911 tape released from bad crash

June 9, 2015, 1:04 pm

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BAKERSFIELD, CA- The 911 tape from a crash in southwest Bakersfield in in late May has been released.

The woman involved survived with only minor injuries after getting stuck underneath a semi truck.

Listen as she calls 911 herself, while trapped in her car, under the big rig.

The crash happened May 29th just before 5 a.m. on Panama Lane west of Gosford Road, at the intersection with Progress Road.

Bakersfield Police say the semi pulled out in front of the car, and the driver went under the trailer filled with hot asphalt.

First responders were able to pull the woman to saftey with the jaws of life.

The woman survived with just minor injuries.

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Goose with nail in head rescued by homeless man

June 9, 2015, 4:28 pm

≫ Next: Petition circulating to save Kern River Golf Course

≪ Previous: 911 tape released from bad crash

(KUSA) For Don Carson, there's comfort in watching nature.

"I hang out at Creekside Park quite a bit," he said. "I like it down there."

It's a place Carson spent his time at during the day when he was homeless. So do a number of geese, including one with unusual markings on its back feathers. He nicknamed the goose "Honk."

"One day, he showed up and he had a nail sticking about an inch out of his head," Carson said. "And I was pretty upset about that."

Someone had shot the goose with a three-inch nail. Surprisingly, "Honk" was still alive, but Carson knew something needed to be done fast.

Despite being homeless, he began making calls to government wildlife agencies and animal control offices: anyone who might be able to help, before reaching Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Lyons and Cindy Yeast.

read more: http://on9news.tv/1dqZ1nb

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Petition circulating to save Kern River Golf Course

June 9, 2015, 6:36 pm

≫ Next: Police say bank robber made off with $130k

≪ Previous: Goose with nail in head rescued by homeless man

BAKERSFIELD, CA - Kern River Golf Course is among six county owned facilities told water will be cut off by July.The county relies on water from the City of Bakersfield's Kern River entitlement to provide irrigation and recreational water to county facilities in northeast Bakersfield, which includes the course.

Course Operator, Jim Foss, says without water there is no course. "We're not asking for water to green the whole golf course up as opposed to people who need it for drinking water, we're just asking for the bare minimum to get us by," says Foss.

Course employees created an online petition to raise awareness. "We have five or six hundred signatures both manually and online," said Foss. Supporters also filled Tuesday's Board of Supervisors meeting. Jacque Servadio is a teaching pro at the course. "I'm confident that the community and board will keep us open because it is a huge part of Bakersfield," says Servadio.

Supervisor Mike Maggard said he would like a report from the golf course of how they are conserving water before a decision is made. "I would like you to come back and tell us so we aren't just relying on this to happen I don't want to micro-manage it but I want to make sure somebody is managing it," says Maggard.

Maggard says he is confident the county will find a water solution for the course. "I will passionately fight all the way to the top of the hill that it takes to make sure these things remain viable resources for us, particularly the golf course that provides 40-thousand rounds of golf a year and thirty something jobs," said Maggard.

For more information on the petition:

https://www.facebook.com/KernRiverGolf

http://www.petitionbuzz.com/petitions/save-kern-river-golf-course

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Police say bank robber made off with $130k

June 9, 2015, 6:58 pm

≫ Next: Delano man dies when car he is riding in hits a tree.

≪ Previous: Petition circulating to save Kern River Golf Course

BAKERSFIELD, CA- The man police say robbed a downtown Wells Fargo bank before leading them on a chase got away with a lot of cash.

New court documents in the case show the suspect was armed with a handgun and wearing a black mask.

Police say Leland Kane Smithson, 26, ordered an unarmed security guard outside the bank to go back inside and lay on the floor.

According to police, Smithson then entered the vault and removed nearly $130,000.

Officers say after Smithson robbed the bank, a short pursuit began in east Bakersfield where he eventually crashed into a tree.

Officer Isaac Garcia fired his gun at Smithson, but did not hit him.

The coroner says Smithson died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

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Delano man dies when car he is riding in hits a tree.

June 9, 2015, 7:49 pm

≫ Next: 2015 Kern County report card released today

≪ Previous: Police say bank robber made off with $130k

DELANO, CA- A Delano man was killed in a car crash according to Delano Police.

It happened Monday at the intersection 20th street and Norwalk Street in Delano.

Police say just after 2 p.m. a car went head-on into a tree. The right front passenger identified as Randy Cacabilos, 25, died at the scene.

Police say they have no indications yet that drugs or alcohol were involved.

The investigation is ongoing.

