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Dust Bowl Roller Derby highlights a growing popularity

March 24, 2015, 12:03 pm
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BAKERSFIELD, CA,- The sixth annual Dust Bowl Roller Derby competition wrapped up in Bakersfield Wednesday.

The three day event took place at the Saunders multi-use facility on Palm Street.

Two local teams competed with squads from other cities and states on the west coast.

The competition was won by the Bakersfield Diamond Divas.

Competitors say roller derby is on the rise and roller derby's not just for girls.

On top of the three local women's teams, there's currently a men's team and a youth team here in the Golden Empire.
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Kern County gets annual ranking for health

March 25, 2015, 9:19 am
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BAKERSFIELD, CA- A new annual county health ranking puts Kern near the bottom of the list in a host of categories.

The County Health Rankings and Roadmaps Programs is put together by The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and University of Wisconsin.

The report looks at 30 factors.

Kern ranks 44 out of California's 57 counties for length of life.

Bad behaviors like smoking and physical inactivity have us ranked 52nd for health behaviors.

We rank 55th for clinical care due to the high number of uninsured and lack of access to primary care physicians.

The low college graduation rate and unemployment rate put us near the bottom of the list for social and economic factors.
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Police get community input on new patrol zones

March 25, 2015, 9:44 am
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BAKERSFIELD, CA- It was a packed house for the first community meeting to inform residents about revisions in the way the Bakersfield Police Department patrols the city.

The changes come in the wake of a recent study of the BPD by an international law enforcement organization.

It was standing room only at Riverlakes Community Church in northwest Bakersfield last night, which is located in "the north zone."

BPD says it has geographically redrawn patrol areas into six zones instead of the 25-beats it had before.

This is part of an on-going effort to make the department more efficient and to reduce response times to calls for police assistance.

Those in attendance were asked to fill out a survey about improvements they'd like to see from the BPD.

Police say they're grateful for that input from the community.

"If we don't hear great things, that's fine. We want to hear those things. We want to hear how we can do a better job, so that's great," said BPD Sgt. Joe Grubbs.

The next meeting is set for April 6th at the Friendship House on Cottonwood road at 6 p.m.

There are four other meetings also scheduled for next month.

The BPD is encouraging all local residents to attend.
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Plans for Golden State Mall take shape

March 25, 2015, 10:07 am
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BAKERSFIELD, CA- We're hearing new details about plans for the now-defunct Golden State Mall in Bakersfield.

The building was shuttered last June, and the property was gift-deeded to the Southern California Assemblies of God.

Last month, Canyon Hills Church was named as co-owner of the building at F Street and Golden State Highway.

Senior Pastor Wendell Vinson tells us rumors the building will be transformed into a homeless center are not true.

"It is a church. a church that will be a hub for faith-based outreach not only from our church but from the community. It will also be a distribution center for a national disaster relief organization. So it will be a lot of things, but one thing it won't be is a homeless shelter," Vinson said.

Vinson said the first order of business is to gut the 160-thousand-square-foot building and bring it up to code.

Plans for the future also may include pre-school and after-school programs for kids, recovery programs for adults, and outreach to strengthen struggling inner-city churches.
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Hart Park could soon require annual pass

March 25, 2015, 10:25 am
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BAKERSFIELD, CA- Those who wish to continue enjoying nature out in Hart Park may be in for a hit to their wallets.

There's a proposal to institute an annual pass.

Kern County Parks and Recreation says it is considering an annual pass fee for patrons to use park facilities in order to help during the county's financial crisis.

The annual pass would be a way to circumvent a park entrance fee which cannot be charged because it's a highway that passes through the park.

Officials say the annual pass option is at least six months away from coming to fruition.

It will most likely be brought up for discussion next month and would require three to four months of public hearings and more time for deciding on legal wording.

No word yet on what the price of the annual pass would be.
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Kern County vets to benefit from change to VA's "40-mile-rule"

March 25, 2015, 10:53 am
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BAKERSFIELD, CA- Veterans in need of medical care will have more options soon...

