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Police searching for burglary suspects

December 10, 2013, 2:26 pm
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BAKERSFIELD, CA -- Bakersfield Police need your help in finding 4 suspects wanted for burglary and conspiracy. Police say on September 16, 2013, at about 8:10 p.m. the suspects entered a business at the Marketplace shopping center at 9000 Ming Aveune. Once inside, the suspects hid the items and left without paying.

The first suspect is described as a: Black woman, 30, 5’4”, 175, dark complexion, with a round face, dark long hair (extensions or a wig) pink tank top with cut-outs on the sides and a white tank top underneath, dark capris and sandals.

Suspect #2 is described as a: Black woman, 20’s, 5’4”, medium build, dark long hair (extensions or a wig), multi-colored sleeveless long dress.

Suspect #3 is described as a: Black woman, 20’s, 5’4”, medium build, shoulder length black hair(extensions or wig), dark complexion, multi-colored sleeveless shirt, dark shorts, wearing a large necklace.

Suspect #4 is described as a: Black woman, 18, 5’5”, dark complexion yellow floppy hat, floral shirt, dark jeans and sneakers

If you have any information on this case, you're asked to call Bakersfield Police at 327-7111.
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Police arrest third suspect for officer-involved shooting

December 10, 2013, 3:29 pm
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BAKERSFIELD, CA -- Bakersfield Police have arrested a third suspect in relation to an officer-involved shooting in southwest Bakersfield earlier this month. 

Police say on Monday, Montrice Maize, 26 of Bakersfield was located in the 2000 block of Niles Street. Maize was interviewed by detectives and booked into the Kern County Jail for robbery, conspiracy and gang-related charges.  Two other suspects, Eric Miles Jr., 23 and Brandon Burns, 29 face similar charges. 
 
This investigation is continuing and anyone with information is encouraged to call Detective Jeff Watts at (661) 326-3543 or Bakersfield Police at (661) 327-7111.
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Citrus handlers asked to hold fruit shipments

December 10, 2013, 6:42 pm
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BAKERSFIELD, CA- There are new recommendations for growers and packers, after concerns over freezing temperatures damaging fruit.

Kern County agriculture officials are asking packers to wait 48 hours before packing fruit that is harvested Wednesday, or later.
 
Ag staffers will then begin mandatory packing house inspections, to test fruit samples.

Growers can also contact the agency about conducting their own tests.

All this is underway as farmers try to head off the freeze with wind machines, and warm water irrigation, designed to send steam up into the tree.

"And the steam rises and circulates the cold air so it's not sitting on the fruit. To raise it one degree, or one half degree is not much but it's enough sometimes to keep you going," said citrus grower Dick Minetti.

The first frost test by the county ag department was Monday.  It showed only minor frost damage to area citrus.

Officials say the packing house inspections have not yet been scheduled, but they will head off a moratorium.  This means the growers will not stop picking the fruit because of the freeze.

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PBVSD approves new boundaries

December 10, 2013, 11:39 pm
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BAKERSFIELD, CA- The Panama Buena Vista School District finalized the new boundaries for the district Tuesday night.


Trustees had a goal to redraw the boundary lines so only 10% of students would be affected. This plan means only 6% of students have to switch school.


It is called the growth attendance balance scenario. Essentially redrawing the boundaries lines to prevent overcrowding and allowing for growth for the next 6 years.


"A lot of changes to this boundary were made by parents and we are very happy about that," said PBVSD Superintendent Kevin Silverberg.


The board might be happy with the process, but not every parent is. Brandon Steven' daughter is one of the 6% of students affected by the new boundaries.


“It's hard for me to accept this,” Stevens said. “I know that they are trying to plan for the future but 6% isn't a significant number in their book. It is my kid."


Students who are affected by the new boundaries and wish to remain at their current school can apply for a transfer. There are no guarantees, and that is unsettling to some parents.


"Made a big financial decision to move to Bakersfield to a specific area in order for our kids to attend a specific school,” said parent, Ramon Avelar.


Trustees think most kids have the ability to adapt.


"At the end of 6th grade they go to a new school, at the end of 8th grade they go to a new school then at the end of 12th grade they go to a new school. Most kids are not really affected by a new school situation," Silverberg said.


The district is already planning for the new boundaries in terms of staff and services like buses.


For students these changes will take effect in August of next year.


