Suspects arrested in Shirlee Ct. burglary

October 16, 2014, 11:31 am

≫ Next: AFFR and Fair Board resolve dispute

≪ Previous: Burglary suspect wanted for stealing a TV

BAKERSFIELD, CA. - Two arrests have been made in connection with a burglary that took place at a residence on Shirlle Court on Oct. 15.

Just after 10 p.m.on Oct. 15, deputies were called out to Shirlee Court again to investigate a suspicious vehicle that matched the description of a vehicle stolen earlier that day.

Deputies stopped the vehicle near Manley Avenue and Corto Street where a second burglary by the same suspect was reported earlier in connection with the Shirlee Court burglary.

After searching the vehicle, deputies found property taken during the earlier burglary, including the handgun.

One of the suspects arrested has been identified as 21-year-old Melanie Cazares and a 16-year-old juvenile.

Cazares was booked in to the downtown jail and the juvenile was released to a guardian pending a criminal complaint.

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AFFR and Fair Board resolve dispute

October 16, 2014, 12:01 pm

≫ Next: Kern Medical Center conducts Ebola drill for emergency department staff

≪ Previous: Suspects arrested in Shirlee Ct. burglary

BAKERSFIELD, CA. - A long dispute between parents and the Kern County Fair Board appears resolved after the board met with members of the community on Oct. 15.

Members of the group known as "Advocates for Fair Reform" aired their grievances at a forum and the board of directors listened.

Those grievances stem from a series of incidents involving the treatment of livestock during the fair this year.

A home video posted on Facebook showed more than 100 pigs, all placed in the same pen after being auctioned, fighting amongst themselves for limited water as individuals attempted to separate them.

AFFR members discussed their concerns about how the pigs were mistreated.

Fair CEO Mike Olcott addressed those concerns and apologized.

"It was not a good situation. It should not have been where the public could see this, it was not good for the fair and I take responsibility for that,: said Olcott. "The buck stops here."

AFFR Chairman Clay Freeman said that the meeting had a positive impact.

"I think it's been a very positive experience. Concerns were raised, addressed, solutions have been discussed and I think moving forward this is going be a turning point that everyone's going to be happy with," said Freeman.

Freeman said he would like the board to continue to hold these public forums so community members can be involved in the process of problem solving at the Kern County Fair.

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Kern Medical Center conducts Ebola drill for emergency department staff

October 16, 2014, 3:51 pm

≫ Next: Man suspected of indecent exposure arrested in eastern Kern

≪ Previous: AFFR and Fair Board resolve dispute

BAKERSFIELD, CA - Officials at Kern Medical Center say an ebola drill was conducted Thursday for emergency staff at the hospital in east Bakersfield.

The California Association of Public Hospitals and Health Systems issued a letter to U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer last week regarding ebola preparedness. As part of that letter, the hospital has among other things:

•Implemented the screening tool provided by the CDC for patients with a history of travel to West Africa within the time frame and are symptomatic. When a patient has a positive screening for symptoms and travel they are immediately placed on droplet and contact isolation. KMC has the required personal protective equipment for isolation including power aired purifying respirators (PAPR) in the emergency deparment and throughout the hospital. The screening tool and memorandum with instructions have been distributed to appropriate staff in the emergency department, inpatient setting, and outpatient clinics.

•Signage has been placed at entrances to inpatient hospital services and outpatient clinics.

•KMC's laboratory has been provided instructions on specimen collection.

•In addition to the screening tool for inpatient and outpatient settings, Kern Medical Center is bundling appropriate personal protective equipment that is currently onsite for efficiency in isolating suspected patients. The materials management department is also ordering an additional 96 hours supply of appropriate personal protective equipment.

•At this point in time, if an ebola patient presented to the hospital, the organization's plan is to stabilize the patient and transfer to a hospital with a high tech isolation unit.

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Man suspected of indecent exposure arrested in eastern Kern

October 16, 2014, 5:08 pm

≫ Next: Two students hit by car, one in coma

≪ Previous: Kern Medical Center conducts Ebola drill for emergency department staff

NORTH EDWARDS, CA - Deputies have arrested a man they say is responsible for at least a dozen cases of indecent exposure near the area of North Edwards in eastern Kern County.

Investigators say over the last several months, deputies from the Mojave/Boron Substation have responded to 11 separate calls regarding a man exposing himself and committing lewd acts in view of motorists traveling on Hwy. 58 near the town of North Edwards. In each instance, the man was able to flee the area prior to the arrival of deputies, and deputies had been unable to identify the suspect.

