>>>Check all the photos out

The Kern County Hispanic Chamber's annual Casino Night at Golden West Casino was FUN, FUN, FUN! About 150 people attended the fun evening on Friday, May 16 and enjoyed a great buffet dinner, visiting with old friends, and of course a little friendly gambling with play money. The DJ provided music all evening and many couples took the opportunity to dance to the lively music. There were dozens of prizes for the silent auction. The whole crowd enjoyed bidding on the various gift packages and it was all for a good cause -- to benefit the chamber's small business programs.

>>>Check all the photos out

The chamber recently held their 10th annual Latin Food Festival and Menudo Cook-off on Sunday, June 1 at Stramler Park. And what an event it was. Estimates are that between 4,000 and 5,000 people were in attendance throughout the day. There were nearly 30 contestants vying for the $500 first prize for the best Menudo. In addition to that, there were 13 other vendors selling everything from t-shirts to hats, to clothing and posters, and several non-profit organizations distributing information about their services.

And food! -- Ahh, the food was great. The Democratic Women of Kern County had the Menudo booth and sold gallons and gallons of delicious Menudo, hot tortillas, and all the condiments that go with it. Then there were about six other food vendors selling everything from carne asada tacos, to chili verde burritos, to tostadas, hot dogs, snow cones, and even pizza. The lines at the food booths never stopped all day. Then of course there were the delicious margaritas, ice cold beer and soft drinks to wash it all down.

By Jessica Hawthorne

Beginning July 1, tens of thousands of drivers in California may be surprised by a $20 ticket for talking on their mobile phone. That's when the state's new law goes into effect. For subsequent offenses it's $50.

Separate legislation that becomes law the same day prohibits all drivers under 18 from using any mobile device at all while driving -- emergency calls exempted.

But that's not the real issue for businesses. No, the bigger problem is liability. And it could cost businesses much more than $50.