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Wrongful death lawsuit filed against local group home

December 18, 2013, 6:26 pm
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BAKERSFIELD, CA - A wrongful death lawsuit has been filed against a local group home and Kern Regional Center following the death of a developmentally disabled man this summer.

The suit claims staffers used unreasonable and excessive force to restrain him.

The Kern County coroner ruled the death a homicide, saying Joseph Adam Lynch died from positional asphyxiation.

The family's attorney says staff at Mountain View Ranch Residential Care weren't trained properly, leaving Lynch on the floor unresponsive for twelve minutes.

The family of Lynch describes the 26-year-old as a kind, caring person who loved sports. 

His family says he suffered from Fragile X Syndrome, a form of autism that can cause aggressive behavior.

"The home and the employees didn't have people with the appropriate training to deal with Adam. This is a young man with unique needs," said attorney Matthew Clark.

Deputies were called to the group home July 9th after staff said Lynch was vandalizing the residence and had assaulted a staff member.

"What we understand at this point is that he was restrained by three employees of the Mountain View residential home in a face down supine position," said Clark.

The lawsuit claims Lynch died from unreasonable and excessive force used by employees in restraining him. 

Some of the claims include adult abuse and negligence.

"No one from the group home checked for a pulse, checked to see if he was breathing or performed CPR. It wasn't until the Kern County Sheriff's Department arrived on scene that any of that was done," continued Clark.

The family says it hopes this lawsuit will force residential care facilities and regional centers to re-evaluate how they provide care for the developmentally disabled.

Attorneys for the Lynch family say the case will go to trial in about a year.

Our calls to the group home were not returned.

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E-newsletter highlights activities for families

December 19, 2013, 5:50 am
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BAKERSFIELD, CA- Some local parents are making it easier to find family-friendly events around town, through a free weekly e-newsletter. Macaroni Kid is a national organization, with local publishers all over the country.

The online community provides information on activities and deals, along with articles and tips for parents.

Northwest Bakersfield Macaroni Kid publisher Cristina Torres said, "Just wanting to help the community I guess, wanting to give resources to families that just don't have the time to."

Each week, Torres spends hours researching activities for families to do in our community.

"There's lots of events in Kern County and in Bakersfield. So, to put them all in one place I think is best, than trying to find them on your own, which I already did," she said.

Every Thursday she sends out an e-newsletter to subscribers, highlighting events, articles and deals.

Torres said, "There's a whole list of places that the kids eat free, from Monday through Sunday and I found one for every day of the week."

Torres decided to become a publisher after looking for an easier way to find events for her own family to do. now she hopes other parents will benefit from her research.

"Now that I have the newsletter, I'm able to just give it to them in one stop for them. So, I can do all the work and they can just come to me," said Torres.

After a few weeks, almost 100 users subscribed to the Northwest Bakersfield Macaroni Kid newsletter. Torres says southwest and central groups are also in the works.

Anyone can subscribe or submit events for free.

For more information on on that Northwest website visit http://www.nwbakersfield.macaronikid.com


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Judge dismisses charges for man accused of child molestation

December 19, 2013, 11:07 am
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BAKERSFIELD, CA -- Judge H.A. Staley has dismissed child molestation charges Thursday against Efrain Velasco-Palacios. There were allegations of prosecutorial misconduct in the case that had been prosecuted by Robert Murray.  District Attorney Lisa Green in a statement says the allegations arose out of changes to a transcript Murray intended as a joke between himself and the deputy public defender.

Green says while there is no dispute that changes to the transcript were made, her office disagrees with the sanction of dismissal.  Her office intends to appeal the decision to the Fifth District Court of Appeal. 

Murray remains on administrative leave pending a criminal investigation.

 
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Deputies investigating fatal stabbing in Oildale

December 19, 2013, 12:12 pm
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BAKERSFIELD, CA -- The sheriff's department says a man who was stabbed Wednesday night has died.  The coroner's office has identified him as Steven Caleb Taylor Corpe, from Bakersfield.

Deputies found the 23-year-old Wednesday night just before 8:00 in the parking lot of the Dollar General in the 100 block of Roberts Lane in Oildale.   Deputies say Corpe got into a fight that led to the stabbing.   He died just after midnight at Kern Medical Center.

Deputies say there are no suspects at this time.  If you have any information, call the sheriff's department at 861-3110.


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Deputies looking for man suspected in fatal stabbing

December 19, 2013, 1:49 pm
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BAKERSFIELD, CA -- The sheriff's department needs your help finding the suspect wanted in a fatal stabbing in Oildale.  Deputies say on Wednesday night just before 8:00, they responded to a report of a stabbing that had just occurred at the Dollar General store, 111 Roberts Lane, in Oildale.

