Finding America's Next Top Model

January 4, 2015, 12:06 am

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BAKERSFIELD, CA - The America's Next Top Model casting call drew a large crowd at Haddad Kia -- offering a chance for aspiring models to launch their careers. Some people traveled a great distance for their chance to be on top.

This season, the height requirement is out the door -- allowing anyone a chance to try out, no matter what their shape or size.

Jason Moreno said, "I'm determined, i am so determined. this is my show. I have to do it."

Lillian Smith didn't have to travel far, but her journey to the audition hasn't been easy.

Smith said, "I starting getting like pneumonia, throwing up, all types of stuff, wanting to sleep all the time, my hair started falling out, i had a big ol' bald spot right here, it was all bad."

Smith is a former foster child and battled Psoriasis her entire life. She says the last year and a half was the worst

"I couldn't eat i couldn't bathe right," said Smith.

Her condition is improving, but it's a battle she wants to share through making it to the modeling competition.

"I just want to show other former foster youth that they can make it in the world and strive to do anything that they want to do," she said.

According to the show's website, final selections will be in March.

Perri Mizrachi said, "I'm definitely hoping for a call or an email that I made it to the next round. That would be amazing."

Ellyn Nickerson said, "It would be cool to get a call back and see what happens, and maybe America's Next Top Model is in that room."

Bakersfield is one of 20 stops on the search for America's Next Top Model.

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Local restaurants to be featured on TV show

January 4, 2015, 12:14 am

≫ Next: Public forum to discuss meth crisis in Kern

≪ Previous: Finding America's Next Top Model

BAKERSFIELD, CA - Members of the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce say Diners, Drive-ins and Dives will be featuring multiple Bakersfield eateries.

A crew was filming Saturday at Salty's BBQ on Rosedale Highway.

The chamber posted pictures on it's Facebook page of filming Friday night at Mama Roomba's.

The show is also expected to feature some other well-known local restaurants, but specifics haven't been released.

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Public forum to discuss meth crisis in Kern

January 4, 2015, 5:49 pm

≫ Next: BFD urging residents check their smoke alarms

≪ Previous: Local restaurants to be featured on TV show

BAKERSFIELD, CA. - The Kern County Board of Supervisors is inviting the public to participate in an informational forum for the Kern Stop Meth Now Coalition.

According to the coalition's impact study, 39 percent of all criminal cases in Kern County involved methamphetamine.

The coalition was formed with members of the community to reduce the impact of methamphetamine and other drugs on youth, families, businesses and communities.

If you would like to attend, the forum is happening Monday, Dec. 5 at 9 a.m. in the board of supervisors chambers, located at 1115 Truxtun Ave.

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BFD urging residents check their smoke alarms

January 4, 2015, 6:21 pm

≫ Next: Four unrelated fires, One dead, and 18 displaced.

≪ Previous: Public forum to discuss meth crisis in Kern

BAKERSFIELD, CA - The Bakersfield Fire Department is stressing the importance of having working smoke alarms in your home.

Bakersfield Fire Chief Douglas Greener said in a message on Facebook that "an operating smoke alarm can make the difference between life and death."

The National Fire Protection Association recommends testing smoke detectors one a month and replacing them after 10 years.

The NFPA reports three out of five deadly house fires in recent years did not have working smoke alarms.

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Four unrelated fires, One dead, and 18 displaced.

January 4, 2015, 8:53 pm

≫ Next: The Ultimate Bridal Event

≪ Previous: BFD urging residents check their smoke alarms

BAKERSFIELD, CA - Four unrelated fires, within a few hours, left a trail of destruction around Bakersfield on Saturday. One woman is dead, 18 people are displaced, and damages are pegged around $120,000 in fire loss.

City Firefighters responded to the first of four house fires at around 4:30 in the morning. The fire was in an attached garage on Isla Verde Street -- near Garces Memorial High School that investigators say was accidentally sparked by a car. Battalion chief Danny Brown from the Bakersfield Fire Department said everyone needs to pay special attention to any heat generating devices, which could easily start a fire. "December, January, and February, are historically the most dangerous months for fatal fires in a home," said Brown.