As the Department of Veterans Affairs relaxes its 40-mile rule.

The VA is expanding the choice program eligibility because it says it's hard for some vets in rural areas to prove they live at least 40-miles from a VA health site.

To do this it will now measure the 40-mile trip by driving distance rather than the so-called method of "as the crow flies" which currently used.

The change is expected to double the number of eligible veterans.

The move is part of a landmark law adopted last year to overhaul the VA and make it easier for veterans to get private care paid for by the government.

It was passed in response to a scandal over long wait times for veterans seeking health care and falsified records covering up the delays.

Meantime, House Majority Leader, Kevin McCarthy released the following statement on the VA's decision.

"For veterans in our community, Sepulveda is often the closest VA comprehensive health care facility that provides the care they require. But being one to two hours away is a major logistical barrier that hampers the ability for our veterans to receive that care.

"That is why offering veterans choice to seek private care that is closer to their homes was a big part of the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability act."

"Today's announcement is a small but important step to reforming the VA for a 21st century so that the promises made to our veterans for their selfless service are kept."
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Study says faculty at CSU institutions face wage disparity

March 25, 2015, 11:20 am
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BAKERSFIELD, CA- A new report indicates California State University Administrators made significant gains in hiring and compensation over the last decade while faculty lost ground or failed to keep pace.

The report was produced by the California Faculty Association, a union that represents about 25,000 Cal State professors and other staff.

It looked at payroll and budget data and found that over the last decade, the number of managers and supervisors systemwide grew 19% while the number of tenured and tenure-track faculty fell 3%.

They say faculty dropped as the student population increased by roughly a quarter during that time.

The faculty group hopes to reopen negotiations with the University on salary and benefits in May.
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Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl to be charged with desertion, NBC News reports

March 25, 2015, 11:37 am
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(NBC) Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, who left his post in Afghanistan in 2009 and was held captive by the Taliban for five years, will be charged with desertion, sources told NBC News.

Bergdahl was released last year in a controversial prisoner exchange for five Taliban commanders held at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

The Army also had the option of filing the lesser charge of going absent without leave, or AWOL.

The military began investigating after Bergdahl was repatriated and returned to Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, where he was given a desk job.
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New specialists in town to care for your pets

March 25, 2015, 11:55 am
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BAKERSFIELD, CA - Attention animal lovers, there are new specialists in town to care for your pets. Access Specialty Animal Hospitals is opening a satellite location here in town, offering cardiology and internal medicine for your animals.

They are teaming up with animal emergency and urgent care on Easton Drive, off Truxtun Avenue, and the specialists will visit weekly for appointments. "I am very excited about this opportunity. It is great to bring specialty medicine in the Central Valley and Bakersfield area for the first time," said Dr. Domenico Bianco. 

The CEO of Access says they will add specialties as the need grows. Access started back in 2005, offering emergency and internal medicine services in Los Angeles.

Services at the animal hospital are similar to human specialty medicine and typically by referral only.



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New study says pot farms harm fish

March 25, 2015, 12:19 pm
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BAKERSFIELD, CA- A new study by the state shows water used to marijuana has a devastating effect on fish in California.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife study showed that during drought conditions, water demand for marijuana cultivation exceeded stream flow in three of four study watersheds.

The resulting paper, entitled "Impacts of Surface Water Diversions for Marijuana Cultivation on Aquatic Habitat in Four Northwestern California Watersheds," concludes that diminished stream flow from this water-intensive activity is likely to have lethal to sub-lethal effects on state and federally listed salmon and steelhead trout and will cause further decline of sensitive amphibian species.

By using online tools to count marijuana plants and measure greenhouses, and conducting inspections of marijuana cultivation sites with state wildlife officers and local law enforcement, CDFW scientists quantified plant numbers and water use. Utilizing stream flow data provided by staff at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), CDFW determined water demand for cultivation could use more than 100 percent of stream flow during the summer dry season in three of four study watersheds. Stream flow monitoring conducted by CDFW in the summer of 2014 appeared to verify these results.

