In many organizations the bulk of safety training provided to employees, with the exception of reoccurring “re-fresher” training occurs during initial period of their employment; most commonly through the employee orientation. The Bureau of Land Manag . . .

California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) is one of California’s largest organizations with an important purpose-to punish individuals who break the law, and separate them from society to prevent them from committing another crime . . .

Over the past years, the issue of allowing a minor to obtain an abortion without parental involvement has become an ongoing battle for the State of California. According to statistics, California is the state with the most abortions a year. Moreover, . . .

Juvenile crime in California is a costly burden that affects all Californians. It is an economic drain to public funds and it has an emotional impact on the juveniles who commit the crimes, the victims they hurt, the families of both, and the communit . . .

Greenlining Institute (GI) raised public awareness regarding the distribution of California foundation funding received by minorities and low income people. GI is concerned with the low percentage of funding reaching the intended target populations. W . . .

A PROJECT FOR BREAKING THE GLASS CEILING WITHIN THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS AND REHABILITATION (CDCR): MINORITIES AND WOMEN HIRING AND ADVANCEMENT The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) is the organization tha . . .

Background The purpose of this comparative case study is to analyze how three California cities Bakersfield, Fresno, and Visalia, are using redevelopment programs and projects for inner city development to offset suburban development. For purposes of . . .

College athletics programs bring publicity and notoriety to their universities. The best athletics programs provide an avenue for alumni to create a lasting bond with the university and foster a sense of pride among students and communities. Universit . . .

California State University (CSU) intercollegiate athletic programs are faced with tough discussions every budget cycle. Budget discussions begin with the planning and forecasting of revenues and expenses. However, many revenue sources are decreasing . . .

Monitoring patient satisfaction is part of a balanced scorecard approach for the strategic management of health care organizations. As an evaluation of a public health care clinic, this study employed the use of a survey designed to measure patient sa . . .

This study presents both a descriptive and statistical analysis of the relationship between paramedic school admission standards and student attrition rates. The results of this study will be used by the Bakersfield College paramedic school to impleme . . .

An alarming problem is occurring in many healthcare institutions in the United States (U.S.) today. If not contained, the nursing shortage problem is anticipated to create bigger dilemmas in t he next decades. Therefore, the U.S. has an immediate need . . .

This qualitative study attempts to discover the risk factors associated with Elder Abuse and the best practices for successful implementation in the Long Term Care Industry. The body of related literature highlights the 30 year history of major US pol . . .

Organizations operate in changing environments that require detailed action plans in order to remain competitive. Strategic management is the facilitation of change within an organization. In managed care settings, where rapid change takes place, stra . . .

Recent legislative efforts, including the Accountable Care Act and the Mental Health Parity Act, represent attempts to improve and integrate care delivery systems in the United States. These efforts to reduce costs while improving the quality of, and . . .

Since the 1960s studies have shown that food allergies in children have grown from one in one-hundred to one in twenty children being diagnosed with some type of food allergy. While these studies give an insight into the severity of the issue they are . . .

For decades, a multitude of men and women have fought for women’s equality in regards to various aspects of life. Legislature not only gave women the right to vote, but the opportunity to be awarded the same privileges as men in athletics and higher e . . .

The United States is a country that is a melting pot of diversity. With so many cultures and ethnicities, the United States has created, reviewed, and implemented health care protocols and procedures to better accommodate the constant evolving demogra . . .

The purpose of this study is to identify barriers to health care for individuals in same-sex relationships, draw public attention to the inequalities individuals in same-sex relationships face and offer recommendations to eliminate them. The study was . . .

Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield has a problem; long wait times for patients being transported within the hospital. There are many risks associated with intra-hospital transportation including physiologic changes, equipment changes and staffing changes. . . .

For the past four years, the State of California has been divided. The California Medical Board has maintained jurisdiction over physicians for decades. Since 2007, the role of the California Medical Board has expanded to oversee physician-owned ambul . . .

Due to the link that has been established between obesity and processed and fast foods in America, recent research has emphasized examining the potential health benefits of providing nutrition information in fighting the nation‘s obesity epidemic. Nut . . .

(United States Department of Homeland Security, 2010) estimated in the country, the continuation of illegal immigration despite legislative, administrative, and enforcement initiatives over the last two decades represents a clear failure of national s . . .

The national and local economic crisis remains a serious concern to society. With one of the highest budget deficits nationwide, California Governor Edmund Gerald Brown, Jr. (Jerry Brown) is taking drastic budget saving measures. Numerous budget alloc . . .

The purpose of this study is to determine the nature of the Air Force suspense management policy gap, specifically how it affects the Air Force Research Laboratory, Propulsion Directorate-West (AFRL/RZ-West) suspense control program. Then devise three . . .

