Sheriff's deputies searching for attacker following sexual assault

October 10, 2014, 4:10 pm

≫ Next: Water-less Volkslauf still a fun challenge

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BAKERSFIELD, CA – Sheriff’s deputies are asking for your help to find a man they say forced a woman into her home at knifepoint then sexually assaulted her.

Investigators say the attack happened in the 3500 block of Terrace Way around 9:30 a.m. Friday morning.

The attacker is described as a Hispanic man, 18 to 25 years old, about 5’ tall with a shaved head, short goatee with an unknown tattoo on the left side of his neck.

He was last seen wearing a black shirt and blue pants.

Detectives say he was possibly driving an unknown model black sedan.

If anyone has information on this case they are asked to call the Sheriff’s Office at 861-3110 or the Secret Witness hotline at 322-4040.

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Water-less Volkslauf still a fun challenge

October 11, 2014, 5:53 pm

≫ Next: Pumpkin prices increase due to drought

≪ Previous: Sheriff's deputies searching for attacker following sexual assault

BAKERSFIELD, CA. - The lack of water at this year's Volkslauf did not stop the public from attending. The numbers were lower than previous years but the parking lot was still packed and every race was filled with eager participants. Approximately 1,300 runners, 550 Marine Corps recruits, and 300 Marine Corps drill instructors hit the course today.

Due to the drought this year's Volkslauf was less muddy. Tony Garcia is the co-race director of the event, "Water is a priority for the farmers and not us, we improvised on a lot of our courses putting sand in the pits making them work harder. the water we have on two of our obstacles is re-claimed water that had we got from a company that uses recyclable water."

The lack of water did worry some participants. Brent Stratton was a part of the Bakersfield Police S.W.A.T. Team and was surprised by the difficultly without mud, "there was a trench that was filled with water and now you have to bear crawl through the sand instead." However, the revised course has team Granite hopeful for next year," we hope California can fix the drought so we get some more mud at Volkslauf."

The Volkslauf legacy is beyond mud. Tony Garcia spoke about the group that started the race, " One of our former fire fighters that passed away is the one that started this out in Arvin he was a Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel." His name was Ed Ramirez and in 1997 he and his friends created this run/obstacle course calling it Volkslauf. The helicopter near the starting line dedicated to Ed Ramirez for his work in starting the air program for Kern County Fire.

Lucia Segrest is a committee member for Volkslauf and is also Ed Ramirez sister, "When I heard the helicopter flying in this morning I just lost it, I just feel that Eddie is here...". With the helicopter close to the starting line it's like Mr. Ramirez himself was watching the racers fly by.

Mr. Ramirez only saw three of the races but the legacy continues every year with a 5k, 10k, military, and junior races. Lucia Segrest:" Just know that his legacy lives on, and this is why we have it...". After the race participants enjoyed a celebration with food and drink. The monies raised will go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Ronald McDonald House, and other local charities.

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Pumpkin prices increase due to drought

October 11, 2014, 6:08 pm

≫ Next: Community of riders gather to honor one of their own

≪ Previous: Water-less Volkslauf still a fun challenge

BAKERSFIELD, CA. - You may notice this year when you purchase your pumpkin that prices are slightly higher than last year, and that would be mainly due to the drought.

But, Gary Reed from Murray Family Farms, says the small increase in price was mostly absorbed by farmers and did not hamper the marketability of pumpkins this year.

He says that the big box stores like Walmart or Home Depot purchase most of their pumpkins a year ahead of time, so they can guarantee they have what they need to stock their stores the following Fall. Those are the prices he predicts will increase dramatically next year.

Gary Reed says there are actually three things that hit next year that are all going to cost the consumer a lot of money. The first is the drought, the second is the 12 percent increase in minimum wage, and the last is the Affordable Care Act, which will go into effect for farmers.

Murray Family Farms is not the only farm hit with higher prices.

We spoke with Banducci Farms as well, and farmers there said the same thing: when you increase production cost, farmers have no choice but to increase pumpkin prices for the consumer.

