Cookware store to open at Tejon outlets

September 26, 2014, 4:29 pm

≫ Next: Charity run to support Ronald McDonald House

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BAKERSFIELD, CA - Another store is set to open next week at the Outlets at Tejon. Le Crueset, a manufacturer of enameled cast iron cookware is set to open Tuesday September 30.

The store is at 5701 Outlets at Tejon Parkway, Suite 915 in Arvin and will open Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. The first 100 customers to make a purchase will receive a FREE stainless steel measure magnet ($10 value), while supplies last.

Grand opening activities scheduled for Tuesday, September 30:

Cooking Demonstration - 12pm-2pm
•Enjoy a Braisin' Saddles demonstration of Tejon Meatballs Verde made in a Cast Iron Braiser with Le Creuset Associate Kelly Franti

Cooking Demonstration - 4pm-6pm
•Le Creuset Associate Irene Urista will lead a demonstration of making Road Runner Baked Beans in a Cast Iron French Oven

The store will carry an assortment of unique Le Creuset enameled cast iron products in an array of colors as well as a broad selection of Le Creuset stoneware baking pieces, dinnerware, utensils, stock pots, tea kettles, wine accessories, and more. The location will regularly feature in-store demos that are open to the public and free of charge.

Store hours are Monday through Saturday 10am – 9pm, Sunday 10am – 8pm. For more information please contact the store directly by calling 661-858-2624.

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Charity run to support Ronald McDonald House

September 26, 2014, 6:32 pm

≫ Next: Many concerned over pig handling at the fair

≪ Previous: Cookware store to open at Tejon outlets

BAKERSFIELD, CA - Talk about going the distance. A father is about to take part in a 135-mile non-stop charity run to support the Ronald McDonald House.

A local ultra-runner started the fundraiser last year running from the Bakersfield Ronald McDonald house to the one in Madera. This year, about sixty other runners are joining him, including that father.

Humberto Vargas knows slow and steady wins the race. He and his wife stayed in the Bakersfield Ronald McDonald House, longer than any other family, 126 days, while their daughter, Julissa, was in the hospital. Now, he wants to give back.

"She's a miracle baby. I couldn't have asked anything else from God to let us keep her," said Vargas.

Vargas's prayers began the moment Julissa was born premature at just 25 weeks.

"She would fit in the palm of my hand basically she was so small, twelve inches and a half, one pound twelve ounces.
That's where the Bakersfield Ronald McDonald House comes in. Instead of commuting from Wasco, the Bakersfield Ronald McDonald House was the Vargas's home as they got to watch their little girl grow into a healthy baby.

"The doctor would call us at any given moment here and we would just run to the hospital which is just a few minutes, steps away," said Vargas.

Those steps are why Vargas is going to be taking thousands of his own. He's part of a team running in a 135-mile charity fundraiser from the Bakersfield Ronald McDonald House to the one in Madera.

Jimmy Gavany was asked to direct the race this year since participants numbers swelled to sixty.

"So for me it's kind of giving back to a place I remember very vividly when I was a young kid," said Gavany.

David Thull, who started the mega-run, had no idea Gavany had spent time in a Ronald McDonald house when he was young and his brother was battling cancer.

"They do amazing things for families a lot of support. You can't, as far as I'm concerned one of the best charities in the planet and they hold a special place in my heart," said Gavany.

So when 135 miles seem impossible, Vargas will think about his daughter.

"Every, every single moment. Everyday when I get up and train I think about her and my other children," said Vargas.

Runners leave from the Bakersfield Ronald McDonald House at 5:00 Saturday morning. Another group leaves at noon. They will arrive in Madera Sunday afternoon.

The money raised will be split between the two houses.

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Many concerned over pig handling at the fair

September 27, 2014, 6:02 pm

≫ Next: Oildale woman dies in vehicle collision with sheriff's deputy

≪ Previous: Charity run to support Ronald McDonald House

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - Some local agriculture teachers and 4-H leaders said they're unhappy with the way animals are handled at the kern county fair.