When deputies arrived they located the victim, identified as 23-year-old Steven Corpe, suffering from a stab wound to the upper torso area. Corpe was transported by ambulance to Kern Medical Center for treatment of major injuries. He was pronounced dead at KMC shortly after midnight.

Sheriff’s Office detectives responded to the scene and initiated an investigation. Detectives determined that Corpe had been involved in an altercation in the 100 block of Roberts Lane with the suspect, 57-year-old Ronald Burchett. During the altercation between Corpe and Burchett, Burchett stabbed Corpe in the upper torso area. Burchett then fled the area on foot.

Detectives also learned that the altercation between Corpe and Burchett was related to a previous altercation Burchett had with an acquaintance of Corpe, which had occurred shortly before in the parking lot of the McDonald’s restaurant, just east of the Dollar General Store.

Deputies searched the area but were unable to locate Burchett. Based on information developed during the investigation there is probable cause to arrest Burchett for murder. If anyone has information on his whereabouts they are asked to call the Sheriff’s Office at 661-861-3110 or Secret Witness at 661-322-4040. Anonymous text tips can be sent to TIP411 (847411). Just type the keyword “KCSO” prior to the message.




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Power outage in south, southwest Bakersfield

December 19, 2013, 3:52 pm
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BAKERSFIELD, CA -- PG&E says as many as 25,000 customers were without power Thursday afternoon. It affects most of southwest Bakersfield, near Stockdale Hwy & Old River Rd, and part of south Bakersfield.

PG&E officials said it's a transmission level outage, but did not know the exact source of the outage. Repair crews were headed out to scene. We'll have more tonight on 17 News at 5 & 6.
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Target shoppers hacked

December 19, 2013, 6:22 pm
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BAKERSFIELD, CA - Target says about 40 million credit and debit card accounts may have been compromised after hackers breached its security. Shoppers who swiped their cards between November 27th and December 15th may have had their accounts exposed.

"I'm definitely more concerned and try to use cash instead of my credit card now," said Target shopper Zhane Butts.

One Target customer said he had his identity stolen before.

"I was one of the few, as they say, that got their identity stolen when Sony got breached, and Sony is one of the biggest companies out there. You would think your identity is safe. Nowhere's safe. If they want something bad enough, they'll get it," said Douglas Hinman.  

But, there are ways to protect your information immediately in a breach.

"Certainly, the first thing you should do with your debt card is change your pin number," said Katy Hudson, President of Consumer Credit Counseling.

Hudson advises customers to look for any suspicious charges on their card statements if they shopped at Target during the time of the breach.

"Even if you didn't, this is a good wakeup call for all of us to be more aware of our financial situation. Check those at least one a month. The reason for that is if you catch fraud quickly it's much easier to curb the damage that might happen," said Hudson.

So is carrying cash the way to go? Hudson says that's a personal choice.

"If my credit cards are stolen, I'm not out anything. Whereas the problem you can say with cash is that if your purse is stolen and you have a couple hundred dollars in there, it's gone," said Hudson.

Target says it has fixed the problem.

If you think your information has been stolen, Target urges you to report it to your credit card company. Cases of identity theft can also be reported to law enforcement.
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New details in suspected serial rapist case

December 19, 2013, 6:43 pm
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BAKERSFIELD, CA - New details give a glimpse into the life of 33-year-old Billy Ray Johnson, the suspected serial rapist who targeted east Bakersfield this summer.

Court documents show in 2005, along with several robbery charges, he also admitted to police he hadn't been a gang member since he was 14 years old.

According to Johnson's lengthy criminal record, his troubled past started young.

Court records show Johnson first tried alcohol at age 13 and was an active member of the Country Boy Crips.

For two months, many residents in east Bakersfield lived in fear, with a serial rapist on the loose.

The District Attorney's Office says it tied Johnson and DNA evidence to seven sexual assaults at four locations.

Documents show in 2005, Johnson was sentenced to nearly three years in prison after committing two robberies, then lying about them saying "I'm not a burglar."

Police say Johnson's shoe prints were left at both scenes along with other evidence.

Documents indicate Johnson was denied probation and that his involvement in a residential burglary demonstrates a total disregard for the law and the victim.

A chief probation officer noted in 2005, Johnson's behavior poses a danger to the safety of the community. With Johnson behind bars, he faces 21 charges including sexual assault, robbery, and false imprisonment.

He has pleaded not guilty to the counts.