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2015 Kern County report card released today

June 10, 2015, 7:19 am

≫ Next: Amtrak train to Bakersfield involved in double fatal crash

≪ Previous: Delano man dies when car he is riding in hits a tree.

BAKERSFIELD, CA.-Kern County children have made significant strides toward a healthier life over the past year. That's according to the 2015 Kern County report card released today by the Kern County Network for Children.

But too many of Kern's youngest residents are still living in poverty.

Kern County is one of the youngest counties in California. More than 872, 000 people lived in Kern County last year. 251,000 of them are children.

Researchers say this annual report card is a snapshot of the lives of Kern's kids.

Here's what the report found. The overall well-being of our county's children has improved. The rate of substantiated child abuse and neglect declined for a sixth year.

9 out of 10 Kern kindergartners started school vaccinated, more than the state rate, and 58 percent of Kern County children tested at a healthy weight last school year, an overall improvement from the year before.

Yet while teen pregnancy rates continue to decline, female teens ages 15-19 have the highest rate of chlamydia in the state.

At our local high schools, the dropout rate reached a record low last year. Just 14.4 percent of students dropped out of school compared to 16.2 percent of the year before. Yet school remained a challenge for the 7 out of 10 public schools students who were considered economically disadvantaged.

While the family and child poverty rate has decreased over the last two years, 31 percent of all children in Kern still live in poverty and 3 in 10 kids faced hunger at some point in 2013.

Single mothers are the most likely to raise children in poverty.

The Kern County Network for Children hopes this report will better inform public agencies and community members of the needs of our youngest residents.

The Kern County Network for Children has released the 2015 Kern County Report Card.

To view the entire report, click here: http://kern.org/kcnc/reportcard/

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Amtrak train to Bakersfield involved in double fatal crash

June 10, 2015, 11:28 am

≫ Next: County fire makes big illegal fireworks bust

≪ Previous: 2015 Kern County report card released today

BAKERSFIELD, CA- A train en route to Bakersfield was involved in a crash that left two people dead Wednesday, according to Amtrak.

The California Highway Patrol reports the crash happened at 10:16 am.

The Amtrak website says the train left Fresno Wednesday morning at 9:55 a.m. and was set to arrive in Bakersfield just about noon.

An Amtrak spokesperson says the train is now delayed and its not clear how long it will be before it arrives in Bakersfield.

KSEE reports two people in a van were killed in the collision about 13 miles south of Fresno. They also say no trains are moving in the area.

Amtrak was not sure what impact the crash may have on the northbound train out of Bakersfield.

Amtrak says there were no injuries on the train.

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County fire makes big illegal fireworks bust

June 10, 2015, 12:15 pm

≫ Next: Bus fares could be going up in Bakersfield.

≪ Previous: Amtrak train to Bakersfield involved in double fatal crash

BAKERSFIELD, CA- County fire investigators say discovered a cache of illegal fireworks at a home in east Bakersfield Wednesday morning.

County fire says the seized 350 pounds of non safe and sane fireworks.

Investigators laid out what appeared to be dozens of different types on the front lawn of the home on Le Conte Avenue near Bakersfield Country Club.

Some appeared to be Roman Candles.

Neighbors who watched this morning's bust go down say illegal fireworks are an issue in the neighborhood.

Investigators issued a criminal citation.

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Bus fares could be going up in Bakersfield.

June 10, 2015, 12:32 pm

≫ Next: KCSO: Man leads deputies on chase while family is with him

≪ Previous: County fire makes big illegal fireworks bust

BAKERSFIELD, CA- Bus fares could be going up in Bakersfield, according to Golden Empire Transit.

The GET Board of Directors will meet Tuesday June 16 to discuss the possibility of hiking up rates.

If approved, the new rates would go into effect in August.

A single ride and day pass would go up by a quarter.

The cost of a monthly pass would go up by $4.

The district would introduce a new 15 day pass for people who don't ride the entire month.

That 15-day pass would cost $25.

GET says it has worked to keep fairs down the last five years but operational costs have jumped 17 percent.

The fare increase is projected to add another $320,000 a year.

The pubic hearing is coming up next Tuesday at 5:30 pm at the GET administrative offices on Golden State Avenue.

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KCSO: Man leads deputies on chase while family is with him

June 10, 2015, 3:04 pm

≫ Next: City says water restrictions are working

≪ Previous: Bus fares could be going up in Bakersfield.

BAKERSFIELD, CA- A man lead deputies on a high speed chase Wednesday while pulling a stolen trailer, according to the Kern County Sheriff's Office. Deputies say the suspect, Daniel Holder, 34, had his girlfriend or common law wife and their 2 children in the SUV at the time.

