Local airman remembered

August 31, 2013, 5:33 pm

≪ Previous: Walking for immigration reform

BAKERSFIELD, CA-- The community gathered Saturday at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church to pay their respects to Tech Sergeant Mark Smith.

Smith was a rescue helicopter flight engineer. The Air Force said he was responsible for saving lives of his fellow service members.

His family says Smith died doing what he loved.

"To me it shows the love for my nephew," said Jesse Aranda, Smith's uncle. "For people to come out and show their respect and the love for their country we have."

Smith was killed August 5 in Okinawa, Japan when the helicopter he was aboard crashed during a training mission.

He served two tours in Afghanistan and was photographed during a rescue mission. It was a photograph that was seen around the world.

"He didn't do it for the pay, they don't make much, said Aranda. "He just enjoyed doing his job and planned on making it a career."

When the Centennial High School grad returned home, he was awarded the Air Force Condemnation Medal.

Smith is survived by his wife and two daughters and will be remembered by his family as a humble man.

"A very quiet humble man," Aranda said. "Always happy, always smiling, loved his family dearly, his kids."

Smith is due to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery September 5th.

↧

Man shot in east Bakersfield

August 31, 2013, 6:10 pm

≫ Next: Deadly crash on Taft Highway

≪ Previous: Local airman remembered

The Kern County Sheriff's Department is investigating a shooting in east Bakersfield.

It happened around 11 a.m. Saturday on the 2900 block of Kentucky Street.

When deputies arrived, they found one man had been physically assaulted, and another man was suffering from a gunshot wound nearby on Lake Street.

The gunshot victim is in critical condition at Kern Medical Center.

His name has not been released.

Witnesses identified three men responsible for the shooting. Deputies say Joel Rodriguez, Ephran Ugues and Jeremy Ugues fled the area in a black 2001 Ford Explorer.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Kern County Sheriff's Department at 861-3110.

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Deadly crash on Taft Highway

August 31, 2013, 6:43 pm

≫ Next: Walk for immigration rights

≪ Previous: Man shot in east Bakersfield

Taft Highway has reopened following a deadly accident Saturday afternoon.

The CHP believe the driver of a Toyota Camry crossed into the westbound lane, causing a head-on collision.

Rescue crews from Bakersfield and Buttonwillow helped free surviving passengers from two vehicles following the accident.

CHP officers say a passenger from the Camry and a passenger from the pickup truck were killed.

"Initial report looks like the grey Camry might have moved into the westbound lane. It's unknown at this time if it was trying to pass another vehicle," said Chris Carr, California Highway Patrol.

The driver of the Camry is hospitalized in critical condition.

Officers say the driver of the pickup truck received moderate injuries along with another person in the truck.

The names of the passengers killed have not been released.

"You have to watch out for the yellow double lines and pay attention to when you're going to pass. You're only going to save yourself about five minutes getting from Taft to Bakersfield or vise versa trying to pass other cars. It's best to just be safe and follow in line with traffic," continued Carr.

CHP is investigating the accident.

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Walk for immigration rights

September 1, 2013, 6:01 pm

≫ Next: Deadly crash in Arvin

≪ Previous: Deadly crash on Taft Highway

A long walk for social and political change is finally over, for now.

"I am exhausted," said Estefany Mendez, participant. "I have never done anything like this and it was definitely hard to keep pressing forward. However, thinking of all the people that are dying daily crossing the desert and not having a nurse to take care of them was what kept me going. "

Eleven walkers left Sacramento on foot more than two weeks ago.

Four more walkers joined along the way in the 285 mile trek that culminated Sunday at Congressman Kevin McCarthy's office in Bakersfield.

"Kevin McCarthy is a very important congressman," said Dr. Gonzalo Santos, participant. "He holds the number three position in the House of Representatives, which up to now, has been playing a tremendous obstructionist role."

Activists built an altar and donated their shoes as a symbolic gesture.

They want immigration reform, reform that is inclusive regardless of age.

The current incarnation of the proposed Federal Dream Act would only offer a pathway to citizenship for immigrants who were in the U.S. before the age of 15.

"So we really need to make sure parents and the original dreamers, as we usually call them, get their chance to fulfil their dreams and they don't get left behind," said Lorena Lara, participant.

Many Non-Latinos from across California came in support of Sunday's rally and brought their children.

"Because I think this is important for them to see," said Natalie Timpson who attended the rally. "They were born here so they automatically have the privilege that I have, having been born here."

