Quantcast
Channel: KGET: Local News
Viewing all 5606 articles
Browse latest View live

Kern Health Systems to provide free flu vaccines Friday

0
0
BAKERSFIELD, CA - Kern Health Systems and the Kern County Health Department are teaming up Friday to provide free flu vaccines at the Hosking Avenue Swap Meet.  

The vaccines will be available Friday, October 24, 2014 from 5:00pm‐9:00pm (in conjunction with the Binational
Health Week Health Fair).  The Hosking Avenue Swap Meet is at 1000 E. Hosking Avenue in Bakersfield.

More than 27 local agencies will collaborate in the 2014 Binational Health Week Health Fair at Hosking Avenue Swap Meet on Friday, October 24, 2014 from 5:00pm‐9:00pm. The San Joaquin Community Hospital Children’s Mobile Immunization Program will provide free vaccines to children and Dignity Health’s Community Wellness Program will provide health screenings for adults. 


Police searching for missing 'at risk' man

0
0
BAKERSFIELD, CA - Bakersfield police need your help finding a missing man they say is at risk.   David Lee Noyes, 57, is decribed as white, 5’9”, 260 lbs. with brown hair and green eyes.

Police say Noyes was reported missing by his parents on Saturday. There are indications Noyes may have been in the San Diego area sometime after he was reported missing.

He's considered at-risk due his on-going need for medication.

If you have information regarding this case, call Detective Ted King at (661) 326-3857 or Bakersfield police at (661) 327-7111.



Deputies investigate Oildale sexual assault

0
0
BAKERSFIELD, CA - Deputies need your help finding a man they say sexually assaulted a woman Wednesday in Oildale.  

Sheriff's officials say deputies responded to the about 1:25 P.M. after the victim called 911 and reported the assault. The victim was transported by ambulance to a local hospital and treated for non life threatening injuries. She said the suspect,who is described as a white male in his 20s, clean shaven, about 6 feet tall and 180 lbs, with brown hair and wearing a light colored shirt, blue jeans, and white sneakers, forced entry through a window of her residence, brandished a knife, and sexually assaulted her when she confronted him.

Deputies say the man produced a bottle containing an unknown type liquid and sprayed it on the victim after the assault.

Detectives from the Sheriff's Sexual Assault and Abuse Investigations Unit responded and conducted an investigation that is ongoing.

Anonymous "text" tips can be sent to TIP411 (847411). Just type the key word "KCSO" prior to the message.


Woman says she's facing backlash for her name

0
0
BAKERSFIELD, CA - As the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, otherwise known as ISIS, continues to terrorize the Middle East, a local woman says she's facing backlash of their ruthless actions.

That's because her name is Isis Lawson.

"Before all of the terrorist group thing started it was a positive conversation starter," said Isis Lawson.

Media outlets around the world widely report and use the acronym for the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, the terrorist group that has videotaped beheadings for ransom, including two U.S. journalists.

In no way connected, Isis Lawson says negative feelings toward the terrorists have led to hurtful comments from strangers, especially at her work. She's employed at a large retailer where she wears a name tag customers can see.

"They'll be passing by and they'll catch a glimpse and they'll stop and like laugh or they'll actually come up to me because they glanced at my name. People say you should change your name and I say no actually. I'm not going to change my name. I have the right to have this name. It was given to me I know what it stands for and it doesn't stand for terrorism," said Isis Lawson.

A Google search for Isis turns up first, news stories about the terror group.Then, three down is Wikipedia's definition, and Isis Lawson's namesake.

"Actually it's an ancient Egyptian name. It's a name of an Egyptian goddess. Even Cleopatra had an alter for her," said Isis Lawson.

Isis is the Egyptian goddess of health, marriage, and love.

She's the opposite of the acts of violence, cruelty, and hatred the self proclaimed Islamic State of Iraq and Syria carry out and that are reported on daily.

Now, Isis Lawson would like the world to know the real meaning of her name, that there is no connection and keep the comments, even thoughts quiet.

"I'm not the only one with this name. There's other women out there and girls that have the name. And, it's not fair to them and myself," said Isis Lawson.

Isis says her employer has been supportive and given her the option to change her name on her nametag. She says she chose not to because she's proud of it.

KMC adds more well-balanced meals

0
0
BAKERSFIELD, CA. -  When you think of a great menu, hospital food probably isn't the first thing that comes to mind. But the Partnership for a Healthier America is trying to change that. 