The purpose of this study is to create a guide for technical review board chairperson conducting technical review boards for rocket testing performed by the Air Force Research Laboratory‟s Space Missile Propulsion Division located at Edwards Air Force . . .

Type 2 Diabetes mellitus (DM) has reached epidemic proportions in the past several decades due to the advancing age of the population, an increased prevalence of obesity, and decreased physical activity. One in every 14 Americans has diabetes, and ano . . .

This work examines whether an increase in community or evidence-based mental health services for persons with a history of both mental illness and criminal justice system involvement would reduce the incarceration rate of this population. If such a co . . .

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporarily working in the United States on authorizations issued to international students. OPT allows students to remain in the country after completion of their education to obtain experiences in the professiona . . .

Many developments have kept the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act and the issue of undocumented college students in the news and on federal and state legislative agendas. There is an inevitable tide of growing undocumente . . .

The concern of this research is that the welfare system is frequently abused and more specifically abused by individuals with drug abuse problems. According to research presented in Drug Use Among Welfare Recipients in the United States “Drug Use is 5 . . .

With the increasing number of charter schools opening throughout the United States, researchers have designed studies to explore the operation of charter schools and how they measure up to educational performance. The majority of charter schools are i . . .

Since the first organization ventured onto social media, the median has proven to be a tour de force. According to Stone (2009), “The age of social media has empowered amateur journalists and fledgling presidents” through 140-character Tweets and “sta . . .

Educators today are responsible for student growth within the classroom atmosphere, just as they have been since the profession began. That has not change. What has changed is the attitude, the dedication, and the devotion that each individual gives t . . .

Electronic health care systems have mainly been utilized in professions other than health care such as customer relationship management and resource planning. However, up until recently more health care systems are exploring the pros and cons of an el . . .

The use of medical marijuana in the United States is a debatable issue due to the different perceptions the public holds. At the state and federal level, controversies also exist on marijuana’s therapeutic value. Under the Controlled Substances Act (C . . .

School vouchers promise to improve parental choice in offering a higher quality education for their child. The primary effect of school vouchers or school choice is its tendency to increase the educational gap between the middle and upper-income and t . . .

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is infinite problem throughout the world. Women more so than men endure brutal assault by the men they love, trust and depend on. With regard to race in research of Intimate Partner Violence, African American women are . . .

Significant changes are coming to the United States military. The repeal of DADT would call for the elimination of the military‘s ―Don‘t Ask, Don‘t Tell‖ policy and an official normalization of homosexuality within the U.S. armed forces, persons found . . .

The problem is the effectiveness of youth-offender programs. To gain consistent program outcomes that reduce recidivism rates there, the criminal justice system needs accurate measures of successful rehabilitation. Today youth-offender programs are no . . .

America’s future rests in the hands of juveniles. It is important to put a stop to the number of crimes being committed by juveniles and effectively rehabilitate them. Recidivism rates of juveniles released from detentions centers continues to remain . . .

According to Wyler (2008), weak and failing states are often in conflict, at risk of conflict, or newly emerging from conflict. Poor governance, corruption, and lack of basic public services impede their stability. They do not have effective control o . . .

Because foundations have tax-exemption from the IRS, it is expected that they will meet a need that is not being met by the government. However, there are many who believe that there is a discrepancy in foundational giving in California because the pe . . .

This case study analyzes the 2010 scandal in the Bell, CA regarding government salaries, property tax rates, and revenue collection practices. With an extensive literature review on transparency, accountability and access to public information, this s . . .

Individuals who struggle with a chronic and persistent mental illness can face many obstacles in coping with their daily lives. A community that embraces their mentally ill citizens can find that there can be a cohesive co-existence with these members . . .

In Law enforcement, there are dangers that police officers face on a daily basis. One stressor in particular, is an officer-involved shooting, also known as a critical incident. Currently, many law enforcement agencies are using a technique called Cri . . .

Tourism is a significant, sometimes vital part of a destination’s economy. Tourist spending supports jobs and helps cities thrive. For many years destination marketing and tourism promotion by Convention and Visitors Bureaus has been funded primarily . . .

There is an average of 6500 active cases which California Children’s Services (CCS) case manages for medical processing. CCS continues to use traditional paper charts and there is no tracking system to show which one of the over 50 staff members may h . . .

Government agencies throughout California face complicated issues with public employee defined benefit pension plans. Market earnings on pension investments have plummeted with the decline of the U.S. economy. This market downturn increases pension co . . .

Social media has permeated almost every aspect of the lives of anyone who utilizes the internet. Teachers and students are no exception. Students are most likely to use social media sites such as MySpace, Facebook and Twitter. This research focuses on . . .

A 2004 article in the Bakersfield Californian detailed the relationship the community of Kern County had with what the writer calls “throw away” animals. A subsequent series of articles revealed approximately 25,000 animals were being killed in the lo . . .