"All the streams we monitored in watersheds with large scale marijuana cultivation went dry," said CDFW Senior Environmental Scientist Scott Bauer, lead author of the research paper. "The only stream we monitored that didn't go dry contained no observed marijuana cultivation."

CDFW's Law Enforcement Division works closely with dozens of other state and federal agencies to eradicate illegal marijuana grows on public, tribal and private lands as well as protect the state's natural resources.

"This research paper demonstrates the importance of greater regulatory efforts by state agencies to prevent the extinction of imperiled fisheries resources," said CDFW Assistant Chief Brian Naslund. "CDFW's new Watershed Enforcement Team (WET) was created with just that in mind."

The WET program works with agency partners to protect public trust resources from the negative effects of marijuana cultivation, which include both excessive water use and pollution.

CDFW will continue to monitor the effects of water diversion for marijuana cultivation on stream flow through the summer of 2015.

Marijuana cultivation is legal in California if growers have the proper CDFW lake and streambed alteration permits. Responsible growers help conserve the state's natural resources and are less likely to be subject to enforcement action.
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Walmart hiring for two new locations

March 25, 2015, 12:32 pm
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BAKERSFIELD, CA - Walmart is currently looking o hire employees for two new stores opening in Bakersfield this summer.

Walmart will hire up to 190 associates for two new Neighborhood Markets.

If you are interested in applying, there is a temporary hiring center opened at 4616 California Ave. 

Applications will be accepted Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Interested applicants may also apply online at http://careers.walmart.com. 

Additionally, Walmart officials say they will offer a job to any qualified veteran who has been honorably discharged within the past 12 months, as part of their  Veterans Welcome Home Commitment.

If you feel you may qualify for the veterans program, apply online http://walmartcareerswithamission.com.

Veterans must be within 12 months of active duty and meet Walmart’s standard hiring criteria.

According to store managers Charles Allen and Marcos Cruz, the store will be hiring both full- and part-time associates.

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Fees proposed for downtown parking structure

March 26, 2015, 9:01 am
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BAKERSFIELD, CA - The Bakersfield City Council has voted to move forward with changes to a parking structure downtown, but no decision was made on fees.

On Wednesday, council members voted to approve an automated pay system at the parking garage on 18th and Eye Streets.
     
The initial proposal calls for an increase of $5 for monthly pass holders.
     
Others would get two hours free, then pay $1 an hour for each hour thereafter, up to $10 maximum.
     
However, according to councilman Terry Maxwell. the fee is too high so it will be revisited.
  
The city will hire Sentry Control Systems to automate the parking garage.
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More than 1,400 jobs available at today's Job Fest

March 26, 2015, 9:14 am
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SHAFTER, CA - If you're looking for a new job, don't miss out on this opportunity to meet with dozens of employers.

The Shafter Job Fest takes place today, from 9 a.m. to Noon at the Shafter Veterans Hall, located at 309 California Ave. 

There are over 50 employers confirmed, most are different employers than last year's Job Fest.

The total number of available jobs represented is more than 1,400.
 
Some of the new employers to this year's Shafter Job Fest include:

* DMSI is the staffing for one of the new Shafter Distribution Centers 
* Golden Empire Transit
* City of Bakersfield recruiting for Bakersfield PD positions
* Carl's Jr recruiting for Lost Hills, Bakersfield, Tejon Outlets locations
* North Kern South Tulare Hospital District 
* Bolthouse Farms (33 positions including production workers. forklift drivers, and equipment operations supervisor)
*Williams - Sonoma ( 30 customer service positions)
 
Some of the returning employers include:

* Target Distribution Center
* PFG (Perfomance Food Group)
* Railex (20 positions)
* Grimmway Farms (15 positions)
* Aviator Casino (8 positions)
 
Others:

*Big O tires (Wasco), California Dept of corrections, Shafter Chevron station
* Peter Pan Seafood (400 positions)
NOR rec & Parks (12)
 
You can also get resume assistance and job leads available weekdays at all DHS locations in Kern County. Visit www.KCDHS.org for location information.

