BPD initiates citizen volunteer patrols

October 20, 2014, 2:25 pm

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BAKERSFIELD, CA. - The Bakersfield Police Department has initiated a volunteer unit that will begin patrolling the downtown area today, Oct. 20.

The volunteers will operate out of marked BPD Citizen Volunteer vehicles and act as "extra eyes and ears," according to a release by BPD.

Their role will consist of alerting officers to suspicious activity and assist the public with information and directions.

The program began in late 2013 and is made up of 34 individuals with a variety of backgrounds and experiences.

Volunteers were educated on the responsibilities of officers and the BPD.

They have already volunteered for various events and assignments.

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CDPH defines roles of those involved in suspected Ebola cases

October 20, 2014, 3:21 pm

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SACRAMENTO, CA - The California Department of Public Health has released a list of guidelines to follow in the case of someone showing Ebola symptoms.

The list is broken up between individuals, health care providers, public agencies, and emergency medical personnel, local health officers, and CDPH.

Individuals who have travelled to Liberia, Sierra Leone, or Guinea, as well as those who believe they may have been exposed to a person with Ebola within the last 21 days, who are experiencing fever, headache, weakness, muscle pain, vomiting, or diarrhea are advised to call their health care provider immediately or go to the emergency room. CDPH stresses the need to inform the health care provider about travel history, symptoms, and possible Ebola exposure.

Health care providers who have been contacted by a patient or who have treated patients who have travelled to afflicted countries, or may have experienced other possible Ebola exposure or Ebola symptoms are encouraged to isolate the patient and notify the local health officer immediately. Treatment should follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention protocols and guidelines, CDPH says. The Department of Industrial Relations also has a set of Ebola guidelines to follow for workers.

Public agencies or private establishments are advised to isolate a potential Ebola patient who meets the above-mentioned criteria and contact the local hospital and 911.
Emergency medical personnel are advised to follow CDC guidelines when dealing with potential Ebola patients, which CDPH says are currently under revision, and contact the local health officer. CDPH says that the local emergency medical service agency will work with the local health department to advise personell on the best place to take a particular patient.

Local health officers should function in a support role, as the main contact for others reporting suspected Ebola patients. Local health officers will investigate, screen, and order testing of specimens, while reporting the incident to CDPH.

CDPH says that it will work with the CDC to arrange specimen testing and investigate and monitor cases. The organization stresses that Ebola is not spread through casual contact and people not displaying symptoms are not contagious. CDPH says that Ebola has an incubation period between two and 21 days.

Thus far, there are no confirmed cases of Ebola in California.

For more information and frequently asked questions about Ebola, visit the CDPH website.

Police seeking suspect for indecent exposure

October 20, 2014, 3:52 pm

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BAKERSFIELD, CA - Police are asking for the public's help in identifying a suspect wanted for indecent exposure.

The Bakersfield Police Department says that the incident occurred in the 4600 block of Wilson Road on Sunday, Oct. 12.

The suspect is described as a black male in his 20s with a slim build, braided hair, who was wearing a long sleeve striped shirt.

BPD encourages anyone with information regarding this case to contact Detective McAfee at 661-326-3544.

'Distraction Zone' game provides new way to train safe drivers

October 20, 2014, 4:21 pm

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SACRAMENTO, CA - State officials hope that young drivers will avoid distraction with the help of a new game developed for mobile platforms and the web.

The game, titled "Distraction Zone," was launched as part of a joint initiative by the California Department of Transportation, Office of Traffic Safety, and California Highway Patrol.

"Playing the 'Distraction Zone' game will provide teens with lifelong skills that will not only help keep these young drivers safe, but protect highway workers," said Caltrans Director Malcolm Dougherty.

Caltrans says that 2012 data from The National Highway Traffic Safety Association shows that among drivers between 15 and 19 years old, who were distracted in fatal crashes, nearly one fifth were distracted by phones. The same data reportedly shows that 48 percent of crashes that killed those between 15 and 20 years old involved excessive speed.

"Distraction Zone" was designed to reinforce key safe driving behaviors, like avoiding distractions, being alert, and slowing down when approaching highway work zones, Caltrans says. The agency hopes that the available mobile apps, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play store, will help get teen drivers engaged in learning safe driving techniques.

To entice teen drivers to participate in the game, iHeart Media is holding a contest that invites players to submit their high scores for a chance to win cash. The top prize is $500, and ends June 15, 2015.

