City holds swimsuit drive for needy

June 11, 2015, 4:24 pm

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BAKERSFIELD, CA- City pools in Bakersfield are accepting donations of swimsuits.

People who donate swimsuits on Friday June 12 will get to swim for free.

The donated swimsuits will be cleaned by Today Cleaners and distributed to those in need.

All city pools require swimsuits because the city says it's a safety requirement.

If you miss out on June 12, you can still donate suits throughout the month of June.

Swimsuit Drive
Friday, June 12
Public swim: 1pm-4:30pm
Jefferson Pool (Beale & Bernard)
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Pool (east California & South Owens)
McMurtrey Aquatic Center (Q & 13th)

Public swim: 1-4pm
Silver Creek Pool (Harris & Reliance)

For more information, call 852-7430 or visit www.bakersfieldswim.us

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Youth mental health training for Kern County agencies

June 12, 2015, 7:36 am

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BAKERSFIELD, CA.-The Kern County Superintended of Schools is now training local agencies on ways to improve the mental health of youth people in our county. 

The National Youth Mental Health First Aid program has been rolled out in Kern County for just under a month now.

Teachers, probation officers and public servants are now gathering together to find ways to better support young people in our county who may be battling mental illness. 

There are countless emotional and social developmental stages of a teenager. These participants are learning how to get inside the mind of young people and throw away the labels that stigmatize mental illness. 

The eight hour training teaches people from many local agencies not to diagnose mental illness, but how to detect when a youth may need help. 

The training is free, thanks to a grant awarded to the Kern County Superintended of Schools. It teaches a five-step action plan to assess a situation, intervene and secure appropriate care. 

The next training will be held on July 29. The location is to be determined. To sign up or to schedule a workshop for 20 people or more, contact the Kern County Superintendent of Schools office. 

The number is 661-852-5663.

'Water 101' meeting to discuss new drought regulations

June 12, 2015, 8:22 am

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BAKERSFIELD, CA - Californians are being urged to conserve more water and new laws are making sure residents are complying. 

But if you're still unclear about what those laws say, you'll have an opportunity to get a breakdown of new drought regulations at a community meeting on Monday.

The Water Association of Kern County is hosting "Water 101" forum Monday at the board of supervisors chambers.

     

It's a chance for folks to learn more about new water regulations, how Kern County gets its water,  and new groundwater legislation.

  

The meeting is free and open to the public. 

It takes place Monday, June 15 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Plan to drain Lake Ming could save water treatment plant

June 12, 2015, 9:16 am

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BAKERSFIELD, CA - Water levels in the Kern River are expected to reach historic lows, which is threatening Lake Ming's future.

     

The low water levels could also force a shutdown of a water treatment plant that serves homes in the northeast, though officials said they may have found a solution.

The Kern River has been reduced to a tiny tributary, producing a trickle-down effect on water districts entitled to pull water from the river.

     

The county may have no choice but to drain Lake Ming to provide water for Hart Park, the California Living Museum and the Kern River Golf Course.

     

Lake Ming's capacity is about 600 acre feet of water.

     

County irrigation needs in the northeast are about 100 acre feet a month, and an entire water treatment plant is in jeopardy of being shutdown.

     

This Cal Water plant also relies on water from the Kern River and serves about 4,000 homes in the northeast.

     

Now, talks are in progress to prevent that from happening with a water swap between Cal Water and the Kern Delta Water District.

      

The water actually belongs to the Kern Delta Water District, stored in Lake Isabella.

     

In return, Cal Water will pump some of its banked groundwater to Kern Delta.

"The drought's gone on longer than most of us expected and it's a struggle, and the longer it goes the harder the struggle. So it's important we all work together," Rudy Valles, Cal Water.

Valles said the water transfer deal could be done within a week, with water flowing to that treatment plant by late June.

VFW convention coming to Bakersfield

June 12, 2015, 12:12 pm

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BAKERSFIELD, CA - Local veterans will have an opportunity to connect with programs designed to help ensure their prosperity in civilian life.

The California chapter of Veterans of Foreign Wars is holding a statewide convention Friday through Tuesday right here in Bakersfield at the Double-Tree Hotel off Rosedale Highway near Highway 99.

     

The VFW formed in 1914 and its mission is to enhance the lives of veterans through scholarships, fundraising, and community service programs.