On Wednesday afternoon, deputies received a call from a motorist reporting the suspect standing near a white SUV near the area of Claymine Rd. and Hwy. 58. The suspect was nude and committing lewd acts in view of motorists. Deputies were able to respond to the area within several minutes and determined the suspect had left the area.

A short time later a California Highway Patrol officer assisting with the search of the area located a white SUV matching the suspect vehicle description. The vehicle was parked at a nearby mobile home park and deputies contacted the resident of the mobile home where the vehicle was parked. Deputies identified the resident as 26-year-old Kirk Antosh and were able to determine that Antosh was the suspect involved in the case reported on October 15, as well as the same suspect involved in the 11 previous calls.

Antosh was arrested and booked into the Kern County Jail for indecent exposure. He also had an outstanding warrant out of Los Angeles County for a similar case.

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Two students hit by car, one in coma

October 16, 2014, 6:39 pm

≫ Next: Family walking for baby with rare heart disease

≪ Previous: Man suspected of indecent exposure arrested in eastern Kern

BAKERSFIELD, CA - A local high school student is in a coma, after the California Highway Patrol says a distracted driver hit her along with another student while they were walking in a crosswalk near school.

The accident happened near Foothill high school at Weedpatch Highway and Eucalyptus Drive around 6:40 Thursday morning.

Parents told 17 News this accident was no surprise.

They say many drivers speed down Weedpatch Highway and won't stop at the crosswalk.

"This is an unfortunate incident where two pedestrians were within the law and they were in a crosswalk when they were struck," said Robert Rodriguez, California Highway Patrol.

The CHP says 16-year-old Erin Gutierrez and 17-year-old Gina Fields were taken to Kern Medical Center with major injuries.

Officers say Fields is in critical condition with a lacerated kidney.

The CHP says 26-year-old Esmeralda Sanchez was distracted and looking in her center console when she hit both girls.

"It doesn't appear she was on her cell phone, but again -- it does appear she was inattentive in some way while she was driving her vehicle," said Rodriguez.

Many parents say the crosswalk on Weedpatch Highway is dangerous.

"You see kids waiting here at the crosswalk waiting to cross and drivers just driving by. Sometimes I have to flag them down so they can stop," said concerned parent Amanda Anaya.

Anaya says the crosswalk needs more signs and flashing lights notifying drivers.

"I have to wait until somebody is nice enough to stop. Not only do I have to wait for these drivers that are coming from the 58, but I have to wait for these drivers over here to stop as well," continued Anaya.

The CHP says when driving, it's critical to focus on the road and to eliminate distractions.

"Be extra vigilant -- especially when traveling in all school zones. Put away anything that can cause a distraction to you. Remember it is 25 miles per hour when traveling in a school zone when children are present," said Rodriguez.

The CHP says it's not sure how fast the driver was going.

They say the investigation will need to be completed before determining whether charges will be filed in this case.

Officers say it does not appear alcohol or drugs were factors in the crash.

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Family walking for baby with rare heart disease

October 17, 2014, 7:25 am

≫ Next: Dignity Health holds emergency care forum for Arvin residents

≪ Previous: Two students hit by car, one in coma

BAKERSFIELD, CA- About 2,000 residents will be at Cal State Bakersfield Saturday morning for the annual Bakersfield Heart and Stroke Walk to raise awareness of those fighting heart diseases. Some of the strongest in the battle are children.

Charlie Skelton is one of just 960 babies a year born with half a heart, according to the CDC. She was born with a birth defect called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome which caused only the right side of her heart to fully develop.

"As a mom you love your kids, and you'd give them your heart if you could," said Joslynn Skelton, Charlie's Mother.

Not many children make it into adulthood with this condition, but to increase the chances many have operations to help circulate blood flow. Charlie had open heart surgery just six days after being born.
Doctors at Children's Hospital of Los Angeles said she would be in the hospital four to six weeks recovering.

But Charlie had other plans.

"She came home 11 days post-op. She came home faster than any other baby and we were just ridiculously proud of her and how well she did. She was kind of crowned the rock star at CHLA," said Skelton.

Rockstars run in the Skelton family. Charlie's sister Makayla won an award for asking people to donate to the American Heart Association on her 11th birthday, instead of giving gifts. She raised $2,500.

"I did this for Charlie because I think that it would be nice for my sister to have a cure so I can walk her to her first day of school, I can teach her how to surf and I can be in her wedding," said Makayla. "And I think not only to find a cure for Charlie but to find a cure for the millions of babies that are out there who have it."

About sixty members of Charlie's family will join her Saturday morning during the heart walk.

So far Charlie's team has raised over $4200 dollars toward heart disease research.

