Summer film series focuses on family favorites

June 16, 2015, 12:59 pm

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BAKERSFIELD, CA- The Reel Kids Summer Movie Series Kicks off tomorrow at Valley Plaza 16.


Movies start 10 a.m. every Wednesday and Thursday June 17 thru August 13 for favorite family films back on the big screen. Admission is only $1!

The movies will be screened at Valley Plaza 16 2000 Wible Rd. Bakersfield, CA 93304 (661) 833-2230.

FILM SCHEDULE:
June 17 &18 - Despicable Me (2010)­ - Rated PG, 96 min.
June 24 & 25 - How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014) - Rated PG, 102 min.
July 1 & 2 - Wizard of Oz (1939) - Not Rated, 101 min.
July 8 & 9 - Despicable Me 2 (2013)­ - Rated PG, 98 min.
July 15 & 16 - March of the Penguins (2005) - Rated PG, 80 min.
July 22 & 23 - Lego Movie (2014) - Rated PG, 100 min.
July 29 & 30 - Rio 2 (2014) - Rated PG, 101 min.
August 5 & 6 - Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs (2009) - Rated PG, 94 min.
August 12 & 13 - Penguins of Madagascar (2014) - Rated PG, 92 min.

For advance tickets, please visit www.ReadingCinemasUS.com <http://www.ReadingCinemasUS.com/>

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KCSO wants your help in finding missing teen

June 16, 2015, 1:56 pm

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BAKERSFIELD, CA- The Kern County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help in locating an at-risk missing teen.

Amber Woolwine, 16, was last seen in the area of Wofford Heights on last Thursday June 11 about 7 a.m., according to KCSO.

Deputies think she may be in the company of Max Kozak, 47, a white male. Kozak is 6ft tall and 185 lbs, with brown hair and brown eyes.

They may be driving in a white 2005 Dodge pickup, CA license 8933MA, deputies said.

If you have any information, please contact the Kern County Sheriff’s Office at 661-861-3110. Reference Case #SR15-15008.

Police looking for vintage uniform taken from car parked at hotel

June 16, 2015, 3:46 pm

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BAKERSFIELD, CA- Police hope the public can help them recover a unique 125 year-old uniform.

According to Bakersfield Police a vintage San Francisco Commandery uniform was stolen from the victim's car while it was parked at the Double Tree Inn near Rosedale and 99 Highways.

Police say they have no suspect information in this case but the uniform was taken overnight between May 19 and 20.

Anyone with information regarding this case or has seen any of these unique items is encouraged to call Detective Andrew Burich at (661) 326-3568 or the Bakersfield Police Department at (661) 327-7111.

County Grand Jury has questions about district's finances

June 16, 2015, 4:54 pm

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BAKERSFIELD, CA- A Grand Jury report is raising questions about how a Kern County community service district is using public money.

Citizen complaints prompted the Kern County Grand Jury to launch an investigation of the Mountain Meadows Community Service District.

The district maintains 27 miles of roadways, drop inlets and posted signs in the Tehachapi mountains.

The Grand Jury says its investigation has revealed many long-standing problems, including numerous questionable financial transactions by its board of directors.

It also says the board has not met the requirements of government code and lacked authority to govern the district.

Because of this, the Kern County Auditor-Controller Clerk has ceased funding the district.

If you would like to read the grand jury's report click here.

Locals respond to Kern County's HIV/AIDS Report

June 16, 2015, 6:46 pm

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BAKERSFIELD, CA - This report showed HIV incident rates from 2010-2014 increasing from previous years and AIDS incident rates decreasing. Local non-profits and the Kern County Department of Public Health are working to help combat the problem with education.

Phillip Castro of Bakersfield volunteers at HIV/AIDS hospice home, Ricky's Retreat. "There is someone that know someone that is HIV positive or has died of aids it has affected our whole entire community," says Castro. He lost two uncles to HIV/AIDS so now he has a mission to educate others on the disease. "I want to educate everyone I can and to help everyone because I need to make families don't have to go what my family has been through and to make sure I am doing something in my uncles honor," says Castro.

