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Local students learn computer code

December 13, 2013, 6:23 am
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BAKERSFIELD, CA- Millions of kids across the nation and here in our county are learning a new skill this week -- as the "Hour of Code" project is underway. It's an effort to get students to learn at least one hour of computer science.

More than 700 students at Compton Junior High participated in the program this week. Once they got the hang of it, they had the opportunity to see how computer science can be applied in the future.

They're getting hands on experience with computer programming. The lesson, set up like a game, is teaching them the basics of computer code.

Compton Junior High School teacher Jennifer Scott says they're not only learning, but also expanding opportunities for their futures.

"I had many students who had never been introduced to this career field. Just basically giving them options they didn't know existed," said Scott.

Students got a better idea of those options when they visited Lightspeed Systems, a technology based education management company in Downtown Bakersfield. Kids saw how coding is used outside the classroom and the careers available in the industry.

Lightspeed Systems community outreach coordinator Merleen Johnson said, "You can use code and not be a programmer. That doesn't have to be your chosen field for it to be important and useful."

Whether or not computer science is in their futures, Scott says she hopes students see how it all comes together.

"That they understand the importance of reading, they understand the importance of math and science and everything, how it integrates into this career field," said Scott.

This is the first year Compton Junior High got involved in "Hour of Code."

Several other local schools are also participating.
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4.1 earthquake strikes near Lost Hills

December 13, 2013, 8:00 am
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Some Kern County residents woke up to an earthquake Thursday night..

According to the U.S Geological Survey, a 4.1 earthquake struck just before midnight.  It happened north west of Lost Hills, just south of Avenal.

The quake had a preliminary magnitude of 4.3, but was later downgraded to 4.1.

Folks at the Love's Travel Strops and Country Store said they felt it.

"I was just sitting in my car, getting ready for work and all of a sudden I felt my car shake side to side.  I've never experienced an earthquake before because I am not from California. I looked around and it felt like someone had to be pushing my car, " said Amber Rucker a Love's Travel Stops and Country Store Clerk.

17 News viewers called in and wrote to us on our Facebook page about feeling the quake.  Some felt it from Southwest and Northwest Bakersfield, all the way up to Delano.

The Kern County Fire Department said there are no reports of any injuries or major damage in Kern or Kings County.
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Police searching for high-risk sex offender

December 13, 2013, 11:15 am
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BAKERSFIELD, CA -- Bakersfield Police need your help finding a high-risk sex offender who has not reported to his parole officer since being released from prison.

Police say Shawn Alvarez, also known as Johnny Perez is described as a  Hispanic man, 41, 5’7”, 190 lbs., black hair, brown eyes.  He was recently released from prison and never reported to his parole officer. Alvarez also has a warrant for failing to register as a sex offender.

If you have information regarding this case, you're asked to call Detective John Rodriguez at (661) 326-3870 or Bakersfield Police at (661) 327-7111.


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Former Realtor to enter plea deal on fraud charges

December 13, 2013, 3:04 pm
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FRESNO, CA -- One of the founders of the Crisp and Cole realty firm has agreed to enter a plea agreement to fraud charges. 

The U.S. Attorney's Office says David Crisp will plead guilty Monday to the first count in the indictment.  That count is for conspiracy to commit mail fraud, wire fraud and bank fraud. 

Under the plea agreement, Crisp could face up to 30 years in federal prison and could face a fine of up to $1 million. 

Prosecutors allege the founders, David Crisp and Carle Cole and some of their employees defrauded lenders out of millions by lying on loan documents, buying dozens of homes, and selling them to co-conspirators at inflated prices.

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David Crisp takes plea deal; faces decades in prison

December 13, 2013, 5:19 pm
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FRESNO, CA -- David Crisp, the alleged ringleader of a criminal conspiracy that shook the Kern County real estate market during the last housing boom, has agreed to plead guilty to federal charges stemming from tens of millions of dollars in fraudulent home loans.

Crisp, 34, could face 28 years in prison when he is sentenced. The plea deal to which he has agreed guarantees he will face at least 10 years.

He agreed to plead guilty to one count, which charges him with mail fraud, wire fraud and bank fraud. In exchange, 55 other counts will be dismissed.

The plea requires him to admit he was the “organizer and leader of the criminal conspiracy” and that his crimes led to the loss of between $20 and $50 million.

In the plea bargain, he admits there were 10 or more victims, that there were five or more conspirators, that he abused a position of trust.

