Two dead after eastern Kern County plane crash

October 24, 2014, 11:19 am

≫ Next: Police seeking suspect for grand theft

≪ Previous: Gas line rupture prompts evacuations in south Bakersfield

Two people are dead after an aircraft crashed Friday morning.

The plane was found east of Red Rock Canyon, near Garlock Road and Redrock-Randsburg, approximately 88 miles east of Bakersfield.

Allen Kenitzer of the Federal Aviation Administration said that there were two people in the plane, and that their names are currently unknown. The Kern County Sheriff's Office flew the coroner out via helicopter due to the remote location of the crash.

The crash is believed to have been an accident, and the cause is currently unknown, according to Kenitzer. He said that the involved aircraft was a Slingsby T67 Firefly plane.

That model of plane is commonly used for flight training, and was originally put in service by the United Kingdom's Royal Air Force.

Kenitzer said the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating, but the NTSB is taking the lead on that investigation.

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Police seeking suspect for grand theft

October 24, 2014, 12:37 pm

≫ Next: Sacramento deputy shot by heavily armed gunman

≪ Previous: Two dead after eastern Kern County plane crash

BAKERSFIELD, CA - Police are asking for the community's help in identifying and locating a suspect wanted for grand theft.

The Bakersfield Police Department says the suspect identified herself as the owner of property in the 3000 block of Chester Lane, and accepted a rental deposit check.

She is described as Hispanic, in her late 20s to early 30s, five feet 3 inches tall, and weighing approximately 130 pounds. Police say her name may be Monica. She was seen driving a gray Nissan Versa.

Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to call Detective Pat Hayes at 661-326-3537, or BPD at 661-327-7111.

Anonymous text tips can be sent to 274637, by sending BPDCRIMES along with a message.

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Sacramento deputy shot by heavily armed gunman

October 24, 2014, 2:06 pm

≫ Next: Police seek suspect who stole package from doorstep

≪ Previous: Police seeking suspect for grand theft

From KCRA News.

SACRAMENTO, CA - At least three California Highway Patrol officers have been shot by a heavily armed man and woman in Sacramento and Placer counties, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Officers are currently focusing their search in the Placer County area, near Auburn, after receiving reports of shots fired and the sighting of a truck sought in connection with the shooting of a Sacramento County deputy.

Authorities have been searching for a suspected gunman since 10:30 a.m., after the deputy was shot and and injured near a Motel 6 in Sacramento.

The suspect vehicle, a red 2002 Ford F-150 with license place 8J34411, with an ice chest in the back, is believed by the CHP to have been carjacked by the shooter after the Sacramento deputy was shot.

Police said there reports of shots fired in the area the truck was seen at about 12:20 p.m.

A man was seen driving the truck, described as being in his 30s and wearing a blue and black checkered shirt. A woman was later also seen in the vehicle.

The owner of the F-150 said the gunman approached him requesting his truck, and helped him unhitch a trailer before speeding away. The truck was reportedly taken close to an abandoned white Mustang, which was also reported as carjacked.

The condition of the shot deputy is currently unclear, according to officers. He was reportedly shot from inside a vehicle when the responded to a suspicious vehicle call.

Witnesses said they heard multiple shots fired and that a white vehicle sped away from the scene after the shooting.

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Police seek suspect who stole package from doorstep

October 24, 2014, 2:23 pm

≫ Next: NICU reunion

≪ Previous: Sacramento deputy shot by heavily armed gunman

BAKERSFIELD, CA - Police are asking for the community's help in finding a suspect wanted for stealing another person's recently delivered package.

The Bakersfield Police Department says the suspect waited for a delivery driver to leave the package on another resident's house in the 1700 block of Bradley Avenue before taking the package.

The suspect is described as a Hispanic male in his 30s, with a medium to heavy build, who was wearing a black baseball cap with a gray or white bill, white T-shirt, black athletic shorts, black tennis shoes, black Jansport backpack, black sunglasses, and white wristband.