As part of its "Distraction Zone" campaign, Caltrans says high schools who develop a safe driving event will have a chance at winning a $2,000 grant, donated by iHeart Media. Applications for that contest are due by Dec. 1.

More information on Caltrans Distraction Zone program and related contests can be found here. Click here to play "Distraction Zone."

Caltrans stresses that "Distraction Zone" should never be played while driving.

New citizen volunteer unit in the BPD

October 20, 2014, 6:05 pm

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Starting Monday, there are extra eyes patrolling the streets of downtown Bakersfield. Trained volunteers from the Bakersfield Police department will alert police to suspicious or potential criminal activity.

Their mission is to observe and report.

From eight in the morning to eight at night, citizen volunteers will assist in patrolling the streets of downtown Bakersfield.

Officials say that they have been trained in how to be a good witness and give good descriptions, and if they see anything, they will report it to the police department.

Cindy London, crime prevention supervisor of the BPD said "we will have the exact same number of officers... we will just be more concentrated with more eyes and ears in the downtown area... they are not sworn officers, they are civilians that are just donating their time to the police department and our community "

Cindy London says they will not be carrying weapons of any kind and will administer the downtown area from Brundage Lane to Oak Street, up to Golden State and down Union Avenue.

It is funded by the Justice Assistance Grant program, and since the volunteers do not get paid this new addition to the BPD is not costing the department or the community any money.

The chairman of the Downtown Business Association, Kevin Bartl, said "it's important especially in our area of town in downtown, where there is a lot of foot traffic."

If you are interested in becoming a part of the citizen volunteer unit you must be 18 years old.

Officials say depending on the success of the program, they may have additional enrollment in the spring.

Volunteer Center fights for funding

October 20, 2014, 6:36 pm

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BAKERSFIELD, CA - The Volunteer Center of Kern County is in deep financial trouble, following state budget cuts.

The executive director says its last day of service was supposed to be next Friday, until a private donor stepped forward.

But, with that money, expected to last until February, the future for the volunteer center is unknown.

The closure of this agency would drastically impact more than a dozen organizations along with many county departments.

The Volunteer Center is known for connecting people with Kern County's workforce, and in many cases, changes the lives of volunteers.

But, with state budget cuts hitting this agency hard -- as of last week -- its doors were closing for good.

"We had sat down with staff and volunteers and said unless something does happen, October 31 will be our last day. We had come to some real terms as far as what was going to happen and what was going to be necessary in order to close the facility," said Brenda Ratliff, Volunteer Center of Kern County.

Ratliff says a state grant for $35,000 was discontinued, leaving the non-profit in a financial burden.

She says with the recent donation from a private donor, that money will only last four months.

"For us it's enormous, for them they just felt it was something they wanted to do. It is a big thing to us but it is not a huge some of money," said Ratliff.

Local non-profits --like the Golden Empire Gleaners -- says losing the Volunteer Center would hurt business tremendously.

"Last year, we had 8,700 shifts, volunteer shifts. So, that's what we need every year to make sure that we're able to do what we do," said Jim Wheeler, Golden Empire Gleaners.

Ratliff says after the donation money is gone, they will solely focus on fundraising methods to keep the Volunteer Center afloat.

"There are many things that we are looking at. We definitely have a plan of attack. It's not something that we're just sitting back and waiting for someone to write a check. We've got a plan of attack that we're working on in order to alleviate this situation," said Ratliff.

"There's just so many agencies that depend on volunteers and to lose the volunteer center would definitely impact all those agencies," said Wheeler.

Ratliff says the non-profit works with more than 10,000 volunteers annually.

If you would like to donate to the Volunteer Center, call 395-9787.

Nexstar President Perry Sook inducted into Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame

October 20, 2014, 8:22 pm

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New York City - It was a special night for KGET as Perry Sook, the chairman, president, and CEO of our parent company Nexstar Broadcasting Group, was inducted into the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame.

Sook was one of 12 industry pioneers honored Monday night in New York City.

Nexstar was founded in 1996 with one station in the Wilkes-Barre-Scranton, Pennsylvania market and has grown to 80 television stations in 46 markets, including Bakersfield, reaching approximately 13.1 percent of all U.S. television households.

Sook says it’s all about serving the community. "I think what we do in the community is essential. We produce local content and help local advertisers sell their wares. I think that's essential and I think there is no substitute for what we do and I think if we concentrate on our core constituency of viewers and advertisers we are always going to be in business and it will be a good business to be in."