Each one of those admissions will allow Judge Lawrence O’Neill to add more time to Crisp’s sentence.

Under the sophisticated formula outlined in the plea bargain, guidelines call for a sentence of between 21 years, eight months and 28 years, four months.

If the judge finds extraordinary circumstances, he can choose a lesser term, but the plea bargain says the sentence has to be at least 10 years.

Crisp also must pay a $1 million fine and make restitution. Court documents don’t say whether Crisp, now working as a waiter, will be able to make those payments.

He is due in federal court in Fresno on Monday.

Federal prosecutors alleged Crisp and Cole operated a real estate company that used family, friends and their own mortgage brokerage to cheat banks out of millions of dollars between 2007 and 2007.

One person would buy a house, prosecutors said, then sell it a huge profit to another member of the conspiracy. But that second conspirator never had any money – he or she had lied on mortgage applications to get a no-money down home loan, sometimes valued at more than a half million dollars, according to court documents.

When that second conspirator defaulted on the loan, the mortgage company was left with a house worth far less than the home loan, the documents said.


Also due in court Monday is Crisp’s wife, Jennifer Crisp, 32. She agreed to a plea deal last week, and faces prison term. His business partner, Carl Cole, 66, faces more than 15 years after agreeing to a guilty plea.

In all, 11 members of Crisp’s former business and his family and friends have entered guilty pleas.

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Motel residents fear scam, eviction

December 13, 2013, 5:55 pm
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OILDALE, CA - Dozens of residents including children, may soon be homeless. They thought they were legally renting a motel room in Oildale.

Instead they were staying in an illegal sober living facility. Residents say the problem started this week when the manager's unit caught fire. Days later, they were asked to move out.

Two months ago, Kerrie Foster and her daughter were homeless.

"I was staying in my truck for a couple days. My girls were staying with friends, and we had been couch surfing for a few months," said Foster.

Then she found the Esperanza Inn, a long-term stay motel near Olive Drive off Highway 99.

"I gave him $50 to move in and $300 a month since then," said Foster.

To Foster it was cheap rent and a roof over her head. She even bought a Christmas tree.

Then Tuesday, the motel manager's unit caught fire leaving his room unlivable, seemingly a one-room problem, but it soon became a motel-wide issue.

"The other night his place catches on fire, and I take care of it for them," said Foster. "The next thing I know that was on the 10th and now the 13th, now he's telling me we have to be out at Christmas."

She's not the only one. Fourteen adults and five kids, all living at the Esperanza, were all told to leave.

"This is a single father that has a nine-month-old baby," said Foster of one of the other residents. "That's a gentlemen that works every day, comes home and pays rent on time."

According to Kern County Environmental Health, the Esperanza Inn has no motel license. In fact, according to the County Assessor's office it's listed as a sober living facility. No one here knew that. When 17 News tried to confront the manager about the situation he drove away.

"His girlfriend come over here and tell me to tell you guys that I didn't pay rent," said Foster. "I pay my rent. I get social security."

This includes paying this month's rent, but yet for her and her dog and family right now Christmas is uncertain.

"I was trying to work with my social worker on Section 8, but I don't know what I am going to do," said Foster. "I think I am going to cry."

Kern County Code Enforcement is looking into the place, but said at this point they will not be kicking any residents out. But with no rental agreement, the property owner can.

We tried to contact that owner Friday but were unable to track him down.

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Homeless kids wishing for presents this Christmas

December 13, 2013, 11:24 pm
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BAKERSFIELD, CA - At last count, there were 118 children living at the Bakersfield Homeless Center.

Even though they are there, each one of them is still dreaming about a present-filled Christmas. And, you can be a dream maker at our "17 Days of Christmas" toy drive.

They don't have a chimney for Santa, but Dylan, his sister Isabella and brother Isaiah are sure St. Nick will find them at the homeless center.

"Because he goes everywhere," said Dylan Griffin.

Five-year-old Isaiah and his siblings are among the more than 100 children who will be staying here this Christmas.

"I like Christmas because we always get toys. (Are you worried you aren't going to get toys this year?) Yeah, we are going to get toys from Santa Claus," said Isaiah.

They are counting on waking to presents, and that means they are counting on you.

While the kids here share nearly everything with other struggling families, your toy donations give them something new, of their very own.

"This allows us to make this normal for the kids and they are always excited, and of course that's always good to see." said Carolann Wooten, Bakersfield Homeless Center.