This policy analysis describes the current expenditures for inmates in California. Expenditures for inmates have not reduced since the state of California has cut back on many programs throughout the state to close the deficit. The goal of this policy . . .

The policy analysis was conducted to find that the use of cell phones while driving causes drivers to be distracted mentally, and visually causing an increase in automobile accidents. According to the findings the use of a cell phone while driving lea . . .

When a child is placed into foster care, the courts and dependency care systems focus on finding a safe haven for the child which means that the child’s education is often overlooked. The long-term effects of not considering the child’s educational ne . . .

Bridges Academy is an alternative education program designed to assist high-risk juveniles who are on probation in obtaining a high school education. This study was conducted in order to evaluate this programs effectiveness in reducing truancy. Past a . . .

In the field of public policy it is important for cities to make choices that provide safety and security for its citizens; to give them a place to live that offers housing, employment and amenities to enjoy. Cities should be fiscally responsible by m . . .

The soon to retire baby boomers are going to create a strain on the current elderly infrastructure in America. The following is a proposal for an assisted living facility in Mexico. If put into effect the outsourced assisted living facility will help . . .

This policy analysis researches the epidemic of childhood obesity in California and the state’s efforts to reduce obesity by banning competitive food and beverages in public schools. With an extensive literature review of obesity in California and the . . .

California has been facing a severe fiscal crisis for several years. The challenge before elected officials is providing services and balancing the budget. As the Governor and the Legislature work to solve a projected $26 billion budget deficit for fi . . .

The current Minimum Legal Drinking Age (MLDA) laws were created to save lives and deter underage drinking. Researchers have found that has been a steady occurrence of unsafe drinking practices among college-aged adults (18 to 24 year olds). The most c . . .

Senate Bill 899 was a partial success as it was able to lower the costs of workers’ compensation for California’s insurance carriers and employers. That 2004 reform bill led to a substantial reduction in overall claim volume by limiting the various ex . . .

At the forefront of the American political debate today is the issue of same-sex marriage. The significance of this research is to analyze the political discourse used by the proponents and opponents in the 2008 State of California Proposition 8 or (C . . .

Since 1994, California‟s three strikes law has been the most far-reaching of all the three strikes laws in the nation. While designed to incapacitate and deter violent habitual offenders from committing further violent crimes, the breadth of the law h . . .

Federal, state and local environmental regulatory agencies guide the activities of the City of Bakersfield Wastewater Industrial Pretreatment Program. The goals of one of those agencies, the California State Water Resources Control Board is to educate . . .

Law enforcement agencies are encountering dire financial constraints as the depressed economy continues to exist. These agencies are working with significantly reduced staffing levels with no immediately relief anticipated. The current circumstances h . . .

The state of California’s budget deficits have been a problem for decades. There are many signs and published reports demonstrating that financial stability is needed. The revenues for the state of California are volatile, the debt is growing out of c . . .

This study of the BCS is an evaluation of the current policies and guidelines’ governing collegiate football’s post-season. By focusing specifically on tax-exempt status bowls, this study highlights a disturbing trend among the individuals in charge o . . .

Summary Associated Students Incorporated at California State University Bakersfield is the student government on campus. ASI not only represents the students of CSUB, but also is a nonprofit organization 501(c) 3 corporation. ASI has never had progra . . .

Public institutions of all kinds are being subjected to more accountability by legislators, educators, the media, and taxpayers. But, U.S. colleges and universities that once enjoyed relative freedom from accountability have been increasingly in the s . . .

Healthcare in rural locations in America continues to draw disparities due to a myriad of issues including access issues, lack of physicians, and lack of facilities in rural locations. It is a pivotal time in the healthcare industry to ensure that the . . .

Chlamydia trachomatis is an intracellular bacterium that causes Chlamydia infections. It is the most common sexually transmitted disease, and is the most preventable cause of infertility in the United States. Since 1994, it has had the highest inciden . . .

This organization currently operates numerous Patient Service Centers where specimens are collected for clinical testing. Many times these sites are failing to meet the corporate standard of 15 minute patient wait times. The organization currently has . . .

In an effort to reduce sexual offenses against minors, the community, political leaders and the media have pushed for new measures and laws. In the process, laws such as Jessica's Law and Megan's Law have been produced, funneling hundreds of millions . . .

As of May 2013, the Community Action Partnership of Kern (CAPK) operates an Individual Development Account (IDA) program called Kern IDA in Bakersfield, California, alongside several partner organizations. Unfortunately, Kern IDA has suffered several . . .

This thesis is an evaluability assessment of the Public Safety Realignment Program (AB109) and its potential effect on recidivism. It is anticipated that given the absence of specific language on recidivism reduction in the overall program that the ef . . .