The Job Fest series continues through June, 2015.

Click HERE for a list of future job fairs and more info on Job Fest.

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Local doctor forms walking club with patients

March 26, 2015, 9:34 am
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BAKERSFIELD, CA - A Bakersfield doctor is developing a reputation for checking up on her patients outside the office -- way outside the office.
     
Once a week she and her patients meet at the Park at River Walk to exercise together.

After Dr. Sonia Kamath heard of other doctors across the country starting to exercise with their patients, she decided it was time to practice what she preaches.
     
So she and her medical assistant call patients each week and ask them to join their Wednesday walking club. 
     
Kamath said the aextra added weekly activity seems to be helping patients heal.

"I always tell my patients to exercise because you know its good for you," said Kamath, nephrologist with Kaiser Permanente. "Just walking for half an hour even five days a week has a major impact on your health. And I said 'ok, well ok, since I say that why don't I do this with my patients?'"
     
For two years, she has been. Every Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.
     
She started with five patients. Now, about 15 patients hit the pavement each week, and bring husbands, granddaughters and pups.

allen hatley, walking for two years 
"Dr. Kamath asked me in her office one day cause I was a patient and I decided even though I have an amputated left foot I'd come join the group," said Allen Hatley, who has been walking with Kamath for two years. 

The group makes one lap around the park, maybe two. It's up to the patient.
     
Everyone is encouraged to do as much as he or she can.

"There were times that I wasn't able to walk well and she stayed right with me and had me sit down. so a very dedicated lady," said Clinton Bear, walking for two years. "Now I can zoom around the park maybe one or two times.
     
Increased mobility is a side effect of this group, as is forming deeper relationships with fellow patients and Dr. Kamath.

"So it's just nice getting to know them. And I think we kind of form a bond outside of the office too," Kamath said.

"I admire that she is so dedicated to what she does that she wants to see her patients succeed and thrive," said Lilian Alvear, walking for one year.

Kamath is pregnant with her second child, so she won't be making as many strides come June, but she said as soon as she's able, she'll be right back out there with her patients.
     
This time though, with a stroller.

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A Bakersfield woman is inspiring the nation with her blog

March 26, 2015, 10:43 am
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BAKERSFIELD, CA - A Bakersfield native is making waves and inspiring women across the country with her brave social media post.

People Magazine said Rachel Hollis may have just become the world's most famous - and inspirational - swimsuit model. 
     
Hollis--who is from Bakersfield---posted a bikini photo of herself on the beach in Cancun.
     
The mother of three isn't ashamed of her stretch marks and saggy stomach -- she flaunts them.
    
"I have stretch marks and I wear a bikini. I wear a bikini because I'm proud of this body and every mark on it. Those marks prove that I was blessed enough to carry my babies and that flabby tummy means I worked hard to lose what weight I could." 
     
"They aren't scars ladies, they're stripes and you've earned them. Flaunt that body with pride," she said.
     
Hollis runs her own business and lifestyle website, "The Chic Site."
     
Her post has 377,000 likes at the moment, 4,600 shares, and has inspired other women to post pictures of their post-baby bodies.
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L.A. officials set to respond to illegal dumping claims

March 26, 2015, 10:46 am
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BAKERSFIELD, CA - The city of Los Angeles will have an opportunity to dispute claims by Kern County they should be fined for violating laws over mulch sent to a transfer site near Lebec.

A hearing has been scheduled for Friday in the Kern County board of supervisors chambers.

The county said it has fined the L.A. Bureau of Sanitation nearly $900,000 for illegally dumping southland greenwaste.
     
According to the Kern County Agriculture Commissioner, L.A. dumped 280 truckloads of greenwaste there between June and December of 2013.
    
According to county officials, L.A. never notified the county, and they claim the mulch dumping violated several state quarantines designed to contain certain pests that could threaten the valley's agriculture industry.
     