BPD encourages anyone with information regarding this case to call Detective Lance O'Nesky at 661-326-3561, or the department at 661-327-7111.

Anonymous text tips can be sent to 274637, by sending BPDCRIMES along with a message.

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NICU reunion

October 25, 2014, 11:36 pm

≫ Next: Delano homicide investigation, three people killed

≪ Previous: Police seek suspect who stole package from doorstep

BAKERSFIELD, CA - Local families celebrated life today at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Graduate Reunion at Memorial Hospital. The event gave families the opportunity to share precious memories and renew old friendships.

Laura Daniels came to the event with her daughter, Kali-Rose, who is a graduate of NICU. "Kali Rose was born at 22-weeks and five-days, just a pound, four-hundred and sixty grams. She was immediately admitted into the NICU and without the nurses, respiratory therapists, neonatologists, she wouldn't be here today," Daniels said.

Dr. Madhu Bhogal, MD, started the NICU reunion 25 years ago. She says it's one of her favorite days. "All the babies come back that were so sick when they were in the unit and now they are all healthy, growing, and enjoying the event," Bhogal said. "In the beginning it was really small, but last year we had four-hundred families and this year we expect more."

Every family had a special story at the NICU Reunion and a special bond with the NICU staff members. Daniels said she loves participating in the event. "We just wanted to come and reunite with all the staff that helped us on our journey."

Berna Koski had her son in the NICU 23 years ago and she still stays in contact with all of the staff. "Just looking at everyone here you know what great job they are doing with these tiny little miracles," Koski said.

Memorial Hospital can care for as many as 31 patients in the NICU at any one time.

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Delano homicide investigation, three people killed

October 26, 2014, 11:41 pm

≫ Next: Fugitives back in Kern County, to be charged in toddler death

≪ Previous: NICU reunion

BAKERSFIELD, CA - A homicide investigation is underway in Delano -- where police Saturday night found three people who were shot, in a car that crashed into a fence.

Police responded to a report of an injury traffic collision just before 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Delano police say the occupants were found inside the car, with gunshot wounds and pronounced dead at the scene.

The victims have not been identified.

Police say witnesses are assisting officers with the investigation. Delano police encourage anyone with information regarding this case to call them at 721-3377.

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Fugitives back in Kern County, to be charged in toddler death

October 26, 2014, 11:49 pm

≫ Next: Bakersfield Comic-Con

≪ Previous: Delano homicide investigation, three people killed

BAKERSFIELD, CA - Two fugitives captured by the FBI are back in Kern County -- facing murder and cruelty charges related to the 2010 death of Serenity Gandara.

31-year-old Alberto Garcia and 30-year-old Carla Garcia fled to Mexico after an of an arrest warrant was issued for their alleged involvement in the death of a three-year-old foster child in July 2010. The Garcias were arrested in Mexico more than two years ago, but have been awaiting extradition.

We spoke with the toddler's grandmother in 2012 about their arrest. At that time, Renee Maese said, "There's hope to stay with it. Because there's justice at the end. I get to get answers and bring them to justice to find out what happened to Serenity. We can be at peace, you know what I mean, once this is all over."

An autopsy shows the child died from blunt force trauma. Alberto and Carla Garcia are scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday on charges of murder and willful cruelty to a child.

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Bakersfield Comic-Con

October 26, 2014, 11:54 pm

≫ Next: Delano Police find three dead in car

≪ Previous: Fugitives back in Kern County, to be charged in toddler death

BAKERSFIELD, CA - Imagination's ran wild Sunday at the 7th annual Bakersfield Comic-Con. More than 2,000 gamers, comic-book collectors, and Sci-Fi lovers gathered at the Marriot Hotel in Bakersfield. People came from all over the state to enjoy the festivities and meet people they admire.