A Kern Valley High agriculture teacher said nearly 100 pigs were together in a pen without adequate care as they waited to be taken away to be slaughtered.

"Fights broke out. there were some pigs injured and things like that, but more importantly the public and the students that raise these animals were exposed to something that didn't need to happen," said Emily Keverline, Kern Valley High School agriculture instructor:

Fair organizers said they kept the pigs together to make things eaiser on the animals. They also said they were unaware of a large fight between the pigs.

Kern County Fair CEO Mike Olcott said he is generally happy with the way things were handled during the livestock auction.

"There was a lot of water out there. they were kept cool. when i walked out there most were sleeping. a few incidents of them getting up and walking around and riled and then my team members were taking care of that," said Olcott.

Fair organizers said they will look more into issues concerning animals at the fair.

They also said they haven't directly received any complaints from participants about the handling of the pigs.

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Oildale woman dies in vehicle collision with sheriff's deputy

September 29, 2014, 8:20 am

≫ Next: Oildale man dies after being struck by a vehicle

≪ Previous: Many concerned over pig handling at the fair

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - A woman died on Sept. 28 in Oildale after a vehicle collision with a Kern County Sheriff's Deputy.

The coroner's office said 72-year-old Nancy Joyce Garrett collided with a patrol vehicle at the intersection of North Chester Avenue and China Grade Loop.

Garrett was taken to Kern Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead.

The deputy was reportedly responding to a call for assistance at the nearby LongBranch Saloon when the accident occurred.

The deputy was taken to KMC for treatment of minor to moderate injuries.

The Sheriff's Department believes at this time that the deputy did have his lights and siren on at the time of the accident.

The California Highway Patrol is taking over investigation of the incident.

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Oildale man dies after being struck by a vehicle

September 29, 2014, 8:51 am

≫ Next: New study rates how schools are serving English Language Learner students

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BAKERSFIELD, Calif. An Oildale man who was struck by a truck early morning on Sept. 28 has died, according to the California Highway Patrol who is investigating the incident.

The coroner's office identified the victim as 42-year-old Chris Harold Crossley.

Investigators said Crossley was hit by a truck at the intersection of Merle Haggard Drive and Airport Drive.

The driver was a 17-year-old boy whose identity has not been revealed.

Crossley was taken to Kern Medical Center where he later died of his injuries.

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New study rates how schools are serving English Language Learner students

September 29, 2014, 9:31 am

≫ Next: Brown signs legislation making internet gambling casinos illegal

≪ Previous: Oildale man dies after being struck by a vehicle

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - Of Kern county's 180,000 students, 40,000 are considered English learners. Oakland-based Education Trust-West, an education policy think tank, analyzed school data to find out how well six Kern County districts are performing.

The organization measured in four areas how well Kern County districts are preparing English Language Learning (ELL) students for academic success. The group only measured unified school districts.

Firs,t they examined how well ELL students performed on the English language arts section of the California standards test taken during the test's final year in the 2012-2013 school year. Most performed below the state average of proficiency.

Then they looked at how well students performed in an annual test of basic English proficiency. Most students scored below state average. But students from Tehachapi unified scored in the top 10 percent.

Southern Kern Unified School District also took a top spot in metric three. That's how many students remained classified as an English language learner for five or more years. The fourth test measures how many students became English proficient.most districts performed at or below the state average.

"Clearly one of the reasons that the performance of English language learners is important is because they are a substantial part of our student population," said Jeannette LaFors, Education Trust-West. "Our overall success as a society depends on all students being well-educated and contributing."

Elva Hennessee works with 20 Kern County districts to support ELL students. She said students often seem proficient in English while talking with friends, but haven't developed their English to a college preparatory level. She says more rigorous assignments in all subjects will prepare students for a better future.