If you would like to see how the final boundaries were drawn visit the district's website at http://www.pbvusd.k12.ca.us/Page/7087



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Teachers association demands raise

December 11, 2013, 6:59 am
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BAKERSFIELD, CA - Bakersfield City School District teachers are demanding a raise. Although negotiations are still in the works, they say there hasn't been any progress.

Board members and the teachers union will meet Wednesday to negotiate.

Tuesday night, dozens of teachers rallied outside the BCSD board meeting, in an effort to have their request recognized. They chanted and held signs, asking the district for a salary increase.

Bakersfield Elementary Teachers Association President Michelle Johnson said, "We need to be a priority. We need to be valued and we're looking for a negotiation to get a 7% raise."

BCSD education board president Andrae Gonzales says they're collaborating with the union, but coming to an agreement will take some time.

Gonzales said, "They're working day in and day out in order to deliver the best outcomes for our children and so we honor them and we thank them, but there is a process to negotiations."

Johnson says they haven't gotten a raise since 2007 and their hard works isn't valued.

"We really want people to know that we're here for our children. We want them to be successful and we're working hard to make sure that happens," said Johnson.

While teachers say being in the classroom is preferable, they're not ruling out a strike if negotiations don't move forward.

Johnson said, "If we have to make a point, down the line, then that's will just have to happen, but at this moment, we're here everyday for our students and we hope that the board will recognize us, the superintendent will recognize us and go ahead and make us a priority and that we see negotiations come to an end here really soon."

Gonzales says the district can't make any deals until January, when they learn how much state funding they'll receive.

"As a board, we have to be prudent and measured with taxpayer dollars and we have to make sure that when we look at any type of salary increase, that we're looking at long term implications," said Gonzales.

The state education board meets January 16th to discuss funding priorities.

Board representatives say this information will be key to salary negotiations.
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CMN mediathon underway

December 11, 2013, 7:58 am
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BAKERSFIELD, CA- KGET TV-17 is teaming up with the Children's Miracle Network to make miracles happen on 34th Street.

We're helping raise money to equip the new children's emergency room at the Lauren Small Children's Medical Center at Bakersfield Memorial Hospital.

100% of funds raised locally, stay right here in Kern County to benefit sick children in our community.

You can make your pledge by calling (661) 336-0500 between 5 a.m. and 7 p.m. Wednesday.

Bakersfield Memorial Hospital Foundation partnered with CMN in 1991 and has raised more than $3.5 million dollars for children's services at Bakersfield Memorial Hospital.


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Police investigating death of 7-month-old girl

December 11, 2013, 11:31 am
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BAKERSFIELD, CA -- Bakersfield Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a 7-month-old girl.  Police say they were called out to a residence in the 3100 block of Stine Road Saturday.  They were responding to a call of a child not breathing. 

When they arrived they discovered family members giving CPR to a seven-month-old infant who has been identified as Eilena Roberts.  Family members told police the child had been sick for several days when she was discovered not breathing.  She had been taken to a nearby hospital where she was pronounced dead. 

Police say there were signs that some injuries to the child appeared to be suspicious.  An autopsy was performed last week and it was determined the infant's death was a homicide. 

If you have any information on this case, you're asked to call Bakersfield Police at 661-327-7111. 


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Judge sentences man for beating death

December 11, 2013, 1:06 pm
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BAKERSFIELD, CA -- A 24-year-old man was sentenced to 29 years behind bars Wednesday morning for beating a Bakersfield woman to death with a baseball bat.

Prosecutors say Travis Brown beat 39-year old Charla Haar in her living room in April of last year, then covered her body with a blanket so he and her two young children wouldn't have to see Haar's body.

"It eliminates the potential for my client to be found guilty and suffer the remainder of his natural life in prison. And it also prevents the child victims from coming in and testifying about what they saw. I think it's a fair outcome. 29 years is a lot of time but he did kill a human being," says attorney Fred Gagliardini.  

Brown's sentencing was part of a plea deal he took last month.  He was sentenced for voluntary manslaughter and several other charges including kidnapping.


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Citrus growers approve of 48 hour hold

December 11, 2013, 5:37 pm
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BAKERSFIELD, CA -- Many citrus growers and handlers are in favor of a 48-hour hold on packing fruit picked after Wednesday. They said it ensures quality of California produce. While industry experts said frost damage won't be as damaging to the industry as it was in 2007, growers say low temperatures forecast lower profits this year.

"The north side of the tree still has ice and it's ten o'clock in the morning, 11 o'clock in the morning," said Ben Taft who runs California Fruit Depot.

