Darla Baker

Writer at The Daily Independent (Ridgecrest, CA)

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Articles

Women's Center now equipped to shelter clients with doggies

Dec 4, 2024 | ridgecrestca.com | Darla Baker

One of the most heartbreaking decisions victims of domestic violence have to make is what to do with their family pets when seeking shelter from the storm. In fact, many victims of abuse historically feel they have no choice but to remain in a violent situation out of fear their beloved pets will be harmed if left behind should they attempt to escape.
Sundown on Balsam lauded a success

Dec 4, 2024 | ridgecrestca.com | Darla Baker

Retailers along Balsam Street were joined by a number of vendors Saturday evening for the first Sundown on Balsam event. With mild temperatures and calm winds, many holiday shoppers came out and took advantage of Small Business Saturday and received great deals from the retailers as well as pick up unique Christmas gifts. Two bands were found playing at both ends of the streets to entertain the steady flow of shoppers, who also dined on cuisine served up by favorite food vendors.
PHOTO GALLERY: Central Point celebrates Small Business Saturday

Dec 4, 2024 | ridgecrestca.com | Darla Baker

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Word on the Street: Did you shop locally for Black Friday?

Nov 30, 2024 | ridgecrestca.com | Darla Baker

It would appear the days of long lines of shoppers waiting for local stores to open for Black Friday sales is fast becoming a thing of the past. Although many local retailers were featuring good bargains on Friday, the hustle and bustle, pushing and shoving and camping overnight in front of stores was nowhere to be found the day after Thanksgiving. The Daily Independent asked local shoppers if they did the bulk of their holiday shopping on what was once notoriously the bargain of the year day.
Grand marshal announced for 55th Annual Children's Christmas Parade

Nov 27, 2024 | ridgecrestca.com | Darla Baker

It's going to be another holly jolly Christmas thanks to the Ridgecrest Elks Lodge #1913!Recently the Elks Lodge announced this year's grand marshal of the 55th Annual Children's Christmas Parade will be Candee Coffee of C and C Training Stables, who operates Therapeutic Horsemanship of Ridgecrest (THOR). "I was very flattered when I found out I was nominated as the grand marshal," Coffee said. This year’s theme is “A Toyland Christmas.” The parade will be held on Saturday, Dec.
Body of missing Trona man found

Nov 25, 2024 | ridgecrestca.com | Darla Baker

The body of a Trona man who was first reported missing Nov. 16 was found by authorities Friday evening. Mark Farmer, 64, was reported missing by his family after leaving his home to go to a friend's house and then his girlfriend's house but did not show up at either location. Farmer was driving his red ATV at the time he was reported missing after having wrecked his vehicle the week prior in a traffic collision.
CLOTA to present 'A Bigfoot Christmas Special'

Nov 24, 2024 | ridgecrestca.com | Darla Baker

Let me ask you a question... Do you believe in Bigfoot? Local thespians of the CLOTA Center Stage are asking you to open up your imagination and your heart for an encounter of a hairy kind with the upcoming production of "Tis the Season to Believe: A Bigfoot Christmas Special."Monica Dwyer first wrote and directed the comedy filled with zany characters in 2023. Originally titled "Close Encounters of the Hairy Kind," the production will return and has been since aptly named for the new season.
Photos with Santa held at the Animal Shelter

Nov 23, 2024 | ridgecrestca.com | Darla Baker

Each year, the Ridgecrest Animal Shelter kicks off the holiday season with the annual Pets with Santa event in the parking lot of the shelter. The event will continue through until 2 p.m. Saturday, so get your pictures while you can. In attendance was Ridgecrest Police Chief Mario Ysit and Shelter Director Mary Stage as well as other shelter staff employees and volunteers. California Breakfast Burritos appeared with their cutest donkeys decked out for the holidays.
North Pole of Ridgecrest to open Thanksgiving evening

Nov 22, 2024 | ridgecrestca.com | Darla Baker

As soon as you clear away the Thanksgiving dishes Thursday, Nov. 28, the public is invited to the grand reveal of the North Pole of Ridgecrest starting at 5 p.m.Each year, the Head Elf (Tony Malone) pulls out all the stops in decorating his family's home located at 713 Alene St. In fact, the decorations are so extravagant that Malone has been the winner or finalist for the past several years in The Daily Independent's annual Christmas Light Display Contest.
Salvation Army equipped to rescue food with purchase of new van

Nov 21, 2024 | ridgecrestca.com | Darla Baker

Recently, the Salvation Army collaborated with the city of Ridgecrest for the purchase of a new refrigerated van valued at $70,000, which will be used to rescue fresh food. The donation was made possible through a secured grant. "The Salvation Army invested $17,500 from corps vehicle reserves," said Captain Gina Noble of the SB1383 FRV Food Rescue Vehicle.