It started when the KCSO Rural Crime Unit got a tip about 7:30 a.m. Wednesday that Holder would be at KK's Cafe trying to sell a stolen trailer with a water tank on it for $5,000.

KK's Cafe is between 7th Standard Road and Snow Road on Golden State Highway.

Undercover deputies went there and conducted surveillance and spotted the suspect vehicle.

At about 12:30 p.m. undercover deputies approached Holder and he jumped into SUV and fled.

The chase headed west on Hageman when the Holder's SUV was involved in a crash at Coffee. Holder continued to flee and was in a second crash at Calloway.

Deputies say that's when Holder fled leaving his wife and his 2 and 5 year old boys in the SUV.

Holder forced entry into a nearby home. The homeowners were there and scared him off. Holder was caught in a nearby yard with help of K9.

The woman in the SUV, Samantha Saenz, 25, was also arrested. The kids were not hurt.

Both face charges of Grand Theft Auto, Child endangerment and 2 counts felony hit and run.

Holder also faces a burglary charge.

Deputies say the trailer and tank were stolen from a local farm.

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City says water restrictions are working

June 10, 2015, 4:02 pm

≫ Next: Arson investigators looking into Oildale home fire

≪ Previous: KCSO: Man leads deputies on chase while family is with him

BAKERSFIELD, CA- The Water Resources Board for the City of Bakersfield says our water conservation is improving but we are not at our goal yet.

City Councilman and Board Chair Harold Hanson reported at a meeting Wednesday that the city decreased its water delivery in May by 25 percent as compared to May 2013. The state mandated goal is 36 percent.

The city could be fined for by the state for not meeting the goal, but Hanson says he is not worried about that for now. He says he is focused on continuing to improve water conservation.

Hanson said May was the best the city has done so far on water conservation since this historic drought began.

Hanson says May's results show water restrictions are working.

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Arson investigators looking into Oildale home fire

June 11, 2015, 12:45 pm

≫ Next: BFD holding fire drill exercises today

≪ Previous: City says water restrictions are working

BAKERSFIELD, CA - Both city and county fire crews were called to help out at a house fire in Oildale overnight.

Now, arson investigators are looking into what caused that fire.

The home is on East Warren Avenue near Wisteria Street.

Crews received the call around 1:15 a.m. on Thursday.

According to the Kern County Fire Department, when they arrived, there was heavy fire on the left side of the vacant home.

The fire spread to nearby grass and the flames were put out within fifteen minutes with the work of two county engines and two city engines, said fire officials.

The fire caused around $60,000 in damage, officials said.

No one was hurt.

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BFD holding fire drill exercises today

June 11, 2015, 1:02 pm

≫ Next: McFarland city council to discuss policy on converted garages

≪ Previous: Arson investigators looking into Oildale home fire

BAKERSFIELD, CA - The Bakersfield Fire Department academy is holding multiple drills for this year's recruits at its training facility on Olive Drive from noon to 10 p.m. on Thursday.

Recruits will be tested on medical and vehicle accident response, rescue operations, and structure fires.

There are two 'live fire" drills planned.

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McFarland city council to discuss policy on converted garages

June 11, 2015, 1:09 pm

≫ Next: New bill to create tax for water wasters

≪ Previous: BFD holding fire drill exercises today

MCFARLAND, CA - The McFarland city council is meeting Thursday to discuss re-thinking its current policy on allowing residents to convert their garages into living spaces.

Current city code requires homeowners who want to convert their garages to also provide covered parking spaces to replace the lost garage space.

After being approached by several homeowners concerned with the restrictions, the city said it plans to discuss amending that policy.

But, officials haven't specified exactly how they might change it.

The issue will be brought up at Thursday's meeting at 6 p.m. at city council chambers.

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New bill to create tax for water wasters

June 11, 2015, 1:12 pm

≫ Next: State regulators consider future of HECA power plant

≪ Previous: McFarland city council to discuss policy on converted garages

BAKERSFIELD, CA - It may be time to be even more wary of your water use as Californians could face a 300 percent tax on their water bill if new legislation becomes law.

The bill would give local water agencies the power and discretion to tax water-wasting residents and businesses as a deterrent and punishment.

State water regulators have ordered cities to reduce water use by as much as 36 percent, but excessive water use and lawn watering continues to happen despite calls for water restrictions.

The idea is to give local water agencies more power, because they're able to see who is not conserving enough water.

The bill would allow water agencies the freedom to make the tax any amount they want, with a cap of 300 percent.

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State regulators consider future of HECA power plant

June 11, 2015, 1:55 pm

≫ Next: Fan drive to help keep the community cool

≪ Previous: New bill to create tax for water wasters

BAKERSFIELD, CA - State regulators will consider whether to suspend or terminate the controversial HECA power plant near Tupman later this month.