Since the turn of the century, the U.S. has become proactive in addressing the obesity epidemic that affects more than two-thirds of the adult population and 17% of children between the ages of two and nineteen (U.S. Dept. of HHS, 2013). However, as p . . .

California schools are suspending and expelling student at rates unprecedented in recent history, and Kern County is leading the way. During the 2010-2011 school year, Kern County averaged thirty-one suspensions for every one hundred students, and the . . .

California has one of the most expensive workers compensation systems in the nation. Employers pay a high premium to carry a workers compensation policy. In California, if employers do not carry any workers compensation they can be subject to high fin . . .

In October 2011, California Governor Jerry Brown signed into law Assembly Bill 109. The law mandates that individuals sentenced to non-serious, non-violent or non-sex offenses serve their sentences in county jails instead of state prison. Since its im . . .

The needs of victims of family violence are more than often unmet. Victims of abuse require a skill set, programming, and help from many individuals to overcome the struggles abuse has caused. They live a constant life of struggle, trauma, and physiol . . .

Kern County, particularly Bakersfield, is experiencing an influx of participants in the underground economy. The underground economy encompasses, for purposes of this study, street vendors of food whose earnings go unregulated. Agencies such as the Ke . . .

There is an epidemic facing today’s youth, that if not acted upon could cause today’s youth to be the first generation to be the first generation to lot out live the previous generation. The epidemic that is facing today’s youth is childhood obesity. . . .

Public pensions in the United States have faced unprecedented reforms in recent years. From the smallest special district to the largest states in the union, from the state of Florida all the way to Alaska, public entities across the county have made . . .

The purpose of this research project is to examine the different stressors or indicators of burnout for 911 dispatchers working for both law enforcement organizations as well as fire personnel in the County of Kern. This is a master’s thesis applied r . . .

The purpose of this research is to recommend a program proposal to combat cyberbullying. Bullying in school used to end when the bell rang. Now, with the advancements in technology, comes instantaneous and anonymous ways for cyberbullies to torment th . . .

The two main causes of childhood obesity consuming more refined, high-calorie foods and being less physically active. Research has found contributing factors that cause lower rates of physical activity are excessive video games and television, unsafe . . .

“In pursuit of CSUB’s vision and our commitment to serve the Southern San Joaquin Valley, individuals enrolled in our Department of Public Policy, and Administration (PPA) programs engage in learning experiences to develop new skills and expertise tha . . .

The DREAM Act has endured a tumultuous journey since its introduction in 2001. The bill has survived multiple revisions, additions to other bills and finally stands alone, as a bill that was a few votes shy of becoming a reality for the Dreamers. Many . . .

Today there is a great debate on the legalization of marijuana. Although the legalization of marijuana is of great importance, this paper is not an argument for the legalization of marijuana. This paper is simply an analysis of the current policies re . . .

The Golden Empire Chapter of the Air & Waste Management Association (AWMA) is a professional organization that provides a continuing education and networking forum for environmental professionals in Kern County. Its goals are to promote environmental . . .

Hydraulic Fracturing has been around for over a hundred years and practiced in the oil field industry. It wasn’t until recently with the big boom in hydraulic fracturing that raised controversy over the regulations involved in fracturing. Part of the . . .

America’s middle class has been shrinking in size and median income due to decades of income inequalities and financial discrepancies. Median-income households have been earning less due to income inequalities that have led to exceeding debt levels an . . .

Cases of trauma being caused by distracted driving are increasing. The following is a sample of plans that can be used to end this problem and the rationale for implementing these plans. While conducting presentations at local area schools, KMC can e . . .

Within recent years, there has been a significant increase in shootings throughout the United States of America. In an effort to prevent the next shooting from occurring, and to keep the United States of America a safer place to live, a policy proposa . . .

In the United States there are millions of illegal immigrants apprehended each year at the border. There are three borders through which immigrants try to enter this country and they are the Coastal Border, Northern Border, and Southwest Border. Over . . .

Immigration had become the culture of America. American history mainly builds by the diversity of immigrants from different places around the world. The first immigrant groups came from Europe which later expanded to immigrants from different continen . . .

After more than a decade, the United States is still struggling to address the academic achievement gap between Hispanic and White students. Addressing this issue is critical considering that a large number of Hispanic college graduates will be needed . . .

California Department of Education’s (CDE) mission is to “provide a world-class education for all students, from early childhood to adulthood. The Department of Education serves our state by innovating and collaborating with educators, schools, parent . . .

For the past several years, the United States has had an issue with drug trafficking. Drug smugglers continue to make persistent efforts to get supply Americans with illicit drugs. They conceal drugs in cargo shipments, vehicles, and hidden compartmen . . .

Domestic violence has been a social issue for many years and response to this problem the Alliance Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault (AAFVSA) was founded by a group of volunteers. The AAFVSA is a nonprofit organization that began by operating . . .