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Community of riders gather to honor one of their own

October 11, 2014, 6:59 pm

≫ Next: Arvin community groups protest Community Recycling

≪ Previous: Pumpkin prices increase due to drought

BAKERSFIELD, CA. - The Patriot Guard Riders are big supporters of our local veterans, but their last ride saw them honoring one of their own.

Ernie Dorsey, or better known simply as The Godfather, is quickly slipping away, but his friends are not ready to let him go without letting him know how he has impacted their lives.

No one is really sure why they call him The Godfather. It could be he has been part of nearly every ride for as long as anyone can remember, so everyone took notice when didn't show up.

His friends started one of the few rides without him, but this time it was for him.

"He's just one of the fixtures. he's one of the anchor points for the motorcycle groups in this town," said Don Oldaker, Toy Run Organizer.

"the Godfather has always been godfather. You know, you ask anybody, I would say three quarters of everybody don't even know his name."

For decades, Dorsey has helped organize the annual toy run and given rumbling respect to our veterans riding with the patriot guard.

Now, that honor is rolling his way as grateful friends celebrate The Godfather's countless days of service.

They all want him to know what it means to them now that his days are numbered.

"That's the only thing he's been talking about since he's been home, hasn't been able to get on his motorcycle. He just looks at the window at it," said Derek Dorsey, the Godfather's son.

h this is really something special that i wasn't expecting. (16:03:39)well you never know where your friends are at until something happens to you," said The Godfather Ernie Dorsey.

"This is the best right here because they are all here with him right now," said Derek Dorsey. "this is what he really wanted."

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Arvin community groups protest Community Recycling

October 12, 2014, 11:51 pm

≫ Next: Women groups encourage self defense training

≪ Previous: Community of riders gather to honor one of their own

ARVIN, CA - Some Arvin community members are seeking justice for two brothers. Three years ago Armando Ramirez died and his brother Eladio two days later. The Ramirez brothers were clearing a pipe at Community Recycling when they were overcome by toxic fumes.

A group called Community for a Better Arvin rallied today across the street from Community Recycling. They call for clean air, "aire limpio."

Community for a Better Arvin president Salvador Partida said, "All the contamination, all the smoke, all the trash, all the flies, go to Arvin."

These protesters want Community Recycling and resources kicked out of town.

Partida said, "We want this company closed, go somewhere else, not here."

The Ramirez brothers' family member Jacqueline Cruz said, "They pollute the air so we want them to take it off for less people could die."

This protest was also to seek justice for two brothers Armando and Eladio Ramirez that lost their lives from hydrogen-sulfide fumes while working at this recycling center in October 2011.

The Ramirez brothers' family member Carolina Cruz said, "Were suffering a lot because both of them died. that's why were out here trying to find justice for what happened."

They want justice and clean air so this doesn't happen again. Three years after the Ramirez brothers deaths they want authorities to know they have not forgotten.

Center of Race, Poverty and Environment community organizer Gustavo Aguirre said, "Nothing has happened yet. so we are here protesting the lack of action because we want the authorities to know that the community is still waiting for justice."

The fight will continue despite the decision made earlier this month by the district attorney's office, dropping criminal charges against Community Recycling.

On October 3, 2014, Supervising District Attorney Greg Pulskamp said, " We feel that the evidence was insufficient for us to prove that beyond a reasonable doubt what we are required to prove under the law. So, for that reason, we really have no option other than to decline to pursue it."

The Center of Race, Poverty and Environment released a 14 page document called the "Rotten Neighbor," giving an analysis on the affects of Community Recycling on the community.

Aguirre said, "Its an overview of a community project that we have been doing over the years, its monitoring the air. How polluted is the air that this company is sending to our communities."

We contacted Community Recycling and its lawyers about the protests and have not heard back.