Jimmy Hunt was one of the celebrities at the event. Hunt is best known for his role in the 1956 "Invaders From Mars". He lives in Bakersfield now and enjoyed his first Bakersfield Comic-Con experience.

"I have no idea who half of these people are but they are all dressed in these great outfits and this is a happening place. Most the people know more about the movies that I was in then I know and I was there," said Hunt.

Local cartoonist Erwin Ledford is another comic-con favorite. His popular cartoon "Little Erwin" is centered around growing up in Bakersfield. Ledford says he's thankful for the community support.

Ledford said,"It's just something about the small environment I think people stop and take in what I'm doing, and appreciate what I do."

He says he enjoys being able to mentor kids at Comic-Con.

"I feel like I can impart something really valuable to them. I love encouraging kids to focus on drawing and really work hard at what they do." said Ledford.

Steve Wyatt started the event seven years ago and says he is pleased with the turn out.

"We had 400 people at our first one and 2,500 at our last one. So we're hoping to break that, matter of fact it's grown so big we're moving it to the fair grounds next year because we need to grow," said Ledford.

Although the venue will be changing locations, coordinators say they will keep the $5 entrance fee.

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Delano Police find three dead in car

October 27, 2014, 9:33 am

≫ Next: Safe Halloween to feature more attractions

≪ Previous: Bakersfield Comic-Con

UPDATE: The three men found shot-- all from Delano -- have been identified as: Alberto Juan Gonzalez, 19, Shawn Michael Pantoja, 19, and Ricardo Valenzuela Arredondo, 19.

DELANO, CA. - Homicide investigators in Delano are still looking into what they initially thought was a car crash..but turned out to be a triple shooting.

Police responded to a report of an injury traffic collision just before 7:30 p.m. on Saturday where a car had crashed into a fence at Fremont and 7th Avenue.

Delano police said the three people inside the car had been shot and were pronounced dead at the scene.

The victims have not been identified.

Police said witnesses are assisting officers with the investigation.

Delano police encourage anyone with information regarding this case to call them at 721-3377.

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Safe Halloween to feature more attractions

October 27, 2014, 10:24 am

≫ Next: Federal investigation closes on Silva case

≪ Previous: Delano Police find three dead in car

BAKERSFIELD, CA. - In the tradition of promoting a fun, trick-or-treat alternative, the Kern County Museum will once again host Safe Halloween on Oct. 30 and 31.

This year there will be more than 50 trick-or-treat stations and a carnival area with bounce houses, inflatable slides, a mechanical bull, and carnival games.

There will also be a kid-friendly haunted house (recommended for children 8 and older).

In addition to the games, there will also be costumed entertainers -- including some friendly clowns -- and a scavenger hunt as well as costume contests throughout the night.

The event lasts from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Tickets are $8 for museum members and $10 for non-members. You can purchase tickets at the museum located at 3801 Chester Ave.

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Federal investigation closes on Silva case

October 27, 2014, 10:49 am

≫ Next: TUHS shooting trial: Prospective juror yells at defendant

≪ Previous: Safe Halloween to feature more attractions

SACRAMENTO, CA - A Federal investigation into the in-custody death of David Silva on May 7, 2013 has been closed, according to the United States Attorney's Office.

An examination the evidence by both the Civil Rights Division and the United States Attorney’s Office determined there was not sufficient evidence to sustain a federal criminal prosecution, which must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

The incident was referred to the Criminal Section of the Civil Rights Division of the United States Department of Justice, and to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California after concerns were voiced that Kern County Sheriff's Deputies may have used unreasonable force when subduing Silva.

“To maintain the public’s trust and fulfill the high obligations undertaken by all law enforcement, it is critical that we diligently evaluate such allegations,” said U.S. Attorney Wagner. “We undertook a careful evaluation of the evidence in this case, and we appreciate the assistance we received, particularly from our partners in the Federal Bureau of Investigation. I extend my condolences to the entire Silva family for the loss they suffered with the tragic passing of Mr. Silva.”

