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People in Business: A who's who for Nov. 20

JACK A. DOREMUS has joined Keller Williams Realty on Olive Drive as its Responsible Broker. In his new position, Doremus is to oversee the agency’s three locations in Bakersfield and the one opening this week in Tehachapi. He also becomes Keller Williams’ Productivity Coach, teaching a course intended to provide “financial peace.”
Action Line: Beware of 'gray market' products

Editor's note: Action Line is a weekly column from the Better Business Bureau answering consumers' questions and concerns about money and business issues.
A glimpse at the state of Kern's economy

Here are some nuggets on the local economy from Abbas Grammy's reports in the Kern Economic Journal, 2009 third quarter issue, which just came out:
Nettie the beaver takes up residence at CALM

A little more than a month ago, the California Living Museum welcomed new resident Francis the badger. On Friday, CALM became home to Nettie the beaver.
Kern's unemployment rises to 14.5 percent

The unemployment rate in Kern County was 14.5 percent in October, up from 14 percent in September, according to figures released by the state Employment Development Department on Friday.
Groups try to work out parkway safety issues

The 30-mile trail that is one of Bakersfield's most popular outdoor attractions brings bikers, walkers, joggers and even horses together, but how to keep them from clashing was the discussion at a Thursday night meeting at Franklin School.
Grand jury indicts pair for three murders

A man and woman face charges in the gang-related shooting deaths of three men dating back to 2006.
Strictly Business feature: Q&A with Shari Cunningham of Sugardaddy's

Shari Cunningham has run Sugardaddy's boutique for 26 years. The locally owned, independent store specializes in designer clothes and accessories. Despite competition from department stores and other boutiques, the store has maintained a steady, loyal clientele. We sat down with her to talk about competition and working in retail in a recession.
Man admits to hitting, killing baby

A 23-year-old Ridgecrest man who was arrested on charges of murdering a baby admitted hitting the 6-month-old infant in the head, according to an interview by KBAK-TV.
Market Intelligence: Items for use in the home may sell for holidays

Retailers offering items that can be used in the home are more likely to benefit from recent shifts in shopping behavior, compared to marketers of luxury items. According to a recent 2009 survey from the National Retail Federation and BIGResearch, 36 percent of U.S. consumers say they will shop for more practical gifts this holiday season.
Casting call for "Losing it With Jillian" show comes to town

More than 40 people showed up at Memorial Hospital Thursday hoping to be cast in a new television show on NBC called "Losing It With Jillian."
Gleaners benefit from Chevron donation

Everything from a chili cook-off to a picnic raffle to a watermelon eating contest helped raise more than $26,000 for the Golden Empire Gleaners.
End-of-life care arrives for beloved pets

Marilyn Stewart walks between the cages in a far corner of her Alpha Canine Sanctuary, north of Bakersfield. She calls out greetings, naming each dog as she passes by. They wag their tails and stick their noses through the fence, hoping to get a pet and a snack.
Oildale after-school program may be closing its doors

Students, parents and faculty at Standard Middle School in Oildale are proud of the significant academic improvement achieved by the school over the past six years.
Upcoming volunteer opportunities

American Red Cross is looking for office assistance volunteers. Workers are needed to answer phones and take messages, type, file and communicate with volunteers. Contact Jennifer Perfect, 324-6427 for more information.
Survey: Little change in consumer sentiment

Bakersfield's Index of Consumer Sentiment inched up from 76 to 79 in the third quarter, its second consecutive increase after bottoming out at 73 in the first quarter. Prior to the second quarter, the local index had declined for eight consecutive quarters from a peak of 125 in first quarter 2007.
Interchange money OK'd, pit bull hero honored

The Bakersfield City Council approved 6-0 an additional $714,000 for the construction management firm overseeing work on the interchange at Highway 178 and Fairfax Road Wednesday night.
Teachers back embattled principal

Teachers at Bessie Owens Primary School decided Wednesday to support the school's principal, who has been under fire for weeks from parents and community members for what they say is years of mistreatment.
Survey: Local businesses slightly more confident

Data from our recent survey indicate that Kern County businesses have turned optimistic about local economic conditions. In the third quarter (July through September) of 2009, the Business Outlook Index improved 1 point. The index stood at 109 compared to 108 in the previous quarter and 88 four quarters ago.
Clay's free dinner draws those facing hard times

Hundreds of people lined up around the block at Clay's Restaurant Wednesday for a free Thanksgiving dinner.