Man suspected of burglary and fraud in south Bakersfield

July 15, 2015, 6:41 pm

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BAKERSFIELD, CA - Bakersfield police need your help finding a man suspected of burglary and fraud in south Bakersfield.   
Police say on the night of May 29, the suspect entered three separate businesses including Macy’s on Ming Avenue, the Smoke Stop on White Lane and Superior Grocers located on 2100 White Lane and made purchases using the victim’s credit card information.

Police describe the suspect as black, slim build, wearing a blue baseball cap with white logo, black t-shirt, large necklace, blue jean shorts and blue athletic shoes.

The suspect was in the company of an additional black man  and a black woman who detectives are wishing to interview.

If you have information regarding this case, call Detective Timothy Diaz at (661) 326-3541 or the Bakersfield Police Department at (661) 327-7111.

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Four Marines and gunman dead in Tennessee military shootings

July 16, 2015, 12:49 pm

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NBC NEWS- A gunman killed four Marines on Thursday in attacks on two military facilities in Chattanooga, Tennessee, authorities said. A police officer and a Marine recruiter were injured in the rampage.

The gunman was killed after a shootout with police at the second facility, authorities said. It was not immediately clear whether police killed him or he killed himself.

"Today is a nightmare for the city of Chattanooga," Mayor Andy Berke said.

The gunman's name was not immediately released. Bill Killian, the top federal prosecutor for eastern Tennessee, said the attack was being investigated as an act of domestic terrorism.

The shootings happened about 40 minutes and six miles apart, first at a military recruitment station and then at a Navy and Marines reserve center. The Marines were killed at the reserve center.

The gunman fired 25 to 30 rounds at the recruitment station, a U.S. military official said. People there fled through the back of the building.

The police officer was shot in the ankle and taken to a hospital. The Marine recruiter was wounded in the leg and was treated and released.

"Lives have been lost from some faithful people who have been serving our country, and I think I join all Tennesseans in being both sickened and saddened by this," Gov. Bill Haslam said.

Authorities said they had no reason to believe anyone else was involved in the shooting. They also said there was no intelligence indicating the attack ahead of time.

Dozens of people lined up at a nearby blood donation center.

Image: Police respond to a shooting at the Army Recruiting Center on Lee Highway in Chattanooga, Tenn.
Police respond to a shooting at the Army Recruiting Center on Lee Highway in Chattanooga, Tenn. WRCB
The health department, colleges and other facilities in Chattanooga were locked down during the rampage, as was the governor's office in Nashville.

Both of Tennessee's U.S. senators addressed the shooting on the Senate floor and offered their condolences.

"We understand a shooting took place at the naval reserve center in Chattanooga and a police officer has been injured," Sen. Lamar Alexander said. "We understand other individuals at the naval reserve center may have injured as well."
Carolyn Taylor, who works in an area of Chattanooga that was locked down, told NBC affiliate WRCB that she heard several gunshots before police began rushing to Amnicola Highway near the incident at the reserve center.

"I've worked on Amnicola for several years," Taylor said. "I've never seen anything like this. Never."

A White House official said President Barack Obama was being briefed on the shooting.

Jury reaches verdict in James Holmes trial

July 16, 2015, 12:56 pm

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NBC NEWS - The jury deciding whether James Holmes was legally insane when he killed 12 people and injured 70 others at a Denver-area movie theater told the judge Thursday it has reached a verdict.

The verdict will be announced at 4:15 p.m. (6:15 p.m. ET).

The nine-woman, three-man jury has been sifting through 24 counts of murder, 140 counts of attempted murder and an explosives count in the shootings at a screening of "Batman: The Dark Knight Rises" in Aurora, near Denver, on July 20, 2012.

Holmes pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. If the jurors agree he was insane at the time of the shootings, he would be committed to a mental institution.

Unique music video offers tips on how to save water

July 16, 2015, 1:25 pm

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BAKERSFIELD, CA- Here's a story about a water saving tip no one wants to touch.

Saving water in this drought, means less for our lawns.

Brown is the new green they say. You've heard all the rules and tips before. But what about conserving *indoors*.

