Quantcast
Channel: KGET: Local News
Viewing all 5476 articles
Browse latest View live

Funeral service for Taft historian, Pete Gianopulos

$
0
0
Taft, CA - Taft's beloved history buff, Pete Gianopulos, was laid to rest this afternoon after passing away Sunday from congestive heart failure. Gianopulos is remembered as veteran, educator, former mayor, father and friend.

His friends say he loved his hometown and was a big part of the community, so they made sure his funeral service today was held at one of his favorite places, Taft Union High School. His former student and friend, Les Clark, said no one ever said anything negative to say about Gianopulos. "Everyone in town knew him and everyone is going to miss him but i know he has left us with a legacy," said Clark.

Gianopulos served two terms as mayor and worked at the high school for more than three decades. "He established so many, what i would call lofty goals and pristine efforts that i would say for years to come and kids that he counseled i would say many many many kids, that's another legacy he will leave," said Clark.

Larry Peahl, Gianopulos' friend and co-author of their book, "A History of Early Taft", remembers his fellow historian. "He was just all involved he was friendly but he was helpful but above all he was a gentleman," said Peahl.

A man to be honored and a World War II veteran who fought for his country. In a interview from 2011 Gianopulos spoke to 17 News about the Wall Valor and his time abroad. "I am very proud of my service and I am very happy to their names inscribed on the wall," said Gianopulos.

He now leaves a legacy to be documented, a new added chapter to Taft's history. "He was so fond of this community, because he do so much mold its heritage and its message i think that's why not many communities have someone like that," said Peahl.

Gianopulos is survived by his sister, brother, two daughters, four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Homes damaged in Oildale fire

$
0
0
BAKERSFIELD, CA - City and county firefighters responded to a grass fire in Oildale Saturday afternoon that spread to a nearby neighborhood. Fire officials say it threatened multiple homes in the 400 block of Pearson Avenue, near Standard Park.

When crews arrived, they found a fully involved garage as well as trees and brush on fire. No injuries have been reported, but seven homes, a barn and two out buildings sustained damage.

Jason Edwards says his house was damaged. "All the sudden we saw a cloud come over the sky and thought something's on fire. We came out and saw the field was on fire over here. And a couple of houses the roofs caught on fire, including mine. Everyone ran around trying to put the fire out," said Edwards.

Bakersfield Police and CHP Officers helped evacuate homes. county fire officials say sparks from a chainsaw started the fire.

Woman shot and killed in McFarland

$
0
0
McFarland, CA -- McFarland police are asking for the public's help to find whoever shot and killed a 30-year-old woman Saturday night.

Detectives say the McFarland Police Department received the call just before 10 o'clock Saturday night, reporting a person down in the area of Frontage Road and Highway 99.

Officers searched that area but didn't find anyone.

A second call came in to McFarland police dispatch reporting a woman lying on the sidewalk on the Perkins Avenue overpass to Highway 99.

When officers arrived, they found a woman suffering from multiple gunshots who they say was unresponsive.

The woman was transported by ambulance to Delano Regional Medical center where she was pronounced dead.

Anyone with information in this case is asked to call Detective Sergeant Jerrod Place at (661) 792-2121 x3214, or Detective Brian Wilson at (661) 792-2121 x3207.

4 month old dies in south Bakersfield

$
0
0
Bakersfield, CA -- The Kern County Coroner's Office has released the name of a 4 month old who died in south Bakersfield Thursday morning.

The office says 4-month-old Austin Douglas was found unresponsive in the 800 block of Bora Bora Lane at 7:30 a.m.

The baby was pronounced dead at that scene.

The coroner's office says after an autopsy, the cause of death is pending further studies.

Bakersfield police are investigating.

309 vehicles stopped at two Bakersfield DUI checkpoints

$
0
0
BAKERSFIELD, CA -- The Kern DUI Taskforce screened more than 300 vehicles at two DUI checkpoints Saturday night and has released the results.

Bakersfield police say of the 309 vehicles stopped, three drivers were arrested for DUI, one of them was driving with a suspended license and two vehicles were impounded.