In April, opponents submitted 6,900 signatures against the coal-to-gas plant.

The motion to kill the project was discussed at a meeting last month, but no decision was made.

On June 22, two commissioners will meet behind closed doors to review motions for both terminating the project and to suspend the state's review of the project for six months.

The project's owner is pushing for suspension, as it tries to figure a way to sell or store vast amounts of carbon dioxide greenhouse gas the plant would produce.

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Fan drive to help keep the community cool

June 11, 2015, 2:21 pm

≫ Next: Grand Jury gives Sheriff's Office glowing review

≪ Previous: State regulators consider future of HECA power plant

BAKERSFIELD, CA - As temperatures begin to heat up, many in Bakersfield could use your help to stay cool.

Next week, KGET is teaming with the Volunteer Center of Kern County to collect new or gently used fans as well as cash and check donations.

Last year, the community gathered to help hundreds of less fortunate people in our community keep cool during the summer months.

The fan drive is Wednesday, June 17, from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. down the street from the KGET studios at 20th and L Streets

If you are interested in receiving a fan, call the Volunteer Center on Wednesday only at 395-9787.

Or, just come out to the fan drive!

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Grand Jury gives Sheriff's Office glowing review

June 11, 2015, 2:40 pm

≫ Next: Business matchmaking comes to Kern County

≪ Previous: Fan drive to help keep the community cool

BAKERSFIELD, CA- The Kern County Grand Jury has spoken and it says “WOW are we well protected by the Kern County Sheriff's Office.”

The Grand Jury says whether it's search and rescue, air support unit, bomb squad unit, or the K-9 unit, the Kern County Sheriff Office is ready to respond to the rivers, mountains, desert, or the valley floor and that deputies are doing more than just apprehending suspects.

The only recommendation is the need for a new bomb squad truck.

If you would like to read the Grand Jury's report, click here.

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Business matchmaking comes to Kern County

June 11, 2015, 2:44 pm

≫ Next: CHP: Driver in fatal hit and run bought beer before crash

≪ Previous: Grand Jury gives Sheriff's Office glowing review

BAKERSFIELD, CA - Business matchmaking has come to Kern County as small businesses had the chance to network with government officials and major corporate buyers.

A total of 23 corporations and government agencies met face to face with small business owners for a couple minutes, making a connection and hopefully a partnership

It's like speed dating for small businesses, with federal, state, local government and major corporate buyers.

"Somebody in Bakersfield is not going to knock on the door of the pentagon and say you need office supplies I came from Bakersfield, so we bring Washington here, and they'll do business," said Business Matchmaking ceo Chuck Ashman.

Business Matchmaking is a free event to help small businesses network while also providing information on how to keep small business owners safe.

"They can be vulnerable to insurance fraud, cyber crimes, all sorts of crimes and they just don't have the resources to fight back," said Kern County deputy district attorney David Wolf.

"I think small businesses need to be aware that there are a lot of people that will try and rip them off and they are working very hard to make a profit, so they do need to be careful," Wolf said.

Small business owner, Linda Martini Posner became a victim of cyber fraud just three weeks ago after one rouge employee went to an unauthorized site compromising the computer system..

Posner wants to inform other small business owners of the seriousness of cyber crime and to take precaution.

If you would like to attend a business matchmaking event or find out more information on how to protect your business from cyber criminals, visit their website businessmatchmaking.com.

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CHP: Driver in fatal hit and run bought beer before crash

June 11, 2015, 3:11 pm

≫ Next: City holds swimsuit drive for needy

≪ Previous: Business matchmaking comes to Kern County

BAKERSFIELD, CA- The California Highway Patrol is looking for the public’s help in finding a driver they say hit and killed a man just north of Lamont.

An investigation identified the driver of the fatal hit and run as Rafael Basilo Garcia, according to the California Highway Patrol. Michael Robertson, 63, of Bakersfield was killed in the crash.

Garcia is described as a Hispanic male adult approximately 5' 2" tall, thin build, 130 to 140 pounds, short crop of black hair, thin black mustache, between 27 to 30 years old.

The CHP said Garcia was caught on security cameras buying beer before the crash. The pictures are from the Mercado Carniceria La Flor on Flower Street.

Pictured in the photos are of both Garcia and his passenger. Garcia is seen in the blue shirt and ball cap purchasing beer. Garcia's passenger (Hispanic male in pink shirt) is also wanted for questioning.

Anyone with information to the whereabouts of Garcia and his passenger in the pink shirt are to call Officer David Cabrera at (661) 864-4444.

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