Charlie's next open heart surgery is scheduled for January.

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Dignity Health holds emergency care forum for Arvin residents

October 17, 2014, 8:18 am

≫ Next: Pedestrian hospitalized after being struck by two vehicles

≪ Previous: Family walking for baby with rare heart disease

ARVIN, CA - Arvin residents usually drive to Bakersfield for emergency medical care, but a forum held Thursday night by Dignity Health aimed to help them determine if those trips are truly necessary.

"One of the big things we're promoting is the use of the nurse advice line," said Dignity Health Program Manager Edgar Aguilar. "You don' thave to go to the emergency room to get diagnosed."

Aguilar said that often times a diagnosis can be administered over the nurse advice line, where operators can ask questions about symptoms and let callers know if an emergency trip is advisable.

At the forum, residents were also encouraged to visit the doctor when they are not sick in order to learn what to do to stay healthy.

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Pedestrian hospitalized after being struck by two vehicles

October 17, 2014, 8:43 am

≫ Next: Police trade badges for burgers for 'Tip a Cop' event

≪ Previous: Dignity Health holds emergency care forum for Arvin residents

BAKERSFIELD, CA - A man was hospitalized Friday morning after being struck by two vehicles in southwest Bakersfield, according to police.

Bakersfield police were called out at approximately 6 a.m. for a vehicle versus pedestrian accident at Gosford Road and White Lane.

Police said A 31-year-old man was crossing Gosford when he was hit by Dodge pickup, thrown into another lane, and hit by gray Ford pickup. Both drivers reportedly exited their vehicles to aid the pedestrian. The name of the pedestrian has not yet been released. He was taken to the hospital with major injuries. He was not in the crosswalk at the time, according to BPD.

Police said that alcohol, drugs, or speed do not appear to be a factor for the drivers in this case.

Northbound lanes were closed for several hours, but have since been re-opened. An investigation is ongoing.

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Police trade badges for burgers for 'Tip a Cop' event

October 17, 2014, 9:03 am

≫ Next: Wasco High homecoming floats destroyed morning before game

≪ Previous: Pedestrian hospitalized after being struck by two vehicles

BAKERSFIELD, CA - Bakersfield police officers traded in their handcuffs and badges for gourmet burgers and aprons Thursday night, as part of the national "Tip a Cop" event.

Officers waited tables at the Red Robin inside the Valley Plaza Mall, with 100 percent of tips received benefiting the local branch of the Special Olympics.

"All the proceeds will stay here in town directly, and right back into our programming for our 833 athletes that we have here locally," said Special Olympics Kern County Regional Director Davida Murphy.

The event was also part of the Law Enforcement Torch Run campaign, which involves more than 97,000 officers worldwide, helping to raise money and public awareness for special olympics.

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Wasco High homecoming floats destroyed morning before game

October 17, 2014, 11:09 am

≫ Next: Police release pictures of suspect-vehicles in Truxtun recycling shooting case

≪ Previous: Police trade badges for burgers for 'Tip a Cop' event

WASCO, CA - The Junior and Senior homecoming floats at Wasco High School, completed Thursday night, have been burned to the point of "complete loss," according to Principal Kevin Tallon.

The principal said that the floats were burned at approximately 3:30 a.m. Friday morning.

Tallon said the students have taken it upon themselves to come together and create one float from scratch, to be ready by the homecoming game scheduled for tonight.

Local businesses delivered wood, paint and other supplies to aid in its construction.

Tallon said he wants the incident to show that no matter what setbacks someone may encounter, it can be turned into a positive experience.

Tallon said that he believes there to be signs of arson at the scene.

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Police release pictures of suspect-vehicles in Truxtun recycling shooting case

October 17, 2014, 11:47 am

≫ Next: Man killed in Delano shooting identified

≪ Previous: Wasco High homecoming floats destroyed morning before game

BAKERSFIELD, CA - Police have released images of two suspect-vehicles they believe to be involved in the double-shooting case that occurred at the Truxtun Recycling Center.

The incident happened at the recycling center on East 18th Street at approximately 7:30 a.m., Oct. 7.

Officers responding to the scene found an adult male and female suffering from gunshot wounds. The man, whose name has not yet been released, was pronounced dead at the scene. The woman was taken to Kern Medical Center with major injuries.

The description of the suspects involved in the shooting is of two unkown-race males who were wearing dark clothing.

Police are offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and filing of a complaint of a suspect or suspects responsible for the shootings, through the Secret Witness Program.

As part of the program, secret witnesses would be asked to select a code name and code number to remain in contact with investigators.