Our man-on-the-street interviews generated this advice.

-Wash only in the morning...full loads.

-Take shorter showers
- Install water-saving toilets.
-Turn off the water when shaving and brushing your teeth.
-Taking showers in the sink.
-And put a five gallon bucket in the shower to capture the water while it's warming up.

All solid tips. And speaking of solids, have you heard about the mellow yellow movement?

Art Chianello, Manager for Bakersfield's Water Resources Department admitted, " Well maybe I have but I just won't say that publicly...ha ha ha."

The taboo tip is this: if it's yellow let it mellow. If it's brown flush it down.

"You won't find this tip on any government website.But  Californians tapped into this tip big time during the drought of '77. It was a new way to take care of business.
So we wrote a song about it.

I'm just sad about Cali.
Cali needs our help you and me.
We gotta save water in Cali.
This song's all about pee.

If it's yellow, let it mellow.
If it's yellow, let it mellow.

We're cutting back on our sprinklers.
Now we only water three days.
Time to start thinkin' 'bout the tinklers.
We're on a conservation craze.

If it's yellow, let it mellow.
If it's yellow, let it mellow.

Toilets are the biggest water users in the typical home.
The average person flushes five times a day.
At two gallons a flush, well it adds up.

In fact, if you eliminated three flushes a day,when you're in the number-one mode, you'd save 2,000 gallons of water in a year.

Critics say not flushing is not hygienic and there's the smell. But there are products out there to neutralize those nasty odors. And let's face it, there's strength in numbers..when it's number-one.

If every person in Bakersfield eliminated just one flush a day, we'd save nearly three acre-feet of water, enough to meet the annual needs of 2-to-3 homes.

Members of the yellow mellow movement say the flushing toilet is not sustainable.We flush about 2,000 times per year.
That's 4,000 gallons of clean, drinkable water - down the tube.

Judge says man accused in BPD death will face trial

July 16, 2015, 2:52 pm

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BAKERSFIELD, CA- Kern Superior Court Judge Eric Bradshaw has ruled that the man accused in the death of BPD Officer David Nelson will stand trial.

Julian Hernandez is charged with second degree murder in the death that happened June 26. Police say Hernandez lead Nelson on a high speed chase and Nelson died in a crash.

Judge Bradshaw said there was enough evidence to find Hernandez guilty.

Hernandez will be arraigned on July 27.

Shooter guilty in Aurora Theater shooting

July 16, 2015, 3:12 pm

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Aurora, CO- The jury in the James Holmes Murder Trial has found him guilty of multiple counts of first degree murder.

Holmes is on trial for the Aurora Theater Shooting in 2012.

Holmes is now eligible for the death penalty.

Citrus Psyllid found near East High School

July 16, 2015, 3:37 pm

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BAKERSFIELD, CA- The pest known as the Citrus Psyllid has been found on Bakersfield's eastside, according to the California Department of Food and Agriculture.

They say it was found near East High School which means another six miles have been added to quarantine area.

The department confirmed the pest Wednesday.

Officials urge people not to move citrus trees into the city.

If you own a citrus tree The CDFA will be contacting you.

Class II injection wells review update

July 16, 2015, 3:56 pm

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Sacramento, CA -- The California Department of Conservation is out with an update to a review of class two injection wells it committed to beginning back in march.

The review is expected to take two years.

A second deadlines in that process passed Wednesday, called a submittal deadline.

In response, there are three new documents out.

They are: a preliminary assessment of whether 11 aquifers historically treated as exempt from the safe drinking water act presently meet the criteria for an aquifer exemption and more details on the phase-out of injection wells in aquifers that may not qualify.

Also, details of a plan for public participation if and when aquifer exemption proposals are submitted to the U.S. EPA, including public hearings in the areas where exemptions are being sought.

And finally, a detailed plan to strengthen the state's Underground Injection Control program through new rulemakings, project-by-project reviews, and the development of a new data management system.

If you would like to read each of these documents, a copy of each is attached.

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Second-degree murder trial for Hernandez

July 16, 2015, 5:31 pm

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BAKERSFIELD, CA - A jury will decide the fate of the man accused of leading BPD Officer David Nelson on a chase that ended in a deadly crash.