Around Noon Firefighters responded an electrical fire on East 18th Street, North of East California Avenue. Battalion Chief Anthony Galagaza, Bakersfield Fire Department said this incident was an electrical fire. "Bakersfield City Firefighters noticed smoke coming from the eves of an attic of a single story, single family residence and upon arrival they pulled multiple hose lines to extinguish the fire in the attic just above the kitchen," said Galagaza. Five hours later another garage fire in the six-hundred block of Irene Street in Northeast Bakersfield. Brown said, "It started in the back portion of the house and that is attributed to a faulty water heater."

Just before eight Saturday night fire crews found a woman's body in a burning house on University Avenue, near Columbus Street. "Preliminary indications show that it was an accidental fire that claimed the life of an approximate thirty year old female," said Brown.

Brown said it is very unusual to have four fires within a 15 hour period. He also said most fires can often be avoided. Brown said, "The one problem we have with the fatality and we really want to get out to people to the public is there was no smoke detector in the house." Brown says the department responded to two deadly fires in the last week and a half. "In your minds eye you can get out of fire but if you don't wake up for it or something happens, you'll die in there, so you need to take it serious and make sure your smoke detectors are working" said Brown.

Bakersfield Fire Officials urge everyone to purchase a smoke alarm they range from $10 to $30.

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The Ultimate Bridal Event

January 4, 2015, 11:45 pm

≫ Next: CALM looking for volunteers for docent, wildlife programs

≪ Previous: Four unrelated fires, One dead, and 18 displaced.

BAKERSFIELD, CA - If you're getting married this year, the DoubleTree was the place to be Saturday.

17's chief meteorologist Alissa Carlson and news producer Erica Torres showed off their bling.

From vendors, to entertainment and fashion -- organizers say the Ultimate Bridal Event offers everything you need to plan the perfect wedding.

It wasn't just for ladies, resources were also available for the grooms.

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CALM looking for volunteers for docent, wildlife programs

January 5, 2015, 10:52 am

≫ Next: Police looking for suspected shoplifter

≪ Previous: The Ultimate Bridal Event

BAKERSFIELD, CA - The California Living Museum is looking for volunteers for its docent and wildlife rehabilitation programs.

The seven-week docent training class begins on Feb. 7 and runs Saturdays through March 21. Classes are from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at CALM. Volunteers will learn how to educate school children and visitors about California wildlife and their habitats. Not only will volunteers learn about wildlife in a classroom setting, they will be trained to handle CALM’s ambassador animals.

The minimum age requirement to become a CALM docent is 18 years, but those 12 to 17 can join the team as bio-fact docents, which provide educational interpretation utilizing prepared specimens and artifacts. The training schedule is the same as adult docents.

The wildlife rehabilitation training class is scheduled for Feb. 7, 14 and 21 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the zoo. Volunteers will learn how to assist CALM animal keepers to care for the more than 600 injured and orphaned animals that come to the facility each year. The minimum age requirement is 15.

There is no cost to attend the classes, however, docents must submit to fingerprinting and T.B. testing at their cost. All attendees are required to provide a yearly commitment to their program and there is a minimum time requirement of four hours a month.

Deadline to register is Wednesday, Feb. 4. Applications may be downloaded from the CALM website, calmzoo.org. For additional information, call Don Richardson, 661-872-2428.

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Police looking for suspected shoplifter

January 5, 2015, 12:48 pm

≫ Next: School district sues city of Taft over school shooting

≪ Previous: CALM looking for volunteers for docent, wildlife programs

BAKERSFIELD, CA - Police need your help finding a man they say stole a pair of Reebok shoes from a shoe store on Chester Avenue. Police say on the morning of November 22, the suspect entered the WSS Shoe store at 60 Chester Ave.