He says Nexstar is successful because of the commitment of its more than 3,000 employees to their communities.

"When I receive an honor I feel it's an honor on behalf of all of our employees,” Sook said. “The Nexstar nation started in Wilkes-Barre-Scranton, Pennsylvania and has grown to the company it is today. Wilkes-Barre-Scranton had always been part of our roots. So I feel this is as much a tip of the hat to our employees around the country as it is to me."

Sook and Nexstar's achievements have industry experts paying close attention.

Louis Hillelson, Vice President, Group Publishing at Broadcasting & Cable, said, "If you think about Perry, he's a leader in the broadcasting business. Each year we honor an executive who is a leader in the broadcast space. I think there's no better person to honor than Perry because of his accomplishments."

The night capped off with Sook being inducted into the hall of fame and taking the podium. In the end, Sook says it's all about serving our communities.

Nexstar Broadcasting Group is marking its 11th year as a publicly traded company.
 

Man hit by two vehicles on Friday has died

October 21, 2014, 9:31 am

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BAKERSFIELD, CA. - A pedestrian who was struck by two vehicles on Oct. 17 has died as a result of injuries sustained in the collision. 

On Oct. 17, 31-year-old Pablo Metta was hospitalized with major injuries after police said two vehicles struck him in the intersection of White Lane and Gosford Road.

Bakersfield Police arrived on scene just after 6 a.m. and transported Metta to Kern Medical Center where he later died.

BPD said alcohol, drugs or speed do not appear to be factors for the drivers, and add that Metta was not in the crosswalk at the time of the collision.

The incident is being investigated by the BPD.

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Two suspects wanted for grocery store burglary

October 21, 2014, 10:24 am

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BAKERSFIELD, CA. - The Bakersfield Police department is looking for two suspects wanted for burglary.

According to the BPD, at 1:15 p.m. on Oct. 7, the suspects entered the Smart & Final store located at 1725 Golden State Ave., filled a grocery cart with items and left without paying.

The suspects reportedly pushed the shopping cart to the area of the adjacent Tower Motel but abandoned the cart when they noticed employees following them.

 Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to call Detective Rob Robles at (661) 326-3519 or the Bakersfield Police Department at (661) 327-7111.

Citrus quarantine increased for south Kern

October 21, 2014, 11:23 am

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SACRAMENTO, CA. - Quarantine placed on Kern County concerning the Asian Citrus Psyllid has been expanded today, Oct. 21.

The California Department of Food and Agriculture has expanded the quarantine zone to 148-square miles around the city of Bakersfield. 

The quarantine will border on the north by New Stine Road; on the east by S Vineland Road; on the south by Millux Road; and on the west by Interstate 5. 

A map is available online at: www.cdfa.ca.gov/plant/go/acp-quarantine .

The ACP is of concern because it carries a disease, known as huanglongbing (HLB), also known as citrus greening, that will cause citrus trees to decline in health until the trees die.

There is no cure to combat the ACP infection.

GET to discuss financing new building

October 21, 2014, 1:04 pm

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BAKERSFIELD, CA. - The Golden Empire Transit Board will discuss financnes during a meeting tonight as a proposed new operational building raises questions and criticism.

GET officials said the building could cost between $45 million, and $55 million.

The current building on Golden State Highway was built in the 1980s and designed to last about 25 years, acording to the board.

But the construction of a new $55 million headquarters is raising eyebrows following the month-long strike that brought GET buses to a halt over the summer.

GET officials said federal grants would pay for the new facility and it'll mean better service for get riders.

While GET waits for funding to be approved, new documents shows more than $1.5 million already has been spent on design.

The board meeting is at the GET board room on Golden State Avenue tonight, Oct. 21, at 5:30 p.m.

High school competition has students trading big

October 21, 2014, 1:32 pm

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BAKERSFIELD, CA. - The second annual Stock Market competition kicked-off today at Cal State Bakersfield.

In an effort to bring Wall Street to the classrooms, Kern County high school students got to take part in a fast-paced simulation of stock market trading.

Teams are given a $1 million imaginary budget to buy and sell stocks from mock companies.

Trading days last just 60-seconds and the goal is to build the largest portfolio net worth.

Students said they are learning a lot.

"It prepares you for the future, if you are looking into the business, if you are looking to be a floor trader, to carry this on as a career," said student Samantha Thomas.

"it carries you from here on to get your knowledge in financing, investing, etc, anything financial," said Wilson Bedford.