The walk may be over, but the fight for immigration reform continues Monday with an afternoon town hall meeting at the Fox Theater in downtown Bakersfield.

17 News called Congressman Kevin McCarthy's office for comment, but office staff said McCarthy is in Washington D.C. attending briefings on the Syria conflict.

↧

Deadly crash in Arvin

September 1, 2013, 6:06 pm

≫ Next: Deadly motorcycle crash in Northwest Bakersfield

≪ Previous: Walk for immigration rights

An Arvin man is dead after losing control of his SUV Saturday night.

California Highway Patrol officers say 51-year-old Jesus Pinzon-Rios was speeding down a dirt road near David and Valprado roads in Arvin just after 6:30.

Officers say he soon lost control and the SUV flipped five or six times.

Pinzon-Rios was thrown from the car.

Officers say he was not wearing a seat belt.

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Deadly motorcycle crash in Northwest Bakersfield

September 2, 2013, 7:30 am

≫ Next: Local authorities step up enforcement for Labor Day Weekend

≪ Previous: Deadly crash in Arvin

BAKERSFIELD- A motorcyclist died in a crash in Northwest Bakersfield late Sunday night.

The accident happened just before 10:30 p.m. in the 1200 block of Coffee Road. The motorcyclist was identified as Guillermo Garcia, 26, of Los Angeles.

Garcia was riding northbound and failed to negotiate the roadway and drifted into the curb, the BPD reported. Garcia was thrown from the motorcycle and died at the scene.

It was not immediately clear if alcohol or drugs were a factor in the crash. The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information was urged to call Officer Jared Diederich at 326-3967 or the Secret Witness Hotline at 322-4040.

↧

Local authorities step up enforcement for Labor Day Weekend

September 2, 2013, 7:56 am

≫ Next: Diana Nyad makes history swimming from Cuba to Florida

≪ Previous: Deadly motorcycle crash in Northwest Bakersfield

BAKERSFIELD- Local authorities continue to be on the lookout for drunk drivers this Labor Day holiday. Law enforcement agencies are in a maximum enforcement mode.

The Bakersfield Police Department and the Kern Avoid Task Force teamed up for a DUI and driver's license checkpoint over the weekend.

On Friday night, 4 DUI arrests were made and officers stopped 20 drivers they say didn't have a valid driver license at a checkpoint on California Avenue.

On Saturday night, 6 DUI arrests were made and officers stopped 62 drivers they say didn't have a valid driver license at a checkpoint on Union Avenue.

The California Highway Patrol's maximum enforcement period continues through Monday.

The public is asked to call 9911 and report drivers they suspect of being under the influence.

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Diana Nyad makes history swimming from Cuba to Florida

September 2, 2013, 11:46 am

≫ Next: Inmate escapes from North Kern State Prison

≪ Previous: Local authorities step up enforcement for Labor Day Weekend

Long-distance swimmer Diana Nyad made history Monday, becoming the first person to swim the 110 treacherous miles from Cuba to Florida without a shark cage — at the age of 64.

Crowds of fans, cheering and blowing conch shells, greeted the sunburned Nyad as she approached the shoreline of Key West just before 2 p.m. with a Coast Guard escort after 53 hours in the water.

This was Nyad’s fifth try — and she had a few strokes of luck: favorable currents and fewer of the poisonous jellyfish that doomed an earlier attempt, according to updates from her website and Twitter feeds.

The swim was not without extreme challenges, however.

Nyad was so cold on Sunday night that her handlers didn’t stop to feed her, figuring she would stay warmer if she kept going.

Her tongue and lips were swollen by sun and seawater, and she had abrasions in her mouth from a special silicone mask meant to keep the jellyfish at bay.

At two miles out, Nyad seemed to realize that she was on the cusp of success and she paused to thank assistants gathered on 10 boats.

"I am about to swim my last two miles in the ocean," she told her handlers as she closed in on Key West, according to the blog.

"This is a lifelong dream of mine and I'm very very glad to be with you," she added, praising her team. "So let's get going so we can have a whopping party."

Even President Obama, via Twitter, congratulated Nyad.

"Congratulations to @DianaNyad. Never give up on your dreams," the president'saccount posted, although it was not signed "-BO," which means he did not personally write it.

According to Nyad's Twitter, she officially spent 52 hours, 54 minutes, and 18.6 seconds swimming.

