David Burt, current Board President has tendered his resignation from the board over concerns of possible conflict of interest with his current position as a county building inspector. Burt has served in the board for six years. The board upon acceptance of his resignation will be looking for letters of interest from Stallion Springs residents to be considered for appointed to fill the remaining two years of Burt’s term. Letters should be delivered to the CSD office. The board will then make a recommendation for a replacement and appoint a new member at the next regularly scheduled board meeting on January 20, 2015.

Stallion Springs Office Craig Rinehart provided a “Suicide Awareness Presentation” on Dec.11 in the Community Center. Rinehart noted that in 2013 there were 19 suicides in Kern County and in 2014 to date there has already been 22. Stallion Springs is not exempt from this problem. While current figures are not available for this year, in 2010 there were 13.

Juanita Buck, MS of the Tehachapi Wellness Center noted that there was, “No typical suicide victim.”

Rinehart said, “Fifty percent of adolescents communicate their intent to family members and 15 percent of the elderly communicate it to their primary care doctors. May and June are when the highest rates of suicide occur not over the Holidays as one might think.” Rinehart continued, “Anyone can help prevent suicide by simply asking someone if they’re having those kind of thoughts. Talk to them and contact 911, the Police Department, or a Wellness Center for assistance. The local Tehachapi Wellness Center is located at 21030 Mission Street Suite A in Old Town Tehachapi, (661) 822-8979.

“Some of the warning signs are giving away possessions, withdrawal from family and friends, loss of interest in work or hobbies, use of alcohol or drugs, reckless behavior, extreme behavior changes, or self-mutilation.”

A second presentation will be provided on Dec. 20 at 11 a.m. at the CSD Emergency Operations Center, 27800 Stallion Springs Drive. The public is invited to attend. Suicides among young and old alike are on the increase.  Learn how to recognize pre-suicidal symptoms and how to intervene.  Suicides can affect all of us.

Dec. 19 through Jan. 4 - Gym Closure for the Holidays

Saturday, January 10 - Houchin Blood Drive, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Community Center.

Tuesday, January 20 - CSD Board of Directors meeting 6:30 p.m.