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Ask The Californian: What happened to rocket atop Padre Hotel?
| Sunday, Apr 27 2008 10:38 PM
Last Updated: Monday, Apr 28 2008 8:17 AM
Q: I have a question for “Ask the Californian.” What happened to the rocket that was on top of the Padre Hotel? Is it in storage at the Kern County Museum (where it should be), or in someone’s garage? Just curious. I’ve done a little nosing around on the Internet, but couldn’t find an answer. It’s a Bakersfield landmark and should be preserved, in my opinion. Thanks! — Roger Taylor
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A: The Californian called Brett Miller, one of the new owners of the Padre Hotel. This is what he had to say: “We have the rocket in safe keeping. It is a real piece of Bakersfield history. If it does not find a home at the Padre, we will consider lending it to the Bakersfield Historical Society.
“There are rumors of many things in the basement. Most everything of curious nature has been moved so that they are kept safe.
“We plan to use as much of the culture of the Padre in our designs. For those that live in Bakersfield and know the stories behind (late former owner Milton “Spartacus” Miller) we hope will find it amusing and tastefully done.”
Q: With the possibility of a Target being built at the Shops at River Walk, whatever happened with the talk or rumors of plans to build a SuperTarget at the corner of Gosford Road and Panama Lane a while back? — Ralph Lara
A: Castle & Cooke is moving forward with bringing a SuperTarget to the northwest corner of Gosford Road and Panama Lane, said Bill Sampson, the company’s senior vice president for commercial properties. But a Target spokeswoman hedged her bets.
“We’re extremely interested and exploring our options for potential sites in Bakersfield,” said Anna Goeppinger.
“However, at this time, it’s premature to discuss a specific site or timeline.”
The company opens stores three times a year — in March, July and October.
“We are only able to confirm a site once we are one year out from our grand opening,” Goeppinger said. “This is simply to ensure we avoid any confusion or disappointment within the community.”
Meanwhile, environmental documents are in the works, Bakersfield planning officials said.
Q: When is the southwest WinCo Foods building to start? Projected opening date? Thanks for your help!
— Lisa Conners
A: The project is set to go before the Bakersfield City Council for approval on May 7, said Marc Gauthier, a principal planner with the city.
The developer hopes to start construction this summer, with an opening planned for late 2009, he said.
Ask The Californian appears on Mondays. Submit questions to asktbc@bakersfield.com or to The Bakersfield Californian, Ask TBC, P.O. Bin 440, Bakersfield, Calif. 93302