The checkpoints are part of a series of enforcement and education efforts conducted by the Kern DUI task force to reduce the number of persons injured or killed each year in DUI-related collisions.

It's a reminder, if you ever spot an impaired driver, call 911.

Department of Human Services Car Safety Demonstration

$
0
0
Bakersfield, CA - Eleven children have died so far this year from heat stroke, left alone in hot cars across the country. This month is Purple Ribbon Awareness Month, devoted to raise awareness of how to keep kids safe in and around hot cars, in hopes to prevent more deaths.

The Kern County Department of Human Services performed a demonstration at Haggin Oaks Farmer's Market to show how quickly leaving kids in the car could turn deadly. This comes after local woman was arrested this past Thursday after deputies said she left her 2-year-old son inside a hot car while she went inside a Wasco K-Mart. Outreach team coordinator, Heidi Carter-Escudero, said the demonstration shows exactly what happens when a child is left inside a car. "What were demonstrating is how quickly it goes from a comfortable seventy-five degree car to a death trap for a child," said Carter-Escudero.

So on an average 85 degree day the car could get hotter than one-hundred degrees. "Within ten minutes the inside temperature will go up to match the outside temperature. Then within twenty, thirty, forty minutes the inside temperature of the car will get anywhere from ten to twenty degrees hotter than outside," said Carter-Escudero.

The message is simple, with three easy steps. "Act, A-C-T it's an acronym. You avoid it, you never leave your child behind, first it's against the law but more important it's dangerous,"said Carter-Escudero. She says more than fifty-percent are accidents, often just a change in routine. "Like maybe you stopped for Starbucks or a doughnut and you aren't going to know that child is in the car unless they make a noise," said Carter-Escudero. .

Third it is important to create reminders. Carter-Escudero said putting your suitcase or purse in the back seat is an easy way to remember. Sophia Cummings, from Bakersfield, is a mother of seven. She said she conditioned herself to do the same thing every time she gets out of the car. "Take that time to look back, look behind you, in front of you, look in the rear view mirror to make sure no one is left," said Cummings.

The T stands for take action. The department asks if you are in a parking lot and see a child in a car, call 9-1-1 immediately. Cummings said one of her sons locked himself in the car and that experience was something she never forgot. "Each second watching it happen his curls were getting wet his face was red hot," said Cummings.

Cummings said it took four minutes to get him out but she says she knows one minute alone is never okay. "It's an easy mistake but its very preventable," said Cummings.

July 31st in National Heatstroke Prevention Day. You can join in on social media visit the website www.safekids.org.

Four month old dies in south Bakersfield

$
0
0
Bakersfield, CA -- The Kern County Coroner's Office has released the name of a 4 month old who died in south Bakersfield Thursday morning.

The office says 4-month-old Austin Douglas was found unresponsive in the 800 block of Bora Bora Lane at 7:30 a.m.

The baby was pronounced dead at that scene.

The coroner's office says after an autopsy, the cause of death is pending further studies.

Bakersfield police don't believe the death is suspicious but their investigation is ongoing.  

What to do if children go missing

$
0
0
BAKERSFIELD, CA.-A string of major stories about teens running away with older men has left parents questioning what to do if ever in that situation. 

Law enforcement and local organizations say there are certain things parents should be on the lookout for and they say nothing can better prevent teens from dangerous relationships than being present in their life. 

A Wofford Heights teen was just found in June with a 47-year old man known as Max Kozak who, documents show, admitted having sex with the 16-year old girl multiple times during the two weeks of her disappearance. 

In the same month, a 15-year-old Bakersfield girl was allegedly kidnapped from her grandfather's home in Turlock with 30-year-old Danniel Boone Morgan, who is an Oklahoma police officer twice her age. 

Police say Morgan tracked the teen to Turlock, where she willingly left with him after her grandfather stepped out for five minutes. 

Also in Bakersfield, a 13-year old teen was found with 28-year old Aaron Weirich, who is a former family friend. Her mother says her daughter was manipulated into being in a relationship. All men are facing criminal charges. 

"There is a rumor out there that the child has to be missing for 24 hours. No the child does not have to be missing for 24 hours. You can call us immediately," said Sergeant Joe Grubbs of the Bakersfield Police Department.