Even though there's no place to hang a stocking, they all have wish lists.

Dylan dreams of a Nintendo DS. "And, that's my one wish," he said.

And, it's a bike that Isabella and Isaiah would love to wake to.

"Ride on it. I go to the store and go everywhere when I have a bike. So I don't have to walk," said Isaiah.

"Me too," added Isabella.

Priceless dreams that circumstances can never stop and that donations will bring to life no matter where children fall asleep Christmas eve.

Santa Claus can find everybody. Santa Claus can find everybody," said Isaiah.

Donations of new, unwrapped gifts will go to the children living at the Bakersfield Homeless Center, former residents and kids at the Boys and Girls Club.

The toy drive runs through December 18th.

Toys can be dropped off at our studios at 2120 L street, between 8 a.m.  and 5 p.m.
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Pregnant woman dies in fire

December 14, 2013, 6:09 pm
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A pregnant woman died in a structure fire early Saturday morning inside a building that was illegally converted into a residence.

The Bakersfield Fire Department says a converted smokehouse on Eye street caught fire just before 5 a.m.

After fire crews put out the fire, they discovered the body of a 30 year old pregnant woman inside.

Firefighters say it appears she was living inside the building.

The fire was ruled accidental, caused by a old model wood burning stove.

Investigators say it appears the woman was living in the illegal living quarters that had numerous safety violations.

　

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Dustin's Diner celebrates 20 years of giving

December 13, 2013, 10:57 pm
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BAKERSFIELD, CA-- It's a tradition in one southwest Bakersfield neighborhood. Friday night, Dustin's Diner opened for business, with a lot of holiday revelers on hand.

This year, the diner is celebrating a big anniversary.

"It's the 20th anniversary this year,” said Jerri Alvarado, volunteer coordinator. “The diner started out making just a little bit of money then more and more and now it is truly supporting the homeless center."

Dustin's Diner was started in 1993 as Dustin Kilpatrick recruited friends and family in the Haggin Oaks neighborhood to sell hot chocolate, baked goods and cider, with all of the money going to the Bakersfield Homeless Center. This year they are approaching a financial milestone.

"Throughout the years cumulatively they are trying to reach the $200,000 marker this year and I think we will do it," said Alvarado.

Dustin's Diner runs December 13 through Monday December 23. The hours are six p.m. to eight p.m. daily. The address is 2301 Haggin Oaks Boulevard.  All of the proceeds go to the Bakersfield Homeless Center.
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Wreath laying ceremony at the Bakersfield National Cemetery

December 14, 2013, 6:28 pm
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ARVIN, CA- The graves of heroes were decorated for the holiday season in a special wreath laying ceremony Saturday morning at the Bakersfield National Cemetery.


17 News spoke with some of the family members Saturday who said they were honored that so many people came out to pay their respects.


Boy scout, volunteer and sixth grader Jack Schuyler salutes each grave as he lays a wreath.


Jack comes from a long line of Veterans in his family and has visited the Bakersfield National Cemetery many times before to lay wreaths.


"It's hard  to explain but it feels good," Jack said.


The wreaths were donated by the Bakersfield Breakfast Rotary.


"Five years ago we began this operation there were 150 graves and (Saturday) we placed 2,360 wreaths," said Mary Jo Pasek from the Bakersfield Breakfast Rotary.


Melissa Hoffman was there to visit her grandfather and grandmother who are buried next to each other.


“It means a lot,” said Hoffman. “It has become a tradition to come out here. To show our respect and to remember them as well as everyone else that is placed here."


Varlene Turner now visits her husband here. JB turner was a World War II Veteran and served in the Navy in the Pacific. She considers herself lucky to have 43 years of marriage.


“They were bombed and  the man standing next him was blown up but he did not have any injuries," said Turner.


JB passed away this September and his wife was touched by those who came out today to pay their respects.


"I think it was wonderful to know that people care about the men who fought for our country,” Turner said. “Who fought for our freedom."


Officials from the Bakersfield Breakfast Rotary said that volunteers have already begun to inquire about next years wreath laying event.

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Pregnant fire victim remembered

December 15, 2013, 6:57 pm
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BAKERSFIELD, CA- We're learning more about the woman who died in a fire Saturday morning, inside a Central Bakersfield building that City Firefighters say was illegally converted into a residence.

