A recent ruling by a judge on the Kern County Superior Court spells the end for a wall that has, since 2013, separated two southwest Bakersfield neighborhoods.
Erected by Michael Hansen, a Stockdale Estates homeowner, the cinderblock barrier on his private property blocks what was once a public walkway between his neighborhood and that of Amberton. Judge David R. Lampe’s decision will, according to Hansen’s attorney, be appealed, so the wall is not any immediate danger.
Despite news of the pending appeal, opponents of the wall are nevertheless thrilled with Judge Lampe’s ruling. The walkway blocked by the wall has for over a generation been used by children on their way to and from school, for walking dogs and for exercise.
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Hansen’s said he commissioned the wall to protect his property, after his house and car had been broken into on several occasions. In Amberton, the walkway was listed as a public easement but on the Stockdale Estates side there was no such designation, leaving room for interpretation.
Before rendering his decision, Judge Lampe heard from a number of witnesses for both sides; however, his decision was based on what he believed to be the crucial matter of whether or not the wall blocked a public right of way.