The Florida Straits has been conquered only once, by Australian Susie Maroney, who used a protective cage during a 1997 swim.

Just this past June, Australian Chloe McCardel abandoned an attempt after 11 hours when she was badly stung by a jellyfish.

Nyad — who swam around the island of Manhattan in 1975 and a from the Bahamas to Florida in 1979 — departed on Saturday morning and arrived a day earlier than original estimates.

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Inmate escapes from North Kern State Prison

September 2, 2013, 11:57 am

≫ Next: CBS, Time Warner agree on carriage deal

≪ Previous: Diana Nyad makes history swimming from Cuba to Florida

DELANO, CA -- Prison officials say inmate Michael Valdez, 27 was discovered missing by custody staff around 5:00 p.m. Sunday September 1, 2013. He was serving a 2-year sentence for possession of a controlled substance from Los Angeles.

Valdez is described as a Hispanic male with a bald head, brown eyes and weighing approximately 160 pounds.

Kern County law enforcement agencies and surrounding residents have been notified.

Anyone with information on Valdez’s whereabouts or who sees him is urged to notify local authorities or North Kern State Prison, or call 911.

↧

CBS, Time Warner agree on carriage deal

September 2, 2013, 2:24 pm

≫ Next: It's a Labor Day focus on immigration

≪ Previous: Inmate escapes from North Kern State Prison

HOLLYWOOD, CA -- A month after it began CBS Inc. and Time Warner Cable have resolved their bitter retransmission consent dispute. CBS channels, including Showtime, return to to their systems at 3 pm PST.

The Hollywood Reporter says with the football season looming, there has been widespread anticipation of some kind of settlement. Whether that was the final trigger of not, CBS has shown the power of its content and this isn’t going to be the last time they remind a cable or satellite company of how much influence they have over viewers.

CBS set out in this negotiation to get what it considered a historic adjustment which would value their content as highly as cable channels like TNT and USA. Time Warner Cable took the position initially that it was an unreasonable raise and that they would not pay it.

By last week, it was clear they would pay it, and then the talks moved to issues that didn’t even exist the last time they negotiated a deal -- TV everywhere and a range of digital rights.

↧

It's a Labor Day focus on immigration

September 2, 2013, 6:37 pm

≫ Next: Thousands attend town hall meeting

≪ Previous: CBS, Time Warner agree on carriage deal

BAKERSFIELD, CA -- A Labor Day focus on Immigration took place at the Fox Theater Monday with the end of a long 285- mile walk by a group of immigration reform activists.

The 21-day walk started in Sacramento and ended Sunday in Bakersfield. Eleven walkers began the odyssey and four more walkers joined in along the way. The walk was a demonstration of the physically difficult journey their ancestors took to come to America. Once in Bakersfield, immigration reformists left their shoes at Congressman Kevin McCarthy's office.

The town hall meeting at Fox Theater began with a prayer for families broken apart by deportation, followed by three speakers telling their families' stories of struggling to keep loved ones together when children receive citizenship, but their parents are being deported.

"I'm afraid. They need to protect the kids," said Maria Martinez, who said her sister faces deportation next month.
"Some of the parents are not legal here. They {kids and young adults} will be without anyone to take care of them."

Hundreds attended the town hall meeting, many brought family photos and stuffed animals they planned to leave at Congressman McCarthy's office to symbolize their broken families.

Congressman McCarthy is in Washington, D.C. this week. His office issued the following statement Monday afternoon.
"Rather than take up the rushed Senate bill, I believe we must fix our broken immigration system through a step by step legislative approach that focuses on securing the border first. Our discussions on immigration will continue, however I have been in Washington D.C. since Sunday morning to moderate a classified briefing with members of the House and Senate and to discuss the situation in Syria with President Obama and his national security team on Tuesday."

↧

Thousands attend town hall meeting

September 3, 2013, 12:16 am

≫ Next: McCarthy: "I have not made up my mind yet" on Syrian military strike

≪ Previous: It's a Labor Day focus on immigration

BAKERSFIELD, CA -- An estimated 2,500 people packed the Fox Theater, the overflow room and the street in the name of immigration reform Monday.

The Bakersfield town hall meeting was organized by PICO California, a multi-million dollar faith based national organization.

The 15 pilgrims who walked from Sacramento to Bakersfield to raise awareness for immigration rights were there to tell the story of their 285 mile journey.