The mother of the pregnant woman said Christine Polkhouse-Soles,30, was 7 months pregnant. Already mother of two, this loss is devastating to her family.

It's a death that has left this neighborhood in shock.

"We found out someone had passed away and said that's horrible for anybody," said Elaine Carrillo, a neighbor.

Polkhouse was found dead in a back house just before 5 a.m. in the 700 block of Eye Street. Her mother said she spoke with her daughter Thursday.

Her mother said the coroner said her daughter died of smoke inhalation, a death depicted in pictures taken by a woman at the scene.

While her family said it was too painful to speak on camera they did share details with 17 News.

They said fire officials told them Polkhouse-Soles was staying with friends sleeping on a couch Saturday when hot coals from this stove caught nearby debris on fire.

The mother said she was told the smoke quickly filled the room because this brick building is a smokehouse, designed to hold in smoke to cook meat. In this case it made the air black instantly. Family said another girl sleeping in this nearby bedroom managed to escape but Christine Polkhouse-Soles, who had asthma, was found four feet from the door.

"I didn't know she was pregnant but it's just so devastating. It's just so sad," said Carrillo.

But family said they do not want Polkhouse to be remembered as the girl who died but the girl who was loved. Her family said she was straight a student, mother,sister and cherished granddaughter.

The Bakersfield Fire Department said they believe the fire was accidental but that the smokehouse was an illegal dwelling.

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Russo's Books to close

December 15, 2013, 8:47 pm
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A popular book store is moving to the next chapter, and closing its business.

The owner of Russo's Books in The Marketplace says the book industry is changing, and operating the current location is too expensive.

For more than two decades, the book store has been a staple in Bakersfield, providing customers with a friendly experience.

But for the small business in The Marketplace, time is running short.

"As our lease comes due, we just need to look at the business model and be realistic and say what it the future going to look like," said Owner Michael Russo.

Russo says the cost of running the store is getting too expensive for a family-owned business.

"As things go forward, at least for the time being, probably online and if a physical location is in the cards in the future, that would be wonderful."

Russo says after the store closes in February, all business will be directed online, with more than two million books to choose from.

But, for customers who shop at the store often, it's a place they'll miss.

"I know the owners, I know the people, some of the people who work here have worked here a long time and they're always good at giving you recommendations and you really can't get those recommendations online. So, it's nice to have the person to talk to." said Susie Geiger, customer.

Over the years, Russo's has been all over town, with several locations, until cutting back and settling in The Marketplace 17 years ago.

Since then, the store has achieved success, hosting hundreds of events and more than two thousand book signings.

"We look forward to between now and the end of January having a lot of fun with books and a lot of memories and welcome people in and after that. We'll be online and we'll go from there," continued Russo.

Russo says the clearance sale will start Thursday morning as well as a celebration of books.

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Man shot while driving on Highway 99

December 16, 2013, 7:48 am
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BAKERSFIELD, CA- A Bakersfield man was shot while driving on Highway 99 and drove for help in Southwest Bakersfield.

Bakersfield police said Christopher West, 20, was driving south on Highway 99 at the Highway 58 interchange Sunday morning, when he was shot by occupants in another car, multiple times.

West was shot in the hand.

Officers said he drove to the Arco AM/PM in the 4000 block of Wible Road for help.

He was taken to the hospital around 10:30 that morning with non-life threatening injuries.

Police say the suspected shooter was in a 1990's green Ford Mustang with a tan or brown top.

The investigation is on going.

Anyone with information is asked to call the BPD at 327-7111.
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Post office employees prepare for holiday rush

December 16, 2013, 8:00 am
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BAKERSFIELD, CA- Post office employees are preparing Monday for the millions that will flock to post offices to ship gifts just in time for the holidays.

The U.S. Postal Service expects 6 million people to visit their local post office Monday. They said 600 million items are expected to be processed by the end of the day.

It's projected to be the busiest day for shipping..

"Well every holiday season the volume seems to go up. We're getting so much more package volume in," said postmaster Lynda La Force.

With thanksgiving falling late in the month, it shortened the number of shopping days between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Postmaster Lynda La Force says it can get overwhelming but it's good for business. They prepare for the holiday rush in a few ways.

"Extra hiring. You know additional people to get it processed and out to the units and then we probably deliver a little bit later than we would on a normal day to make sure that we get all the packages that we receive that day out that day."

One local consumer expert says you can avoid lines all together.

