates.jonathan@gmail.com; bell.margie@gmail.com;
kernriverparkwayfoundation@gmail.com; lsfranconi@yahoo.com; samonty@pacbell.net;
achianel@bakersfieldcity.com; ablsilver37@gmail.com; eihuerta@huertalaw.org; mmartinez@csub.edu;
Christian Clegg <cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us>; Jacqui Kitchen <jkitchen@bakersfieldcity.us>; Chris Huot
<CHuot@bakersfieldcity.us>; ken@weircpa.com; PD-PIO Council member Chris Parlier
<chrisparlier@sbcglobal.net>; andrae3000@gmail.com; brucefreeman1949@gmail.com;
patty@dreammakerbakersfield.com; ericarias7@gmail.com; bobsmith727@me.com; tom@tcflawyer.com
Subject: Re: “All EBikes” clarifications
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you
click!
The e-bike issue is noted in a letter (long-term solutions #4) authorized by the
Executive Committee of the Sierra Club on Saturday and delivered to City Hall
yesterday.
There are several suggestions here that we hope will be considered. Millions and
millions of dollars and seemingly little attention to restoring the Kern River (from
Golden State Bridge to San Miguel Grove) for public use. Instead millions and
millions for freeway beautification for people who drive through Bakersfield?
Eddy Laine
(661) 345-4736
-----Original Message-----
From: Tom Fallgatter <tom@tcflawyer.com>
To: markcsalvaggio <markcsalvaggio@yahoo.com>; oneilpedal4@gmail.com <oneilpedal4@gmail.com>;
Carolyn Belli <jgbelli@bak.rr.com>; Andrew Honig <andym5@bak.rr.com>; 'michall@bak.rr.com'
<michall@bak.rr.com>; Dona.Schilling@wellsfargo.com <Dona.Schilling@wellsfargo.com>
Cc: vgennaro@bakersfieldcity.us <vgennaro@bakersfieldcity.us>; Wtcooper47 <wtcooper47@aol.com>;
eddylaine@aol.com <eddylaine@aol.com>; peter.wolleson@yahoo.com <peter.wolleson@yahoo.com>;
yates.jonathan@gmail.com <yates.jonathan@gmail.com>; bell.margie@gmail.com
<bell.margie@gmail.com>; kernriverparkwayfoundation@gmail.com
<kernriverparkwayfoundation@gmail.com>; lsfranconi@yahoo.com <lsfranconi@yahoo.com>;
samonty@pacbell.net <samonty@pacbell.net>; achianel@bakersfieldcity.com
<achianel@bakersfieldcity.com>; Ann Silver <ablsilver37@gmail.com>; eihuerta@huertalaw.org
<eihuerta@huertalaw.org>; mmartinez@csub.edu <mmartinez@csub.edu>; cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us
<cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us>; jkitchen@bakersfieldcity.us <jkitchen@bakersfieldcity.us>;
chuot@bakersfieldcity.us <chuot@bakersfieldcity.us>; ken@weircpa.com <ken@weircpa.com>;
chrisparlier@sbcglobal.net <chrisparlier@sbcglobal.net>; andrae3000@gmail.com
<andrae3000@gmail.com>; brucefreeman1949@gmail.com <brucefreeman1949@gmail.com>;
patty@dreammakerbakersfield.com <patty@dreammakerbakersfield.com>; ericarias7@gmail.com
<ericarias7@gmail.com>; bobsmith727@me.com <bobsmith727@me.com>; Tom Fallgatter
<tom@tcflawyer.com>
Sent: Mon, Apr 5, 2021 11:27 pm
Subject: RE: “All EBikes” clarifications
Mark
Rich O’Neill and Bill Cooper are heroes of mine. They are the individuals who fired me up about
preserving and enhancing the Kern River as a invaluable asset of our community. And I agree their input
should carries special weight. Plus I know that you were a great and effective advocate for preserving and
enhancing the River and you opinion on this matter is important to me. And, there were many others.
