Fishing derby brings community support

March 6, 2015, 1:36 pm

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BAKERSFIELD, CA - The Bakersfield Firefighters' Relief Association will be holding its 4th Annual Bakersfield Firefighters' Trout Fishing Derby at Riverwalk Park on March 7. 

The event will support the children at the Jamison Childrens Center, who will be on hand to participate in the fun.

The BFRA said it's an opportunity for disadvantaged youth to get one-on-one interaction with local firefighters as well as enjoy a day at the park.

The BFRA  is a non-profit organization that gives yearly support to organizations such as Ronald McDonald House, Make-a-Wish, Mendiburu Magic Foundation, Muscular Dystrophy Association, Links-for-Life, and the Bakersfield Firefighters' Christmas Eve Task Force. 

If you would like to participate, Tickets are $20 per entry. There will be 25 tagged fish worth over $3,000. 

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Officials say man found dead in an orchard now a homicide

March 6, 2015, 1:55 pm

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BAKERSFIELD, CA - The coroner has released the cause of death of a man found in an orchard in southeast Bakersfield two weeks ago.

An autopsy found 32-year-old Jaime Puente of Bakesfield died from gunshot wounds and the manner of death is homicide.

     

Deputies said Puente's body was discovered by a farm worker in an orange orchard near the intersection of Muller and Vineland Roads, Just north of Lamont.

The investigation is ongoing.

New health center in east Bakersfield

March 6, 2015, 2:59 pm

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BAKERSFIELD, CA - Clinica Sierra Vista held a grand opening ceremony today for its newest center in east Bakersfield.

The East Niles Community Health Center is located in the 7800 block of Niles Street.

     

The health center will provide primary care services including family practice, internal medicine,  pediatrics, and obstetrics and ­gynecology.

     

The 1400 square foot clinic has eight exam rooms and two triage rooms, along with digital x-ray capabilities and laboratory services.

     

The new location will also be the home of the Rio Bravo family medicine residency program.

     

The three-year, post-graduate training program recruits and trains residents and physicians with the goal of increasing access health care providers in the central valley.

"This was a logical spot to headquarter that important residency program and that together with the county we've been able to keep in this community so can continue to education new generations of medicine. So its really an important program that will serve patients but is also a secondary benefit that it will become a home of medical education and academic, wellness and we couldn't be happier about it," said Steve Schilling, CEO Clinica Sierra Vista.

The health center is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 

Police recruiting officer trainees for upcoming academy

March 6, 2015, 5:26 pm

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BAKERSFIELD, CA - The Bakersfield Police Department is looking for qualified applicants for the position of officer trainee for a tentatively scheduled fall 2015 Academy.

Please refer to the attached job flyer and job announcement.

Police: Emerging crime trend in west Bakersfield

March 6, 2015, 6:20 pm

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BAKERSFIELD, CA - Police say there's a recently emerging crime trend in west Bakersfield. This trend involves the theft of tires and wheels, usually 20” diameter factory wheels from 2014 year model or later GM trucks.

The trend began in 2014 with a total of 44 reported incidents. So far in 2015 there are nearly 20 reported incidents. Most of these thefts have occurred in neighborhoods on the west side of Bakersfield during the late night/early morning hours.

Police say citizens can protect themselves from being a victim of these thieves by parking their vehicles in a garage if one is available. If not, park in a well-lit area, on the street close to the curb line, invest in a set a wheel locks and an anti-theft alarm system.

In addition, look out for your friends and neighbors, if you see suspicious activity occurring in your neighborhood call the Bakersfield Police Department. Detectives are seeking any and all information from the public regarding these thefts.

If you have information regarding these thefts, call Detective Daniel McClive at (661) 326-3872 or the Bakersfield Police Department at (661) 327-7111.

Supervisors to consider library operations

March 6, 2015, 6:25 pm

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BAKERSFIELD, CA - Kern County Supervisors are looking into ways to maximize resources and increase efficiency.

In January, supervisors declared a fiscal emergency due to plummeting oil prices and escalating pension costs. One department being reviewed is the library system.

County Administrative Office employee relations officer Devin Brown says supervisors are expected to consider changing library operations. One of the options is partially privatizing libraries, but local library supporters say this would not be beneficial to the community.

County Supervisor Leticia Perez discussed possible changes to local libraries during an interview Friday morning on 17 News at Sunrise.

Perez said, "The current proposal involves an outside organization coming in, not owning any public assets at all, the county retaining ownership of those assets, but the management of the staff and the management of the facilities themselves would be conducted by an outside organization."

"There has been one that has been circulating and has submitted a proposal to the board for consideration and while there are no specific plans right now to proceed, certainly a majority of the board in considering it," said Perez.

Brown says Library Systems and Services Incorporated, a for-profit company based in Maryland, has offered its service, but a decision hasn't been made.