According to documents, Johnson is a high school graduate who grew up with nine siblings. He's also a father of four.

Johnson is due in court Friday on the charges he was arrested for in October, accused of shooting a firearm out of a vehicle.

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Pregnant fire victim laid to rest

December 19, 2013, 6:48 pm
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BAKERSFIELD, CA - The loved ones of a pregnant mom who died over the weekend in a fire, held a memorial Thursday to celebrate her life. 30-year-old Christina Holthaus-Soles and her unborn child were laid to rest.

Somber music filled Valley Baptist Church as dozens gathered to honor the memory of Soles, a life all said was taken too early in a fire on Eye Street.

"She was dearly loved by her friends and her family," said Pastor John Burns.

This was evidenced by the fact that nearly every seat was filled and tears were shed by many.

A 2006 graduate of Ridgeview High School, friends said Soles loved dirt bikes, cats, and horses.

"In fact, she had a horse named Twinkie growing up. Now who wouldn't love a horse growing up?," said Pastor Burns.

This is a fond memory for Soles' mother who spoke during the service.

"For all the pain, joys, and tears, I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. And as she's gone, my heart is hurting, but she left me with two beautiful grandchildren," said Shelly Reese, Soles' mother.

She remembered the last time she spoke with her daughter.

"The last time I spoke to Christine was Thursday, a week ago today," said Reese. "She calls me up and she was happy. Usually she wasn't happy, and she goes 'hey mom happy birthday, I love you."

Reese said she harbored no regrets.

"No matter what we went through, the pain, the fighting that ended with saying 'I hate you' at the end, it was always 'I loved you' after that," said Reese.

It's love that continues on with Christina Soles' memory.

The cause of her death is pending toxicology results, but her mother said she was initially told her daughter died of smoke inhalation.

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Widow of WWII veteran needs help fixing heater

December 20, 2013, 7:15 am
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BAKERSFIELD, CA- The widow of a World War II veteran, who served at Pearl Harbor, is in need of a little help this holiday season.

Barbara Waller and her late husband settled down in Southwest Bakersfield in the 1970s. After he passed away in 2008, she has just been making ends meet.

Her heater stopped working earlier this month and she can't afford to fix it.

"Usually, I have two sets of pants and two shirts and then I have a jacket," said Waller.

Her spirit is warm, despite the cold temperature in her home.

Waller's daughter, Cindy Barngrover said, "The temperature's been between, it gets down to about 47. During the day we get about 50 degrees."

Barngrover is doing what she can to keep her mom comfortable. With recent temperatures dropping below freezing, there's only so much she can do without a heater.

"I know, it's just so cold and I try. I try to turn the little heater on and put towels under the door to try to keep the heat in her room and that's the best we can do right now," said Barngrover.

They say they've gotten estimates from multiple heating repair companies, the lowest being $3,500.

Waller said, "It costs so much money. We don't have the money."

"It's my duty to take care of my mom. I promised my father that I would take care of her, the best I can. I ran out of, I tried getting loans, I tried getting everything and I just ran out of things to try," said Barngrover.

That's when they got in touch with the Kern County Veterans Service Office.

Veterans Service Office director Dick Taylor said, "Benefits that veterans have earned cover certain things. There's certain things like this that they just don't cover. If a family can't handle the cost and don't have the financial resources, or don't have the relatives that can take care of them, I think it's important that we as a nation step up to the plate to help out and to let them know that we still care."

Now, as a last resort, the office is putting a call out to our generous community to help Waller stay warm this winter.

Donations can be sent to the Veterans of Kern County, Inc. 1120 Golden State Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301.

For more information, contact the veterans service office at 868-7300.
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BHS, BCHS headed to state championship

December 20, 2013, 7:51 am
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BAKERSFIELD, CA- Kern County is gearing up for two big football games Friday night.  Bakersfield Christian High School will play for the Division 4 state championship in Carson at 4 p.m.  Following the game, Bakersfield High School will be going for its 7th state championship at 8 p.m.

The last time BHS took the title was in 1927, when the state playoffs were disbanded. Many said it was because Bakersfield was going to run with the title every year.

"I think when I heard we hadn't been at a state championship almost since my grandfather had played, I couldn't help but make the connection," said BHS English teacher Clair Richards.

Her grandfather graduated in 1925 at age 21.  He played for the championship drillers--winning game after game when Pope Pius was still making headlines in the Bakersfield Morning Echo.

"I have several of these young men in class this year, had them last year. I am so excited for them," said Richards.

Young men like Derrick Vickers, a receiver, running back and safety.