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Women groups encourage self defense training

October 13, 2014, 10:11 am

≫ Next: Shooting between neighbors leaves one hospitalized

≪ Previous: Arvin community groups protest Community Recycling

BAKERSFIELD, CA. - October is domestic violence awareness month and one in three women in the US have experienced physical violence from a partner, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Advocate organizations across Kern County are encouraging more women to know how to protect themselves in case they are ever faced with a violent situation.

Dave Woods, the owner and an instructor at Bakersfield Elite Martial Arts, offers free and low-cost self-defense classes to women once a month from 6 p.m.to 9 p.m. at the Alliance Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault center.

"It's a constant attack to the vital targets: eyes, ears, throat and groin. Those are vulnerable no matter who you are and doesn't take too much strength to cause so damage there, said Woods.

The Alliance says self-defense is always good for women to learn because they never know when they may need the skills.

"Anything you can do to even the odds because we have a smaller woman and a bigger man," said Carolann Wooton of the Alliance. "That's why women really need to do these kinds of skillsets because you never know when you may find yourself in that kind of situation. Anything you can do to get away, to even the odds, is a good thing."

Anyone who is in a violent situation can call the Alliance 24 hour hotline at 661-327-1091. Alliance also has emergency shelter services and walk-in crisis intervention help.

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Shooting between neighbors leaves one hospitalized

October 13, 2014, 11:16 am

≫ Next: Meeting tonight regarding the Citrus Psyllid quarantine

≪ Previous: Women groups encourage self defense training

BAKERSFIELD, CA. - An investigation by the Kern County Sheriff's Office is currently underway regarding a shooting in southwest Bakersfield that took place Sunday night.

The incident happened around 10 p.m. in the 100 block of Rexland Drive where officials said the man who fired the gun called 911 to report the shooting.

When deputies arrived they found the shooter's neighbor suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

The incident stemmed from a disturbance between the two neighbors, according to Sergeant Bill Smallwood.

"They are neighbors in the neighborhood. There was some sort of disturbance that occurred. Both parties were armed with hand guns and one of the subjects was shot," said Smallwood.

The neighbor who they believe pulled the trigger is being questioned by officials.

The other man was taken to Kern Medical Center where he underwent surgery and is in critical condition.

The incident is not believed to be gang related.

No arrests have been made yet, though KCSO homicide detectives continue to investigate the incident.

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Meeting tonight regarding the Citrus Psyllid quarantine

October 13, 2014, 11:35 am

≫ Next: Bear spotted in City in the Hills

≪ Previous: Shooting between neighbors leaves one hospitalized

BAKERSFIELD, CA. - The California Department of Food and Agriculture will hold a meeting tonight about the Citrus Psyllid quarantine.

The meeting is from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Fairview Elementary School in the cafeteria on Fairview Road.

The extended quarantine comes after an announcement earlier this month when the Asian Citrus Psyllid was found in the Rexland Acres area.

The discovery of the Citrus Psylid prompted the expansion of a previous quarantine zone into south Bakersfield.

Now, all citrus trees in the area are under observation for sightings of the insect because it can transmit a disease that kills off citrus trees in large numbers.

CDFA representatives, as well as biologists from the Kern County Department of Agriculture will be on hand at the meeting tonight to answer any questions the public may have.

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Bear spotted in City in the Hills

October 13, 2014, 11:41 am

≫ Next: Horseshoe tournament benefits local scholarships

≪ Previous: Meeting tonight regarding the Citrus Psyllid quarantine

Another bear has been spotted in a resident's tree, this time at a home in the City in the Hills area. According to the resident said the bear has been there since 9 a.m. We've got our photographers on scene now. Watch the 17 news report at noon for more.

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Horseshoe tournament benefits local scholarships

October 13, 2014, 12:15 pm

≫ Next: Local pilot flies into restricted air space

≪ Previous: Bear spotted in City in the Hills

BAKERSFIELD, CA. - It was all fun and games at Stramler Park on Saturday for the Fourth Annual Horseshoe Tournament. But there were more winners celebrating than just those on the podium this year.

The event benefitted the Contreras Family Scholarship Foundation, which helps out local high school students.