Sergeant Grubbs says young teens who go missing with adults does heighten the suspicion of a serious crime. 

"Depending on what that relationship is, if there is a sexual relationship involved, absolutely there can be some pretty substantial charges in those types of cases," said Sergeant Grubbs.

The Bakersfield Police Department recommends parents do the following when a teen runs away: 
-Have a recent picture to give to police and a description of what the child was wearing before they went missing 
-Monitor social media activity and get passwords if possible 
-Talk to parents of your child's friends for information

The Alliance Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault recommends parents look for the following signs to determine if a teen may be in an inappropriate relationship: 
-New clothes, shoes and other items you did not pay for
-Frequently skipping class possibly to meet up with someone during school 
-Growing more private about social media activity and new friends

"It's a prince charming kinda thing. All of a sudden you know I'm gonna buy you clothes, I'm going to give you a ride in my expensive car, those are techniques that predators do use in order to get our children unaware," said Carolann Wooton of the Alliance Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault. 

"The main thing I would tell parents is that you do have the right to ask the questions and if you are seeing things like this it's really important that you ask the questions," said Wooton.


T-shirts honor fallen Officer David Nelson, raise money for charity

$
0
0
BAKERSFIELD, CA- The family of Officer David Nelson has created some custom t-shirts to honor his memory.

The Lights on for David Nelson Facebook page posted images of country music singer Brantley Gilbert who got in on the act over the weekend at a performance at the Rose Bowl, showing his support for Nelson and his family.

You can choose from five different designs at skreened.com/eow062615.

All proceeds from sales go to the Officer David Nelson Memorial Scholarship.
 

KBAK news anchor Kurt Rivera arrested on spousal abuse charges

$
0
0
KBAK Channel 29 evening news anchor Kurt Rivera has been arrested on charges of spousal battery and false imprisonment, the Kern Sheriff's Department reported Monday afternoon.

Deputies were called to Rivera's northeast Bakersfield home Sunday around 10:20 p.m.

The Sheriff's Office responded to an alarm call of a woman screaming she was being assaulted, the Sherrif's Office reported in a news release.

"When deputies arrived they contacted 50-year-old Kurt Rivera and 36-year-old Mindy Morrow inside the residence,” the release said. “Deputies were able to determine that Rivera and Morrow resided together at the home and were involved in a domestic disturbance. Based on information and evidence deputies were able to determine both Rivera and Morrow had physically assaulted each other."

"Morrow also reported that Rivera had damaged the alarm keypad to prevent her from calling law enforcement and refused to allow her to leave the home," the release noted.

Rivera was arrested on suspicion of spousal battery, damaging a communication device to prevent a person from calling law enforcement for assistance, and false imprisonment. Morrow was arrested on charges of spousal battery.

Rivera and Morrow both sustained minor injuries and were booked into the downtown jail, deputies reported. Both were out of custody on bond Monday afternoon.

KBAK General Manager Teresa Burgess declined to comment on the matter.

Rivera anchors the 5, 6 and 11 o'clock evening newscasts on CBS affiliate KBAK and the 10 o'clock newscast on local Fox affiliate KBFX.

Rivera began his career in television in 1987 as a news photographer at KESQ-TV (ABC) in Palm Springs, according to his biography on the station's Website.  

"I take pride and feel very fortunate to be able to bring you the news in Kern County and the world that impacts your life," Rivera reports in the bio.




County taking public comment on streamlined oil well permits

$
0
0
BAKERSFIELD, CA- One person called it a watershed period for Kern County's oil industry.

It was a marathon meeting Monday as county supervisors and planning commissioners held their first public workshop on a massive plan to streamline oil and gas permitting.

That plan is contained in a five-volume draft report released earlier this month. The bulk of the report is a comprehensive environmental impact review of all oil and gas activities in Kern County on nearly three million acres of land on the valley floor, how they impact the environment and measures needed to mitigate those impacts.

The meeting was packed. "To see this room full with 300 people and another 250 outside with standing room only, for an issue it demonstrates this is the most important issue that I've seen in my ten years at KernTax," said Mike Turnipseed, executive director of the taxpayers watchdog group.