The suspect tried on a new pair of Reebok shoes and placed his old shoes inside the new shoes’ box. The suspect left the store without paying for the new shoes he was wearing. Police describe the suspect as black, 20’s, 5’6”, 200, black short hair, wearing a white tank-top, dark shorts and men’s black “Classic” Reebok shoes with white laces.

If you have information regarding this case, call Detective Daniel Brewer at (661) 326-3519 or the Bakersfield Police Department at (661) 327-7111.

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School district sues city of Taft over school shooting

January 5, 2015, 2:46 pm

≫ Next: Vin Scully to serve as keynote speaker for Voices of Inspiration

≪ Previous: Police looking for suspected shoplifter

BAKERSFIELD, CA - The Taft Union High School District has sued the city of Taft over the shooting at Taft Union High School in January 2013. In documents obtained Monday by 17 news, the district claims the shooting would not have happened if the city made sure a police officer was on campus that morning, according to its contract. Student Bowe Cleveland was wounded in the shooting. Bryan Oliver is charged with two counts of attempted murder. His first trial ended in a hung jury. His retrial is expected to start later this month.

According to the complaint, the schools are seeking damages for among other things, breach of contract, and contractual indemnity. The documents also state a declaration that the city must indemnify them in Bowe Cleveland's civil lawsuit and contribute to the costs of defense.

Taft City clerk Yvette Mayfield says the city has not seen a copy of the complaint. Our calls to the attorneys representing the Taft Union High School District have not been returned.

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Vin Scully to serve as keynote speaker for Voices of Inspiration

January 5, 2015, 3:55 pm

≫ Next: Police looking for man suspected in several burglaries

≪ Previous: School district sues city of Taft over school shooting

BAKERSFIELD, CA - Hoffmann Hospice says longtime Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully has agreed to serve as keynote speaker for the annual “Voices of Inspiration” dinner and fundraising event on Tuesday, March 17, 2015. The event will be held at the Bakersfield Rabobank Theater and Convention Center.

According to a news release, the 2015 season will mark the Hall of Famer Vin Scully’s 66th year of consecutive service with the Dodgers – the longest of any current sports broadcaster with one team. Best known for his play-by-play game calling, Vin Scully is most widely recognized by his sweet voice, lyrically descriptive style, and signature introduction to Dodger games: “It’s time for Dodger baseball! Hi everybody, and a very pleasant good day to you, wherever you may be.”

“The initial feedback we heard after we made an offer to Mr. Scully was not encouraging. We were told that he simply just didn’t accept many speaking engagements at all,” says Hoffmann Hospice Director of Marketing and Development, Gretchen Daughtery. But event organizers for Hoffmann Hospice patiently waited for good news, knowing that if Mr. Scully agreed to come to Bakersfield he would be a tremendously popular draw for community members.

To accommodate his busy 2015 schedule, Hoffmann Hospice offered to hold the event earlier in the year in hopes that would help his decision. And it did! Knowing that Kern County is such a diehard baseball town, Hoffmann Hospice anticipates an early sell out. Guests can look forward to an exciting new venue, which will include sponsor VIP meet and greet opportunities, live auction, raffle prizes, entertainment, and a big surprise for attendees that won’t want to be missed.

Additional ticket information:

Tables of 8 available for $1200; General Admission $150 per person
*Limited VIP meet and greet sponsorships available

Contact Hoffmann Hospice at 661-410-1010 for more details.

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Police looking for man suspected in several burglaries

January 5, 2015, 4:37 pm

≫ Next: Police looking for suspect and SUV used in vehicle burlary

≪ Previous: Vin Scully to serve as keynote speaker for Voices of Inspiration

BAKERSFIELD, CA - Police need your help finding a man they say burglarized several residences in southeast Bakersfield.

Police say the suspect is Miguel Ramirez, he is described as Hispanic, 20, 5’6”, 150 lbs., black hair, brown eyes. His fingerprints have been located inside of the victim residences.

There are currently two outstanding felony arrest warrants alleging burglary and two other cases are open and actively being investigated.