    

For a complete agenda for the convention, you can visit vfwca.org.

Attendance for the convention is for veterans only.

Senior water rights holders cutting back on water use

June 12, 2015, 12:19 pm

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BAKERSFIELD, CA - California ranchers and farmers who hold water rights dating back centuries are being told they have to stop pumping from rivers and streams.

The state water resources control board approved in May a proposal from senior right holders in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta to voluntarily cut back water use by 25 percent.

     

In exchange for the cutbacks, the farmers received assurances they would not face further curtailment during the June-September growing season.

     

The state water board is expected to make an announcement regarding the cutbacks.

KCFD awards to recognize firefighters and community members

June 12, 2015, 12:48 pm

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BAKERSFIELD, CA - Some of our community's top county firefighters -- and community members -- will be recognized at this year's Kern County Fire Department awards ceremony.

The ceremony is Friday at 6 p.m. in the Board of Supervisors chambers.

The fire department said Captain Glen Maki will be awarded the Medal of Merit for protecting lives and property while off-duty during last August's way fire in Wofford Heights.

     

Dispatcher Blake Oxford will be awarded the "Fire Dispatcher of the Year" award for excellent performance.

     

And Captain Moses Neal, engineer Coleman Souers, and firefighter Jacob Ricker of Fire Engine Company 61 will be awarded for their roles in rescuing a man from a Bakersfield apartment fire.

In addition, multiple KCFD employees will receive letters of commendation for their exemplary service.

     

And some community members listed below will be recognized for saving lives and going above and beyond helping out during emergencies.

Lifesaving Medal:

Community members Lisa Baker, Richard Brocker, and Shawn Gossage - for saving the life of a man in cardiac arrest by providing CPR and defibrillator at a gym in Ridgecrest.

Community members Mario Taylor and Camille Szayer - for saving the life of a man in cardiac arrest

by providing CPR when he was driven to a service station in Boron.

Letter of Commendation:

Captain Butch Agosta - for demonstrating leadership and service in the development and training of

structure firefighting tactics for firefighters.

Helicopter Pilot Scott Beck - for planning and coordinating the Southern California Interagency

Night Vision Goggle Fire Suppression Drill 2014, involving aircraft and crews from around the state

in nighttime live-wildfire training in Tehachapi.

Engineer Geoffrey Van - for demonstrating achievement and service in the development of structure

fire ventilation, thermal imaging camera (TIC), and tiller truck driver training for firefighters.

Good Samaritan Award:

Community member Thomas Rockwell - for demonstrating selfless concern while helping people

involved in a vehicle accident in Weldon, followed by driving an uninjured couple home to Apple

Valley, inspiring the establishment of this award.

Community members Hansel Borges and Celena Bertone - for supporting the efforts to save the life

of a man in cardiac arrest at a gym in Ridgecrest.

Pet of the Week for June 12

June 12, 2015, 12:57 pm

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Pet of the Week - Cody is a German Shepherd and Husky mix. He is 4-months-old, super energetic and loves all people. 

   

Cody was found by someone and taken into the shelter. 

     

He is available tomorrow for adoption. 

If you're interested in adopting our pet of the week, you can call the SPCA at 323-8353, or go down and visit the many animals they have up for adoption. The Bakersfield SPCA is located at 3000 Gibson Street in northwest Bakersfield.

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Lawsuit filed against Kern county detention deputies

June 12, 2015, 2:27 pm

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BAKERSFIELD, CA -  A lawsuit against the county of Kern and several detentions deputies is making its way through a Fresno federal court.

According to Christine Donaldson, one of the detention deputies watched while she and other female inmates were being strip searched.

    

She added that as she was heading to another room the guard winked at her.

The lawsuit filed in federal court in 2014 also states because of complaints she lodged against the deputies, her housing assignment was changed and she was verbally harassed.

     

Donaldson said detention deputies also ignored her pleas for help when she had an adverse reaction to a contact lens.

     

The suit seeks general and punitive damages, as well as attorney's fees.

Gov. Brown announces drought relief aid

June 12, 2015, 3:18 pm

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SACRAMENTO, CA - Gov. Brown issued a statement on Friday, following an announcement by President Obama confirming new  actions and investments to support workers, farmers and rural communities suffering due to the drought. 

Obama's announcement allocates $18 million to combat wildfires and for the state of California to provide jobs for workers dislocated by the drought.