However, I too have institutional memory about the Kern River Plan, and at the risk of sounding pompous,
I can say that, energized by Rich and Bill, and by my own sense about the river, as a member of the
subdivision committee of the Bakersfield City planning commission in 1981, I came up with the idea of
developing a “Kern River Plan” as a formal city and county general plan and zoning planning tool. Too
be clear the idea of a Kern River Parkway was Bill and Rich’s idea. But, the idea of developing a “Kern
River Plan” was mine.
But for me all the work Rich and Bill, you, and Carolyn Belli, and Andy and Sasha Honig and I, and many
others, have done to preserve the Kern River, get the bike path approved and many other pro-Kern River
decisions and improvements while important, and giving us some status in terms of commenting on the
Plan and the Bike path, does not confer on us the sole power to make decisions about the River. The
preservation and enhancement of the River is a community wide concern, and a community wide
decision. We do not have, and do not deserve, a strangle hold on what the right decisions for the River
are. Times change and what is appropriate for the Path and appropriate for the River changes also.
It is my personal opinion, that allowing e-bikes that function similarly to regular bikes is a good idea. I
believe that the more people we have using the Path and accessing and enjoying the River, the more
likely it is in the long run that the River will in fact continue to be preserved and enhanced. Of course
there need to be rules that preserve the river as a natural resource, preserve it as the preeminent natural
recreational and educational resource of our community. But the exact contours of those rules will by the
nature of things vary over time. It would be foolish to think that what Rich O’Neill, Bill Cooper, Tom
Fallgatter, Andy and Sasha Honig, Carolyn Belli and Mark Salvaggio thought in 1985 were the right rules
for the River, would be the right rules forever.
Tom
From: markcsalvaggio <markcsalvaggio@yahoo.com>
Sent: Monday, April 5, 2021 8:44 PM
To: oneilpedal4@gmail.com
Cc: vgennaro@bakersfieldcity.us; Wtcooper47 <wtcooper47@aol.com>; eddylaine@aol.com;
peter.wolleson@yahoo.com; yates.jonathan@gmail.com; bell.margie@gmail.com;
kernriverparkwayfoundation@gmail.com; lsfranconi@yahoo.com; samonty@pacbell.net;
achianel@bakersfieldcity.com; Tom Fallgatter <tom@tcflawyer.com>; Ann Silver
<ablsilver37@gmail.com>; eihuerta@huertalaw.org; mmartinez@csub.edu; cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us;
jkitchen@bakersfieldcity.us; chuot@bakersfieldcity.us; ken@weircpa.com; chrisparlier@sbcglobal.net;
andrae3000@gmail.com; brucefreeman1949@gmail.com; patty@dreammakerbakersfield.com;
ericarias7@gmail.com; bobsmith727@me.com
Subject: “All EBikes” clarifications
It is very disheartening to see the City take this adverse course of action.
Not one member of the Bakersfield City Council has a scintilla of institutional memory regarding the
development of the Kern River Plan, the subsequent River Element of the Metropolitan Bakersfield
General Plan, and finally the Kern River Parkway.
The City should listen to and respect the wisdom of people like Rich O'Neill and Bill Cooper who first
brought us the vision to restore the ravaged Kern River through metropolitan Bakersfield.
We are put in the no-win position of bing accused of opposing "change." Baloney.
This invites ATV or ORV in the secondary and primary floodplains of the Kern River. The late
Councilwoman Pat DeMond would see this for for what it is.
I have been told the Bakersfield Police Department will enforce speed limits on the Bike Path. Don't be
fooled. The BPD has other "priorities." I've got a bridge to sell you in Lamont.
Councilman Andrae Gonzales' view that we should allow "new technology" to take its course is specious.
-------- Original message --------
From: oneilpedal4@gmail.com
Date: April 5, 2021 at 5:14:03 PM PDT
To: vgennaro@bakersfieldcity.us
Cc: bill travis cooper <wtcooper47@aol.com>, Christian Clegg
<cclegg@bakersfieldcity.us>, Eddy Laine <eddylaine@aol.com>, Peter Wollesen
<Peter.Wollesen@yahoo.com>, Jonathan Yates <yates.jonathane@gmail.com>, lauren
franconi <lsfranconi@yahoo.com>
Subject: “All EBikes” clarifications
Ginny,
The last Leg.and Lit. Committee meeting left us with even more confusion than before.