"We had that assumption that kids can't be delegated to more rigorous work because they don't have the language necessary for that. And I think the thinking now is that kids are not going to gain those higher levels of proficiency if they are not in fact exposed to that kind of language," said Elva Hennessee, Kern County Superintendent of Schools.

Education Trust-West noted, the best practices of high-performing districts across the state for ELL student success. Those include a district-wide belief in ELL student success, investing in highly skilled teachers and engaging parents to carry over lessons home.

Hennessee says Kern County districts are beginning to better prepare ELL students for English proficiency and college.

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Brown signs legislation making internet gambling casinos illegal

September 29, 2014, 10:26 am

≫ Next: Learn more about the Check Before You Burn regulations from ValleyAir.Org

≪ Previous: New study rates how schools are serving English Language Learner students

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Gov. Brown has signed a bill making Internet Gambling Cafes illegal.

Assembly Bill 1439 (AB 1439) was led by Assemblymember Rudy Salas, who cited in a press release that the bill is a response to local business owners who are concerned about the growing increase in crime near the internet gambling establishments.

"In partnership with the Department of Justice (DOJ), the FBI, local governments, law enforcement, and local businesses, Assemblymember Rudy Salas’ bill clearly defines the illegality of ‘casino-style’ gambling at internet cafes," as stated in a release by Salas.

The bill will make internet gambling activities unfair business practices that will permit local city and county authorities, as well as the DOJ, to bring forth lawsuits against individuals committing such activity.

AB 1439 will not affect legal gambling establishments.

“AB 1439 brings clarity in state law and is the final nail in the coffin for these illegal internet gambling sweepstakes that have plagued our local businesses, neighborhoods and law enforcement agencies,” said Assemblymember Salas. “Our local law enforcement agencies and cities will now have the authority under state law to shut-down these illegal ‘casino-style’ internet gambling sweepstakes."

The Fifth Appellate Court of Appeals, in March, sided with Kern County officials in considering the internet gamblig cafes should be treated as gambling. However, the cafes have petitioned the California Supreme Court to review the decision.

But the Salas camp is hopeful that the Fifth Appellate Court's decision will help to end operation of the cafes throughout the state.

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Learn more about the Check Before You Burn regulations from ValleyAir.Org

September 29, 2014, 11:47 am

≫ Next: BC to possibly add four-year degree program with signing of SB 850

≪ Previous: Brown signs legislation making internet gambling casinos illegal

San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District has shared some FAQs about wood burning in the VAlley.

You can view the tips and regulations here.

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BC to possibly add four-year degree program with signing of SB 850

September 29, 2014, 12:32 pm

≫ Next: A Delano man died in a collision on HWY 99 near Lerdo HWY

≪ Previous: Learn more about the Check Before You Burn regulations from ValleyAir.Org

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - A bill signed by Gov. Brown on Sunday could lead to a four-year program being offered at Bakersfield College.

Senate Bill 850 (SB 850) will create a program to allow 15 community colleges in the state to offer a vocational-specific four-year degree. The initiative is a temporary program designed to test the viability of California's two-year colleges offering a Bachelor's Degree.

The program is slated to begin during the 2017-18 academic year and end in 2024.

BC is applying to be one of the 15 colleges to take part in the program, though the college has yet to release official information regarding the nature of the degree program they want to offer, according to public relations officer Amber Chiang.

Chiang said the proposed program will be something unique to the area and benefit the educational needs of the community.

One stipulation colleges have to follow is that proposed programs cannot compete with four-year degree programs already offered by four-year universities in California. The reason is to not create competition for universities already offering those programs.

Advocates have argued there is a strong need for more qualified, skilled workers in the community and that many community college programs, such as the technical certification programs, could benefit the community more as baccalaureate programs.