"The drought has caused more than half a million acres to be fallowed and thousands of farm jobs to disappear. This aid will provide new opportunities for farmworkers and rural communities most impacted by the drought and make the state more water-efficient and drought resilient," Gov. Brown said.

The statement adds that "for more than two years, the state's experts have been managing water resources to deal with the effects of the drought and prepare for the next one." 

In April, Gov. Brown announced the first ever 25 percent statewide mandatory water reductions.

To learn more about the state's drought response, visit: Drought.CA.Gov 

 

Every Californian should take steps to conserve water. Find out how at SaveOurWater.com

KCSO arrest 20-year-old man for murder

June 12, 2015, 4:07 pm

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BAKERSFIELD, CA - A 20-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a homicide that happened in March.

After an investigation, KCSO detectives developed probable cause to arrest Anthony Rivera.

On March 13, 28-year-old Jose Banales was shot and killed at his residence in the 400 block of Crawford St. in east Bakersfield, according to KCSO.

Rivera was booked into the Kern County Jail for murder. He is being held without bail.

Kern veterans need help

June 12, 2015, 6:28 pm

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BAKERSFIELD, CA - It's a sight seen all too often. Someone on a street corner, holding a sign, pleading for help. And worse, the sign indicates they're a veteran.

That's where Dan Tanner found himself Friday. The Vietnam Army veteran went on Honor Flight in 2014, one of the first Vietnam survivors to make the trip. But now, he's asking for help, because he says a family member stole all of his money.

"I had enough money with me to make it until July, and I don't wanna say who stole it, but I know who stole my money and I'm kinda stranded," Tanner said.

After returning from Honor Flight last May, Tanner moved to Colorado with his son. He came back to Bakersfield to visit his grandchildren, and now he's broke.

Kern County Veteran Services director Dick Taylor says Tanner's story is not unique.

"The thing that happens most often is if a family member is a signer on their checking account, if they have a joint account, that can happen pretty easily," Taylor said.

Tanner has a place to stay, but no money to live on, nothing to buy food with until his next government check arrives in July.

"Just trying to get enough money to survive on, to eat on," Tanner said. "Or go back to Colorado. Because I can't make it here broke."

Taylor said his office is equipped to help veterans in need with anything from food to housing and benefits claims.

"We have a number of resources that the average citizen would not be aware of that we can refer them to," Taylor said. "The rewarding thing is that there are those resources available that some vets just aren't aware of."

Kern County firefighters recognize their own

June 12, 2015, 7:34 pm

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BAKERSFIELD, CA - Kern County Firefighters took time Friday night to recognize the achievements of some of their own at an awards ceremony inside the Board of Supervisors' chambers.  

The awards handed out include: 

Medal of Merit - Captain Glen Maki - for exemplary, meritorious off-duty actions protecting lives and property during the Way Fire in Wofford Heights.

Lifesaving Medal - Community members Lisa Baker, Richard Brocker, and Shawn Gossage - for saving the life of a man
in cardiac arrest by providing CPR and defibrillation at a gym in Ridgecrest.

Community members Mario Taylor and Camille Szayer - for saving the life of a man in cardiac arrest by providing CPR when he was driven to a service station in Boron.

Fire Dispatcher of the Year -  Fire Dispatcher II Blake Oxford - for excellent performance in public safety dispatching.
Unit Citation

Engine Company 61 - Captain Moses Neal, Engineer Coleman Souers, and Firefighter Jacob Ricker for rescuing a man from an apartment fire in Bakersfield.

Letter of Commendation - Captain Butch Agosta - for demonstrating leadership and service in the development and training of structure firefighting tactics for firefighters.

Helicopter Pilot Scott Beck - for planning and coordinating the Southern California Inter agency Night Vision Goggle Fire Suppression Drill 2014, involving aircraft and crews from around the state in nighttime live-wildfire training in Tehachapi.

Engineer Geoffrey Van - for demonstrating achievement and service in the development of structure fire ventilation, thermal imaging camera (TIC), and tiller truck driver training for firefighters.

Good Samaritan Award - Community member Thomas Rockwell - for demonstrating selfless concern while helping people
involved in a vehicle accident in Weldon, followed by driving an uninjured couple home to Apple Valley, inspiring the establishment of this award.