"We're expecting it's going to be a good game, but we know we are going to come out on top though," said Vickers.

The Drillers have a history of coming out on top. 6 state championships in the 1920s before the playoffs were disbanded.

The Drillers are the winningest team in state history at 748 and they have 36 section championships.

"Just every day come in with a goal, try to get 10 percent better," said Bryson Briggs the defensive back.

And something they're learning on the field might come in handy today.

"Instead of trying to control everything. Taking things once at a time is a lot easier."

THis is finals week after all, and hours before they suit up and hit the field, they'll be here, filling out test sheets and writing analytical essays.

I don't know that they went into the season believing they would be going in a state champs, but they prepare. And they prepare every day as if they are. And that is how they prepare for the classroom as well," said Richards

If you want to watch the championship game, it Friday night at the Stub Hub Center in Carson south of LAX.

Tickets are on sale and available at the box office or on Ticketmaster.

If you can't make it out to the game, Bright House Networks is providing live coverage on channel 11.


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Unemployment rate in Kern holds steady

December 20, 2013, 10:53 am
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BAKERSFIELD, CA -- The unemployment rate in Kern County held steady at 10.3% last month, unchanged from October.

Overall the unemployment rate continues to drop.  It was around 11.8% around this time last year.  A total of 400 farm and construction jobs were lost in our area.

Across the nation, California, Texas and Indiana reported the largest job gains in November as hiring improved across the country.

Still, nearly 1.6 million people remained unemployed in our state.

 
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Police searching for burglary, assault suspect

December 20, 2013, 2:54 pm
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BAKERSFIELD, CA -- Bakersfield Police need your help identifying and locating the following suspect wanted for burglary and assault.  Police say on September 5, the girl observed the suspect while she was walking home from school in the 1500 block of Monterey Street. 

The next day, the victim stepped out of her residence to empty the trash and the victim saw the suspect again. The victim attempted to re-enter her residence at which time suspect grabbed the victim from behind and pushed her into the residence. The victim’s dog drove the suspect from the residence and he fled.

The suspect is described as a: Hispanic man early 20’s, 5’11”, 160 lbs., green eyes with piercings in both ears.

If you have any information regarding this case, you're asked to call Detective Mitch Galland at (661) 326-3557 or Bakersfield Police at (661) 327-7111.
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Social media fans want more Dinky the dog

December 20, 2013, 4:47 pm
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BAKERSFIELD, CA - A local dog has social media fans begging for more. Dinky Doo is his name, but his followers know him by just Dinky, and his videos on Vine are going viral.

Dinky's owners say they named him that because he was so dinky as a puppy. Now, he's big time.

At first look, Dinky looks like an ordinary dog. But when he hears "action," it's clear this dog doesn't roll with the normal pack.

"One day he just sat up like a Buddha man and it just clicked. From there, I started recording it and people start liking it and liking it, and they ask for more Dinky and I just gave them more Dinky," said Dinky's owner Anthony Reece.

Dinky stars in dozens of videos in spoof TV shows and movies. Others feature his own moves.

"Right when I set it up, I open up his toy box, he starts picking out his little outfits and waits and wags his tail and I know he's ready to be a little actor," said Reece.

"I was very entertained with the idea and how creative and how much fun he had doing it, and the dog cracks me up," said Starla Reece.

The little dog has become a super sensation! Dinky's Vine account now has fetched over 80,000 followers. Everyone wants to see what Dinky is going to do next, from regular Joe's to super stars.

"We got Little John. We've got DJ Diplo following us. We have a bunch of celebrities following Dinky right now. He's blowing up like an inner tube right now," said Anthony Reece.

"I had no idea it was going to go this far," said Starla Reece.

The videos led to sponsorships with BarkBox and PetBox. Dinky donates all proceeds to animal rescues.

Dinky's dad, Anthony, says he posts about one video a week.

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Bakersfield Homeless Shelter over capacity

December 20, 2013, 5:31 pm
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BAKERSFIELD, CA - Crystal Berman is one of the dozens of people who came to the Bakersfield Homeless Shelter in recent weeks for a roof and hot meal.

"I used to collect cans, digging out of trash cans to survive and stuff. I'm not happy about it, but you got to do things in live to survive," said Berman. 

"Pretty much right before Thanksgiving, we have been running pretty consistently above our capacity," said Carolann Wooton, external affairs manager for the shelter.

The shelter is a 174-bed facility. As of Thursday night, they have 203 beds.

"We do have a capacity that we can hit and at that point we would have to, unfortunately, turn people away. But, we don't like to and so we do get creative. We try to find ways to make room for everybody," added Wooton.