Organizers urged citizens to call their congressman in support of immigration reform and to vote against the SAFE Act, legislation that would make it a federal crime to violate immigration laws.

Afterwards attendees, from all over the state, loaded buses to go to Congressman Kevin McCarthy's office for a prayer vigil.

An altar has been setup to display symbolic gestures of their faith as they seek divine intervention in the immigration debate.

"Everything is based on GOD,” said Rosalinda Galaviz. “Hopefully God will touch his heart and his family."

The Tea Party, which did not have a presence at the vigil has a different view. Their supporters have told 17 News every immigrant should wait their turn and not jump the line for citizenship.

One man of muslim faith, who walked in the pilgrimage, disagrees.

"They (immigrants) have been waiting for the last 20 years in this country,” said Imam Shakeel Syed. “They are not jumping ahead of (the) line they are not breaking any law. It is law that is breaking him for the last 20 years. So my brothers in (the) Tea Party are dead wrong.”

The rally for immigration reform will continue with another event scheduled October fifth.

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McCarthy: "I have not made up my mind yet" on Syrian military strike

September 3, 2013, 9:46 am

≫ Next: Charges delayed against principal accused of killing husband

≪ Previous: Thousands attend town hall meeting

In a split with House Republican leadership, Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield) told 17 News Tuesday morning he had not yet made up his mind on a military strike against Syria.

McCarthy spoke from Washington, where House and Senate leaders met with President Obama at the White House. House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, on Tuesday endorsed President Barack Obama's call for military action in Syria.

"I'm not there yet," McCarthy said. "I thought today's meeting was very productive. But I still have some concerns and questions that I need answered."

"If we go in, what is the mission, what is the goal and will we achieve it?" McCarthy added.

Following the meeting with the president and other key congressional leaders, Speaker John Boehner said, "I'm going to support the president's call for action."

The top-elected Republican in Washington, Boehner said he intended to support Obama's plan for limited strikes against the regime of Bashar Assad in Syria.

"I am going to support the president's call for action," he told reporters. "I believe my colleagues should support this call for action."

As some Republicans signal their reluctance to approve Obama's request for authority to intervene in Syria, Boehner's endorsement could be influential. The GOP speaker is often hesitant to get out in front of his unruly Republican conference on major issues, giving Boehner's pronouncement on Tuesday all the more weight.

Following the meeting, Boehner's deputy, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Va., backed the use of force, as well.

"The use of these weapons has to be responded to," Boehner said.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., emerged following the meeting to express her own support for the strikes, on a humanitarian basis. But she said that Obama should lay out more of the evidence against Assad to help build his case for action.

"I believe the American people need to hear more about the intelligence that supports this action," she said.

If Boehner and Cantor can deliver a large number of Republican votes, they could combine with Democrats in the House to help advance the resolution supporting the use of force in Syria through the politically-tricky House of Representatives.

McCarthy downplayed a push for House votes, saying the issue of Syria was non-political.

"People's lives are at stake," McCarthy said. "I don't want to play politics on this at all. When deal we military issues, on this we are Americans first."

↧

Charges delayed against principal accused of killing husband

September 3, 2013, 1:24 pm

≫ Next: Police looking for man accused of sexual assault, kidnapping

≪ Previous: McCarthy: "I have not made up my mind yet" on Syrian military strike

BAKERSFIELD -- A Bakersfield elementary school principal will not be arraigned on murder charges Tuesday afternoon, Deputy District Attorney Andrea Kohler confirmed.

The case against Leslie Janea Chance, 46, has been returned to sheriff's homicide detectives for more investigation, Kohler said. Chance is the principal at Fairview Elementary school.

Chance was held without bail after deputies said she shot and killed her husband, Todd, in an orchard Aug. 25. She was arrested late Thursday and booked into the downtown jail early Friday.

Because defendants have a right to a speedy trial, the prosecutor must generally file charges within 48 hours of the arrest when the defendant is in custody. Weekends, court holidays, and mandatory court closure days do not count against the 48 hours.

With no charges after the 48 hours, defendants must be released.

Greenfield Union School District officials say Chance had been with the district for 16 years, as a teacher and now principal at Fairview Elementary School.

Beloved by students, some parents said there no way Chance murdered her husband.

"I couldn't believe it was her," said parent Rosenda Lora.

But, the Sheriff's Department said it has a mound of evidence against her.

