Quantcast
Channel: KGET: Local News
Viewing all 5606 articles
Browse latest View live

Estranged wife of Kern County Sheriff describes police dog mauling

0
0

A Bakersfield attorney has filed a federal lawsuit against the city of Bakersfield, three months after the estranged wife of Kern County Sheriff Donny Youngblood was mauled by a police dog. For the first time, Victoria Youngblood talked about the vicious attack.

Youngblood was sleeping in her bedroom alone, when police officers walked into her southwest Bakersfield home to serve a search warrant, after her son Aaron was arrested on Easter Sunday.

Victoria Youngblood's wavy blonde hair falls past her shoulders. She wouldn't let us see her ear. You would never know underneath her long locks are scars from the April attack.

Youngblood, who suffers from severe rheumatoid arthritis, was sick with the flu. She said she took some medicine and went to bed early.

"What I believed this to be a dream, in seeing this wolf, it was like silhouetted and it passed me by and it disappeared into the darkness. The last thing I remembered of what I believed to be a dream," said Victoria Youngblood.

Youngblood said she felt the police K-9 clamp down on her head. "I'm feeling the crunch of my own skull. I'm feeling repetitively gnawing at me, gnawing at my ear, crunching my head. I was screaming at the top of my lungs. I had no idea what was happening to me. The pain was absolutely excruciating," she continued.

Youngblood said she screamed and then she heard a voice. "Get him off. Get him off of her," she explained.

Youngblood described a tug of war between officers and the dog. "I remember my head was down and the blood was dripping down and I'm being shaken and all of a sudden I'm getting a barrage of questions," she said.

According to Victoria Youngblood, officers were asking her questions about her son, Aaron Youngblood. The 28-year-old had been arrested earlier that day after police found him asleep in his truck. They searched the truck and another vehicle and found weapons, drugs and stolen property.

Aaron Youngblood was sentenced to nine months in jail. But, his mother was left with permanent damage to her ear. She may never get her hearing back. "It still feels I'm carrying around a pressure device on my head. I get shooting sensations of shards of glass or razor blades or glass," said Youngblood.

Attorney Daniel Rodriguez represents Victoria Youngblood. He filed a federal lawsuit against the city Thursday afternoon.

"We filed a claim with the city and it was rejected, denied, and they said no liability. We didn't have any choice but to file it in Federal court. That's the only way we're going to get the Bakersfield Police Department to number one, follow their own rules and number two, hopefully change their policies," said Rodriguez.

"I know what happened to me should never happen to anyone," said Youngblood.

Bakersfield City Attorney Ginny Genarro told 17 News she did not have a copy of the lawsuit as of Thursday evening.


Spike in burglaries: Prison realignment to blame?

0
0

Kern County is dealing with a spike in break-ins and burglaries. With summer here, Sheriff's deputies say the number of thefts are expected to get worse. Could the increase be linked to the state's prison realignment plan?

Burglaries are up this year in the city and especially the county. County Probation says the increase may be tied to the number of inmates getting out of jail early.

Security footage from a medical clinic in northeast Bakersfield shows a brazen burglar ready for his closeup. He pulls a flathead screwdriver from his pocket and cuts the cord on the camera outside California Medical Clinic.

"It's very frustrating because you feel like 'What can I do? What should I do?' I was looking for that guy," said Dr. Harjeet Singh.

Dr. Singh says the same burglar would strike again less than three weeks later. "We have conversations with people we arrest who say now is the time to commit crime because the sentencing is not significant," said Lt. Laura Lopez, Kern County Sheriff's Department.

The burglar in the video from the clinic was never caught, but those who are captured no longer get sent to state prison. They do time in our local jails.

"There is no room in the jail to hold everybody. They're holding the most serious offenders. The ones that are actually serving time do very little time in jail," said David Kuge, Chief Probation Officer.

They do little time in jail because of realignment. It has been nine months since Assembly Bill 109, the prison realignment plan, went into effect. Responsibility for supervising parolees has shifted from the state to counties.

"If they take their full sentence here, they know they're only going to serve several months and get out. Three or four months in custody is very little time as far as they're concerned," explained Kuge.

"That is a problem. Folks don't see the penalties being that significant. And, I don't have a quick fix for that," said Lt. Lopez.

In Kern County, residential burglaries for the first six months of this year, compared to the first six months of last year are up 32 percent. Burglaries at businesses have also spiked 8 percent. In the city, burglaries have gone up 12 percent.