Director of Disease Control for the Kern County Department of Public Health, Denise Smith, says on average 100 new cases of HIV are reported each year. "What we have been seeing over the last several years is an increase over the last several years," says Smith. She says most of them are intravenous drug users and people who have unprotected sex, both gay and heterosexual. "We're seeing increases in all of the age groups but what is most alarming is the 14 to 19 year olds," says Smith.

Smith says lack of funding for education is part of the problem. "Teenagers don't really think aids still exists and I am here to tell them it does, it does still exist and your at risk if your having unprotected sex," says Smith.

President of Bakersfield's Aids Project, Audrey Chavez, agrees that education is what will make a change and with this upcoming week marking Kern County AIDS Compassion week the community can get involved. "AIDS is everyone's disease, these are all of our families and all of our people so it's about the humanity behind the statistics so AIDS Compassion Week is a time for everyone to come forward and participate," says Chavez.

Local shelter for human trafficking victims

June 17, 2015, 6:23 am

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BAKERSFIELD, CA - A new shelter to help girls who are victims of human trafficking will soon open its doors in Bakersfield. It's called the Kern County Daughter Project.

Experts say there is a huge need for a facility like this in our area because Bakersfield is a stop on a human trafficking route that runs the entire length of the state.

The 21 day program is for at-risk girls ages 12 to 18. Federal law states anyone under 18 years old who is involved in prostitution is considered a victim on human trafficking.

The Daughter Project provides prevention, intervention and after care services. The shelter will focus on intervention, targeting girls who are in crisis situations.

Global Family Care Network Lead Coordinator Bhavna Sharma said, "It is meant to just provide them with a safe place where they can be, where they can rest and shower and for them to work with case managers on their most immediate needs to create a case plan to more long term stability."

The organization is still going through the licensing process with the state.

The shelter is expected to open in August. It will have beds for six girls, along with four bathrooms, a kitchen and classroom. The location is not being disclosed in an effort to protect the girls.

You can volunteer or donate through the website myglobalfamily.org.

Also, a yard sale Saturday will benefit the program. There will be food, music and a silent auction. It starts at 5 p.m. The money raised again goes to help young at-risk girls in our community.

Kern River water rights to be scrutinized

June 17, 2015, 11:13 am

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BAKERSFIELD, CA- Local water agencies are set to discuss whether to launch a full audit of property owners along the Kern River who are piping out water.

The City of Bakersfield, Kern Delta, North Kern, Buena Vista, Water Master, and Kern County Water agencies are expected to hold the private meeting Wednesday.

The property owners, many in Hart Park, essentially use pipes to divert water for their use.

Many of the pipes are legitimate and legal.

In times of severe drought like this, some of those rights could be stripped away, but the rules are complex.

Given the drought, local agencies want to make sure everyone is doing what's right.

Teen dies in early morning crash on Edison Road

June 17, 2015, 11:45 am

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BAKERSFIELD, CA- A 17-year-old male died from a car crash Wednesday, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Another man is still in the hospital with major injuries.

It happened at the intersection of Edison Road and Buena Vista Blvd. just before 6 Wednesday morning.

Officers say the two men were traveling north on Edison when the driver ran a stop sign.

It then crashed with a pick up truck traveling east on Buena Vista

CHP says the truck on Buena Vista did not have a stop sign.

The two men were and were taken to Kern Medical Center.

That's where the 17 year old died.

The three women in the truck suffered minor injuries and were also taken to Kern Medical Center.

"That's the thing, you know. People travel these country roads out here and they don't believe there's going to be traffic especially during the morning hours during the summer months. There is quite a bit of traffic out here, people going to work and so it's imperative that people obey speed limits, people obey posted stop signs in the area. Don't think that there isn't going to be another car out here," said CHP officer Robert Rodriguez.

Officers say drugs and alcohol do not appear to be a factor.

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Ronald Mcdonald house collecting donations Wednesday

June 17, 2015, 11:58 am

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BAKERSFIELD, CA- The Ronald McDonald House in Bakersfield is hosting its first Kindness Crew event.

It runs until 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the house at 434 34th Street.

This event is to raise funds/get donations of goods for Ronald McDonald House.