Ramirez is believed to be a transient who frequents the southeast area of Bakersfield. If you have information regarding Ramirez’s whereabouts call Detective Rob Robles at (661) 326-3813 or the Bakersfield Police Department at (661) 327-7111.

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Police looking for suspect and SUV used in vehicle burlary

January 5, 2015, 4:54 pm

≫ Next: Pedestrian hit and killed in east Bakersfield

≪ Previous: Police looking for man suspected in several burglaries

BAKERSFIELD, CA - Police need your help finding a suspect and SUV used in a vehicle burglary in northeast Bakersfield. Police say on Friday afternoon, the suspect forced entry into the victim’s vehicle that was parked in the parking lot of the Home Depot at 2655 Mt. Vernon Av.

The suspect fled in the suspect vehicle that is described as a: tan 2000’s, Chevrolet Tahoe or GMC Yukon with stock wheels and a broken right (passenger) side rear window covered with white plastic or wood.

If you have information regarding this case, call Detective Chris Bagby at (661) 326-3568 or the Bakersfield Police Department at (661) 327-7111.

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Pedestrian hit and killed in east Bakersfield

January 6, 2015, 9:06 am

≫ Next: Deputies arrest man, woman suspected of kidnapping child

≪ Previous: Police looking for suspect and SUV used in vehicle burlary

BAKERSFIELD, CA.-The Highway Patrol says a woman died after she was hit by a car at Oswell St. and Virginia Ave. just before 8:00 p.m. last night.

The driver of the van told officers he was headed south on Oswell when the woman ran into the road. He said he hit the brakes, but couldn't avoid striking the woman.

Emergency crews say the woman had alcohol on her breath. Her name has not been released.

The CHP says she was about 60 years old. Last year, 25 pedestrians were killed on Kern County roads.

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Deputies arrest man, woman suspected of kidnapping child

January 6, 2015, 11:40 am

≫ Next: High-speed rail groundbreaking begins in Fresno

≪ Previous: Pedestrian hit and killed in east Bakersfield

BAKERSFIELD, CA - A two-year-old girl is back home safe and a man and woman under arrest, suspected of kidnapping the child.

Sheriff's officials say Monday afternoon they were called out to the 500 block of Twinleaf Drive in Oildale, for a report of a child abduction. The woman who reported it says she and her husband had just gotten custody of the toddler in December, but had been caring for her since July.

Sheriff's officials say on Monday the girl's mother, 33-year-old Monique Farias and her boyfriend, 37-year-old Ricardo Arredondo, showed up to visit the girl, and kidnapped her out of a bedroom window.

Early Tuesday morning about 2:30 sheriff's deputies found the girl, unharmed, along with Farias and Arredondo at a home on L Street in downtown Bakersfield.

Farias and Arredondo were arrested for kidnapping, burglary, and conspiracy.

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High-speed rail groundbreaking begins in Fresno

January 6, 2015, 12:23 pm

≫ Next: Police looking for 2 men accused of stealing clothing from Sears

≪ Previous: Deputies arrest man, woman suspected of kidnapping child

BAKERSFIELD, CA - The High-Speed Rail groundbreaking ceremony began Tuesday in Fresno. Officials say in years to come, the route will end in Bakersfield at 7th Standard Road.

On Tuesday morning, officials with High-Speed Rail gave the media a tour -- showing us what's currently been demolished for the High-Speed Rail station. Officials say it will stretch roughly four blocks in size. They say for about a year now, the design has been underway --- along with the demolition process.

The rail authority says the route will begin in Madera with the station primarily based here in Fresno. Officials say the route will end at 7th Standard Road in Bakersfield. They hope to see that happen by 2022.

So far, the rail authority says the budget for this specific route is $6 billion. Officials say the groundbreaking is historic for California and the country. "Well the the best place is because, why not the Central Valley -- I was born and raised here, why not bring it to the Central Valley. We can build a lot more miles here with cheaper cost and we do need a section to test the train and that's what we'll be doing here in the Central Valley," says Dianna Gomez, Central Valley Regional Director, High Speed Rail.