"Quite honestly we can't pinpoint a definite answer as to why the burglaries are increasing. I think we need to go hand in hand considering the economy. Here it is summer, people have time on their hands, we have unemployment rates. The community is victim of crimes of opportunity," said Lt. Lopez.

Dr. Singh hopes someone recognizes the man in his security video so another business doesn't get burglarized. "We still have his ladder. He left his ladder here," he noted. 

Probation officers tell 17 News the effect of realignment will take months to track. They are looking at who is re-offending, which programs work, and where there is a gap in services.

Car owners irate over towed vehicles

0
0

Several people attending Wednesday night's Hispanic Chamber of Commerce mixer say their cars were towed. And, they feel targeted because they parked behind the Federal Immigration Building.

"They had about five or six tow trucks and they were taking them two at a time," said Dr. Thomas Martinez.

Dr. Martinez was one of many irate car owners who found their ride hitched to the back of a Payless Tow truck.

"A car company is now towing all of our vehicles," said Brandon Manning.

"I looked out and they had my car hooked up," said Dr. Martinez.

"They just wanted our money from what I can see," said Eddie Ochoa.

About 150 people were at Jacalito Grill for the mixer. Some were parked behind the restaurant at 900 Truxtun Ave. But, with such a large event others spilled over to parking behind the Federal Immigration Building on 800 Truxtun Ave. But, the signs there warn they were towed at the owners expense.

"I thought well it's after five. They are closed. We aren't interrupting with their business hours or anything," said Dr. Martinez.

A Payless Towing representative declined to speak to us on camera. 17 News did learn the company is contracted to keep the space behind the Immigration Building clear so buses can come through. If a bus is scheduled to arrive or leave, guards will call them to clear a path.

"What amazes me is I don't even understand how the Federal Building can have private parking because it's my tax dollars that built that building," said Manning.

The upset car owners we spoke with were also concerned with various prices they were quoted to release their cars.

"They were actually asking people, 'You pay me $100 and I'll drop it.' But, everyone else, I just paid $315," said Manning.

"And, he said 'You know what, I'm going to charge you an extra hundred bucks for being an (expletive)," said Dr. Martinez.

Martinez was not charged the extra money, but was charged $120 to take his car off the tow truck. Other vehicle owners whose cars were towed away were charged nearly double that.

Payless Towing says prices do vary depending on service. And, Bakersfield Police say it's up to the towing company whether to unload a car once it's secured. And, the owner of Jacalito Grill, Nieves Rubio, wants to be sure another night like Wednesday doesn't happen again.

"Oh, lesson well learned. It's unfortunate. I would hope that we all share a common, are asked to move their cars instead of just towing them. I wish that we would all give each other the courtesy," said Rubio.

An author relects on the peaks and "Vallies" of life

0
0
It's a story about a child who was abused both sexually and physically by multiple adults.

Unfortunately, it's not a work of fiction.

It’s the story of Adam Rendon, and it’s been getting a lot of attention nationwide recently.

Thursday night Rendon greeted readers at a book signing at the Metro Galleries downtown, with a smile and a handshake, showing no signs of a past littered with abuse.

He says he has his book to thank for that, and for a few other changes as well.

17 News first met Rendon five months ago. His book, called "The Vallie," was relatively new at the time.

But since then, it's been featured in gift bags handed out at the Oscars. And Rendon has been featured on CNN as a commentator, discussing the mentality of abuse victims involved in the Jerry Sandusky scandal at Penn State.

"The difference now is I'm getting noticed," said Rendon. "I've been on some big shows recently. And I go out to places and people are like, 'I think I know you.' And I'm like, 'You probably do.'"

But the tangible changes in Rendon’s life these past few months pale in comparison to the changes he’s undergone in his outlook on life.

His book, which details how he was sexually abused by two female neighbors when he was six and physically abused by his father throughout his childhood, is a tell-all.

But for Rendon, writing it was a cure-all.

"Since then I've been happy," he says. "I haven't had to lie."

Those "lies" included pretending for years that he wasn't abused as a child. Also, he lied about his sexuality for years, afraid to admit he was gay.

Those lies are the reason the word "Valley" is instead spelled "Val-lie."

Having to tell those lies because he was afraid to admit the truth was also the reason Rendon finally broke down and wrote his tell-all.

"It was Jenga," said Rendon, referring to the building-blocks game. "It was like they were pulling the last log and they pulled it, and I fell apart. And out of that I ended up telling people, yeah, this is me."