Councilman Andre Gonzales asked for “all EBikes” be allowed even though the State
Allows only C1 and C2.
Are we to understand that “all” means also bikes that go 40 mph (with 1000watt motors) or
50mph (4000 watt motor)?
I talked to Ashly 2 days after the L & L.
She could not answer these questions.
She said she would talk to you but I received no call back.
Every one of these EBikes is capable of going off-road and are in fact advertised as being
“off roaders."
Some even carry the names referring to “overland”, “Mtn. Climber," “Rock jumper."
Just google it.
The can of worms keeps opening bigger and bigger. E-bikes are getting faster, faster, and
stronger.
As you know, any EBike over 750 watt is considered to be a Motorcycle by the DMV laws.
What is the City going to do when these off-road cycles entering into the 2800 acre
recharge basins or into the private land of the Panorama Vista Preserve.
The Bike Path travels two miles through private property and these property owners have
their rights.
What is the City to do when EBikes travel through critical habitat or threaten the four
endangered species that live along the Path (some within a few feet of the path)?
Horses scare and panic easily near fast moving objects.
Just ask Councilman Ken Weir. He rides horses.
The L & L also rejected our mitigations which are meant to decrease negative impacts.
Ginny,we must educate users with letters from the Mayor, speed limit signage and no off
road postings.
The Parkway Foundation wants to reintroduce our commpromise to you and staff.
Will you hear us next time?
Can you build into the ordinance that EBikes must stay on pavement?
Signs to this effect will really help and so will as much enforcement as possible.
Please answer quickly.
Thanks,
KRPF VP
Rich
From:Shara Collom
To:City_Council
Subject:Trail safety/ Ebikes
Date:Monday, May 3, 2021 10:03:55 PM
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you click!
Dear Mr Smith,
I'm writing you in regards to the attempt to legalize Ebikes on bike trails in Bakersfield. It's my understanding that
you want these bikes allowed in the Kern River parkway. That area is one of the few areas we have to horseback
ride safely and you think it's a good idea for those bikes to share the trail? Have you ever rode a horse before? You
speak of safety in your biography but don't really have any understanding of the risk of injury or even death due to
spooking a horse on trail? They are prey animals, having a bike come up behind them quickly in their blind spot
could send a horse into panic, bolting, rearing, kicking or even jumping off trail puts all riders in serious DANGER !
How is this safe for ANY ONE? What about horse back riders safety? And the animals safety? I was bucked off my
horse going under the Chester bridge where the paved bike trail and horse trail are right next to each other so I have
personal experience of how BAD of an idea this is. VERY DANGEROUS to have Ebikes and horses share the same
dirt trails.
Concerned rider,
Shara Collom
Sent from my iPhone
From:Shara Collom
To:City_Council
Subject:Trail safety/ Ebikes
Date:Monday, May 3, 2021 10:03:55 PM
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you click!
Dear Mr Smith,
I'm writing you in regards to the attempt to legalize Ebikes on bike trails in Bakersfield. It's my understanding that
you want these bikes allowed in the Kern River parkway. That area is one of the few areas we have to horseback
ride safely and you think it's a good idea for those bikes to share the trail? Have you ever rode a horse before? You
speak of safety in your biography but don't really have any understanding of the risk of injury or even death due to
spooking a horse on trail? They are prey animals, having a bike come up behind them quickly in their blind spot
could send a horse into panic, bolting, rearing, kicking or even jumping off trail puts all riders in serious DANGER !
How is this safe for ANY ONE? What about horse back riders safety? And the animals safety? I was bucked off my
horse going under the Chester bridge where the paved bike trail and horse trail are right next to each other so I have
personal experience of how BAD of an idea this is. VERY DANGEROUS to have Ebikes and horses share the same
dirt trails.
Concerned rider,
Shara Collom
Sent from my iPhone
From:Microsoft Power Apps and Power Automate
To:WebMaster; City_Council
Subject:Ward 4 Feedback and Questions - New Response
Date:Tuesday, May 4, 2021 5:36:14 PM
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you
click!