"We are certain that the person responsible for shooting Mr. Chance is his wife Leslie Chance," said Ray Pruitt, Kern County Sheriff's Department spokesman.

Sheriff's deputies say it all started Sunday. Todd Chance left the couple's home around 7:30 a.m., investigators said.

Two hours later, farm workers found his body in an almond orchard with several gunshot wounds, about 15 miles from the Chance's house. Deputies said they believed Todd Chance was shot in the field.

After the shooting, deputies said Leslie Chance drove her husband's Ford Mustang to a residential neighborhood and abandoned the car.

Todd Chance's parents live in Shafter. Travis and Diane Chance would not speak on camera, but told 17 News they had no indication Leslie and Todd had a bad marriage. In fact, the couple had just returned from vacation in San Francisco, they said.

Deputies say Todd Chance was a truck driver at Conway Freight. His obituary indicates he is the father of three daughters.

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Police looking for man accused of sexual assault, kidnapping

September 3, 2013, 4:15 pm

≫ Next: Long-time KGET news director retires

≪ Previous: Charges delayed against principal accused of killing husband

BAKERSFIELD, CA -- Bakersfield Police Department need your help identifying a suspect wanted for sexual assault and kidnapping.

On September 2, 2013, at approximately 2:57 a.m., Bakersfield Police Officers responded to the 800 block of Oak Street regarding a sexual assault. Officers learned the victim was walking northbound on Oak Street when she was approached from behind. The suspect, pictured in the attached computer generated composite, grabbed the victim, drug her a short distance into a planter with shrubbery and threw her to the ground. He then sexually assaulted her. The victim was able to fight back and escape. The suspect fled on foot eastbound on Sunset Avenue.

The suspect is described as a Hispanic male, 5’01” tall, with a medium build, full trimmed beard, wearing a black long sleeved shirt with a white logo on it and black pants.

Anyone with information regarding the identity of the suspect is urged to contact the Bakersfield Police Department at (661) 327-7111 or Detective John Rodrigues at (661) 326-3870.

↧

Long-time KGET news director retires

September 3, 2013, 5:15 pm

≫ Next: Going bald to help young cancer victims

≪ Previous: Police looking for man accused of sexual assault, kidnapping

BAKERSFIELD - After nearly 14 years at the helm of 17 News, John Pilios retired Wednesday from his post at KGET TV.

Before coming to Bakersfield in 1999, Pilios was news director at KCOY TV in Santa Maria, the city where he broke into broadcasting as a radio disc jockey in 1977.

Those who know him say John's passion for news and compassion for the people of the Golden Empire never faltered during his tenure at Circle 17.

When he came out of the Navy in 1970, John Pilios kicked around for a while, trying to find the right job.

"I did a lot of jobs that you could say I wasn't very good at. But I'd always wanted to be in broadcasting", Pilios said.

His dream was to be a baseball play-by-play announcer. Vin Scully was his idol.

But, his wife Cindy was not dialed in on John's dream.

"I always felt a little guilty about it. I wouldn't let him do it...dragging our daughter around the states doing what I thought was a stupid thing," she said.

So, John and wife Cindy and baby daughter Dawn established roots in Santa Maria.

Born Basileiuos Pilios in the Bronx, New York in 1948, he was known as Basil to his family and friends. But, when he broke into radio in 1977 as a top 40 d.j., he took on the moniker of Johnny Dickson.

In 1982, Pilios transitioned into radio news, then television news in 1987, reporting on events making headlines on the central coast.

In 1990, he was hired as news director at KCOY TV in Santa Maria, a post he held for eight years until coming to KGET TV as assistant news director in 1999.

John's approach to news has always been very straightforward.

"Being a compassionate journalist and a pursuer of the truth and the two things can coexist easily, and that's what I've tried to impart on the people I've worked with," Pilios said.

Former 17 News anchor Robin Mangarin called Pilios a newsman's newsman, with a straightforward, ethical and factual approach to news.

"Which was sometimes in conflict with my approach, which was more apt to be along the lines of what's going to make me look up from cutting onions in the kitchen," Mangarin said.

KGET's Vice President and General Manager Tom Randour said Pilios' integrity in news "is just beyond reproach."

Pilios guided 17 News through a remarkable period in broadcast journalism, from analog to digital cameras and transmitters, to non-linear editing and the advent of multi-media journalism, overseeing essentially two news platforms, one for TV and another for the internet.