Today, Rendon says he’s no longer afraid of the future or the past.

"I'm full and wholesome and living life as best I can," he says.

Note: Rendon's book details his personal account of what happened to him as a child. Neither his neighbors nor his father were charged.
 

Final workshop on 24th Street widening

0
0
Bakersfield's Downtown Business Association will hold their final workshop Saturday to educate the public about the 24th Street widening project.

At last week's workshop, ideas were reviewed from the community and tomorrow, local architects will provide visuals with the potential ideas discussed.

The public is asked attend the workshop. It will be held Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon at the Westchester Hall on F Street next to the Village Grill.

You can call the DBA for more information at 661-325-5892
 

Man wanted for bothering children

0
0
Police are looking for a man suspected of bothering children in central Bakersfield. A 15-year-old girl says she was walking to school Thursday morning in the 14 hundred block of Union Avenue when a man in a parked vehicle told her to get in. The girl refused and kept walking.

A couple of blocks later, the suspect pulled up next to the girl and again told her to get in his car. She pretended to call police and the suspect drove away.

The suspect is described as a white male in his 30s, medium build, with brown hair and blue eyes. He was driving a faded white small pickup truck.

If you have any information that could help police, call them at 661-327-7111.
 

How to find out if your information has been stolen

0
0
It's a security breach at Yahoo---a big one. A hacker group known as D33D Company has claimed responsibility for stealing more than 450,000 Yahoo e-mail addresses and passwords and leaking them on the Internet.
It's definitely a risk for identity theft, you know people online shop a lot and you have your credit cards out there.

In a statement, Yahoo says just a small fraction of the stolen passwords were valid - because they came from an "old file." Still, while yahoo works to patch its security hole, there's a way to figure out if yours was some of the info stolen.

Just go to this website, www.shouldichangemypassword.com and plug in your e-mail address. They promise not to store your info--but they will let you know if you've been breached and advise you to change your password right away.

"Like I said you can trust them, but just change your password: like I said don't have the same password for 10 years."

And use unique passwords for every website, so hackers can't raid your bank account if they steal your password from another site. Plus, don't use common words or phrases to protect your accounts.

An analysis published by a Swedish security expert indicates the top five most-selected passwords include "password," "123456." 1.2.3.4.5.

That's the stupidest password I've ever heard. Like something someone would have on their luggage. I mean you would be surprised by how many people's password is just password, or admin, or just left blank, and that's a huge security risk.

"What's the combination? 12345. That's amazing, I have the same combination on my luggage." Just a few simple steps could keep your information and identity online safe.

Study: Pets making your kids healthier

0
0
Meet the newest member of Mary Jane Gonzalez's family a two-month-old chihuahua mix named Flash. The Gonzalez's just adopted flash from the SPCA. "It's exciting to see how their faces light up and having a new addition to the family."

Flash is the seventh dog the Gonzalez's have adopted. And for 18-year-old Victoria, having pets is big a part of her life.
"I've grown up pretty much loving all animals. People ask me if I'm a dog person or a cat person and I'm like, I like both of them."

And it turns out, so does her immune system. Victoria says she doesn't have any allergies or asthma and says she doesn't seem to get as sick as other people. "There will be people all around me at school getting this bug and if I get it at all I'll usually be one of the last people to get it, if i get it at all."

Doctors say pets already carry different germs and dander that can help kick start an infant's immune system. But pets also bring in dirt and microbes from outside that helps an immune system develop even more. "If the pets are outside more often than they're inside, it may decrease their dander exposure as far as allergens go, but it might bring in some germs that maybe the baby isn't being, especially in the United States exposed to and may promote his immune system to attack these germs," says Dr. Kaye Sykes, pediatrician.  

But there is a clear line between what germs your infant should and should not be exposed to.  A good rule is: avoid germs that come directly from people who are sick. "Most of the germs you get from them are contagious and they do make you sick.  As far as taking them outside to the park and letting them play and letting the dogs lick them in the face, oh my God my mother would of died, don't be so concerned about it."

And the more infant's are exposed to earlier in life, the theory is, the better off they'll be as they grow up. Doctors also say you don't have to be so worried about the five second rule either when it comes to dropping things on the floor. The germs there will actually help build a baby's immune system even more.

Bakersfield woman marks somber anniversary

0
0
Diane and Bill Galloway shared 41 years of marriage together, inseparable best friends even through their final battle.  "My husband Bill Galloway was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2009. My only knowing of pancreatic cancer that it was a death sentence if you were diagnosed with it."