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A Delano man died in a collision on HWY 99 near Lerdo HWY

September 29, 2014, 1:30 pm

≫ Next: Julie Farmer sentenced to three years for involvement in Crisp & Cole fraud scandal, $2.9 million fine

≪ Previous: BC to possibly add four-year degree program with signing of SB 850

DELANO, Calif. - A 21-year-old Delano man died on Saturday in a car crash, according to the coroner's report.

Horacio Ramirez Herrera reportedly lost control of his vehicle and struck a big-rig struck.

The incident happened on Highway 99, near Lerdo Highway at around 6 p.m.

Herrera died at the scene due to his injuries.

The California Highway Patrol is investigating the incident.

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Julie Farmer sentenced to three years for involvement in Crisp & Cole fraud scandal, $2.9 million fine

September 29, 2014, 3:12 pm

≫ Next: Police seeking suspect vehicle allegedly involved in mini-storage burglary

≪ Previous: A Delano man died in a collision on HWY 99 near Lerdo HWY

FRESNO, Calif. - A Bakersfield woman found guilty of involvement in the Crisp & Cole mortgage fraud scheme was sentenced Monday to three years in prison, plus a fine of $2.9 million in restitution.

Office Manager Julie Dianne Farmer was found guilty in April of conspiring to commit mail, wire and bank fraud from January 2004 to September 2007.

Jurors also convicted Farmer on two counts each of wire fraud and mail fraud.

Farmer is just one of 15 defendants charged in a massive scheme instigated by Crisp, Cole and Associates Real Estate Firm.

She is the only defendant in the case to go trial.

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Police seeking suspect vehicle allegedly involved in mini-storage burglary

September 29, 2014, 3:43 pm

≫ Next: Gov. Brown signs plastic bag ban bill for California today.

≪ Previous: Julie Farmer sentenced to three years for involvement in Crisp & Cole fraud scandal, $2.9 million fine

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - The Bakersfield Police are asking for the community's assistance in finding the location of a suspect vehicle involved in an alleged burglary.

Police say that a white Ford Mustang with two thin dark stripes on the hood was seen arriving at the Extra-Space Mini-Storage located at 4050 Chester Ave. Three men of unknown race reportedly broke into a storage unit and removed items.

Police encourage anyone with information regarding this case to contact BPD at 661-327-7111.

Anonymous text messages can be sent to 274637 by sending BPDCRIMES along with a message.

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Gov. Brown signs plastic bag ban bill for California today.

September 30, 2014, 10:12 am

≫ Next: CHP safe driver event engages teens in realities of unsafe driving.

≪ Previous: Police seeking suspect vehicle allegedly involved in mini-storage burglary

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The first ban on single-use plastic bags was signed into law today by Gov. Brown. Senate Bill 270 (SB 270) will go into effect Jan. 1, 2015.

The bill comes after growing efforts by local governments in California creating ordinances banning the single-use plastic bags. So far, 98 local governments have made the transition prior to today's signing. The ordinances covered more than 127 cities and counties.

According to CalRecyle, each year, "more than 13 billion single-use plastic bags are handed out by retailers, with just three percent actually recycled in California.

"Plastic bags cause litter, slow sorting and jam machinery at recycling centers. The combined cost of single-use plastic bags to California consumers and state and local government for use, clean-up and disposal is estimated to be in the tens of millions of dollars annually."

The general responses cited is that single-use plasticv bags are harmful to the environment and naturaly developed ecosystems.

According to a study commissioned by the US Marine Debris Monitoring Program, single-use plastic bags remain one of the top items found consistently during annual beach cleanups. Additionally, plastic items are estimated to compose 60-80 percent of all marine debris and 90 percent of all floating debris worldwide.

SB 270 phases out single-use plastic bags in California grocery stores, convenience stores, liquor stores and pharmacies.

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CHP safe driver event engages teens in realities of unsafe driving.

September 30, 2014, 10:58 am

≫ Next: GET board appoints third new member

≪ Previous: Gov. Brown signs plastic bag ban bill for California today.