"I think the jury is out whether news is changing for the better, but like it or not, it's changing. It's a part of the consolidation of the workforce in our business and for good or better, it's here to stay," said Pilios.

One of his proudest accomplishments was his leading role in ushering in Kern County's first local Hispanic news station, KKEY-Telemundo.

"We ran the competition off. They do L.A. news now. We are the only Spanish news broadcast in Kern County," Pilios said.

Being a news director is a stressful job, filling four-and-a-half hours of news every weekday.

"I've been in the business for 36 years, and every morning I wake up and the clock is ticking. And I love my job, but the clock is always ticking and we gotta feed the news beast and worry about what the stories are," he said.

And on top of that, John Pilios took an active and at times pro-active role in serving the non-profit community of Kern County, a role many news directors assign to other TV station staffers.

Tom Randour said, "He was one of the best news directors probably I've ever seen in that respect. In all seriousness, John was very dedicated to this community."

Whether it was a barbecue for the Sheriff's Activities League, collecting fans for the disadvantaged or the Relay for Life, John marshaled his forces at KGET and got the word out to our loyal and generous viewers.

Former Bakersfield Fire Department Battalion Chief and Red Cross volunteer Garth Milam said, "We'd go to John, and he'd invariably say just tell me 'what do you need.?'"

"I remember having that first meeting with you and John and we asked a few questions and before we got done with our speel, he said okay, we're done, whatever you need we're there," said Wendy Porter, founder of the Kern County Wounded Heroes Fund.

"I don't know of another person in broadcasting who's more dedicated to community. His support is always available when needed," said Louis Gill, Executive Director of the Bakersfield Homeless Center.

His management style was rooted in fairness, always pushing to get the most out of his staff as we fed the news beast every day.

"I tried to treat everyone fairly. I don't think as a good manager you treat everybody the same because that's not what being a manager is about. You treat everyone fairly. Everyone has a different 'go' button. Some need some yelling, others a softer touch," Pilios said.

And now, a softer life ahead for John and his wife Cindy.

"She works three days in Santa Maria right now and she told me the other day she's thinking about working six," Pilios said, laughing. "For the first year, I plan to hone the fine art of relaxation. I told Cindy the other day, I think I'm going to buy a fishing pole."

So, good luck John. You will be missed.

And as you're reelin' in the years, remember there will always be a dock space open for you here in Bakersfield.

KGET's Assistant News Director Michael Trihey now assumes the helm at 17 News.

↧

Going bald to help young cancer victims

September 3, 2013, 6:02 pm

≫ Next: Man beaten outside restaurant out of hospital

≪ Previous: Long-time KGET news director retires

BAKERSFIELD - The clippers are getting warmed up for this weekend's Bakersfield St. Baldrick's Foundation fundraiser. Brave souls will shave their heads in support of child cancer research. A local mother, Katie Hutchins, started the event after her son was diagnosed with the disease.

"Every year, I think, you know, nobody is going to come. And, then every year it's just huge. It's amazing. I love it," said Hutchins.

This year, Hutchins is organizing the local event for its fourth year. She started it soon after her two-year old son, Garrett, was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma, a cancer of the nervous system.

"They told us when he was first diagnosed that he had a less than 30 percent chance of living the next three years, and we are there today," said Hutchins.

Now at age six, doctors cannot find evidence of the disease in Garrett after treatments claimed his hair, but saved his life. And, thanks to the St. Baldrick's event, he felt support along his rough road.

"My son even told me these people shaved their heads because when I had cancer, I didn't have any hair. And, so now they made me feel better because they didn't have any hair, and I didn't have any hair. So, even he understood at five last year what this means. It's really powerful," said Hutchins.

Dr. Ravi Patel with the Comprehensive Blood and Cancer Center says roughly 10,000 children are diagnosed with cancer each year.

"There is a lot of shortage of money for pediatric cancers. That is very true," said Dr. Patel.

Dr. Patel says while children with cancer are rare, treatments can be agonizing for its littlest victims.

"It's a lot harder on children because they are younger. They have to go through the side effects. So, it's very difficult on the whole family as well as the children. Now, add to that the financial difficulty and it's just emotionally draining when you just don't have the financial resources and you find your child is suffering," said Dr. Patel.

But, the more locks that land on the ground, the more money makes its way to research grants for a cure, giving kids and craniums a clean slate.

"It's a big chance to raise awareness because when you are walking around newly bald people go, oh my gosh! Why did you shave your head? And say, well I did it for the kids," said Hutchins.