Seventeen months later, July 9, 2010, Bill passed from the disease. "We had time to say goodbye. So many people have no chance to say goodbye. We were really blessed."      

According to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, 74% diagnosed with pancreatic cancer die within the first year, and only 6% of patients live more than 5 years past diagnosis.

Those statistics prompted Diane to attend the pancreatic cancer advocacy day in Washington D.C.  Over 650 people, including Lisa Swayze, wife of the late Patrick Swayze who died of the disease. "And as far as I'm concerned, I'm going to kick pancreatic cancers butt."

They tried to convince lawmakers to allocate more money for research. Out of the over $5 billion budget the national cancer institute got in 2010, just over $97 million went to pancreatic cancer research. "It's just so sad. It's unacceptable that there is not a plan in place for our people out there. we have a lot of people in Kern County," adds Galloway.  

"Roughly about 3-4 percent of our cancer patients are pancreatic cancer patients," says Julie Leach with Comprehensive Blood and Cancer Center.   

She says while there have been cancer research advancements, detecting pancreatic cancer is still hard. "Where it might just be a CT scan now, it might be something simple that someone can do for screening in the next few years that would locate a pancreatic cancer when it's very early or better yet, find a genetic marker that shows you are more inclined to have it."

That's why Diane will continue fighting, wearing her purple, pushing for more pancreatic cancer research-and honoring her late husband. "The patients that are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer can at last have other options and at last they can have some hope."

Drum line coach heads to prison

0
0
A former high school drum line coach was sentenced to 16 months in prison Friday for having sex with a student. Police say 27-year-old Jorge Brodt gave his students alcohol and engaged in a consensual sex act with a 16-year-old girl. But Brodt will not have to register as a sex offender.

"It does appear that his level of maturity based on his age doesn't match. He's immature for his age," said Judge Chip Brehmer.

Judge Chip Brehmer called it a horrible one time, decision. He said while that doesn't excuse what Brodt did, having him register as a sex offender wouldn't be appropriate.

"It's just one of those things, that somebody isn't as mature as their age would say and somebody might be more mature then their age would say and they did what comes naturally," said Kyle Humphrey, Brodt's attorney.

According to police, Brodt invited three teenage girls to his house last summer. Officers say he served them vodka and tequila and engaged in consensual oral sex with a 16-year-old girl.

"Our position was he should have registered as a sex offender. The facts of the case, that alcohol was involved and he was in a position of authority," explained Esther Schlaerth, Deputy District Attorney.

Brodt was originally charged with a felony, oral copulation with a minor under the age of 18, along with three misdemeanor charges of contributing to the delinquency of three children. Brodt pleaded no contest last month to a charge of oral copulation with a minor. In exchange, the other charges were dismissed. The victim and her family didn't want Brodt to register as a sex offender.

"The young lady who was 16 at the time, knew that regardless of society's random drawing of lines saying people under a certain age can't have thoughts of their own, she knew that it was a mutual incident, and she didn't want to be responsible for ruining a man's life forever," noted Humphrey.

The California Supreme court ruled it's no longer mandatory for someone convicted of felony oral copulation with a minor to register as a sex offender.
If the victim is 16 or older, it is up to the the court to decide whether the defendant has to register.

"We were looking at several factors including is the crime he committed for sexual gratification? What is his likelihood of re-offending?" said Schlaerth.

Judge Brehmer said Brodt had a low to moderate risk of re-offending. Schlaerth said Brodt will not be able to teach again once he gets out of prison.

Dog detects local woman's cancer

0
0
To Catherine Ross, her 125-pound English Mastiff, is a guardian angel.

"These are her angel wings, she earned them," says Ross as she touches the light patches of fur on her dog Emma's shoulders.

When Ross got Emma as a puppy to make her feel safer in her downtown Bakersfield home, she never knew just how much protection her new pet would provide.

"She would sniff my breast and paw me and cry and cry and cry. It went on day after day after day."

Turns out it's pretty hard to ignore a dog the size of Emma, so when Ross saw her doctor next, she mentioned the strange behavior. "He said wait, come back here. He said where exactly is the dog doing that? I showed him the spot, he examined me and said, do you want my medical advice? He said, keep the dog."

It was cancer. Within weeks Ross went in for a mastectomy.