Many people have showed up here protesting this groundbreaking saying High-Speed Rail is no good and is a waste of money.

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Police looking for 2 men accused of stealing clothing from Sears

January 6, 2015, 1:19 pm

≫ Next: Kern County grand jury looking for applicants

≪ Previous: High-speed rail groundbreaking begins in Fresno

BAKERSFIELD, CA - Police need your help finding two men accused of shoplifting clothes from Sears in Valley Plaza in November.

Police describe the one of the suspects as a Hispanic, 18-20, slim build, short black hair, wearing a black t-shirt with a white picture on the front.

The other is described as Hispanic, 30’s, short black receding hair, wearing a grey t-shirt. Police say they fled in a: 1999 white Dodge utility truck with “Gonzalez Handywork” printed on the doors, Ca. Lic # 8U43133.

If you have information regarding this case, call Detective Andrew Burich at (661) 326-3561 or the Bakersfield Police Department at (661) 327-7111.

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Kern County grand jury looking for applicants

January 7, 2015, 8:36 am

≫ Next: Detours for Hwy 99 at Cartmil Ave in Tulare

≪ Previous: Police looking for 2 men accused of stealing clothing from Sears

BAKERSFIELD, CA - Applications to be part of the Kern County Grand Jury are now being accepted.

A total of 19 randomly selected citizens are tasked with ensuring county and city governments are operating efficiently and public funds are effectively spent.

To qualify -- you must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old, lived here for at least one year and be willing to dedicate about 20-hours a week.

The deadline to apply is April 2.

For more information, call 868-4797 or go to their website at co.kern.ca.us/grand jury.

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Detours for Hwy 99 at Cartmil Ave in Tulare

January 7, 2015, 10:21 am

≫ Next: Median home prices fall this year

≪ Previous: Kern County grand jury looking for applicants

TULARE, CA - The city of Tulare is planning closures of highway 99 in both north and south directions at Cartmil Avenue today, Jan. 6, amd tomorrow, Jan. 7.

The closure is done to complete work on the existing Cartmil Avenue overcrossing.

The closure will be in effect from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Wenesday and Thursday, with expected completion on Friday at 5 a.m.

Detours will be available on both north and southbound routes.

For the northbound Hwy 99 detour route, traffic will be detoured off the freeway at the Cartmil Avenue off-ramp and back on the freeway at the Oaks Street on-ramp.

For the southbound Hwy 99 detour route, traffic will be detoured off the freeway at the M Street off-ramp and back on the freeway at the Cartmil Avenue on-ramp.

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Median home prices fall this year

January 7, 2015, 10:31 am

≫ Next: Blood bank reserves are low, need donations

≪ Previous: Detours for Hwy 99 at Cartmil Ave in Tulare

BAKERSFIELD, CA - The end of 2014 ended on a down note for the real estate market, as local appraiser Gary Crabtree reports the median home price slipped about $6,200 in December.

Crabtree said it's a sign of the slowdown in price appreciation we've seen over the last few months.

For the first time since 2010, we actually saw the median price slip year over year.

The median home price was $205,000 in December.

That's down 2.9 percent from November.

Pending sales also slipped in December 15.3percent from November.

Crabtree said financing will become more available this year to people with poor credit and with little money to put down.

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Blood bank reserves are low, need donations

January 7, 2015, 10:40 am

≫ Next: DMV releases figures for AB 60 license applications

≪ Previous: Median home prices fall this year

BAKERSFIELD, CA - Houchin Blood Bank is running low on blood, and they need your help.

Houchin representatives posted a message and photo on their Facebook page, showing their depleted supply.

Reserves have fallen below 50 percent in inventory, and are reaching out, encouraging the public to donate.

From their Facebook page, "This is a major problem right now. All types of medical services rely on our blood bank every day! Please reach out to your family and friends and have them give the gift of life today!"

They are accepting all blood types.

There are two locations to donate: the Truxtun donor center and Bolthouse donor center.

For more information or to make an appointment, call 616-2505.

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