Some local hospitals are switching up their menus in an effort to offer better tasting, more nutritious options.    

This week, Morrison Healthcare is changing things up at Kern Medical Center. 

"We are now providing higher protein, higher fiber, more quality and we're trying to meet some of our organic requirements as well," Lori Tolleson, KMC Director of Food Nutrition Services.

Tolleson has been working with her team on the menus for about a year. It's part of a national initiative with Partnership for a Healthier America making well-balanced meals more accessible.   

"Morrison has collaborated with Kern Medical Center to ensure that we provide not just healthy, but also good quality, seasoned, flavored food without the high sodium without the high fat," said Tolleson.

And while they're trimming fat from the menu, they're also cutting back on spending. 

"With food cost control, we've had to modify how much staff we have. So we're doing more with less. We work with a lot less staff. That will truly cut a lot of our major cost. Most of our cost comes from labor," said Tolleson.

KMC eliminated dozens of positions this year in the midst of its budget crisis.

"We've cut over 10 to 12 positions, just to maintain our budget," Tolleson said.

Tolleson said the price of the new meals is accounted for in the cost of patient care.  

"We have an average cost per patient meal that we provide. It has to remain under $2 per patient," said Tolleson.

She said they're working to provide healthy meals at low cost without sacrificing taste. 

"We're really going above and beyond to make sure everything has great quality flavor, good spice, good seasoning, as long as your diet permits obviously. So we're really working hard to make sure that happens," said Tolleson.

Kaiser Permanente and San Joaquin Community Hospital also follow these guidelines. A Dignity Health Spokesperson said the program will begin at Mercy/Memorial Hospitals in the next couple months. 

Christmas parade entries deadline is Friday

0
0
Download Parade Applications HERE

BAKERSFIELD, CA. - The 33rd Annual Bakersfield Christmas Parade, "Here Comes Christmas," is Dec. 4 beginning at 6 p.m. 

The parade will run through downtown Bakersfield and the deadline for parade entries is Friday, Oct. 24.
 
The parade is seeking floats both commercial and community; walking and/or marching groups and vehicles.
 
Parade applications can be downloaded from the parade website bcparade.com and mailed in or dropped off at the Buck Owens Building, 3223 Sillect Avenue just east of the Crystal Palace. 

For information, contact parade coordinator Mira Patel online at Mira@bcparade.com 

Woman sentenced today in Sidding Road fatal crash

0
0
BAKERSFIELD, CA. - A woman who was accused of causing a deadly crash was sentenced in court today to three years in prison.
Last month, Tessa Jennings pleaded no contest to three felony counts, including DUI and vehicular manslaughter. 

The deadly accident took place in December 2012 on Sidding Road in southwest Bakersfield.

Investigators said the then 23-year-old Jennings was the driver in a solo vehicle accident that killed her passenger, 20-year-old Clayton Blake Goldman. 

He died when jennings lost control and struck a tree.

CHP looking for senior citizen volunteers

0
0
BAKERSFIELD, CA. - The California Highway Patrol is looking for a few good seniors to volunteer their time to provide extra public service support in the community.

Senior citizen volunteers will work in various capacities both in administrative positions and out in the field, all in an effort to improve public safety.

The qualify for a position youmust meet certain requirements. Applicants should be 55 years and older, work a minimum of 4 hours per week, pass a background check, has a good driving record, and complete a CHP Senior Volunteer training program.  

"I am interested in citizens who bring a different perspective along with valuable work experiences, who have always been interested in public service and blending those qualities with their community and law enforcement," said  Captain Terry Roberts, Commander of the Bakersfield Area. "Senior Volunteers will find working with the California Highway Patrol to be fulfilling and an opportunity to make a significant contribution to Kern County."  

Senior citizens interested in the program can contact Program Coordinator Officer Dan Fallas by email at, dfallas@chp.ca.gov and/or by telephone at (661) 864-4444. Deadline for applications is Nov. 10.  Interviews will be conducted Nov. 18.  

The following is a list of duties described by the CHP release.

Duties:
Administrative duties would include; report filing, data entry, photocopying, answering telephones, and assisting the front desk officer with general public service.

Field duties would include; working at community events, directing traffic, surveys in high-traffic locations and school zones, deploy radar trailers, and assist in transportation of vehicles and equipment.  Senior Volunteers drive marked CHP cars in a designated uniform while performing field duties.  Volunteers attend shift briefings and occasionally ride-a-long with officers.  