Dr. Ravi Patel, with Comprehensive Blood and Cancer Center, didn't treat Ross, but says science proves this isn't just a fluke. "Some of the first reports of this came out in 1989," he said. 

Dogs have a sense of smell so strong, Dr. Patel says they can detect up to a trillionth of a particle. "There are things in cancer called bio-markers. They are these chemicals we detect in the blood to see if there's activity of cancer. There are bio-markers in your breath which dogs can detect," he said.

Going forward, Dr. Patel says one day there may be an application for this peculiar talent. "They could develop gadgets that would simulate that sense of smell, and that could be used to detect cancer."

But, while Dr. Patel doesn't recommend replacing CAT scans and PET scans with dog scans, he says you should take note if man's best friend seems to insist something is strange.

Ross, who calls Emma a friend and a family member, is sure glad she did. She was diagnosed with cancer a second time, and, once again, she says Emma alerted her to it. She is now undergoing treatment.

Chick-Fil-A Appreciation Day draws a crowd of supporters

0
0
Call it a reverse boycott.

Lines of cars and people surrounded Chick-Fil-A in Bakersfield and across the country Wednesday. It's for what's been dubbed "Chick-Fil-A Appreciation Day" by some Republican leaders. And, comes after the restaurant's CEO, Dan Cathy, made a statement to a Baptist journal that has become controversial among gays and lesbians and their supporters.

He said, "We are very much supportive of family, the Biblical definition of a family unit. We are married to our first wives. We give thanks for that."

Workers ran to keep up with the orders. And, outside the Chick-Fil-A, more orders were coming in, as lines of people braved the heat and clogged intersections for Chick-Fil-A Appreciation Day.

"Uh, it's insane," said customer Sherrie Lewis. 

"It's kind of out of my way where I live and work. But, today I did and probably in the next couple of months I'll be doing it as well," added Angelo Frazier.

6:25:55 "They're standing up for what they believe in, and I support that," said Nick Frey.

The show of support comes after the Christian-based company's CEO made comments on his business's stance on marriage. It outraged supporters of the gay and lesbian community.

"The executives of Chick-Fil-A have actually chosen to hide behind the rhetoric that they are family-oriented when, in fact, they are not supporting all families," said Matt Guenther with PFLAG.

Guenther is boycotting the company along with many supporters of the gay and lesbian community, calling the CEO's comments destructive.

"By driving a wedge between two groups you prevent that mutual regard for each other and you prevent the ability to exchange ideas and to find common ground," said Guenther. 

The crowds in Bakersfield were copied by similar shows of support across the country.

"I'm going to stay away from these organizations because they don't respect me as an individual and they actively try to hurt me," said Guenther. 

A statement from the restaurant's executives emphasized they did not create the Appreciation Day, but they appreciate all of the customers and are happy to serve them at any time.

Environmentalists try to stop wind turbine project

0
0
A plan to install 100 more wind turbines in the mountains north of Mojave will move forward despite protests from environmentalists.

The environmentalists sought a court-ordered delay on the project amid fears the turbines could strike and kill the protected California Condor.

A YouTube video from Greece demonstrates what, environmentalists say, is their worst fear about wind turbines, the danger to wildlife.

"The condor is an important issue to all three of the groups I represent," said Babak Naficy who represents the Sierra Club and a coalition of environmental groups that sued North Sky River Energy over the company's plans to install 100 wind turbines in an area north of Mojave, inhabited by the California Condor.

"Ware spending a lot of money and a lot of resources to bring the condor back from the brink of extinction, and now that its range has increased and it is going to be very likely using the project site, we are very concerned there are going to be fatalities," said Naficy.

On Wednesday morning, Judge William Palmer turned down an initial bid to put the project on hold.

"We are disappointed, but we will forge ahead."

Attorneys for the wind project declined to be interviewed, but told the judge the company is on a year-end construction deadline to receive a federal tax incentive.
he project puts environmentalists in an unusual position: opposing a clean energy project amid fear it may do more harm than good.

The North Sky River Project is well underway, with company lawyers informing the judge that they've already built roads, graded 75 spots and built foundations for 11 turbines.

The project would sit north of the Pine Tree Wind Farm, which the Fish and Wildlife Service identifies as among the nation's most deadly: responsible for almost 1,600 bird deaths a year, including eight federally-protected golden eagles.

"They also feel that mortality, death of many many birds is acceptable to them, and we think this project will have unacceptably high impact on birds bats and other species," said Naficy.