Taft said some of the 80-acre groves will not pass frost damage inspection, so he's not even going to try. He will pick the trees to clean them for next year, but instead of a packing plant, the fruit will head to a juicing plant.

"That's a red ink deal, right from the beginning," said Taft, who said juicing doesn't pay as much as packing sales. He said the California citrus industry is mostly "table fruit," shipped to U.S. and international grocers, and people often display the attractive fruit on tables before consumption.

On Tuesday, the Kern County Department of Agriculture requested growers and handlers hold citrus for 48 hours for inspection before shipping. Taft and Bob Blakely of California Citrus Mutual Trade Group agree it's good for the industry.

"We market based on labels and labels get reputations," said Taft.

"I don't think any grower or packer or shipper in the valley wants to tarnish that image."

However the current frost damage now opens the market to international competition such as China and Spain.

"There are brokers in this country, in this state, now trying to line up from other countries right now," said Taft.

While some of this fruit is heading to the juicing plant, growers are still confident that many more will be making it to supermarkets. Losing boxes of table oranges to freeze, though, will still cost growers big this year.

"There's a reason that oranges can grow in this valley, because we have mild winters," said Taft.

"Yes, we do get the 30s and 28s, but we don't get the 25s for 5 and 6 hours a time. When I got into this business they referred to it as the '10-year freeze', well, it's coming every four years now."


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Police officers conduct truancy sweep

December 11, 2013, 6:21 pm
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BAKERSFIELD,CA- It's a knock most parents don't want to get. Police conducted a truancy sweep Wednesday morning and visited parents of students who miss school too often. With each knock, police officers hope to turn around students who could be headed the wrong direction.

"A very high percentage of the crime that's committed in our community is being committed by minors who should be in school," said Kern High School District Police Chief, Mike Collier.

The Kern High School District held a truancy sweep where officers met with habitually truant students from several schools including Liberty, Stockdale and Independence High. Any student with ten to 30 unexcused absences this year made the list. If those students weren't in school Wednesday, officers went to their home. One student says he misses school because he is sick but can't always get it excused.

"I mean I am going to school. The days I don't go to school usually days I don't feel good. Yea I do notify my mom that she needs to call in but sometimes we don't have time," said Magdiel Monerroso. 

Offending students and their parents can be fined up to $500. Parents can also be stripped of government assistance like food stamps.  Officers say truant students don't just put their future at risk, they're a threat to the community as well.

"We also know from national statistics that a very high percentage of people who are in prison nationwide are high school drop outs," said Chief Collier.

Officers met with 49 students. The officers issued just two citations on Wednesday. Chief Collier says these sweeps are successful and that most students comply and attend class regularly after they're conducted.
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Baby's death ruled homicide by "blunt injuries"

December 11, 2013, 6:28 pm
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BAKERSFIELD, CA -- The Kern County Coroner's Office has ruled the death of a 7-month-old on Thanksgiving weekend is a homicide. But as 17 News learned that does not mean the baby was murdered.

According to Bakersfield Police, the parents of Eilena Naveah Faith Roberts said the little girl had been sick right before she died. But the coroner says the child died not of natural causes but from blunt force injuries.

Neighbors say the child lived in apartment 3 at Stine Villas on Stine Road with her parents.

"They're nice people. A nice couple living in there," said Carlos Marroquin, manager at Stine Villas.

Marroquin has managed this complex for eight years. He knew the tenants and says they were good parents.

"I know anytime I came in for repairs and stuff the guy was always holding the little girl," said Marroquin.

November 30 these parents lost little Eilena Roberts.

"I came and talked to them and they told me the little girl got sick and then they took her to the hospital."

The coroner ruled the baby's death a homicide, a word that led many to point fingers at the parents but Bakersfield Police Sergeant Joe Grubbs hopes the public will delay judgment.

"This is a tragic thing that happened to this family this is an infant and I think that would be tragic to anybody so what we would encourage is for people to be patient and not jump to conclusions," said Sgt. Grubbs.

He says a homicide does not have to mean murder.

"A homicide is simply a person in this case an infant dies at the hands of another person that does not mean that there's not a reason for it wasn't accidental," said Sgt. Grubbs.

That's what police investigators are working to find out but Marroquin thinks he already knows what detectives will discover.

"It is kind of hard to believe but to me I believe this is an accident," said Marroquin.

Police say no arrests have been made.
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CMN mediathon raises over $45,000

December 12, 2013, 7:56 am
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BAKERSFIELD,CA -Thanks to your generosity, the Children's Miracle Network raised more than $45,000 at our day long mediathon Wednesday.