Your $20 dollar donation gets you a free catered lunch from Hodel's Country Dining or if you'd like, donate one or more items from the Ronald McDonald House "most wanted" items list

Meet Local Celebrities and the Kindness Crew! Your act of human kindness can help many families in Kern County!" Please note that this will be a great opportunity for us to get our audiences engaged in "Summer of human kindnesss" and do some good work for Ronald McDonald House.

Romeo (94.1), Ralph Bailey (Kern Radio), Drewski (93.1), Cascabel (KEBT), and Tony Manes (KGFM) will be attending kindness event at the Bakersfield Ronald McDonald House next Wednesday, June 17th from 11:30 to 1:00 . Listeners and supporters of the House are invited to attend lunch and meet their favorite on-air personality. The Bakersfield Ronald McDonald House relies on the the community and its "Kindness" to help create the "Home away from Home". The Bakersfield Ronald McDonald House is happy to hold this "Kindness" event as part of the Dignity Health Mercy and Memorial Hospitals "Summer of Kindness" campaign. Kindness happens everyday at the Bakersfield Ronald McDonald House because of the community at large and our amazing partnership with Dignity Health.

The "Most Wanted" items help supply the House with the items most needed to help in the day to day operations.Below are other items on our wish list.

Apps that can help you beat the heat

June 17, 2015, 1:01 pm

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BAKERSFIELD, CA- There are a number of apps you can download to help you stay safe in the heat, stay hydrated and avoid a sunburn. Watch the video above to learn more.

Foster Farms accused of animal abuse at Fresno plant

June 17, 2015, 1:37 pm

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FRESNO, CA- Police are investigating possible animal cruelty at Fresno Foster Farms poultry processing facilities.

An animal rights group, Mercy for Animals, claims it has undercover video shot this year.

They say it shows chickens being slammed upside-down into metal shackles, punched, and having their feathers pulled out and scalded while they are still alive.

The group released this video today.

A Foster Farms spokesman says the company has launched its own investigation and is cooperating with police.

He calls the behavior in the video inappropriate and against their stringent animal welfare standards.

Man wins $1.25 million suit against county

June 17, 2015, 2:33 pm

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BAKERSFIELD, CA- A Los Angeles law firm has announced a settlement in an alleged deputy brutality case.

The incident happened in January 2012 and the suit was quietly settled almost two years ago, but word of the settlement and the amount of damages has just come to light.

The Bakersfield man won a $1.25 million settlement with Kern County after he says deputies beat him and broke both of his legs.

Duran filed a claim against the county in July 2012, saying he was "beat, assaulted and battered by sheriff's deputies, without justification"

Sheriff's Internal Affairs investigators sent the case to the D.A.'s office, asking for a prosecution on charges of excessive force and filing a false report.

But District Attorney Lisa Green decided her office would not file criminal charges against deputies Aaron Nadal and Asencion Plaza.

There's video of the incident taken from a Sheriff's helicopter but Green and Sheriff Donny Youngblood refused to release it.

Green said one deputy wrestled Duran to the ground, but he refused to obey their orders and resisted being handcuffed.

She said the helicopter video shows deputy Plaza swung his baton at Duran at least 11 times and Nadal punched him in the head.

Chief Deputy County Counsel for Kern County Charles Collins confirmed the settlement amount and says the settlement was reached in August 2013.

Pesticide report shows potentially dangerous trend

June 17, 2015, 3:39 pm

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BAKERSFIELD, CA- Kern County's poor air quality is an ongoing problem, but a recently released report details the impact of pesticides in the air, specifically near one local school.

A 56 page draft is designed to gauge the potential health risks from pesticide exposure.

The City of Shafter is one of three California cities that have been monitored over the last four years.

Shafter's site is on the northeastern edge of the city, near the high school.

The state department of pesticide regulation looks at 32 pesticides and five products.

According to the report, more than 98 percent of sample sets returned some level of pesticides.

The most commonly seen is a protectant fungicide present in 77% of samples.

According to the report, no pesticide exceeded screening levels. However, if exposure to a soil fumigant component continues at recent levels, the cancer risk would be nearly double the department's targets.

Monitoring locations are also set up in Salinas and Ripo.

You can read the entire report here.

The department of pesticide regulation is accepting comments on the draft until July 24.

