Two men arrested in Lamont area for stolen farm equipment, another for suspected meth

August 21, 2014, 12:27 pm

≫ Next: Kern County Honor Flight takes to the skies to honor local veterans

≪ Previous: Tehachapi school employee accused of animal cruelty released with no charges

Three men were arrested by KernCounty sheriffs in the Lamont area, two for possession of stolen farm equipment, and the other for possession of suspected methamphetamines after coming into contact with officers during their investigation.

Donald Christy, 54, and Anthony Sierra, 38, were arrested for grand theft and conspiracy when after officers located a piece of stolen farm equipment that was under electronic surveillance and reported stolen on Aug. 19.

The equipment was found in the 8300 block of Fuller Drive.

Glen Jackson, 57, came into contact with officers during their arrest of Christy and Sierra, and was subsequently arrested for possession of a controlled substance after officers found him in possession of suspected methamphetamines.

The Kern County Sheriff’s Office Rural Crime Investigation Unit requests that anyone with information regarding the incident to contact them at 661-392-4365.

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Kern County Honor Flight takes to the skies to honor local veterans

August 21, 2014, 1:07 pm

≫ Next: Bakersfield police searching for "high-risk" sex offender

≪ Previous: Two men arrested in Lamont area for stolen farm equipment, another for suspected meth

Nineteen World War II and Korean War veterans took off from Meadows Field in Bakersfield, CA, Thursday morning to pay a visit to our nation’s capital for the 11th Kern County Honor Flight.

Veterans began their trip at 6:30 a.m. Thursday morning, Aug. 21.

Guests who missed the takeoff can greet the veterans on their return trip, when they arrive back in Bakersfield on Aug. 23 at 10:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend.

The next Honor Flight is scheduled for Sept. 19 through Sept. 21.

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Bakersfield police searching for "high-risk" sex offender

August 21, 2014, 1:54 pm

≫ Next: Gang member Dvontae Pink convicted for two shooting incidents which occured days apart

≪ Previous: Kern County Honor Flight takes to the skies to honor local veterans

Bakersfield, CA– The Bakersfield Police Department says a high-risk sex offender is currently at large after removing his ankle monitor.

The suspect, Isaac Mathew Ortiz, 26, is described as a Hispanic male who is 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs 155 pounds.

He is wanted for violation of parole.

BPD is requesting that anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Ortiz contact them at 661-327-7111.

Anonymous texts can be sent to BPD by entering 274637 into your phone and texting BPDCRIMES before along with your message.

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Gang member Dvontae Pink convicted for two shooting incidents which occured days apart

August 21, 2014, 2:24 pm

≫ Next: $4.3 million awarded to Kern County transportation projects, $3.6 million more expected in September

≪ Previous: Bakersfield police searching for "high-risk" sex offender

Bakersfield, CA – A gang member who took part in two separate shootings at the same store location, four days apart, was convicted in Kern County court today of Participating in a Drive-by Shooting, Attempted Murder, and First Degree Murder.

Dvontae Pink, 22, was a member of the Country Boy Crips gang. The Kern County Office of the District Attorney said that the shootings were performed in service to the gang.

Pink and an accomplice, Jimmy Baker, shot and killed Floyd Bean Jr., 21, outside Roy’s Market on

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard

on Feb. 10, 2013.

Four days earlier, at the same location, Pink participated in a drive-by shooting. Pink and two accomplices shot and injured two people outside the store.

Pink faces a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole, the fate that Baker was sentenced to on Aug. 14, 2014.

Sentencing for Pink will occur on Sept. 18.

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$4.3 million awarded to Kern County transportation projects, $3.6 million more expected in September

August 22, 2014, 9:20 am

≫ Next: Former police officer arrested at BPD headquarters for domestic violence incident

≪ Previous: Gang member Dvontae Pink convicted for two shooting incidents which occured days apart

The Kern Council of Governments announced on Wednesday, Aug. 20, that it will receive more than $4.1 million from a new state transportation grant program to improve pedestrian, bicycle, and public transportation projects, with an expected $3.6 million more on the way.

This is great news for the entire region,” said Bob Smith, Bike Bakersfield founder and Bakersfield City Councilman.

The funds will be dispersed among KernCounty cities, including Delano, Tehachapi, and Wasco, as part of a California Transportation Commission project, the 2014 Active Transportation Program.

148 projects throughout the state, valued at more than $430 million, were adopted by the CTC on Wednesday.

The KCOG expects to award an additional $3.6 million in ATP projects in September.