**New Response**
Ward 4 Feedback and Questions
Name: Dennis Dean
Phone Number: 661-204-8281
Email: DDEAN08@AOL.com
Comments or Feedback: Mr Smith, Allowing E-Bikes on the K.R. Preserve would be a
horrible mistake. It goes against the intended purpose of the hardworking people that made it
happen and keep it maintained. It will create a great conflict between the traditional users and
lazy people. E-Bikes will be seen as silent predators to the expensive prey animals that many
of us peacefully ride out there. The economic impact on the businesses that board horses in
that area may be devastating. It would be a great lose to the community. Please do not soil
these great traditions. Thank You,Dennis
If you want to unsubscribe from these emails, please use this form.
From:Microsoft Power Apps and Power Automate
To:WebMaster; City_Council
Subject:Ward 4 Feedback and Questions - New Response
Date:Tuesday, May 4, 2021 5:36:14 PM
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you
click!
**New Response**
Ward 4 Feedback and Questions
Name: Dennis Dean
Phone Number: 661-204-8281
Email: DDEAN08@AOL.com
Comments or Feedback: Mr Smith, Allowing E-Bikes on the K.R. Preserve would be a
horrible mistake. It goes against the intended purpose of the hardworking people that made it
happen and keep it maintained. It will create a great conflict between the traditional users and
lazy people. E-Bikes will be seen as silent predators to the expensive prey animals that many
of us peacefully ride out there. The economic impact on the businesses that board horses in
that area may be devastating. It would be a great lose to the community. Please do not soil
these great traditions. Thank You,Dennis
If you want to unsubscribe from these emails, please use this form.
From:Microsoft Power Apps and Power Automate
To:WebMaster; City_Council
Subject:Ward 5 Feedback and Questions - New Response
Date:Tuesday, May 4, 2021 5:15:35 PM
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you
click!
**New Response**
Ward 5 Feedback and Questions
Name: Dennis Dean
Phone Number: 6612048281
Email: DDEAN08@AOL.com
Comments or Feedback: Mr Freeman, Allowing E-Bikes on the K.R. Preserve violates it’s
purpose. It goes against what the hardworking people who made it happen and maintain it, had
in mind. It sickens them. The E-Bike people will not likely appreciate it or make an effort to
maintain it, they are lazy. These silent predators will gravely endanger the many of us who
ride prey animals. Traditions will be be lost as the businesses that stable horses will suffer
financially. Thank You, Dennis
If you want to unsubscribe from these emails, please use this form.
From:Microsoft Power Apps and Power Automate
To:WebMaster; City_Council
Subject:Ward 5 Feedback and Questions - New Response
Date:Tuesday, May 4, 2021 5:15:35 PM
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you
click!
**New Response**
Ward 5 Feedback and Questions
Name: Dennis Dean
Phone Number: 6612048281
Email: DDEAN08@AOL.com
Comments or Feedback: Mr Freeman, Allowing E-Bikes on the K.R. Preserve violates it’s
purpose. It goes against what the hardworking people who made it happen and maintain it, had
in mind. It sickens them. The E-Bike people will not likely appreciate it or make an effort to
maintain it, they are lazy. These silent predators will gravely endanger the many of us who
ride prey animals. Traditions will be be lost as the businesses that stable horses will suffer
financially. Thank You, Dennis
If you want to unsubscribe from these emails, please use this form.
From:Microsoft Power Apps and Power Automate
To:WebMaster; City_Council
Subject:Ward 7 Feedback and Questions - New Response
Date:Monday, May 3, 2021 10:51:39 PM
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you
click!
**New Response**
Ward 7 Feedback and Questions
Name: Florence Marshall_darrow
Phone Number: 6613940861
Email: fly_zandra@hotmail.com
Comments or Feedback: Dear City Counsel member I am aware our city is planning to allow
electric bikes to ride along bike trail plus off road area on horse trails along Kern River in
Bakersfield. This is Dangerous Idea has to be Stop No to E-Bikes Imagine driving your car
through the shopping center parking lot speed limit is 5-10mph. Imagine your family walking
to store think about it. If E-bike comes upon your family at high rate of speed. That bike had
time to see your family. Now put yourself on top of horse riding along horse trail with trees
trail goes up down hill with trees. Then opens up to another trail. Out of nowhere E-bike going
20+ mph comes at you and horse. That E-bike is quiet not like normal peddle bike. Someone
will get hurt. Horses spook, kick out at things that they feel threat from. What if Rider my
come off. Why would our city counsel want to put horses/ Equestrians in danger. Please
rethink of fast E-bikes need stay on roads. Not horse trails or river bike trail. Thank you
Florence Marshall-Darrow
If you want to unsubscribe from these emails, please use this form.