The ultimate goal is to amend the county's zoning ordinance and streamline a 100-year-old permitting process at the state and local level for new oil and gas activity.

"So this would cover permits from The Division of Oil, Gas and Geothermal or DOGGR, by the Water Board, California Fish and Wildlife and the Air Board," said Lorelei Oviatt, the county's planning director.

The draft environmental impact report lays out 88 mitigation measures to reduce environmental impacts from oil and gas drilling. Oil industry trade groups say they can work with that.

"We are willing to undertake new and costly requirements in order to obtain an economic certainty of a streamlined permitting process which is why we're all here today," said Susan Noble, a representative of the Western States Petroleum Association.

Under the permit review process, surface owners would be given 30 days notice of intent to drill. A first review of the permit would take place in seven days. Oil companies must prove they're in compliance with all mitigation measures. If not, a second review is required. If issues are unresolved the applicant, and county staff must meet face-to-face. The new process is also requires the oil company to get the landowners signature on the site plan, where the well is going and how impacts will be addressed. There's a pathway to resolve disputes.

"The complaint that the surface owner never gets to see the site plan, this will make a better educated surface owner and will incentivize the mineral owner to deal with their surface owner," said Oviatt.

"While we are willing to undertake this more burdensome process for split estate lands, we hope the agricultural stake holders will acknowledge the concessions by the oil industry," said WSPA's Noble.

No such acknowledgement Monday. In fact, just one representative of agriculture weighed in during the workshop and that was only to point out a technicality.The public comment period on the zoning amendment and draft EIR will run for the next 45 days. Supervisors are scheduled to vote on it in late December.

To see the EIR report, click here.

NTSB to release final report on SpaceShip Two crash

$
0
0
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The NTSB will release its final report on the SpaceShipTwo crash Tuesday morning.

Virgin Galactic's flagship spacecraft, SpaceShipTwo disintegrated in mid-air during a test flight October 31, 2014. Co-pilot Michael Alsbury died in the crash. Pilot Peter Siebold sustained serious injuries but parachuted to safety when he was thrust from the vehicle.

Shortly after the crash, the NTSB announced Alsbury had unlocked the feathering device on SpaceShipTwo. Although Alsbury never engaged the system, which is designed to help stabilize the craft as it returns from orbit, the wings still folded up just before the craft came apart.

Probable cause in the accident will be announced Tuesday, along with recommendations to make commercial space flight safer moving forward.

Virgin Galactic also confirmed Monday that it suffered a hard start on a motor during a test fire operation on June 30, but the extent of the damage to that motor is unknown.

Community members celebrate 62nd Anniversary of the Korean War Cease Fire

$
0
0
BAKERSFIELD, Ca - Community members gathered at the Korean War Veterans Memorial at Jastro Park to celebrate the 62nd Anniversary of the Korean War Cease Fire.

The Korean War memorial has been in Bakersfield since 2006 reminding our community of the sacrifices made and lives lost. Monday's event showed how a war could bring two countries together and create a lasting relationship.

A local Korean drum group performed and several people spoke to pay tribute to all who fought and the nearly 37 thousand who lost their lives, 68 from Kern County.

Local pastor, Peter Cho, born in South Korea during the war attended the ceremony. "When I came to the United States I thought what should I do for this country," said Cho. He came to the US in 1976 and because of his love for the Army and everything the American Armed Forces did for his country he wanted to give back. "So I served the US Army for 6 years," said Cho.

Cho said he wants the Korean War to be remembered as a forgotten victory not a forgotten war.

Leon Thomas, 85, entered the Korean War as a combat medic in 1951 at 19 years old. "We paid a big price for their freedom and I think they know it," said Thomas. He is proud of his service. "I know the war did some great things for Korea and the world for that matter," said Thomas.

After the South Korean Government heard about Bakersfield's Korean War Memorial they wanted to replicate it. "It's in the city of Busan which is a city of a million people and they invited me to come back there and dedicate it," said Thomas.