Community members Hansel Borges and Celena Bertone - for supporting the efforts to save the life of a man in cardiac arrest at a gym in Ridgecrest.

Free speech rights challenged at First Friday

June 13, 2015, 12:40 pm

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BAKERSFIELD, CA - The First Friday Art Walk in June turned into a debate about the first amendment and free speech.

     

The event draws scores into the downtown area to shop for arts and crafts from local artists, but some say the event was overshadowed last week by a street preacher and what turned into a shouting match.

Tempers flared as Nathaniel Runels stood high on a box and preached to the growing crowd. 

The executive director of the Arts Council of Kern, David Gordon, said what happened at the street corner a week ago amounted to one big distraction from from First Friday.

"It's starts to get really crowded and then it also is really a heated issue, so that took away from the public enjoying the event, vendors from being about to talk about their artwork and make money, and it also became a traffic hazard," Gordon said.

Cool heads prevailed, but Gordon said members of the Arts Council of Kern consulted with the BPD about what might happen in the future.

"So they said when something like this happens is to contact them and they will come down and it doesn't matter who squats there, if they don't have a permit through the Arts Council through the city, then they will move them along," Gordon said.

But BPD spokesman Joe Grubbs said that's not exactly the case.

"The permit has absolutely no bearing on people, and their freedom of speech. But that doesn't mean officers won't act," said Grubbs. "If that crowd is blocking the free flow of movement, pedestrian movement, or pedestrian traffic movement, yes we have the right to move those people."

Runnels also commented on the incident, sending a message via Facebook stating: 

"The lord's will was accomplished. I will be going again. The purpose is to awaken the impenitent conscience of the sinner to the reality of god's judgment upon their life and the need to call upon Jesus of Nazareth to be forgiven and changed." 

Grubbs said the role of the BPD is to keep the peace.

"If someone needs to move, we just make an agreement to do that. We don't want to force anybody to do anything, our role is to keep the peace, especially for an event like First Friday," Grubbs said.

Water meeting tonight for community members

June 15, 2015, 4:33 pm

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BAKERSFIELD, CA- There will be a special community water meeting Monday night.

It is designed to give a breakdown of new drought regulations to homeowners.

The water association of Kern County is hosting Water 101.

It's a chance for folks to learn more about new water regulations, how Kern County gets its water, and new groundwater legislation.

The meeting is free, and open to the public, tonight from 5:30 to 7:00 at the Kern County Board of Supervisors chambers on Truxtun Avenue.

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Impacts of new groundwater legislation

June 15, 2015, 11:22 pm

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County Supervisor David Couch announced the need to create a plan for regulating groundwater, before one is forced upon us.

That announcement came during Monday night's "Water 101" educational meeting at the Supervisors Chambers. While most of the meeting centered on where Kern County's water comes from and how it is regulated, Supervisor David Couch went over the state's new groundwater legislation.

For the first time in history, the Golden State will regulate the amount of water that can be pumped from the ground under the "Sustainable Groundwater Management Act of 2014".

County Supervisor David Couch said, groundwater regulations will affect everyone.

He said it was enacted to address groundwater depletions in many parts of the state, including Kern County.

But, if a portion of the groundwater supply is reduced, Couch said it will impact all sectors of the economy, whether it be agriculture, oil, manufacturing, or urban development.

He said one of the first things the county must do under the new legislation is form a "Groundwater Sustainability Agency" by 2017.

The agency will be tasked with developing a "Groundwater Sustainability Plan" to be approved by the Department of Water Resources by 2020.

David Couch said, "if we don't come up with a plan that is approved by the Department of Water Resources, they will come in to any basin that doesn't achieve those things, and they will tell you how you are going to run your business. They will tell you how much groundwater you are going to pump, when you are going to pump it, and how you are going to do it"

Supervisor Couch says he is confident Kern County can achieve what the state wants. And, the possibility of the state coming in to regulate our groundwater, serves as motivation for all water agencies and local governments to work together, and find a solution.

Potential job opportunities heading to Kern County

June 16, 2015, 7:46 am

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BAKERSFIELD, CA.-Falling oil prices and the four-year drought are pushing more local families to look for work. 

Yet the Kern Economic Development Corporation says new jobs may soon be coming to Kern County and industries with the most rising number of jobs may surprise you. 

According to the Kern EDC, the unemployment rate in Kern County is 10.3 percent, much higher than the 6.3 percent state rate. 