From:Microsoft Power Apps and Power Automate
To:WebMaster; City_Council
Subject:Ward 7 Feedback and Questions - New Response
Date:Monday, May 3, 2021 10:51:39 PM
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Bakersfield. Think before you
click!
**New Response**
Ward 7 Feedback and Questions
Name: Florence Marshall_darrow
Phone Number: 6613940861
Email: fly_zandra@hotmail.com
Comments or Feedback: Dear City Counsel member I am aware our city is planning to allow
electric bikes to ride along bike trail plus off road area on horse trails along Kern River in
Bakersfield. This is Dangerous Idea has to be Stop No to E-Bikes Imagine driving your car
through the shopping center parking lot speed limit is 5-10mph. Imagine your family walking
to store think about it. If E-bike comes upon your family at high rate of speed. That bike had
time to see your family. Now put yourself on top of horse riding along horse trail with trees
trail goes up down hill with trees. Then opens up to another trail. Out of nowhere E-bike going
20+ mph comes at you and horse. That E-bike is quiet not like normal peddle bike. Someone
will get hurt. Horses spook, kick out at things that they feel threat from. What if Rider my
come off. Why would our city counsel want to put horses/ Equestrians in danger. Please
rethink of fast E-bikes need stay on roads. Not horse trails or river bike trail. Thank you
Florence Marshall-Darrow
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Committee Members
Staff: Jacqui Kitchen Councilmember, Chris Parlier, Chair
Assistant City Manager Councilmember, Ken Weir
Councilmember, Andrae Gonzales
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE LEGISLATIVE AND LITIGATION COMMITTEE
Monday, March 22, 2021 12:00 p.m.
City Hall North, First Floor, Conference Room A 1600 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301
AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT
The meeting was called to order at 12:00 p.m.
1. ROLL CALL
Committee members Present: Councilmember, Chris Parlier, Chair
Councilmember, Andrae Gonzales
Councilmember, Ken Weir
City Staff Present: Christian Clegg, City Manager
Jacqui Kitchen, Assistant City Manager
Kevin Truelson, Assistant to the City Manager
Anthony Valdez, Administrative Analyst III
Virginia Gennaro, City Attorney
Viridiana Gallardo-King, Deputy City Attorney
Ashley Zambrano, Deputy City Attorney
Nick Fidler, Public Works Director
Julie Drimakis, City Clerk
Ken Moore, Police Sergeant
Additional Attendees: Members of the Public
2. PUBLIC STATEMENTS
There were no public comments made.
3. ADOPT DECEMBER 14, 2020 AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT
The Report was adopted as submitted.
/S/ Jacqui Kitchen
DRAFT
S:\Council Committees\2021\Legislative and Litigation\03_March\March 22 ASR
Page 2
JK:pa:mc
4. NEW BUSINESS
A. Committee Discussion and Recommendation Regarding Ward Boundaries
Redistricting Process – Gennaro
The discussion regarding ward boundaries redistricting process was deferred to a
future Legislative and Litigation Committee meeting.
B. Committee Discussion and Recommendation Regarding E-bikes – Gennaro/Fidler
City Attorney Gennaro introduced Deputy City Attorney Zambrano, who provided a
PowerPoint presentation summarizing current regulations and State law for E-bikes in
response to a referral made by Vice Mayor Weir during the March 3, 2021 City Council
meeting to review the City’s current municipal code regarding the use of E-bikes on
the Kern River Bike Path.
There were six public statements made regarding E-bikes; three in support and three
in opposition of allowing E-bikes on the Kern River bike path. Vice President of the Kern
River Parkway Foundation Richard O’Neil stated that the equestrian trail has the right-
of-way.