Brown said, "This particular company has provided us with what they think they plan would be, but there hasn't been any formal solicitation process for this service. We'll be talking to the board and getting direction on where they want to go."

Friends of the Kern County Library president Mary Anne Steele said, "This should be done deliberately and with very careful thought."

Steele says she has some concerns about privatizing libraries.

"The facts that we're mostly concerned about is the speed which this is coming forward, the lack of transparency," said Steele.

Brown says the county will consider employee impact and volunteers in the decision.

"No decisions have been made and we're just beginning the exploration if this is the path the board wants to go down," said Brown.

Libraries are not on the supervisors agenda Tuesday, but could still be brought up.

Accident creates awareness for emergency vehicles

March 7, 2015, 5:58 pm

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BAKERSFIELD, CA - A non-injury accident involving a car and a fire engine has officials reminding drivers to pull over when they see an emergency vehicle with its lights and sirens on. 

The crash happened around 2 p.m. at the intersection of Ming Avenue and Stine Road.  

     

Bakersfield police say the fire engine was responding to a call with lights and sirens activated.

     

Police say the fire engine had a red light, but took proper precautions before driving through the intersection. 

     

The 18-year-old driver of the white Volkswagen told police she didn't hear sirens until she was in the intersection. 

"When you hear sirens, it's important to be looking out and our drivers and engineers are extremely vigilant when they're driving code three and, you know, sometimes things do happen, Captain Mike Lencioni, BFD." 

Drivers should pull to the right and come to a complete stop if they see an emergency vehicle with its lights and sirens on. 

     

No one was injured, according to police.

Group petitions city for new crosswalks

March 7, 2015, 6:23 pm

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BAKERSFIELD, CA - Some concerned members of the community met today to encourage city council members to add two signaled crosswalks to the 24th street widening project.

About 30 people came out to the meeting and spoke with Bakersfield city councilman Terry Maxwell.

     

Organizers say crosswalks are needed to ensure that all residents in the Westchester area have safe access to Jastro Park and Franklin Elementary School.

     

The group is set to meet again at the next city council meeting to continue their campaign.

     

And they're encourage residents to write a letter to city council members to show their support.

     

There is also an online petition you can sign HERE.

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Bakersfield housing market improves

March 7, 2015, 7:55 pm

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BAKERSFIELD, CA - According to on local appraiser, the housing market in Bakersfield is on the rise. Appraiser, Gary Crabtree, conducted a snapshot study showing average sale prices are up $20,000 dollars in the last month.

Crabtree said February's gains were the highest Bakersfield has seen since June 2004.

"We looked at the winter market this year and it was one of the worst we have had in 15 years" said Crabtree.

The median closing sale price in February was $215,000, up from January which was $195,000 dollars.

Crabtree says not only are the prices still low, but it's easier to purchase now than ever before.

"Low down payment requirements, low credit score requirements, and the interest rates are at an all time low" said Crabtree.

He said this increase is good for the housing market but with the recent layoffs and lack of meaningful job creation in the community, he is weary builders are moving too fast and will out build their demand. Crabtree said once new Kern County unemployment numbers are out, it be easier to tell how the job sector will impact the housing market.

Mosque inaugurated

March 7, 2015, 8:11 pm

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BAKERSFIELD, CA - A unique peak inside the traditions of Bakersfield's Muslim community, with the inauguration of the new Dawoodi Bohra Mosque.

Bakersfield Mayor Harvey Hall and council member Jacquie Sullivan were on hand for the historic event. Presiding over the ceremony, and traveling here from India, Syendna Mufaddal Saifuddin, the religious head of the global Dawoodi Bohra Muslim community.

Dawoodi Bohra Muslim Hozefa Divan said, "The inauguration is in a sense a consecration of the space, makes it more of a sacred, holy space.

Mayor Hall said, "These are wonderful people. They mean well. They have businesses here. Their children go to our schools. And they're wonderful and this is just another example of unity in our community."

Four other mosques in California will be inaugurated by Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin during his visit to this month.

Body found in Lamont

March 7, 2015, 11:22 pm

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LAMONT, CA - Kern County Sheriff's homicide detectives are investigating a body found Saturday afternoon in a drainage sump near an apartment complex in Lamont.

The investigation started Saturday around 4 p.m, when fire fighters responded to a fire alarm in the Di Gorgio Road Apartments near south Fairfax Road. While they were there, sheriff's officials say a group of kids told fire crews about the body in a sump behind the apartment complex.

Lieutenant Dean Marshall said, "Deputies arrived from the Lamont substation and saw that it was what appeared to be a deceased person in the water and they initiated a homicide investigation."

Sheriff's officials say the investigation is in the early stages. They haven't released any information on the identity.