The Bakersfield Police Department asks anyone with information regarding this case to call Detective Don Cegielski at 661-326-3552, the department at 661-327-7111, or the Secret Witness line at 661-322-4040.

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Man killed in Delano shooting identified

October 17, 2014, 1:18 pm

≫ Next: Kern County employment numbers continue to improve

≪ Previous: Police release pictures of suspect-vehicles in Truxtun recycling shooting case

BAKERSFIELD, CA - The coroner's office has released the name of the man shot Thursday in Delano.

Johnny Guadalupe Holguin, 48, was found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds at 13th Avenue and Clinton Street, around 11:30 p.m. Holguin died at the scene.

The motive and circumstances of the shooting are under investigation.

Anyone with information regarding this shooting is encouraged to call the Delano Police Department at 661-721-3377.

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Kern County employment numbers continue to improve

October 17, 2014, 1:55 pm

≫ Next: Wasco High's homecoming uninterrupted

≪ Previous: Man killed in Delano shooting identified

BAKERSFIELD, CA - Unemployment lines continue to grow shorter, as new figures released Friday show that Kern County's employment-rate is growing.

The unemployment rate for September was 8.9 percent, according to the California Employment Development Department, with August's at 9.5 percent. Kern County has seen a 1.4 percent increase in employment from September of 2013, which saw unemployment at 10.3 percent.

California's overall unemployment rate in September was 7.3 percent. The United States' was 5.7 percent.

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Wasco High's homecoming uninterrupted

October 17, 2014, 5:54 pm

≫ Next: Annual Hot Rod Reunion this weekend

≪ Previous: Kern County employment numbers continue to improve

BAKERSFIELD, CA - Wasco High School's homecoming was uninterrupted even though someone tried to ruin it.

Kern County Fire investigators say someone set two of their homecoming floats on fire Friday morning.

"I couldn't believe it. I was like No. This isn't happening. Why would somebody do this," said Freddy Maldonado, a junior at Wasco High.

Cell phone video caught the flames just before 3:30 Friday morning as all four class floats sat at the end of the football field.

Principal Kevin Tallon says firefighters found matches left behind by someone who tried to scorch homecoming hopes.

"I had one student come and said we have to cancel homecoming and I said no way. There's no way you can do that," said Joaquin Castillo, a class adviser and teacher.

Instead, the students spirited on, and a community help lift them. Home Depot donated supplies, Colombo Construction let them use equipment, and Wayne Johnson Trucking lent them a trailer. The juniors and seniors spent Friday rebuilding one float together.

"Like, they are giving us advise for next year and we are taking it as a learning experience," said Maldonado.

"You know we are just going to keep on moving forward with a positive attitude, said Ashley Gomez, Senior Class President.

"There's been such an outpouring of support we have more than we need and it makes me very proud, very proud to be part of this community and part of this school," said Principal Tallon.

It's a homecoming these students might not forget and an unexpected lesson they all learned.
There are going to be problems, but you deal with them like a tiger.

"In the morning it was tears. Now there's smiles and laughter," said Maldonado.

"We have a lot of spirit, a lot of school spirit. And, when you have that behind you, clearly not even everything burning down around you can stop it," said Castillo.

The Kern County Fire Department is investigating. If you have information on the fire, you're asked to call 1-877-FIRE TIP.

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Annual Hot Rod Reunion this weekend

October 18, 2014, 11:39 pm

≫ Next: Hot Rod Reunion wraps up

≪ Previous: Wasco High's homecoming uninterrupted

It's a great weekend to be a race fan in Bakersfield. The 23rd annual Hot Rod Reunion draws crowds from all over the country, to Auto Club Famoso Raceway.

The three-day event features quarter-mile racing, a classic car show, vendors, and the world famous Cacklefest.

National Hot Rod Association Hall of Famer Ed Pink said, "If you're a racing buff and you follow the sport, you'll see every racing person you've ever heard of or knew of, here at this event. It probably pulls 25,000 to 30,000 people here, spectators. Each year it gets bigger and bigger and bigger and more people."

The event continues through Sunday. Single-day tickets are $25. Children 15 and under are free, as long as they're accompanied by paying adult.

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Hot Rod Reunion wraps up

October 19, 2014, 11:58 pm

≫ Next: Demolition site cleanup

≪ Previous: Annual Hot Rod Reunion this weekend

BAKERSFIELD, CA - Engines fired as thousands of racing enthusiasts gathered for the 23rd annual Hot Rod Reunion. The three-day event featured quarter-mile racing, a classic car show, vendors and the world famous Cacklefest. The National Hot Rod Association puts on the event every year and organizers say they were pleased with the turn out.