 First, second, and third place awards were given to the top three teams; it was hosted by Junior Achievement of Bakersfield.

TUHS shooting civil trial date is set

October 21, 2014, 1:49 pm

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BAKERSFIELD, CA. - The civil case in the Taft Union High School shooting incident is set to go to trial in August of 2015. 

Victim Bowe Cleveland was shot in January 2013 while in class at TUHS by another student, Bryan Oliver.

Attorney Daniel Rodriguez has since said Cleveland has undergone 24 surgeries and his medical bills have totaled more than $1 million.

They are suing the district. 

Rodriguez said the school district ignored the red flags that accused shooter Oliver threatened the safety of students at the school.

Meantime, pretrial motions continue for accused shooter Oliver.

Oliver's attorney has said the shooting was in response to repeated bullying.

Police seeking suspect for Rabobank robbery

October 21, 2014, 3:29 pm

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BAKERSFIELD, CA - Police are asking for the public's assistance in identifying a suspect wanted for the robbery of the Robobank on Gosford Road.

The robbery occurred at around noon Tuesday. Bakersfield Police Department officers arrived after the robbery had been reported by an alarm system at the bank. Police say the suspect entered the bank and passed a note to the teller, demanding money. The teller reportedly turned over an unspecified amount of money.

BPD says the suspect then fled north bound from the bank, on foot. No weapons were reported and there were no injuries.

The suspect is described as a white male, between 20 and 24 years old, who is between 5 feet five inches and five feet six inches tall and weighs approximately 135 pounds, with dark brown hair. He was wearing a black hat that read "LA," dark, large framed glasses, a blue and black checkered shirt and blue jeans, and was carrying a barber bag.

Police encourage anyone with information regarding this case to contact Detective Todd Dickson at 661-326-3501, or the department at 661-327-7111.

Police seeking suspects for burglary of Valero store

October 21, 2014, 3:52 pm

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BAKERSFIELD, CA - Police are asking for the public's assistance in identifying two suspects wanted for burglarizing the Valero Corner Store on Buck Owens Boulevard.

The Bakersfield Police Department says the suspects stole cigars from the store and fled in a 2000s white or cream colored vehicle that resembled a PT Cruiser.

The first suspect is described by police as a white male between 25 and 35 years old, who was wearing a black baseball cap, white T-shirt with a logo, blue jeans, and black shoes.

The second suspect is described as a white female between 25 and 35 years old, with dark blond or light brown hair, pulled back, who was wearing a white shirt, blue jean shorts, and sandals.

BPD encourages anyone with information regarding this case to contact Detective Rob Robles at 661-326-3519, or the department at 661-327-7111.

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

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Man convicted for abuse of 2-year-old son

October 21, 2014, 4:27 pm

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BAKERSFIELD, CA - A Ridgecrest man was convicted Tuesday of felony child abuse after a Kern County jury found him guilty of abusing his 2-year-old son.

The Kern County District Attorney's office says Edward Czajka was seen hitting and slamming his son in front of their Ridgecrest home Oct. 19, 2013.  Several witnesses reportedly observed Czajka harming the child, with one calling police for help.  The DA's office says the 911 operator heard the child screaming in the background during the call.

Czajka is scheduled for sentencing Nov. 20.  If convicted, he faces a possible sentence of six years in prison.

Four years later, no arrests in Bianca Jackson's death

October 21, 2014, 6:22 pm

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BAKERSFIELD, CA - Tuesday marked the four-year anniversary since a local teenager was shot and killed at a Cal State Bakersfield Halloween party.

Police say still, there's been no arrests.

"A lot of times, I wished it was me, that I could have taken her place because I've lived my life. She still had so much to live for," said Veronica Aguayo, Jackson's mother.

Aguayo says the pain of her daughter's death is present every day.

"I felt numb for a while because it's like a nightmare that you want to wake up.You keep reliving it over and over," said Aguayo.

"Maybe I'm going to wake up one day, maybe I'm going to wake up and I'm going to see her -- and you never wake up. You're just reliving this nightmare over and over again.

Jackson was shot and killed at a party at CSUB the night of October 21, 2010.

Students said the Halloween party was planned for a few dozen people, but soon grew out of control.

Police say the shooting was gang related, and Jackson, an innocent teenager, was caught in the crossfire.

"I know she didn't do anything wrong. I know that it was not somebody that was after her or somebody trying to purposely hurt her," added Aguayo.