These veterans are pieces of living history and educate our community about their patriotic service. "We want to inspire our county to always remember these old veterans," said said Thomas.

Thomas said if you are a Korean vet and want more information about going back to South Korea and visiting the memorial call him at 661-366-8918.

Cell phone video shows the moment a teenager is shot and wounded by a Kern County Sheriff's deputy

$
0
0

Bakersfield, CA- A Kern County Sheriff's deputy shot and wounded a teenage girl at Standard Park in Oildale after, deputies say, she pointed what appeared to be a handgun at them Friday night.

KGET has cell phone video that shows what happened in the minutes leading up to the shooting.

We obtained the video from a person who didn't want to be identified because they said they were afraid of the Sheriff's department.

The video clearly shows a despondent teenager pointing what looked like a pistol at deputies for more than a minute before deputies fired at her.

In an enhancement of the video, the 16-year-old can be heard telling deputies, "shoot me," several times.

A standoff followed, with the three deputies waiting 67 seconds before firing.

The video shows deputies firing four shots at the girl within five seconds, with one bullet hitting the teen in the stomach.

She was taken to Kern Medical Center for treatment.    

Deputies were initially called to the park for a suicidal teen.

Investigators say she was holding a cell phone then put it in her pocket and pulled out what appeared to be a handgun and pointed it at deputies.

Today, deputies confirmed the handgun was a realistic looking Daisy Power Line Model 45 pellet gun.

The teen has been arrested for exhibiting a firearm at a peace officer, and obstructing a peace officer.

Deputies say she will be booked into juvenile hall when she is released from the hospital.

The three deputies who fired, nine-year veteran Scott Wall, seven-year veteran Daniel Willis, and seven-year veteran Dennis Coffee, have all been placed on routine administrative leave.

By our count, this is the 15th law enforcement involved shooting in Kern County this year, it's the second involving Kern County Sheriff's deputies.

More teens using morning after pill, according to CDC study

$
0
0
BAKERSFIELD, CA.-A new study from the Centers for Disease Control finds sexual activity is down among teens, yet use of emergency contraception like the morning after pill is on the rise among young teens.  

Local pharmacists say they've seen an increase as well. Federal statistics show roughly half of girls and boys between the ages of 15 and 19 had sex at least once between 2011 and 2013. That's down over the last 25 years. 

Yet more teens are using the morning after pill after sex to keep from having a baby. 

El Tejon pharmacist Ty Stout says the store has seen a slight increase in young people requesting the morning after pill. 

The pill can cost between $5 and $25 with a prescription, and around $50 if purchased over the counter. The Plan B One-Step brand has no age limit and is available to all women of "reproductive potential." 

According to the CDC, the use of emergency contraception by female teens who've had sex at least one has increased over the past decade, from 8 percent in 2002 to 22 percent in 2011-2013.

Yet the Kern County Public Health Department wants young people to be aware that emergency contraception should not be used as birth control and it does not prevent STD's. 

Smith says the best option is to get on a regular birth control method for those who are sexually active. And of course, abstinence is the only way to fully prevent pregnancy and STD's. 


District Attorney to file misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter charge against deputy

$
0
0
BAKERSFIELD, CA- The District Attorney's office announced Tuesday it will file a misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter charge against a Kern County Sheriff's Office deputy for his role in a crash that killed a woman last year.

Deputy Nicholas Clerico was responding to a call with full lights and sirens on Sept. 28, 2014, according to CHP officials, who investigated the crash.

Clerico was headed southbound on North Chester when he entered the intersection with China Grade Loop, CHP officials said. As he went through the intersection, his patrol car collided with a car driven by Nancy Garrett, 72.

Garrett died as a result of the crash.

A CHP investigation of the crash determined Clerico was going too fast when he entered to intersection. They say Clerico was going 85 mph and was traveling against a red light when he entered the intersection. The report said he should have slowed way down to clear the intersection before going through it.

According to the District Attorney's office, a misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter charge was filed, not a felony charge, because the deputy had his lights and sirens on at the time of the crash.

Garrett's family has filed a lawsuit against the county.