The money benefits Bakersfield Memorial Hospital and the Lauren Small Children's Medical Center.

The money raised will help equip the brand new emergency room for children there.

"It's beautiful. I was standing over there in the back watching it, it's just beautiful..watching it all come together. People from every different walks of life, every department in the hospital our businesses, our companies coming here in one day," said Lourdes Nilon with the Children's Miracle Network.

The biggest donation came from Breeann Romo, Greg Gutierrez, and Mike Hay who gave a pledge of $23,000 after raising money climbing Mount Kilimanjaro earlier this month.

"It's an awesome feeling that we're physically and mentally able to do something like this for our community especially when it doesn't take a whole of effort because we're big travelers anyway and so we just had to add the fundraiser aspect to the climb and boom we had it," said Romo.

100% of your pledge stays local and helps provide critical care to kids so they don't have to travel elsewhere.
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City Council approves BPD pay raise

December 12, 2013, 8:17 am
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BAKERSFIELD, CA- Bakersfield Police officers and detectives will be getting a small raise, but it comes with a catch.

Wednesday night, the Bakersfield City Council approved a 1-year contract giving the police department a half percent raise starting Monday.

Detectives will also get a 1.8% raise that will be retroactive to October.

However, police members employed before 2011 or for five years or more must also pay a half percent more into their pensions.
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Deputy-involved shooting in Derby Acres ruled justified

December 12, 2013, 8:31 am
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BAKERSFIELD, CA- A Kern County Sheriff's Department Review Board ruled a deputy-involved shooting in Derby Acres as justified.

Sheriff's Deputies got a call November 10, just after midnight, about a suicidal man who was armed inside a home in the 24000 block of Highway 33.

Deputies say Steven Cordova, 40,  fired several shots at deputies.

Residents nearby were evacuated.

SWAT was called in to assist, but before the team arrived, Senior Deputy Derrick Penney and Deputy Logan August exchanged gunfire with Cordova.
 
Cordova was taken into custody later that morning.

None of the deputies were injured.

The board determined that the use of force by Sr. Deputy Penney and Deputy August was within Sheriff’s Office policy.

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Three dogs abandoned near Ridgecrest

December 12, 2013, 8:41 am
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BAKERSFIELD, CA- Three dogs were left for dead near Ridgecrest. Kern County Animal Control found the dogs in the desert last week, in a crate only meant for one animal, with what they first thought were gunshot wounds.

One of the dogs didn't survive. The other two, Chancy and Shadow, are being treated at San Joaquin Veterinary Hospital, where they've determined the injuries weren't as cruel as originally suspected.

Marley's Mutts founder Zach Skow got involved and brought the dogs to the hospital.

"They were the most scared, timid, potentially dangerous, because dogs strike when they're fearful, dogs that I'd seen in a really long time," said Zach Skow with Marley's Mutts.

They determined what were originally thought to be injuries from gunshots were actually puncture wounds, possibly from other animals.

"The fact that they were not shot is a sigh of relief for a few reasons. One, it means that nobody shot them, so we can have a little bit more faith in humanity and two we don't have to do any surgery," said Skow.

After getting treatment, Skow says they're completely different dogs.

"This doesn't even look like the same dog. His facial muscles, everything was tense, everything was looking at me sideways like I'm about to bite you if you come any closer. You have to just be confident," said Skow.

He used pack leadership techniques to give them structure and calm their nerves.
turning this horrific story, into another success.

"To actually see them totally different and know that they are adoptable," said Skow, "They are adoptable, maybe not right now, but they will be. They have all the tools for the normal life ahead. So, it was very fulfilling."

Skow says there is a criminal investigation into this case.

Anyone who recognizes the dogs or has any information is asked to contact Kern County Animal Control or Ridgecrest police.



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Update on dogs abandoned in the desert

December 12, 2013, 9:30 am
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BAKERSFIELD, CA - Three dogs were abandoned near Ridgecrest, in a manner that has angered animal lovers and opened a criminal investigation. County animal control found the dogs in the desert, in a crate only meant for one animal, with what they first thought were gunshot wounds. One of the dogs didn't survive. The other two are being treated here at San Joaquin Veterinary Hospital, where they've determined the injuries weren't as cruel as originally suspected.

Chancy and Shadow were physically and emotionally injured when they were picked up.

Marley's Mutts founder Zach Skow said, "They were the most scared, timid, potentially dangerous, because dogs strike when they're fearful, dogs that I'd seen in a really long time."