"I just know she wasn't doing anything wrong and that helps me a lot - that she wasn't involved in something she wasn't supposed to be in," continued Jackson's mother.

Police say four years later, the teens death is a cold case.

Officers say they hope someone comes forward with information.

"That little tidbit of information, coupled with the other tidbit of information -- sometimes is enough to lead to a potential suspect," said Sgt. Joe Grubbs, Bakersfield Police Department.

"So, in this case in this case, we're really encouraging the public to call in and let us know anything that you may know," continued Grubbs.

"People should speak up and know that her life meant something to us and that we really miss her and to try and help bring somebody to justice who took a life that didn't deserve to be taken," said Aguayo.

Shortly after the shooting, Cal State Bakersfield reviewed its safety policy and procedures with regards to on campus parties.

If you have any information on this case, call Bakersfield police at 327-7111.

You can call the Secret Witness Hotline at 322-4040.

Join the March of Dimes in their fight for healthy babies

October 22, 2014, 10:31 am

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BAKERSFIELD, CA.-March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. It works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. Maddie Janssen spoke with a local family about their daughter Willow, who was born four months early and had a very low chance of survival.

Stephanie and Joseph Crisostomo were expecting twins, but at fifteen weeks, Stephanie miscarried Willow's brother and then at 22 weeks and four days, she went into labor a second time. Baby Willow was born last November, weighing 14 ounces and just 10 inches long. Stephanie said Willow had less than 7 percent chance of living. But, Willow proved to be a fighter and beat the odds. She is now helping raise awareness for premature babies everywhere, and raise money for the March of Dimes. 

The March of Dimes is holding its Signature Chefs Auction tomorrow night at the Seven Oaks Country Club. It will be an evening of food tastings from some of the city's most prominent chefs, as well as wine, live music and an auction. The event starts at 6 p.m. Tickets are $100.00 per person. For tickets, call 369-1181. 

Shopping at thrift stores for Halloween

October 22, 2014, 11:06 am

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BAKERSFIELD, CA -  A record number of Americans are expected to buy Halloween costumes this year. More than two-thirds of those who celebrate the holiday will buy a costume for the holiday, according to the National Retail Federation, the most in the survey's 11-year history. The average person will spend $77.52 this halloween, which is two dollars more than last year.

But shopping at local thrift stores like the Goodwill can allow families to save big while creating custom Halloween looks. Each Goodwill store has donated costumes for all sizes, ranging from $5 to $40. Accessories such as wigs, jewelry and shoes are sold as well. They also carry home décor items for spooky outside decorations or festive items for inside the home.

Consumer expert Andrea Woroch has these money-saving tips for a happy and budget-friendly Halloween:
-Download the Coupon Sherpa App on your phone and collect coupons at major retail stores. Right now Party City is offering 25 percent off purchase, and Spirit Halloween has a 20 percent coupon for one item.
-Buy decorations and costumes the day after Halloween and store them for next year. Savings can be as much as 80 percent.
-Paint pumpkins instead of carving to save them for fall harvest decorations. You can also use a carved pumpkin to bake bread or other treats after the holiday.
-Repurpose items at home for décor items or as part of costumes. For example, a white sheet can be used for a ghost costume or a spooky decoration.
-Use white christmas lights as part of your Halloweeen decorations. That way they can be used for the entire holiday season.

Stunning developments in the Taft Union High School shooting case

October 22, 2014, 12:19 pm

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BAKERSFIELD, CA - There are stunning developments in the Taft Union High School shooting case. Prosecutors Wednesday entered into evidence a violent cartoon video they say 17-year-old Bryan Oliver viewed just 36 hours before shooting classmate Beau Cleveland.

Judge John Lua has barred our camera from the trial proceedings. The video posted on Youtube is part of a fetish known as 'Vore' or Voraphelia, that prosecutor Mark Pafford says indicate Oliver may have been sexually aroused by gore and violence.

The video shows two My Little Pony characters dancing to a song before one of the horses dismembers the other and bakes its internal organs into cupcakes. Pafford will likely be able to present the video to a jury as part of a discussion of Oliver's mental state.

Also Wednesday morning, Oliver's defense attorney produced a letter from the Taft Union High School District that indicates Oliver was subjected to extreme bullying. He says the document shows Oliver was tea-bagged – that's when another boy rubbed his genitals on Oliver's face.

Paul Cadman says he just received the documents from the prosecution and he wonders why the school district didn't hand it over earlier. We have not yet heard back from the district.