57th Annual March Meet at Famoso Raceway

March 8, 2015, 5:22 pm

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BAKERSFIELD, CA - Good vibrations this weekend at Famoso Raceway, as racing enthusiasts enjoyed the final races of the 57th annual March Meet. Spectators came from all over the world for the five-day event. Organizers said the meet drew 500 competitors and thousands of attendees to the raceway, a big boost for the local economy.

Famoso Raceway Operations Vice-President Blake Bowser, said March Meet benefits all of Kern County. "This brings a lot, I would venture to guess around five-million range, this is probably the single most influx of cash into our community," said Bowser, "every hotel here is booked, restaurants are busy at night, and they are having some of their best nights as far as sales."

Organizers say with the warm weather this weekend, vendors stocked up on enough beer to fill more than 12,000 cups. Mitch Townsend sponsors a couple of cars and says he enjoys the atmosphere. "It's a three day tailgate party with a bunch of racing people that just have a ball," said Townsend. 

James Day won last year's Nitro Funny Car championship driving Pedaler. Day says he loves the support from the Bakersfield community, and hopes to win again this year. "You know we have Chancellor Oil and Tool on the car they are from here, we always go to Chuy's for BBQ just to come into Bakersfield gives me chills," he said. 

Drag racing fans and racers from all over the U.S. agree, this race is unlike any other.

Jeff Miller is a drag racer from Ohio and came to March Meet with his son and best friend. "You know its amazing to see these cars thundering through there and the drivers, second to none, I would know I'm a driver," said Miller.

For more information on upcoming races at Famoso Raceway visit our hotlink section.

New music festival announced for Bakersfield

March 9, 2015, 11:39 am

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BAKERSFIELD, CA- A brand new music festival is set for May 23rd. 

The Bakersfield Rock & Country Music and Art Festival bills itself as California's premiere one day music festival.

Over 50 acts will perform on 7 stages at Kern County Museum's Pioneer Village Park.

Leann Rimes, Kellie Pickler, Ricky Skaggs and Pam Tillis are scheduled to perform.

Organizers say all the artists that will perform have collectively sold over 1 billion records .

There will also be food, a beer garden, games, and a car show.

Tickets are on sale and you can get more information here. 

Party Triggers Roof Collapse in SLO

March 9, 2015, 12:53 pm

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SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA- (KSBY) At least nine people were hospitalized Saturday when a garage collapsed beneath the weight of a rooftop party near California Polytechnic State University.

The party was an organized event by students, but was not a University sanctioned event. 

"It was like all this cracking down, I tried to jump off and then it collapsed," said Cal Poly student Brenton Nevrez. "People started to get off but at that point it was already too late."

"We had like 40 people up there at one time at least, way too many people, it couldn't hold it," said student Nick Thomas. 

City Council looking for new Planning Commission members

March 9, 2015, 3:22 pm

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BAKERSFIELD, CA- The Bakersfield City Council is looking for two people fill spots on the Planning Commission.

At the end of April, two current commissioners will have their terms expire.

There will be one opening in Ward 1 and another in Ward 7.

The Bakersfield City Council is recruiting for one individual to serve on the Planning Commission due to the expiration of term of Commissioner David Strong (Ward 1), whose term expires April 30, 2015.

The Planning Commission maintains and interprets the City's General Plan, and recommends methods of implementation. It maintains the City's zoning ordinance and makes recommendations for improvement; reviews the City's Capital Improvement Plan for consistency with the General Plan; reviews and approves subdivisions and parcel maps; and, conducts hearings on all of the above items and on appeals of site plan reviews.

The Planning Commissioners will be nominated by the Council members of Wards 2 and 4, and will be appointed by the full Council. Applicants must be a resident of the City throughout their term. Applicants are advised that a Statement of Economic Interests (F.P.P.C. Form 700) and Health & Safety Code, Section #33130, California Redevelopment Law Disclosure Statement will be required upon assuming office. Pursuant to State law, any person newly appointed shall successfully complete a course in ethics training approved by the Fair Political Practices Commission and the Attorney General. Each member is required to complete this training every two years.

Applications are available at the City Clerk's Office, City Hall North, 1600 Truxtun Avenue, or at the City website, www.bakersfieldcity.us, and should be returned by 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 22, 2015.
For further information and assistance regarding this appointment, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (661) 326-3767. Citizens interested in serving on the Planning Commission are encouraged to contact the City Council member regarding their interest and qualifications.

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Bakersfield woman honored for work with addicts

March 9, 2015, 3:34 pm

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SACRAMENTO – Assemblywoman Shannon Grove today honored Catherine (Cat) Skow as the 2015 Woman of the Year for the 34th Assembly District during a special Assembly ceremony at the State Capitol. As an employee of The Mission at Kern County, Catherine has poured her life into the organization’s recovery program helping women defeat their addictions; the same program that helped her overcome her fight with alcohol.