Organizers said because of events like this, they were able to give more than a dozen scholarships last year.

If you'd like to get involved, there is a Halloween dance coming up on Oct. 25 at the Veterans Hall on Ridge Road.

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Local pilot flies into restricted air space

October 13, 2014, 12:16 pm

≫ Next: Settlement reached in rent-to-own allegations

≪ Previous: Horseshoe tournament benefits local scholarships

BAKERSFIELD, CA - The Federal Aviation Administration isn't sure whether the plane left from Meadows Field Airport or Bakersfield Municipal Airport. Local aviation experts say planes in restricted areas are rare.

Video shows an F-15 fighter jet on it's way to investigate a small plane out of Bakersfield. The Cessna 340, similar to this photo, was flying in restricted airspace over Los Angeles, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

Officials say flight restrictions were in place, as President Obama arrived in Santa Monica for a three-day fundraising trip. Ryan Crowl with Bakersfield Jet Center, says certain notices are given to all pilots for temporary flight restrictions, including online and even on Twitter.

"The frequency for temporary flight restrictions since 9/11 has increased. So, there's a lot more of them and anytime the president moves, it follows him."

The FAA says the flight violation was not intentional. It says the pilot of the Cessna was not communicating through radio until the fighter jet caught up to the plane. That's when officials say the pilot made contact with air traffic controllers and returned to Bakersfield.

The Federal Aviation Administration says it could not comment on any possible action it could take against the pilot, who's name has not been released pending an investigation.

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Settlement reached in rent-to-own allegations

October 13, 2014, 12:41 pm

≫ Next: Museum celebrates 16th annual Via Arte event

≪ Previous: Local pilot flies into restricted air space

BAKERSFIELD, CA. - The state Attorney General announced a $28 million settlement with Aaron's, Inc, the second largest rent-to-own business in the nation.

The settlment resolves allegations that the company violated California consumer protection and privacy laws and requires Aaron's to refund $25 million to California customers who signed lease agreements between April 1, 2010 and March 31, 2014 and to pay $3.4 million in civil penalties and fees.

The complaint alleges Aaron's violated the law by charging improper late fees, overcharging customers who paid off contracts early, and omitting important contract disclosures.

Authorities said the company also rented laptops with spyware installed on them. Now, about 100,000 California customers will be eligible for restitution.

The company issued a statement recently concerning the decision: "Neither Aaron's incorporated, nor any of its California franchisees admit any wrongdoing or liability as part of this settlement. Aaron's Incorporated and its franchisees are committed to ensuring that our business practices in California and everywhere meet or exceed both legal requirements and the expectations of our customers."

Per the release:

Customers who are eligible for restitution will receive notice at their last known mailing address.

Know your rights. Under California law, you have many important protections if you enter into a rent-to-own agreement. For example, you may be entitled to a reduction in the amount of your lease payment if you suffer a hardship like losing your job.

Read your contract carefully before signing. Make sure you understand your obligations under the agreement, including the length of time specified in the contract, and not just the cost of your monthly lease payment.

Click HERE to find out more if you think you are owed restitution payment or call 877-449-8548.

To read the complaint click HERE.

To read the final judgement documents click HERE.

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Museum celebrates 16th annual Via Arte event

October 13, 2014, 2:03 pm

≫ Next: KMC to layoff four employees, originally planned to cut more than 150

≪ Previous: Settlement reached in rent-to-own allegations

BAKERSFIELD, CA. - The sreets of southwest Bakersfield are looked like a scene out of Italy this weekend as many local artists came together to support the program hosted by the Bakersfield Museum of Art.

This year marks the 16th Annual Via Arte Italian Street Painting Festival at The Marketplace, which

organizers said is modled after an Italian tradition celebrating a shared love of the arts in our community.

"I think it's really different because you're so used to canvasses and drawings on paper and doing it on the street, on pavement just has a different feel to it," said artist Niokia Delacruz.

Check with the Bakersfield Museum of Art to see how you can be a part of the event next year.

