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Mall Gall: Bakersfield's Valley Plaza Adds Paid Preferred Parking
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Become a Bunker Dweller
27 Mall Gall
NATIONAL DAY: National Burnt Ends Day — Honors the crispy, sauced cubes of brisket popular in Kansas City barbecue.
BIRTHDAY: Dr. Phil McGraw (born 1950) — Psychologist and longtime television host.
THIS DAY IN HISTORY: 1972 — Bobby Fischer became the first American to win the World Chess Championship, defeating Boris Spassky in Reykjavik.
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Valley Plaza Mall in Bakersfield has converted 240 spaces near its main entrance to optional Preferred Paid Parking at $2 an hour, up to $10 per day, plus a transaction fee. Mall management says more than 90% of its parking remains free and 10% of the mall's net proceeds from the paid program will benefit the Kern County Cancer Foundation. The change has drawn pushback from some shoppers.
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Seattle installed fencing and green screening at Denny Blaine Park in August 2025 as part of a court-mandated abatement plan after complaints and a lawsuit involving alleged public sex and lewd conduct. The barrier divides clothing-optional and clothing-required areas and blocks visibility, but critics argue it may hide rather than stop the conduct. The fence was vandalized shortly after installation.
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Florida announced first-in-the-nation changes to its TANF State Plan restricting Temporary Cash Assistance from directly paying for nonessential items including tobacco and vaping products, drugs and intoxicants, pornography, video games, entertainment and theme-park admission, tattoos, spa and tanning services, and fortune-telling. The restrictions apply to TCA cash benefits issued through EBT, not SNAP food benefits.
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SHOW CREDITS:
Thank you to my co-host, Ken Madden of MaddK Studio
Jason Radosevich Horrible Designs
Cast:
Kate the Duchess of NJ and John Jamingo of theBoomer Bunker
Aaron of I had to Say it
Boomer Bob of the Boomer Bob Show
Supporters:
Steve McShane of the Razor Wire News
Josh Roberts from New Hampshire
and you can always leave a comment by email: bruce@wsmgmedia.com