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TUHS shooting trial: Prospective juror yells at defendant

October 27, 2014, 6:31 pm

≫ Next: Gas prices set to rise with AB 32

≪ Previous: Federal investigation closes on Silva case

Bakersfield, CA - Jury selection for the Taft High School Shooting case began with high drama Monday afternoon after an outburst from the very first interviewee.

A potential juror stood in the courtroom shouting profanities at Bryan Oliver, the teenager accused of shooting a Taft Union High School student in January 2013. The woman said her son was in the classroom when the shooting took place. "You stupid …. S-O-B," she shouted. Only she used the full expletive while she was screaming. She continued with saying, "You made my life a living hell! You don't know what you did to my son!."

She was immediately escorted from the courtroom and excused from the jury. She was the first of many prospective jurors to be questioned for the expected six-week trial.

Oliver is accused of two counts of attempted murder and three counts of assault with a firearm. However, in pretrial proceedings his attorney said evidence will prove Oliver is a victim himself, of long-term bullying.

Monday's jury selection came after Taft Union High School released a document last week claiming Oliver had been "tea-bagged" by bullies during his freshman year. Tea-bagging was described as a hazing ritual in which bullies drag their genitals across the face of their victims.

Judge John Lua issued a strict gag order Monday morning, restricting the media from speaking to anyone involved in the trial. This gag order also forbids any cameras or recording devices in the courtroom. Judge Lua ordered the prospective jurors to be questioned in private with lengthy questionnaires, but the outburst came before that could begin.

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Gas prices set to rise with AB 32

October 27, 2014, 10:55 pm

≫ Next: Local students cast ballot for mock midterm election

≪ Previous: TUHS shooting trial: Prospective juror yells at defendant

Gas prices around the nation are at their lowest mark since December of 2010.

Here in California, that will change with assembly bill 32 going into effect on January 1.

AB 32 requires California to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to the 1990 level by the year 2020.

Governor Brown says a high speed rail will take a lot of cars off the road... thus reducing emissions.

Michael Turnipseed of the Kern Taxpayers Association says the tax that will be placed on gas here in California will go to finance that high speed rail

He says the reason why gas is so cheap right now is because the price oil has dropped by about 25%, which drive the price we pay at the pump

Unfortunately prices will be going up due to a California state tax in Assembly Bill 32. This bill authorizes the collection of a fee from anything that emits greenhouse gases, and that includes your car's exhaust.

Michael Turnipseed said, "we are really only two months away, but nobody can tell us what the tax is. Some people are saying it is only going to 18 or 20 cents, other people are saying it might be 70 cents. But, its going to affect everybody."

The national average price for regular unleaded gasoline is $3.03 according to GasBuddy.com, and the average price here in California is $3.38

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Local students cast ballot for mock midterm election

October 28, 2014, 7:29 am

≫ Next: Kern receives modest, poor marks in child welfare report

≪ Previous: Gas prices set to rise with AB 32

BAKERSFIELD, CA- Midterm elections are just one week away, yet 28 Kern County schools are joining 510,000 students across California who are casting their ballots Tuesday during the My Vote California Student Mock Election.Schools are using the election to expose students to the democratic process.

U.S. history teacher Brooke Ault has been getting students at Chipman Junior High School prepared for Tuesday's mock election.

"We like to get them in the habit of voting at an early age because if they don't develop that habit right away then they're likely not to become involved in politics or any sort of real political participation later on in life," said Ault.

The student council at Chipman helped set up voting booths in the cafeteria. All 900 students at Chipman are invited to cast a ballot during lunch, but not required. All month they've discussed with their teachers what will be on the ballot and pros and cons of each selection.

The ballot mimics next Tuesday's ballot. Students will vote for Governor and on all six propositions, including hot topic issues like water use.

Chipman student council president John Pulskamp said he and his classmates should have more say in community decisions.