He got involved and brought the dogs to the vet. They determined what were originally thought to be injuries from gunshots were actually puncture wounds, possibly from other animals.

"The fact that they were not shot is a sigh of relief for a few reasons. One, it means that nobody shot them, so we can have a little bit more faith in humanity and two we don't have to do any surgery," said Skow.

After getting treatment and some TLC, Skow says they're completely different dogs.

Skow said, "This doesn't even look like the same dog. His facial muscles, everything was tense, everything was looking at me sideways like I'm about to bite you if you come any closer. You have to just be confident."

He used pack leadership techniques to give them structure and calm their nerves, turning this horrific story, into another success.

"To actually see them totally different and know that they are adoptable. They are adoptable, maybe not right now, but they will be. They have all the tools for the normal life ahead. So, it was very fulfilling," said Skow.

He says there is a criminal investigation into this case. Anyone who recognizes the dogs or has any information is asked to contact county animal control or Ridgecrest Police.
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Judge sentences man for extortion case

December 12, 2013, 3:50 pm
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BAKERSFIELD, CA --  A man was sentenced to 6 years in prison Thursday morning in connection with an extortion case out of McFarland.

Michael Wayne Culp was aquitted of kidnapping, torture and robbery, but convicted of attempted extortion last month.
He faced up to eight years behind bars. In August, Genoveva Ronquillo was sentenced to two years in prison for her role in the kidnap and torture of Ofelio Castrejon from McFarland in April 2012 for ransom.

"He was eventually rescued in Tulare after a number of ransom calls were made to the victim's family demanding anywhere from $50,000 cash to pounds of drugs," says Deputy District Attorney Cole McKnight. 

"I am happy because my client didn't get life without the possibility of parole, not happy because I think the judge should have given my client less time," says defense attorney Arturo Revelo. 

Another man is scheduled for trial January 27.  A fourth defendant, Jasper Bagsby was sentenced to life without parole.


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Contact 17 News: Gas bill discount

December 12, 2013, 5:22 pm
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BAKERSFIELD, CA -- Glen Klepic says he was trained to tell people it was free to sign up for Blue Spruce Energy.  But, once you read deep into the contract, there's a 33 cent fee per day charge.

The company told 17 News it's the administrative fee and that they deny Klepic's allegations. "There was indeed a charge for being part of the program when we were telling them that there was no charge."

Glen Klepic worked for Blue Spruce Energy for two weeks until he says the company wasn't being upfront and in some cases, he says people weren't saving 10 percent like originally promised.  "We don't give them time to read all the small print in the contract before signing it, so they take me for my word when I say it's free to sign up."

Klepic says after he told people there wasn't a fee to join, he looked in the contract only to see customers would be charged 33 cents per day. "Somebody in the high up knows that charge is on there and they should let the customers know that. I don't think they would have many people sign up if they knew about that charge that was on there."

According to Blue Spruce, they do know about the charge and call it the "administrative fee" and say customers should notice it in the contract.   Katie Allen with Pacific Gas & Electric says there are 20 authorized core transport agents also known as third party gas providers. "If you sign up with a CTA, you will still receive a PG&E bill, a gas representative will still come to your home or business to read your meter and PG&E will still be responsible for the safety and reliable delivery of your gas to your home or business."

Allen says from June of last year to August of this year, PG&E has recieved nearly 2,000 complaints about CTAs.   Allen says PG&E is mandated by the California Public Utilities Commission to offer service to PG&E customers.

Klepic says he belives the companies are being dishonest.  Blue spruce disagrees. A statement reads in part, "Blue Spruce takes these false accusations seriously and denies them in the strongest terms possible.   Blue Spruce provides each customer with a written contract specifying all applicable terms and conditions (including a customer charge to cover costs related to utility transportation charges, data management and bill preparation).  Customers are contacted via telephone shortly after signing up to clarify any questions they have."

Blue Spruce says if you're unhappy with its service, you can drop out anytime.  There is no contract.

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Kern County's unofficial Person of the Year

December 12, 2013, 5:34 pm
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BAKERSFIELD,CA - On Wednesday, Time Magazine named Pope Francis as the 2013 Person of the Year.  So 17 News took the streets of Bakersfield to find out who people think is Kern County's Person of the Year.

"I would nominate his honor the mayor, Harvey Hall," said Dianna Hart. 

"Monsignor Craig Harrison from St. Francis Parish," said Ben Pacheco.