Bakersfield resident Joshua Yap loves the noise the cars make.

John Althous came out for the event from Texas. "There's no where else in the United States that you would see such a gathering of historical old race cars," Althous said.

Drag racing legend and NHRA Hall of Fame recipient, Ed Pink, attends every year. Pink said, "If you're a racing buff and you follow the sport, you'll see every racing person you've ever heard of or knew of, here at this event. Each year it gets bigger and bigger, eventually they are going to run out of room because they won't have room to walk."

Cars filled the parking lot from all over the U.S. and Canada. Bob Gibson and his buddies made the trek from Dallas. "I came about 14-hundred and 26-miles exactly from my front door. What's so great about Bakersfield is that it's really the Mecca for drag racing history," said Gibson. Fans and racers pay homage to this "mecca" every year.

Scott Smith works as the communications manager for the NHRA. "People want to come and see a race track that has a lot of history and see some of these classic cars that have a lot of history as well," said Smith.

History maker Shirley Muldowney did not make it this year but her championship car did, reminding everyone of what she did for women in sports. Twila Mandella own Muldowney's car and believes in everything she stands for. "She's opened up motor sports for all women, she was the first woman to get licensed by the NHRA. I don't think there will be anyone ever like her because she did it when it was hard to do," said Mandella.

Each car has a special story and Smith says those personal stories are what unites the racing community,. "To see everybody come and get together, and talk about the glory days of racing, and talk about when they were younger, and also create a lot of new memories as well," said Smith.

Sunday was the last day for the event but it will return next year, October 23-25.

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Demolition site cleanup

October 20, 2014, 12:19 am

≫ Next: PG&E power plant debris now removed

≪ Previous: Hot Rod Reunion wraps up

BAKERSFIELD, CA - Bakersfield's biggest eye sore is no more. Folks traveling around the Rosedale area this weekend may have been surprised to see the twin-tower superstructure that was PG&E's Kern River Power Plant is gone.

Thousands of tons worth of steel has been removed from the site. There's still some associated clean-up work going on, but that ugly, rusted steel skeleton is finally gone.

The Kern River Power Plant became operational in 1948. It was taken off line in 1985.

Last August, amid great fanfare, the power plant was imploded. Bakersfield spectator Jerry Wood suffered critical leg injuries after being hit by shrapnel from the blast. Demolition of the plant was delayed for nearly a year while the accident was investigated by Cal OSHA. The agency levied fines against the demolition contractors.

PG&E spokesperson Katie Allen declined our request for comment on the demolition project.

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PG&E power plant debris now removed

October 20, 2014, 12:43 pm

≫ Next: Charges filed today against deputies in off-duty firing of a handgun

≪ Previous: Demolition site cleanup

BAKERSFIELD, CA. - The demolished PG&E power plant on Rosedale Highway, is now gone.

Anyone traveling around the Rosedale area this weekend may have been suprised to see the twin-tower superstructure rubble has been removed.

The Kern River Power Plant became operational in 1948 and was taken off line in 1985.

Last August, the power plant was imploded, which attracted many locals to witness the event.

However, Bakersfield spectator Jerry Wood suffered critical leg injuries after being hit by shrapnel from the blast.

Demolition of the plant was delayed for nearly a year while the accident was investigated by CAL OSHA.

PG&E spokesperson Katie Allen said 10 million pounds of metal has been recycled by the Silverado contractors, who are shipping the material to a recycling center in long beach.

Allen said soil remediation has been going on for the past two years and will continue into next year.

Demolition crews will continue dismantling remaining debris and cleaning up the site for the next year.

Allen said the main goal is to eventually sell the property.

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Charges filed today against deputies in off-duty firing of a handgun

October 20, 2014, 1:32 pm

≫ Next: Stockdale Tower up for auction

≪ Previous: PG&E power plant debris now removed

BAKERSFIELD, CA. - Misdemeanor charges have been filed today against two deputies with the Kern County Sheriff's Department, according to Kern County District Attorney Lisa Green.

The charges stem from off-duty deputies Robert Patrick and Patrick Klawitter who allegedly fired a handgun in the parking lot of the Golden West Casino. The incident happened during the early moring hours on Sept. 29.

Deputy Patrick is being charged with a misdemeanor violation of Penal Code section 246.3 -- Grossly Negligent Discharge of a Firearm.

Deputy Klawitter is being charged with a misdemeanor violation of Penal Code section 135 -- Concealing Evidence.

Patrick has been employed with the Sheriff's Office for seven years and Klawitter has been employed for six.

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