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KMC to layoff four employees, originally planned to cut more than 150

October 13, 2014, 4:40 pm

≫ Next: Another bear encounter in Bakersfield

≪ Previous: Museum celebrates 16th annual Via Arte event

BAKERSFIELD, CA - Kern County Supervisors approved an updated list Monday of proposed firings at Kern Medical Center, deciding that four people should lose their jobs after originally planning to fire more than 150 people earlier this year.

That original proposal of more than 150 layoffs was cut to 56 in May, before being further reduced Monday. Supervisors cited continued improvement in hospital operations for the initial reduction. Hospital CEO Russell Judd said that working closely with the Services Employees International Union helped bring that number down even more.

"It's still four people. It's hard for those four people, but overall, to go from where we were and what we thought it would be to get it narrowed down into that process, we're pleased with that," Judd said.

This decision comes after the hospital came in more than $3 million under-budget for August, according to Judd. KMC's current loan balance is approximately $73 million.

Judd said a steering committee has been formed for the New Hospital Authority set to take effect in January 2015, but that there is still more work to be done implementing that new leadership role.

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Another bear encounter in Bakersfield

October 13, 2014, 6:32 pm

≫ Next: No treats, but evil tricks for local family

≪ Previous: KMC to layoff four employees, originally planned to cut more than 150

The 12th bear sighting since September, by our count, happened this morning in City in the Hills, but this bear has been tagged before.

Wildlife officials say their policy is to release the bear 20 miles from where it was tagged, but the exact location is concealed. Since this bear returned, and was spotted in the 10-thousand-800 block of Patagonia Way, they say it will be released further than the 20 mile limit, but still remain within Kern County.

Bears that wander into non-bear habitat in search of food and water are considered "no harm no foul", and these are the types of bears the Department of Fish and Wildlife can relocate.

Biologists say that they cannot release a bear drastically far from where it was tagged because of the possibility of spreading disease and the impact the new bear will have on the present bear population.

Fish and Wildlife wardens tranquilized the bear and, at last check, are currently in the process of relocating it.

Officials say that we will be able to find out exactly which bear was in the City in the Hills community sometime tomorrow morning.

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No treats, but evil tricks for local family

October 15, 2014, 6:28 pm

≫ Next: Two arrested in meth bust

≪ Previous: Another bear encounter in Bakersfield

BAKERSFIELD, CA - Halloween is still weeks away. But it's already been no treat and just evil tricks for a local family.

Thieves hit their front yard, not once, but twice stealing decorations that have been part of their holiday tradition for years.

Delanna Gayles shares pictures of what her decorations looked like when she put them up October 1.

"We have a little zombie zone," said Gayles.

It's part of her and her young granddaughter's creation called Dead End Cemetery, complete with grave markers, birds, and bones.

"We dress up and get spooky and jump out of the headstones like zombies," said Gayles.

But this year's ghoulish game is cancelled now that thieves hit the house. Criminals crept in taking most of seven years worth of decorations from the central Bakersfield front lawn Sunday night and came back for more Tuesday night, leaving Gayles to explain why Halloween won't be the same to her young granddaughters.

"They were crying they were upset. They were mad that people would come out on our property and take things that belong to us," said Gayles.

Bakersfield Police say decoration thefts are common, although they tend to happen closer to Halloween and this is the first they've heard of this year. But nothing is safe.

A boy in Washington state just had his 45 pound pumpkin plucked from his front porch this week. While that thief was caught on tape, Gayles only has pictures of her decorations. They have now been replaced with a sign in her front yard sending a clear message to the thief who stole their treasured trinkets and their tradition.

"I'm not feeling like I want to open up my door to people in masks after being robbed twice in a week. We had a nice Dead End Cemetery that is gone now," said Gayles.

Gayles has not filed a police report.

Seargeant Joe Grubbs with the Bakersfield Police Department says if you fall victim, a report must be filed within 14 days of the crime.

The best way to prevent theft is to bring larger decorations, or the ones that mean the most to you, inside overnight.