Nude body discovered near Remington Hot Springs

$
0
0
LAKE ISABELLA, CA- The Kern County Sheriff's Office was on scene Tuesday morning of a body discovered near Remington Hot Springs.

The body of a nude female was found about 8:15 a.m. Tuesday.

The scene is just off of Highway 178 and Borel Road. Because of the remoteness of the area the body may have to be extricated by helicopter, according to KCSO.

The death is possibly suspicious, according to KCSO and homicide detectives went to the scene.

NTSB blames Spaceship 2 crash on co-pilot error.

$
0
0
BAKERSFIELD, CA- Federal investigators say human error is to blame for last year's Virgin Galactic spaceship crash in the Mojave Desert of Kern County.

During a hearing this morning, the NTSB said the ship shook violently then literally broke apart mid-air because one of the the pilots unlocked the braking system early.

That pilot died, but the other co-pilot survived a harrowing 10-mile fall back to earth.

When traveling at or near the speed of sound even minor missteps can have deadly consequences.

"We cannot undo what happened, but it is our hope that through this investigation we will find ways to prevent such an accident from happening again," said NTSB Chairman Christopher Hart.

Michael Alsbury, 39, one of the ships co-pilots died in last October's crash.

Tuesday during a hearing of the National Transportation Safety Board, investigators said Alsbury pulled this handle early causing the spaceship to break apart and crash in a debris field across the Mojave Desert.

"I think the question we are all trying to answer here is why did the co-pilot unlock the feather early?" said Robert Sumwalt of the NTSB

So what is the feathering system?

It's a process by which the spaceship's wings unlatch and tilt upward slowing the spaceship's descent back to Earth.

Investigators said Tuesday, there were no fail safes the system wasn't designed to compensate for human error no matter how good the operators.

"The accident co-pilot was, and I quote, as professional a co-pilot as you could have and was 100 percent prepared for the mission," Sumwalt said.

The other pilot Peter Siebold was strapped in his seat and blown away as the spaceship disintegrated nearly 10 miles above earth.

In a transcript just released Tuesday of an interview with NTSB investigators Siebold said he heard a single bang and felt the air leave his lungs.

He could barely open his eyes but when he did he could make out the Mojave Desert below.

It was freezing cold.

He struggled but finally opened the buckle on his seatbelt, sending him into a free fall all alone until his parachute automatically opened.

he landed in the desert below with a shattered shoulder but survived.

despite the crash, Virgin Galactic says it remains committed to commercial spacecraft.

"But for such flights to proceed safely, commercial space transportation must continue to evolve and mature. The future of commercial space travel depends of the safety of commercial space travel at the level of every operator and every crew," Hart said.

The company expects to resume test flights later this year with the hopes of taking paying customers to space by Fall 2017.

To see the entire NTSB report click on the document link at the top of this story.

Deputies say argument lead to triple stabbing

$
0
0
BAKERSFIELD, CA- The names of the people stabbed in northwest Bakersfield Sunday night have been released by the Kern County Sheriff's Office .

It happened in the 1300 block of Castlemaine Avenue.

Deputies say Patrick Dodd, 24, pepper sprayed Daniel Garduno, 34, and began to fight.

That's when Dodd pulled a knife and cut him several times.

Deputies say Joelle Castellano, 44, tried to break up the fight and was also stabbed.

Dodd was also stabbed in the torso

All three were treated for minor stab wounds.

Officials say Dodd may have had a prior relationship with the adult daughter of one of the victims and is not releasing her name due to possible domestic violence issues.

Dodd was arrested and booked into jail on several charges including assault with a deadly weapon.

He is due in court Wednesday.

Deputies shoot man who then barricades himself in Rosamond home

$
0
0
ROSAMOND, CA- A suspect is recovering after being shot by Kern County Sheriff's Office deputies Tuesday.

The man was shot and then he barricaded himself inside a home, according to KCSO.

Just after 5:30 p.m. the man surrendered and was taken by ambulance from the scene.  

That it all the details KCSO has released so far.
Viewing all 5476 articles
Browse latest View live


<script src="https://jsc.adskeeper.com/r/s/rssing.com.1596347.js" async> </script>