The judge will rule in October whether the project should be permanently shutdown.

Hundreds donate blood at drive outside KGET studios

0
0
Blood supplies tend to fall during the summer and Houchin Blood Bank needs help getting through the lean months.

That's why KGET teamed with Houchin on Wednesday for the 6th annual community-wide blood drive.

It was a busy day for workers at 22nd and L Streets, as the mobile blood bank was parked and ready for people to roll up their sleeves.

Every summer, many regular blood donors are too busy to give blood or they head out of town. And, that means our local blood supply starts to dwindle.

To combat the problem, during the month of August, blood mobiles travel the county.

"This is a 20-day event. It runs from August 1st to August 20th, and anyone who donates over the 20 days has a chance to win a grand prize of a Disney vacation. We are giving away a $100 fuel card each day for 17 days, and we have a $250 gift card to Outdoor Galore," said Tracy Hunter, Houchin Community Blood Bank.

Ruby Willis started giving blood in 1982, and to date, she has donated two gallons.

"I've met people that get transfusions, and I didn't realize, I know how important it is, but I didn't realize how important it is for new babies, preemies. And, so it's helping a lot of people," said Willis.

People come out for various reasons, but in the end they help people in our community who are in dire need of blood.

Houchin Blood Bank takes all blood types, but there are certain ones that are in extra demand.

"Today we are really looking for O-, A-, and A+. So if you haven't been out in a while and you want to do something great for your community, come on out and fill up your summer because we really need O-, A-, and A+," said Hunter.

If you didn't make it on Wednesday, you can always donate at Houchin Blood Bank, and there are other drives across the county as well.

Hit and run suspect talks about why he left the scene of fatal crash

0
0

A Bakersfield man was arrested and sits behind bars, facing a felony hit and run charge in connection with a car crash that claimed a 22-year-old man's life. It is the fourth major car accident in Kern County in the past few days.

Jose Arreyque-Andrade told 17 News from jail, that he left the scene because he went home to get his shoes, but he intended to come back. Police caught him at his house before he could return.

22-year-old Myron Adolfo Canchan-Barrios's family will never see him again. He was killed at 8:30 p.m. Tuesday while riding his motorcycle in central Bakersfield at Chester Ave. and 1st St. "He came so fast I didn't see it," said Arreyque-Andrade.

Police say Arreyque-Andrade collided with Barrios in the intersection, then took off. "I got scared so I left, so I parked the car at my house. I got no shoes on so I was going to put my shoes on and come back," he said.

Police later arrested Arreyque-Andrade at his home. He faces a felony hit and run charge. "I think it was wrong what I did, really wrong. It's pretty dumb. I should have stayed there," noted Arreyque-Andrade.

Arreyque-Andrade said he had a 40-ounce beer at dinner, but after the crash he was under the legal limit. Police say he was driving without a drivers license.

Arreyque-Andrade's license was suspended in 2008 after he was convicted of DUI. "I wasn't supposed to be driving. I need to work and survive," he said.

Instead of working, Arreyque-Andrade is facing more time behind bars with a heavy heart. "I know how the people feel. I feel the same way when my wife got killed in a car accident 12 years ago," he explained.

Two days ago, the Cabrera family lost a father and a husband. "Just thinking that he won't be home. I wish that he would just come back. That he would be back. It's the most painful thing. We didn't get to say bye to him or anything," said Brianna Cabrera, daughter of Horacio Cabrera.

Horacio Cabrera was a father of six girls. He worked in the garlic fields to support his family. Early Monday morning, Cabrera was killed on his way to work in a car crash at Wheeler Ridge Road, south of Bear Mountain Boulevard.

California Highway Patrol officers say 21-year-old Jovanna Salgado of Arvin, fell asleep while driving and drifted into the opposite lane, slamming head-on into Cabrera.

"Just one thing could destroy a family. She fell asleep. She wasn't paying attention and she left all of us alone and we won't see him again," said Brianna Cabrera.

Last month, 13 people died in traffic accidents in Kern County, including one pedestrian. A head-on crash Tuesday on David Road, just east of Highway 99 killed 58-year-old Jose Hidalgo.

A man was sent to the hospital Tuesday with major injuries after over-correcting and flipping his truck several times on Highway 58, between Interstate 5 and the Frito Lay plant. California Highway Patrol officers say he was not wearing a seat belt.

The CHP has asked the District Attorney's office to file a vehicular manslaughter charge against 21-year-old Jovanna Salgado, the driver who hit Horacio Cabrera, the father of six.


