Some good news is starting to trickle in regarding cracked windshields and Kern County. We’ve learned of two people whose claims have been honored. Please let us know if you have filed a claim, and also tell us if you have received a voucher (send a note to Editor@MountainEnterprise.com).
We’ve heard from Mike Jensen of Piñon Pines— who was determined and angry about the cracks to the windshields of his family cars [like the one at right]. He has recently received a check from Kern County.
“When I sent my receipt in I asked the county counsel, Mark Nations, if I needed to go to small claims court. He replied that it was not necessary: ‘just send the receipt to Tom Newell and it would be taken care of,’ he said,” Jensen wrote.
“The county sent me a release of liability form to sign, which I did. I received full payment the following week. It took about 10 days mailing back and forth to get my check for $450.14. I have heard a few people have gotten vouchers to get their vehicles repaired at a glass shop in Bakersfield.
“My daughter is having a glass company come up Chumash Skills Wednesday to have her vehicles repaired. We’ll send in those receipts and expect the same process as mine. Thanks for all your support,” Mike Jensen concluded.
Here are additional reports:
February 8, 2012
Dear Editor:
We wanted to thank you for writing the article about the damaged windshields [“Broken Roads, Broken Windshields…Deja Vu,” The Mountain Enterprise, January 6, 2012 which told of a windshield-breaking epidemic after “chip and seal” road treatment in 1984 that almost resulted in a class action suit because Kern County refused to accept responsibility…until it changed its mind.—Editor]
My windshield was damaged on Christmas Day when I was on my way up to visit my parents. Less than a week later, I filled out a claim form and mailed it in. I really didn’t expect good news, but I figured that I would try anyway. Today, in the mail, I received a voucher for windshield replacement from Kern County.
Michele M.
February 13, 2012
Dear Editor:
I want you to know that I sent in a claim on January 26, 2012 along with pictures, registration info and a bid for replacing my windshield.
So now, February 13, I got my windshield replacement voucher, however they put the wrong model of car on it.
Interesting, how they want everything perfect on the forms they want from us, but they can’t return the favor.
I am going to call the windshield company and see if it matters. I also left a message with Tom Newell, letting him know of the problem. We will see if he calls back.
Has any one else received approval, voucher?
Susan Dunlap
Lake of the Woods
February 11, 2012
Dear Editor:
We filed a complaint with the county last week. We have two cars that have chips in their windshields and we have notified our insurance company. The Chevy truck was hit on October 25 and the Honda Accord on December 10.
This coming week the repairs will be done to stop any cracking that might occur this winter. We have had the cars for three years with no damage, we figure that the chip and seal project on Cuddy Valley Road and Frazier Mountain Park Road was the culprit since the chipping happened after the road work began.
Luckily the windshields only need repair, not replacement, and the fee is waived. To replace them would entail paying the $250 deductible.
I wanted the county to add us to the list of vehicles with windshield damage caused by the pebbles left in the roadway after the chip and seal work was started. Thanks for your help, Kathleen Lloyd, Pine Mouintain
This is part of the February 17, 2012 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.
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