Habitat for Humanity director passes away today

0
0
BAKERSFIELD, CA. - The long-time Executive Director of the Habitat for Humanity in Bakersfield has died.

The man behind the driven charity, Dennis Wallace, lost his battle with cancer early this morning, Oct. 23, according to Paris Byington, a habitat board of director member.

He was 67 years old.

Wallace started working for the Bakersfield affiliation in 1993 and has been the Executive Director for the past 18 years.

Byington said Wallace was known as a devoted advocate against poverty.

Habitat for Humanity remodels and builds homes for low income families throughout our county. 

Byington added that Wallace passed away at his home surrounded by family.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

Chefs cook up food and fun for charity

0
0
 BAKERSFIELD, CA. -  Local chefs will be cooking up some food and fun tonight, all for a good cause as the March of Dimes presents their "Signature Chefs Auction."

The event is tonight at 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.

All the money raised will help the March of Dimes work on research and medical advancements to prevent premature birth and birth defects.

Tickets are $100 per person and the event starts at 6 p.m.

For tickets and information call 369-1181.

Vigil tonight for domestic violence victims

0
0
BAKERSFIELD, CA. - As domestic violence awareness month comes to an end a candlelight vigil will be held tonight to remember all of those who have been a victim.

This is the final domestic violence awareness month event put on by the Alliance Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault.

The alliance is holding the vigil to remember those who have lost their lives due to domestic violence.

The vigil begins at 7:30 tonight at the First Presbyterian Church on 17th Street.

Police looking for 3 men suspected of burglary

0
0
BAKERSFIELD, CA - Police need your help finding three men they say stole baskets full of candy Sunday from a northwest Bakersfield 99 Cent Store.

Police say the three men entered the 99 Cent Store at 8200 Hageman Rd., loaded baskets with candy and fled, making no attempt to pay for the merchandise.

Police describe the suspects as 3 black males, late teens to 20’s, 5’5”, 140-150 lbs. jeans and t-shirts.

If you have information regarding this case call Detective Joel Luera at (661) 326-3947 or the Bakersfield Police Department at (661) 327-7111.



Doctor in NYC tests positive for Ebola

0
0
NEW YORK, N.Y. - (NY TIMES) - A doctor in New York City who recently returned from treating Ebola patients in Guinea tested positive for the Ebola virus Thursday, becoming the city’s first diagnosed case.

The doctor, Craig Spencer, was rushed to Bellevue Hospital on Thursday and placed in isolation while health care workers spread out across the city to trace anyone he might have come into contact with in recent days. A further test will be conducted by the federal Centers for Disease Control to confirm the initial test.

While officials have said they expected isolated cases of the disease to arrive in New York eventually, and had been preparing for this moment for months, the first case highlighted the challenges surrounding containment of the virus, especially in a crowded metropolis.

Even as the authorities worked to confirm that Mr. Spencer was infected with Ebola, it emerged that he traveled from Manhattan to Brooklyn on the subway on Wednesday night, when he went to a bowling alley and then took a taxi home.


Thomas W. Geisbert of the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston helped develop a vaccine that was effective in preventing Ebola in monkeys. The next morning, he reported having a temperature of 103 degrees, raising questions about his health while he was out in public.

A person infected with Ebola cannot spread the disease until they begin to display symptoms, and it cannot be spread through the air. As the person becomes sicker, the viral load in the body builds, and they become more and more contagious.

Dr. Spencer’s travel history and the timing of the onset of his symptoms led health officials to dispatch “disease detectives immediately began to actively trace all of the patient’s contacts to identify anyone who may be at potential risk,” according to a statement released by the department.

It was unclear if the city was trying to find people who might have come into contact with Dr. Spencer on the subway. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority directed all questions to the health department, which did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the issue.

At Dr. Spencer’s apartment in Harlem, his home was sealed off and workers distributed informational fliers about the disease. It was not clear if anyone was being quarantined.

Health authorities declined to say how many people in total might have come into contact with Dr. Spencer while he was symptomatic.

Mayor Bill de Blasio, speaking at a press conference Thursday evening before the diagnosis, said Dr. Spencer has given health workers a detailed accounting of his activities over the last few days.

“Our understanding is that very few people were in direct contact with him,” Mr. de Blasio said.

Dr. Spencer had been working with Doctors Without Borders in Guinea, treating Ebola patients, before returning to New York City on Oct. 14, according to a city official.

He told the authorities that he did not believe the protective gear he wore while working with Ebola patients had been breached but had been monitoring his own health.