Judge Eric Bradshaw decided Thursday afternoon there is enough evidence in the case to move forward with a second-degree murder trial against Julian Hernandez.

Judge Bradshaw said, "It does appear to me that there is sufficient cause to believe that these sections have been violated and there is sufficient cause to believe the defendant guilty of each of these offenses."

The judge made the ruling after prosecutors filed an amendment last week to increase charges against 32-year-old Hernandez from vehicular manslaughter to second-degree murder.

That's a killing caused by dangerous conduct and the obvious lack of concern for human life. A charge public defender Ernest Hinman doesn't agree with.

Hinman said, "We are disappointed though, in the judge's finding and we thought that there was a good shot that there would be an order of discharge in the second degree murder."

Judge Bradshaw listened to testimony from several witnesses, including BPD Detective James Moore who interviewed Hernandez.

Moore said, "He told me that at one point, it was his plan to drive off the bluffs, off of Haley. He talked about how he had the accelerator all the way to the floor."

We spoke with Deputy District Attorney Jim Simson after Judge Bradshaw's ruling, but he says he can't discuss specifics of the case.

Simson said, "Given the nature of the case and the seriousness, I cannot do anything that would even hint at a possibility that could happen. The stakes are just too high."

Hernandez's arraignment is scheduled July 27. He has pleaded not guilty to all of the charges against him.

People upset about maintenance of South Kern Cemetery

July 16, 2015, 6:33 pm

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ARVIN, CA- People who have loved ones buried at a cemetery southeast of Bakersfield called us with concerns over maintenance at South Kern Cemetery.

Cemetery officials say the drought is partly to blame.

Diana Deshwaden called and said she and others are disappointed after finding the resting place of their loved ones, had been unkempt for days, and she says the problem goes beyond the water crisis.

"Grass was over growing the headstone, weeds were growing where the grass was, the grass was very tall... they totally disrespected our loved ones.," said Diana Deshwaden.

Deshwanden says that is how she found her husband and parent's tombstone Monday.

She says her contract with South Kern Cemetery states that it must maintain the grave sites at all times and says the mandatory water cut-backs imposed by the state are no excuse.

"Everybody understands the drought. we are all going through that. So it's not green. That's no excuse for grass growing over our headstones," Deshwanden said.

Cemetery Manager, Danny Brown says they are doing everything they can as they cope with the drought.

They have posted signs on the grounds alerting people about the browning grass.

"The grass has taken a big hit because of the water reduction that were required but we are doing things smarter. We are trying to do aerating and fertilization of the grasses to try to keep the weeds down," Brown said.

However, Brown admits that in the past two weeks staff has not maintained the area due to being short staffed and a sudden surge in burials.

"The families are going through a tough enough time, their loved one passing away. That we are not going to encumber them any more by telling them to wait on their service for their interment or burials because we have to mow the lawn," Brown said.

Brown says he wants to apologize to customers for the look of the cemetery and says staff has already begun cleaning it up.

But Deshwanden says that's not enough.

"So they are trying to pretty it up so that it looks like they've done this all along but they don't...
after what I've seen I'm very disappointed in it," Deshwanden said.

She said she and others plan to speak out during the cemetery's district meeting scheduled for Tuesday at the Arvin city library.

Vigil held for motorcyclist killed in accident involvind KCSO deputy

July 17, 2015, 12:12 am

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Bakersfield, CA - A vigil is held for a Bakersfield man, who died after his motorcycle, collided with a Sheriff's Deputy patrol car, in Oildale Tuesday.

More than a hundred people gathered at the corner of Norris Road and Airport Drive Thursday evening to remember Larry Maharrey, 59.

Loved ones say he was a family man who loved to fish and ride his motorcycle.

“Oh my god this is just unbelievable, I so appreciate everybody that showed up.  It's overwhelming. It blows me away.  He was a good man,” said his widow, Paula Maharrey.

Stepson, Chris Wheeler, added, “He was an awesome, he was an awesome guy, he would do anything for anyone in the world, and he would give you a hard time for doing it.”