Committee member Gonzales thanked the public speakers for their time. He inquired
about the bike-share program. Public Works Director Fidler stated the city had been
awarded a grant in the amount of $1.3 million. The grant will be used to make
infrastructure improvements such as charging stations and bike racks along the 17 mile
stretch of the Kern River bike path and implementation of the ride share program.
Committee member Weir asked if the equestrian trail and the Kern River bike path
crossed paths and what safety precautions, if any, will be implemented. Public Works
Director Fidler identified multiple locations were the paths crossed.
Committee Chair Parlier inquired about speed signage for the equestrian/pedestrian
trails along the Kern River bike path. Public Works Director Fidler responded that a
traffic study was underway to determine appropriate signage. City Manager Clegg
added that additional signage for speed and warning signs for cross-traffic is
recommended.
Committee Chair Parlier made a motion to amend the Municipal Code to clearly
allow all E-bikes and other motorized uses (expressly naming Class I/II/III e-bikes,
motorized scooters, boards, etc.) of the bike path. The motion was approved with
Committee Chair Parlier and Committee member Gonzales voting yes and
Committee member Weir voting no.
5. COMMITTEE COMMENTS
There were no comments.
6. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 1:01 p.m.
DRAFT
City Manager’s Office
1600 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301
661‐326‐3751 FAX: 661‐324‐1850
MEMORANDUM
June 21, 2021
TO: Legislative and Litigation Committee
Chris Parlier, Chair
Andrae Gonzales
Ken Weir
FROM: Christian Clegg, City Manager
SUBJECT: Legislative Advocacy Program
This report details staff’s recommendation for moving forward with a legislative advocacy
program for the City of Bakersfield.
On December 14, 2020, staff presented a proposed state and federal legislative program
and platform to the Legislative and Litigation Committee.
On March 17, 2021, Council directed staff to return to the Legislative and Litigation
Committee for further discussion on the City’s legislative advocacy efforts.
BACKGROUND
Throughout each year, the State and Federal governments propose and enact legislation
and engage in executive rulemaking, some of which affects local municipal government.
The City monitors activity through municipal and professional associations to stay informed
on proposed legislation from these bodies. There are many instances in which it is in the
interests of the City to take a position on proposed legislation.
While the City of Bakersfield has been fortunate to historically have supportive legislative
delegations, there are opportunities to increase our legislative advocacy with greater
energy and focus. The City of Bakersfield has also been fortunate to participate in the Big
City Mayor’s advocacy efforts. Moving forward the City anticipates continuing to play a
more active legislative advocacy role as the 9th largest city in the State.
The City Council acknowledged this opportunity by including Legislative Advocacy as an
Action Item within the City Council Goals. In addition, the Fiscal Year 2020-21 Adopted
Budget allocates funding to pursue more proactive legislative advocacy, through staff
resources for the Assistant to the City Manager position and through resources to contract
with a state legislative advocacy firm. Staff have found that 9 of the 10 comparable cities
have invested in a paid legislative advocate. See Table 1 below.
Staff propose that the Bakersfield City Council adopt a Legislative Platform each calendar
year setting forth the City of Bakersfield’s legislative priorities and interests, and provides
general authority and direction regarding advocacy efforts on behalf of the City to: The
City Manager’s Office; City departments; and the City’s state legislative advocate.
Authorized staff will then work with the City’s State and Federal representatives as well as
the legislative advocate to pursue the City Council’s priorities outlined in the Legislative
Platform.
ANALYSIS
In Fall 2020, the City issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for professional legislative
advocacy firms. In response, the City received five proposals. Based on their proposal and
performance during the interview process, staff recommends an annual contract in the
amount of $96,000 for three years with Renne Public Policy Group (RPPG). RPPG’s seasoned
team of advocates, municipal policy experts, grant writers, lawyers and former senior local
government officials represent decades of experience and relationships in Sacramento.
RPPG offers a full-service advocacy approach that makes them an extension of the City
Council and city staff; RPPG offers document creation, analysis and grant support not
offered by other firms. RPPG also demonstrated particular experience relevant to
advocating for cities within the Central Valley and are already well aware of priority issues
for the city.