Doctors Without Borders, in a statement, said it provides guidelines for its staff on their return from Ebola assignments, but did not elaborate on those protocols.

“The individual engaged in regular health monitoring and reported this development immediately,” the group said in a statement.

Dr. Spencer began to feel sluggish on Tuesday but did not develop a fever until Thursday morning, he told the authorities. At 11 a.m., the doctor found that he had a 103-degree temperature and alerted the staff of Doctors Without Borders, according to the official.

The staff of Doctors Without Borders called the city’s health department, which in turn called the Fire Department.

Emergency medical workers, wearing full personal protective gear, rushed to Dr. Spencer’s apartment, on West 147th Street. He was transported to Bellevue and arrived shortly after 1 p.m.

He was placed in a special isolation unit and is being seen by the pre-designated medical critical care team. They are in personal protective equipment with undergarment air ventilation systems.

Bellevue doctors have prepared for an Ebola patient with numerous drills and tests using “test patients” as well as actual treatment of suspected cases that turned out to be false alarms.

Dr. Spencer is a fellow of international emergency medicine at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center, and an instructor in clinical medicine at Columbia University.

“He is a committed and responsible physician who always puts his patients first,” the hospital said in a statement. “He has not been to work at our hospital and has not seen any patients at our hospital since his return from overseas.”

Even before the diagnosis, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention dispatched a team of experts to assist in the case, before the test results were even known.

More than 30 people have gone to city hospitals and raised suspicions of Ebola, but in all those cases, health workers were able to rule it out without a blood test.

While the city stepped up its laboratory capacity so it can get test results within four to six hours, because of the precautions that need to be taken when drawing blood and treating a person possibly sick with Ebola, it took until late in the evening to confirm the diagnosis.

But doctors said that even before the results came in, it seemed likely that he was infected. Symptoms usually occur within eight to 10 days of infection and Dr. Spencer was home nine days when he reported feeling ill.

Ebola is transmitted through bodily fluids and secretions, including blood, mucus, feces and vomit.

Not in my Town: campaign against bullying

0
0
BAKERSFIELD, CA- Community leaders are sending a message to bullies, "Not in my Town." It's a campaign to bring awareness to the issue of bullying.

October is National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month. Local leaders are stepping up to do their part raising awareness about the effects bullying has on youth in our community.

Campaign sponsor Gregory Hash said, "If we can educate, if we can show people that we care, that we want to do something about it. The residual effect for our community is nothing but plus. We'll have a great opportunity to make people aware, this is something we're not going to put up with and that we shouldn't put up with."

Nearly half of 4th-12th grade students said they have been bullied in the last month and 70% of kids said they've seen bullying at school.

You can join in on the campaign by showing support on social media using #notinmytownkget.

Gas line rupture prompts evacuations in south Bakersfield

0
0
BAKERSFIELD, CA - A 30-inch gas line ruptured in a field near Wible Road and Houghton Road, producing a cloud of dust and potentially explosive fumes that could be seen from a distance.  

Officials report that one million cubic feet of gas was released per minute, and that 8 square miles surrounding the area were evacuated.

The ruptured line was shut off at approximately 10:50 a.m.

Students at Panama Elementary School were preparing to evacuate around 8:50 a.m.

Students met at Berkshire Elementary School at 3900 Berkshire Road.  Panama-Buena Vista School District officials said children are safe and may remain at Berkshire Elementary if parents are unable to get them. 

Law enforcement shut down roadways leading into the area--from Wible Road on the West to Stine Road on the east and from Bear Mountain Blvd. on the south to Taft Highway on the north.  Medical helicopters were put on standby for a short time.

"PG&E is responding to a third party dig west of Houghton Road and Wible Road. It’s located on Line 300, which is a 30 inch transmission line," PG&E Spokeswoman Katie Allen said in a news release. "Our crews are on scene working to stop the flow of gas. Safety is our top priority and we are working with first responders to ensure the area is safe. We are also investigating how this happened."

The gas line ruptured at approximately 7:35 a.m. Friday, the Kern County Fire Department reported.  Firefighters on scene reported residents were evacuated up to Taft Highway.  Others---including students at nearby General Shafter Elementary School--were being told to stay indoors and shelter in place.


Two dead after eastern Kern County plane crash

0
0
Two people are dead after an aircraft crashed Friday morning.

The plane was found east of Red Rock Canyon, near Garlock Road and Redrock-Randsburg, approximately 88 miles east of Bakersfield.