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - The California Highway Patrol addressed local teens and their parents last night during the monthly Start Smart Class. The free two-hour course teaches safe-driving habits and tips on avoiding collisions.

Teens behind the wheel are statistically more likely to be involved in risky driving than other drivers and the classes are an opportunity to share with teens the effects of unsafe driving.

Parents and teens heard from one mom last night who learned just two months ago what kind of impact unsafe driving can have on a family.

She spoke about her son and what her life is like now that her son is gone.

"He was going about a 100 miles per hour ... my nephews tell me that was the first time my son ever did such a thing and I think he just thought to himself, 'hey I got my mom's car, I want to test drive it' because it was the first time he ever drove my car -- it was the biggest mistake of his life," said Claudia Obregon.

Obregon's son Javier's decision to speed cost him his life. She shared photos of the accident with attendees in a slideshow that she took of the accident. She happened to drive by the accident without knowing it was her son.

"I saw an accident there and the roads were blocked where I had to go but I saw it and I kind of knew something was wrong in my heart," Obregon said. "But I was of course in denial as a mother. and I was like no my son is getting a hair cut that's not gonna be him."

A few days later she was burying her son.

"A piece of me went with my son that day, but for some reason right the next day I had this urge this feeling that you know what i've got to go talk to the students to the youth to stop this," Obregon said.

Now, Obregon has made it her mission to speak to teen drivers and let them know their decisions have more consequences than they may understand.

the CHP said teenagers tend to take more risks while driving, partly due to their overconfidence in their driving abilities. The course offers teens safe driving tips and exposes the dangers of risky driving.

"The number one killer of teens in america right now are motor vehicle crashes so its imperative that this message get out to our youth. our current drivers and our future drivers," said CHP spokesperson Robert Rodriguez.

Obregon is determined to get out the message; she'll be speaking at Cesar Chavez High in Delano in October and will go to other schools to urge more teens to safe behind the wheel.

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GET board appoints third new member

September 30, 2014, 11:24 am

≫ Next: Domestic Violence Awareness Month begins in October with local speaking event

≪ Previous: CHP safe driver event engages teens in realities of unsafe driving.

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. The Golden Empire Transit board is set to appoint a new member today.

Outgoing boardmember Kathleen Ashland will be replaced by new appointee Jim Baldwin.

Ashland retired in August to be with family in Arizona.

Sha added her stepping down had nothing to do with the protracted month-long labor strike that created controversy.

Two GET board members who were appointed by the Bakersfield City Council, were in turn fired by the council after declining to step down.

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Domestic Violence Awareness Month begins in October with local speaking event

September 30, 2014, 11:48 am

≫ Next: Two arrested in connection with homicide on Fishering Dr.

≪ Previous: GET board appoints third new member

The Alliance Against Family Violence is promoting Domestic Violence Awareness Month on Oct. 1 at 10 a.m. with an event at the Alliance Outreach Center on 1921 19th St.

The event will include local authority figures speaking about domestic violence issues. The list of expected speakers includes: District Attorney Lisa Green, Sherriff Donny Youngblood, and Sean Collins, Public Information Officer with Kern County Fire Department.

The Alliance is a local resource that provides assistance for victims of domestic violence and their children, who are homeless as a result of domestic violence or abuse at home.

According to the Aliiance, they helped 2,122 victims of domestic violence and their children in 2012-2013.

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Two arrested in connection with homicide on Fishering Dr.

September 30, 2014, 12:29 pm

≫ Next: Oildale man convicted of sexually assaulting minors at his house parties.

≪ Previous: Domestic Violence Awareness Month begins in October with local speaking event

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - Kern County Sheriffs have arrested a suspect in connection with the homicide of 43-year-old Juan Ramirez, who was found dead at the scene on Fishering Drive on Sept. 21.

Homicide Detectives arrested 23-year-old Fernando Romero for one count of first degree murder.