Here is where you can send your comments:

Edgar Vidrio
Department of Pesticide Regulations
P.O. Box 4015
Sacramento, CA 95812
Email: Edgar.Vidrio@cdpr.ca.gov

BPD: Pictures show suspects leaving burglarized home

June 17, 2015, 4:42 pm

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BAKERSFIELD, CA- A man and woman were caught in the act as they left a home they just burglarized, according to Bakersfield Police.

Now police are asking for the public's help in identifying and and locating the pair.

According to police the suspects were seen leaving the home near Casa Loma Drive and Cottonwood Road with what police think could be stolen items.

The suspects are described as: #1 – black male 20’s, medium build, black dreadlocks, with black short facial hair, wearing a black shirt, white pants and white sandals.

#2 – black female, early 20’s, heavy build, black braids, wearing a black beanie, green tank top with words “no filter”, grey shorts and white sandals.

Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to call Detective David Brooks at (661) 326-3809 or the Bakersfield Police Department at (661) 327-7111.

Cooling centers for June 19, 2015

June 18, 2015, 11:39 am

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BAKERSFIELD, CA - Cooling Centers open in the San Joaquin and Kern River Valleys when the temperatures are forecast to be 105 degrees or higher, in the desert areas when temperatures are forecast to be 108 degrees or higher, and in Frazier Park when temperatures are forecast to be 95 degrees or higher. The centers are open from 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Residents using the Cooling Centers are encouraged to bring their favorite non-alcoholic beverages, snacks, reading material, games, etc. to better enjoy the Centers.

The status of the Cooling Centers for Friday, June 19, 2015 is:

SAN JOAQUIN AND KERN RIVER VALLEY CENTERS

Arvin Senior Center, 800 Walnut Drive, Arvin, OPEN

Buttonwillow Recreation and Park District, 556 Milo, Buttonwillow, Closed

East Bakersfield Veterans Building, 2101 Ridge Road, Bakersfield, OPEN

East Niles Senior Center, 6601 East Niles Street, Bakersfield, OPEN

Kern River Valley Senior Center/Veterans Building, 6405 Lake Isabella Blvd., Lake Isabella, Closed

The Mission at Kern County, 816 E. 21st Street, Bakersfield OPEN

Gusher Hall, 271 California Street, Maricopa, Closed

Taft Veterans Building, 213 Taylor Street, Taft, Closed

Walker Senior Center, 505 Sunset Avenue, Shafter, Closed

Wasco Veterans Hall, 1202 Poplar Avenue, Wasco, Closed

MOUNTAIN CENTER(S)

Frazier Park Recreation Building, 3801 Park Drive, Frazier Park, Closed

DESERT CENTERS

California City Police Department, 21130 Hacienda Blvd., California City, Closed

Hummel Community Building, 2500 20th Street, Rosamond, Closed

Inyokern Senior Center, 1247 Broadway, Inyokern, OPEN

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Crash triggers power outage in east Bakersfield

June 18, 2015, 12:19 pm

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BAKERSFIELD, CA- A semi hit a power pole on Eucalyptus Drive, just west of Foothill High School Thursday morning.

The power pole is down, and has caused a power outage. According to PG&E, there are about 2,500 customers without power in the area.

The driver was not injured, per CHP.

PG&E estimates the power will be restored by 1:15 p.m.

Bodfish man arrested following car chase

June 18, 2015, 12:19 pm

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BAKERSFIELD, CA - A man is under arrest following a car chase through the Kern River Canyon on Thursday. 

It all started with Sheriff's Deputies and CHP chasing the man through the Kern River Canyon around 8 a.m. 

     

Speeds reached around 50 miles-an-hour on Highway 178 before the man crashed into a fence on Oldfield Road in Bodfish. 

     

That's when the man ran from authorities. Deputies set up a perimeter and a CHP officer detained the suspect as a K-9 deputy assisted.

    

But before they caught him resident Donald Gregory spotted him and held him down while officers made their way to them. 

"I noticed a gentleman standing their sweating full of weeds like he had been hiding somewhere and no one recognized him. So when I questioned him, he tried to take off and it was a small little scuffle and I detained him until the cops came and got him," said Gregory. 

KCSO has not said why deputies tried to stop the man in the first place or why he was arrested.