"The younger generation in our community needs to be heard more because really it's them who you know is going to prolong this country and prolong what's going to happen in the future," said Pulskamp. "So I definitely feel they need to be heard a little more."

Participating schools will tally the results and send them to the capitol.

California Secretary of State Debra Bowen will announce those results by the end of the week.

As a reminder to adult voters, vote by mail ballot requests must arrive by today. To find out your polling place or any additional information, contact the Kern County Elections Office online at http://elections.co.kern.ca.us/elections or call 661-868-3590.

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Kern receives modest, poor marks in child welfare report

October 29, 2014, 4:50 am

≫ Next: OB/GYN Shortage: Not enough doctors to meet patient demand

≪ Previous: Local students cast ballot for mock midterm election

An interactive online data tool released Wednesday by an Oakland-based children's non profit shows Kern County receiving failing marks in a host of categories.

The report from Children Now offers a snapshot of children's overall well-being within the state's 58 counties.

"The 2014-15 California County Scorecard of Children's Well-Being presents county-level data organized by the categories of health, education, child welfare and economic well-being to encourage the sharing of best practices, foster collaboration, and support actions by policymakers and local advocates to improve the well-being of children in their communities," the non-profit reported in a news release.

For example, the education indicator "3- and 4-year-olds who attend preschool" ranges from a low of 32 percent in Kern County to a high of 67 percent in San Francisco County and has a statewide average of 47 percent. Within Kern County, "3rd graders who read at grade level" ranges from a low of 29 percent for African American children to a high of 52 percent for Asian children.

To review the report, click on this link: http://scorecard.childrennow.org/2014/county/kern/

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OB/GYN Shortage: Not enough doctors to meet patient demand

October 29, 2014, 7:35 am

≫ Next: KCSO offers safe Halloween tips

≪ Previous: Kern receives modest, poor marks in child welfare report

BAKERSFIELD,CA- OB/GYNs in Kern County have more patients to see and less time to see them. As a result, patients are on long waiting lists to see a doctor.

Katie Yam called doctors around town as soon as she found out she was pregnant, but the few she called were booked.

"It was over a month. One of them over a month and one of them was about a month's time. So I was like no this cannot be. I need to get in right away," said Yam.

Such a long delay increased the new mom's worry about her and her baby's health.

"It's very frustrating not getting in to a doctor with the stress of being pregnant as well," said Yam. "It's not healthy for a pregnant mom to have to go through." She eventually was referred to Dr. Tony Hoang who says there just aren't enough OBGYNs in town.

"We are seeing a huge influx of OB/GYN patients primarily because we're seeing that a number of physicians are starting to retire here in Bakersfield," said Dr. Hoang. "Over the past 3 to 5 years several OB/GYNs have already retired."

Dr. Hoang estimates there are 50 OB/GYNs in Kern County. About 20 are above age 55 and close to retirement he says. So he believes there will be a huge shortage in Kern county in the next five years.

"A lot of new OB patients or pregnant patients come in and they are not seen until at least twelve weeks pregnant because they couldn't get in soon enough. And I think that's the most important part of a lady's pregnancy is the first trimester...we need to see those patients early on."

Many OB/GYNs come to Bakersfield through the only OB/GYN residency program in town at Kern Medical Center.

The Program Director Dr. Antonio Garcia agrees there could be a major shortage in the future if more doctors don't stay in the area. His program graduates three doctors a year and on average only one stays in Kern County.

Garcia says there are two reasons doctors don't stay: first, some want to return home; second, new doctors typically want to join a group practice like San Dimas Medical Group or Kaiser Permanente and open positions aren't always available each year.

If you are in need of an OB/GYN, Dr. Hoang suggests calling or emailing a doctor directly and explaining your situation. You can also ask a physician you trust to refer you to an OB.