Through this Agreement, RPPG would serve as a liaison between the City and State
Legislature, Executive Branch or other officials in state government as identified by the City.
RPPG’s responsibilities will include:
Conduct state, regional and local policy research; inform the City of relevant
policies, develop advocacy materials, and assist the City with local positions on
high-priority subjects.
Regularly communicate with the City to access legislative options, analyze
legislation, state budgets, executive actions, regulations or other agency actions,
and discuss policy objectives including review and input into the City’s legislative
policy platform.
Draft strategic documents, background papers, letters, legislative language and
talking points or other advocacy materials on legislation, executive actions,
regulations or other agency actions, as requested.
Prepare and disseminate letters in support of the City’s adopted legislative position
to members of the state legislature, executive branch and other officials in State
government as requested by the City.
Guide the City regarding submissions of state grant or funding requests, assist in
preparation, submission, letters of support, and other supporting materials.
Coordinate and collaborate with other municipalities and organizations having
similar legislative objectives as the City. Where appropriate, advocate positions on
legislation and work to secure language in legislation, executive actions, regulations
or other agency actions that will advance the City’s interests.
Develop and participate in strategic coalitions with associations and governmental
organizations in furtherance of the City’s legislative agenda as requested.
Deliverables include assistance in finalizing the City’s legislative platform, an annual Capitol
visit and end of year report with measurable results achieved on behalf of the City,
quarterly reports to the Legislative and Litigation Committee, monthly detailed reports to
staff, and the regular tracking of legislative, budget and regulatory actions.
Over the past few months, since the State Legislature returned to session, RPPG has
demonstrated their political acumen, connections and commitment by providing
information, strategy recommendations and bill updates to the City Manager’s Office.
Staff has observed their skill in tailoring legislative advocacy to the Council’s goals and
priorities.
Having an experienced legislative advocate, along with our outstanding legislative
delegation, would place the City of Bakersfield in a desirable position to advocate for local
industries and leverage the unprecedented $75 billion dollars in state surplus dollars this
year for programs such as economic development, homeless services, highway
beautification, water infrastructure and more.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Legislative Advocacy contract with RPPG be placed on the
City Council agenda for consideration.
Table 1. Comparable Cities and Paid Advocacy
Comparable
Cities
Paid Advocate Firm
Fremont Yes Townsend Public Affairs
Fresno Yes Campbell Strategy
Glendale Yes Emanuels Jones and Associates
Modesto Yes Townsend Public Affairs
Ontario No NA
Oxnard Yes Arnold and Associates
Pasadena Yes Emanuels Jones and Associates
Riverside Yes Arc Strategies
San Bernardino Yes Hurst Brooks Espinsa
Stockton Yes Emanuels Jones and Associates
Legislative and Litigation Committee Calendar
January 2021 Through December 2021
Legislative and Litigation Committee Meetings
12:00 p.m.3:30 p.m. Closed Session 5:15 p.m. Public Session
Budget Hearing: 06/02, Budget Adoption: 6/16
Budget Departmental Workshop 12:00 p.m. Holidays - City Hall Closed
SMTWTHFS SMTWTHFS SMTWTHF S
12 123456 12345 6
3456789 78910111213 78910111213
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
17 18 19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 21 22 23 24 25 26 27
24 25 26 27 28 29 30 28 28 29 30 31
31
SMTWTHFS SMTWTHFS SMTWTHF S
123 1 1234 5
45678910 2345678 6789101112
11121314151617 9101112131415 131415161718 19
18 19 20 21 22 23 24 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
25 26 27 28 29 30 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 27 28 29 30
30 31
SMTWTHFS SMTWTHFS SMTWTHF S
123 1234567 123 4
45678910 891011121314 567891011
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 31 26 27 28 29 30
SMTWTHFS SMTWTHFS SMTWTHF S
12 123456 123 4
3456789 78910111213 567891011
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
17 18 19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
24 25 26 27 28 29 30 28 29 30 26 27 28 29 30 31
31
League of California Cities Mayors and Council Members Executive Forum - 2021 Date To Be Determined
League of California Cities Annual Conference - September 22-24, 2021
OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER
APRIL MAY JUNE
JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER
All meetings will be held at City Hall North, First Floor, Conference Room A
DRAFT
City Council Meetings
JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH
Document
Presented At The
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June 21, 2021 Meeting
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CITY OF BAKERSFIELD, CA
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City of Bakersfield
Legislative and Litigation
Committee
6/21/20211 of 8 Renne Public Policy Group │ www.publicpolicygroup.com
RPPG: Team Snapshot
Bruce Rudd Dan Carrigg
Sharon Gonsalves
Itzel Becerra Jake Whitaker
Dane Hutchings
2 of 8 Renne Public Policy Group │ www.publicpolicygroup.com
Snapshot: RPPG Team Qualifications
Decades of Legislative, Political and Operations Expertise
Strong Policy Background
•Decades of advocacy experience, including prior work as Capitol Staff in Natural
Resources, Housing and Transportation
•Specializing in the most important legislative and regulatory facing local government
•Technical expertise in Eminent Domain, Land Use, CEQA, Housing, and
Environmental Matters.