KCSO to add AED's to all patrol cars

June 18, 2015, 12:26 pm

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BAKERSFIELD, CA - Automated external defibrillators will soon be in all Kern County Sheriff's patrol cars.

The department announced Thursday morning that it's secured funding to purchase 304 of them for patrol vehicles and office buildings, plus all transportation busses.

The American Heart Association advocates that studies show AED's, in addition to CPR, increase survival rates when the heart is in distress by more than 50 percent. 

     

The survival rates of cardiac arrests that occur outside of hospitals nearly double when AED's are administered in addition to CPR.

BPD offering reward for wanted murderer

June 18, 2015, 12:34 pm

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BAKERSFIELD, CA - Bakersfield police are offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a wanted murderer. 

They are looking for the person who shot and killed 30-year-old Sergio Reyes in the parking lot of La Mariscos Bar and grill on east 21st Street in east Bakersfield. 

     

Another man was also shot. It happened June 8 at 1:30 a.m. 

      

Investigators have learned that there were numerous witnesses who saw the events that morning and very likely saw the shooter. 

Anyone who has information is asked to call BPD at 327-7111, or the secret witness line at 322-4040. 

     

Drought Emergency food distributions continue through July

June 18, 2015, 12:56 pm

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BAKERSFIELD, CA- The Community Action Partnership of Kern will continue its drought emergency food distruibution through July.

The distributions will hapen various communities throughout Kern County: Arvin, Lamont, Bakersfield, Oildale, Wasco, Delano, and a new distribution site in the Kern River Valley community of Lake Isabella.

California’s ongoing drought continues to affect local families. Pre-packaged boxes of DEFAP food are meant to assist families experiencing loss of income due to unemployment or reduced work schedules caused by the drought.

People seeking DEFAP aid should call 2-1-1 to find the food distribution location closest to them. CAPK’s 2-1-1 Kern Information & Referral specialists will direct them accordingly. Eligible individuals will be asked to self-certify that they live in a household where drought conditions have caused unemployment or underemployment

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Please contact the CAPK Food Bank’s Agency Relations Technician Yazid Alawgarey at (661) 398-4520 x203.

DROUGHT EMERGENCY FOOD DISTRIBUTIONS – JULY-2015

WEDNESDAY JULY 1, 2015
Wasco Parks & Rec … 5pm-7pm
1280 Poplar Ave
Wasco, CA. 93280

MONDAY JULY 6, 2015
Oildale Under Grace Fellowship … 5pm-7pm
1705 N. Chester Ave.
Bakersfield, CA. 93308

THURSDAY JULY 9, 2015
Arvin VFW … 5pm-7pm
1025 S. Derby ST
Arvin, CA. 93203

SATURDAY JULY 11, 2015
Lamont Pentecostal Church of God… 9am-11pm
9901 Velma Ave.
Lamont, CA. 93241

TUESDAY JULY 14, 2015
World of Pentecost… 5pm-7pm
3025 Fairfax Rd
Bakersfield, CA 93306


THURSDAY JULY 16, 2015
New Life Center … 5pm-7pm
Old Sears Warehouse- 4313 Shepard St
Bakersfield, CA 93313

SATURDAY JULY 18, 2015
Lake Isabella …. 9am-11am
6209 lake Isabella  Blvd.
Lake Isabella, Ca 93240

TUESDAY JULY 21, 2015
Valley Faith Fellowship … 5pm-7pm
15570 County Line Rd
Delano, CA 93215


THURSDAY JULY 23, 2015
Arvin VFW … 5pm-7pm
1025 S. Derby St
Arvin, CA. 93203


SATURDAY JULY 25, 2015
Lamont Pentecostal Church of God… 9am-11pm
9901 Velma Ave.
Lamont, CA. 93241



MONDAY JULY 27, 2015
Oildale Under Grace Fellowship … 5pm-7pm
1705 N. Chester Ave.
Bakersfield, CA 93308

TUESDAY JULY 28, 2015
World of Pentecost… 5pm-7pm
3025 Fairfax Rd
Bakersfield, CA 93306

WEDNESDAY JULY 29, 2015
Rexland - Greenfield Family Resource Center… 5pm-7pm
5400 Monitor St.
Bakersfield, CA 93307