The list of projects includes sidewalk improvements near schools, Valley Boulevard Bikeway improvements in Tehachapi, and safety education for Delano.

The ATP replaces smaller federal and state grant programs. Program evaluators focused on projects that would work toward achieving greenhouse gas emission goals set by the state.

“Collectively, we submitted some outstanding projects that were recognized for their potential to move people without getting in a car,” Smith said.

The full list of projects is listed below:

Delano - Safety and Education for an Active Delano Community - $394,000

Kern County - Highland Elementary School Pedestrian Improvements - $330,000

Kern County - Horace Mann School Pedestrian Improvements - $372,000

Tehachapi - Valley Boulevard Bikeway - $1,292,000

Wasco - Palm Avenue Elementary School Pedestrian Improvements - $458,000

Wasco - Teresa Burke School and Filburn Walking Path - $1,794,000

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Former police officer arrested at BPD headquarters for domestic violence incident

August 22, 2014, 9:56 am

≫ Next: Drop-in center for Bakersfield moms

≪ Previous: $4.3 million awarded to Kern County transportation projects, $3.6 million more expected in September

A now former Bakersfield police officer was released from jail this morning after being arrested for a domestic violence incident that allegedly occurred just hours after his graduation.

Peter Martinez was arrested yesterday for an incident that occurred in the 9000 block of

Bremerton Court

in Northwest Bakersfield on Friday, Aug. 15.

Martinez was taken into custody at Bakersfield Police Department headquarters, where he worked, and then booked into the downtown jail.

He was bailed out of custody.

The arrest came just days after Martinez graduated from the BakersfieldLawEnforcementTrainingAcademy, with the alleged incident of domestic violence occurring less than 12 hours after his graduation.

The BPD says that Martinez is no longer an officer.

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Drop-in center for Bakersfield moms

August 22, 2014, 11:00 am

≫ Next: Traffic advisory for continued work on State Route 58 Gap Closure project

≪ Previous: Former police officer arrested at BPD headquarters for domestic violence incident

BAKERSFIELD, CA - New mom Joyce Withcer searched for help to breastfeed her 5-month-old son Oliver and found a free service at the Baby Cafe, a drop in center for Bakersfield moms.

"So what it is is like a mom to mom support group," said Mary Stanley, Nurse & Lactation Consultant at Baby Café. "Mothers who are committed to making breastfeeding work sometimes just need help. They need support from each other and they need help from professionals as well."

Professionals at Baby Cafe are educating the growing number of moms who decide to breastfeed. According to CDC, three out of four moms now breastfeed. Breastfeeding is said protect babies from infectious disease and reduce their risk of developing asthma.

"We think of it as the preventive, the first step in preventative medicine, the best possible start for your baby for health and well being," said Stanley.

Yet a recent study conducted by Ohio State University found the benefits of breastfeeding may be a bit overrated. The study compared siblings--one child who had been breast fed, and the other who had not. It concluded there was no statistically significant difference in their health outcome.

Still hospitals like San Joaquin Community Hospital believe breastfeeding provides maximum benefits for mom and baby.

"It's not overrated. I believe that breast feeding is what's best for baby and for mom for the benefits they both receive," said Martha Meza, Lactation educator at San Joaquin Community Hospital.

For Joyce, since receiving help from Baby Café the immediate benefit has been a close connection to her son.

"Now it's like this natural relationship that the two of us have and I mean it's you know just how we bond and just spend time together," said Witcher.

Baby Café is open every Tuesday and Friday from 10am to 1pm. The service is being offered at St. Paul's Church temporarily, and is free for every mom.

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Traffic advisory for continued work on State Route 58 Gap Closure project

August 22, 2014, 11:01 am

≫ Next: Way Fire Update: $4.7 million cost, 4,045 acres burned, 78 percent contained

≪ Previous: Drop-in center for Bakersfield moms

BAKERSFIELD, CA - The intersection of

P Street

and State Route 58 in Bakersfield will be closed from Aug. 25 to 29, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., as workers on the State Route 58 Gap Closure project work on new bridge sections.

The Thomas Roads Improvement Program advises motorists to detour by using

Union Avenue

South Chester Avenue

The

Chester Avenue

and

H Street

westbound on-ramp will remain closed Sunday through Thursday from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. throughout September.

Suggested detours are the State Route 58 and Union Avenue Interchange and westbound

Brundage Lane

to reach northbound or southbound State Route 99.