The California Highway Patrol says Deputy Marvin Gomez was responding to an emergency call with his lights and siren on and was making a left turn onto airport drive from Norris Road on a red turn light.

Maharrey was reportedly heading east on Norris Road, on a green light, when he struck the side of the patrol car.

Wheeler said, “As far as the accident all I can say is this, it was an accident.  I know that cop didn't mean to kill my father, I know he didn't.  Did he do what he was supposed to do? I don't know that's up to them to figure out.”

Maharrey's brother-in-law, who's also an avid biker, had this message for motorists: “Just please, keep your eyes open because we are there,” said Cliff Ward

The CHP is investigating the accident.

The Kern County Sheriff's Office not commenting on this case.

Meantime, family members say a memorial ride in celebration of Maharrey's life will be held next Sunday.

Police looking for robber of Cigarette Market

July 17, 2015, 10:17 am

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BAKERSFIELD, CA - Police are looking for a man they say robbed a store Thursday night in central Bakersfield.  

Police were called to the Cigarette Market on Brundage Lane around 9:00 for a robbery that had just took place.  Police say the man entered the business with a gun and demanded money from the clerk.

The suspect fled the business prior to officer’s arrival.  Police describe the suspect as a man, 6’0” tall, medium build, wearing a black jacket with white lettering, and a ski mask.

If you have information regarding this case, call the Bakersfield Police Department at (661) 327-7111.

Crashes involving law enforcement raising safety questions

July 17, 2015, 11:06 am

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BAKERSFIELD, CA - Three major traffic accidents involving Kern County law enforcement vehicles is raising questions about the safety of officers. New numbers released by the three largest Bakersfield departments could surprise, but compared to the state average are actually low.

Kern County Sheriff's Department vehicles were involved in 98 accidents in 2013, of which 59 were ruled avoidable. In 2014, the number of accidents fell to 80, with 39 avoidable. So far this year, 36 accidents have occurred. Seven were avoidable, and 19 are still being investigated, according to the department.

Bakersfield Police Department reports 83 accidents from 2013, with 46 ruled the fault of the officer. In 2014, those number increased, to 107 accidents with 65 finding BPD at fault. So far in 2015, 57 accidents have been reported, with 33 the fault of the officer. BPD says all accidents are reviewed internally, and discipline varies depending on circumstances.

The California Highway Patrol's Bakersfield office reports 16 accidents in the area since the beginning of 2013. Eleven of those accidents were the fault of the officer.

All three departments deem an accident as anytime a sworn officer's vehicle makes contact with another object, whether that be a car or a stationary object.

Last year, BPD's 542 vehicles drove over 5,700,000 miles, or more than 15,000 miles per day. According to the California Officer of Transportation Safety, in 2013 California drivers drove over 326,000,000,000 miles, with 383,810 accidents recorded.

Man dies after fall at Bakersfield oil service company

July 17, 2015, 11:37 am

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BAKERSFIELD, CA - Kern County fire says a 29-year-old man has died after a fall at an oil service company southwest of Bakersfield.  Kern County Fire officials say around 10:30 Friday morning, they responded to a call in the area of Panama and Enos Lanes for a man falling 25 feet from a platform. Investigators say the man had a harness on, but was not tethered in.  

When crews arrived, they found a man had suffered a fatal head injury.  Cal OSHA is investigating the incident.  The name of the man has not been released.  

Police: Man tried to grab teen's rear end on GET bus

July 17, 2015, 1:26 pm

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BAKERSFIELD, CA - Bakersfield police need your help finding a man accused of trying to grab a teen girl's rear end on a GET bus earlier this month.   

Police say on July 8, the man sat near the 14-year-old girl, on a GET bus traveling in the 5100 block of White Ln. and began staring at her. When the victim left the bus the suspect attempted to grab the victim’s buttocks but the victim slapped the suspect’s hand away.

The suspect is described as Hispanic, 30-40, 5’8”, heavy build, short dark hair, sunglasses, wearing a gray t-shirt, possible black and white shorts, tennis shoes, a dark colored backpack, with a possible tattoo on his right bicep.