The fundraiser is Saturday, September 7th from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Chuy's on Rosedale Highway. The goal this year is to raise $35,000 for the St. Baldrick's Foundation.

↧

Man beaten outside restaurant out of hospital

September 3, 2013, 6:08 pm

≫ Next: Principal accused of murder released from jail

≪ Previous: Going bald to help young cancer victims

BAKERSFIELD - The man severely beaten outside Que Pasa Restaurant in the Marketplace has been released from the hospital, but his attorney said he'll need reconstructive surgery on his eye and nose.

On August 28th, Bakersfield Police were called to the Marketplace on Ming Avenue just after midnight to break up a fight. They arrived too late to see who beat Michael Solis. Solis's cousin said he watched Que Pasa security guards kick Solis in the head while he was on the ground.

Que Pasa Restaurant management claims the fight started inside the restaurant and five to six security guards left the property to break it up, when the fight moved to the water fountain.

"What happens sometimes is that fights that start here on our club nights, they continue outside," said Que Pasa manager Kristal Rodriguez. "So, as far as management and security, we feel responsible to our customers indoors, but also to the people, the bystanders, for the fight not to get any bigger or intense."

But, Kern County District Attorney Lisa Green said bouncers or security guards are not law enforcement and only have the same rights as regular citizens.

"Bouncers are not peace officers and don't carry any kind of peace officer powers," said Green. So, if they're using force on an individual it might be justified under the facts, but might not be and certainly doesn't arise to the level that a law enforcement officer can use."

Bakersfield Police agree on the use of force by citizens.

"They can use reasonable force to defend themselves and can affect a citizen's arrest," said Bakersfield Police spokesperson Michaela Sims.

Bakersfield Police said the case is still under investigation and only one arrest was made the night of the fight - for public intoxication.

Solis's attorney Daniel Rodriguez said Solis will need to see a specialist at UCLA to reconstruct his left eye socket and reattach his nose. Rodriguez said doctors told him it's unclear if Solis will suffer any traumatic brain injury from the fight. According to Rodriguez, Solis is conscious and last remembers seeing a man who appeared to be wearing a security uniform approach him before he blacked out.

Rodriguez said he's planning a lawsuit against the Que Pasa restaurant.

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Principal accused of murder released from jail

September 3, 2013, 11:20 pm

≫ Next: Elderly man arrested at funeral home on gun charges

≪ Previous: Man beaten outside restaurant out of hospital

BAKERSFIELD - Leslie Jenea Chance was released from Lerdo Jail Tuesday after being arrested last week on suspicion of murdering her husband Todd.

"It's just shocking, you know what I mean,” said Alan Bullman, Jenea Chance's ex-husband. “I just don't know enough about it to have an opinion one way or another. I hope that it works out in a positive way."

The District Attorney’s office has sent the case back to the Sheriff's Department for further review.

"What some of the evidence is, it's the type of evidence that needs to be examined by a scientist and determine if it actually means anything or not,” said Kyle Humphrey who represents Jenea Chance.

Chance is the principal at Fairview Elementary School and is suspected of shooting her husband, 45-year-old Todd Chance in an almond orchard August 25th.

Humphrey says she maintains her innocence.

17 News spoke with Chance’s ex-husband outside her home in southwest Bakersfield.

"Like I said, we are all looking for the truth,” Bullman said. “We are praying that the girls are protected through this."

Chance's daughter read a prepared statement Tuesday afternoon asking for privacy.

"I'd like to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers. We love our mom and dad and can't even begin to comprehend what is happening to our family right now,” Jessica Bullman said. “This is a tragedy for everyone involved.”

Todd Chance's funeral is set for Wednesday at 10 a.m. at Peter's Funeral Home in Shafter.

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Elderly man arrested at funeral home on gun charges

September 4, 2013, 8:01 am

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Bakersfield- An unusual incident at a mortuary in East Bakersfield ended with the arrest of an accused elderly gunman.

Sheriff's deputies say Kenneth Darrell West, 83, of Bakersfield walked into Basham Funeral Home on Niles street Tuesday afternoon carrying a briefcase with a handgun and ammunition.

Deputies say employees convinced West to leave, but when deputies arrived he went back into the building. Deputies chased West and arrested him without incident.

Officials say West recently paid for funeral arrangements at the business.

West was booked on numerous charges including false imprisonment and weapons violations.

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