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Way Fire Update: $4.7 million cost, 4,045 acres burned, 78 percent contained

August 22, 2014, 11:35 am

≫ Next: Police investigating homicide in southwest Bakersfield

≪ Previous: Traffic advisory for continued work on State Route 58 Gap Closure project

WOFFORD HEIGHTS, CA - The Way Fire is now 78 percent contained as more than 700 firefighters continue to reinforce containment lines against the blaze that has now cost $4.7 million.

Containment methods are being reinforced through continued use of air support.

Winds may reach up to 35 miles per hour on what is expected to be a hot and sunny day that reaches 90 degrees in the area.

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Police investigating homicide in southwest Bakersfield

August 22, 2014, 11:54 am

≫ Next: Man arrested in Buttonwillow for 2009 murder

≪ Previous: Way Fire Update: $4.7 million cost, 4,045 acres burned, 78 percent contained

BAKERSFIELD, CA - Police have been on scene of an apparent homicide in the 2600 block of Hempstead Lane in southwest Bakersfield since 8:30 Friday morning.

The victim's uncle told 17 News he was 60-years-old and lived alone. Bakersfield police say the man, who's name has not been released, was found by his girlfriend Friday morning.

The victim's uncle, Elvis Aaron Ricks says he just saw him Thursday and everything seemed to be fine.

"We don't have people running in and out," Ricks said. "I've lived in the residence since the beginning of the year 2014, it's quiet. Now: trouble."

Details still remain limited but if you have any information, call police at 661-327-7111.

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Man arrested in Buttonwillow for 2009 murder

August 22, 2014, 12:35 pm

≫ Next: County and city firefighters teamed up to fight Niles Street structure-fire that caused $10k damages

≪ Previous: Police investigating homicide in southwest Bakersfield

A man was arrested for a murder that took place in 2009, after KernCounty sheriffs located him in the Buttonwillow area on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2014.

The Kern County Sheriff’s Office says that in 2009, Tadeo Saucido Rodriguez, 20, was determined to have been involved in an argument with 50-year-old Hector Leon.

Leon was found suffering from several shotgun wounds in the 5800 block of

Panama Road

in Lamont. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

KCSO says detectives determined Rodriguez to have fled to Mexico after the shooting, but received information that he had returned to the US in August of 2014.

Rodriguez was arrested for one count of first degree murder. He is being held without bail.

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County and city firefighters teamed up to fight Niles Street structure-fire that caused $10k damages

August 22, 2014, 1:20 pm

≫ Next: Red Cross to open new resource center for those affected by Way Fire

≪ Previous: Man arrested in Buttonwillow for 2009 murder

A structure fire at

1900 Niles Street

on Friday, Aug. 22 caused $10,000 in damages, though the Kern County Fire Department says it was able to save $20,000 worth of property.

KCFD, with help from the Bakersfield City Fire Department, responded to the fire that began at approximately 10:30 a.m. The fire caused a one-lane closure on westbound

Niles Street

No injuries occurred to civilians or firefighters.

KCSD says that the building has caught fire multiple times before, and is frequented by squatters and homeless people.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Kern County Arson Squad.

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Red Cross to open new resource center for those affected by Way Fire

August 22, 2014, 1:50 pm

≫ Next: Expect lane closures at intersection of State Route 178 and Canteria Drive

≪ Previous: County and city firefighters teamed up to fight Niles Street structure-fire that caused $10k damages

WOFFORD HEIGHTS, CA - Kern Valley residents affected by the Way Fire will have a new resource center available for help with lodging, food, and clothing, in the wake of the evacuation shelter’s closing on Thursday, Aug. 21.

The Red Cross Kern Chapter will operate the resource center between Monday, Aug. 25 and Friday, Aug. 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“Our work here isn’t done,” said Red Cross Kern Chapter Executive Director Amy Smith. “We’ll be here for residents as long as there is a need.”

Red Cross hopes that the center will function as a central location for community support.

The charitable organization says that it will also cooperate with government and community partners to potentially provide support for housing, food, clothing, replacement glasses and prescriptions, counseling, and general recovery guidance.

All disaster relief services are provided at no cost to those in need.

The Way Fire, which began Aug. 18 in Wofford Heights, has burned 4,045 acres to date and cost approximately $4.7 million to fight. It is currently 78 percent contained.

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Expect lane closures at intersection of State Route 178 and Canteria Drive

August 22, 2014, 2:20 pm

≫ Next: Police seek suspected wallet snatcher

≪ Previous: Red Cross to open new resource center for those affected by Way Fire

Drivers are advised to anticipate lane closures in the area around the intersection of State Route 178 and

Canteria Drive

on Monday and Tuesday, Aug. 25 and 26, between 6 a.m. and 4 p.m. while workers install a new traffic signal.