Yet the Kern EDC told me at least seven companies are actively considering moving their business to different parts of Kern County. The Kern EDC says these employers are attracted to the skilled workers who reside here. 

People lined up around Rabobank Arena in May, hoping to get one of the 3100 jobs filled that day during the Bakersfield Job Fest. But the agency that recruits businesses to town says more jobs are on the way.

Kern EDC says they can't reveal company names, but five major projects in their pipeline have the potential to provide oil and Ag related jobs.

One, called Project Ash, has already leased property in Kern County and plans to hire 100 people within the next 9 months to a year. Hiring will eventually expand to 500 people.

Two other projects are in the fastest growing job sector in the county: retail and warehousing. 

2500 jobs were added to distribution centers and retail stores in the last year. Restaurants and lodging saw an increase of 2000 jobs. Healthcare saw 1000 new jobs and the government sector increased by 1400 jobs. 

The Ross distribution center in Shafter is hiring 500 employees right now. 

Visit their website at jobs.rossstores.com. And the Delano Job Fest is this Thursday at Cesar Chavez high school in Delano. 

Seventy local employers are expected from 9:00 a.m. until noon. 




 

Bakersfield to host NHL preseason game

June 16, 2015, 10:46 am

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BAKERSFIELD, CA- There will be an NHL presason game in Bakersfield in September, according to Rabobank Arena.

The Arizona Cyotes will host the Los Angeles Kings on September 21 at 7 p.m.

The Coyotes are the designated “home team” for the matchup, which will be the Kings first preseason game of the 2015-16 season.

Tickets for the game, which start at just $29, go on sale July 10th at 10:00 AM, and will be available at the Rabobank Arena Box Office, Charge-By-Phone at 800.745.3000, and at ticketmaster.com.

Concert lineup for Kern County Fair announced

June 16, 2015, 11:11 am

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BAKERSFIELD, CA- The concert lineup for the 2015 Kern County Fair has been announced.

The 2015 Kern County Fair will open up with The Beach Boys on September 23, 2015 on the Budweiser Pavilion.

The 2015 Kern County Fair runs September 23 thru October 4, 2015 and has lined up a variety of music from classic rock and country to hot-latin, according to fair organizers.

All concerts are Free with the price of admission.

“We are thrilled with this year’s line-up and think fairgoers will have a great time,” said Mike Olcott, Chief Executive Officer of the Kern County Fair.

2015 BUDWEISER PAVILION CONCERT SERIES

· Wed. 9/23 BUD PAV – Beach Boys – Rock - 8:00pm

· Thur. 9/24 BUD PAV - Blue Oyster Cult – Rock - 8:00pm

· Fri. 9/25 BUD PAV - Ashanti - R & B - 8:00pm

· Sat 9/26 Bud PAV - John Anderson – Country - 8:00pm

· Sun. 9/27 BUD PAV - MARIACHI Campanas de America 8:00pm
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· Mon- 9/28 - Parmalee - 8:00pm -

· Tue. 9/29 BUD PAV - Loverboy – R & B - 8:00pm

· Wed. 9/30 BUD PAV - Three Dog Night - R & B - 8:00pm

· Thur. 10/1 BUD PAV - Newsboys – Christian - 8:00pm

· Fri. 10/2 BUD PAV - Ozomatli – Latin Sound - 8:00pm

· Sat. 10/3 BUD PAV - Maddie & Tae – Country - 8:00pm

· Sun. 10/4 BUD PAV - Ezequiel Peña – Hispanic- 8:00pm

How to get a fan from the 17News Fan Drive

June 16, 2015, 12:02 pm

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BAKERSFIELD, CA - The Annual KGET Summer Fan Drive happens Wednesday from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 20th and L Streets, just down the street from our studios.

The drive collects new or gently used fans as well as cash and check donations. The goal is to help less fortunate people in our community keep cool during the summer months.

But how do you get one of the donated fans?

There are three ways to apply for a fan according to the Volunteer Center.

-You can call the Volunteer Center starting tomorrow (Wednesday, June 17) at 395-9787
-You can fill out a form at their office, located at 1420 H St.
-You can fill out a form at the drive tomorrow 
(The Volunteer Center will also be taking applications until Thursday and Friday) 

The phone line to request a fan will not open until Wednesday.