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Two arrested in meth bust

October 16, 2014, 9:10 am

≫ Next: Officials looking for high-risk sex offender

≪ Previous: No treats, but evil tricks for local family

BAKERSFIELD, CA. - The Major Violator Unit of the Kern County Sheriff's Office have seized 10 pounds of Methamphetamine and arrested two suspects.

The arrests and drug bust took place around 9 a.m. on Oct. 16, and comes after a month-long invstigation.

The two individuals arrested have been identified as 34-year-old Refugio Mercado and 28-year-old Belen Tapia from Cathedral City, Calif. -- in the Coachella Valley.

Both individuals were arrested in a parking lot in south Bakersfield after investigators learned the two were attempting to sell them to subjects in Kern County.

Both were booked into the Kern County jail for possession of drugs for sales, transportation of drugs and conspiracy.

The street value of the drugs seized is estimated to be more than $350,000.

Officers also found Mercado to be in possession of a small amount of cocaine.

MVU was assisted by the KCSO Gang Suppression-Investigations Section, and the Kern County HIDTA and Cal-MMET task.

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Officials looking for high-risk sex offender

October 16, 2014, 10:32 am

≫ Next: Schools and businesses prepare with Great Shakeout

≪ Previous: Two arrested in meth bust

BAKERSFIELD, CA. - Officials are requesting the community's assistance in finding a high-risk sex offender who failed to report to his parole officer.

Robert Schriver was released from the Lerdo Detention Facility on Oct. 10. Schriver has a prior conviction for annoying or molesting a child.

If you have any information that can help find him call the Bakersfield police Department at 661-634-9620 or the Kern County Sheriff’s Office at 661-861-3110. You can also call Secret Witness at 661-322-4040. Anonymous text tips can be sent to TIP411 (847411). Just type the keyword “KCSO” prior to the message.

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Schools and businesses prepare with Great Shakeout

October 16, 2014, 10:36 am

≫ Next: Burglary suspect wanted for stealing a TV

≪ Previous: Officials looking for high-risk sex offender

BAKERSFIELD, CA. - Across the state, 9.5 million Californians will be participating in the Great Shakeout today, an annual drill to get everyone prepared for a big earthquake.

Schools and businesses around town will practice at 10:16 a.m. to make sure people know to drop, cover, and hold on whenever the ground starts shaking.

"It's essential to prepare. I think we all know that we're kind of living on a ticking time bomb here in california and its only a matter of time before there is a significant earthquake," said Amber Chiang, Bakersfield College Spokesperson. "We have got buildings that are multiple stories tall, tens of thousands of people who can be on our campus at any one time and we have to know that not only to they know but our team know how to evacuate them safely after an earthquake."

Preparation is especially critical in Kern county which is surrounded by the san Andreas Fault, the White Wolf Fault which caused the 1952 earthquake, and the Garlock fault. Geologists say there is no way to predict when a big quake will hit, but the probability is high.

"Right now probability is that an earthquake in the next 30 years, a large magnitude earthquake could hit the region is actually fairly pretty high," said William Krugh, Assistant Professor of Geology at CSUB. "So it's something that we do need to be prepared about because we don't know exactly when its going to come."

One way families can stay prepared is by creating and storing an emergency kit. The bag should contain a first aid kit, hygiene products, non perishable food items preferably high in protein (peanut butter and nuts), and water. The American Red Cross recommends having as much water as one gallon per person per day. A flashlight and batteries should be stored as well. The Red Cross sells emergency kits online, but it's also very easy to make.

To prepare your home, bolt down wall hangings or any heavy furniture to reduce the likelihood that they will fall. Also, pick safe places in each room of the house that will cover every family member.

The Red Cross says running to the doorway is not as secure as most think it to be, so duck under furniture if you can or neal down and cover your head with your hands.

The red cross offers free preparedness classes to any church group, neighbors, or group of people who want to learn more about how to gear up for quakes. To arrange a class, call 661-324-6427.

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