•Success in creating funding opportunities and negotiating multiple water, park,
housing and transportation bonds.
Strong Legal/Regulatory/Operational Background
•Top legal professionals to draft regulatory comment letters and provide technical
guidance.
•Provide legal analysis on priority (enacted) legislation as needed.
3 of 8 Renne Public Policy Group │ www.publicpolicygroup.com
Why RPPG is Right for Bakersfield
•Our Team Understands the Valley
•Served as Capitol Staff for multiple CV legislators and Lobbyist for CV Cities
•Proven record of direct funding wins for the CV
•Operational expertise specific to the region
•Able to leverage public affairs, legislative and business networks to craft unique and impactful messaging.
•A Team of Strong Local Government Policy Backgrounds
•Strong understanding of policy issues specific impacting the Region
•Natural Resources
•Transportation and Infrastructure
•Housing and Land Use
•Revenue, Taxation and Economic Development
•Pension and Labor
•Governmental Operation and Transparency
•Strong Bipartisan and Multiregional Relationships —Leveraged for Bakersfield
•League of California Cities experiences
•Client growth in multiple regions across the state
•Strong ties with the Governors office
4 of 8 Renne Public Policy Group │ www.publicpolicygroup.com
RPPG’s Approach to Tailored Service
Strong Political
Acumen
Collaborative
partnerships
with our clients
Tireless Work
Ethic
Dedicated Team of
Legislative,
Communications and
Operational
Professionals
Policy and
Operational
Expertise
5 of 8 Renne Public Policy Group │ www.publicpolicygroup.com
Upcoming Grant Opportunities
•Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance –EDA
(Ongoing Submissions)
•Smart Policing Initiative –Bureau of Justice Assistance (DUE
7/20/21)
•Assistance to Firefighters Grant –FEMA (Anticipated
February 2022)
•State Parks Program –Department of Parks and Recreation
(Anticipated 2022 Funding)
6 of 8 Renne Public Policy Group │ www.publicpolicygroup.com
Immediate Next Steps
•Strategy session with department heads:Conducting a “deep dive” on city legislative
and funding priorities—both immediate and long-term economic development.
•Draft the City’s Legislative Platform and Policy:This living document evolves over time
and provides direction to legislative staff on which measures to engage in.
•Legislative Tracking, Review and Advocacy: With clear advocacy goals, RPPG can
advance issues specific to Bakersfield as well as stop or amend legislation that would
have a detrimental impact to the City and its residents.
•Cultivate New and Maintain Current Relationships: The RPPG team prides itself on
having deep and personal relationships with an overwhelming majority of Legislators,
policy committee consultants as well as with members of the Governor’s administration.
These relationships have been established over time and built upon a strong reputation
of being hard working and honest policy brokers.
7 of 8 Renne Public Policy Group │ www.publicpolicygroup.com
Thank you!
Thank you for the opportunity to compete for your business! We are confident in our
ability to represent the City of Bakersfield —ensuring your voice is heard in
Sacramento.
Should you have any questions please feel free to contact Sharon Gonsalves directly
at:
916-849-5536
sgonsalves@publicpolicygroup.com
8 of 8 Renne Public Policy Group │ www.publicpolicygroup.com
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