"You can shop online. You can definitely send those gifts directly from those merchants to your loved ones across the country," said Andrea Woroch a local consumer expert.

Woroch says you can print and pay for postage at the comfort of your home. But before you drop off your box make sure it's sturdy.

"UPS found that even if there's a slight crease in the box it increases the change of damage up by 70%," said Woroch.

Woroch also reminds consumers to remove any old shipping labels to avoid confusion. La Force said residents can ship off items anytime of the day.

"We have two units at Camino Media and at Stockdale that have a self service kiosk that's available 24 hours, 7 days a week that does pretty much every retail transaction you can do at the window," said Woroch.

Shipping deadlines are quickly approaching so you want to check your carrier's website for those dates.

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It's not too late for a holiday event

December 15, 2013, 11:49 pm
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BAKERSFIELD, CA-- Christmas, it's around the corner but there are still plenty of holiday themed events you can go see before Santa arrives. He is still letting children tell him about their wish list at the Bakersfield Christmas Town at the Kern County Museum.

There is a special event happening December 21 at noon.

"We are looking to give away about 7 to 8,000 toys to the needy families of Bakersfield,” said Mike Ross, co-owner of Bakersfield Christmas Town. “They are going to come in and experience a part of the park during the day and get a toy on their way out for Christmas.”

Christmas Town is closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day but it runs through January 4.

If you are looking for lights the California Living Museum has one of the best displays in Kern County. They are closed Christmas Day but the lights shine nightly through December 31.

Rockabilly legend Brian Setzer is performing at the Fox Theater in Bakersfield December 23. Tickets are still available but they are destined to go quick.

If you want the neighborhood holiday feel visit Dustin's Diner in the Haggin Oaks community. The event is running nightly through December 23 from six to eight p.m. You can get fresh baked goods, hot chocolate and cider delivered to you by some friendly helper elves.

All of the proceeds benefits the Bakersfield Homeless Center.
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Sheriff's Department: Boy's death considered suspicious

December 16, 2013, 11:27 am
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BAKERSFIELD, CA -- The death of a two-year-old boy at a home in east Bakersfield early Monday morning is being called suspicious by the Kern County Sheriff's Department.

The toddler was found not breathing at the home in the 1700 block of Jefferson Street around 3 a.m. Monday. When emergency crews arrived, they began CPR. He was taken to Kern Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead just before 7 a.m.

The boy's name had not been released as of Monday morning.

Detectives said, while they don't want to speculate on the cause of death, they are investigating it as suspicious.

"At this point, we're in the preliminary stages of the investigation," Sergeant Gary Williams of the Kern County Sheriff's Department said.

An autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of death. The investigation is ongoing. If anyone has any information on this case, they're asked to call the sheriff's office at 861-3110, or you can call the Secret Witness Hotline at 322-4040.
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Sunrise holiday recipes: Maddie's pumpkin cinnamon chip cookies

December 16, 2013, 1:32 pm
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BAKERSFIELD, CA -- Every year around the holidays, 17 News at Sunrise crew likes to share some of our favorite holiday recipes with you. This is Maddie's recipe for pumpkin cinnamon chip cookies.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup of Crisco
1/2 cup of applesauce
1 cup of sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 egg, beaten
1 cup of pumpkin puree
1 tsp. vanilla
1 bag of cinnamon chip
1 cup whole wheat flour (sifted)
1 cup regular flour (sifted)

Frosting:
1/2 cup of brown sugar
1/2 cup of butter
1/4 cup of milk
1 tsp vanilla
powdered sugar

Directions:
Mix Crisco and applesauce until well blended. Add in sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, nutmeg and cinnamon and mix well. Then add your egg, pumpkin and vanilla and mix. Finally sift and stir in flour and cinnamon chips. Bake at 350 degrees for about 12 minutes. Cookies will be gooey!

For frosting: Melt and stir the brown sugar and butter in a small pan until smooth. Remove from heat and beat in milk and vanilla. Then beat in powdered sugar until it reaches the desired consistency.

Frost cookies and sprinkle with cinnamon... enjoy!
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Teenager arrested for toddler's death

December 16, 2013, 3:22 pm
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BAKERSFIELD, CA -- Homicide detectives arrested a 17-year-old girl in the death of a 2-year-old toddler Monday after he died in her care, according to the Kern County Sheriff's Department.

The teenager was booked into Juvenile Hall and is facing charges of first-degree murder and assault on a child causing death. The girl was babysitting 2-year-old Kayden Webb at an apartment in the 1700 block of Jefferson Street in east Bakersfield, officials said.

