Reminder: No trash pick up on Thursday
Homeless census project looking for volunteers
Delano man arrested on suspicion of burglary
New law creates opportunity for undocumented immigrants
Public forum to address meth problem in county
Man who died after being electrocuted identified
Here's a look at the stories that dominated 2014
Man who died in Highway 178 crash now identified
Remembering Steve Swenson
"He was a man to be respected, he was an expert in his trade, and he served Kern County well for the 30 plus years that he wrote for the Bakersfield Californian," said Jim Scott, 17 news.
After his first diagnosis in 2007 Swenson wrote a series of columns for the paper, describing sometimes in morbid detail how he clawed his way back to health. "You had the feeling that he was going to beat it. And he made good on that.
But with pancreatic cancer, it just wasn't meant to be," added Price.
Steve announced he had cancer for a second time online. "You first swallowed hard to realize the message that was there. And you just shake your head and say, typical Steve, that's just the way he would handle this. That is just the way Steve is," says Michael Trihey, KGET-TV News Director.
A consummate journalist is what he was, Steve chronicled his doctor's visits on Facebook in graphic detail. He put a face on the deadly disease. "You know, people could sort of empathize with him, you know through Facebook, a lot of people could follow his journey," said Price.
And earlier this year, the Kern Press Club held a dinner as it named a journalism scholarship in Swenson's honor and gave him its lifetime achievement award. "I hope that journalism remains strong in America," said Swenson in August.
Steve's Facebook friends organized 'Team Steve' prodding Swenson along and offering words of encouragement. They held lunches and get-togethers where old reporters from the Californian mingled with Steve's friends from all walks of life.
Just look at these photos, on the golf course, on trips, Steve spent his final days living, not dying.
"He could flirt with women in sort of a grandfatherly way so that they wouldn't be offended and if you or I did that, we'd be out on the streets in minutes," added Price.
And Swenson faced his final diagnosis with courage and humor. In a column in October, he described the moment he realized his cancer was deadly. What a 'bummer' Steve called it. "It became my choice from then on how I was going to live. I was a pretty happy fellow most of my life and saw no reason to change that." The plan became: make yourself right with God, have fun.
"I think whenever it comes time for me to die, we'll be thinking of Steve Swenson, we'll be thinking how did Steve do this, and we'll be thinking how can I be as gracious and courageous as Steve?," added Trihey.
Funeral services are pending.
Ride service charges rider much more than expected
CSUB students ready to move in to new dorms
Many locals jump right in to start the new year
Governor appoints KCHCC Chairwoman to Fair Board
She was a Realtor at Walters and Associates from 2007 to 2012 and at MJC Properties from 2004 to 2007. Rodriguez was interim program director at the Kern County Youth Mariachi Foundation from 2001 to 2003 and a sales associate at the Bakersfield Californian from 1987 to 2001.
She is also a member of the Latina Leaders of Kern County Board of Directors. This positon does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Rodriguez is a Republican.
Low cost dog vaccination clinic this Saturday
Former BPD officer pleads guilty to DUI charge
No injuries in train vs semi truck collision
Plea deal in gas station crash from last April.
The former BPD officer suspected of driving under the influence and hitting a woman at a gas station last April, pleaded guilty Friday morning to one felony DUI charge.
Four other charges were dismissed as part of the plea deal.
Mr. and Mrs. Harris were somber as they spoke of the crash, and Friday's plea deal.
The California Highway Patrol said Kristopher Carter was drunk when he drove into the Shell gas station on Merle Haggard Drive and hit Leann Harris, paralyzing her.
He pleaded guilty Friday morning to driving under the influence of alcohol causing bodily injury.
Carter is expected to receive seven years and four months in prison when he is sentenced February 18.
Harris's parents say they're as pleased as possible- considering for a first time the maximum sentence Carter could have received was eight years.
Mr. And Mrs. Harris say their daughter is an inspiration to them and everyone around them.
They said they are so thankful for all the people in the community who have helped them following the crash.
Kern County Meth Epidemic
Geographically, Kern is the largest county in California, with lots of open land and desert. Adrienne Buckle from Kern County Department of Mental Health said Kern is a crossroads of drug trade in California.
"It is a prime area in Kern County where we have an easy East/West access and easy North/South access so it means there's an easy way to traffic in and out" said Buckle.
Buckle said that meth targets all socioeconomic levels. "It is an equal opportunity destroyer and it will find its way into any of those cliques or families or social models or economic areas. It is everywhere" said Buckle.
Officials agree that it's going to take a grassroots effort to reduce the impact of the meth epidemic. "Our community has to step up and say you know what we have answers, and we're ready to help you make change" said Buckle.
One way to get involved is to attend the community forum Monday the 5th of January at 9am in the Board of Supervisors Chambers on Truxtun Avenue and L Street.
Help send the Boron Bobcats to the Super Bowl
https://www.togetherwemakefootball.com/
Woman found dead in burning home
Police say crews responded just before 8 p.m. to a house fire on University Avenue, near Columbus Street. Firefighters found the woman's body as they extinguished the flames.
Sergeant Joe Grubbs says police are investigating, but so far, the death isn't suspicious.
No one else was inside the home.