Detectives also arrested Fernando Romero’s brother, 34-year-old Horacio Romero. After an investigation, Horacio Romero was arrested for for accessory to murder and destruction of evidence.

Fernando Romero has been booked and is being held without bail.

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Oildale man convicted of sexually assaulting minors at his house parties.

September 30, 2014, 1:21 pm

≫ Next: GET to implement several bus route changes

≪ Previous: Two arrested in connection with homicide on Fishering Dr.

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - An Oildale man was convicted in court today for sexual assault charges involving minors.

Anthony Searles-Harris was convicted of forcible oral copulation in concert with a child under 14 years old. He was also convicted lewd acts with a child under 14 years old and oral copulation with a child under 14 years old.

According to the release, the defendent is accused of having drinking parties where underage girls would frequent.

He is accused of facilitating under age minors with alcohol and drugs. He is also accused of forcing a 13-year-old girl to orally copulate a 26-year-old man.

Searles-Harris faces up to 14 years in prisonand will be sentenced on Oct. 29.

He must also register as a sex offender.

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GET to implement several bus route changes

September 30, 2014, 2:20 pm

≫ Next: Bakersfield Animal Control to offer microchip and vaccination clinic for local pets

≪ Previous: Oildale man convicted of sexually assaulting minors at his house parties.

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - Golden Empire Transit District will implement nine route changes on Sunday, Oct. 5, throughout the greater Bakersfield area.

The complete list of route changes is listed below, courtesy of GET:

Route 21– Provide morning and afternoon service to the Homeless Center at 6:10 and 6:40 AM and 5:35 and 5:50 PM. (Rt 21 also stops at Washington/California every 15 minutes.)

Route 22– Add an additional bus on Saturdays and Sundays to accommodate increased ridership.

Route 41– Revise to operate on Highway 99 instead of Akers from Panama Lane (Walmart) to Ming Ave (Southwest Transit Center). A survey showed very few customers on Akers. Using Highway 99 will assist Rt 41 in staying on time.

Route 43– Extend Rt 43 to serve CBCC on Saturdays. (CBCC is served by Rt 47 and Rt 47 is being eliminated on weekends).

Route 46– Re-route to operate on Robinson, Potomac and Washington to serve the Clinica Sierra Vista facility on Potomac.

Route 47– Eliminate weekend service and evening service. Service will stop at 7 PM. Ridership very low at these times.

Route 61– Re-route to operate on Panama Lane westbound to Ashe Road. Eliminate service to Panama Walmart. Will now serve the new shopping center on Gosford. This change reduces route by 4 miles and will help the route stay on time.

Route 81– Eliminate evening service (will now stop service at 7 PM). Change weekend headways from 30 minutes to 60 minutes. This express route links southwest Bakersfield with Bakersfield College. It is heavily used on weekdays by students. When the new service was implemented, the hours were extended to 11 PM, however, the evening service has not been used.

Route 83– Eliminate Southwest/downtown service, move to Wilson/S Union. This route typically had the least ridership in the system. It has been re-routed to serve BARC on S Union and South H Street at the Vallarta Market and Clinica Sierra Vista WIC facility. The South H segment was requested by several customers.

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Bakersfield Animal Control to offer microchip and vaccination clinic for local pets

September 30, 2014, 4:07 pm

≫ Next: COPS awards McFarland $244k grant for hiring, re-hiring police officers

≪ Previous: GET to implement several bus route changes

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - The City of Bakersfield Animal Control Division will hold a licensing and microchip clinic for dogs residing within city limits Saturday, Oct. 4.

The clinic will run from 9 a.m. to noon at Millcreek Park, located at 600 19th Street. Organizers say they will offer low-cost distemper/parvo -- or DAPP -- vaccines, rabies vaccines, licensing, and free microchips.

Rabies vaccines will be administered to dogs three months of age and older, as long as a license is purchased.

Anyone with questions about the event is asked to contact the Animal Control Division at 661-326-3436, or to visit the the division's website.

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