Webb was found not breathing and unresponsive. He was later pronounced dead at Kern Medical Center.

The teenager's name has not been released, because she is a juvenile.

The girl is an acquaintance of the victim's mother, detectives said. During the investigation detectives were able to develop probable cause that the teen was responsible for the child's death.

An autopsy has been scheduled for Tuesday. The investigation is ongoing.
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Bakersfield City Council hopes to add LED lights downtown

December 16, 2013, 4:16 pm
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BAKERSFIELD, CA -- The future could be getting brighter for downtown Bakersfield. The City Council is looking to switch the current street lights to LED lights to increase lighting and safety in the downtown area.

A couple of business owners said the darkness downtown keeps customers out of there shops and restaurants. The switch from high-pressure sodium to LED lights has already happened here on H Street but the hope is to expand the project at a reasonable cost.

H Street from 21st to Truxtun Avenue in downtown Bakersfield is looking a little brighter. That's because many of the high pressure sodium lights like this were replaced with these LED lights.

"All the feedback we've gotten so far has been positive it's a brighter light, it's a whiter light."

Stuart Patteson says the conversion was a pilot project. But now city councilmember Terry Maxwell is hoping to expand the project throughout all of downtown.

"I don't think it's a question of whether it's a good idea or not it's an idea that we've got to move forward on," Maxwell said.

Maxwell says the lack of lighting keeps people away from downtown and it's hurting businesses.

"I've had to buy flood lights to light up the streets and things like that so I can have people come around and look at our stuff," said Larry Smith, owner of Dog-Gone Nice Stuff.

The life of a high pressure sodium lamp is about four years while an LED light can last for up to 15 years and uses half the energy. Patteson says it's an improvement all across the board and will save the city money in the long run.

"We win both ways both in the energy cost being less as well as the maintenance cost going down," Patteson said.

And councilman Maxwell hopes his colleagues will help back his bright idea.

"Quite frankly I think this is something that's so important that we need to find in the budget how to pay for this," Maxwell added.

The City Council will look into what areas downtown need increased lighting then do a cost estimate.
According to BPD's Crimemap, there have been more than 300 crimes committed within a half mile radius of Maxwell's restaurant on 17th Place.
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Contact 17 News: Fishing for answers

December 16, 2013, 4:29 pm
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BAKERSFIELD, CA -- A local cancer survivor and avid fisherman makes a discovery that has him reeling in nothing but disbelief.

After spending months in the hospital, he returned to his Bakersfield home to find thieves stole nearly all of his fishing equipment. Now, he fears there's no way to lure in the crooks who took away the hobby that was helping him heal.

"You name it, I had it. I was ready for anything," said Daniel Villasenor about his fishing gear. "I mean, I've been fishing since I was 15 and it's taken me that long just to amass that amount of equipment."

And, Villasenor collected high-end gear, too, brand names like Shimano and Diawa for lakes and deep sea.

But, the days of casting came to a close in April when Villasenor was diagnosed with stage three colorectal cancer.

"At first, I was only given months to live because the size of the tumor, to type of cancer, the location, the lymph node involvement," said Villasenor. "One of the things that kept me going was I was promised by a friend we would go to Montana and go fishing."

After four months and eight surgeries in the hospital, Villasenor returned to his Bakersfield garage and found no hooks, no lines, no sinkers. Just a few plastic bobbers and remnants of rods remained.

"I mean our garage was just ravaged. They took all of my fishing equipment," said Villasenor. "I'm just beyond myself, you know, how somebody could just do that."

Villasenor says the thieves made off with over $7,000 of specialized rod combos and gear. They even stole a box full of fishing trip photos. Nothing was insured.

"You know the fishing poles can always be replaced. Anything can be replaced. It's just the memories I had with them, with my nephews with with everybody, teaching everybody how to fish. That's the stuff that really gets to me," said Villasenor.

While Villasenor's name is carved on some of the poles and he's filed a report with the Sheriff's Department, he holds out little hope of making this catch.

"I hope it brings them luck. I had plenty of luck and plenty of catches. I just hope they know how to use it. You know, enjoy the equipment like I did," said Villasenor.

Villasenor is still undergoing cancer treatments. Even though money is tight, he says he'll someday build up his fishing gear again. If you know anything about this case, call the Sheriff's Department at 861-3110.

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