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KCSO offers safe Halloween tips

October 29, 2014, 8:50 am

≫ Next: Gov. Brown visits Arvin to rally support

≪ Previous: OB/GYN Shortage: Not enough doctors to meet patient demand

Halloween is an exciting time for families but it's also a time to exercise caution and good judgment. This year the Kern County Sheriff's Office is offering safety tips for families to make sure you get the most out of your Halloween season.

The following tips are provided directly from the Kern County Sheriff's Office.

Parents:

Know the route your children will be taking if you aren’t going with them.

Make sure you set a time for them to be home.

Have your children eat a good dinner before going out.

Make sure your children are properly supervised while out.

Make sure they trick or treat in a group if you are not with them.

Children 12 years and younger should be accompanied by an adult.

Tell your children to never go into a stranger's house.

Tell your children to stay out of the street while walking.

Choose a costume that is brightly colored and easy to see in the dark.

Carefully inspect all food and candy before letting your child eat it (when in doubt, throw it out).

Trick or Treater's:

Carry a flashlight.

Stay on sidewalks.

Cross the street at intersections, never run out from behind a parked car.

Stay in familiar neighborhoods.

Make sure your costume fits you well.

Only approach houses that are well lit.

Walk from house to house, don't run.

Never take shortcuts, such as alleyways or empty fields.

Don't eat anything until your parents have had a chance to inspect it.

Be Prepared

Children should also know the basics, such as their phone number and address in case of an emergency, and how to react if a stranger tries to approach them. If your child is late returning home or you cannot locate your child, immediately call 9-1-1 and report it to local law enforcement.

If you are planning on attending a Halloween party, consider the following:

In 2012, 23% of pedestrian fatalities on Halloween involved a drunk driver.

In 2012, 48% of all traffic fatalities on Halloween resulted from a drunk driving related accident.

Children are 2 times as likely to be hit and killed by a vehicle while walking on Halloween.

Drinking violations for criminal offenders increase by about 25% when Halloween is on a Friday.

If you would like further information about Halloween safety or other crime prevention topics, please contact the Kern County Sheriff’s Office Crime Prevention Unit at 661-391-7559 or by email at crimeprevention@kernsheriff.com

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Gov. Brown visits Arvin to rally support

October 29, 2014, 10:35 am

≫ Next: Click for more on H.I.R.E.

≪ Previous: KCSO offers safe Halloween tips

BAKERSFIELD, CA. - Gov. Jerry Brown will be in Arvin this afternoon to talk about Props 1 and 2 with the public in an open forum event.

The "Get Out the Vote" rally will take place at the Arvin Veterans Memorial Building in the courtyard area. The building is located at 414 4th Ave.in Arvin, 93203.

The rally begins at noon.

Proposition 1 would authorize $7.1 billion in state borrowing to build new water projects as well as expand and maintain existing dams and reservoirs.

Proposition 2 looks to create a rainy day fund to smooth out the budget roller coasters.

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Click for more on H.I.R.E.

October 29, 2014, 11:43 am

≫ Next: City looks to replace Centennial Plaza bricks

≪ Previous: Gov. Brown visits Arvin to rally support

If you missed today's job fair, you can still check them out online to get all the information and resources provided by the organization.

Click HERE to go the their site

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City looks to replace Centennial Plaza bricks

October 29, 2014, 12:10 pm

≫ Next: BMOA celebrates 6th annual Altares de Familia

≪ Previous: Click for more on H.I.R.E.

BAKERSFIELD, CA. - If you have an engraved brick at Centennial Plaza that was removed and needs to be replaced you can now request that service be done, for free.

A recent release by the city managers office is informing the public on the City Council's decision to finance the restoration project and that they are taking requests to replace bricks that have been removed.

"Members of the public who believe their brick or tile has been previously removed are

asked to contact Caleb Blaschke in the City Manager’s Office at (661) 326-3751 or

email him at cblaschke@bakersfieldcity.us for more information on the replacement

process," according to the release.

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