“Catherine is an inspiration,” said Assemblywoman Shannon Grove. “She had the courage to humbly face her problems, and with God’s help, turn a very painful time in her life into an opportunity to help others. What a great example for us all.”

The Mission at Kern County is a faith-based non-profit organization started in Bakersfield in 1952 by a group of men interested in changing the lives of homeless and hurting families in their community. Just over three years ago, Catherine, at life changing moment, enrolled in the Mission’s 12-month Christian Discipleship Program for people unable to overcome their addictions. Catherine had a 40-year career as an executive in Los Angeles and St. Louis, Missouri, at companies that included Disney Companies, ABC Television, CBS Radio and Clear Channel Media. She worked hard and played hard, but a heavy drinking habit got the best of her.

Now she is a full-time staff member with the same women’s recovery program that saved her life. Catherine wants nothing more in life that to help others obtain the life she now has. She does speaking engagements from time to time sharing her story, but most of her time is spent one on one helping women walk through the recovery process.

Catherine is fond of saying, “If I can do this, so can you!” While Catherine gives God credit for helping her change what she could not change, she also insists change does require commitment and effort. “You must do your part,” she tells those she counsels.

Held annually, the Woman of the Year ceremony celebrates California’s extraordinary women. The first ceremony was held in 1987 to help commemorate Women’s History Month. The event has become an annual Capitol tradition to salute women who have done outstanding community service. Honorees are presented with a framed certificate from the State Assembly recognizing their outstanding contributions during a ceremony in the Assembly chambers.

Amber Alert issued for 1-year-old boy

March 9, 2015, 3:43 pm

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BAKERSFIELD, CA- A statewide Amber Alert has been issued for boy who was abducted from San Pedro.

Police say about 1:30 a.m. Monday morning the boy, Jayden Nathaniel Santiago, 1, was taken by his father, Giovany Santiago-Enriquez, 37, after violently attacking the boy's mother and boyfriend.

The victim, Jayden Santiago, is a 1 year old Hispanic male, standing 24 inches tall, weighing 26 pounds, with black hair, and brown eyes. he was last seeing wearing a light brown and green sweater, green and brown striped onesie, and black and white Nike shoes.

The suspect is a Hispanic male, 37 years old, standing 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighing 200 pounds, with black hair, and brown eyes. Santiago-Enriquez was last seen wearing a black beanie, black sweater, black Dickies pants, and gray and black Nike shoes.

The suspect went to his ex-girlfriends house and stabbed her boyfriend and fled the scene. The suspect has not been seen or heard from since. The suspect has made suicidal threats and has attempted suicide in the past. The suspect could be traveling to Mexico, Oregon or Washington, where he has known contacts. The victim is believed to be with the suspect. The suspect was last seen driving a 2006 gray Nissan Altima bearing California license plate 5UCF010. Suspect is considered armed and dangerous and should be approached with caution.

If you see the suspect or the victim call 911.

Bakersfield Police seek new trainees

March 9, 2015, 4:08 pm

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BAKERSFIELD, CA- The Bakersfield Police Department is currently seeking applications for Police Trainees.

The filing deadline for this position is March 20th, at 1:00 p.m. Interested candidates can obtain information and apply for the position by visiting the City of Bakersfield website or by contacting the Human Resources Department.

The police academy is scheduled to begin in August of 2015.

Bakersfield man to spend time in federal prison

March 9, 2015, 4:46 pm

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FRESNO, CA - A Bakersfield man has been sentenced to five years and nine months in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon. 

The United States Attorney's office says in November 2013, the FBI’s Violent Crime Task Force was told that Vincent Deleon, 32, who was wanted on two Kern County felony warrants, was in an apartment on Monterey Street in Bakersfield.

Task force agents set up surveillance and when Deleon came out of the residence, they identified themselves and told him to stop. Deleon immediately fled from the agents and in his flight, threw a Smith & Wesson 9 mm pistol over a fence. Agents arrested Deleon and found the firearm at the adjacent property.

This case was the product of an investigation by the Violent Crime Task Force, which includes Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Kern County Sheriff’s Office, and the Kern County Probation Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian K. Delaney prosecuted the case.

Police looking for missing man believed to be at-risk

March 9, 2015, 5:29 pm

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BAKERSFIELD, CA - Police need your help in finding a missing man believed to be at-risk. Police say Gregory Brunson, 51, was last seen January 31, at the Bakersfield Inn and Suites on 2524 White Ln.

Brunson has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and under the care of Kern Mental Health. Brunson has no financial means to care for himself and has not been heard from by his family. Police say Brunson has had prior episodes of arriving at prison or military installations and reporting work although he was not employed by either.

Brunson may have purchased a train ticket at the local Amtrak station but this information has not been confirmed.

Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to call the Bakersfield Police Department at (661) 327-7111.