If you have information regarding this case, call Detective Lance O’Nesky at (661) 326-3275 or the Bakersfield Police Department at (661) 327-7111.

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Police looking for man wanted for grand theft, elder abuse

July 17, 2015, 1:48 pm

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BAKERSFIELD, CA - Police need your help finding a man suspected of grand theft and elder abuse.   Police say on July 3, the suspect contacted the elderly husband and wife in a parking lot and told them that they had nearly struck his vehicle with theirs causing him to damage his vehicle.

The suspect requested money from the victims and followed them to their bank, the Kern Federal Credit Union, at 1717 Truxtun Avenue where the victim could withdraw money to give to the suspect to repair his vehicle.

After giving the suspect money, while the victim was in the bank, the suspect approached the victim’s 87-year-old wife who was seated in their vehicle and asked to see the victim’s wedding ring. The suspect fled with the victim’s ring. The suspect is described as Hispanic, 25-30, heavy build, unshaven, wearing a white short sleeved t-shirt and brown shorts.

If you have any information regarding this case, call Detective Verion Coleman at (661) 326-3504 or the Bakersfield Police Department at (661) 327-7111.

Police looking for burglary suspects

July 17, 2015, 2:24 pm

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BAKERSFIELD, CA - Bakersfield police need your help finding three men suspected of forcing their way in to a store on Union Avenue and stealing merchandise.   

Police say on June 28, the suspects entered the Lucky 7 store at 4198 Union Avenue when it was closed. Once inside the suspects took merchandise and fled. The first suspect is described as black, heavy build, receding hair, wearing white t-shirt, black pants, black shoes. 

The second is described as white or Hispanic, medium build, dark goatee, wearing a grey baseball cap, black shirt.

The third is white or Hispanic, thin build, tattoo inner left forearm, wearing a grey Yankees baseball cap, grey t-shirt, black shorts and a white bandana covering his face.

If you have information regarding this case, call Detective Eric Littlefield at (661) 326-3813 or the Bakersfield Police Department at (661) 327-7111.

Police: Men use pry tools at 2 ATM's in Bakersfield

July 17, 2015, 2:56 pm

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BAKERSFIELD, CA - Bakersfield police need your help finding two men wanted for attempted grand Theft.  Police say on July 5, between 1:00 and 3:00 am, the suspects used pry tools to attempt to gain access to ATMs at Kern Schools FCU branches at 4530 Ming Avenue and 2821 Auto Mall Drive.

The suspects were unsuccessful at both locations. They fled in a grey 2007-14 GMC Yukon. The first suspect is described as white, late 20’s to early 30’s, short dark hair, unshaven, wearing a white shirt.

The second is white, late teens to early 20’s, short dark hair, wearing a grey shirt.

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

Magical wedding giveaway program

July 17, 2015, 4:26 pm

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BAKERSFIELD, CA - The Fairy Godmother Foundation will present its second annual “Magical Wedding Give Away” program. Foundation officials in a news release say they wish to provide a deserving couple in need with a wedding at little to no cost to them.

They'll provide one wedding each year to a couple facing a serious life altering circumstance or facing a terminal illness.
In order to be considered for a Magical Wedding a couple must be nominated. The person nominating them must provide all of the information requested, including (1) the Application; (2) four to five photos of the couple; (3) two letters of recommendation. A couple cannot nominate themselves.

Application are due on or before August 31, 2015.

For additional information visit http://www.fairygodmotherfoundation.org

Or you can call, 661-808-7816

Former deputy enters no contest pleas to assault charges

July 17, 2015, 5:17 pm

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BAKERSFIELD, CA - A former Kern County sheriff's deputy will face no more than 2 years in prison after he was convicted Friday on assault charges.  

Gabriel Lopez entered no contest pleas to all of the charges he was facing in Kern County Superior Court.  Prosecutors say those charges include two counts of assault by public officer, two counts of false imprisonment, and two counts of sexual battery.  

Prosecutors say Lopez was charged in 2013 of detaining, strip searching and the inappropriate touching of two women. Lopez is scheduled to be sentenced September 2.