Inside lanes from each direction will be closed as work on the

State Route

178/Morning Drive Interchange project continues.

For more information on Thomas Roads Improvement Program projects, visit their website.

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Police seek suspected wallet snatcher

August 22, 2014, 2:58 pm

≫ Next: League of Dreams holds basketball tryouts for disabled athletes

≪ Previous: Expect lane closures at intersection of State Route 178 and Canteria Drive

BAKERSFIELD, CA - Bakersfield police need your help to identify and locate a man they say stole a woman's wallet from her hand as she entered a grocery store.

Police say on the night of July 24, the man grabbed the victim’s wallet from her hand as she was entering Albertson’s at 3500 Panama Ln.

The man is described as Hispanic, 18-early 20s, 5'10" , 220 pounds, black short hair, wearing a white tank top, black gym shorts and black athletic shoes.

The suspect fled south through the parking to the suspect vehicle that was waiting on Castleford St. The vehicle is described as an: early 2000’s silver Mercury Cougar 2-door.

If you have information regarding this case, call Detective Todd Dickson at (661) 326-3501 or Bakersfield police at (661) 327-7111.

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League of Dreams holds basketball tryouts for disabled athletes

August 23, 2014, 4:54 pm

≫ Next: Way Fire: 92% contained

≪ Previous: Police seek suspected wallet snatcher

BAKERSFIELD, CA -- For 8-year-old Jamaica Chamblee, Cerebral Palsy makes it hard for her to dribble a basketball.

"Because it affects just her left side of the body, anything that takes both sides is a little bit of a struggle for her like riding a bike," said her mother, Stacie Chamblee.

Despite her disability, she'll be able to play in games this Fall thanks to The League of Dreams.

"There's not a lot of programs that offer sports in particular for kids with special needs. Not a lot of exercising programs for these kids and we just want to make sure that they all have a chance to not only participate in something that normally they wouldn't get to but also to be able to be physically fit," said Executive Director Jessica Mathews.

On Saturday, the non-profit held tryouts to gear up for its 8th basketball season.

"The tryouts are basically for placement. Every child makes a team, we just want them to be in an appropriate division based off of their age and their ability level," said Mathews.

The season starts Sept. 28 and runs through Nov. 2 with games every Sunday afternoon.

"I've had parents come over crying and saying thank you for providing these programs because without it we wouldn't have anything. So it really isn't just about the athlete but it's about the entire family and the community that gets involved," said Mathews.

The League of Dreams will be holding another round of tryouts for this season sometime soon, but that date has not been announced. Once a date is set, it will be posted online at www.ourleagueofdreams.com

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Way Fire: 92% contained

August 23, 2014, 6:05 pm

≫ Next: Gov. Brown declares State of Emergency in wake of largest Bay Area quake since 1989

≪ Previous: League of Dreams holds basketball tryouts for disabled athletes

The Way Fire is 92 percent contained, according to fire officials.

On Saturday, fire crews focused on strengthening their containment lines and dousing the remaining hot spots.

The fire broke out Monday afternoon in Wofford Heights, on the north side of Highway 155.

Since then, the fire has charred more than 4,000 acres, costing the county $6.4 million.

Fire officials say eight homes were destroyed and 10 outbuildings were damaged.

The cause remains under investigation.

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Gov. Brown declares State of Emergency in wake of largest Bay Area quake since 1989

August 24, 2014, 10:13 am

≫ Next: Bakersfield residents visiting Bay Area during Napa Valley earthquake

≪ Previous: Way Fire: 92% contained

SACRAMENTO, CA– Gov. Jerry Brown has declared a state of emergency following the 6.0 magnitude earthquake that struck NapaValley early morning Sunday, Aug. 24.

As the damage caused by the earthquake is likely to be overwhelming for services, personnel, equipment, and facilities of local government, a mutual aid region or regions will be required, according to the governor's office.

State government agencies were ordered to utilize and employ state personnel, equipment, and facilities to perform duties that align with the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services and the State Emergency Plan.

Brown Cited aftershocks in the region, risk of fires, structural damage to various buildings, road and highway closures, and damage to infrastructure that caused power outages to more than 69 thousand residents as reasons for the declaration.

The quake, which occurred at 3:20 a.m. southwest of Napa, has left at least 87 people injured, three of them critically.

It is the largest Bay Area earthquake since 1989’s 6.9 magnitude Loma Prieta quake.

Citizens are urged to follow directions and advice from emergency officials.