Staff have placed beds in rooms used for activities. The family room used for watching TV, now has eight beds. The women's dorm is also full. Staff says weather is a factor, but they can't always pinpoint the reason for the increase.

"We don't always know why people end up here, but when it does get cold you do expect to see more people come into the shelter, and without scientifically knowing, I think people are hurting. I just think it's a tough time of year," said Wooton. 

As of Thursday night, there are 108 children, 44 parents, 44 single women and eight single men staying at the shelter. Berman was on the waiting list for three weeks before she got a bed.

"I'm very blessed to have a roof over my head, running water,and a hot meal. Every breakfast, lunch, and dinner. That's something that I've struggled with on the streets," said Berman. 
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Alleged animal abuse caught on camera: no arrests made

December 20, 2013, 6:27 pm
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BAKERSFIELD, CA - Bakersfield Police are investigating an apparent case of animal cruelty, caught on camera in east Bakersfield.

The person who reported the incident to police, says this isn't the first time the man on the tape has hurt an animal.

A home surveillance camera captured the video in an alley behind Jefferson Street.

Police say a neighbor told them they witnessed the man in the video kicking a small dog, and ultimately pick it up and throw it. The dog took off running.

A police officer responded, viewed the video and talked to the man, but no arrests was made.

"Without the animal to determine what type of injuries it has, we couldn't make an arrest because we don't know the extent of injuries. And in these cases, most of the time they're misdemeanors and a misdemeanor that doesn't occur in the officer's presence, we can't make an arrest on," said Sgt. Joe Grubbs.

Police say they will continue to investigate and see if the dog turns up so it can be evaluated by a veterinarian.

Then they will possibly forward the case to the District Attorney's office to see if charges are warranted.
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BHS wins state football championship title

December 20, 2013, 11:22 pm
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CARSON, CA - The Drillers of Bakersfield High School are state high school football champions in C.I.F. Division One, trouncing the Golden Eagles of Del Oro High School Friday night in Carson, California.

The Drillers win with a final score 56-26.
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Deadly crash in northeast Bakersfield

December 21, 2013, 6:16 pm
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Police are investigating a deadly crash in northeast Bakersfield that closed Highway 178 and Canteria Drive just before 2 a.m. Saturday.

Officers say 29-year-old Stephen Ehret was driving a pickup truck heading eastbound on Hwy. 178 when he collided into a traffic pole at Canteria Drive.

Ehret was taken to Kern Medical Center where he died.

It's not known if alcohol or drugs were a factor in the crash.

The investigation is ongoing.

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Pedestrian killed crossing Rosedale Highway

December 21, 2013, 6:26 pm
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A man is dead after being hit by a car on Rosedale Highway Saturday morning.

Police say 29-year-old Emanuel Penaloza of Merced was crossing the intersection of Rosedale Highway and Clay Patrick Farr Way, when he was hit by a Honda Accord, heading eastbound.

Police say Penaloza died at the scene. Officers say alcohol or drugs weren't involved.

The investigation is ongoing.


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Veteran receives home from Habitat For Humanity

December 21, 2013, 5:42 pm
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WASCO, CA- A veteran and his family received the keys to their new home in Wasco Saturday. The home was remodeled and donated in a joint venture by Habitat for Humanity and Bank of America.


This is the first house Habitat For Humanity has done in Wasco.


Bernardo Palacio is a Marine reservist who was struggling to find a home his family could afford.

Until they applied for a home through Habitat for Humanity the Palacio's were bouncing from relative to relative. Now that has all changed


"I get to re-arrange my own furniture,” said Angelica Palacio. “My son (gets) his own room. It is a great little feeling."


Habitat for Humanity does not give away homes, applicants have to work off something called sweat equity


"We asked them to provide 500 hours of at least, efforts into their own homes or home of other Habitat families,” said Jeff Vontz from Habitat for Humanity Golden Empire.


Prior to Habitat for Humanity obtaining this Wasco home it was in foreclosure and in need of repair.


"This home was  vacant for awhile and somebody had kicked in this door ,” said Eric Mosby, the construction supervisor.


Habitat for Humanity relies on volunteers to get the home ready like Bernie Eckroth who was with the Kern County Sheriffs Department for 31 years before his retirement.


"All of these people are pretty appreciative of being able to get a home of  their own,” said Eckroth. “It makes me feel good."


The Palacio family is happy to have a home for their son just in time for Christmas.


"He has a place to call home,” said Bernardo. “That is why I feel very, very appreciative of that. Like I said I want to start a new adventure right here.”


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