L.A. officals dispute the charges in the notice, stating the green waste identified in the notice was transported in full compliance with all applicable state laws.
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New start for Lamont composting plant

March 26, 2015, 11:17 am
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LAMONT, CA - A Lamont composting plant where two workers died in an accident is under new ownership and looking to distance itself from its checkered past.

Community Recycling is under new ownership now.
     
The facility even has a nice new name, Recology Blossom Valley Organics.
     
Their mission is the same, turning organic waste into fertilizer.

On Wednesday, Lamont residents had a chance to meet the new owners and hear their plans for becoming a better neighbor.

"We're going to start with a clean slate. We're going to make commitments and live by those commitments And really just run a clean site, with good jobs and good product for the ag community," said Eric Potashner, VP.

In an effort to curb odors and dust, Recology has agreed to start an aeration process that will draw air through the composting heaps and filter out up to 80 percent of volatile compounds.
     
Until the Lamont public utility district comes up with a better way of disposing its treated sewage water,  the Recology facility is the only game in town, using the effluent to control dust on site.

As part of its new lease, Recology agreed to a four-year project that will offer Lamont a second option for fixing up 160 acres of land owned by the district to act as a backup for excess waste water.
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Bulky waste collection event this Saturday

March 26, 2015, 11:48 am
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BAKERSFIELD, CA - The Kern County Waste Management Department and Kern Refuse Haulers are joining together to help the community by hosting a bulky waste recycling event. 

Residents can drop off large household items like appliances and furniture at any of three locations around Bakersfield. 

The event happens Saturday, March 28, from 8 a.m. to noon.

The three locations are:

• North High School - 300 Galaxy Ave (bus loading zone at the front of the school)

• Kern County Fair - 1142 South P Street (East Belle Terrace & South P)

• Kern Medical Center - 1700 Mount Vernon Ave (corner of Flower & Mt. Vernon - west parking lot)

According to organizers, one of the goals of this program is to help clean up illegal dump sites. 

Bulky items, such as appliances, mattresses and furniture make up more than 50 percent of the waste found at illegal dump sites. 

Organizers say bulky waste collection events are a pro-active method for addressing a major portion of the illegal dumping waste stream.

The Salvation Army and Goodwill Industries, Inc. have also joined in this effort once again and will be available to accept donations of items that can be reused. 

Please remember to tarp or secure your load prior to transporting your bulky waste to one of these locations.
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Road advisory in effect for children's concert

March 26, 2015, 12:23 pm
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BAKERSFIELD, CA - A traffic advisory will be in effect on Friday morning for a concert featuring a Grammy nominated duo who will be performing for local children.

The "Greg and Steve's Children's Concert Event" will take place on 20th Street between H and G Streets from 6 a.m. to noon. 

During the event the streets will be closed.

The children's concert series is being held at the Fox Theater.
     
The grammy-nominated singer-songwriters Greg and Steve perform family-friendly tunes.
     
This week's concerts are being presented by the Community Connection for Child Care.
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Health educators met with locals about healthy shopping

March 26, 2015, 12:33 pm
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BAKERSFIELD, CA - Dignity Health educators got out of the hospital setting today, and into the aisles at the grocery store, to spread tips for healthy eating.

Health educators went to the Vallarta Market on Panama Lane to educate shoppers on how to read nutrition labels, to know the differences between different types of fat, and how to make sure they are incorporating all of the important food groups.
     
Educators said a lot of people often miss out of food groups and don't get enough fruits, veggies or grains.
     
They also talked about specific challenges when it comes to cooking Latin-style food.

"As Latina women, we tend to cook with grease, a lot of food involved with lard, fat oils, we talked about healthier recipes and way to incorporate healthier meals. Using a better option, as canola oil instead of margarine, using peanut oil instead of other oils," said Angelica Montano.

Dignity Health officials said half of what we eat in a meal should be fruits or veggies, but healthy grains are also important.
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