Those who believe they may have been exposed to a gas leak as a result of the earthquake are asked to report the suspected leak to Pacific Gas & Electric Company at 1-800-743-5002 as soon as possible.

NBC is covering the aftermath of the quake live.

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Bakersfield residents visiting Bay Area during Napa Valley earthquake

August 24, 2014, 4:48 pm

≫ Next: California Water Foundation unveils new 'Camel Flag'

≪ Previous: Gov. Brown declares State of Emergency in wake of largest Bay Area quake since 1989

BAKERSFIELD,CA- Governor Jerry Brown has declared a state of emergency for the part of northern California hit by the strongest earthquake in the bay area in 25 years.

The cleanup is underway after a 6.0 magnitude earthquake rattled homes and buildings just after 3 a.m. Sunday. The quaqke's epicenter was about 6 miles from the popular tourist town of napa.

The shaking damaged more than 100 buildings and homes, ignited fires, and ruptured water mains and gas lines.

Close to 200 people were injured, and 6 critically. One of the critically injured was a child who was hit by debris from a collapsed fireplace. The child was airlifted to UC Davis medical center.

Bakersfield resident Charlene Dehoog was in Berkeley at the time of the quake.

"The house felt like it was kind of rolling and I didn't know what it was. At first it felt like someone was trying to break in, we're like what is going on. And the doors were rattling and like the books were shaking. And we were kind of freaking out and it last for like 45 seconds and the house just kept on rolling and rolling and rolling like you were on like a roller coaster," said Dehoog.

Dehoog traveled north to go to the San Fransisco 49ers game.

Bakersfield resident Deborah Chambers was in San Francisco visiting her mother when the earthquake struck.

"It woke me up. The house was kind of rolling and shaking and my mom's house is in the marina district where it's all on landfill so it's kind of just like sitting on jello. That's kind of how it felt like I was on a plate of jello."

Also in the area was Bakersfield resident Amanda De La Garza. She's was in San Francisco celebrating her 25th birthday.

"Literally our bed shook back and forth for what felt like for what felt like a minute. It woke both and my fiance up. I was freaking out," said De La Garza.

All three Bakersfield residents say there was no damage where they were.

"When you're from here you kind of get used to the idea that you're house is going to shake every once in a while so you don't think too much of it until you wake up and see the news later saying that stuff is broken," said Chambers.

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California Water Foundation unveils new 'Camel Flag'

August 25, 2014, 9:38 am

≫ Next: Former Bakersfield College student killed in shooting

≪ Previous: Bakersfield residents visiting Bay Area during Napa Valley earthquake

BAKERSFIELD, CA, The California Water Foundation unveiled a modified version of the California state flag, replacing the grizzly bear with a desert camel to emphasize the severity of the state’s groundwater crisis.

In an attempt to urge lawmakers to pass groundwater management legislation, the Foundation is launching a social media campaign with print and online ads encouraging Californians to support the initiative by sharing the camel flag. Copies of the print ad will also be distributed to legislative offices, reminding lawmakers to protect California’s groundwater.

“Groundwater is a critical resource for our state’s farms, towns and cities,” said Lester Snow, executive director of the California Water Foundation. “Until we effectively manage groundwater, our state’s economy, farms, and environment will remain in jeopardy. The fact is, we are living on borrowed water, and the system is no longer sustainable. We need passage of comprehensive groundwater management legislation so California has water for the long haul.”

According to the press release, the California Water Foundation is urging support for Senate Bill 1168 (Pavley) and Assembly Bill 1739 (Dickinson), which they say will streamline groundwater management.

These two complementary bills are working together to advance management of California’s groundwater resources. Specifically, these bills:

- Empower local agencies by providing them with the tools and technical assistance they need to sustainably manage their groundwater resources

- Provide sufficient time for local agencies to plan for and achieve stainability goals

- Provide a limited backstop for the state to establish groundwater sustainability programs until local agencies can take over

- Exempt adjudicated basins, except for an annual reporting requirement

- Focus on phasing in basins that are at high risk of over draft

In July, the Foundation released a report detailing how groundwater management systems are outdated and in need of improvement. The foundation has also created the Groundwater Voices Coalition, which hopes to influence decision makers by uniting the concerns of Californians demanding a new framework for groundwater supplies.

“Already, without effective groundwater management, whole communities are losing their water supply. In many areas, residential wells are bone dry, leaving families living out of buckets and water hauled from neighbors,” said Laurel Firestone, co-founder of the Community Water Center and one of the Groundwater Voices. “We cannot afford to wait any longer to start to control our groundwater resources.”

More information can be found at CaliforniaWaterFoundation.org

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