"I would nominate me! I'm your guy for Kern County!" said Dick Young. 

When we asked this question on our KGET Facebook page, it was hard to deny the dozens of nominations for one man, Zach Skow.

"I don't even know what to say," said Skow.

Skow founded Marley's Mutts, a non-profit dog rescue.  He rehabilitates and trains dogs and rescues death row dogs.
The humbled dog lover couldn't process the idea of people suggesting he be Kern County's Person of the Year, if there was one.

"What I deal with psychologically, it's hard for me to accept something like that. It's hard for me to even listen to talk like that because it doesn't make sense to me. Like I said I'm an egomaniac with a self confidence problem," said Skow. 

Skow's mission to rescue abused dogs started after he was diagnosed with liver disease. He needed a liver transplant but wasn't eligible because he wasn't sober. So doctors recommended he start exercising. Skow started re-gaining his strength by walking his dad's rescue dogs. Marley's Mutts is a way for Skow to give back to the furry friends that nurtured him back to health. The idea of people recognizing him took a few minutes to settle in.

"It forces me to love myself and I have a problem. I have a tough time doing that. I have a tough time giving myself a break. So when people that you love and care about and respect take the time to appreciate you. You kind of have to take time to appreciate yourself," said Skow.

KGET Facebook friends say Skow is a true humanitarian and inspirational. Visit our KGET Facebook page and get involved in the discussion.
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Eastern Kern community opposes solar, water facility

December 12, 2013, 6:52 pm
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KERN COUNTY, CA -- A Los Angeles based company has its sights set on a tiny desert community in eastern Kern County for a massive solar facility.

But the community worries this power won't help Kern but instead it will be used to light up Los Angeles. The Fremont Valley Preservation Project comes before the Planning Commission set to put 3.6 million solar panels and use the area's ground water.

"You certainly won't see any of this," said Trisan Deu Pree, who's family has lived in the unincorporated town of Cantil for four generations. "It's a small community. We really don't know how many of us there are."

But this small community is about to get some company, a Beverly Hills based company, Aquahelio is proposing a solar project to surround Cantil.

"It has nothing to do with preservation," Deu Pree.

According the proposal the facility will provide power to 300,000 homes, both in and out of Kern County but will change Deu Pree and her neighbor's landscape forever.

"We'll be nothing but power lines millions upon millions of solar panels," said Deu Pree.

But power poles are the least of Deu Pree's worries.

"This is really a water grab piggy backing on a solar project," said Deu Pree.

The county says in addition to solar Aquahelio is proposing two groundwater projects. One would sell some of the basin's groundwater, a limit of 114,000 acre feet of water per year for ten years, to Kern County. This does not sit well with residents who all get water from wells in the ground.

"Our aquifer should be ours," said Ted Wyatt, a Cantil resident.

"We're talking about messing with something on a very grand scale," said Deu Pree.

They say their aquifer is already depleted because of the drought. However Kern County Planning Department officials estimate the basin has 7 million acre feet of water left and with a 1 million acre feet cap they feel safe in allowing some extraction.

Residents also have concerns about the water banking part of this project. This part would allow Aquahelio to inject foreign water resources into the groundwater to be stored for later use. Cantil residents worry pumping surface water into their natural water resource will contaminate their wells.

But the Kern County Planning Department said the Regional Water Quality Control Board will monitor the water going into the aquifer.

"There's a lot of people that could use this water," said Craig Murphy of the Kern County Planning Department. "The question really is if the water is available and there is a way for the water to be extracted should we allow for that to take place."

But residents fear we won't be sharing with Kern because of this group.

"The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, the L.A.D.W.P, the elephant in the room," said Deu Pree.

L.A.D.W.P not only has stake in not only this project but owns the Beacon Solar Project. Kern County said the power may be used by L.A. but in any case go to the grid.

AC Electric Company, a Bakersfield based company, is handling approval and construction of the project for Aquahelio. They said this project will not only create power and provide water to Kern County but supply jobs.

"The direct benefits to Kern County are creating up to 2000 additional jobs, 105 jobs on an ongoing basis and an investment of 300 million dollars in the county," said David Morton, Vice President of Operations for AC Electric Company.

But for Deu Pree these jobs and money should not be more important than her way of life.

"Now all we are to them is a few scattered residents but I am one of them and this my home," said Deu Pree.

Kern County said their are many mitigation factors meant to protect these residents water and they will all be explained at the Planning Commission hearing at 7 p.m. Thursday at 1115 Truxtun Avenue.
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