Purple ribbon campaign: keeping kids safe in and around cars

0
0
August is Purple Ribbon month, honoring children who lost their lives to preventable injuries in and around cars.

Thursday was the kickoff of an annual campaign showing just how dangerous kids and cars combined can be, if parents or caretakers don't pay close attention.

More than half of the over 500 children who died as a result of being left unattended in hot cars throughout the country in the last 14 years were forgotten.

"Maybe mom takes the child to the sitter every day, and, for some reason, today dad is asked to do it. And, if dad is not used to doing that, you know you could forget," said Pat Cheadle, Director, Kern County Department of Human Services. 

Local health leaders showed how dangerous that can be by putting a thermometer in a car parked partially in the shade in 82 degree heat.

As part of a demonstration, 17's Rachelle Murcia took the wheel of a parked SUV, while pre-school aged children lined up behind it. She was then supposed to let the officer know when she see a child in her rearview mirror.

It's a lesson in looking before getting into your car.

"Sometimes we don't even think. We just get in the car and drive away," said CHP officer Robert Rodriguez.

Last month, a mother accidentally hit and killed her one-year-old daughter at their apartment complex on Monterey Street.

The Department of Human Services reports three children in Kern County were backed over and killed in the last year.

Back to the demonstration... after going back in the daycare twice for more kids, Rachelle finally stretched up her seat and saw a child. But, she was the 21st child lined up behind the SUV before Rachelle finally saw something.

"That could have been your child," said Rodriguez. "That could have been somebody else's child, but yes, it is very important you get out of the car and and go back and look."

Now, back to the thermometer left inside the car. Time lapse shows it went from 90 degrees, got stuck at 100, but with a tap, rose to the true heat of 105 degrees inside in just 20 minutes.

"In those few moments it could cost the fatality of a child," said Cheadle.

It's a life these lessons hope to save.

Health leaders remind everyone about the new car seat rules that took effect this year.
 
Children must be in a child safety seat until they are 4'9" tall or 8 years old.

And, if you see a child unattended in a car, call 911.

Temporary workers in high demand during slow economy

0
0

California has the third highest unemployment rate in the nation. In Kern County, 14 percent of people are out of work. But, more unemployed workers are finding success through temporary jobs.

The oil fields provide the largest number of temporary jobs in Kern County. In fact, some companies rely solely on temp workers in a slow economy.

Every morning, Joseph Padilla puts on his hard hat and heads to work at Chemex. "I worked for Jacobs Engineering for a year and a half, and I got laid off. The economy kind of went down," he said. "After that it was kind of hard, so I've done temp work since then."

Padilla has been a temporary employee at Chemex since January. The company builds modular petroleum refineries and ships them all over the world.

Padilla needs the paychecks to take care of his family of four. He sees the job as a way to get his foot in the door and build his resume. But, he knows at any time, he could be out of work again.

"It's actually kind of scary cause, you know, any day they could say no more work and then I'm out of luck," explained Padilla.

Padilla and nine other men at Chemex are temporary employees. The company doesn't offer them benefits and can let them go at anytime.

"As much as companies get rid of people, they still need that job to get done," said Paul Stanbery with A+ Employment Company.

A+ Employment Company has been finding people temporary jobs since 1991. "In the past year, we've seen a big upswing in more and more clients looking for different kids of people," continued Stanbery.

With temporary workers, companies don't have to worry about paying employees any benefits. Many temporary agencies, including A+ Employment Company, offer temporary employees benefits and health insurance.

"We handle all the billing and paying of the employee. We have a medical insurance the company can buy into. We handle everything for the employer," noted Stanbery.

About 2.53 million people were working temporary jobs as of June, according to the latest labor statistics. That is an increase of more than 40 percent from the summer of 2009, when about 1.75 million people held temporary jobs.

Even as the economy continues to improve, Stanbery predicts companies will be cautious when hiring and stick to temporary workers, making it easier to downsize at any time.

More job openings, less pay

0
0
As the job market slowly starts to loosen up, job seekers are finding themselves facing another grim reality. Many of the new jobs on the market are paying less than they did before the recession hit.

It's not just hurting their financial security, it's also slowing down the economic recovery.

The first step in finding a new job starts with a perfectly tailored resume. It's a skill some people are learning thanks to the Bakersfield Career Services Center.

For Donay Green, the job search has been a tough one. He was laid off 18 months ago.