Allen Kenitzer of the Federal Aviation Administration said that there were two people in the plane, and that their names are currently unknown. The Kern County Sheriff's Office flew the coroner out via helicopter due to the remote location of the crash.

The crash is believed to have been an accident, and the cause is currently unknown, according to Kenitzer. He said that the involved aircraft was a Slingsby T67 Firefly plane.

That model of plane is commonly used for flight training, and was originally put in service by the United Kingdom's Royal Air Force.

Kenitzer said the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating, but the NTSB is taking the lead on that investigation.

Police seeking suspect for grand theft

0
0
BAKERSFIELD, CA - Police are asking for the community's help in identifying and locating a suspect wanted for grand theft.

The Bakersfield Police Department says the suspect identified herself as the owner of property in the 3000 block of Chester Lane, and accepted a rental deposit check.

She is described as Hispanic, in her late 20s to early 30s, five feet 3 inches tall, and weighing approximately 130 pounds. Police say her name may be Monica. She was seen driving a gray Nissan Versa.

Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to call Detective Pat Hayes at 661-326-3537, or BPD at 661-327-7111.

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

Sacramento deputy shot by heavily armed gunman

0
0
From KCRA News.

SACRAMENTO, CA - At least three California Highway Patrol officers have been shot by a heavily armed man and woman in Sacramento and Placer counties, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Officers are currently focusing their search in the Placer County area, near Auburn, after receiving reports of shots fired and the sighting of a truck sought in connection with the shooting of a Sacramento County deputy.

Authorities have been searching for a suspected gunman since 10:30 a.m., after the deputy was shot and and injured near a Motel 6 in Sacramento.

The suspect vehicle, a red 2002 Ford F-150 with license place 8J34411, with an ice chest in the back, is believed by the CHP to have been carjacked by the shooter after the Sacramento deputy was shot.

Police said there reports of shots fired in the area the truck was seen at about 12:20 p.m.

A man was seen driving the truck, described as being in his 30s and wearing a blue and black checkered shirt. A woman was later also seen in the vehicle.

The owner of the F-150 said the gunman approached him requesting his truck, and helped him unhitch a trailer before speeding away. The truck was reportedly taken close to an abandoned white Mustang, which was also reported as carjacked.

The condition of the shot deputy is currently unclear, according to officers. He was reportedly shot from inside a vehicle when the responded to a suspicious vehicle call.

Witnesses said they heard multiple shots fired and that a white vehicle sped away from the scene after the shooting.

Police seek suspect who stole package from doorstep

0
0
BAKERSFIELD, CA - Police are asking for the community's help in finding a suspect wanted for stealing another person's recently delivered package.

The Bakersfield Police Department says the suspect waited for a delivery driver to leave the package on another resident's house in the 1700 block of Bradley Avenue before taking the package.

The suspect is described as a Hispanic male in his 30s, with a medium to heavy build, who was wearing a black baseball cap with a gray or white bill, white T-shirt, black athletic shorts, black tennis shoes, black Jansport backpack, black sunglasses, and white wristband.

BPD encourages anyone with information regarding this case to call Detective Lance O'Nesky at 661-326-3561, or the department at 661-327-7111.

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

NICU reunion

0
0
BAKERSFIELD, CA - Local families celebrated life today at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Graduate Reunion at Memorial Hospital. The event gave families the opportunity to share precious memories and renew old friendships.

Laura Daniels came to the event with her daughter, Kali-Rose, who is a graduate of NICU. "Kali Rose was born at 22-weeks and five-days, just a pound, four-hundred and sixty grams. She was immediately admitted into the NICU and without the nurses, respiratory therapists, neonatologists, she wouldn't be here today," Daniels said.

Dr. Madhu Bhogal, MD, started the NICU reunion 25 years ago. She says it's one of her favorite days. "All the babies come back that were so sick when they were in the unit and now they are all healthy, growing, and enjoying the event," Bhogal said. "In the beginning it was really small, but last year we had four-hundred families and this year we expect more."

Every family had a special story at the NICU Reunion and a special bond with the NICU staff members. Daniels said she loves participating in the event. "We just wanted to come and reunite with all the staff that helped us on our journey."

Berna Koski had her son in the NICU 23 years ago and she still stays in contact with all of the staff. "Just looking at everyone here you know what great job they are doing with these tiny little miracles," Koski said.

Memorial Hospital can care for as many as 31 patients in the NICU at any one time.
Viewing all 5606 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images