"I get a few e-mails that say 'thank you very much but not exactly what we're looking for'," he explained.

A computer programmer by trade, Green says he's starting to see more job postings that he is qualified for. But, he has also noticed the pay is about $10 to $15 an hour less than what he was making before.

"It's still okay pay to survive on," said Green.

It's a problem Danette Scarry with the Bakersfield Career Services Center, says is hitting a lot of job seekers who are hoping to find a similar job to what they had before.

"You want either what you had or better, and that's what they all come in the door hoping for, and some people get it. Some people have that opportunity and others don't," said Scarry.

And, that can force some tough decisions for job seekers... either take a position below what you had before or wait and see if a new position opens.

"You may miss an opportunity you could get into now and then continue to look while you're at that job," said Scarry.

For Green, it's something he's open to, but says it's more of a last resort option for him.

"I have thought about, like the solar industry or the oil fields, but that just isn't me," said Green. "But, I would be open to doing that if that's what I have to do."

Career counselors say there is a danger in waiting too long for that perfect job. Some companies may see your lengthy unemployment as a negative.

If you are looking for work, you can either call or stop by the Career Services Center for help. Their number is 325-4473.

Suspected hit and run driver sentenced for violating previous DUI probation

0
0

The man arrested for a hit-and-run crash that killed a 22-year-old motorcyclist Tuesday in Bakersfield, was in court Thursday. He was sentenced to 20 days in jail after driving under the influence four years ago and violating his probation in 2010.

57-year-old Jose Arreyque-Andrade was caught drinking and driving in 2008. He was put on probation for three years. But, he violated the terms of the probation in 2010 by not paying the fine.

The probation was revoked and a warrant was issued for his arrest. He was sentenced Thursday to 20 days in jail for that violation. Until Tuesday night's crash, police weren't looking for him because the violation is a misdemeanor.

22-year-old Myron Adolfo Canchan-Barrios was killed in that crash Tuesday night while riding his motorcycle in central Bakersfield at Chester Avenue and 1st Street.

Police say Arreyque-Andrade collided with Barrios in the intersection, then took off after the crash. Police later arrested him at his home.

Supervising Deputy District Attorney Michael Yraceburn could not talk specifically about the case, but he did talk about what happens when someone with a prior DUI gets caught driving without a license, and, in some cases, drinking again.

"They should not be driving unless licensed, insured, and obviously not impaired with any amount of alcohol in their blood system. If they do that, it's a violation of their probation, plain and simple," said Yraceburn.

"They can be sentenced on the original charge. Now some of that, you may spend 20 days in jail. You may have to do work release. You may have to do community service," he continued.

Arreyque-Andrade is facing four charges in connection with Tuesday night's deadly crash, including felony hit and run, vehicle manslaughter without gross negligence and driving on a suspended license.  He is scheduled to be back in court Friday afternoon.

Local landlord has ongoing problem with squatters

0
0
It's a nightmare for people who own property they want to rent out - people breaking into and living in a home or apartment without paying rent.

And, in many cases, it can take two months before a landlord can evict the people from his or her property. 

A home in Oildale was taken over by a family of squatters who moved in, didn't pay rent, and pretty much tore the place apart.

The landlord, Tom Ny, says another family used to live there and did pay rent, but they moved out without telling him. Then, Ny says, they told a friend the property would be vacant, and she and four children moved in.

Ny says that family absolutely trashed the place, leaving behind broken windows, holes in the wall, and trash on the floors. 

Sometimes law enforcement is able to kick out squatters for trespassing. But, California law doesn't allow that sort of immediate action in every case.

So, in many cases a landlord has to turn to the court system to evict a squatter.

"I have approximately 103 units in Oildale, only in Oildale," said Ny. "I'm in court probably every three weeks now evicting them. I probably have four or five squatters or six squatters, and they move in fast. Somebody moves out and I don't know or they don't tell us. Next thing you know, they've got furniture, they've got everything in there."

Ny says it costs him $500 in legal fees to evict someone. And, he says it can take up to 60 days before he's able to legally evict someone, which means he also loses out on rent.

In the case of the Oildale home in question, rent runs $900 a month, so together with legal fees that's $2,300 dollars Ny is out. And, that doesn't even includes the cost to repair damages done by squatters.

Ny says he now hesitates before putting a "For Rent" sign in the yards of his properties because he believes it's just inviting people to break in and squat in his homes.
Viewing all 5606 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images